First time visiting after seeing an ad for their Easter brunch buffet, and overall it was a mixed but positive experience. We made reservations in advance (there is a $5 per person reservation fee), and the flyer advertised hours from 10am-2pm. However, when we arrived just before 11am, the restaurant was still closed. After checking in about our reservation, we were eventually seated and able to order drinks, which were brought out promptly. The buffet itself wasn't ready until around 11:45am, which was a bit of a wait, but once it opened, the food did not disappoint. There was a good variety of options, with the shredded pork and creamy garlic chicken being the standout dishes--both were absolutely delicious. The coffee was also strong and flavorful, which I appreciated. The restaurant has a warm, rustic feel, though parking is limited to street parking only. The staff seemed a bit disorganized and confused at times, but they were friendly throughout the experience. My only suggestion would be to offer a way to toast bread and bagels, or at least make that option more visible to guests. Overall, the quality of the food was solid, and despite a few hiccups with timing and organization, I'd be open to coming back and trying their buffet again. read more

See all

After watching the movie, the Chef, and seeing how delicious the cubanos look, we had to find a local Cuban restaurant. What we found was this mom and pop Cuban "secret" restaurant. What a pleasant surprise, it's restaurant week here in town. We decided to try their menu and also grab a Cubano while we're there. We started with the shrimp and the tapas. The shrimp was lite with a tropical feel to it. The tapas was very good. The pork was fork tender. Tacos and chicken came out next. The chicken was tender and full of flavor. The tacos were delicious. So many incredible flavors. Now for the reason we came. The Cubano! A soft bread, toasted to perfection with the right amount of meat, cheese, mustard, and pickles. Wow..... when that first bite hits your soul read more

See all

Awaiting Refund Response: Checks: $27.90 and $30.01 Time between: 12:15-12:35 Cuba 1819 Now listen, I rarely have bad experiences at restaurants. I don't ask for a bunch of substitutions or changes from the menu. * Friend warned me. * Saturday: closed with no notice. While this was reasonable due to the freeze, a notice should have been posted. What's currently on their Facebook was posted after my Google review. * A coworker had a horrible experience just last month after booking a party for 25 in advance, but still came back to give it a second try. * No Restaurant Week menu today because the chef isn't here? What?! A group near us was told the same. * I asked what was on the guanajo sandwich. The server asked me if the menu had a description because she didn't know. It doesn't. She told me she thought it was chicken (it's not), so I asked how we could find out. She had to go ask and came back saying it was turkey--but still didn't know what was on it. I asked for no mayo since their sandwiches typically include mayo. Guess who still got mayo * It wasn't even 12 p.m. (they opened at 11), and they were already out of empanadas. My coworkers ordered the last ones just before I could. I'll give credit where it's due--these were FIRE. * Even though there was no Restaurant Week menu, I still wanted dessert. When I asked for the dessert menu, I was told they didn't have any desserts today. * Forgot the rice and beans with our sandwiches. I had to ask for it. Cuba 1819, I don't know how they're going to make it. Servers don't know the menu. When I ask what's on a dish, I'm told to look at a menu that doesn't even have descriptions. Running out of food an hour after opening. Unable to function because one chef is out. Participating in events like Restaurant Week while being completely unprepared. Edit: The business promoted Restaurant Week on their page today, just a few hours after we had already visited--even though they were not serving the Restaurant Week menu at the time. When I commented to state that we came in and the menu was not being offered, the owner, Erica Rodriguez, responded by attempting to gaslight and attack me. Rather than taking accountability or showing integrity regarding the poor service and food, she deflected by discussing her personal issues. While everyone is dealing with deeply personal hardships--cancer, illness, and even loss--it is unfair to place the blame on customers for a restaurant's shortcomings. If a business is unable to operate properly, it is better to close than to mislead customers and then insist they deserve that treatment. They have since claimed they would issue a refund, but none has been provided. A bad restaurant experience is not uncommon; however, management--and their friends and family--ganging up on customers when the business is clearly at fault is. read more

