La Bodeguita De Mima

Cuban restaurant · Phoenix Hill

La Bodeguita De Mima

Cuban restaurant · Phoenix Hill

3

725 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202

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Highlights

Classic Cuban cuisine & cocktails in a lively locale with patio  

Featured in Eater
Featured in Conde Nast Traveler

725 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202 Get directions

labodeguitademima.com

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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725 E Market St, Louisville, KY 40202 Get directions

+1 502 742 3358
labodeguitademima.com

$30–50 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 19, 2025

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@eater

The 26 Essential Louisville Restaurants

"You can’t miss La Bodeguita De Mima. Just drive down East Market Street in NuLu, and you’ll see the bright yellow, two-story building that was designed to evoke 1950s Cuba. The restaurant is run by chefs and cousins Fernando and Yaniel Martinez, who offer traditional Cuban flavors for dinner seven days a week, with occasional weekend and holiday specials. Try the pollo asado: a mojo-marinated, half-roasted chicken, topped with mojo onions and served with gravy, rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. For dessert, order the habano de chocolate, a chocolate cigar made with almond cake, Nutella mousse, and chocolate ganache, served with coffee ice cream." - Lennie Omalza

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-louisville-kentucky
View Postcard for La Bodeguita De Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar
@cntraveler

Los Kentubanos: Digging Into Louisville’s Cuban Side

"Their latest offering, La Bodeguita de Mima, is perhaps the best-known Cuban restaurant in the city, serving as a brightly colored fixture of the touristy NuLu neighborhood."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/los-kentubanos-digging-into-louisvilles-cuban-side
View Postcard for La Bodeguita De Mima Cuban Restaurant and Rum Bar
@postcardnews

A loving ode to 1950s Cuba by a local family, complete with mojitos, live energy, and classics like lechón asado. Celebrated in national travel features and a fixture on Eater maps, it anchors Louisville’s Cuban community.

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/los-kentubanos-digging-into-louisvilles-cuban-side
Best Restaurants in Louisville (2025)
View Postcard for La Bodeguita De Mima

Yornny Garciga

Google
This place has great charm and real classic Cuban character. Very beautiful! Food was pleasant, but not the greatest. It definitely felt like it was created for mass appeal instead of traditional flavors! Overall I had an enjoyable experience, I just expected more traditional flavors.

eledel esteban

Google
An Unforgettable Cuban Experience in the Heart of Louisville, KY. La Bodeguita de Mima is an absolute gem and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Cuba in Louisville. From the moment you step through the doors, you're transported to Old time Havana — not only by the beautifully curated décor, but by the warmth and hospitality that only a family-owned restaurant can deliver. Walls are decorated with pictures of the greatest people that made Cuba one of the most important country in Latin America before the Communist coup d'état in 1959. Also, there's pictures of the restaurant owners' ancestors, a tribute to their cuban legacy. The food is outstanding; each dish bursts with flavor and showcases traditional Cuban recipes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The ropa vieja was perfectly seasoned, the lechón asado was melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the tostones were crisp and golden. You can tell that every plate is prepared with care and pride. However, the chef has to pay close attention to flavor detail in some plates as some dishes were unacceptably salty (also, there some 1-2 stars reviews are highlighting the same issue: some salty plates). The service was equally impressive — attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable about both the menu and the history behind it. It's clear the staff takes great pride in sharing their culture and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch, a romantic dinner, or celebrating a special occasion, La Bodeguita de Mima delivers on all fronts. It’s more than just a meal — it’s a rich cultural experience that leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished. This is an unforgettable charming Cuban restaurant in Louisville, KY, and it was an exceptional experience from start to finish. The warm, inviting atmosphere immediately makes you feel at home, with vibrant decor that reflects the rich Cuban culture. The staff’s genuine hospitality and passion for their craft truly set this place apart. The menu is a delightful celebration of authentic Cuban cuisine, with every dish bursting with flavor and made with the freshest ingredients. The Ropa Vieja was tender, savory, and perfectly seasoned, while the Tostones were crispy and paired beautifully with their house-made dipping sauce. Don’t miss the Cuban sandwich—it’s a masterpiece of balance and taste! The portions are generous, and the presentation showcases the care put into every plate. The family behind La Bodeguita de Mima clearly pours their heart into this restaurant, creating a welcoming environment that feels like dining at a loved one’s home. The service was attentive yet unobtrusive, and the staff was eager to share stories about the dishes and their Cuban heritage, which added a personal touch to the experience. To top it all off, the flan, tres leches and the tobacco shape desserts was an absolute must-try—creamy, caramel-rich, and the perfect sweet ending to an incredible meal. Again, la Bodeguita de Mima is a gem in Louisville’s dining scene, offering authentic cuisine, heartfelt service, and an unforgettable experience. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a taste of Cuba with a side of family warmth. Four stars (minus 1 star due to salty plates), but without a doubt HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!!!

