This is my second time coming here. It was a yelp event that brought us here first and it was amazing. I will say parking is street parking or side streets and can get a little crazy on weekends. Service is always great and you feel like you are a part of the family here. Food is always fresh and amazing. Anytime I am near here we stop regardless of being hungry or not. I absolutely am obsessed with their vaca frita and black beans. It's a huge portion so leftovers are always good. My boyfriend always orders their cubano as he said it is the best one he has ever had. Their Maduros are also sweet and crisp and never greasy. We also tried their choripan sandwich and it was awesome. We've never had thinly sliced chorizo which eliminates the usual oil and messiness. Always an amazing meal. We also tried their pineapple Cuban smoothie and ended the meal with their delicious flan. read more

I would give Cha Cha in Kenilworth 2 stars. This was my first visit, and while the service was friendly and welcoming, the food itself was very disappointing. I appreciated the complimentary yuca fritters with special sauce, which was a kind gesture. However, the overall quality, freshness, and authenticity of the main dishes did not meet expectations. Parking is very limited street parking. The Cuban breaded steak was the biggest disappointment. A proper Cuban-style breaded steak should be thin, tender, savory, garlicky, slightly citrusy, well-seasoned, evenly breaded, and pan-fried until crisp and golden. The version I received tasted oddly sweet, the breading separated from the meat, and the steak had a gummy texture with an old-looking color. It did not have the freshness or clean savory flavor expected from this classic dish. The red beans were very concerning. They tasted strongly like vinegar, and I had to spit them out. When I looked closer, there appeared to be a white, murky-looking substance in them. Beans should never taste sour or vinegary unless something is wrong. Cuban-style red beans should be creamy, savory, aromatic, and well-seasoned with garlic, onion, peppers, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. The white rice was also not acceptable. It was hard, did not taste fresh, and had a vinegar-like smell and flavor. It appeared as if older rice may have been mixed with newer rice. Proper Cuban white rice should be fluffy, clean-tasting, separated, and neutral in flavor. The moro with black beans and rice was better than the white rice, but still lacked depth. It needed more bay leaf flavor and stronger Cuban seasoning. A good moro should have a rich, savory base from sofrito, garlic, peppers, onions, beans, broth, herbs, and slow cooking so the rice absorbs the flavor. The oxtail was tender and okay, but it did not fully deliver the deep, rich Cuban-style flavor I expected. Traditional Cuban oxtail should be slow-braised with garlic, onions, peppers, tomato sauce, wine, herbs, and spices until the sauce becomes rich and the meat is deeply seasoned. This oxtail tasted acceptable, but it seemed as though it may have been prepared a day or two before and reheated. I understand that many restaurants legally prepare certain foods a day ahead, especially dishes like beans, stews, and oxtail. However, food should still taste fresh and be stored, cooled, reheated, and handled according to food safety standards. Sour or vinegar-like flavors in rice or beans can sometimes indicate fermentation, spoilage, or improper storage, and that should never reach the customer. The best part of the meal was the dessert. The vanilla flan was very good, and the coconut flan was excellent. The coconut flan was rich, creamy, and full of coconut flavor, with shredded coconut pieces that added texture and made it stand out. That dessert showed real potential. The prices were reasonable, but reasonable pricing does not make up for poor freshness and low food quality. It did look like they may do better with sandwiches and empanadas, which I did not try and perhaps should have ordered first. I cook Cuban food, Puerto Rican food, and other traditional dishes myself, and I lived in Miami for over nine years. I also learned from Cuban friends who cook authentic Cuban food at home. Because of that, I know how these dishes should taste. In my opinion, the dishes I tried did not represent Cuban cuisine with the freshness, authenticity, seasoning, or care it deserves. The restaurant may have people who know how to cook, but based on this visit, it seems the kitchen has lost some of the authenticity and discipline needed to serve fresh, properly prepared Cuban food. Food that tastes sour, vinegary, old, or questionable should never be served to customers. The service and desserts were the highlights, but the main dishes need serious improvement in freshness, food handling, seasoning, and respect for authentic Cuban cuisine. There are several areas that need improvement. Freshness and food safety should be the main priority. Rice and beans should never taste sour or vinegary unless intentionally prepared that way, and food that seems old or questionable should not be served. The breaded steak should be freshly breaded, crispy outside, tender inside, and properly seasoned with authentic Cuban flavors like garlic, citrus, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. The rice should be fluffy, the beans creamy, and the oxtail deeply seasoned and fresh-tasting. I believe the restaurant may have cooks who understand Cuban cuisine, but the kitchen needs to reconnect with freshness, consistency, authenticity, and stronger food handling standards. Cuban food is rich in flavor, comfort, and cultural pride, and with improvement this restaurant could better reflect that tradition. read more

