10 S. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Old City Philly is home to many great ethnic restaurants. Cuba Libre is a fantastic choice for anyone who likes Cuban food. In addition to serving creative entrees, the restaurant houses a massive rum bar and features late night salsa dancing. The colorful Caribbean inspired decor really will make you feel as if you have temporarily escaped to the tropics. Definitely a fun vacation dining choice!
Brunch is the ideal time to plan your visit to Cuba Libre. Get here before the crowds and enjoy the laid-back vibe and decor all to yourself. It's rarely busy for brunch and reservations typically are not needed. Treat yourself to a delicious breakfast before exploring the sights of Old City.
Definitely start with the pastelitos (delicious guava and cream cheese filled turnovers) and a cup of house coffee. You can never go wrong with black bean soup: it is one of the best dishes around. After trying this soup for the first time in Florida, I became an immediate fan, now frequently making it myself at home. Although the soup here is not nearly as good as that found at Florida's famed Columbia restaurant, it's still worthy of ordering.
The Huevo Roto is another great brunch choice. This unique breakfast dish includes poached eggs, double blanched french fries, Spanish chorizo, and tomato hollandaise. Luckily for us vegetarians, the chorizo is available meat-free using soyrizo.
They offer a great lunch special where you receive a small and large plate, along with an Agua Fresca (alcohol free drinks made using fruits and guarapo).
Update: Unfortunately, they took the Huevo Roto off the menu. Recent brunch special have included: Cafe Con Leche French Toast, Spinach and Manchego Omelet, and Banana Crispy Waffle.
Service is pretty standard here, efficient, yet not overly friendly. Our waiter had no problem customizing our meals.
The decor here really is exotic, especially for a Philly restaurant. As soon as you enter the doors, you have entered the tropics: a real treat on a cold Northeast winter's day! Surrounded by colorful decor & tropical plants, you may just feel as if you are dining in Florida, rather than Pennsylvania! This can be a good thing after a long winter season!
While Cuba Libre is frequently passed over in favor of more popular tourist restaurants, it is a great choice for anyone seeking a fun vacation dining experience. The leisurely ambiance, good Cuban food, and beautiful decor definitely place Cuba Libre near the top of my list of fun themed restaurants in Philly.
