Have gone here numerous times & have NEVER had a bad meal. Lunch this time, my husband had the Cuban sandwich (enough to split). I was early enough to have the basic breakfast of 3 cooked eggs, a good handful of bacon & their Cuban bread. read more

A little taste of home. The Mamey batido was just what the homesickness ordered! Their croquetas de jamon were super tasty. I ordered the churrasco and it was thinner than expected but delicious. Their black beans rivaled my great friend Lourdes' black beans! My husband ordered the fried steak and he accidentally got the friend chicken. He liked it and did not even care they gave him the wrong thing. Their tamal was like the Panamanian bollo, which is like my favorite tamal in the world. It was inexpensive and very home cooked feel to all their food, nothing fancy but good. The arroz con leche and a cappuccino and the cubanito were a perfect ending. The background banter between the staff was hilarious and entertaining and it made me realize what my Husband has been trying to tell me all these years, that *we* hispanics are LOUD! read more

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This little gem is quickly becoming my fave spot in South Cape Coral! The lunch and dinner specials are affordable and muy delicioso! I have had the pork and steak so far and can't wait to try more. We did breakfast today and the whole meal was ah-mazing. Cafe Con Leche is a MUST! Also can't rave enough about their sweet plantains. read more

El Mambo Restaurant - Cuban Near Me - Cape Coral, Florida

Great Cuban coffee! Love stopping by this place for a super quick and affordable breakfast! read more

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Simply the best cafe con leche in all of cape coral.Whenever im in town.I never miss coming here for breakfast.The prices are incredible.The food is so tasty.I really just come for breakfast.My recommendations are the cafe con leche the breakfast special.The omelet sandwhich.The bacon is the best.Enjoy. read more

El Mambo Restaurant - Cafe con leche.Simply the best add sugar. - Cuban Near Me - Cape Coral, Florida

We eat here every time we go to Cape Coral, I wish we still lived closer honestly I miss this restaurant so much. They do great: fried green plantains, sweet plantains, Moro (a rice and black bean mixture), Yucca (a potato-like root veggie) and I love almost every entree I've tried. When we lived in the area I would stop in just for cafe con leches (cuban coffee with milk, and trust me you will like it). (Come for dinner, not breakfast) Try the goat or ox tail when they have it on special, I know, you think its too authentic, but no, they slow cook it for a long time and it comes out very tender and rich in a red sauce. Glasses of wine are good quality and very cheap. Disclaimer: this place is not fancy and their English is not always there so just be patient and clear, point at the menu if you have to, you can do it. The girls are endlessly patient. The food is quite fast and I've never had to wait. read more

I had the chance to eat there a couple of time during my stay in Cape Coral. We went with friend for breakfast, and a week later for Lunch. Being born in South Florida, as well as being Cuban myself, I wanted to see what was available in the area as far as Cuban food. A friend of mine, took me to El Mambo, a place she went to quite a bit. And I had the chance to try their foodout for the first time for breakfast. And I have to admit, I am glad she did. The food at El Mambo was very good, and the service was on point. Pricing was good, and always left very satisfied. I do plan on going back for some more before heading back home. It is worth a visit if you are looking for some solid Cuban food in Cape Coral. The only thing that would have taken it to another level, if it would have had a massive pastery display, with tons of sweets to drool over. read more

Best Cuban food in southwest Florida. Highly recommend. Staff is always very nice. And there's so much more food than you need. Absolutely love!! read more

Excellent! Great fast service and the prices are just right. The cuban coffee, pastelitos, picadillo and Oxtail are all delicious!

I've eaten here probably 50+ times, and I can probably give you the most concise and accurate review you will get from anyone. Service is consistently very mediocre, but the food is consistently excellent, and the check is consistently small. read more

Amazing food!! Had a roast pork sandwich and side of rice and beans. Simple and amazing! 1 star from keeping it from being 5 was the service. I went in alone and sat at the counter and the only interaction I had was ordering the food... slightly awkward. But I cannot detract how good the food is. read more