Paul Gemperlein

Google
The food here is very good but this visit was a complete disappointment. I brought my parents here from out of town and really hyped the place up. We were all very excited but the mood changed when we got three of our four entrees and the fourth took an additional 10-20 minutes to arrive. After about 5 minutes of waiting, we were told that it would be out within a minute and then it took 5-15 more minutes to arrive. Hard for me to say the exact length of time we were waiting but my father is a very understanding person who avoids being impolite and he was seconds away from telling them to forget it when it finally arrived. I've never had something like this happen at all, much less at a nice place like this. Worst of all, the person who finally brought it was extremely brief and said something about a free dessert but I think he spent about 5 seconds total at the table so we were all confused. We all thought that the free desert was the side that I've uploaded a photo of, which turned out to actually be part of the entree. We declined the free dessert because we just wanted to leave and there were no reductions to the bill. They really should have offered to comp the entree from the start but it's telling that they didn't take anything off of the final bill. I also had to request a refill of my drink, which had sat empty for at least half an hour before I asked about it. In general, our waitress didn't come around much and we felt forgotten. Giving a second star because of the good food and better experiences in the past but this was a truly terrible dining experience and the real problem is that no one made any serious effort to fix it.

Mikey G

Google
Wow what an experience, my family comes from Cuba and this place is amazing and very authentic! The shredded pork was so delicious and the dessert was an experience of its own. We brought a large group and service was quick and polite. Love the vibe with live music and colorful atmosphere. If I'm ever back in Louisville I will make it a point to come back. 10/10 🇨🇺

Tracy ElKhoury

Google
We went there for a birthday celebration, the food was absolutely amazing! We were four people and the portions were very generous that we ended up taking food home. Our server was very attentive and the food was coming out at a great pace despite it being crowded. Will definitely visit another time the next time I pass through Louisville!

Alyssa Chua

Google
This Cuban restaurant is a vibrant escape into the heart of Havana! The food is absolutely delicious — rich, flavorful, and true to its roots. Every dish we tried was cooked to perfection and packed with authentic Cuban flair. The atmosphere is amazing, with lively music and beautifully detailed decor that instantly transports you to Cuba. From the colorful tiles to the vintage photos and rustic charm, the ambiance is spot on. Service was friendly and efficient, rounding out a wonderful dining experience. Whether you're a fan of Cuban cuisine or just looking for a memorable night out, this place is a fantastic choice. Highly recommend!

Sikai Xiao

Google
Service was great. The bread was delicious, warm inside and crispy-ish outside, the cilantro garlic butter and the guava butter were amazing! Picanha and the arroz imperial were very tasty. The plantains were ripe and fried very well, not oily. If I was being nitpicky, it’s loud in there but they do have loud live music so… good vibes, tiny bit difficult to have a conversation but food was awesome. Highly recommend the mojito too.

Alan R.

Google
High quality authentic Cuban food, our waiter Johan was fantastic, as well as the food. Quality drinks and large portions. The atmosphere is energized and colorful. Indoor and outdoor seating are options, we are indoors on a hot day. I can see why it's the talk of the town.

Sydney H.

