Mima's Taste Of Cuba

Visiting from Indianapolis for business, I spotted this place while walking my dog and snapped a photo so I wouldn’t forget to try it—and I’m so glad I did! I ordered the Jibarito (Cuban style) and a Beef Empanada with garlic sauce—both were amazing. The plantains were grilled to perfection, the meat was juicy and flavorful, and the empanada was crispy, packed full of beef, and perfectly cooked. If you’re in Irving Park, this is a must-try spot—and even if you’re not, it’s worth the drive!

I had the Oxtails..sweet plantains.. beans & rice ..salad .. Guava banana puddin.. tres Leche cake.. the Con Leche & Contadito coffees ..Everything was Great ..the Oxtails are only on Wednesday and they sell out fast and they are very good ..the plantains were sweet but just right .. the tres Leche was very good..the banana pudin was good .. The coffees were both mild and just ok ... OQ

Food so stupidly good we took a bite and rolled our eyes. We had the chicken and a chorizo & plantain empanada (YUM - the chicken was so good), a regular cuban (delicious and so fairly priced), the glazed guava shrimp (apparently a 10/10) and the pica kos bowl which was so moist and well seasoned. Music was great and the perfect volume, staff were attentive, food came piping hot. We’re new to the neighborhood and can’t wait to come back.

Mima’s Taste of Cuba captures the warmth, flavor, and soul of true Cuban home cooking. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere feels welcoming and filled with rich aromas that immediately spark your appetite. Every dish tastes like it was prepared with care—slow-cooked, perfectly seasoned, and rooted in tradition. The classics shine here: the ropa vieja is tender and savory, the roasted pork melts in your mouth, and the Cuban sandwiches are pressed to perfection with that ideal balance of crunch and flavor. The sides—sweet plantains, black beans, and fragrant rice—bring everything together beautifully. What truly elevates Mima’s to five-star status is the heart behind the food. The staff treats you like family, and every plate feels like a heartfelt tribute to authentic Cuban cuisine. Mima’s Taste of Cuba is a must-visit for anyone who loves comforting dishes served with genuine warmth and pride.

The atmosphere and decor was rhe cutest. Service was fast and staff was kind and helpful. The chicarron with trifongo was delicious. Everything was delicious. They an adorable outdoor patio. Drinks were delicious.

Just wow…there’s no processed food here and the flavors are AMAZING!!! I’ve been here before but it’s really become spectacular and the portions are excellent. The shrimp empanadas were fire and the lechon on point!!!.

1st timer here. I was impressed. The food was delicious. I had the Jibarito, yuca, and an empanada. The gentleman that waited on us was very friendly and good to talk to. He was very attentive and polite and made some great recommendations. I would definitely go back and try more of their food, no doubt.

Mimas has the best Jibarito I’ve ever tasted. Will always come here for any of my Cuban food desires since it’s a hit every time. They even have small events with DJS here! Talk about an atmosphere, Mimas is really the go to summer spot with the outdoor seating and happy vibes all around. Highly Recommend!!!!

Best ropa vieja I've ever had - bar none! It came in a cute little caldero and was packed with flavors. The kids had empanadas with cheese and it came with guava dip/salsa. My wife got the pica kos bowl and it hit the spot! We both had sangria which completed the vibe. The maduros and tostones were perfectly made. Highly recommend!!

Great little spot for Cuban cafes and cocktails, but also has a good selection of sandwiches too. The real star of the show are the empanadas, particularly the beef ones. One of the better empanadas you'll find in the city, albeit they can be on the oily side. The chorizo and cheese one was a little disappointing too, I'd stay away from that one, the chorizo didn't taste right. Service was super fast too! Our server was cordial and really helpful. Super affordable prices too. We were out on the patio and it was beautiful, be warned that it can be noisy sometimes when it's busy, and how it's right next to Irivng Park Road too. I'll definitely be back again to try their sandwiches.

Mimas is such a cheerful little place with fruity and fun drinks with a variety of Cuban street food and dinner options. I got the steak Jibarito and a friend got the ropa vieja. The plantains were a bit dry but the meat was juicy and flavorful. My friend loved her stew. Service is friendly and mostly attentive. Wish there was more indoor seating though the outdoor 80's island pink theme is so cute and ultimately makes Mimas a great place to spend a summer evening.