See all

I loved this restaurant that made me feel like I stepped out of San Antonio. I came here with some friends for the Sunday brunch but it overlapped with restaurant week. I ended up selecting to try the restaurant week menus and it was fabulous. I started out with the Cuban hazelnuto. My meal started with the Cuban island crudo. We felt very special having chef Levi come out and present the dish and tell us all about it. Ir was great balance of flavors. Our second course was the Cuban tacos. I was curious to try the Dr.pepper infused tortillas. They are house made and so soft but they held and didn't break. We really enjoyed the tacos. Last course was the cuatro leches. Wow this is one of the best I've tied. It was just perfect, I hope this becomes a permanent item on the menu. On Friday and Saturday night they play live music! We will be back! read more

See all

My husband found Cuba 1918 on Google and wanted to give it a shot. I was a little underwhelmed with the menu options, which didn't match what we had seen online. I asked if the online options were available, and the young man said they were. I proceeded to ask if they could change my original order (picadillo) to the pollo ajillo and add a small order of yucca frita. The young man said that it would be $5, but I showed him that the menu showed $4 (paper AND online). I still got charged the $5. I looked at the menu again and they charge $1 for the sauce that the yucca comes with. My food came after a short wait. The maduros and yucca got delivered with it. My husband's plate came over 20 min. later AFTER I asked the waitress where his plate was. She explained that when I changed my plate earlier, they canceled his too. The food was okay. My husband enjoyed his ropa vieja but I was a tad disappointed in my chicken. It was a little dry, and it looked like someone slapped a slice of warm cheese on it. After it was all said and done, I probably wouldn't visit again. Service: Okay, our waitress was nice. Positive Note: Loved the sauce that came with the yucca! Delish! Overall Food: Not very impressed. read more

See all

OUSTANDING! Such an amazing vibe! Clean! Sooooo cool and fun. I felt the price for the food you received was fair and equitable. I thoroughly enjoyed the pork - great flavor, as well as the nachos! The yucca was good and so were the chiquettas (sp??) Lol. Friendly staff and smiling faces. Will be back. Support LOCAL! read more

We came for the BEST Cuban Sandwich for lunch! Maduros are so yummy. Our waitress Tatiana was so helpful and recommended a delicious passion fruit, peach tea that was perfect with my sandwich. Oh and when the rice and beans are on point, you know it's a great place! And such a cute atmosphere read more

See all

Went to try the dollar tacos. They are a dollar. So good or bad I am not going to knock there score because overall this place rocks. I called in my order. 4 tacos. Got there. Waited for about 3 minutes because they were not done yet. Got the tacos. Drove 5 minutes to my office. They are definitely 1.00 quality. Not mad at it. What I could not figure out for the life of me was how were they cold? The egg was not warm. It was cold. The tortilla was not warm or hot it was cold. They were wrapped in foil I literally sat thinking for a while being unproductive how they could possibly be cold. Mystery may never be solved. read more

See all

This was a tough review to write because our visit to Cuba 1918 was a mixed experience. I am also of Cuban descent and grew up enjoying the delicious cuisine my grandmother would prepare. I'll start with the good. Walking through the little red door really did feel like stepping back into old Havana. The staff was very friendly and it had a home like feel. The Cuban Sandwich was the star of the meal - authentic and delicious. We also enjoyed their Cafe Cubano and Quesitos for dessert. Here''s the bad. Although friendly, the servers were overwhelmed with the number of people and service was very slow. I ordered picadillo, which was served lukewarm, lacked flavor and was actually dry. I'm not sure what recipe they used, but it completely lacked any form of salsa. The black beans and rice were equally bland and disappointing. They also forgot our salads, which after trying the other bland food didn't sound appealing anyway. I can't reply to your response - we sat by the piano read more

We moved here from Louisville and expected good authentic Cuban cuisine. Ehhhhh no. The yucca had no flavor, onions were straight up vinegar, no special seasonings, and overall just bland. Was really hoping for a mojito, but no. The Cuban sandwich was on squished hamburger buns :(. Fried food was overly greasy like the items had sat in colder grease. Black beans and rice has NO flavor! On the plus side there was a "jazz" band there...but they didn't play jazz. Overall...will not go back and would not recommend. I was sooooo hoping it would be our new place. read more

