Buena Vista Cuban Cafe

We had dinner here on a Saturday night before a show at the Hobby Center. We didn’t have a reservation but it was no problem. The restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived around 5:30 but had a bit more patrons as we were leaving. The food was delicious. We had the Tostones Rellenos appetizer and opted to do one of each beef, pork, and shrimp. They were all very good. I will mention tho, that if you plan on ordering the Ropa Vieja entree (I did), I would skip the beef option in this appetizer as the filling is the same. Still both very good. But just wanted to mention if you’re wanting more variety. My husband ordered the Afro-Cuban Pork which was also delicious. The cocktails were very nice too. We had the Caramelo and the Club Cocktail. The prices for everything were very reasonable too. The only problem I’d mentioned is the service was a bit slow. Made even slower when our server forgot our order and had to comeback and ask again. We still enjoyed our dinner and had plenty of time before our show. We will be back.

Best Cuban food in Houston! We had tostones appetizer and it was amazing. They had happy hour and drinks were refreshing and not overly sweet. Pork and shrimp dishes were delicious. We couldn’t fit dessert but we will be back! Service was great.

I mean just fabulous. From the food, service and vibe just so very good! Pork so tender it melts in your mouth. Perfectly crispy yuca frita. Garlic sauce. Perfection. Beans could use salt but that’s easy to add. And I prefer it that way really. Can’t wait to go back

We stopped in on a Wednesday night before a show at the Hobby Center. But the food was very good. Seasoned well. The art and decor is so nice. Really took u out of the busyness of downtown. It was a good experience and will come back if for nothing else for the food. The service was slower than we expected even with very few people in the restaurant but we were in a bit of a hurry so that might be a perspective issue. But nothing to complain about overall. We will certainly come back.

The reason I drop it to 2/5 rating is we ordered bread pudding and waitress brought out a flan cake. We told her it was wrong but she pretended it was the right item somehow hoping we wouldn’t know the difference between flan and bread pudding. It was comical. We didn’t bother to push it just preferred to leave at that point. It’s a very small cake as well. I would pass on the dessert. Otherwise I would give it a 3.8/5. Food is heavily seasoned not necessarily bad but just fyi. Some very good items and others average. Best thing we had was the chicken empanadas. Full of flavor. Must get. The beef version I would pass on. Lacking flavor. The mariquitas—plantain chips—are great, perfectly salted, and go well with the garlic and salsa dips given. The Cuban sandwich is also good, safe bet, it’s cheesy, moist, it is a sandwich though don’t expect greatness. But for $12 hard to beat if you’re on a budget. Next best item was the pork masitas, they’re missing like a tortilla or bread because it’s just a meat dish. Maybe potatoes ? Very well seasoned and crispy. We got with moros rice which was average tasting. The chicken croquetas also very good. The other meats were okay but would pass, too mushy (pork and ham I believe). The tostones and yuca fries are too dry for my taste.

We came here before a concert at the symphony and can’t wait to come back. The server was very knowledgeable and attentive. We ordered the ceviche & it was delicious. All of the Cuban classics we tried were amazing. You can’t go wrong with the Ropa Vieja or the Afro-Cuban Pork. The yucca mash was also very good! Thank you for a wonderful dinner downtown!

The Afro-Cuban Pork and Classic Mojito were delicious! Located on the street level and within walking distance of adjacent theaters. Atmosphere is fun and the staff were very friendly. I cannot wait to go back!

The food was amazing and the service was amazing too. They had daiquiris on the menu but not guava but they still made me some guava daiquiris. The daiquiris had chunks of guava. I got the Tostones Rellenos, 2 pork and 1 shredded beef for an appetizer. Then I got the Ropa Vieja with Moros rice and sauteed vegetables. Can't wait to try the Cuban sandwich I got to go for lunch tomorrow. I will definitely be back when I am in the area again. One of the best Cuban restaurants I have been to anywhere. I highly recommend this place.

I mean just fabulous. From the food, service and vibe just so very good! Pork so tender it melts in your mouth. Perfectly crispy yuca frita. Garlic sauce. Perfection. Beans could use salt but that's easy to add. And I prefer it that way really. Can't wait to go back

I stopped in with a friend for a leisurely lunch on a Wednesday around noon after walking from our downtown workplace. The place was relatively busy, but we were able to get a table for two with out any issues. The Cuban sandwich I ordered was good, though it didn't quite have a wow factor to truly distinguish it. Additionally, there's a cocktail list, but I didn't get a chance to partake as it was still during working hours. Overall, nice decor and decent service. I think I'll make a return trip on an evening or weekend to try out more of the bar side of the location.

Amazing! We were a family group of 4, went there before Buena Vista Social club orchestra concert. Food & the ambiance / decor is amazing.