Copacubana Cafe

Greetings my Foodzies, last night we went Cuban. We dined at Copacubana cafe at 5800 w Irving Park Rd in Chicago. The decor is thatched roof cabana style meets Cuban garage sale with cafeteria style seating. They had a large screen TV playing Latin music videos way too loud; especially since we were the only patrons. We sat down to view the menu and waited for service. Then we noticed a lady at the cash register and asked if we had to order at the counter (good thing we asked or we might still be there). We placed our order and went back to the table to await our order. The same lady brought us toasted bread rounds with butter. Our appetizer came, empanadas (one with ground beef and the other with ham and cheese) not bad needed more seasoning. The highlight was the oil with garlic and pepper (not spicy) that came with it. It even brightened up the toast. Our entrees came next; Glenda opted for the Bistec Encebollado ( Seasoned Steak served with grilled onions Served with white rice, black beans and maduros) basically thin piece of steak lightly seasoned not char grilled with boiled yuca which was mushy and the beans were watery. I went with the Pan Con Bistec a steak sandwich with lettuce, tomato and mayo with shoe string fries for texture. This was served with yuca chips (appeared to be from a bag) they were unseasoned. We won’t be returning there. I give this restaurant a 1/2 of a star. Well give it a try if you like and let me know your opinion. Ciao Ciao for now.

Well I am not cuban but I love cuban food. I was on Miami so I know exactly how the good cuban food supposed to taste like. This place is nice and cozy the food is really fresh but... Was not like the cuban food that I taste on Miami I tried a fritas and it was ok, we also tried a steak sandwich a coffee. I would said come to tried the food is really fresh but doesn't have the cuban taste.

I have been waiting for weeks to go here... never had time....today was THE DAY!!! I will never wait to go back ever again. The food was absolutely amazing!!! The atmosphere....you would never realize it used to be a rib joint. The music...the decor...loved it. Simple but perfect! There was nothing we didn't like and we got a LOT!

Nice little Cuban restaurant in Irving Park, the Jibarito and the Cuban sandwich were amazing. The combination of all flavors, garlic, sauteed onions, the seasoned fried steak and fried tostones made it a unique experience.

This is very new to the neighborhood and a welcome addition. Besides Caesar’s Pierogis there are not many places in the area that serve lunch! And the place it replaced… let’s just say it wasn’t as inviting. The legacy fast food yellow tables were ok. I’d add table cloths and Cuban music personally. And the patched bullet holes in the window were an interesting decoration… but then again it could be seen as representative of Castro’s regime too! Look, they are just starting. Give it time. They are adding to the menu daily and all items are home made; so the Cuban Sandwich I had was tasty and the plantain chips were good too! Add a drink and tax and I was pleasantly full for just $14. To me the price point was perfect. This place has all the trappings of a family run deal with folks who are attentive and put a lot of care into their restaurant. Give it a try! I think you’ll like it :)

Soft opening test review: - This Cuban food was BOMB and AUTHENTIC. 💣 - Everything had flavor and it felt like you were having food at home cooked by your Cuban mother. - The picadillo was AMAZING. The most flavorful I’ve ever had in Chi. - The yuca con mojo wasn’t dry and it was so SOFT with just the right amount of salt. 🥹 - Bistec encebollado was cooked just right and the onions weren’t overdone! - Finally, YOU HAVE TO TRY THE PASTRIES. UGH, the beef pastries like the pastelitos de GUAVA omg — they will change your life. They are actually made in store 🤤 I paired with the most delicious cafe con leche 🤌🏼 - Lots of parking and seating! - New fav Cuban place 🫡

Was not impressed with any of the food, especially because it made us sick. The pork medallions didn't have any seasoning, the cuban rice was over cooked, the croquetas were not fresh, might have been refried, and the papa rellena also had no seasoning. Both my kids and I got food poisoning from something we ate from there. Reported it to Health Department. Truly disappointing and also very expensive. Also restaurant atmosphere is not great. Owner was screaming at an employee in front customers because employee was asking to be paid his wages, sounded like he had not be paid in a several weeks. My family and I just got up and left, since food was not that great we didn't even bother packing it to go after paying over $160 for it. The decor could also use some work, the 1980 booth table were very uncomfortable to sit in.

