So can I say sometimes I don’t always put things together when it comes to location. I am the one who needs needs their GPS! So when I was asked to go to Cuba Libre for brunch I had no idea that I had been there already. Last week I blogged about their drinks for Old City Eats Block Party. I had no idea they also have an amazing weekend brunch menu. So why should you stop in….
Well Cuba Libre’s food is absolutely amazing. I mean it taste so fresh and made to order. For my meat eaters, vegetarians, vegans, and pescatarians you are all on this menu. They have something for even the picky eaters as well as for my parent friends too!! Their kid menus have activities and a great selection to keep the Littles entertained while you enjoy a cocktail or two! The two floors of space makes for a great time. So let’s dive in:
Brunch especially for women is like a holiday within itself. It’s better than any other meal of the day. We love a good location, lighting for pictures, space, as well as amazing food so we can chit chat and catch up. It’s just an altogether amazing time. I got all of that and more at Cuba Libre! From the time I stepped in the door every last staff member treated me with love and like family. As always I peep restaurants out before they know who I am or why I’m there. It’s important for me to see how they are before they know I’m on assignment to get the essence of how they might treat followers. Trust me you are in good hands. I watched their interactions with all patrons and they were stellar. They were attentive and by far have a great serving rhythm! Trust me it’s important to know that before you head out!
The food was great. The waitress answered every question. When I brunch I always have at least one person who is picky and she was patient. She explained all of the options. Sometimes I ask questions because some places have people who don’t even know their own menu. She was on point and answered the questions thoroughly! I was impressed.
So they had passed the beginning phase. Let’s step into phase two and that’s food and that includes presentation, taste and temperature. Some restaurants mass make their food and once it gets to your table…it’s room temperature, but not at Cuba Libre. Everything was hot! Oh FYI we took so many pictures before we ate and the food was still hot! I like to make that equivalent to me and my girls talking and still being able to enjoy our food! They have a brunch special that is $22.95 which includes a small plate and large plate choice and an aqua Fresca. Here is an example:
Churros with chocolate sauce
Banana Quinoa waffle
Limonada-part of their aqua Fresca and amazingly fresh option for those who don’t drink alcohol
Above was probably the best combination that I could have picked. I picked this because this reflects what I would order. I couldn’t finish it. I had other items too but trust me it was outstanding. Knowing it was $22.95 was a great price too. I felt like I could keep control of my coins but eat well too.
Here are a few more items:
Pineapple guacamole cubano
Corn meal pancakes served with mango butter and dark rum molasses syrup
Trio sauces that comes with tropical chips-black bean hummus, roasted cauliflower hummus with curried onions, and Cuba Libre salsa
Homemade Latin pastries includes vegetarian options too!
Mango butter is a must ask must have must take home
I didn’t have to do one thing for these pictures either. The lighting is amazing! Also presentation is everything and they hit it on the marker! The taste was mind blowing! Also I are the banana quinoa waffles 2 days later and they heated up perfectly. You can’t say that about most places!
For my alcohol drinkers I love a great drink to taste. No lie just like I had it at the Old City Eats, they are strong! I hate seeing a great drink on a menu that doesn’t come to life when I drink it. Cuba Libre lives up to their rum bar name. Rum is an experience and I tried their Bloody Mary with their Cuban rum-they knocked it out the park!
I also always look for an alcoholic spritz or amazing sangria and Cuba Libre has a red, white or blue in their brunch beverage:
I didn’t have my kids with me this time because often times I go to places and explore before I take them but next time I go I definitely plan to take them and the husband with me. The staff handled other patrons children well. They understood to bring the kids food without even having to ask. Again all things that I look for when I’m out. We know kids can get restless but they have enough space to accommodate large crowds, kids included!
Here are a few extra tips and extras to assist you:
They open on Saturday and Sunday at 1030! If you are going for brunch especially with kids go when they open. Also parking is on the street which is metered. Go early to get parking almost in front of the restaurant. I had absolutely not one issue finding parking. There are at least 2 lots on the block too. Brunch is served until 2pm! Again I would stress going earlier in the brunch hours. You can pick the brunch menu or go alacarte as well. You will get more for your money choosing the brunch $22.95 options and from there choosing what you want from that menu. You won’t be disappointed at all!!
Look at the downstairs seating from my angle coming down she steps. It’s absolutely stunning:
Thank you to my girl, Cherryl of Phillyfoodgal for the invite. Thank you Cuba Libre and all of the staff for an amazing time and hospitality. I will definitely be back and this time bringing my fam bam back with me!
This is a great place to take a first date, day date, family time, time with friends, group brunch, and you can sit by a window and have some me time!! It’s a kid friendly restaurant as well as clean and has an amazing atmosphere!
Trust me you will leave full and smiling!
Make sure when you are in Philly and you’re thinking about brunch, place Cuba Libre at the top of the list!! They have you covered in price, quality, quantity, hospitality, and fun!
Cuba Libre Restaurant And Rum Bar is located 10 S. 2nd Street; Philadelphia PA
To make easy reservations do it here!