Yelp
Let me start out by saying, the food was amazing as expected. It was my second time being here and my son and boyfriend's first. My review is about what my family and the whole upstairs dining room (which was full) had to endure while we tried to enjoy a Father's Day meal. When we were sat down we noticed that the people that were sat beside us looked to be the family of the manager (wife and two daughters). Shortly after they were sat beside us the youngest daughter (around 5-6) started crying. I get it, kids cry, I was there with my 10 year old and his father so I wasn't thinking anything of it other than she's having a bad moment... well unfortunately for us and everyone in the restaurant that moment lasted around an hour and a half and she continued to scream/cry the entire time she was at the table other than when her father would come and take her in the kitchen to try and calm her I'm assuming. While I understand wanting to be around family on a special day it's not ok to bring and keep your child in an environment they are clearly having a hard time in and as selfish as it may sound putting your paying customers through that is unprofessional . This isn't an Applebees kind of place. You pay good money to eat here and usually have to make a reservation just to get in. The last thing anyone wants to hear the whole time is screaming to where you can't even hold a conversation with your own family that's sitting a foot away from you. The moral of the story is: don't bring your family to your work place if that is the outcome. Got to eat delicious food in a miserable atmosphere. Not saying this is a normal occurrence and don't let it deter you from eating here but this shouldn't happen again.

Hannah H.

Yelp
I took a girls trip to louisville with a couple of friends and decided to try La Bodeguita de Mima. What a fun restaurant! The food was incredible and the service exceptional. Yaima was our waitress and was very attentive and had such a warm and friendly personality. All her menu recommendations were delicious. Can't wait to visit Louisville and come back again!
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Makayla M.

Yelp
Simply the best meal I've had in a while. We ordered la Ropa Vieja, and Churrasco with a house mojito. The ropa vieja had so much flavor and the table side presentation was a cool homage to its cultural roots. My husband said his skirt steak was excellent, and the chimichurri it was served with was the best we've had. Both meals were served with plantains and black beans which were so flavorful and fresh. We finished the meal with a cappuccino and the tres leches cake. Both were lovely. The cake was definitely enough for two. (PS the house made butter and bread at the start were also very yummy.) The ambiance of this restaurant was the icing on the cake! The staff were all dressed on theme. The decor was unique and interesting to look at through dinner. The music was fabulous! I highly recommend.
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Ana M.

Yelp
This place was so good and so fun. We loved all of the decorations and reading the messages on the walls. Everything, including the music, was very chosen giving the restaurant a very cozy atmosphere, even though it is very big. The service was friendly and efficient. The food was delicious. Everything was perfect and my whole family was extremely happy to have found this little gem on our road trip. Cuban food is some of the best food in the world and this restaurant did it very well. We were just sad that it is 100s of miles from where we live.
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Katie B.

Yelp
We had such a fantastic time here! The vibe is amazing with the stunning decor and the many collectible items representing Cuban culture. Everything we ordered was delicious, including the churrasco steak, shrimp, and even the kids meals. Drinks were presented so nicely and the Cuban espresso was excellent. We also ordered desserts; the flan was perfectly creamy and the Tres Leche cake was the best I've ever had. Servers were very nice and clearly trained to ensure you love everything you order, at every stage of the meal. There are multiple distinct dining areas--in the main house, in the back building, on the covered patio in between, and even a rooftop area. I would come back here in a heartbeat! This was a trip with the kids, but would be super fun spot with friends.
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Christopher F.

Yelp
We came in for dinner on a weeknight. It was very warm outside and high humidity however, the restaurant was absolutely freezing. Be warned, make sure you wear a jacket or bring a sweater of some sort. I ordered the shrimp dish. It was very good. Everything got really cold fast because it was so cold in the restaurant, but the food was delicious. Our server was super friendly and very engaging. However, he had trouble remembering drink orders and we consistently got drinks that were prepared incorrectly or had to wait an extended period of time to get the correct drink. We even had one of our entrées, not show up with everything else because I think he forgot to order it. All that being said, we still had a wonderful time and the food was delicious. Just be prepared to be cold.
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Chelsea P.