Cuba 1918 - Cubano Sandwich - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Went in for a leisurely lunch with a gal pal. Right from the jump, excellent service!!! The interior was much larger feeling than the thought from the outside, mostly because the space is so long and gets elongated by the LED lighting. The food was delicious and phenomenal. Our server had excellent timing between each plate and we were delighted to try something new and different from the typical lunch fare. Definitely coming back in the future! read more

See all

This is a small but quaint venue that offers a huge variety of Cuban food and delicacies. The customer service was okay. It was not a busy night but things took a while to get my check and my food. They have a space for a live band too. I ordered the Ropa Vieja and would rate it a 3 as well since it was more on the dry and the black beans didn't have any flavor. It came with a salad and rice and I had to pay extra for the maduros. The rice was basic and felt like the microwave one. read more

See all

There aren't many times you get to revisit a situation you felt disappointed in. I got the opportunity to try this spot again because the owners both reached out to me separately about my experience. And if that alone doesn't show you how much they care I don't know what to tell you because I'm nobody. But they cared enough about my personal experience to not only make me aware that this was far from the norm, but to invite me back and show me. So I took the chance to revisit and boy am I happy I did. Thank you Ray and Erica. First, just walking in, the presentation of the buffet was much better. The options that were described were available. Foods were replenished regularly. There were so many more options and all of it fresh. My son's mothers and my son, who were with me the first time so I brought them back also, both were impressed with how much better it was. And the restaurant had a fair amount of customers in it as well. This was worth the visit. But I wanted to try something on menu for myself this time and I tried the cubano sandwich. Simply fantastic. Delicious delicious delicious. I left using google maps to see how far it was from my job so I could order it for lunch and come pick it up. I imagine the other sandwiches have to also be just as good. The papas fritas were tasty as well as the yuca fries. I wish this was my first experience but I'm glad I got to come back. And I'll keep coming back. The service was excellent. Gavin was very personable, knowledgeable of the menu and also of the different activities they have during the week like a karaoke night, date night and jazz night. I got to meet the owner Ray and his son. This was so worth it for me and I don't live nearby. But they have made a repeat customer. I can't thank you enough. I appreciate you all. read more

See all

Went for the brunch it was very good. The omelet station was really good and I was bake to try a specialty burger. read more

Cuba 1918 - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

A friend suggested visiting this restaurant since near my old neighborhood. Was pleasantly impressed with atmosphere, service and delicious food. Was surprised it was not busy for a Saturday, hostess said they would be having karaoke later, so maybe we had just beat the crowd. Great atmosphere, like taking a step into a different country. Music playing was nice, there is a small dance floor near stage. Food was great, I had the Cuban sandwich with rice and black beans. I'm usually not a fan of black beans, to me they can be bland, but these were delicious, great flavor, similar to my grandma's pinto beans, yum. The sandwich was good, I've had similar other places, could have used alittle more shredded pork. My mom had the Frita burger single patty. It was similar to a smash burger and was the perfect size for her. She said it had great flavor and not too greasy. We ordered the yucca fries. These were amazing, perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and tender inside, not mushy. Finished with a Cuba 1918 coffee, was smooth and had a hazelnut cream, delicious. We will definitely be going back to try more items. read more

