My family and I visited El Puro Cuban Restaurant in Charlotte, NC, on our way home to Boston. We were impressed by the beautiful place, delicious drinks, and exquisite food. We're glad we found a piece of Cuba in North Carolina. Our servers were immaculate. P.S. Rabo Encendido & Margarita Buena Vista are a MUST-TRY!!!!!! read more

LOVED EL PURO!!! We had a variety of dishes from ceviche to short rib, empanadas, and skirt steak. Our food was BEYOND flavorful and the portions were generous for sharing and still some to take home. The ambiance was giving Cuban nightclub! It was dim lit, live music, dancefloor was jumping, drinks flowing...it was all a vibe. Definitely the place for a date, or a family gathering with adults and/or hanging out with a group of friends. I would not recommend trying to bring children (if that's even allowed). The service was also nice! Food came out in a timely manner after ordering and we were tended to at convenient times for drink refills and ensuring everything was ok with the table. read more

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I was raving about this place to a friend from past experiences so we went to check it out. It was a Saturday night and the stage was packed as they had live music and most people (a mature crowd) were on stage dancing. Most people were either celebrating a birthday or out for date night. However, the music was so loud it didn't allow for much conversation. It had been some time since I've been back to El Puro since giving up pork- it made the food options a bit limited. The food was a little subpar especially at the price point. My friend was underwhelmed but the atmosphere and ambiance is and still remains great. Moving forward I'd probably just stop by for drinks if anything. read more

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you're looking for an authentic Cuban dining experience with energy, flavor, and atmosphere, El Puro Cuban Restaurant absolutely delivers. From the moment you walk in, you feel it -- the music, the vibe, the warmth. The live band sets the tone with classic Cuban rhythms that make the entire place feel alive. It's not just background music -- it's part of the experience. The sound fills the room without overpowering conversation, creating that perfect balance between lively and intimate. Now let's talk about the food -- because it's outstanding. I ordered a plate featuring tender, slow-braised shredded beef in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. The meat was incredibly flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and fall-apart tender -- you can tell it's been cooked low and slow the right way. The sauce had depth, with hints of garlic, peppers, and warm spices that tied everything together beautifully. It was served alongside perfectly cooked rice (dark and flavorful, likely infused with beans and seasoning), sweet fried plantains that were caramelized just right -- crispy edges, soft centers -- and a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness. Every component on the plate complemented the other. Nothing felt like an afterthought. The presentation was generous and rustic, exactly what you want from authentic Cuban comfort food. The service was welcoming and attentive, and the overall ambiance makes it a great spot for: * Date nights * Celebrations * Dinner with friends * Or just a night out where you want great food and live music El Puro isn't just a restaurant -- it's an experience. Great food, great atmosphere, and great live music. I'll absolutely be back. read more

El Puro Cuban Restaurant - Cuban Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

After a day of kayaking, our group stopped by El Puro Cuban Restaurant for some much-needed food, and it turned out to be a great choice. It wasn't busy when we arrived, so we were seated right away. The decor was lively and inviting, setting a fun, relaxed tone. They were offering a three-course special, though a couple of us are Offline members, so we ordered à la carte. We started with the empanadas and croquetas, which were both pretty good, but the real standouts were the entrées. I ordered the Ropa Vieja, and I also tried my friend's Bistec Relleno--and I definitely made the right choice. The Ropa Vieja was savory, perfectly seasoned, and disappeared from my plate in no time. For dessert, two friends ordered the Dulce de Leche and a chocolate pie or cheesecake they had available at the time. The dulce de leche was excellent. Overall, I really enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere. I'll definitely be back to try more of the menu--brunch, perhaps. read more

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Lovely early dinner with beautiful and delicious food. We had what I took pictures of and also had the Ropa Veija, Maritas de la Loma (very nice presentation), and two shredded meat sliders. Definitely a great place to have dinner and eating outside is better for conversation. read more