Yelp
What an amazing spot! We made a dinner reservation for Friday night for our party of four. There was live music and the atmosphere was very lively when we arrived. For our appetizers we got croquets and ceviche and both were so delicious. The mojitos were delicious and my classic daiquiri was very good. Our server was great and it felt like a little house party happening all around us with the buzzing of people and live music. My dinner was the highlight of my night. I got the Churrosco and the green sauce that came with it was top notch full of fresh bright flavor. The black beans on the side were by far the best black beans I have ever eaten. I tried my boyfriend's Cuban sandwich and my friend's masas de Puerco and both were tasty particularly the pork. Churrosco was the clear diner winner and I highly recommend it.
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Olivia P.

Yelp
Food here is really good and the vibe is so fun. The front part of the restaurant is a house and they have live music and great decor. They then have a whole back part of the restaurant, outside the house, with indoor and outdoor seating. Empanadas: Chicken: 8/10 Chicken was juicy. Outside was crispy. Beef: 8.5/10 Flavorful and plenty of ground beef. Tropical Salad: 8/10 Unique passion fruit vinaigrette. It was really fruity and sweet. Cesar Salad: 9/10 Good classic Cesar. Ceviche: 9/10 Lots of shrimp and I liked the sauce. It was not as zesty as other ceviches I've had. It has a red sauce. Masas de Puerco: 8/10 The pork was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside but it was a bit dry and the sauce was a bit sour/there was a sauce so it was a lot of dry ingredients. The rice was okay and I love plantains but they were disappointing. Sweet potato fries: 8.5/10 Hard to go wrong but they put wayyyy too much salt on them. Bread Pudding: 7/10 Pretty good but hard and thick. It should have been warmed up. Tres Leches: 10/10 Amazing dessert! Highly recommend. It's perfect! Flan: 6/10 Good texture but way too sweet. Vanilla ice cream with coffee: 8/10 Strong coffee flavor and there was a show with dry ice. Complimentary bread with garlic and guava butter was delicious! Overall very good Cuban food, which is hard to come by.
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Kayla B.

Yelp
I normally write long, detailed reviews, but all of the Yelpers before me have really covered that. Instead, I'll simply say that you HAVE to get the Habano de Chocolate dessert. It's an immaculately designed chocolate cigar with A+++ presentation. If you're a social media person, make sure to get a video as the staff opens it for you! Totally made my entire experience! (Expect staff to be running a bit slow. This place was packed! And if you hate loud/crowded spaces, ask to be seated in their out-back, separate building)
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Paul A.

Yelp
I'd rate it 4.5 stars if I could. My new #1 Cuban restaurant in town! Highlights: - Plantains are perfect - Ropa de vieja is a fun dish w/ a unique presentation... find out for yourself! - Service is excellent! - Rear outdoor seating is super nice - Love the interior atmosphere! I highly recommend eating here if in NuLu
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Josephine H.

Yelp
O.M.G. I literally want to cry right now thinking about the fact that this food isn't in my mouth. Spectacular service, angel waitress. Some of the best food I've ever eaten. Fresh, flavorful, original, wonderful, delicious, comforting.. I could go on! Drinks were amazing! Not every place can do a mojito right. It was so goooooooood. It was super cold in there was the only thing, but they turned the AC down when we mentioned it so slay. Ambiance is cool. Food is just so so good. Did I say how good it was? Do yourself a favor and eat here!
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Natalie W.

Yelp
After our Angel's Envy tour, we were wandering around NuLu looking for dinner when we spotted what looked like a charming old house across the street. We noticed people going in and out and sitting on the front porch, which made us realize--it was a restaurant. And with that many people waiting, we figured it had to be good. It was about a 30-minute wait on a Friday evening around 6:30 PM, so we added our name to the list, grabbed a mojito from the bar, and settled into a cozy sofa while enjoying some live music. We were eventually seated upstairs on a little covered balcony--tucked away from the music, which made for a quieter, more relaxed vibe. Our waitress was super friendly and offered some great suggestions. We started with the Empanadas Cubanas, which were good, though not especially memorable. My husband ordered the Churrasco, and I went with the Arroz Imperial. Both were flavorful and well-prepared, but I have to admit--I liked his more than mine. I've never been to a Cuban restaurant before, so I can't speak to authenticity, but we had a great experience overall. The food was delicious, the mojito was spot on, and even though it was a bit pricey, we'd definitely go back next time we're in Louisville.
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Shermaine T.