First time here, had an Awesome meal. Ordered Ropa Vieja it was so delicious and they have big portions and was very happy and full. Chocoflan was Amazing! We enjoyed outside seating. Can't wait to go again and order something different!

Greetings my Foodzies, last night we went Cuban. We dined at Copacubana cafe at 5800 w Irving Park Rd in Chicago. The decor is thatched roof cabana style meets Cuban garage sale with cafeteria style seating. They had a large screen TV playing Latin music videos way too loud; especially since we were the only patrons. We sat down to view the menu and waited for service. Then we noticed a lady at the cash register and asked if we had to order at the counter (good thing we asked or we might still be there). We placed our order and went back to the table to await our order. The same lady brought us toasted bread rounds with butter. Our appetizer came, empanadas (one with ground beef and the other with ham and cheese) not bad needed more seasoning. The highlight was the oil with garlic and pepper (not spicy) that came with it. It even brightened up the toast. Our entrees came next; Glenda opted for the Bistec Encebollado ( Seasoned Steak served with grilled onions Served with white rice, black beans and maduros) basically thin piece of steak lightly seasoned not char grilled with boiled yuca which was mushy and the beans were watery. I went with the Pan Con Bistec a steak sandwich with lettuce, tomato and mayo with shoe string fries for texture. This was served with yuca chips (appeared to be from a bag) they were unseasoned. We won't be returning there. I give this restaurant a 1/2 of a star. Well give it a try if you like and let me know your opinion. Ciao Ciao for now.

My bud and I went to Copacubana Cafe the other day for a casual Cuban dinner. Copacubana Cafe is located at the corner of Irving Park and Menard and has its own parking lot. You have to order your food at the counter first, and they will then bring your food to your table. Overall the food was pretty tasty. My jibarito with pork, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and very fresh-tasting tomato slices was served as two mini-sandwiches. My bud polished off his plate of fricase de pollo - a heaping order of chicken seasoned in tomato sauce and served with yellow rice. We also split a couple of appetizers. The pastellito (meat pastry) with ground beef looked like a biscuit but was delicately flaky. The papa rellena with ground beef came out piping hot. The kind owner also gave us complimentary sips of sweet Cuban coffee.

Ordered the fricase de pollo (chicken) and the portion was very big. It came with a lot of rice and plantains. It was very good and I had a lot of stuff to take home to eat for another meal. The price was affordable and a steal for the very tasty Cuban food made by this family owned restaurant. The staff was very nice and accommodating to our questions, since we had little experience with eating Cuban food. The restaurant felt very homey and it was clean. Overall would come back again!

I've been here several times foods always great but if you want it to be fire you must request and add the homemade garlic to everything you won't regret it. Their steak sandwich Carlitos way is bomb and my new favorite Chicken Sandwich I order it with extra mayo, lettuce, onion, tomato and Swiss cheese. And don't forget the Garlic I'll update my review on next visit and will have more pictures soon

Got the chicken noodle soup and it was so good I love that you can tell it's homemade. Its a mom and pop shop and the service was nice, I like that they had a sense of humor!

Great fresh food, friendly service definitely be back to explore the menu further never had Cuban food before but plan to come back soon

Found a great new spot for Cuban sandwiches. Best Cubano I've had in Chicago. Bread was crisp outside but pillowy soft inside. Perfect amount of pork, ham, mustard and pickles inside. Also got the black beans and rice (not pictured) The beans was wonderfully seasoned and very delicious. The maduros were excellent as well. I don't know if they were freshly cut and fried but they sure tasted like it. A perfect accompaniment with the other food in our order. Service was extremely friendly. We will definitely be putting Copa Cubano on our list of favorites.