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El Puro became one of my go to restaurants in the Charlotte Area. Let me tell you from the time I waked in I felt like I was in Cuba. Hostess greeted me immediately and within a short amount of time my server came by with a glass bottle with water. I love cortaditos coffee. One of the main reasons why I wanted go try el puro. El was decorated super cute and such an amazing flavor. I was indecisive between the Ropa Vieja Sliders and the Frita Burger and let me tell you both were AMAZING. I went on a Friday night and they had live music. Really great environment and was not rushed . I will be returning to el Puro Cuban Restaurant read more

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The food and atmosphere were amazing! The food was authentic Cuban delicacies. The empanadas were crispy yet soft with seasoned chicken and beef fillings. The whole red snapper was fried crispy and seasoned. The tostones were great. Service was also good! Drinks were delicious and well balanced. My only disappointment was dessert, my tres leaches cakes was advertised served with salted caramel ice cream but was served with a different flavor with chocolate chips in it that I was not told and didn't like. The live band was entertaining. A great place to celebrate as many birthdays were recognized that night. read more

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This place had been on my friends list so we went for her birthday to celebrate! It's a nice atmosphere, definitely elevated from the shopping center it's located in. Inside they have live music at least when we went on a Sunday afternoon. We chose to sit on the outside patio which is also a nice covered area. Lots of items on the menu that I would have been happy to choose from. We definitely went with the guava empanadas which was enjoyable, and we had to get the famous lechon pancakes. They were a little heavy for a full meal but fun to share. Wished there was more fruit on it! Had a nice time overall in service was fine as well! read more

El Puro Cuban Restaurant - Cuban Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Came in today for their Brunch. First of all the atmosphere was amazing the singers they had made me wanna get up and dance! But I ordered the DISARONNO Coffee sour and OMG probably top three best whiskey sours I have ever had it was soo good! I'd go back just for the drink by it self. But Guijaro Benedict, I think that's what is called was amazing as well, the tostone was cooked perfectly and the pork was tender. I definitely would recommend to anyone! I wanna try their pancakes next and come for dinner! read more

If you want good music good food and a place to dance this is it. They had a cuban band in there playing. I just wish they cleared more tables out of the dance area. The food was outstanding. Everything was flavored to a t. The service was prompt and friendly. read more

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Perfect date night spot! Live music and low lights vibes. The service was super fast, and the food was PERFECTION!

We arrived closer to 12:00pm and were very excited! We did not have a reservation so there was about a 20-25 minute wait which was fine and on the marble in terms of estimates. Once seated, we were put at a table for two, which had an amazing view of the stage but, was extremely tight considering there was another party seated behind us, the table also was very small so when it came to drinks and food it was a bit uncomfortable. For appetizers, I started with the ham croquetas which were amazing! They came out very hot and were perfectly crunchy on the outside yet tender on the inside. We did order drinks which came after the appetizers which was a disappointment. I got the coco margarita, and my friend got the peach Bellini. My drink was strong and tasty, however I probably would not order it again. Our waitress was pleasant and attentive. For the main, I ordered the chicken sandwich off of the brunch menu. This took a very very long time to come out so we just took it to go. They had a beautiful live singer playing which I thoroughly enjoyed as it added to the experience. The decor and architecture inside the restaurant was amazing as well, you could tell a lot of effort was put into the planning. Overall, El Puro was a great restaurant. The food, drinks, decor were amazing and I would absolutely return! read more

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Absolutely love this place! If I am ever in town again I would definitely come here. I would love to see what the dinner vibe is because I went during brunch and it was already amazing! They still had live music playing. The prices were not too bad considering how nice the restaurant was. The food was amazing as far as the Benedict but the pancakes were way too sweet in my opinion. Unfortunately it was a bit tough to enjoy. read more

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Amazing Cuban restaurant in Charlotte just south of downtown with Live music 6:30pm daily. Excellent seating for large and small groups. Service with Noemi was stellar. Ropa Vieja (shredded brisket) comes with rice and fried plantains. This Classic Cuban dish does not disappoint! Classic Mojito was light and refreshing. read more

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The food and atmosphere were amazing. The drink menu is extensive and all the cocktails we tried were so good. The service was quick and kind. We went for brunch and the breakfast bowl was super yummy. read more

