La Bodeguita De Mima

Absolutely delicious! What a gem in Louisville. My friend has been to Cuba several times, and complimented the authenticity. Definitely plan to return and bring more people. I wish they'd open a restaurant in Nashville! Service was fine. Did not offer dessert only coffee. Did refill waters, and was very politely. I think more sales could have been made had server politely suggested features or house specialities! Again, exceptional. Loved the decor! Will return and recommend to all traveling through Louisville from farther south or friends around the US.

La Bodeguita De Mima is, simply put, electric. This is my second visit, and the atmosphere is consistently loud, lively, and overflowing with authentic Cuban spirit. Consider reservations mandatory, as this large venue is always packed—if you walk in, you’ll definitely be soaking up the energy on the sidewalk for a minute or two. I’ve previously enjoyed the relaxed, live-music setting of the back patio, but this time we were right in the heart of the action in the front dining area, which pulsed with infectious energy. We kicked off the evening with a pitcher of their famous Mojitos. They were perfectly balanced—minty, bright, and dangerously delicious, a little too easy to drink, perhaps!. For a starter, the Chicken Empanadas were a flawless choice. They were beautifully crisp and flaky, providing that satisfying textural contrast to the savory filling. Served with vibrant red and green dipping sauces, they were the perfect opening act to the meal. For my main course, I kept it classic and ordered the Cubano sandwich. It was pressed to perfection—melty, savory, and served alongside a generous portion of crisp, salty fried plantain chips. However, the real spectacle at our table was my friend’s dish (I regret not catching the name!). The entrée was cooked and presented in a sealed can, which the server dramatically opened right at the table. It sounds unusual, but the theatrical flair was matched only by the flavor of the dish itself, which was tender, rich, and deeply satisfying. Just as I remembered from my first visit, everything was excellent. La Bodeguita De Mima delivers on flavor, presentation, and an unforgettable Cuban vibe.

Fantastic every time. The cocktails are fun and the food is amazing! The service is top notch. Important note—get a reservation or you will have to wait. Both of their signature Cuban dishes are delicious, the Arroz Imperial is my go-to. Favorite appetizers are the Tostones Rellenos, very good and quite easily could be an entree. Another favorite is the mahi-mahi. We’ve always been too full to get dessert. The atmosphere is fun, we prefer to sit inside but there is outdoor seating in the back, sometimes live music. It’s a fun place and even better when you go on a day when they close down Market street for a festival. Park in AC Marriott next door and they’ll validate 3 hours. If Market Street is closed you can enter the garage from Billy Goat Strut Alley (seriously.

Amazing. Got the yucca fries, the second steak on the menu, and the special - octopus! It was so amazing and came charred in this creamy white sweet potato sauce. I’ve never had anything like it! This is the place to be in Louisville. Worth our trip down from Columbus Indiana for sure! The server was friendly and helpful too. We came at 6 on a Saturday, and waited around 45 min for a seat, at first they were gonna put us at a little table right next to the live music which was very loud and just not what we were going for, but when we asked they graciously moved us to an outdoor table at the front. Perfect view to see all the people coming in and out.

This place is a must. Every element was perfection. Outstanding service. Electric atmosphere, food presentation was gorgeous and so delicious. You have to go! The beef plantain nachos were amazing! I ordered a chimi churri style steak cooked perfectly. You feel like you are qcrually in Cuba and our waiter just immigrated to the US! Best meal I've had in sometime. Oh and don't forget to order the cigar desert!

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.

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 !!!!

When I tell you this is THE best cuban food I’ve ever had is an understatement (and I’m visiting from South Florida). The service, the drinks and the food were top notch. 20/10 recommend

Food is fantastic, service is friendly and such a great atmosphere. Be sure to get the chocolate cigar as it's a unique and great desert. Make this a stop while you are in Louisville. Well worth the time.

The absolute best Cuban around!! We drive 2.5 hours once a month to come here!! Haven't had a dish we haven't loved!! Can't go wrong!! BEST MOJITOS as well!!

The food is phenomenal! Drinks are top notch too! The waitresses are very knowledgeable on recommendations, too--top 10 best places I've ever tried across the country!

