Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square: Authentic Cuban Flavors in NYC

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square Introduce

Welcome to Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square, a cherished local restaurant that has become a go-to destination for authentic and satisfying Cuban food in the heart of New York City. This establishment, which is proudly Latino-owned and women-owned, has built a loyal following by serving up hearty, flavorful dishes that feel like a home-cooked meal. From classic entrees like slow-roasted mojo pork and shredded beef stew to its famous Cuban sandwiches and homemade empanadas, Sophie's offers a taste of traditional Cuban flavors right here in the city. The focus is on providing a dependable and delicious meal at a fair price, a combination that has earned it a reputation for consistent quality and value.

The atmosphere at Sophie's is casual and friendly, making it a perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal. While the seating area may be small, it's a testament to the fact that the food speaks for itself. Customers often describe the employees as remarkably warm and welcoming, treating you like a regular from the very first visit. This personal touch, combined with the excellent service, makes the entire dining experience feel special and inviting. It's a place where you can grab a quick bite on your lunch break, enjoy a flavorful dinner, or simply stop by for some of their famous empanadas. The relaxed environment, coupled with the delicious food, ensures a consistently positive experience for everyone.

Beyond the everyday dining experience, Sophie's Cuban Cuisine is also a great choice for catering and larger events. They offer a variety of catering packages, from small family gatherings to larger parties and corporate events, providing a convenient way to share their delicious food with a group. The menu is structured to make it easy to order for any occasion, with options like A La Carte platters and individual boxed meals. This versatility, combined with their commitment to quality, makes them a reliable partner for any event planning needs in the city.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine is strategically located at 28 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA, placing it in a prime spot near the bustling Union Square. This central location makes it easily accessible for anyone in the Greenwich Village, East Village, and Flatiron neighborhoods. The area is a major hub for public transportation, with multiple subway lines and bus routes stopping nearby, making it a convenient destination from almost anywhere in Manhattan. Whether you are a student from a nearby university, a professional working in the area, or a tourist exploring the sights, Sophie's is a great place to stop for a meal.

The convenience of its location is complemented by its focus on accessibility. The restaurant has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that it can welcome all members of the community. This commitment to inclusivity, combined with its family-friendly and LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere, makes Sophie's a truly welcoming place for everyone. The small seating area can accommodate a few diners who wish to eat in, but the primary focus on takeout and delivery ensures that you can enjoy their food no matter where you are. The ease of access and central location are major reasons why Sophie's has become a staple for so many New Yorkers.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of its customers.

Dine-in: A small seating area is available for those who want to enjoy their meal on-site.
Takeout and Delivery: The restaurant offers both standard and no-contact delivery, making it easy to enjoy their food at home or at the office.
Catering: They provide catering services with various packages and platters, perfect for parties, corporate events, and other gatherings.
Counter Service and Seating: The efficient counter service ensures a quick ordering process, and there is seating available for those who wish to dine in.
Flexible Payment: Sophie's accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, providing convenient ways to pay.

These service options highlight the restaurant's commitment to convenience and customer satisfaction, whether you are planning a large event or just grabbing a quick bite on your lunch break.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine has several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for Cuban food in NYC.

Authentic Comfort Food: The menu is full of classic, hearty Cuban dishes that are praised for their flavor and generous portions. Favorites include the slow-roasted mojo pork and the shredded beef stew.
Empanadas: The homemade empanadas are a major draw, with both savory and sweet options like Beef, Chicken, and the popular Guava and Cheese. They are available in individual sizes and in special bulk deals.
Signature Sauces: The restaurant is well-known for its delicious signature sauces, including the green sauce, which customers often love and can even purchase in larger bottles.
Great Coffee: Sophie's also serves great coffee, including authentic Cuban drinks like Cafe Con Leche and Cortadito, making it a perfect spot for a caffeine boost.
Diverse Menu: Beyond the main entrees and empanadas, the menu includes a variety of sandwiches, sides, and a selection of desserts, ensuring there is something for everyone.

These highlights, combined with the restaurant's reputation for being a transgender safe space and LGBTQ+ friendly, create a welcoming and inclusive environment that New Yorkers appreciate.

For those who want to visit or get in touch, here is the contact information for Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square.

