The Cuban

Ah maaaan, the music was so good but it’s crazy cramped on a busy night, which makes it impossible to get from one side of the bar to another side. The toilets are unbelievable, you have to leave the bad and walked up stairs which could only be described as a mountain to find 3 toilets only… Can’t see me coming back really.

I really enjoyed my experience today at this fine Cuban establishment. My friend and I came here for 2 for 1 cocktails and we had La Chica with tequila and some croquettes and sweet potato fries for nibbles. It was very tasty and reasonably priced. The atmosphere seemed fun and chill with people hanging out and drinking and Latin music playing in the background. I would absolutely come back here, particularly for their salsa nights.

I’m going to keep this one short and sweet as again I literally just popped in for a quick cocktail but don’t panic… I will be going back soon for food so expect a full comprehensive review very soon.
As you can probably tell I’m very excited to get back there very soon. Being half Spanish I really felt as though the venue was part of me from the moment I walked in. The venue itself is an old stable building converted into a very welcoming bar area. The cocktail menu was very comprehensive and had a great range, especially for rum based cocktails. The music was all perfect for the theme I was so tempted to jump up and dance, which actually brings me to another thing … There was an array of advertisements for live music nights, salsa nights and happy hour (that’s two for one on cocktails and a couple of select beers 5:30pm — 7pm Monday — Thursday for those interested).
I could talk for hours about how much I love this place but instead I would just strongly recommend you check it out, I promise you will not regret it, the drinks are great quality and great tasting (and that’s hard for someone who’s worked in bars for years to admit) and the atmosphere is great.

Having spent time in Cuba, my girl friends and I regularly meet up for ‘Cuba night’ where we bring food and reminisce about our amazing time away.
On this one occasion we decided to treat ourselves and give our kitchens a rest, so we headed to the Cuban in Camden.
My first impression was a good one. It’s a pretty cheesy place, and feels a little bit ‘basic’, but I think they captured something of the essence of Cuba; the colour, the noise, the smiles. It felt good and we were happy. The waitress was amazingly friendly and spoke to us in Spanish when we tried out our dondes. We were also entertained by people attempting to salsa on the dance floor, which was proper comedy. The only downside seemed to be the toilets, which were the most authentically Cuban part of the restaurant (ie absolutely disgusting) And possibly the non-​Cuban music, as we were expecting something more authentic to sing along to.
The drinks are somewhat pricey, but delicious. There’s such a great range of cocktails you don’t have to settle for the Cuba Libre. And get in before 7pm for 2for1 happy hour!
However, and this is a massive however, the food is awful. I mean really really bad. Aside from being the least authentic ‘Cuban’ food I’ve ever eaten, just calling it ‘food’ is also somewhat generous. They are missing the main staples of a Cuban menu; escalopes, cabbage salad, root veg mash. The rice&beans tasted like it was from a microwave bag and my chicken was like a tiny soggy rotisserie chicken from Tesco. The prices are way WAY too high, and it just felt a bit like a con.
Go for the atmosphere, go for the drinks, but DO NOT eat the food.

I came during club hours. Fortunately, they had margaritas and long island ice teas for this American girl! The margaritas are no where close in taste to the ones in America but nevertheless, are pretty good. The strawberry margarita was tarty and sweet with a thick consistency. Very tasty.
On the night I came here, it was five pounds to get in. I’m assuming the entrance fee changes depending on the event that’s going on.
They check ID’s. Even though the drinking age is 18, you have to be 21 or older to enter.
The club vibe was very upbeat. They played a variety of different music and upstairs they played Spanish and Hispanic music. This is by no means a high end club, but it’s not bad.

I have been to Cuban Camden few time in the past, however it was only to meet friends for quick drinks before a shows at Roundhouse… so I’ve never got a chance to taste their food. Therefore I was supper exited when I found ‘9tapas and sangria for two’ voucher on groupn. I use to had my favourite tapas place in Angel that unfortunately got closed down about 2 years ago and I haven’t been able to find similar place (offering same quality of food) ever since.
So I called up a friend and we went there on Friday night.
We were greeted but a lovely waitress that offered us a table either downstairs in a bar area or upstairs in the restaurant. The place is always very lively with quite loud music and people dancing, so we decided to seat upstairs in the restaurant… were is more quiet.
The order was take very quickly and while we were waiting for our food the waitress brought us jug of sangria to start with. As always… sangria was absolutely amazing. About 15 – 20 minutes later we got our food. And now… were should I start? The presentation of the food was great… however the taste and textures were rather disappointing. Plus the portions were much smaller compering to other tapas places I’ve been to… probably half the size what you are served usually.
So… Chorizo and chicken wings were over cooked. Croquettes were runny and lacking in flavour. Patatas bravas… really £6.50 for 8 – 10 potato cubes. meatballs and squid… yeah…ok.
The desert on the other hand was actually quite nice.
To summarise. If you are looking for great vibe place that you can have drinks/​cocktails with mates… cuban camden is must visit.
However if you are looking for unforgettable cuban tapas experience… hmmm…better go somewhere else.

