Guantanamera

"If you visit Guantanamera in the daytime, you’ll think it’s just a Cuban restaurant with ceiling fans and an empty stage set-up. That’s because, like owls and animated cowboy dolls, this kitschy 9th Avenue spot comes alive at night. The live band, crowded bar, and kind man selling hand-rolled cigars are the real reasons why you should visit. The next time you want to do a mambo side step before eating a cubano, try this place." - bryan kim, willa moore, neha talreja, hannah albertine, will hartman

"This is the kind of place where there’s no dance floor but people dance, where it’s unhip but often crowded. It’s all to the backdrop of worn yellow walls bedecked with palm trees, bananas, farmers, and musicians. You’ll also find some of the city’s best Cuban sandwiches, vaca frita (skirt steak fried to the texture of soft jerky), and potent mojitos. Swing by after a show for live Cuban music every night." - Eater Staff

"If you visit Guantanamera in the daytime, you might think it’s just a Cuban restaurant with tiki ceiling fans and an empty stage setup. That’s because, like owls and most bodegas, this kitschy 9th Avenue spot comes alive at night. The live band, crowded bar, and kind man selling hand-rolled cigars are the real reasons why you should come here. So the next time you want to hear some live music while simultaneously eating a cubano and learning how to mambo, try this place." - nikko duren

"This Cuban restaurant on 8th Avenue starts serving food at noon every day. So if you’re coming from the Hell’s Kitchen area, stop by for a Cubano or rice and beans with a side of maduros. Also, you should make mental note to come back to Guantanamera during the evenings when they have a live band and a kind man selling hand-rolled cigars." - hannah albertine

"Here you’ll find some of the city’s best Cuban sandwiches, vaca frita (skirt steak fried to the texture of soft jerky), lechon asado (slow cooked pork) and minty mojitos. Warning: The mojitos are strong, which is especially dangerous on Tuesdays when they’re just $6 apiece. Swing by after a show for live Cuban music every night. Open late on weekends." - Korsha Wilson, Brianne Garrett, Ryan Sutton