Address: 28 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Phone: (646) 398-7481

What is worth choosing about Sophie's Cuban Cuisine is its unwavering commitment to authentic flavors and excellent customer service. In a city with countless dining options, Sophie's stands out by delivering dependable and delicious food that feels both classic and comforting. The generous portions and fair prices offer great value, making it a favorite for lunch and dinner. The staff's welcoming nature is consistently praised by patrons, who feel a genuine sense of warmth and are treated like a part of the family. While some reviews mention that the dine-in space is small, this is a minor detail when considering the quality of the food and the convenience of their takeout and delivery services. The delicious Cuban sandwiches, the variety of freshly made empanadas, and the hearty entrees all contribute to a satisfying meal. The availability of catering and combo deals also makes it a practical choice for a variety of needs. For New Yorkers looking for a flavorful, reliable, and friendly spot for authentic Cuban food, Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square is a fantastic choice that consistently delivers on its promise of great food and a welcoming atmosphere.

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square Empanada

Homemade Appetizers
Kick off your meal with our delicious selection of homemade appetizers! Our app's menu features savory Empanadas, and bite-sized Mini Empanadas, perfect for sharing, For a heartier option, try our Mashed Potatoes, Stuffed with seasoned chicken.
Chicken Empanada $3.79
Our delicious homemade empanada is filled with tender, seasoned chicken and fried to golden perfection.
Beef Empanada $3.79
Our mouth-watering homemade empanada is filled with seasoned ground beef and fried to crispy perfection.
Cheese Empanada $3.79
Our savory homemade empanada is filled with a blend of Oaxaca and queso fresco cheeses and fried to crispy perfection.
Guava and Cheese Empanada $3.79
Our sweet and savory homemade empanada is filled with cream cheese and sweet guava, fried to crispy perfection.
Spinach and Cheese Empanada $3.79
Our vegetarian-friendly homemade empanada is filled with a blend of spinach and ricotta cheese, fried to crispy perfection.
Empanada Special - Choose 3 $10.49
Enjoy a delicious variety of our signature empanadas with our Empanada Specials. Choose any three empanadas of your choice and save.
Empanada Special - Choose 6 $19.29
Enjoy a delicious variety of our signature empanadas with our Empanada Special. Choose any six empanadas of your choice and save.
Empanada Special - Grab a Dozen $35.99
Sophie's Empanada Box is the perfect option for catering events, family gatherings, or any occasion. Enjoy a dozen These delicious empanadas are made with our signature dough and fried to golden perfection. The Empanada Box is the perfect way to f...
Mini Chicken Empanada $1.49
Our Mini Empanadas aren't just cute. They are also jam-packed with flavor!
Mini Beef Empanada $1.49
Our Mini Empanadas aren't just cute. They are also jam-packed with flavor!
Mini Cheese Empanada $1.49
Our Mini Empanadas aren't just cute. They are also jam-packed with flavor!
Mini Guava and Cheese Empanada $1.49
Our Mini Empanadas aren't just cute. They are also jam-packed with flavor!
Mini Spinach and Cheese Empanada $1.49
Our Mini Empanadas aren't just cute. They are also jam-packed with flavor!
Stuffed Mashed Potato with Chicken $4.29
Sink your teeth into our hearty and satisfying Papa Rellena, a crispy fried potato shell stuffed with flavorful shredded chicken seasoned to perfection. One bite, and you'll be hooked.
Spicy Stuffed Mashed Potato with Chicken $4.29
Sink your teeth into our hearty, satisfying, and spicy Papa Rellena, a crispy fried potato shell stuffed with flavorful shredded chicken, seasoned to perfection. One bite and you'll be hooked!
Deli Style Potato Chips $1.99

Small Entrees
Sm Veggie Platter $9.99
Sm Baked Chicken $11.99
A delicious leg and thigh seasoned to perfection.
Sm Grilled Chicken $13.99
NYC's favorite protein packed option seasoned just right.
Sm Spicy Grilled Chicken $13.99
Turn it up a notch with our famous grilled chicken smothered with jalepenos, green and red bell peppers, onions, and juicy tomaotes sauteed in a yummy vinegar based sauce.
Sm Breaded Chicken $13.99
Deep fried, breaded to perfection in 100% pure bread crumbs from our own fresh baked cuban bread.
Sm Chicken Fricasse $13.99
Sm Shredded Beef Stew $13.99
Havanna is calling out to you in the form of a savory bowl of our "Ropa Vieja." A classic dish prepared with bell peppers, onions, and shredded beef in a zest tomato sauce.
Sm Steak and Onions $14.99
Sm Roast Pork $13.99
Sm Fried Pork Chops $13.99
1/2 inch, center cut pork chops marinated for 12 hours, deep fried to perfection
Small Pork Chops in Red Sauce $13.99
Sm Salmon Special $15.99
Our salmon is always filleted fresh and seasoned with salt, pepper, white wine, olive oil, and basted with a peruvian dried red pepper base.
Sm Shrimp with Garlic Sauce $15.99
Sm Oxtails Stew $16.99
Slow cooked to perfection, our tender oxtails almost fall off the bone in this sofrito based stew that is sure to please.
Small Roasted Turkey $13.99