I am shocked that I am saying this. Truly I am. This is one of the best Cuban meals that I have ever eaten and I grew up eating Cuban food! I felt as if I was in a restaurant in Miami. Tropical plants and brightly colored walls everywhere and do not let the outside of this house deceive you. This is a large establishment. The place was completely packed with live music and this was on a Monday night! The servers were wonderful and gave us excellent suggestions. Everything that we ordered was out of bounds delicious. I forgot to take pictures of our entrees. We ordered chicken empanadas and fried yucca to start. It didn't last long! The mojitos were crisp and refreshing and came with sugar cane in each drink which was a great addition. We ordered the churrasco, pollo asado, and arroz imperial. I was extremely hesitant to share my pollo asado as this half chicken was sublime. The skin was golden, flavorful, and crunchy. The meat was juicy and it honestly did not need the gravy which was like a butter garlic but it kicked up that perfect chicken a few more notches. Black beans and rice were perfect and the plantains topped it off beautifully. The churrasco with chimichurri was out of this world. I didn't get to try the arroz imperial but the plate was clean. We were too full for dessert yet we ordered two types. The tres leches was amazing and then the presentation on the Havana de chocolate was a phenominal! No one would ever think to try a Cuban restaurant that is tucked away in Louisville, Kentucky. Miami should be shaking in its boots because this place doesn't mess around. They came to play!

I've been to this restaurant 3 times and each time it has been over the top in all the best ways. The music is loud and makes the whole place feel alive. The servers have all been friendly and stay on top of things. Everything I've had (or tried from my friends plates) has been delicious. Try the forbidden mojito!! Also, reservations are highly encouraged.

First time eating Cuban food. It was amazing!! We had the fried mahi and a pork plate. (I can't pronounce anything on the menu) Finished up with a Cuban cigar for dessert. The restaurant was beautifully decorated. Our waitress, Yaima, was helpful, energetic, and a true professional!! We will definitely be back!!

This place is amazing! There's a reason they have a zillion five star reviews. We visited here on a weekday for lunch and made reservations in advance, knowing how hard it can be to get a spot here. We ended up in a cozy room upstairs and quite frankly I think we would've been happy with any room in the house because it all felt so cozy and like you were in someone's kitchen. Our order included a chicken olive dish, Ropa Vieja, some of the fabulous complementary bread with two different types of butter. We especially loved the homemade guava butter and a dynamite Mojito with a sugarcane stick. It definitely took us back to our past visits to Cuba and Miami. The staff was very friendly and the overall experience was kid friendly. You can't beat their festive and vibrantly decorated location in the heart of NuLu, the space oozes Cuban vibes with moody lighting, a cozy interior and vibrantly painted exterior including a mural and old car. Dreaming about future visits already!

I cannot say enough great things about our experience! This place makes for a fun night! I also didn't realize how big this place was. They have several different seating areas. I loved that we got to be outside. The singer was amazing! There were two stages, one in the bar and one outside on the stage. Both were really good. Our food was served quickly and our server did a nice job helping us decide between a couple of things, including the dessert, which was so good! Mojitos are my favorite drinks and these were tasty! He also told us to stay for a couple minutes for the conga line. Highly recommend coming here!

I'm not even sure how I ended up here I'm from Florida, have lived in both Miami and Orlando, and I'm surrounded by amazing Cuban food all the time. Yet somehow, among the rolling hills of Kentucky and the intoxicating aroma of the Angel's Share, I found myself eating Cuban food again. Was it the worst meal I've ever had? No. The best? Also no. Would I go out of my way to come back? Probably not. We stopped in on a Saturday night while exploring the Bourbon Trail on a bit of a detour, but my family had visited earlier this year and wanted to return. The place was packed and parking was a challenge. Tip: you can park at the AC Marriott garage next door for free just ask your server for the secret word to yell into the pay box when you leave. The restaurant itself is vibrant and lively and a bit loud. There's seating upstairs and toward the back. The staff were all friendly, and a couple who seemed like the owners were walking around making sure everything ran smoothly. This place is pricey and when i compare it to the Cuban food i have had elsewhere for much less it makes it more challenging to like.. Our table tried the Cuban sandwich, croquetas, empanadas, palomilla steak, and the cigar-shaped chocolate dessert. Everything was decent, but the dessert was the star of the night. I'm a big fan of smoked flavors drinks, meats, you name it but I'd never had a smoked dessert before. The smokiness was intense, and I loved it! It would pair perfectly with a smoked old fashioned. If only they had one... Bottom line: Good if you're nearby and want Cuban food or celebrating, but not worth a special trip.

I was visiting during LDW from Chicago and did research on some restaurants to check out in Louisville. I was SO happy they have outdoor seating and allow dogs because I would've been so disappointed if I couldn't dine here. And oh my word, I was completely blown away! I could've shut my eyes and picked anything on the menu. We definitely over ordered. Everything was so flavorful and perfectly executed. I loved the live music, but our dogs started to get a bit overstimulated, so we ordered the Pescado Crujiente to-go, and wrapped up all the leftovers. The ambiance was such a vibe, fun, and friendly. We'd definitely come back if we're in town.