If I could give this no stars, I would. Waitress was incredibly rude, taking over 45 minutes to bring us a pitcher of water. Then, after ordering sangria and not bringing glasses for another 20 minutes (it was her fault we missed happy hour prices), she brought us glasses with fresh hot-​pink lipstick prints, then after asking for new ones, we were yelled at. Horrible, horrible, horrible service. Would not recommend to anyone in the area. We ended up leaving and not even eating there, which is too bad because the food looked good.

The only thing Cuban about this place are the flags. The food is the farthest thing from even being remotely Cuban. We ordered a Cuban Sandwich which was prepared on Ciabata bread, missing key ingredients, and smothered in yellow cheese. The plantain chips were drenched in oil and soggy. A very misleading restaurant, and the food simply awful, unauthentic, and overpriced. Skip this place altogether and opt for the local ethnic food vendors throughout the stables.

My sister and I thought we would go all out, splash the cash and throw caution to the wind. So we bought a groupon… it boasted a might £61 saving and an amazing value of £80… this probably would have been the case had the cuban not completed scroodged us over with the portions and the sangria. The quality was not great, the staff were surly and even the atmosphere wasnt anything to write home about. I would avoid and put it down to be just another overpriced, Camden tourist trap… sad times…

Very good music, cannot fault it. But when there is free entry I advise going there when it’s warm or hot. Why? Because this place gets packed and you can’t dance, so when it’s hot the outdoor area is a very cool vibe.
Be sure you’re with patient friends as the bar service is slow. And I like my rum, so look at the top shelf as they literally keep the good stuff there.

The Cuban can be definitely praised for its music and Latin vibes after the restaurant upstairs closes. The music played while the restaurant operates is common pop etc. and the proper Cuban/​Latin rhythms start at around 9:30 — 10:00 pm.
I would definitely recommend it for a night full of dancing or having a themed party.
They must have read some of the reviews previously made here regarding the authenticity of the place as Cuban as to my pleasant surprise they now serve 3 kinds of bottled Cuban beer there and have a Cuban menu section as well.
The portions, taste and price though were somehow disappointing and I was glad not to be particularly hungry that night.
The big plus is it’s location in ever buzzing Camden Lock Market.

Just walking into the restaurant, the general feeling was just mediocre. Very crowded on a Saturday afternoon and nobody helped seat us so it took forever to get a table. We ended up getting the 6 tapas for £24, which is slightly expensive for what the food was worth. Granted, they were all appetizers but given the serving size of each, I don’t think it’s quite worth the money.
Also, it took them such a long time to give us the bill. It wasn’t even busy… I don’t understand.

If you’re looking for great latin music and don’t fancy going all the way into central then this is the place to go. I’ve been coming here about once a month for years and while the place can be usually full of tourists it is always a great night out.
Now I haven’t been to Cuba so I can’t comment on the authenticity of the place but I have been to other latin countries and this place captures the vibe and atmosphere completely. The music is great and on certain nights if you come early enough you can catch a really good live band. You don’t need to be able to dance salsa but if you’re willing to learn you can either go during the week to lessons and meet some like minded fun people or you ask someone there to give you a crash course in the basics.
The place isn’t cheap but compared to some other high end bars in Camden or central London it’s quite reasonable and won’t break the bank.
I’ve only eaten here a few times. The food is very good, perhaps a bit overpriced, and the restaurant has a very authentic rustic feel to it. I agree with some other reviews and wouldn’t call what they serve tapas so i’d stick to the main dishes if I were you.
If you’re just here for after work drinks, an early night starter or full on fiesta then The Cuban won’t disappoint. Take a few friends along, have a few coronas or mojitos, bust out the salsa moves and enjoy the latin vibe! Arriba!

There are a ton of places to grab a quick bite in the Camden Market area, but if you want to have a seat and rest your tired feet while enjoying good food, this place is worth seeking out.
I’ve been here twice out of several trips to Camden Market. I tend to get turned around and don’t even know exactly where this restaurant is! The first time I came here, I had some sort of pork dish that was absolutely amazing. Two years later, I return and try to remember exactly what I had, but who the heck knows? I ordered whatever pork item they had on the menu, but they were out. Instead I went with the salmon, and boy! Am I ever glad I did. It was amazeballs!
The salmon had a nice crunch to the outside from the glaze, and it was perfectly baked. The mashed potatoes were mouth watering and the roasted peppers were good enough to make a meal out of them alone.
I’ve never been to Cuba. I can’t speak to the ‘authenticity’ of their meal prep. Who the heck cares? Complaining about that is like me going into a Japanese restaurant and complaining that they serve California Rolls. Not the point. Is the food good at The Cuban? I can say that both my visits were pleasant and the food was delicious.

Great place in the center of the Camden Horse Stables marketplace. The décor and music make you feel like you’ve stepped into Little Havana or some part of South Miami. Great vibe with upbeat music, nice looooong bar stretched almost the length of the restaurant, and very nice large selection of rums and mixed drinks. Food was excellent, and was a nice change from the usual fare of meat and potatoes and pizza. Good drinks, fair prices, fast service, great ambiance. Check it out when in Camden.

I have to agree the with the last reviewer of The Cuban it was indeed a totally different experience to what I am reading below are saying.
Maybe because the of sultry warm sun shining thought the bar, a hint of Cubaness thought out. Bright colourful portraits, comfortable leather lounging areas and booths with rustic dark wooden tables, expose brick wall, beautiful arch windows and Cuba music lightly kissing the air.
I went for lunch in mid august a great influences of Portuguese and Caribbean cooking, I would 100 percent recommend for meat lovers Vientre Asado de cerdo translated HUGE!!! Roast belly pork with spicy chorizo, shallots & spinach, you’ll be amazed by how much you get for what you’re paying. I couldn’t finish my food so i was able to take my home which was i bonus… Now the drinks. Over a 100 rums.
I had to try the traditional mojito that was heavenly…
If you want just a little taste of Cuba, try The Cuban in Camden market two floor restaurant and bar.

Having been in Cuba twice I found the place not Cuban at all. No Cuban music. It does not look like a Cuban bar. Wines? What the hell? I have no idea about wines, but I was not surprised none of them were Cuban.
I asked if they had Cuban beer. No, no Cuban beer, shame as Cristal and Bucanero are quite nice. What is Cuban in this place? Rhum (but just the ones you can find everywhere else). Cocktails. And some overpriced food.
Don’t get me started with the tapas. Tapas? Portobello Mushroom? Does that sound like Cuban? Padron Peppers? Darling, that’s Galician and I can bet you there is nowhere in Cuba where to find them. Arancini? The menu says that’s Sicilian. Nachos and quesadillas? Everybody knows that’s Mexican.
Seriously, why calling it The Cuban when you can call it The Camden Canteen?

Sunday afternoon reprieve sought… failed
Patio looked like a nice place to cop a squat but was overflowing. A good indication of a place to be. You would think but you would be wrong. Coming inside for our pints, it was dead. 3 beers on tap and 1 was out. I guess you should come here for rum as their selection is noteworthy.
No one was eating at el Cuban. The eaters in the patio brought in theirs from other, more exciting establishments despite the signs suggesting against it.
The décor rocks and The Cuban could be a great nightspot with cranked salsa music, spicy Latin women and sweet, dark, sugarcane rum flowing smooth. As for noon, it’s a ghost town with 2 beers on tab and unfriendly bar staff. No gracias!

Was here about a month ago, stopped in randomly for lunch in the afternoon. It may be a fun bar at night, but the food was pretty bad. Smallest portions for tapas I’ve ever seen… the food hit the table and we were literally shocked. I think our calamari had 5 sad little rings… looked like cheap frozen food. Sadly, it tasted as bad as it looked. And for authenticity? I don’t reckon hummus is big in Cuba, but then I’ve never been. If Cuban food in the USA is anywhere close to authentic, this place was way way off mark.
Service was a little rough, but they were seriously understaffed. The waitress was trying, but way in over her head.
All in all this place felt like a tourist trap and we felt like suckers for buying «lunch» there.

Extremely average food. sometimes, even bad. The first time I had the paella which was just okay, same quality as the microwavable tesco ones. Second time, I ordered steak medium rare. it came well-​done with cold chips and dead salad. TERRIBLE! The staff is terrible as well. A horribly surly waitress that took forever to bring ANYTHING and wouldn’t admit any of her mistakes, just kept saying there were too many customers (the place was about 10% full, 5pm on a Wednesday night.) and finally had to get the manager to sort it out. Cocktails were overpriced and nothing special.
Really would NOT recommend. As an American, I value customer service and this place SUCKS HARDCORE at it. I wouldn’t go back here just on principle because they were so slow and rude. Take your business elsewhere, there are much better places to eat and drink in Camden/​Chalk farm!