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From when you walk in and take a seat the atmosphere is nice, family oriented and super cozy. The food is made fresh to order and its worth every second. Not that the wait time is long. Everyone is so welcoming! We ordered a pan con bistec and chicken sandwich. One of the best sandwiches I've ever had! Bread was toasted to perfection with the hint of garlic that gave it the extra touch! They gave us an order of croquetas since it was our first time there..and they were delicious! It came with two small sauces, a red one which was a bit spicy to my liking...but the green sauces was on point. Even saw that the sell the sauces if you want. Later we got a flan and an empanada of guava and cheese (freshly fried!) The flan was sooooo creamy. Not a huge flan eater, but boy! That was delicious! We finished up with a cafe con leche...made fresh and you could taste how good it was. A little pricey yet can't beat the homemade, fresh food & the great service! Will definitely be going back! read more

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I was in the area for an interview, and this Restaurant came up on my social media feed. I'm always on the search for authentic and delicious Cuban food, and I certainly found it! The service was great, the ambience was filled with great decor, and the food reminded me of my grandma's cooking. Having food, remind you of your childhood, in my opinion, is the ultimate compliment. I highly recommend this place and worth a drive if you're not close. read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - Bistec Empanizado - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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This spot is something serious. The masitas de puerto are to DIE for. I will get them every single time. The Cuban smacked, per usual. Service is awesome, it felt like family. They offer outdoor seating, as well for this beautiful weather. Such a cute place to eat. Go check them out, your taste buds will thank you! read more

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From the door, the warm Cuban hospitality and decor greets you with rich cultural vibes! As for the food... PHENOMENAL!! This is easily the best tasting Cuban I've tasted yet... after my mother-in-law's, of course! Great portions sizes, every bite was savory and perfectly captured the essence of flavors you expect from cuban cuisine brought to perfection. This is my new spot! Friendly staff makes you feel at home, indoor and outdoor seating offers year-round options, and an affordable menu makes this restaurant a budget friendly option for families like ours. Cha Cha Cha is truly worthy of every award and recognition it's gotten. read more

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The food is amazing. Best Cuban food in New Jersey. I've traveled the world. There's nothing like it. I Highly recommend it. Place is awesome. The staff is a very friendly traditional food. read more

Everything has been so good! Really cozy inside, seating available but I've only gotten take out so far. Service is always great when I go, everyone's been really nice. The food is delicious! First bite of the croqueta and I was so happy because it reminded me of bakeries in Miami! The coffee is great! I'll definitely add this to my regular rotation. read more