See all

We've visited this restaurant several times now and tried meals for different times of the day and have enjoyed it each time. It's sort of a hole in the wall from the outside, but they have street parking and a parking lot behind the building and we haven't had any issues. The food is worth it! We love the decor and bar ambience inside. It hasn't been busy when we've come and it's nice to have a quiet meal, but I do hope they get more business! For breakfast we've tried the guava french toast and the huevos rancheros. The guava french toast is a bit too sweet for me, but it is tasty! It comes with maduros (plantains) which is good too, but it's sweet on sweet. Luckily the bacon also comes with the meal and were nice and crispy. Our fave thing about breakfast was the Cuban 1918 coffee (hazelnut latte). We get it every time we come now. For lunch we tried the Frita Cuban, which is a basic smash burger and the Cubano. The Cubano is a huge serving, but also good. For dinner, I loved the Vaca Frita which is fried beef. It reminds me of a Filipino corned beef dish. And my partner tried The Havana which is kinda like pulled pork. Both came with beans and rice, but it would be nice with tortillas and more sides. I think it's just a cultural difference that it comes out more simple. And lastly we tried the guava cheese quesitos, and it's tasty! Only thing that's weird about the place is they don't have a lot of drink or cocktail options. I think it's BYOB, but for a place with a huge bar you would think it offered more. We'll be back for more coffee! read more

See all

Let me start with the vibes. Vibes are soooo cool! Decor is cute!!! We came on a Wednesday night and it just so happened to be karaoke night. Hahahhaa I'm assuming it was the owners son, but he was singing and it was so adorable! The food was good! Definitely feel like they can season a bit better on the pollo con ajillo. My husband got the tour of Cuba and it really wasn't bad at all. It was good!! The ropa vieja was pretty good too! I had a cortado and it was okay too. I think if they tweaked the menu a bit and worked on the flavors this place would explode. It's definitely a hidden gem. I got to see the family of owners and they gave such a wholesome vibe. I love supporting small businesses and I pray this one blows up bc this family deserves what they've put into what is their dream. Blessings! read more

See all

It is dark and quiet inside. My favorite food items are the ropa vieja and the Cuban sandwich. Their tostones and maduros are also good. I've only been here twice. The service was OK the first time but was much better the 2nd time. They have Cuban sodas advertised but they didn't have any available when I wanted one. read more

Finally made it to Cuba 1918. Food was fantastic! Tostones & madura plantains started us off nicely. We both opted for classic Cubano sandwiches and they were so tasty. Expresso con Leche was a nice finish. We will e back to explore menu further. read more

See all

First time visiting on a Saturday for lunch. Be aware you can park on the street or around the corner in the back there is a parking lot also. Place is cozy, dimly lit, bathroom was nice and clean. It's charming. They have jazz night on one of the days as well (forgot which). Service was good. Everyone was friendly and helpful with suggestions. Food was not bad. I'd go back and try something else though. The empanada were good. They are served with what tasted like ketchup. It went with it so can't complain. The meat with the Cuban sandwich was a nice flavor but too much bread according to my friend. The chicken dish I had was not bad. Chicken could have used some more seasoning and more of the sauce. Both of us agreed the rice and beans were good. Salad that came with meal was good too. I'm not sure if it was suppose to come with dressing or not. I had to ask for some. Vinaigrette was good. The iced tea I wouldn't recommend. Had a taste from the water I was not a fan of. Also had the Cuban 1918 coffee which was nice and strong and it was a good size coffee. The meals did not come out at same time. Not sure if this was an oversight or normal. Wasn't a fan of that. read more

See all

Took some friends to lunch at Cuba 1918. We all tried the Cuban sandwiches with black beans and rice as our side. The food was amazing & plentiful. The coffees were rich, the sandwiches were crafted with care, and the black beans & rice mixed so well with the red onion and lemon. Our server showed us around -- out to the back patio sitting area complete with an old car! The owner stopped by the table to check to see how everything was... They all made us feel very welcome. read more

Cuba 1918 - Old car by the patio in back - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

Another spot where looks can be deceiving. Met a friend for lunch and found the place vastly different from the outside. It looks like a warehouse but when you walk inside you're transported to a little Havana town. The lighting is dim and the music playing in the background is subtle and relaxing Staff is courteous and attentive. The food was great. While it is pricey the portion sizes are huge and easily shared. My friend and I had the croquettes and split the Cuban sandwich which was accompanied by white rice and black beans. Ask for the strawberry lavender tea, it's delicious! read more

Cuba 1918 - Cubano Sandwich - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

This place was a whole vibe! We came during a private event they were having and it was like a live jam session with skilled musicians and great food! The decor is gorgeous and a portal to a different time and place. I love it here! read more