This is very new to the neighborhood and a welcome addition. Besides Caesar's Pierogis there are not many places in the area that serve lunch! And the place it replaced... let's just say it wasn't as inviting. The legacy fast food yellow tables were ok. I'd add table cloths and Cuban music personally. And the patched bullet holes in the window were an interesting decoration... but then again it could be seen as representative of Castro's regime too! Look, they are just starting. Give it time. They are adding to the menu daily and all items are home made; so the Cuban Sandwich I had was tasty and the plantain chips were good too! Add a drink and tax and I was pleasantly full for just $14. To me the price point was perfect. This place has all the trappings of a family run deal with folks who are attentive and put a lot of care into their restaurant. Give it a try! I think you'll like it :)

We the steak and jibarito sandwich's. The sandwiches had hardly any meat and very skimpy. The jibarito sandwich was also very greasy. I'm local so figured I'd try it out today but was disappointed. I won't be ordering from here again.

The cook there is amazing, great value and great food. There is no better place for Cuban food.

Excellent & authentic Cuban food made by an actual Cuban chef! The boliche and bistro en cazuela specials were outstanding! We were able to bring our own wine, which was easy. The owner was very accommodating and made us feel welcome. We will be back for sure!

Food was amazing, coffee was great, service was great also. New Spanish restaurant opened about 5 weeks now. My family and I decided to try it-- Great idea!! Will definitely be coming back here

All I can see my food was very bland. Orders the Fricase de Pollo. No flavor at all. It all tasted the same from rice to the chicken. The best item i ordered was the pastel de guava and queso. Food is overpriced for the lack of flavor.

Good food and solid service at this Cuban cafe. Everything took a while to come out but it was because everything was made fresh upon order. Lots of Cuban folks from around the neighborhood were eating at this establishment.

Craved a cubano and the cubano sandwiches are good here! Big and full of meat! The masa de puerco were average, needed a bit more seasoning or salt. Black beans were flavorful and good enough to eat on their own. The mixed apps were tasty, the yucca and tostones were nice and crunchy. The tamales were a bit odd, they had a fishy flavor but I think they were chicken or pork. Was not a fan of the tamales. Would come back for a sandwich for lunch!

First time trying this place :| I'm big on customer service and this place needs work!! I called in my order and the girl was rude I thought maybe because she couldn't really hear me but no when I got there still rude no hello or welcome in, no smile nothing!! Just dry! Now to the food I paid $23 for a Cuban sandwich with barely any meat on it, the lechon taste like it was from the day before the beans were so thick like paste ,not to tasty. From the price to the rudeness to the taste & look of the food I probably won't come back

Came here with my family for the first time and we were greeted like family! They welcomed us with Coronitas and cake. Needless to say they were having a bday party but welcomed us with open arms. We ordered at the front and they accommodated my daughter's dish to a perfect kids size arroz, frijoles maduros, y bistec. I got a ropa vieja sándwich and my husband got a cuban sandwich. Everything was SO GOOD! Honestly, the best Cuban food I've had an a long time. Wish I took pictures but we just dived in our food! This place is a must go! Food and service amazing.

We tried a new place...was worth it. Will be going back. People there were very helpful and happily translated for us as we do not speak or read Spanish and everything was printed that way for now. The food - it is cooked to order and fresh. I had chicken breast, hubby had steak. Both were thoroughly cooked and had good flavor. Nothing was overpowered with peppers or "spice" thankfully. We also tried the chicken and the ham appetizers that look like a cheese stick. The ham was much better than the chicken.

Good fresh food. Awesome service. I had the steak Cuban sandwich with plantains. Will go back

This place is good if you're in the area. Nothing to go out of your way for. The bistec was under seasoned. I had to add some garlic mojo to give it some flavor. The tostones were dry. The sandwich and empanada were just Ok.

The food was good! But the service was Fast. But the The waitress and she also did the cash register was not very friendly and did not make you feel welcome. I think she needs to adjust her attitude.

What a hidden gem. They have the best coffee in the neighborhood. I had a cafe con Leche and a guava and cheese pastry. I'm in heaven. I can't wait to come back and try the Cuban sandwich. The service is very friendly. Lots of room for your family and friends.

Went to this restaurant for breakfast with a friend. We ordered at the counter and a simple breakfast sandwich that included a thin slice of ham came at a ridiculous price, with a side order of 5 small fried tostones (plantain) and 2 cups of coffee, I'd say that their prices are over inflated. It wasn't a large sandwich and to add an extra 2 bucks for a very thin slice of ham, when I received the bill I should have walked out the door. If you're really into overly inflated prices then enjoy, the food is tasty and contrary to another review the place is very clean!

