Guantanamera
Cuban restaurant · Midtown West ·
Lively Cuban spot with live music, mojitos, and vaca frita
Lively Cuban spot with live music, mojitos, and vaca frita
"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, will hartman, molly fitzpatrick, ciera velarde
"Find some of the city’s best Cuban sandwiches, vaca frita (skirt steak fried to the texture of soft jerky), and mojitos. Warning: The mojitos are strong, which is especially dangerous on Tuesdays when they’re just $6.50 apiece. Swing by after a show for live Cuban music every night. Reservations are available." - Robert Sietsema
"A Cuban restaurant noted for having live music every night, highlighted as part of the Theater District’s dining options." - Eater Staff
"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." - Emma Orlow
"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