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Much of the credit for Cuban food's increasing popularity belongs to the cuisine's accessibility and deliciousness. The Garden State, especially North Jersey, is where a majority of the state's Cuban population resides. Voted Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat in 2025 and named after a dance of Cuban origin that's fast and upbeat, Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cuisine is located on Michigan Avenue in Kenilworth and is a cozy, family-owned, family-run establishment where I decided to have lunch today. Upon entering this hidden gem as a first-timer, I was greeted by the staff and transported back to the island, which was brightly decorated complete with vintage Cuban photographs & posters, bar stools made from drums, and ceiling lights made of Cuban canotier hats. The menu is full of classics--Cuban sandwiches, Croquetas, Tamales, and Ropa Vieja. It's a rich and flavorful melange of Spanish, African, and Caribbean foods. As an appetizer, I started with the Croquetas (one with ham and the other with chicken) accompanied by cilantro sauce or chili sauce. For the main meal, I decided on the Pan Con Bistec. The meal was bold, tasty, served hot, and authentic from what I remembered from my childhood. The Cuban pressed sandwich was first quality, full of fresh ingredients, and very reasonably priced. It's the pride of its seasonings, beginning with onions, garlic, and peppers as the foundation of every dish. I had a great conversation with the owner's wife, Dania, whose friendly and welcoming nature has complemented the Guava & Cheese Empanada dessert. One is treated like family from the moment you step through its door, which I can recommend this place. read more

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This was such a wonderful experience! We live a bit too far away to make this a regular visit, but had been watching their clever social media for a few months. Cha cha cha is simply perfect for what it is. It's a family spot with festive atmosphere and great food. My whole family smiled from the time we entered until well after we left. We picked up our son at the airport and had planned to pick up some sandwiches to take home. Instead, we felt so welcome that we had to sit down and enjoy the lively ambiance. The Cuban sandwiches were delicious. We ordered tostones which we think are a litmus test for good Cuban restaurants...they were fresh, perfectly fried and not made with over-ripe plantains. We're hoping to return soon! Parking is plentiful, but please be respectful to the residential neighbors who pay meticulous care to their lawns! read more

Ordered from DoorDash, the Chuleta lunch special. The portion is very big however, the pork chop itself is Not the best cut. The Rice is EXTREMELY oily. The black beans are good, but like the yuca con mojo, Way too much garlic. Overall, quite disappointed. read more

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Small spot with big flavors! We found this place down the street from my aunties house while visiting from Boston. I had the Papaya Smoothie and my husband the Mango and we both had Cuban sandwiches. We started with chicken and beef empanadas with their home made sauces. EVERY SINGLE THING was perfect! Very welcoming and warm staff. Will be checking it out every time I'm in Jersey!! read more

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Tasty Cuban Bites with Friendly Vibes Parking was easy enough with a few spots out front and some available on nearby side streets. The guy at the counter was super friendly and helpful, making for a great first impression. I ordered a tamale and a rice ball--both were absolutely delicious. But the star of the show was the Cubano. The bread was crispy and fresh, and the Swiss cheese was perfectly melted. I did feel like the pork-to-ham ratio leaned too much toward ham--personally, I'm here for that juicy, flavorful pork. Also, a bit of mustard or some kind of spread would've taken it to the next level. Overall, great spot with tasty food and welcoming service. I'll definitely be back to try more! read more

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Everything you've heard about how outstanding this business is........is true! It's like sitting in the kitchen with your family sharing a meal and great conversation! Cafe con leche reminded me of my time in Cuba. My plan was to grab a sandwich to go but turned into chatting with another customer and sitting down to enjoy my meal. Chatting about travel, food and family, I had to remind myself that I had somewhere to go!! .....Until next time, Oh and I forgot to snap a picture of my fish sandwich and that bomb sauce! read more

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Great authentic Cuban food. What else is there to say? Go there...place is LEGIT. Service was great. Food was great. Place even looks great. But the FOOD... read more

My husband and I were up north and I was in the mood for Cuban food, so I Googled places nearby. Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe came up first with a 4.7 rating, so we decided to make the drive. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles. They asked how we heard about them and if it was our first time there. We told them it was and that we found them on Google. I ordered the Bistec Encebollado with maduros, and my husband ordered the Pollo Encebollado. The owner asked if we ate ham because she wanted to bring us croquetas on the house since it was our first visit. That was such a thoughtful touch. When our food came out it looked amazing, but the taste was even better. From the first bite to the last, I barely spoke to my husband because I was so busy enjoying the food it was that delicious! The owner (the husband) came over and talked with us for a bit. He told us they've been there for 12 years and even shared how they had to close for a while during COVID. It honestly felt like we had known them forever. As we were leaving, he asked us to wait a few minutes because he had something for us. He came out with ropa vieja on a tostone and wow, it was incredible! Between the amazing food and the hospitality, this place is absolutely worth the trip, even though it's about an hour and a half away from us. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience! The couple visiting from outside the Atlantic City area you get 5 from us read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - Menu Cover - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