My family and I were in the Portage park area so we figured we'd give Copa Cubana a try. Our first impression of the restaurant was not impressive. It was as if we were walking into our own garage with clutter everywhere. There was a guitar at the entrance and the decorations looked really tacky and ghetto as if the owners made no effort into making the place look like a nice restaurant. We sat at a table and waited about 15 minutes for someone to even acknowledge our presence. A waitress in a white sweater comes to our table holding two cups of water stuck to her exposing chest. Completely unprofessional and definitely not appropriate for a family restaurant especially in front of my two young children. I almost thought I was at a strip club. The woman did not speak good English and because of the language barrier, she became frustrated and began to raise her voice at me as I tried to place our order. We again waited over half hour for our food to arrive. When we finally got our food, it tasted really bland and flavorless. The pork meat looked pink and under cooked, the bread was stale and hard, my wife's chicken was also pink and flavorless. I was disgusted with the food, service and presentation of the so called restaurant. I lost my appetite, left all of our food on the table and paid for everything before we left. We received not one thank you or any form of appreciation for coming to the restaurant. Overall impression, the long wait, undercooked bland old food, along with the rude waitress was definitely not worth it. I can't say anything positive about this place although I was expecting to really like it but that wasn't the case. Unless you want to throw your money away, I wouldn't recommend this place.

My husband and I were excited to try a new spot. We decided on Cuban, and unfortunately, the experience was disappointing. The food was mediocre. We had the Lechon Jibarito and Frita Cubana burger with fries. We both added salt to our jibarito, which we NEVER do at any other restaurant. The burger was mini (change the name to slider) for its price and again the fries were bland and even undercooked. I encourage them to use more seasoning. Not only did the food disappoint, the service needs improvement. No one smiles or approaches you with warmth. Please make people want to come back and hopefully this review helps your business improve.

Very disappointed!! I order a cuban stake sandwich and hardly there was any meat in the sandwich it was mostly bread with onions and tomatoes. This is the worst steak sandwich I ever had.

Me and my wife wanted to try this place out. if we had to rate the place based on the food it would be 5 stars food was great, but based on the people working there barely saying hello and really no explanation of the menu and political news blaring at you when you eat and being on the expensive side charging a convince fee for using a credit card is the reason I give it 3 stars.

Cuban sandwich was delicious. I've passed this place a few times and decided to try it today. Best Cuban Food in the area. Love the decor. Everything was so flavorful. Service was quick. Will definitely frequent this place!

Make sure to call before you make the trip, or at least hold off a bit before trying. I was excited to try and happy to see the place open in the Bubs space. Checked the hours online and headed over. Door said open until 10 lights on inside but guys in the lot said that they closed early at 830. Rats.

Great friendly service, I had a cuban coffee and a guayaba pastelillo. Looking forward to tasting the jibarito, I was told it won best jibarito at a competition.

Food was great! Service equally great! The ambience they are still working on but I'll give them a pass as they just open. I love having a place I can walk too! We need more local business like this! Give them a chance. Too been closed and boarded up store fronts in Portage so thanks for giving us an option!

We tried their Cuban sandwich, steak Jibarito, tamales, and the coffee. Everything was so tasteful and good. Some Cons-coffee was kind of overpriced, the steak was kinda tough, and the ambience needs a little bit of work.

Great addition to the neighborhood. Having a breakfast option is so helpful having a Highschooler who likes real food in the morning. Everything we've had has been tasty! Cuban sandwich, rice, beans. Empanadas de carne, flan.

The place is very dirty. It really needs a deep cleaning. Walked in there to order Cashier was on a personal phone call did not even acknowledge me or the other customer standing behind me this business is destined to fail.

Food was wonderful, very authentic. Owner and staff friendly. Unassuming but comfortable room, everyone enjoying themselves & great Cuban music playing.

I was trying to help this new place out but the food is not very good for the price. A lechón sándwich should have lechón meat not what appeared to be sandwich meat??? After I ate there I got a stomach ache. Service needs improvement too.