This place was very close to where I was staying over the weekend. And with as many positive reviews PLUS recommendation from the couple I was staying with, I was full of hope on Sunday morning (I was told it's best for breakfast). For once I wasn't disappointed! This is a no-nonsense local diner. I think the press it's getting everywhere (I have seen it listed in tourist publication) is attracting more non-locals like myself. We stopped in at 9ish for breakfast. The place was hopping, most looked locals with a few that looked a little lost like us. I figured it's a "seat yourself" kind of place, so we took the last empty table immediately along with 2 menus I grabbed myself. Service was quick and efficient. I ordered the much raved about Cafe con Leche. It's HOT and solid coffee. The 2 of us ordered the breakfast special. 3 eggs, bacon, Cuban toast & a giant glass of OJ came with a bargain price of $3.50! Is there even profit?? I also ordered 2 croquetas ($0.60 each) and 1 carne empanada ($1.25). Everything came to a super bargain of $8.95. SERIOUSLY, I wish I can bring this place home and I'll have breakfast everyday there. Now, food. Even though it's cheap, it's pretty solid. Eggs were scrambled the way I like it, which is not runny. Bacon is CRISPY. I swear it's like eating pork rinds, but that's how I like it (some people may be turned off by that). Empanada was a little greasy but that's fine by me. Croquetas were very tasty and fairly good size. I saw that they have lunch specials ($5.99). That day they had $8.99 oxtail. I was told their lunch and dinner aren't as great, but I really wish I had a chance to try it out for myself. This place is a keeper! Food 4 Service 4 Value 5+ read more

El Mambo was a quick stop for breakfast on our way doing the touristy thing in the Keys...blew our socks off!! The café con leche (espresso coffee with warm milk) was amazing and the food delicious. We had the standard eggs, thick sliced but lean bacon and included tostada for dipping in the coffee. Wanting to try the empanadas, we got a chicken empanadas that could have served two. All this for $10. We didn't try but heard others inside talking about the milkshakes - mango, papaya, guava...wanted to come back to try them, but time ran out. Will be back! read more

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Was vacationing in Captiva Island and found El Mambo via Yelp. Although it was located a slow 50 min drive from our resort, they had the best ratings for Cuban food. Needless to say, the food did not disappoint! Very flavorful, simple, authentic and great portions. Prices were affordable. Service mediocre, but expected. Arrived for dinnertime on a weekday, so it was a fairly slow time in the restaurant. Perfect for us and parking was plentiful! The drive was well worth the toll fees going back. Would recommend to visitors and locals alike! read more

El Mambo Restaurant - Authenic and delicious! - Cuban Near Me - Cape Coral, Florida

I came to visit my parents in Cape Coral FL and we got food from this place.. these people are the worst. the food is bad and extremely over priced. stingy with the portions and they never get the orders right. the employees are not hospitable at all. I would not recommend this place to anyone. The appearance is just as bad as the customer service it looks really dirty and disorganized. I am actually cuban and this is supposed to be a cuban restaurant, KEYWORDS: SUPPOSED TO BE. read more

The food is PHENOMENAL! Absolutely authentic! I come from a 100% Cuban family and lived in Miami all my life. If you're looking for a real Cuban meal and experience, this is the place. It's a small cafeteria type place and their menu ranges from appetizers, sandwiches, and a full blown meal with the rice and black beans, fried plantains, and all kinds of meat cooked in different styles. The staff was very friendly and timing was just right. I do realize that this is not a chain and therefore all the food is cooked when ordered so it may take a little longer than a meal at Longhorn or Applebee's. But I don't mind waiting for a freshly cooked meal made just as I order it. All the pastries are made in house from scratch and are absolutely delicious. All in all, this is definitely a great place to fulfill your Cuban fix. read more

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Real Cuban food, real Cubans in the kitchen and at the tables. Try the chicken noodle soup (broth as golden as an Oscar trophy, and skinny noodles el magnifico). Then try the Cuban sandwich. Or just try anything on the damn menu; I pretty much guarantee you'll walk away: A) Smiling; B) With most of your money still in your wallet (or purse); C) A food baby sitting in your stomach. My Cuban (ham, white cheese, cuban mustard on a thin flat white Cuban hoagie pressed bun) was huge and as good as any I've eaten anywhere. Bowl of chicken noodle soup, plus a huge Cuban sandwich, plus a mango papaya shake= $10.00 plus a tip. Are you kidding me? If I lived in Coral Gables I'd have breakfasts and lunches here 2-3 times a week. Not much to look at from either inside or out, but NOT a greasy spoon! Just plain vanilla, and a great place to eat authentic Cuban food. These folks can cook. read more