Entrees
Our Entrees Menu features a variety of hearty and flavorful main dishes that are perfect for a filling meal. Your protein comes with any three sides or salads.
Vegetarian Platter (Includes Medley) $11.99
Our delicious vegetarian-friendly platter includes a medley of fresh zucchini, squash, red and green peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower, grilled to perfection. Served with three sides or salads, it's the perfect way to enjoy a healthy and satisfyi...
Baked Chicken $13.99
Our juicy and flavorful baked chicken leg and thigh is the perfect choice for those looking for a classic and satisfying meal.
Grilled Chicken Breast $15.99
Our tender and juicy chicken breast is marinated in a blend of herbs and spices, then grilled to perfection. It's a delicious and healthy choice for any meal.
Spicy Grilled Chicken $15.99
Our juicy and tender grilled chicken breast is perfectly seasoned and served with sautéed bell peppers, onions, and jalapenos. This dish packs a spicy punch.
Breaded Chicken Breast $15.99
Indulge in our crispy and flavorful breaded chicken breast, made with tender chicken breast breaded and seasoned to perfection. This classic dish is a real crowd-pleaser.
Slow Roasted Mojo Pork $15.99
Our Slow Roasted Mojo Pork is a traditional Cuban dish, marinated in a blend of citrus juices, garlic, and spices, then slow-roasted to juicy, tender perfection. It's a flavorful and satisfying option for any meal.
Fried Pork Chops $15.99
Quarter-inch center-cut pork chops seasoned with our signature blend of spices and fried to perfection.
Shredded Beef Stew $16.99
Our Shredded Beef Stew, or Ropa Vieja, is a classic Cuban dish made with tender, slow-cooked shredded beef in a flavorful tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, and spices.
Salmon $17.99
Our fresh salmon fillet is lightly seasoned with herbs and spices and baked to perfection, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Meat Only
Baked Chicken Only $8.00
Grilled Chicken Only $9.00
Spicy Grilled Chicken Only $9.00
Breaded Chicken Only $9.00
Roasted Turkey Only $9.00
Roast Pork Only $9.00
Fried Pork Chops Only $9.00
Shrimp In Garlic Sauce Only $10.00
Salmon Only $10.00
Shredded Beef Only $9.00
Picadillo $8.00
Ox Tails Only $13.49
Chicken Fricasse $8.00
Steak and Onions $9.00

Sophie's Favorites
Oxtails Stew $18.99
Our tender and juicy oxtails are slow-cooked with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices, creating a rich and delicious stew. Available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays only.

Sandwiches
El Cubano - The Cuban $11.99
Our classic Cuban features slow-roasted mojo pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo, mustard, and mojo sauce served on crispy Cuban bread.
Slow Roasted Mojo Pork Sandwich $11.99
Tender, juicy pork cooked in our signature mojo sauce, served with mayo and marinated onions, on toasted Cuban bread.
Mojo Pork with a Twist Sandwich $12.99
Slow-roasted mojo pork, marinated onions, and mayo, topped with 3 fried sweet plantains drizzled in our signature green sauce served on crispy Cuban bread.
Sophie's Spicy Chicken Sandwich $8.99
Our take on this cult classic features a Juicy, crispy breaded chicken breast marinated in a spicy habanero seasoning topped with mayo and tangy pickle chips and our signature green sauce, served on a freshly baked brioche bun.
Grilled Chicken Breast Sandwich $11.99
Zesty-grilled chicken breast, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and potato stick chips, served on crispy Cuban bread.
Baked Chicken Sandwich $11.99
A tender baked chicken leg and thigh pulled off the bone, mayo, and marinated onions served on crispy Cuban bread.
Breaded Chicken Sandwich $11.99
Breaded chicken breast fried up to perfection, mayo, and marinated onions served on crispy Cuban bread.
Tostada $3.50
Toasted Cuban bread with butter.