This restaurant is so good and fun! Indoor seating is romantic and beautiful. Outdoor seating is pretty. There is live entertainment on the patio. The music is so good! The tostadas on the appetizer menu are amazing and very large. I absolutely adore this restaurant!

Wow! Absolutely incredible food, service and atmosphere! This is absolutely a gem of a place!! Talk about feeling like you're in Cuba!! Live music and amazing food and drinks makes this a home run! Thank you to Rose for the amazing service!

I want to share that La Bodeguita de Mima is a must try in the heart of NULU district. My husband and I made a "spur of the moment" reservation the day before our 10th wedding anniversary since we were going on this mini vacay to downtown Louisville. This restaurant is bright and vibrant on the outside, and full of Cuban culture and heritage. We reserved for 4:30 PM on last Friday night and were seated upon arrival from a uber drop off right in front. Prior to getting out of Uber, the driver complimented the restaurant, stating he believes it's the #1 place to eat in The Lou. There is a grand staircase with railing to enter the front of the building. I did not see any wheelchair ramp in front, but I noticed there may be a ramp towards the exterior and back covered patio. Our seating was indoors on the first level, along a booth wall, with wooden chairs and benches with red cushions. It was pretty quiet at first because of the time of day and people getting off work but as we dined in, the restaurant certainly looked more full, lots of diners enjoying their cocktails and food. Great place for a family dinner. Celebratory meal such as a special anniversary, birthday, graduation party. This is a lovely environment for a group. We ordered the following: Drinks: Mango Mojito & One glass of Moscato for me, Cuban old-fashioned cocktails Food: Empanadas Cubanos (with chicken), Arroz Amarillo, Cubanchos with shredded beef, and a Shrimp soup. Dessert: we received a complimentary slice of Cuban Chocolate Cake It was all So delicious! Everything was savory, moist, filling. All of the above. I have never experienced a taste like the cubanchos before. They use plaintain crispy chips in place of tortillas for their take on nachos. Topped with your choice of meat, i selected the shredded beef. It has most of the things you find on nachos but these were 10 times better then your regular nachos. I would classify these as "next level" nachos. My favorite bite was the beef juices and good fats that pool towards the center of your Cubanchos platter. It prompted me to dig deeper so i could scoop and sop up all that deliciousness in one go. The weather on the first day of August couldn't have been more perfect. Sunny, low to mid 80s, a breeze, low humidity. It was pleasant enough to walk around NULU art district after dinner, if one would choose to explore. NULU district has other boutiques, shopping, restaurants, and street art everywhere. There are so many stunning murals to enjoy. Pro Tip: If you reserve 72 hours or more in advance, this restaurant offers an experience package for couples that includes being picked up in a vintage Chevy, fedoras, photoshoot, and dinner package, with drinks, all to help you celebrate the moment in true Cubano fashion.

Everything about my experience here was fabulous and I will totally be back! I came here for a business lunch with a colleague. The atmosphere is lively and fun. There is a vintage car outside the restaurant and they have been very intentional about the decor choices. The inside of the restaurant is colorful and fun. Such a cool place to eat. The service was amazing. Our server was kind and prompt and she knew the menu thoroughly. Her recommendations were fabulous. Now for the food! 5/5 all around. The bread to start comes with two types of cream cheese esque spreads and they are both amazing. One I think was cilantro lime maybe and the other was some sort of guava spread. Totally delicious. My colleague ordered the guava marinated salmon which he apparently gets every time he is there. He travels frequently and he said this is the best salmon he has ever had. It looked incredible. The dishes are presented beautifully. I decided on seafood as well and ordered the mahi mahi at the suggestion of my server. What a great choice! The fish was coated in a plantain crust that was hearty and filling and then dressed in pieces of avocado onion and a cilantro aioli with a lime vinaigrette. If you've had ceviche before, the avocado and onions tasted like they had soaked in a ceviche sauce and the aioli was a perfect compliment to the hearty crust and the dense fish. Bravo! This is one of the best seafood dishes I've ever had. The plátanos maduros on the side were amazing, they were cooked perfectly. The rice was good. My family is Cuban and so I always crave good Cuban food and this place does it very well. I would love to try their ropa vieja at some point along with their black beans as those are staples for my family. The food is incredible and I am already excited to come back!

The mojitos are a must! We tried a variety of dishes, overall good, though not spectacular. The Cuban sandwich was definitely a standout, while some of the beef dishes were a little dried out. It was extremely busy, but we loved the lively atmosphere. We'll definitely try again! Make a reservation as it fills up fast.