Yelp
Amazing place for a birthday party and any party. They have homemade Cuban food that are presented in an elegant and delicious way. I don't want to ruin the surprise but just come in and have them present each dish. Love the margaritas here as they come with sugar cane sticks.
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Justin S.

Yelp
¡CUBANO! Y'all should know by now if I see a CUBANO, I eat a CUBANO. This fine establishment has moved up in the ranks of Top 5 Greatest Cubano of All Time. The meat was piled on the bread. The bread was pressed to perfection to the point of you ate one on a crime scene there would be no evidence of the Cubano Bandit striking again. If you eat Cubano's you know what I mean. They could have piled a few more pickles on the sandwich, but it was still great. Man I left this place satisfied and should have bought one for the road. The service and ambiance were superb. I have never been to Cuba, but the establishment set the expectation for my travel to the country. Our waiter, Norberto, was very friendly and took great care of me and my guest while we were there... Y'all I forgot to talk about the black beans. Someone's abuela had to be back there making those black beans. It was the best beans ever. Just be ready for a little loud environment, but you will love the music.
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Rene M.

Yelp
A beautiful restaurant with unique decor, good food, and good service. Arrived without a reservation 15 minutes after opening and was told the only indoor seating available was at the bar...what?!? Yet, the place appeared fairly full. We choose the patio seating in 90+ degree weather. The patio area was gorgeous with multiple fans and overhead misting, but it was still quite hot and fans were often moved by patrons and even the musician playing in the area. The only negative were the seats which were hard, metal, and very narrow chairs. These were perfect for the decor and asthetics but not my larger butt. They were not built for comfort which is sad as it would have been a wonderful setting to relax and enjoy your meal. The plates were colorful and the table was set nicely. The server was pleasant though didn't check in often enough and we had to ask for the check. The shrimp appetizer was good, but nothing that screamed amazing. The entree was the same with little flavor to the chicken outside of the added vegetable topping. The smoked "cigar" dessert was uniquely amazing and I highly recommend it. Parking is a challenge. There is some side parking along one side of the building but only for a few cars. I was lucky to get one as other than street parking, I'm not sure where the rest of the people parked. Prices were extremely high for drinks and above average for menu choices. Giving this five stars for decor, uniqueness and potential for better service and an amazing dish with a different choice next time.
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Chris H.

Yelp
In Louisville on business and found this spot on Yelp, it was highly recommended. It did not disappoint. I even went 2 days in a row. Make reservations because it gets packed. 1st day we sat at the bar and the bartenders took great care of us. We had the Arroz con Pollo and the Lechon Asado. Chicken was well cooked and super flavorful. I will admit that my pork was tender but overly salty. 2nd day we both got the KING: Cubano sandwiches!! Best I have had outside of Little Havana in Miami. The mojitos were fantastic as well.
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Crystal M.

Yelp
I had a colleague who lives in the area tell me I had to stop by this place and eat well--he was absolutely right! From the moment I arrived, I was impressed. The restaurant has two distinct areas: I dined in the "jungle" section, which had a fun, immersive vibe, while the front part had a completely different, more elegant aesthetic. Even at 5 p.m., people were already lined up on the patio, eager for the doors to open. My waitress was fantastic--friendly, knowledgeable, and full of personality. She gave me a fascinating explanation (something about how in Cuba, people could get arrested for eating out of a can--wish I remembered more, but it was a lot to take in!). Her passion really added to the experience. The food was delicious, though a bit on the salty side--but that might just be me since I've been eating less salt lately. The virgin mojito was phenomenal--so refreshing and perfectly balanced. Overall, this was such a great experience, and I can't wait to come back!
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Jeffrey G.

Yelp
First of all...This place is hoppin'. There is such a strong positive atmosphere when you walk into this establishment! It always helps to have a positive food experience as well! The food pictured was 4 entrees of the 30 or so our party of 30 ordered! The food is amazing and the service was impeccable. We had 2 servers assigned to us and they did a spectacular job keeping us satisfied!
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Mike K.