Such a vibrant spot to grab some delicious cuban food. I can tell this place gets busy in the summer because they have a decent patio size outside. Came here for CRW '24 and honestly the lunch menu is a steal. You get 3 courses + a cocktail/beer of your choice. The beef empanada was so good - and they give you 2! I was only expecting to get one. I then chose the lechon jibarito with a side of rice & beans and the serving was basically full size, there was no way I was ganna finish everything. The jibarito was good but I've had better. I should've gotten the cubano instead. For dessert, I got the coconut flan which was light and refreshing. Overall I would stop by again for takeout maybe. The music inside was blasting, making it hard for people to talk to each other. Also my server could've at least cracked a smile but maybe he was just having a bad day. He also forgot my cocktail but I let it slide.

Tried this place for lunch today. The exterior of the restaurant is bright and colorful! Very eye catching. They have outdoor seating which is great for summertime Chi weather! The staff was very attentive and didn't keep us waiting for anything. We ordered shrimp empanadas to start, they were well seasoned and delicious! I ordered a chicken jibarito for my meal, the chicken was juicy and flavorful, toppings were fresh, and the plantains were cooked perfectly. I enjoyed the meal very much! My friend ordered the steak sandwich and also said it was delicious. We ordered mango mezcal, my daughter didn't care for the flavor of the mezcal, it was ok but yea the combination wasn't what I'd prefer. But overall a great meal, great ambiance and great service! Would definitely recommend and will return!

First visit to Mima's. Was seated quickly on the outside patio on this cool summer evening. Very friendly staff and cool vibe. We started with empanadas, one chicken and one beef. Both were very delicious. My wife got the steak jibarito which she said was really good. I got the Pan de Bistec. The steak was well seasoned and delicious. The bread was pillowy soft and not overly crisp. Just right. We also shared the rice and beans and maduros. Both were excellent. We will definitely be back to try the Cuban sandwich and Ropa vieja.

I don't know if it's in our best interest to review a place where we always want to find a seat but here goes. We love the empanadas and the sangria. It's very authentic, fresh, and fun. The service is great.

My sister is a new grandma and she goes by the name "Mima" so of course we had to check out this restaurant! I had the Shrimp Jibarito and Papa Fritas. Everything was delicious! Kinda messy but in a good way. I also tried the beans and rice. Seasoned very well. The mural is dope! I didn't take much pictures of it because other patrons have already plus I was mostly focused on eating. This makes me want to visit Cuba and see all it has to offer.

I have passed this place up so many times, I finally decided to try it out...I'm glad I did!! This place has amazing ropa vieja, tostones & really good mojitos ! They have a really nice patio that is even lit up at night which makes for a great ambience for a late night drink...like their passion fruit mojitos! Interior of restaurant is very lively with bright colors and great music that reminds you of the Caribbean...They also have a cool mural outside that wasn't quite finished yet...I would definitely recommend trying this place out!

Food was INCREDIBLE! I haven't had Cuban food in so long. The servers were very nice and friendly, explained everything to me. We went for restaurant week and they had a very nice selection for $25. Their sangria is some of the best I have ever had. The chicken and bedf empanadas were incredible. The steak jibarito was amazing as well. I don't like the cheese they use so next time I'm going to ask for no cheese. But I will be back. Their food is amazing!

The food was AMAZING. Wish they would've mentioned the extra fee on credit card purchases but wasn't informed until after I was charged.

This was my first time at the establishment. The food was excellent. I had a cuban sandwich and two beef empanadas, and all was wonderfully flavourful. I had to stop myself from ordering more. The service was great. An indoor/outdoor eatery. I will definitely return more often . There goes my waistline.