Cuba 1918 - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

WOW! Everything about Cuba 1918 encompasses island life! I love the retro decor, the menu, the ambiance, everything! And our server was amazing, beyond excellent service! I went with my kids and we started with some quesitos de guave y un cafe Cubano. We were in between breakfast and lunch so we just went for lunch. The Chan Chan, one beef, one pork, were so delicious, juicy pork and beef, very well seasoned and not dry or rope-like at all! We also ordered the Cubano, perfectly toasted! Both sandwiches were perfect and came with a side of rice and black beans. I could go in there for the rice and beans and nothing else and be totally satisfied, they are SO GOOD! The coffee was so delicious, strong, hint of sweet, smooth, not bitter. My kids got the lavender strawberry tea and the passion fruit tea. We are already planning our next trip to the southside. They also have live music on Friday nights so the hubby and I plan to go back for a night out! read more

See all

Checked out their Sunday brunch to celebrate a birthday. I wanted to try something new, different and support local. I follow them on Instagram and their food post always look yummy. There was a good selection of food. My favorite of all was the black beans! Sooo good! This is a place I will definitely check out again to get something else on the menu. Highly recommend! read more

See all

From outside looks basic. The food was good but a bit overpriced. The interior is a little small and may not accommodate a large party unless you can call ahead of time to have them arrange tables and chairs. The service was good but the serve failed to inform us that when we requested more plantain chips, they would charged us for it. Their dessert with fire was decent but put a bit too much of alcohol that took the taste out of the dessert (the alcohol is used to make a fire around your dessert). read more

See all

Where else can you find free live Jazz music on a Friday night, delicious food, great service and where you can BYOB with no cork fee? Only at Cuba 1918!! A true hidden gem! Come check them out for yourself! read more

See all

The service is the worst! Waiting more than 10min when it's not busy. Ordering took even longer. They didn't have tamales estilo Cubano or congri. What!?! Congri is a main side dish from Cuba!! The food was mediocre at best. Such a shame to bring a native from Cuba to dine. Although the atmosphere and menu looks pretty and professional, the main staff isn't. Don't come here ! read more

Cuba 1918 - Ensalada - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

For date night, we visited Cuba 1918 for an evening of jazz and Cuban food. The building has an older charm, with a colorful renovation outside and a cool, vintage vibe inside, complete with a beautiful bar and a wooden window into the kitchen. Our waitress was friendly, funny, and very attentive. Although they were out of a couple of appetizers, we tried the yucca fries and enjoyed them. For our entrees, we had the Havana and Ropa Vieja--both were excellent. It's BYOB, so we brought seltzers and beers and were offered glasses. We went on a Friday and loved the live jazz band. Definitely a great spot for a relaxed, fun night out! read more

See all

I always love me a Cuban sandwich and Cuba 1918 did not disappoint. Served with a side of fries the sandwich had great flavor. I can't wait to return and try another dish! read more

First time at Cuba 1918!!! What a fabulous find on the southside!! I have to make myself not go there everyday. Nice atmosphere Great service! The Cuba 2918 cafecito with hazelnut cream is the best way to spend your hard earned money!! It made me want another! The special Cuban Cesar salad at $10.00was delicious. My bestie had a burger and it was also on the specials menu was perfect. I'm ready to go back for brunch on Sunday!! 5 stars for Cuba 1918!!! read more

Really cool interior and the live music transports you to another place. Even walking up, the street is awesome and takes you back in time. The vibe and look of Cuba 1918 is worth checking it out at least once. Food is mid-level at best. Didn't not like it but definitely doesn't match the ambience or reflect the price. Soda, by the can, comes with a plastic cup of ice. Coffee, which I had high hopes for, doesn't have a unique flavor or roast aroma. Ozarka bottled water. I wanted to swap the potatoes for salad and the request was denied; no up-charge offered, just denied. Saw people BYOB liquor and order set-ups. Wish I had more info on this, but nowhere was is listed on the menu or offered/explained by the staff. If I were to come back, it would to listen to music and have drinks. Definitely would eat prior. read more