Always a wonderful eating experience. Just had their daily special breakfast complete with three eggs and a huge pile of bacon. Plus you get Cuban bread toasted and a large cup of Espresso coffee with steamed milk for $4.25. What a deal. The cafe con leche at Starbucks would cost probably the same. Great value and excellent food. I also enjoy the dinner specials. Best Cuban restaurant in Fort Myers area. read more

El Mambo Restaurant - Great breakfast. - Cuban Near Me - Cape Coral, Florida

You just cant beat this place for Breakfast Lunch or Dinner on a budget...the breakfast is 3 eggs, cuban bread, coffee, and like a pound of bacon for around $3.00...., Gotta have the Cuban Sandwich for Lunch for about $5.00, and if your looking for a dinner that will have you back again the next day...try the Vaca Fritas and the Ham and Cheese Empanadas.... YUMMY! read more

Cubans don't know what a serving for one person is, holy moly this was so much food! My hubby found this place and decided to get breakfast and bring it back to our rental. He ordered the breakfast that is eggs, toast and bacon (2 of those, 1 for each kid. Not sure why he would do that knowing that Cubans serve for like 5 people) and he ordered a breakfast sandwich, a Cuban sandwich and a pan con bisect sandwich. Taste wise everything was yummy and very well cooked. I cannot rate service or location as I didn't not go to place the order with him. If you do order from this place make sure you order wanting to share. Portions are really too much and food might go to waste. We ended up throwing one of the breakfast since my kids couldn't finish them. read more

El Mambo Restaurant - Pan con bistec and in the back eggs, bacon toast breakfast. - Cuban Near Me - Cape Coral, Florida

I came in with my boyfriend at 8:30 pm, and the waitress looked at her watch in disgust and said "you're going to have to take it to go because it's too late to dine in". If i wasn't hungry I would have walked out. After I ordered toast and coffee (that's really all I wanted) I asked if I can have an orange juice, and she said "we don't have any". While I'm looking at the machine. They just didn't want to operate it. If you walk in a Chili's or Outback or Carrabas 30 Mins before they close, they will serve you gladly. Hell, even McDonalds will serve you! This is the closest to my house, and I will gladly drive 5 miles further to get my Cuban food fix. Horrible customer service, even when you are allowed to dine in. read more

Fantastic! Wouldn't typically order a turnover, but what a good call! Best I've ever had. Between my husband and I, we got a little bit of everything. Incredibly great! Service was fast and friendly. Normally I don't repeat restaurants on vacations, but we will definitely return! Amazing pork! read more

El mambo has amazing food!! While you there you get to enjoy the Cuban culture with the service and the seasoning of their meals. My friends and close family have been going there for years and they are always adding new meals and more to their menus for customers to enjoy and return once more! I recommend to everyone! read more

We enjoyed a fun lunch at El Mambo. We ordered the sweet fried plantains, the Cuban sandwich and the flan. It was very reasonably priced!

This place is just ok. However, I've only been there once for breakfast, and I'm from Key West, so my standards for Cuban food are pretty high. With that said, I had the omelette sandwich. The bread could have been toasted longer, and the "omelette" was pretty bland. I've had these egg and cheese sandwiches back home and they're delicious. This one was just blah. We also ordered two papas rellenas to go, and they were pretty bland, too. No spices in the beef. More importantly, the service was terrible. Don't expect to see your waitress after you order. Someone else brings your food, and she doesn't bother to check in on you. We had to chase her down after waiting 30 minutes for the check. Overall, I was disappointed. If you want great Mexican food in Ft. Myers, check out Taqueria Jalepeno. Their food is delicious. read more

El Mambo Restaurant - The omelette sandwich. Looks good, but it was very bland. - Cuban Near Me - Cape Coral, Florida

Favorite Cuban in SWFL! Best black beans and rice, TRY THEPICADILLO!, Empanadas and Cuban sand which light mayo! read more

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The restaurant is a bit outdated but their food makes up for it or at least their breakfast. The dinner/ lunch menu needs more appealing meals but their breakfast is just outstanding and is my go to place for when i need breakfast. As for their service its pretty adequate but could be better. read more