Meh. Lacking. A few of us went for brunch because we heard it was soooo good. Maybe it was because the usual brunch menu wasn't being served but it was lacking. The empanadas needed more filling and flavor. My friends got a breakfast sandwich that had pork, eggs, chimichurri they noted it was good, but greasy and lacked flavor. I had a basic eggs and potatoes w a side of avocado... also just meh. The atmosphere was fun. The patio was cute and the service was good! read more

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Stopped in for an early dinner (6:30pm) and now wondering why I never did before as I really enjoyed the experience. As a solo diner you're seated at the bar. I wasn't too keen about that but it wasn't that crowded or noisy and turned out to be great. The servers kept me entertained as well as the other patron who sat close by. The food overall was tasty. The Croquetas were a suggestion for an appetizer and were delicious. Crispy on the outside and smooth on the inside. I requested hot sauce for a bit of a kick. I had two drinks. Their version of an Old Fashion and a Piña Colada. The drinks were strong. Pace yourself. The chocolate bitters in their Old Fashion with the smoked coconut preparation blended well. This was a first for me. For dinner I went with the Cuban Sandwich with the pickles on the side. There's like a pulled smoky pork that's so succulent I could have had the sandwich made only with that. The ham I didn't care for as it was too reminiscent of deli meat. The bread had a solid crust and held up well. Overall a good sandwich. I would have enjoyed it more if it was served hot with the cheese melted and a pork au jus on the side. The sandwich needs to be dipped into something else it can render dry after a few bites. Get there a bit later than 6:30pm and enjoy the drinks and live music... read more

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This place is such a vibe. We went on a Saturday for a birthday and it was packed in there. They had live music which was really good. I had a cafecito martini and it was yummy and strong surprisingly. The service was great and we really enjoyed ourselves. I have to go back to try salsa night on Wednesdays. read more

El Puro Cuban Restaurant - Cuban Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Kelly S was great. The food is ALWAYS delicious. We have been coming to their restaurants for years and it's always delicious Thank you. Hope to see you soon Manny read more

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El Puro...has legs. Walking in, the vibes are immaculate. There's live Cuban music. People are getting up from their tables and dancing. People are getting up from their tables and going on stage and singing a song with the band, unplanned, off the cuff. And they're good. Dizzy waiters and bus boys are buzzing around the dining room carrying large oval trays of food. People are clapping and everyone looks amused. It's hard not to smile in here. The food is definitely expensive for the caliber of what is brought out. There's some good flavors going on but not the best execution. The fried pork shoulder was flavorful, under salted, but flavorful. It's served on a gimmicky grill grate on a giant box. I didn't get why, I guess to give the impression it's grilled, yet...it's fried pork. It came out cold. It didn't occur to me later that it was supposed to have a little fire inside the grill. It never did, even after we got it reheated. I think they should just ditch the grill idea entirely as it's air hitting the food from underneath and up top so it's quick to go cold. The sweet plantains are dry. The tostones are good. The frijoles negros aren't. There was a bit of a language barrier with our server and the music was really loud so that was a minor inconvenience but the place is fun and served me the best piña colada of my life. read more

Overall great experience. The live music inside was quite loud making it hard to hear at the table, but the outdoor patio was quite festive and seemed like a great option for us next time. The fried pork appetizer was probably my favorite (I usually go with vaca frita if it's on the menu) but I loved the flavorful arroz con pollo as well. Passion fruit mojito was excellent! Great service too, though it was nearly empty when we came though. read more

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I have been wanting to try this restaurant for a long time. I came here for a birthday brunch on yesterday. The aesthetic is everything! I think this is a great place to come for cocktails! I ordered tres leches pancakes and a mango mojito. The presentation was great, but the pancake was super regular. I don't like the fluffy cream that came on it. Everyone enjoyed catching up with each other and celebrating the birthday girl. Our server Kelly, did an amazing job accommodating such a large party. I will give this place a second try maybe for a date night. read more

El Puro Cuban Restaurant - TRES LECHES PANCAKES - Cuban Near Me - Charlotte, North Carolina