Yelp
Really cool spot in NULU. Energy and atmosphere are vibrant, music and casual scene captures the Cuban theme. The food is top notch- had the Pollo Asado, with rice, beans, fried plantains, and the empanadas as an app. Been to Cuban restaurants in Philly, NYC, and Fort Worth, this was the best experience I've had.
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Cary M.

Yelp
We went there last night for my son's birthday. We got the salads and they were good. We got the tostones with the meat in them. The meat was a little cold. I like them warmer. We also got the small tacos and again the meat could've been warmer. My wife and son both got the Mahi Mahi and they both loved it. Their fish is encrusted in plantains. I wanted to try the paella. It wasn't worth the money. I was expecting more seafood. It was more soggy rice than seafood. I didn't see any lobster in the dish. They did give a free dessert for my son's birthday and the guy came over and played happy birthday on the saxophone which sounded real good. Next time I will order something else. I do love this place!!
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Norm C.

Yelp
Not only was this a great place to eat but it was a great experience too. It's an old house turned into a restaurant and man they hit a home run. It's a comfortable feel and very Cuban in presentation. The food was outstanding. So tasty. Oh and they make some great drinks too. This is a must visit in Louisville!
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Cathy F.

Yelp
Once again our experience here was awesome. Servers were all so nice, and the food was amazing! We sat in the back room where it was warm and cozy. I got the Cubano Vegetariano this time, and it was so yummy. Their black beans are the best. They sang Happy Birthday to our daughter and gave her a free dessert, which was a special treat!

Mike B.

Yelp
Incredible! Kids steak for my daughters was fabulous too! Great drinks, authentic food, lots of great flavors. Ambience can't be beat.
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Richard N.

Yelp
OH. MY. GOD! Without a doubt an unexpected Drive to find Louisville to have a large Cuban restaurant with beautiful Latin women taking orders of delectable food and drinks, and finding the doors to be TOP notched! The appetizers a shrimp dish, samosas, and fresh bread-incredible.... Decided to bring leftovers to the room for breakfast!!!
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Claudia E.

Yelp
There's a lot of hype around this place, and you can never help but do a double take every time you walk or drive by because the building is so bright and beautiful and inviting. We finally got to try it and we had a great meal. We started out with the barquitos de malanga, which were like tiny tacos with a crispy tarot root shell. I'm a big tarot root girl and I was excited for these, and I quite liked them, they were interesting. For our started we got the vaca frita and the pollo al mojo. We each liked our entrees! My husband got a mojito and was really hoping it would come with a stick of sugar cane. Shoutout to our server and the bar staff who were able to make that happen. Again, the location is perfection. Gorgeous and super convenient right in NuLu, you can't miss it! The ample interior is dark and moody with lots of Cuban-themed decor. The music is pretty loud, so just be aware. Overall really good experience, I'm glad we finally got to try it!
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Amy C.

Yelp
We had a great experience at La Bodeguita de Mima! The food was delicious, the drinks were great, the service was friendly, and the ambiance was so fun. Our server was very sweet and very accommodating. We had the cubano and the vacas fritas. They were both out of this world! The black beans and plantains ended up my favorite parts of the dish. I can't wait to come back someday!
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Susanne M.

Yelp
So today someone called to apologize and explain some reasons for the delay of response. I let her know I appreciated the call. Changing from 3 to 4 starts previous review. UPDATE - hmm, cannot do that. But the response is appreciate though delayed.
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Julia Rachel K.

Yelp
One of THE MOST incredible restaurants I have EVER been to!!!! I have traveled all over the world and this place is special. The vibe, our waiter Al, and THE FOOD!!! Just do it. You will not regret
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Jasmine A.

Yelp
On my trips to Louisville, I had walked past La Bodeguita de Mima several times and the cute, bright yellow building caught my eye. I learned it was a popular restaurant and suggested it for dinner the night Bruce K and I were working to get "soused". La Bodeguita is a very well-regarded restaurant, but honestly, it isn't one of my favourite places. The quality of the food was excellent, but perhaps Cuban food just isn't for me. I struggled to find something that I wanted to eat (many of the dishes had ingredients I didn't care for), and since I am writing this review over a year later, I don't quite recall what I had (I thought I had made a note, taken a photo, or saved the receipt), but I am pretty sure it was an empanada. But what I do recall is that I didn't love what I had ordered. Also, the restaurant was pricey, and I didn't care for the wine menu. I would try the restaurant again, but for me, it's not a five star place. [Yelp collections: Louisville/Indianapolis 2023; Louisville, KY 2023]
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Leta B.