Good, inexpensive Cuban breakfast. I don't say "cheap", because that just sounds like it's not good, but it IS good. Ok, it's good and cheap! No nonsense food. Lots of locals. Lots of regulars. Still seated quickly. I'd definitely return. read more

Not bad! Cuba! I ordered a turnover, it was like a Cuban hot pocket. Boy, was it good. I also had a shredded beef, not the best quality meat, although you can tell it was prepared well. The tamales were moist and had a more than normal corn taste to them. Very good. Good service, and Cuba is Good. read more

I have been regular customer of this place for almost 3 years, but the last two times i had terrible service and they served awful food which i had to return, I complained about it and they didn't care, sadly no a customer any more, not recommending read more

The Cuban sandwich I just ordered was a total waste of money. It was ham lots of mustard pickles and no pork . Simply an imitation of a Cuban sandwich do not order it is a waste of money. I had to throw in the garbage read more

Went for the basic $4.25 breakfast - the eggs/choice of meat I found were really greasy and the cuban bread over-buttered but the pint of fresh pressed orange juice delicious and the .99c Cuban espresso nice and strong. I'd never had Cuban coffee though and was shocked at the amount of sugar it had in it when I had my first sip. The atmosphere was very upbeat - busy and fun and the waitresses were really sweet. From the other reviews the recommendations seem to be the traditional dishes like the black beans/rice and Cuban sandwich. If I returned I'd go for the lunch items such as those. read more

We recently moved to the area and were looking for a good cuban breakfast place. This was the first place I saw on yelp so we decided to give it a try. I really want to be able to give this place 5 stars because the food was delicious and the prices are cheap! The only problems we had was the cleanliness of the dining room and the service. This place gets pretty busy and seems to have a lot of regular customers. The dining room needs some tlc. The table we sat at was next to a window with white blinds that were dirty and looked like something was splattered all over them which is not something you want to be looking at while eating a meal. Usually I think if the dining room isn't clean imagine what the kitchen must look like. The service could have been faster. Our waitress was friendly but definitely took a while coming to take our order and getting our food out. We may give this place another try in the future and hopefully have a better experience read more

I ordered through DoorDash and I asked for Moro (black beans and rice) with fried plantains and then it came wrong. I called and the lady told me I put the order in wrong even though I looked back and saw that my order was correct. Horrible customer service and the lady argued with me. Ridiculous and never going back. read more

Great food. I love the palomilia steak. Prices are fair, always clean and comfy. I'll go there agAIN. read more

We drove from Ft. Myers, we had lunch special and it was VERY GOOD!!! Only thing Air condition was on much to high..it was freezing..thank goodness I had a jacket.. I will go again..and tell my friends..back to NJ next week.. read more

My mom and I stopped in for a Saturday lunch after going to the Farmers Market. Mom's a local and I visit several times a year. She has had breakfast here some time back and really liked it. I like to try new little places and wanted to go in. We're glad w3 did......great Saturday pork roast special with two sides. I had black beans and fries and wasn't disappointed. The pork was great and came with pork rinds, but the black beans were fantastic. I will go back when I'm back in town. read more

I got the lunch special of picadillo with moros rice and fried plantains. It was enough for 2 people to eat. Also super cheap like less than 7 bucks. Really fast service and friendly staff. read more

El Mambo Restaurant - picadillo with moros rice and fried plantains - Cuban Near Me - Cape Coral, Florida

El Mambo is the best in Cape Coral!! If you want authentic Hispanic food you have to go El Mambo... The service is always amazing from any of the ladies there. If you order over the phone they are very nice and will serve you with respect. The food is amazing, the price is affordable, very reasonable... Love this place... read more

I know, I know your going to say "you gave pignoli's 2 stars and El Mambo 4 stars? But El Mambo is what it is, cheap and DEE-Licious food. It does not pretend to be something it's not, it is not fancy, or pretty or even really clean. Discovered this last year for breakfast and have gone back twice this year, once for a carry out coffee and gauva turnover and once for lunch with the fam. My husband got the lunch special Ropa Vieja (which I wish I would have ordered it was AWESOME) with black beans and rice, I split my daughter a cuban sandwich (they were HUGE), my daughter also ordered a chicken soup (her only complaint was bones in the chicken). 2 of us also ordered mango juice. Our lunch was very good and I would HIGHLY recommend the Roja Vieja. read more