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Okay so let me start with main issue with had...it was way too loud in there! It was nice to see/hear a live band play but it was so loud we couldn't even talk to our friends and we couldn't even think properly. Because of the loudness we quickly ate and paid and left. The food itself was 50/50. The appetizers were really good, we enjoyed those! My friend and I both ordered the arroz con pollo and it was not all that. Our husbands enjoyed their meals though! Overall service was good. They kept having to bring a table for another party so I had to get up twice so they could move the table, it was a little annoying. I will give the them one more try before I make my final decision, but for now it was okay. read more

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We went here for dinner on a Saturday night. They had live Spanish music playing. They sat us right on the stage. The music was nice. It was very load. So if you are going to go here thinking you can have a conversation at the table you can't unless you talk in between songs. The food was good. There was plenty of parking. read more

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Such a great vibe! I loved the live music literally the best part, besides the drinks! Definitely worth trying! I would definitely try dinner. The brunch portion of my hash had more rice than anything, the tres leches pancakes were very dry, dont recommend. We had an appetizer, with crab slaw can't remember the name. It was pretty good! The service was great! She even gave us free champagne for the wait on the food. They did a cute birthday presentation! read more

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I don't normally do reviews but felt I should to address some of reviews I read prior to eating at this place. First, I'm not Cuban but grew up in FL and ate alot of Cuban food. One of the sadest things about living in NC is there might be 20 actual Cuban restaurants in the entire state. I thought the food here was really great, flavorful but not overseasoned! You can't go wrong ordering the churrasco a caballo, and the guava pancakes are amazing! I went for brunch around 2pm on a Sunday which is the perfect time to go to any restaurant if you want to avoid big crowds. Even at that time they had a live band going inside and it was loud, so if you want to be able to hear folks without yelling during conversation I would strongly suggest seating outside. Yes, it is a bit overpriced but I'm sorry you just aren't going to find ropa vieja in CLT for $12-15 like you can in SoFla. As stated in other reviews, you can find some cheaper places that serve Cuban-ish/Fusion/South American food places that are great. If you're closer to the north part of CLT, check out Azucar in Hunterville. It's more chill but still on the pricier side. read more

The burger i had was just ok. Too many fries. Would have preferred a healthier option for a side. The atmosphere was pleasant inside and out. Maybe try a different dish next time. Items were a bit pricey. Service was slow.no sense of urgency. Had to track down server for my check. read more

LOVE LOVE LOVE this restaurant! The food is delicious, and consistent. The cocktails are as well. The atmosphere, starting from when you pull up out front, to when you walk inside, is transformative. I feel like I'm stepping into a restaurant deep in the heart of Havana. The mojitos are delicious and go down oh so easy. You absolutely must dine here. Authentic live music in the evenings. Staff are attentive and welcoming. If you love good Cuban fare, this will be your new number one. Thank me later. read more

Great patio with tasty food. We came on a Fri night and there was plenty of seating available outside on the very large and inviting patio. Beer menu was light...but not a showstopper. My bride went with the Vegadillo ($21) and I ordered the Ropa Vieja ($30). We both commented how we loved the taste and experience of our food! It seemed a little pricey considering the type of food (e.g. pork, rice, beans) - which impacted the rating. Service was prompt. read more

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Please don't come here expecting authentic Cuban food/flavor. I gave this place another chance after being disappointed a few years back and i think it actually got worse. The server took forever to come take our order, the items are extremely over priced. For example, a carne con papa which is literally beef chunks with potato was $38. That's insane. It cost more than a seafood "mariscada" which makes you wonder . Aside from the price, the food itself lacked flavor. Something as simple as white rice was undercooked and hard. Maybe they're trying to make this fancy without honoring the actual taste of the food which is sad because i read in an article that the owners are Cuban. As a Cuban, it's disappointing enough to have very few Cuban options in charlotte. If you're Cuban like me and just want some of abuelitas black beans i suggest driving to Kannapolis to Havana Carolina Cafe for real tasting Cuban food and normal prices. They even make their own Cuban bread. The Cuban sandwiches at Puro aren't even on Cuban bread. It's saddens me to have had such a bad experience here. My partner had a frita which was not a frita at all. I will say they have cute decorations but that's probably the only positive thing i can say about this place. read more