Yelp
1000 reviews, so what can I say that hasn't been said??? 1. Make reservations..... just stop what you're doing right now, and get those reservations. You don't need to have a special occasion.... Just dining at La Bodeguita de Mima IS your occasion!!!! 2. Look over the menu on their website before you go. There are so many delicious dishes, you may have difficulty deciding. 3. Share everything!!!! You will miss out if you don't taste as many things as possible!!! 4. Wear your dancing shoes!!!
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Laurel S.

Yelp
Wow! I would drive to Louisville just to come back here. It is quite busy and you should get reservations. We saw the tostones rellenos because we saw them go by and they were as delicious as they look. The mojito was delicious! After much debate, I got the arroz imperial. It was a lot of food but oh so good! My husband got the Cubano and was very happy! We didn't realize how big it this place was. We went out the back into another area where they had a lovely 3 piece band playing. Everyone was so nice and it was run like a well oiled machine.
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Kirstin W.

Yelp
Everything from the ambiance, the service, and food were amazing! Joshua was our server and he was great at suggesting different dishes and drinks! You won't go hungry or be disappointed when you leave! A definite jewel in the Louisville/Nulu area! Will be back!
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Henry S.

Yelp
This amazing restaurant doesn't need my review! They are packed every night. Starting with the drinks (mojito & Old Fashioned) followed by for the incredible appetizers ( croquetas, Cubanchos & Barquitos de Malanga). For the main dish try Ropa Vieja en Lata or the Angus Churrasco. For dessert don't miss the habano cake & the cafetera. Funny because I live in Miami and they told me that I would never find Cuban food as good as this. They were 100% correct. Louisville has the second largest Cuban population in the US so the Bodeguita does represent them proudly. Don't miss the typical decor and garden
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Roger R.

Yelp
Amazing, amazing, amazing! Got reservations and were seated upon arriving. Ordered water and a couple cervaza's. Had 2 salads that are a meal in themselves. Added chicken to one and pork to other. Ensalada Chévere & ensalada Cubana Masas de Puerco and Lechon Asada Appetizer Cubanchos and fried yucca The restaurant is decorated with eye catching designs and very lively Staff was extraordinary with helpful tips and service. Definitely a place to try! I know I will be back!
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Bridget B.

Yelp
A delicious dining experience! The ambiance of the restaurant was great, bright colors and decor. Staff were very friendly and professional. The only downside might be that walk-in dining seems limited. We were easily able to get a reservation for the evening earlier that same day, and were seated immediately even though we arrived about 20 minutes early. I'd highly recommend everything we had, and the servings were large.
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Annabel B.

Yelp
I love this place so much,the food is amazing and the service is excellent.Also is beautiful inside and the ambience brings you happiness.
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Lauren T.

Yelp
The ropa vieja wasn't overly shredded and was beautifully marinated--better than what I've had in Little Havana! The Cubano was thick, providing a great meat-to-bread ratio, and came as a generously sized sandwich cut into two pieces. The mustard had a slight sweetness in addition to its tanginess, which was a nice touch. They offer complimentary bread with two types of butter: garlic butter and guava butter. The guava butter was a new experience for me, but I loved it--it felt like a unique alternative to sweet cinnamon butter. The restaurant's bright yellow exterior was charming, while the interior, though much darker, was well-decorated and inviting.
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Allen A.

Yelp
Wow ! Amazing food and a fun atmosphere with live music. They had lots of gluten free options and we were blown away. Plantain chips are amazing here too. We will be back.
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Michael S.

Yelp
The service was absolutely fantastic! Our waitress was super attentive and friendly. And the food, as always, was incredible! I had the arroz imperial, and the chicken was cooked to perfection. The rice was also really flavorful. I'd recommend this place whether you're looking for a casual get together with family or even a dim lit date night with your significant other. A++
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Frank V.