I've been eyeballing this place for about two weeks now and finally had the opportunity to go last weekend. It's a small spot but it's hard to mias due to colorful exterior and interior. Having been to Miami I can say with confidence that it gives off the vibe. Water was brought to the table right away (which ya'll know I appreciate EVERY time) I had been studying the menu so I knew right away what I wanted. I ordered the beef empanadas for starters , a Henny Passion fruit (literally Hennessy and passion fruit juice ) the Cuban sandwich and a steak jibarito. The flavors in everything was absolutely delicious. The empanada won my heart though. The pastry was so well made and stuffed to the brim but not spilling out. The flavors were so deep in rich and I honestly could've just had a few of those and called it a day lol. I got super full really fast. The Cuban was really good. The pork is definitely fresh. I would've liked more mustard and pickles but the flavors were on point. The jibarito also had my #1 vote next to the empanadas. I have no words for how well all the components of this sandwich worked. My total came out to be 44.03. I'm ready to go back when the sun is shining so I can sit outside and sip on something else delicious! Thank you guys for a wonderful dining experience!

Probably the best empanadas I've ever had. Super stuffed and full of meat. Service was good and drinks were good as well! Very chill relaxing environment will definitely be coming back

Food was decent, can't complain. Prices were good and the service was good as well. So, why 3 stars? Well they charged us 2 or 3% on top of our bill...without telling us. Likely due to paying with a card. Won't be coming back here. I value honesty and transparency heavily in my reviews. And when you leave out the fact that you're going to charge me more than what I purchased without telling me... that's not a good practice. Won't be back here.

Great service and the food is authentic and delicious. Might be my favorite Cuban place around!

Food was delicious. Everything came out fast & fresh. The chicken empanadas came out with a dipping sauce that was so tasty. My cocktails were so refreshing and yummy. The shrimp jibarito tasted so authentic paired with black beans & rice the perfect combination.

My first time here, and was so great overall. Service was stellar. Patio was cute. Ordered Empanadas, ham crochets and the Cubano jibarito. Everything tasty. Jibarito greasy on bottom but the pulled pork and ham made up for it. The drinks were so strong had me sideways. I think I had a Mojito and then tropical rose slushy.

They always say the "hole in the wall" restaurants have the best food. Well.. this isn't quite that but def has the best food! You ever go to a place and before even finishing your food you get excited about coming back? If you haven't, go here so that you can experience it! Everything we had here was delicious. From the cortadito to the empanadas to the ropa vieja. Their patio is super cute and made us feel as if we are on a vacation in tropical paradise.

Always a great sandwich. All of them. Excited to hear that breakfast is starting on November 3rd! Empanadas & Cuban coffee at 7am

A solid, solid meal. Nothing I've ever ordered has left me unsatisfied. Prices are reasonable to the pirtions, and that's also why they're my go to for espresso (Cuban coffee.) The restaurant itself is a fun hangout in warm weather (you'll get your full share of bling bros and pretty chicas hanging out, aling with good music and outdoor seating.)

Ended up here accidentally. We actually wanted to visit the place across the street, but they didn't have a patio open. Since day was sunny we wanted to sit outside and this place has patio. It doesn't look special. Cuba style, not fancy. A waitress was one cute, pregnant woman. We ordered some cuban coffee (very sweet, in my opinion perfect) and the waitress recommended jibarito. I have never tried jibarito before. After the first bite it became one of my favourite dishes! It is soooo good! So savoury! Delicious! Have to mention that I took jibarito with shrimps. I guess that these with meat are even better! I am gonna come back and try some other kind of jibarito! Highly recommend!

Food was delicious, very well seasoned. Service was nice, owners checked on you. Atmosphere had good vibes. Ordered Steak Jibarito, Skirt steak dinner (added shrimp) which was a little salty. & apps such as chicken & beef empanadas. Everything was good especially the empanadas, black beans and white rice. They also make cocktails.

We checked out mima's on a Saturday for lunch and omg it was delicious. My favorite was the steak jibarito. The steak was cooked perfectly and had lots of flavor. We also had the lechon asado and an iced cafe con leche. The place is pretty small and designed beautifully with lots of murals. The service was fast and the staff are very friendly. The place was packed at 1130am so you know it's good! Lots of culture here and I absolutely love it

Went here for the first time and I'd definitely go back. We had some empanadas and a couple different sandwiches. Empanadas were delicious. The Cuban sandwich was really good also. I'd say get the steak sandwich as we enjoyed that sandwich the most. I was told the try the Porkchop with rice and beans.

Friendly service, festive atmosphere. Food was simple and delicious. Reasonably priced. The margarita was kinda disappointing, not made with any pizzaz and not the best tasting. They do blast the music in a pretty small space so if youre sensitive to volume might not appreciate that.

