Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

"The D.C. outpost of the East Coast chain is best known for a nightlife-centric spin on Cuban classics (it’s also a rum bar, after all). The expansive drink menu also features a whole caipirinha section. Cuba Libre employs Velho Barreiro cachaça for its classic caipirinha; cucumber basil cachaça cocktail; and seasonal infused cachaças." - John Besche, Tierney Plumb

"In downtown’s Penn Quarter, a cavernous location of Cuba Libre has gone dark for nearly two weeks out of of concern for the safety of patrons and staff." - Tierney Plumb

"Chinatown's Cuba Libre offers both white and red sangrias spiked with Sailor Jerry spiced rum and Spanish spirit Licor 43. Although late-night dancing is temporarily out of the picture, the restaurant’s dedication to Cuban culture remains intact. Glasses and half or full carafes are available across its new plant-filled sidewalk patio or for takeout and delivery." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb

"The Cuban eatery in D.C. just transformed its 9th Street NW parking lane into an 80-seat outdoor oasis lined with umbrellas and leafy palms. Patrons can sit and stay to order a dizzying variety of mojitos, rum flights, empanadas, and paella. Open for dinner and weekend brunch from noon to 4 p.m. Attention to sanitary details are aplenty, like free disposable bags to house customers’ masks on the table." - Tierney Plumb

"Hailed for bringing Cuban vibes to the city, Cuba Libre serves Mama Amelia’s empanadas for lunch and dinner. A hand-chopped chicken, jack cheese, and corn empanada comes with aji sour cream at lunch. For dinner, eaters have four options, including the Picadillo with ground beef, manzanilla olives, and raisins. Order two for $12.25 or 3 for $16.25." - Aparna Krishnamoorthy