This place is hands down the best in the market area. If you visit Louisville you have to eat here. Great food and drinks. Best mojito you will have! Get a pitcher if you are with friends, it will save you money. The decor is so culturally beautiful. Service was excellent. We started with a pitcher of classic mojitos. Yum! I will say all portions are big so consider sharing. The ropa vieja and lechon asado was well seasoned and delectable. Nothing was too salty but it was a lot of food. I recommend reservations as it does get very busy! Can't wait to go back so we can eat here again!

I can't believe I've never reviewed the amazing place. The most authentic Cuban food I've has since being in Key West Florida. The food is always amazing. I've been over 10 times, the food Is consistent. The service is fast and courteous. There are always suggestions and they are amazing at explaining the food choices. When you walk in, it feels like home. In a house, there are remnants of a true Cuban home. It's a must eat, must visit. It's perfect for a group or solo date.

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.

Bartender did not hesitate when I asked for a rec between the Forbidden Mojoto and something else. Easily one the best mojitos I've had, period.

Great atmosphere, fast service. We walked in right as they opened, was seated immediately, and our server was at our table, all within a minute of walking through the door, during a Friday lunch hour. Food was flavorful and presentation was pleasant. We ate what our server recommended and were not disappointed. Look at the portion sizes!! Bring your appetite!

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)

Two times I've been here and both times were fantastic. Get the Vaca Frita or the Bistec a la palomilla... and a mojito - any flavor... can't go wrong trying the canchanchara either. It's a boisterous atmosphere with great, fresh and different food. The most incredibly fun interior and service in NuLu. On the pricey end but worth it for a fun date night... not sure a group could have a good conversation in there.

Was just walking down the street looking for a bar and stumbled upon La Bodeguita de Mima from all the music coming from it. BEST decision ever. The Tres Leches Cake was UNREAL. Vibes were immaculate and lively. There was a live trumpeter and singer, which added to it. There was a waitress that came up and sang a few songs too - and she killed it. If you're looking for a good night out with a great menu, ambiance and drinks, THIS is a MUST!

Always a fun vibe but a bit loud so hard to hold conversations across the table. Service was efficient. Food is always delicious. You can never go wrong with ropa vieja. Some may need to get over the thought when the presentation of opening a can reminds them of feeding their pets..... Be clear- you do not want to miss this if you like stews (beef bourguignon, Guinness beef stews, beef rendeng, goulash...) - this is a classic Cuban dish and very flavorful.

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

My mother and I had a wonderful experience here two nights ago! This was my first time dining here, and I highly recommend! It was lively - but not overwhelmingly so - and very upbeat. The food was excellent and for adventurous eaters, a lot to choose from. For less adventurous eaters like myself, I was able to try something a little outside of the norm, and it was delicious. The service was excellent as well, our server was attentive and gave recommendations (when asked - they were not unsolicited) that we both loved! This is an excellent spot for an extremely tasty meal in a vibrant restaurant.

In town for a team meeting and we gathered here for dinner! The place is so cute and well designed! It has indoor and outdoor seating to choose from. The food was great and I love a good shrimp option which did not disappoint.

We came here on a Saturday evening around 6:00. We didn't have a reservation, but our party of 5 got sat within 45 minutes. The ambiance is unmatched. I really enjoyed the decor and the dark lighting. The food was impeccable. We all ordered appetizers, a variety of mains, and a dessert. We also had a few cocktails... the pineapple mojito was delicious!! The service was wonderful. Our server went above and beyond to make us feel like we were having dinner in his home as family. It was so great.

This Cuban gem has everything going for it, and is a MUST visit if in Louisville! Creative dishes, gorgeous rooms for seating inside, a lovely landscaped courtyard outside. Our waiter was also bartending, and was still very attentive and kind. You can't go wrong here, nomatter if going for a nice dinner out or a couple of cocktails!

SO good! What a fun and delicious experience. As a Cuban, I'm always looking for homemade Cuban food and this restaurant was a wonderful surprise during a trip to Louisvillle. Had no idea that there were Cubans in this part of the U.S. :) The mojito was great, and the bread that starts the meal was SO good. Great service -- the staff goes above and beyond. We were incredibly impressed with the way the whole establishment is run.