Excellent Cuban Restaurant! I've never had Cuban food before coming here, but was pleasantly surprised trying the Jibaritos. We ordered the Steak and the Lechon Jibarito! Both were delicious, but the Lechon one was extremely juicy and well cooked. The house mojo sauce had a garlic/vinegar taste that just made the sandwiches that much more delicious. Highly recommend! The service was also wonderful. They were friendly and always checking in with us if we needed something. Music was playing in the background at a good volume and added to the fun, chill vibes of the restaurant. Would definitely come back.

Food and service were 10/10. Food was fresh, not too salty, not too much garlic (jibarito breath anyone!?) and the ambiance is nice enough for a casual date and relaxed enough to bring your kids to. Speaking of kids, I appreciate the kids menu items and the price associated with them. Just go...you will not be dissatisfied .

Jamie and Billy are great owners and hosts. Only tried the Ropa Vieja and the Jibarito but both were delicious, savory and plentiful. I only wish my stomach had room for the Empanadas and other specialties. Will definitely visit again, especially when I can enjoy some spirits and food on their patio on a warm summer night.

First time here and definitely won't be the last. It was a long drive as we live near Midway Airport, but it was worth the drive. My husband had Ropa Vieja, which comes with white rice, black beans and your choice of tostones or maduros. He loved it so much that gave me some ropa vieja with rice and beans and I loved it. I ordered a steak jibarito and didn't finish it because it was huge and my hubby had shared his plate, but glad I have leftovers for tomorrow! I only took a picture of my dish as I was too busy enjoying my husband's food that I forgot to take a picture of his plate! We're definitely coming back soon! I also ordered a Cuban sandwich to take home to my daughter, I'm sure it'll be delicious too! The cafe con leche is delicious too!

Amazing Cuban Food! Very authentic and delicious. I recommend: - Beef Empanadas - Steak Jibarito - Lechon Jibarito - Fries (they are really nice and crispy) They have great service also! Just be patient because they get really busy.

If you are craving a trip to Miami but stuck in Chicago, this is THE SPOT! As our wonderful waitress Fabi said, it's "Chi-ami". Such a charming colorful spot serving up authentic Cuban dishes. There is an awesome outdoor seating area as well for some al fresco dining. Ordered a Cuban Jibarito which is a Cuban sandwich with fried plantains in place of bread. Delicious!!!!! And they are not chintzy with the stuffing, lots of delicious shredded pork piled high. Also ordered some croquetas and yuca frita which were both delicious. As stuffed as I was after that feast, I had to top off the meal with a Cuban iced coffee. Yummy! Service was incredible, definitely a family feel, ask for Fabiola, and you will be treated as family. She gave wonderful recommendations and handled issues smoothly (their fryer broke the night we visited). Mima's was my last meal before going into labor with my son and as I was in the hospital, I was eager to come home and eat my leftovers . Can't wait to get back there soon!

Recommend: Pan de Bistec sándwich Indoor & outdoor seating table seating & bare seating Very colorful & beautifully decorated. I didn't feel like I was in a Chicago winter as soon as I walked in. The food is delicious & tastes so fresh. The cafe con leche was also really delicious and exactly what makes a cold Chicago day better. 2 single occupancy restrooms

My Goto Cuban Restaurant. Good beef & Shrimp empanadas. Nice outdoor space. attentive waitresses. Had the Pollo sandwich and the pica Kos Bowl. Both were delicious.

The food was delicious and the staff was really kind. Would likely go back for a jabarito.

Love everything about this spot! The cultural aesthetics, Cuban vibes, food, music, and service. This spot was super busy on a Tuesday evening at 7pm and we wanted to check out the patio which was pretty full. The servers were super prompt and friendly. We sat at the barside window without a problem and ordered our food right away. We ordered the beef empanadas, ropa vieja, Mom's jibaritos, maduros, and Mango pina colada. Everything was delicious especially the beef empanada and the jibaritos! Can't wait to come back!

The food, the ambiance and the service was outstanding. We had their empanadas de carne & camarón , their ropa vieja & lechón dishes = Delicious

The food was excellent. Can't wait to go back in the summer and sit outside. The steak was seasoned very well, the croquettes were very crispy, and the Cuban sandwich was so flavorful.