Came here recently for a Friday evening date night, and came away with my new favorite date night spot. We started with drinks and the appetizer sampler, Tapa Cubana, which was a great way to try all the appetizer foods. Our favorite was the beef empanada, and both aioli dips! For entrees we had the Ropa Vieja (it was too salty) and El Churrasco steak, which was the stand out Star. We absolutely will order the steak again, but swap out the potatoes for Maduros. For dessert we shared the Quatro Leches cake which was also delicious. Staff was attentive initially but slow as the night went on & got busy. It was nice to hear the live band which begin at 7:40pm. Overall a wonderful evening and delicious food experience, will be back! read more

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My family is Cuban and so I have high standards especially for Cuban black beans and ropa vieja. This place does it perfectly. Everything we had was perfect. Don't miss out on the coffee either, everything here is so good. The ambiance is so cute, the outside deck is just as nice as sitting inside. You'll feel like you're in a Miami restaurant a bit. So fun. Service was fast and great. I am looking forward to being back! read more

It's vibrant, energetic and fun! Saturday night they have live music and people dance! Woohoo We sat on the patio which is huge! Our waitress was wonderful- one of our party had an allergic reaction to something in her drink ( we still are not sure) but you could sense her genuine concern and attempts to do what she could! We enjoyed the food! My steak was juicy cooked just right and the sauce was amazing. I still think I prefer chimichurri though but this was good also! The hubby devoured his whole fried fish! He said it was fantastic! My mojito was excellent and the signature drink the hubby got he really liked too! read more

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The place is nice but not worth the prices... all drinks and food are extremely overpriced. The music was so loud we started yelling at each other and ended up with a headache. Food didn't taste bad at all, drinks were okay too, but again, not worth their price. I will not be returning but it was a good one-time experience, I guess... read more

I really wanted to keep loving El Puro. My first experience here was fantastic, but unfortunately, the quality has gone way down while the prices have skyrocketed. They're charging over $200 for bottles of wine you can find at a gas station for $10, and $50+ for entrees that arrive looking (and tasting) uninspired. That said, the ambiance is still top-tier-especially when they have live music. If you're looking for a lively spot to enjoy the vibe, it's still worth a visit. But if you're here for great Cuban food and drinks? Sadly, it's just not the move anymore. read more

The meal I ordered was just ok. The Pan Con Bistec was a bit too much bread for me. I really love Cuban's but haven't been able to enjoy one since I gave up pork, so I wish this one had a none pork Cuban option. The fries were good. My friends had the Tres Leches pancakes, those looked phenomenal and everyone liked them. I'd come back and just order something different. The atmosphere was very nice and they had a live band, which was really nice but hard to have a group conversation. Overall everything was ok. read more

Great experience at El Puro! We made a reservation and I recommend doing that. We started with drinks. I ordered a Diet Coke and my date ordered the El Jibaro cocktail. The service was great and the ambiance was fun and uplifting. They had Cuban music playing and it honestly made you think you were sitting in a restaurant in Cuba. The outside seating area is great as well! This place also has easy parking which is a plus! This was my first experience with Cuban food and it did not disappoint. Everything was very flavorful. I will definitely come back here again! read more

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Since traveling to Cuba I've been on a search for great Cuban cuisine and the verdict is...I love this restaurant! I enjoy the vibe, the music, and the service. According to the website a reservation is required. We were able to get a day of reservation and we were seated immediately upon arrival. This is my second time here and each time the waiter has been a huge help in explaining the menu. We ordered mojitos (one virgin...one regular) guava and cheese empanadas as an appetizer, followed by pancakes, and the arroz imperial. Everything was prepared pretty quickly and everything was deliciously made. The waiter recommended I return when there's a band, after 7. I look forward to enjoying this restaurant outside of brunch hours. read more

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Went here late afternoon with family when the restaurant was mostly empty. The place is well decorated and calmly lit. The food was a mix of great and okay. For example, we ordered the sampler appetizer and everything was delicious but when our entrees came, we had mixed reviews. The server was very attentive however and when my drink wasn't to my expectations, she was happy to ask the bartender to remake it. I would definitely try this place again on a night they have live music. read more

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