See all

My friend treated me there for my birthday lunch on 3/19. We got there around 2 pm and they close at 3. Service was slow, and at 3 pm the music and karaoke started and they forgot about us. We ordered desserts but only got one because the other one was in the oven. When we asked about our dessert they said it would be 4-5 minutes; this happened twice. After waiting more than 20 minutes we were finally able to pay our bill and left without ever getting our quesitos. By the way the music and singing was good. read more

Amazing food. Don't let the area or building fool you. Ambiance is great. The owner was there & greeted us. Only complaint was service was slow not all our food came at the same time but they were a bit busy. read more

Cuba 1918 - cortadito - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

Such an odd location and please don't underestimate or judge and step inside and be transported to a little slice of Cuba and transcend with every delicious bite of croquetas, Cuban sandwiches and pastelitos amongst other dishes and treats! I finished off with a delicious cold brew. The ambiance is understated and comfortable and welcoming. The service was good. Will be back to try more dishes soon. read more

Cuba 1918 is by far a diamond in the rough! In the middle of town where many businesses have been forgotten sits this amazing establishment. The ambiance is one that you wouldn't expect on this side of town. That's what makes it so unique. The staff provide amazing service. They are respectful, very attentive, and do all they can to make you comfortable. The food was fantastic! In the past week my husband and I have visited twice. Once for brunch and once for dinner. Everything is so flavorful! Wait time was decent and the food was served nice and hot. Definitely will be returning and spreading the word about that great restaurant! read more

Cuba 1918 - Sunday Brunch! - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

Ropa vieja 8/10 Tostones 7/10 Black Beans 8/10 Rice 7/10 I really like the seasoning and how juicy the ropa vieja came out. I've tried many different places and was never really a fan. After reading several reviews from this place about the ropa vieja, I couldn't pass it up. The tostones are thick and larger than usual but I am a huge fan of tostones. The black beans were surprisingly good as well. I could eat a plate of beans over rice as a main dish any day read more

Let's start with the look of this place! Before I entered I could tell I found something special. The renovated entrance but with the original walls from when it opened creates a great atmosphere. I've had many Cuban food in my 30 years and I would say this has to be one of my favorites and closest to been authentic Cuban cuisine. The pork, the yuca and both types of beans were on point. Seasoned Cuban style for sure and everything was good. One and only one thing I could say negative was the quesito pastry which was super soggy and just fell apart. Other than that this place was fire. Thank you to the owner who came and talked to us and had us try some homemade hot sauce! Server was great and very attentive. If you like Cuban food hit this place up seriously. read more

Cuba 1918 - Cuban Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

See all

First time at location. A friend recommended this place. Walking up to the business looks like you are stepping into Havana. Loved the ambience. Family oriented. When I arrived I was unaware of the time. So they were about to close in 20 minutes. The owner still allowed us in. She was so nice and inviting. I I had order the Tour of Cuba. It was to die for. The shredded pork was moist, chewable and full of flavor. I couldn't put my fork down. I also had the plantains as appetizers. Forgot the name. During my time there they were playing Cuban music in the background. It was very relaxing made me feel like smoking a cigar. (And I don't even smoke) They play live music on certain days and have a patio were you can enjoy gazing at the stars. Drinking under the blue midnight sky with a cool breeze. Highly recommend this place. read more

See all

The food did not rise to the same heights as Cuba's rustic interior, live jazz, and friendly service (ask for Madison). This Southwest side eatery leans into its historic roots, and offers a leisurely paced meal with an upbeat jazz accompaniment. The food skipped a beat. The Cubano was made with flavorless pulled pork instead of the traditional roasted pork (though roasted pork is on the menu in other dishes). The classic Cuban sandwich tasted mostly of mustard and pickles. Dessert (quesito) did not make up for the sandwhich's shortcomings. Again, the dish was flavorless. In spite of the shortcomings, I do recommend Cuba for its music, starters, mocktales, and service. Cheers! read more