Sides and Salads
Complement your meal or enjoy a lightweight alternative with our fresh and flavorful sides and salads.
Yellow Rice $5.49
Fluffy and savory, our yellow rice is seasoned with the perfect blend of spices to complement any dish.
White Rice $5.49
Simple and satisfying, our white rice is a staple for any Latin American meal.
Moro Rice $6.49
A flavorful blend of rice and red beans, our moro rice is a classic Caribbean side that will transport your taste buds to the islands.
Black Beans $5.99
Our black beans are slow-cooked with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a rich, hearty side that goes well with anything.
Rice and Beans $6.49
Sweet Plantains $5.49
Indulge in the sweetness of our ripe, caramelized plantains—the perfect complement to any savory dish.
Green Plantains $5.49
Crispy and savory, our green plantains are fried to perfection. Get them with Mojo sauce and do the dip!
Yuca with Garlic $6.49
This classic Cuban side dish features boiled yuca root topped with a flavorful garlic sauce and a garnish of pickled red onions.
Vegetable Medley $6.49
French Fries $5.49
Yuca Fries $5.49
Small Rice $2.50
Avocado $4.99
Our fresh, ripe avocado adds a creamy and nutritious touch to your meal.
Green Salad
A light and refreshing mix of crisp lettuce, and sliced cherry tomatoes. Add our house-made Italian dressing made daily.
White Bean and Avocado
Creamy avocado, protein-packed white beans, finely diced red onion, and fresh lime juice come together in this delicious and filling salad.
Chickpea Salad
Our chickpea and parsley salad is a fresh, zesty salad perfect for a hot summer day.
Beets and String Bean Vinaigrette
A colorful and flavorful salad featuring tender roasted beets, crisp string beans, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing, served chilled.
8 oz Cup of Marinated Onions $1.25
These tangy and mildly spicy pickled onions add a flavorful kick to any dish.
Container For Sale

Beverages
Canned Soda $1.99
Sodas Latinas $3.29
Bottled Water
Snapple $2.69
Tropical Fruit Juices $4.29
Tropical Batidos $6.49
A delicious variety of refreshing tropical shakes and juices.
Red Bull $3.00
Cup of Ice $0.75

Sophie's Cafe
Cafe Con Leche $3.50
Cafe Americano $3.50
Espresso
Cortadito $2.75
Iced Coffee $4.50

Desserts
Tres Leches $6.49
Flan $4.99
Rice Pudding $4.99
Cheesecake $4.99
Bread Pudding $6.49

Sophie's Signature Sauces
Green Sauce $0.50
Dressing $0.50
Garlic Sauce $0.50
8oz Green Sauce $6.99

Combo Deals
Combo #1 $9.99
Any 2 empanadas, rice and beans, or maduros, plus any canned soda or bottled water
Combo #2 $12.99
Any sandwich, one bag of chips plus any canned soda or bottled water
Combo #3 $14.99
Any sandwich, french fries, or yuca fries plus any canned soda or bottled water

Individual Boxed Meals
Empanada Box
Deluxe Meal Entree
Each box includes your choice of protein, yellow rice, and sweet plantains. $14.99/Person. Minimum 10 Boxes.
Sandwich Box

Catering Packages
Small Package $250.00
Buffet style catering option which includes one protein + any 4 sides or salads. Serves 10.
Medium Package $500.00
Buffet style catering option which includes choice of 2 proteins + any 4 sides or salads. Serves 20.
Large Package $725.00
Buffet style catering option which includes 3 proteins + any 4 sides or salads. Serves 30.

Al La Carte
Buffet style catering option that include your choice of any protein or veggie option. Serves 10-20.
Vegetable Medley (A la Carte)
Baked Chicken (A la Carte)
A delicious leg and thigh seasoned to perfection.
Grilled Chicken (Al La Carte)
Spicy Grilled Chicken (A la Carte)
Turn it up a notch with our famous grilled chicken smothered with jalepenos, green and red bell peppers, onions, and juicy tomaotes sauteed in a yummy vinegar based sauce.
Breaded Chicken (A la Carte)
Shredded Beef Stew (A la Carte)
Pernil (A la Carte)
Shrimp With Garlic Sauce (A la Carte)
Fresh garlic, salt, pepper, peruvian red pepper, white wine, and tomato sauce marry in this classic Cuban dish.
Baked Salmon (A la Carte)
Our salmon is always filleted fresh and seasoned with salt, pepper, white wine, olive oil, and basted with a peruvian dried red pepper base.