Yelp
Went there twice in 4 days. The Cubano sandwich is the best I ever had. The drinks didn't disappoint SAVE ROOM for Dessert the chocolate cigar and Tres Leche cake was top notch
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Kristine H.

Yelp
This place is amazing! Vibrant, authentic Cuban atmosphere. You feel like you are in old Havana. Superb service from Naomi our waitress! All the food was outstanding from the ceviche appetizer to the churrasco to the cigar chocolate cake. That dessert was spectacular from presentation to taste. I've never had a dessert like that. What a memorable evening! Thank you so much. We will be back when we are in Louisville again!
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Chris C.

Yelp
Been here a bunch. Had some friends coming into town for derby, booked an 8:30 reservation on Oaks evening. Was told a month after we booked we needed to call and provide a credit card to hold our reservation (LOL, poor form) or else it would be cancelled. Didn't call, assume we were cancelled. Received a "no show" comment from open table this Sunday regarding our reservation. Figure it out. Do better. We won't be back.
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Kevin C.

Yelp
Dinner at La Bodeguita De Mima. I chumped out and ordered a salad. It was perfectly fine but just nowhere near the caliber of what The Mrs. ordered. Cubana sandwich with sweet potato fries. Pork cubanchos We ate at the bar (first come first serve). Be sure to make reservations if you expect a table. We were fortunate enough to get 2 seats only because we were early.
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Odalis G.

Yelp
This place stays busy. Food is wonderful and yummy and service has always been great.

Amanda W.

Yelp
What a hidden gem! This was hands-down our favorite place we ate at in Key West. The food was fresh, flavorful and I love sharing all the small plates. We had the tuna ceviche, barrada cheese, bruschetta, and the donut holes. The food was so good I only got one picture before we ate everything! The service was fantastic and we sat outside at the corner table on the patio. It was an absolutely perfect spot for an intimate brunch. I can't recommend the bottomless mimosas enough.
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Brittany B.

Yelp
We had an amazing experience here! The food and service was amazing. Really cool vibes, although can be a bit crowded and hectic (kind of adds to the vibe though lol). We loved it here!
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Kerri M.

Yelp
Underwhelmed by service and food. The place itself is cool. There seemed to be a disconnect with the waitress, discussing the menu there was just an awkward exchange. Tried to ask about 2 dishes and the waitress gave no clear explanation of what could and couldn't be done. Not sure how well versed she was on the dishes. Wanted to go here for a while but was not even good. Not sure what the deal is with the caliber of spots lately but all these great places must only be referring to the architecture and decor and not the service or food.
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Roya J.

Yelp
Please don't hate me, but I was skeptical about getting good Cuban food in Kentucky, especially since my experiences were in friends' homes and in Miami. But I was wrong; so wrong. Some slight variations from the truly authentic, but overall really, really good. Most of which, I'm guessing, was due to ingredients accessibility: Empanadas very good, barquitos de Malanga was excellent, dishes had great flavors and the mojitos were what a bit sweeter than what I've had the friends' homes, otherwise, the same. They have a dance line on the 1st floor that was sooooo fun!!! If your happened to be there jump in. Awesome server who told us to jump in. Super fun spot with great service and food:
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Sarah W.

Yelp
Our group of 10 had a 6 PM reservation for a Friday night and were seated at a lovely large oval table on the 2nd story. We all commented on how wonderful the table configuration was since it allowed us to be able to see each other. The noise level from the piped in music made it almost impossible at times to hear any conversation. The restaurant decor is beautiful. The waitstaff are wonderful. The food is some of the best that I have ever had. I started with a tropical watermelon mojito and it was delicious. My entree was Arroz Imperial and the plantains were caramelized and then warm goodness on the inside. The cheesy rice was flavorful and the chicken was tender, moist, and seasoned perfectly. I finished with a cafe Americano and it was smooth and a perfect finish to a terrific meal. We were all very pleased. In fact, we typically meet monthly for a special dinner outing, and several of us commented that we would be happy to return the following month to do this all over again instead of going to a different restaurant. A+ !!!