Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Brooklyn Heights

- 27 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers craving the warm, comforting, and robust flavors of authentic Caribbean cooking, Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Brooklyn Heights is a long-standing and beloved local institution. Located on Smith Street, this Cuban restaurant is one of the essential stops for fresh, tasty food served in good portions—a business philosophy the family-owned establishment has maintained since its founding in 1997. It offers a crucial taste of Cuba right in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn.

Sophie's began with the dream of co-founder Manuela Matos, a restaurateur from Lima, Peru, who was inspired by local Cuban cuisine after moving to New York City. The vision crystallized with the arrival of Cuban chef Eduardo Morgado, who brought the authentic Cuban flavors to life. Today, Sophie's is celebrated for serving savory, steaming plates of traditional Cuban food, specializing in hefty entrées, hot pressed sandwiches, and flavorful empanadas. The menu is a classic showcase of Cuban culinary excellence, featuring slow-roasted meats like Mojo Pork and dishes like Shredded Beef Stew, all paired with essential sides such as rice, beans, and sweet plantains.

Known as a local favorite for many New Yorkers, the atmosphere is generally Casual and Trendy, appealing to a wide Crowd that includes local residents, groups, and students from nearby institutions. It’s an ideal spot for a Quick bite, especially during the busy lunch rush, with customers consistently noting the fast service and array of hot food options readily available. For those who appreciate a kick, the restaurant’s legendary Spicy Green Sauce has a cult following and is available for purchase in larger containers, proving that a single condiment can define a true New York dining experience.

Location and Accessibility

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine is conveniently situated at 27 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. This prime location places it near the border of the Brooklyn Heights and Downtown Brooklyn neighborhoods, positioning it perfectly for professionals, students, and local shoppers.

The Smith Street address ensures exceptional Accessibility for the millions of New Yorkers who rely on public transportation. The restaurant is near a massive transit hub, making it easy to reach from multiple boroughs. Subway access includes:

• The A, C, and F lines at the Jay St-MetroTech station, a major transfer point providing quick access.
• The R line at the Court Street station, which is just a short walk away.
• The 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines are also accessible at the nearby Borough Hall and Jay St-MetroTech stations.
• The G line at Hoyt-Schermerhorn Streets is within comfortable walking distance, connecting to other parts of Brooklyn and Queens.

While the immediate area is typical of a busy New York City commercial district, the restaurant's location is excellent for those on foot. Patrons should be aware that the area primarily offers Paid parking lot options, typical for Downtown Brooklyn. The venue itself is committed to accommodating all guests, with an established dedication to Wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating.

Services Offered

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine provides a full suite of service options to fit the fast-paced, demanding lifestyle of New Yorkers, ensuring authentic Cuban flavors are available whenever and wherever a craving hits.

• Dine-in and Table Service: Offers a Casual setting with Table service where patrons can enjoy their meal in a relaxed environment, perfect for Groups and Solo dining.
• Takeout and Quick Bite: Focused on providing hot, prepared food quickly, making it an excellent choice for a Quick bite or carry out during a busy lunch break.
• Delivery and No-Contact Delivery: Provides standard and No-contact delivery services, bringing their hefty portions directly to homes and offices throughout the area.
• Catering Services: Specializes in Catering for offices, events, and parties, offering a wide variety of Cuban dishes to serve groups of any size.
• Reservations: The restaurant Accepts reservations, which can be helpful for groups planning a lunch or dinner visit.
• Full Meal Service: Caters to all main meal periods, offering delicious options for Lunch and Dinner, along with Dessert and Coffee.
• Sauce Retail: Sells their famous Green Sauce and Garlic Sauce in 8oz containers, allowing customers to take a taste of Sophie's home.

Features / Highlights

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine stands out in the competitive New York City food scene thanks to several defining features that cement its appeal as a local favorite.

• Authentic Cuban Comfort Food: The primary highlight is the focus on traditional, authentic Cuban restaurant dishes, offering true comfort food that feels and tastes like home, as reflected in the founder's vision.
• Legendary Green Sauce: The restaurant’s notorious Green Sauce is a must-try. Described by fans as having "a really good kick to it," it's so popular that it's sold in an 8oz Green Sauce ($7.83) cup, adding a flavorful layer to any dish.
• Hefty, Value-Driven Portions: Dishes are known for being fresh, tasty food in good portions. While some specialty items may be premium priced, the overall value is a key factor, with a customer noting they spent "about $15 per person" for a filling meal of pernil with sides.
• Award-Winning Empanadas: The house-made Empanadas are a standout feature, available in various savory and sweet fillings, including the classic **Beef Empanada ($4.24)** and the unusual but delightful Guava And Cheese Empanada ($4.24).
• Hot Line Service: Known for fast service and the availability of a variety of already-made food on trays, the restaurant is perfectly set up for those who need a quick, hot, and satisfying meal without a wait.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond the classic plates, the menu features a wide selection of hefty Sandwiches (like El Cubano - The Cuban and the Mojo Pork With A Twist), healthy Salads (e.g., White Bean And Avocado), and a variety of Cuban Cafecito and Dessert options (including Tres Leches and Flan).

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit, a takeout order, or seeking catering information, the contact details for the Brooklyn Heights location are as follows:

Address:

27 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

Phone:

(718) 243-0911

Hours of Operation (Note: Hours may vary slightly based on the day of the week, but generally operate during core weekday business hours):

• Monday - Friday: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Some sources indicate closing closer to 7:45 PM for pickup/delivery)
• Saturday and Sunday: Closed (or hours vary/reduced)

What is Worth Choosing

When dining at Sophie's Cuban Cuisine in Brooklyn Heights, the choice should focus on the dishes that truly embody the restaurant's reputation for authentic, filling Cuban fare.

For a classic, hearty meal that captures the essence of Cuban comfort food, the Slow Roasted Mojo Pork ($16.80)—known locally as pernil—is the quintessential choice. Pair it with the traditional and flavorful side combination: Moro Rice ($7.83) (rice cooked with black beans) and a generous portion of Sweet Plantains ($6.15). This combination represents the "pernil with plantains, rice, and beans" that locals love and find to be a satisfying, traditional Cuban plate.

If you prefer a handheld option, the famous El Cubano - The Cuban ($13.43) sandwich is a must-try. Made with roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a touch of Mojito, it’s pressed to perfection and is the benchmark for any Cuban restaurant. Alternatively, for something with a bit more of a kick, try the Mojo Pork With A Twist Sandwich ($14.55).

Regardless of your main dish, a visit is incomplete without sampling the house-made Empanadas. Start with the highly recommended Beef Empanada ($4.24) for a savory option, and definitely consider the Guava And Cheese Empanada ($4.24) for a sweet and creamy dessert-like finish. Finally, and most importantly: always include the Green Sauce with your order—it's the flavorful element that takes any Sophie's dish to the next level.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Brooklyn Heights

27 Smith St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA