Cafecito is my second favorite Cuban restaurant in Manhattan, that is after Havana Alma de Cuba.
It is particularly special to me because my husband and I had many dates here while we were still dating one another. And now Cafecito is one of our favorite Manhattan spots… at least that is “one” thing we both can agree on. 🙂
We both love Latin food, their women & HOT men, and them margaritas, and these guys surely know good food.
Although I don't venture much into the East Village, just for Cafecito, I'll do it.
LOCATION:
185 Avenue C #1
New York, NY 10009
(East Village)
MENU: Cafecito Menu
COST: $$
CUISINE: Cuban
RECOMMENDED TO: Bar Scene, Casual Dining, Couples, Small Groups.
AMBIENCE: Casual/Cozy/Warm
MY REVIEW:
We each started with a drink. My husband went for a Cafecito Mojito which is the usual classic mojito with muddled mint leaves, rum, and lime. Refreshing and crisp, but a tad bit on the strong side.
I went for the Mango Margarita which was succulent and smooth. I was ready to PARTAY after just 1 drink.
For appetizers, we ordered a trio of Empanadas – a choice between the beef, chicken, and vegetarian. We opted for 2 chicken and 1 vegetarian empanadas. 
My favorite was the vegetarian empanada which echoed flavors of a potato & pea samosa, and the chicken empanada stuffed with shredded chicken was a close second. Flavorful, flaky, and muy delicioso!
My husband ordered our “favorite dish” at Cafecito – Fricasse de Pollo. Allow me to explain, fricasse is a term used to describe a stew dish, and y’all know pollo is chicken. The pulled roasted chicken is cooked with tomatoes, herbs, and green peas and served alongside yellow rice. This highly flavorful and juicy dish also came with a side of a tostones (fried salty plantains) and a garlicky tangy sauce - incredibly mouthwatering. 
Since I didn't want to order the same dish, yet again, I spread my wings a little and went for the Camarones Al Ajillo. Based on looks alone, my initial thought was why didn't I get the chicken? I'm shallow, I know!!! Nonetheless, once I tasted this heavenly dish cooked in a garlic, citrus, and butter sauce with large juicy pieces of shrimp, I quit whining in my head. Furthermore, my dish was suppose to be served with maduros (fried sweet plantains), however I substituted mine for the tostones instead and they were so gracious about it. 
VERDICT: 4.5 / 5
Cafecito is one of those restaurants which will always hold a special place in my heart for various reasons. It really is no surprise that I still trek all the way to the East Village just to dine at this warm and cozy establishment since 2006. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Manhattan mainly for their food, drinks, and friendly service.
Speaking of service, their service is a tad bit slow, but I'm guessing they really take the time to prepare the food, like the slow cooked juicy shredded chicken, and this place is always busy whenever I dine here. Having said that, their genuine and friendly service more than makes up for their slow service. And I don't mind waiting for my food while I sip a delicious margarita which seems to get me effortlessly tipsy.
For these reasons and many more, my husband and I keep coming back to Cafecito, sometimes just for a great meal, and other times for a celebration, such as, a blog milestone (haha). An absolute jewel in the East Village! Highly recommended!
Food: Excellent
Drinks: Excellent
Decor: Good (warm & cozy)
Service: Good (genuinely friendly, but a tad bit slow)
Value: Excellent
TELL ME: What’s your favorite Cuban restaurant? and your favorite Cuban dish?
Khushboo says
I don't think I've actually ever had Cuban food..and now I'm wondering why not! It all looks so delicious, especially the sound of the shrimp in butter and garlic- winning combo! Ha I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels the effects of margaritas even just after one...mango flavor sounds yum although I wish that place served it in the fun margarita glasses!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
Good Cuban food is something I'm super excited about now that Vishnu and I will be living in the Miami area! Cuban sandwiches are my favorite, and I love that most places will veggie"fy" them for me!
And omg, those drinks and garlic sauce sound amazing.
Josie says
Those empanadas look DELICIOUS. I love Cuban food!
xo Josie
http://www.winksmilestyle.com
Ameena says
I would trek to East Village for food like this! Seriously though, you have to make it to LA and I'll show you what amazing Cuban/Latin food is. That's ONE thing we have here that's good. 🙂
Alison says
That food looks fabulous! We don't have any Cuban/Latin restaurants near us, which is too bad!
honeywhatscooking says
@Khushboo - really? I'm pretty sure they have something in Mumbai, they have to. I love margaritas. 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
@Parita - I've never had a Cuban sandwich before mainly cause of the red-meat, ooh.. I'll have them veggie"fy" it for me as well. Good idea. I'm sure Miami has amazing Cuban spots. The garlic sauce was to die for.
honeywhatscooking says
@Josie - thanks. The empanadas were delish! Love it, too.
honeywhatscooking says
@Ameena - I will definitely try and make a trip out to LA, I just need to make all my Europe trips before then. 🙂 I am sure LA has a lot to offer in terms of Latin/Mexican food. I believe you. 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
@Alison - Aww.. you're near British Columbia, correct? Hmm.. maybe the next closest city? Or when you make a trip to a major US city or Toronto, I'm sure they'll have it.
Tina Bk says
This does have a cozy intimate atmosphere, which I do like! Wish I could have been a part of your night out, refreshing drinks and amazing food. I can easily understand why this is a favorite of yours. Cuban food is not easily found around here, but I am sure NY has about any cuisine you desire! Thanks for sharing.
molliee says
give me a mojito and i am a happy girl;)
Caitlin C. says
Oh my goshh this looks delicious!! I want to go here if I ever make it to LA 🙂
Words Of Deliciousness says
Yum, the food looks fantastic and the drinks sound good too. Looks like a great restaurant.
honeywhatscooking says
@Tina - you should visit NY this summer. Yeah, they have pretty much every cuisine, but after a while you stick to 4 to 5 cuisines you enjoy. 🙂
honeywhatscooking says
@Caitlin - This restaurant is in NYC, not LA. 🙂
@Mollie - me too!
honeywhatscooking says
@Jay - thanks. So glad you used skinless chicken breasts - this way it's less fat. I'll definitely try it.. my husband loves Indian chicken, as do I.
Anonymous says
I wish I was there. I love Cafecito also and never dissapointed when I eat there. I definitely need to switch things up and order the dishes you recommend. JC
kim says
I'm planning to go for brunch soon! Looove beans and rice. 🙂