Service was TERRIBLE. Staff looked like they rolled out of bed wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Then they sat on their cell phones whilst I had a drink at their bar waiting for my take out. Clearly there was a soccer match or game going on in the kitchen because bartender made my drink and ran to the kitchen in a hurried frenzy. I sat alone with 2 waiters clearly playing a game on their phones. I love cuba and was excited to find this gem in lakeview but I think I'll pass on this place. Stopped by on a Tuesday at 6pm after work.

I've eaten here and had takeout from here. I love that the food is made fresh to order! Never had an issue with cold fries. I love the Steak Sandwiches! Pro tip get the fried egg with it for breakfast. Empanadas are also pretty good. It's nice supporting a place that isn't a huge chain. Shop, eat, drink local.

This is a small cute cafe with inside and outside seating. The food is excellent. I love getting food from here. We had the best fried yucca. The Lechon Asado is delicious. They give generous portions here. The cost is very reasonable. Have eaten here many times. Tostones , Croquetas and maduros are excellent. Haven't tried drinks yet but will soon. Don't stop being great neighborhood treasure.

We ate lunch at Mina's yesterday and it was amazing. There were 4 of us and we ordered empanadas and croquettes for appetizers. We then ordered a Cuban sandwich, Ropa Vieja, Grilled Chicken and Lechon Asado. All we amazing. To drink we had 4 Cafe con Leche. Best I've ever tasted. We will definitely return. 5 Stars

A colorful n vibrant spot right near Horner park, the cuban sandwiches are bomb and so are there chicken and shrimp empanadas. Light and Crispy but fried right food came out quickly and we passed the time vibin' to there latin club mix.

Everything was great. Their iced! Cafe con leche on point ! Their food was also great, those crab and little details just made it so much better.

The Cuban food here is the best in Chicago. The Jibaritos (beef, pork, cubano) are hard to beat. This is my latest go-to!

The colors of Mima's caught my eye on Irving Park and jibaritos are a nice change of pace for a sandwich so came here for a nice lunch after a game of tennis (not far from Horner and McFetridge Park). There's a small lot you can park in, but street parking was good. Anyway, they have a nice outdoor area, the tops are covered so in case of rain, you can be shielded and it's an overall charming atmospthere. Service was friendly and homey. Their drinks list was intriguing and sounded good, but just wanted to get some food. Definitely get their Yuca fries - those were perfect crispy and tender on the inside. Their regular fries looked really good too. The garlicky vinegar sauce, I think is mojo, is nice and strong! Jibaritos were good too, not too greasy either. Nice local place, they also offer coffee and other entrees too. Good place, service, food!

I had the opportunity to stop in to enjoy the beautiful weather we are having in Chicago. I had a seat outside where the server immediately took care of me. The service here is beyond excellent. I ordered the lobster tail and Cuban house Salad. The lobster tail was cooked to perfection and was extremely fresh. I am beyond impressed on how flavorful and fresh the lobster was. Highly recommend ordering it off their menu. The house salad was super fresh and jammed pack with flavored. I had the Guava Getaway as a cocktail and ask for Rum instead in Tito's and it was super delicious. If you looking for a great patio to enjoy an amazing meal this is the place to go. Tips, Parking is street parking If you have a large party call ahead Bring sunscreen if you are enjoying it outside the sun is amazing and shines beautifully on their patio!

Delicious food that comes fairly quickly. I had the Lechon sandwich and finally had a soft, juicy, and flavored well Lechon. The beef empanada was also tasty and ordered more selections but only a few came out which we made sure were removed from our check. The mescal drink was just okay. I would've enjoyed my time if the waiter had recommendations or if an entire bachelor party wasn't sitting next to us. Definitely not the restaurant's fault and will be back with hopefully a better ambiance. SUPPORT LOCALLY.

A fun little spot with nice outdoor seating. The tropical cocktails were perfect for a hot summer afternoon. The Cuban sandwich was just okay, but the empanadas were outstanding. Next time, I'll skip the entree and just get a big pile of those delicious empanadas and the herbal aioli that comes with them. Friendly service too.