Platters
Looking for snacks or desserts for your event? We have the platter for you!
Party Sized Empanadas $75.00
Party Sized Potatoes $75.00
Sandwich Platter $125.00
Sandwich Platter- Feeds 10
Flan Platter $80.00
Tres Leches Platter $125.00
Fruit Salad Platter

Catering Salads
Catering style salad options. Serves 10-20.
Green Salad (Catering)
White Bean & Avocado (Catering)
Chickpea Salad (Catering)
Beets & String Bean Vinnegrette (Catering)

Catering Sides
Catering style side options. Serves 10-20.
Yellow Rice (Catering)
White Rice (Catering)
Moro Rice (Catering)
Beans (Catering)
Sweet Plantains (Catering)
Green Plantains (Catering)
Yuca with Garlic (Catering)
Steamed Vegetables (Catering)
Avocado (Catering)

Signature Sauces & Extras
Need extras? We got you covered!
Green Sauce Squeeze Bottle $24.00
Spread the green sauce love (safely) with these classic 12 0z squeeze bottles and be sure to make your next event a hit! *This product is plastic, reusable, and NOT dishwasher safe.
Mojito Sauce Sauce Squeeze Bottle $20.00
Salad Dressing Squeeze Bottle $20.00
1 set of Wire Rack, Tray & Chafing Fuel $15.00

Catering Beverages
Coke. $2.00
Diet Coke. $2.00
Coke Zero. $2.00
Sprite. $2.00
Ginger Ale. $2.00
Seltzer. $2.00
Fanta Orange. $2.00
Fanta Grape. $2.00
Malta India $3.29
From Puerto Rico with love. Eveyones favorite malt beverage.
Postabon $3.29
Colombiana $3.29
Jarritos $3.29
Perrier $2.99
Cup of Ice $0.75
Sophie's Lemonade $4.00
Bottled Water. $2.00

Fruit Shakes
Passion Fruit $5.50
Mango $5.50
Guanabana $5.50
Papaya $5.50

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square Details

From the business
Identifies as Latino-owned
Identifies as women-owned

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Great coffee

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom

Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Counter service
Seating

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Family-friendly
LGBTQ+ friendly
Transgender safespace

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square Photos

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Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square Location

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square

New York New York County New York East 12th Street

28 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

Sophie's Cuban Cuisine - Union Square Reviews

An average rating of ★4.4 from 71 user reviews.

ricecuban sandwichperniloxtailguava and cheese empanadasyuca friestoo good to gogreen saucedeliverychicken sandwich

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Good food, I got the small grilled chicken with rice and beans. The chicken, rice and beans were cooked well. The chicken was slightly seasoned, the rice was fluffy but not wet, and the beans were fresh. Small seating area that fits 2, maybe 3 people max for dine in.
May 22 · Shane S.
This restaurant has become my go-to recommendation. These employees show remarkable warmth and treat me like a regular. The food delivers flavor satisfaction and portion generosity. Tasty meals, fair costs and employees who really know their job. This place offers dependable satisfaction.
July 19 · Ignace Manoury
5/31 UpdateI revisited Sophie's and ordered the oxtail. This time it was perfect and not too spicy. The rice was not undercooked. I am glad to say the food was exactly to my liking. Thank you to the owner who took the time to respond to my initial review.A shout out to Raymond who takes my phone orders and is always friendly and helpful. Sophie's has become one of my go to neighbor good eats.LSophie's Cuban is new in the neighborhood. It is primarily takeout and delivery. The baked chicken entree (small) with 2 sides is my favorite. Chicken is flavorful with a little crunch to the skin. Yellow rice and vegetable medley are complementry sides. Good portions.We also ordered the small oxtail stew with sweet plaintain and chickpea salad sides. Tasty stew but a little too spicey for me. Oxtail is only available certain days of the week.Must try the yummy mini guava/cheese empanadas for dessert.My disappointment is that the yellow and white rice is sometimes undercooked and has hard rice kernels.Overall Sophie's is good food, good value and tasty.
June 02 · SD
Food was delicious! Yuca fries with the mojito sauce was great! Chicken sandwich was very good . Already planning my next lunch trip there
May 02 · Jenn Dominguez
The food is delicious on what is ordered. I love how my ox tail meat fall off the bone. Also the service is good and friendly.
March 29 · Wasabi Chan