This place is as authentically Cuban as it can be! As you are approaching the door, you get a fragrant breeze of delicious garlic! Onece you are inside, you've literally landed in Cuba! From the smells, decor, music and friendly Cuban owner taking your order, you've officially arrived home. The seats creatively made from Conga drums, you can sit right in front of the chef making utter deliciousness front and center. I ordered a beef empanada (made with fresh dough), relleno de papa & a Cuban sandwich. I cannot believe how great it all tasted. This place is the real deal and will certainly be coming back for that Bistec de Palomilla next! read more

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I've heard of this place several times over the years and I was in the mood for some Cuban, specifically Vaca Frita. There is street parking but I can see it being difficult to find if you are there during peak traffic times. When I walked in it took a few minutes for someone to greet me, but once a young man did he was friendly. I sat at one of the tables expecting to stay, but to my surprise they made my food to go. I guess they assumed a single woman wouldn't want to stay and eat. A family walked in and they immediately greeted them and asked them if their order was to go or are they eating in. I guess next time I will let them know I'd like to eat in. The restaurant is cute, with bar stools that look like bongos and Cuban art all around. Anyway, Vaca frita is my favorite dish and I literally order it from every Cuban restaurant I go to. So I've experienced good and bad Vaca Frita. This Vaca Frita wasn't my favorite, I've even ordered it again after this particular time and it came out the same way. The beef is fried very hard and crispy and perhaps that is the authentic way, but it's not my preference. The congri I ordered with it helped to moisten each bite but I was desperately hoping to find some softer shredded beef pieces mixed with the crispy. The portion size is generous, that's a plus! Nevertheless, I'm open to order here again, just not the Vaca Frita! read more

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Chill vibe, it's all about the food. Friendly staff, great atmosphere. Not fancy, just a proper cafe. The whole place makes you feel comfortable. Probably one the best sandwiches I've had in my life. There's a little bit of magic goin on read more

So we had ordered Croquetas from Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe and they were so delicious they reminded me of my Moms!!!( who i could never get the hang of making!!) I decided to go there because i didn't see Picadillo on the menu. The owner was very nice and said sure we will make it for you would you like olives in it and i responded absolutely. I NEVER finish my take out orders I either get tired of them or they weren't that good HOWEVER this Picadillo was so GOOD i didn't want to lose one spoonful of it!!! Great atmosphere, really nice people and AMAZING food for which i will keep on speed dial !! Try them you will love their food!!! read more

Excellent food homemade. I went to Cha Cha Cha Saturday and the food was awesome and I was welcomed with open arms. The owner was very nice. It seems like a family business such warmth. The food was excellent cooked to order. I ordered the Breaded Chicken with rice and my friend has the Fish and Chicken Croquette. It was cooked with care and very flavorful. It is a very small place but it is a diamond in the rough. You should look at their videos that is what drew me in. See you soon Cha Cha Cha......I will bring a bottle of wine the next time. If you want a guarantee seat call ahead other wise you might not get seating. read more

This one of those small family joints where the food is cooked to order and you absolutely feel like home eating there. The ambiance, the kid taking orders and the sound and smell of your steak and onions frying is crazy. I can't wait to go back and try the fish and like the sign says it isn't fast food read more

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Me and my husband decided to give this place a try. It's definitely off the beaten path in a residential area. It's a tiny little place with only a few tables, but they do a lot of take out orders. The owners are super friendly and you can tell there are a lot of regulars. The food is reasonably priced and serving sizes are pretty decent. Everything was full of flavor. It did not disappoint. There were a lot of delicious choices. I probably should have just ordered all of the appetizers given they all sounded good. So if you are in the area, I would definitely give this place a try. read more

