Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar
Cuban restaurant · Downtown ·
Cuban cuisine, vast rum bar, Caribbean decor, late-night salsa
![Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar by Cuba Libre [official]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65538269/Churros_con_Chocolate__Courtesy_Cuba_Libre.0.jpg "Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar by Cuba Libre [official]")
Cuban cuisine, vast rum bar, Caribbean decor, late-night salsa
"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
"Hiring for more than 60 hourly restaurant and nightlife roles, the operation is offering a mix of financial and educational incentives: a $250 welcome bonus, $600 referral bonuses (which can be paid in cryptocurrency), tuition reimbursement specifically for a finance course at UDC Community College, and free Spanish or English classes. Leadership frames these benefits as tools to improve staff–guest communication, encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds, and create advancement opportunities for recent immigrants." - Monica Burton
"Co-owner Barry Gutin says Cuba Libre installed virus-killing lights in the ductwork, but that measure isn’t recognized under the city’s latest strict regulations, so “we’re going to have to spend even more money to change our control board.”" - Tierney Plumb
"In Penn Quarter, I observe that Cuba Libre’s cavernous location has been a major inauguration-week earner — pulling in $150,000–$200,000 in a normal year — and that its pandemic-era pivot to alfresco service (including about 100 outdoor seats and tricked-out cabins with Bluetooth and fire pits) represents a big investment intended to keep its audience engaged despite ongoing losses; the restaurant also relies on business from nearby large hotels." - 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