Cuban restaurant? (Chicago, Noble: restaurants, food, best)

[tolife]

Hi, I have one weekend in Chicago (labor day weekend) and I admit to having a soft spot for great Cuban restaurants. So, does anyone have a recommendation? I'm hoping to find something that is comparable to Cuba Libre in Philadelphia. They have a killer mojito menu..

CUBA LIBRE RESTAURANT

Thanks for any advice in advance...I'll trade for Denver advice if needed!

[j33]

One of my favorite Cuban restaurants is not so fancy. It is a BYOB place that has very good food.

Habana Libre - Noble Square - Chicago, IL 60686

I also like

Cafe 28 Chicago, North Center | Yelp
(but it can be occasionally be off)


I'm sure that others will have better recommendations.

[Ramo Nash]

I've gone to Cafe Bolero: Cafe Bolero

It's in Logan Square and was pretty authentic the couple of times I've gone (a cuban friend's family owns it)

I was recently at Coobah: Coobah

In Southport, more of a fusion restaurant with an extensive mojito menu. I didn't like the food very much (I prefer more authentic), but it's usually packed and people seem to love it.

[Lookout Kid]

Cafe La Guardia in Bucktown!

Cafe 28 is more of a Cuban/Mexican hybrid restaurant, and has gone downhill a bit in the last two years. I sill love some of their dishes, however.

Coobah is a bit more high-end, and is delicious. La Guardia is more traditional.

[long101]

Ive heard people rave about Coobah-I have yet to go though.

[Attrill]

Gotta second La Guardia - great place.

[j33]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Cafe La Guardia in Bucktown!

Cafe 28 is more of a cuban/mexican hybrid restaurant, and has gone downhill a bit in the last two years. I sill love some of their dishes, however.

Coobah is a bit more high-end, and is delicious. La Guardia is more traditional.

Yeah, you're right about 28. I should have mentioned that. I've not been to La Guardia, I'll have to give it a try.

[sharkylittleton]

Can I expect any of these places to serve those awesome little cuban sandwiches that I love so much?

[Ramo Nash]

Originally Posted by sharkylittleton

Can I expect any of these places to serve those awesome little cuban sandwiches that I love so much?

A lot of those places have cuban sandwiches, but, for the real(er) deal, go to this little shack: Cafe Marianao on 2246 N. Milwaukee. I can't speak for some of those places' sandwiches, but I did have one at "Coobah" and it was too dry.

Although it's not cuban, I highly recommend trying out a jibarito in that area as well. A good place is Borinquen (1720 N. California).

[Lookout Kid]

If you want restaurant advice, check out www.LTHforum.com. It's the foodie message board for Chicago, and will give you the best recommendations. Some well-known Chicago chefs post on that forum anonymously...