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This was my first time trying a Cuban sandwich, and I must say I don't think I have ever had anything as delicious! Aside from the amazingly tasty food, the owner and staff were so kind, and made us feel like family. They took the time to talk to us and I really appreciated everything about this experience. read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

Omg the empanadas were sooooo good. The sauces were so delicious and complimented each fat fried empanada so well. Def come here for them. I has chicken and beef and chicken was my fav. I was so hungry and it was so good that I didn't take any photos of the food. The ambiance was so trendy and cute, staff was so nice and patient with me since it's my first time here. Really felt like going to a neighbors house to have home cooked food. read more

We went to lunch here today after reading all these great review here in Yelp. The service was really nice, service with a smile. We had croquette to start which was very tasty 2 different sauces. We also had steak and fish with rice and bean dishes. All the food was great and tasty. Overall, it was very enjoyable lunch. Ambiance was also unique with all the hispanic decorations. I would return again and I also recommend this place for anyone looking for good hispanic food. Price was decent too. It was hard to find a parking nearby there though. If it was not due to parking, I would have given 5 stars. read more

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Love this hidden gem. If you didn't know it was there you might drive right past it. It's ByOB and plenty of street parking. Small cozy place that makes some authentic Cuban cuisine. Went with my wife tonight . She had the Pollo Encebollado, pan fried chicken breasts with sautéed onions. She loved it- simple but delicious. I had the Pernil, slow roasted chunks of pork , with congri. A little dry , but delicious. Might be better served with black beans so that the sauce can moisten it up. Our waitress offered me a cheese and guava empanada for dessert, also very good. Service is friendly and attentive. Definitely give this place a try. read more

Got a Cuban sandwich and a ropa vieja sandwich to go. The Cuban sandwich was large and very tasty, would recommend. This was my first ropa vieja sandwich, it was very good but a little too salty for me. The bread on booth sandwichs was fresh and crispy. The service was fast and pick up was easy. Overall, I would eat here again and try their other menu options. read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

My husband and I visited the café last night. This place is definitely an asset to that community. The hospitality from the Santana family was priceless, loving and so professional. As for their food, TOP NOTCH, AUTHENIC CUBAN CUISINE made with love for the Santana family to share with the world. The food choices are incredibly delicious. From their signature Mamet fruit smoothy; I can't stop talking about, to their delicious ham croquettes, Cuban rice ball filled with Roopa Veja, which was DELICIOUS & GENIUS. The Ropa Vieja was my main course & the most succulent out of all places I've ever dined at, my husband's pork chunks were seasoned to perfection and fried perfectly leaving a mouth full of juices, their black beans and rice were spiced and cooked to perfection & lastly, their guava & cream cheese empanada were filled just right and their pastry dough was just so flaky and delicious. My husband and I stayed a little over an hour more speaking with Ralph about family, the joy of cooking that we both have, the authenticity of his recipes and just getting to know him and his family. My husband and I always love speaking with the owners And learning where they got their passion from. We can't wait to go back again. read more

Stopped in for dinner , as I was craving some Cuban food , never been here before nor heard of it but I decided to stop by and give this restaurant a try. I ordered a few things , I got the Cuban sandwich, empanadas , ropa vieja sandwich, Materva Yerba soda , and croquettes. The Cuban sandwich was very good ,but I definitely enjoyed the ropa vieja sandwich more it was just more flavorful to me and more of my liking ! I'd definitely recommend stopping by for some good ropa vieja. I think next time I'd definitely try the entree instead of it being on the sandwich. I really enjoyed the beef empanadas so delicious and flavorful definitely would recommend getting them ! The staff was very friendly and helpful with helping me select my choices and things I'd like! The atmosphere was a very relaxed , clean place to sit down and eat your food. They played music that had good vibes to eat too and enjoy our meal . I'd definitely recommend others who enjoy Cuban food to come check this place out ! read more