Had a FANTASTIC time here for dinner! I loved the ambiance of the restaurant - very lively and fun for a get together. The food was amazing, the masas de puerco was so good - perfectly crispy on the outside with great flavor. Their drinks were also very tasty (I heard the mojito is delicious and deceptively strong). Our server was helpful and came around just enough.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

We arrived at 7pm. We didn't make a reservation because there wasn't a link available on Google maps; however, we did realize when we arrived that they do have a waitlist option through open table. I recommend getting on that before you arrive otherwise they do not care to get you seated. Surprisingly, we waited an hour and 13 minutes before they seated us. I do not recommend this. We were seated at a table for six and there were three of us. The bread that was placed on our table was warm but hard as a rock to cut. I had to stab it with the butter knife to get through. We started with the empanadas cubanas. They were delicious. The pastry was perfectly cooked. They were hot and stuffed with beef. It was also moist on the inside and not dry at all which was pleasant. I got the Pollo Asado and my partner got the Ropa Vieja en Lata. The ropa vieja en lata was delicious. The braised short rib was seasoned great. Do not judge the presentation of how they bring it to you because it was definitely a presentation. The black beans were great. They were a meal on their own and didn't need any dish alongside it to taste well. The Pollo Asado was good; however the chicken was a little dry. There was a delicious gravy that was presented with the food, but it wasn't enough to overcome the dryness of the chicken. The rice and plantains were great. The gravy actually made the rice more tasty as well. Our server was great and very attentive. Be prepared for a loud dinner experience.

Went to La bodeguita with a couple of my friends the other night. This place has such a fun Cuban feel! We walked inside and were immediately surrounded by great music and great vibes. We shared a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc which was very reasonably priced. They also brought out some complimentary bread with a savory cilantro garlic butter and a sweeter guava butter which both paired well. For my main, I had the Enchilado de Camarones. I've had garlic shrimp a couple times before, but I loved the tomato sauce with the shrimp! I liked the rice that came with it and the plaintains were good but a little dry. I didn't get a chance to try my friends' food but I did get a couple notes - the garlic shrimp was extremely garlicky (could be a good or bad thing depending on your preferences) and the pollo al mojo was heavy on the onion and could have used some more chicken. The service was ok for a busy weekend night, but it did take a minute to get our check.

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.

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.

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!

The food is delicious and flavorful, lemon, garlic, cilantro, herbs, butter, great seafood, outstanding rice, mojitos, havana punch. My friend thought the servers and busser were very cute in their rolled up sleeves and hats.

All the food was top notch and the drinks were great. Would absolutely go back next time we're in the area. A can't miss restaurant.

I have no idea what it's like to eat or drink here. What I do know is that on a Saturday night when Market Street was blocked off for some kind of party, nobody at the restaurant thought to notify us or tell us where to park to get there. And when I called, they were completely unhelpful. There are plenty of well-run places to eat that are run by people with brains. This isn't one of them.

We visited La Bodeguita de Mima as tourists from Tennessee to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary while vacationing with our three kids (ages 16, 13, and 12). My husband made a reservation for 5 through OpenTable for 8:45 PM, and from the moment we arrived, we were blown away. The building is stunning--bright yellow with brass lions out front--and inside, we were greeted by live music, conga drums, and a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. We were seated upstairs past crystal chandeliers, heartfelt wall messages, and unique Cuban memorabilia. Our red leather booth made us feel like royalty! Our server, Raniel, was phenomenal--attentive, friendly, fast, and knowledgeable. We ordered a variety: empanadas, barquitos de malanga, sopa de pollo, pollo asado, picanha, pollo al mojo, and churrasco, all served with rice, beans, maduros, and Cuban bread with cilantro and guava butter. Everything was hot, fresh, and packed with flavor. Dessert was a showstopper: a chocolate cigar and coffee ice cream served in a smoke-filled Cuban cigar case--incredible presentation and taste! Raniel also surprised us with a complimentary chocolate domino cake topped with an edible orchid and mint sprig. This dinner was unforgettable. The service, food, and ambiance were beyond amazing. La Bodeguita de Mima made our anniversary so special--thank you!

This is my favorite place to eat in Louisville. They get a little weird if you don't have a reservation, so I recommend making one ahead of time. The entrees are pretty substantial, so if you can't stomach a lot of food, I recommend skipping the appetizer. The beans and rice are amazing! Perfectly cooked and so flavorful. The Arroz Imperial entree is my favorite. The rice, the chicken, and all the flavors go together so well! The Picanha steak is my least favorite thing I've had there because the meat was chewy. But then, they did serve it to me really rare, so they took it back and threw the slices back on the grill, instead of giving me a new steak cooked to medium rare. The only reason I'm not giving them 5 stars is that the service is a bit uncomfortable and rushed. Like when I was there for my birthday, we were there to relax and have a good time. They served everything so fast, our table was full of food, and then they kept checking to see if we were done. But the food is SO good, we will keep coming back. Next time, there will be no appetizers so I have enough room to try one of their desserts!!!

¡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.

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.

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!