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First timer, it was a Yelp event. It's decorated with Cuban theme. It made me feel like I was in Cuba. The aroma was of good fresh authentic food. Mmmm I had the pleasure of meeting one of the Santana - the Owner. Very pleasant and proud of their accomplishments. I placed my order and watched as they cooked it. Well I sat on the bongo stool and felt right at home. As they pour love into my Cuban Sandwich. I was chit chatting with Mrs. Santana. How it all began when they lived in Elizabeth, and they could not find good Cuban food. So they opened they own place and been here for 7yrs. So back to the sandwich, it's pretty big. Thank goodness I was hungry. The bread blew me away, as they seasoned it with garlic. It's a great touch!! The flavor and the crunch ... sooo good. They served it with cilantro and chipotle sauce. Both so delicious! I ordered 2 more sandwiches to go. My family had the same reaction. I had the pleasure of tasting the authentic ropa vieja Im coming back in Friday for that !! If you think you had the best Cuban, try Cha Cha Cha !! Because you haven't, it's a gem! read more

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Would rate a 3.5 if yelp allowed. Great service and friendly staff. Not sure if it was just an off night but the food wasn't that great. Cuban wasn't anything to write home about, but it certainly was not a bad sandwich. Would recommend if you are in the area. read more

Just took my family here tonight and the food was great . Staff is very friendly and helpful. Ambiance was great and we will be back for more . Que bola read more

I've gone here a couple times over the past few years and the never miss! I've had the cubano, the choripan, and one of my personal favorites the ham Croqueta Preparada. Today my friend got the chicken Croqueta Pre parada and I got Pan Con Pernil today and I fall more and more in love. Family owned which makes the vibes very fun with great service. Definitely need to check it out if you're a foodie read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - Pollo Croqueta Preparada - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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Came for lunch specials nearby our airbnb and the food here did not disappoint! Most of my cuban food knowledge comes from Porto's so I ordered my usual from there which is Pan con lechon. The sandwich was much bigger than and the slow roasted pork was so tender and not dry with the toasty bread. Will say, be careful when sitting indoors, on a day when it was raining it does drip a little intermittently from the ceiling! read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - yucca fries and pan con lechon - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

I was looking for authentic Cuban cuisine like my mother's. We stopped after our hike from the Delaware water gap. Small and quaint, but has very close to my mother's cooking tried a little bit of everything, croquetas, tamales, yuca frita, papa rellena, batido de mamey, ropa vieja, bistec Ceballonado, frijoles rojo y negro and sopa de pollo. The food taste almost like my mother's, very close. Service was awesome as well. read more

Great Cuban flavor at affordable prices, served with a smile and great service. We had the croquetas de jamón as a starter. Really good! We ordered the bistec encebollado with rice, black beans and maduros, and the pollo encebollado. Both were excellent. The batido de mamey was awesome. Dania gave us a guava and cheese empanada to close out the meal, also very good and well stuffed with guava. All their portions are generous too. If you want Cuban food that bring back memories of your abuela, don't skip this place. Their decor really adds to your experience and makes the place feel cozy and welcoming. read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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Listen, if you want to take a trip to Cuba, START HERE! The flavors are transportive and It's a true meal that makes you feel RIGHT at home. Very rare to find a place that has love in each recipe with an authentic and intentional desire to have you leaving well fed and culturally exposed. Thank you guys for curating such a dope experience while taking care of my belly! read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey

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I actually really like this place. The vibe is nice. The food is amazing. I love the flavor. I usually get the chicken and rice with the extra onions. I need to start venturing out and trying more things but I'm actually starving and about to return today. just gotta wait 50 more minutes till this place opens up. read more

Best fish sandwich I've ever had! If you eat fish and enjoy having your mind completely blown, you don't have to go all of the way to Cuba, you can just come here! Besides the food you will also love the ambiance and staff! Very welcoming and very delicious!!! read more

Cha Cha Cha Cuban Cafe - The Fish Sandwich - Lunch - Cuban Near Me - Kenilworth, New Jersey