Had seen several reviews on this place in the past. And I know there was a Yelp event there as well. So we decided to try it today. Got there shortly after they opened, got sat down right away. They had a really cool brunch menu, but chose to stick to the.Regular menu. Our appetizer was okay. Our main courses came out.My salmon was very tasty, came with cilantro rice and was supposed to be mixed vegetables, but it looked more like cabbage and onion.It still tasted good, but. Wife got paella., it was okay as well The atmosphere of the restaurant towards the end of our meal. Became very interesting, i'm not sure what was planned, but yeah.. Our waiter was very friendly and helpful.. They have indoor and a large outdoor seating area. It is definitely a unique dining experience. Situated in thornebrooke shopping area. read more

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We made a reservation in advance to celebrate my mom's birthday here, especially since she had heard great things about their crispy pork--one of her favorites. Unfortunately, our experience didn't live up to expectations. While the staff was friendly, there were several issues that really stood out. We arrived early for our reservation, but after the rest of our party showed up and we ordered, it took ONE HOUR for our food to arrive. I understand that it can take longer for larger parties, but once the food came, some of the dishes were cold. The portions were smaller than expected and didn't seem worth the price. After such a long wait, we were too hungry to send the food back, so we ate it anyway, but it definitely wasn't satisfying. The appetizers and entrees were just okay. We had several things missing from our order and had to ask our server for basic items like plates and glasses. There was a drag show going on inside, and the music was extremely loud. We were seated outside right under a speaker, and the sound was spotty and staticky. A staff member mentioned that the music would be turned off because it was too loud, but it took 20-30 minutes for that to actually happen. Overall, the whole experience felt overstimulating, and the long wait just wasn't worth it. I was hoping for a better celebration, but unfortunately, I can't recommend this place based on our visit. read more

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I suggested this place for lunch to meet with a previous colleague. We sat outside. I ordered ceviche and she had a rice bowl. When we were finished with the meal and had paid, the server came to the table to apologize but that he had to ask us to leave as the restaurant was closed. When we got up to leave, there was a sign on the door that the restaurant had been closed due to health inspection. I threw my togo box in the trash after reading that sign. Upon looking at the report, it seems there was bad food served and evidence of roaches and rats. My colleague paid the bill, but if I had paid I would have asked for a refund. read more

Esperanza - Puerto Rican Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

We came here for lunch on Saturday and will most likely not return. The water we received had food in it so we didn't drink it. We mentioned that the glasses were dirty and water all we got was sorry. No new drinks. Two entrees, two drinks(non alcoholic),side and appetizer $90+ not including tip.For the price it really is not worth it. No kids menu so if you have little ones probably not the place to come too. The churrasco and grilled street avocado is still good here but avoid the meatloaf nothing fresh and not good. Really disappointed that this place isn't what it use to be. read more

My wife and I went out to eat at this restaurant our first time being in there the service the food and everything was perfect. Staff was nice. The food was delicious. We had the tacos. It will season just right now over season the beans and rice was perfect. The plantain chips and guacamole was good But most of all the atmosphere was very relaxing. We will be returning it again. read more

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Nice local place. Service was great and food was good. Everyone enjoyed their meals. We ordered chicken sandwiches with fries and Fish tacos. NOTE: All sides are a la carte. read more

Esperanza - Grilled chicken and a la carte side of French fries - Puerto Rican Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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Food was amazing and so was the staff! The taste of a Miami is a must-try! The brussel sprouts and mushroom taco were also AMAZING! The owner, Carlos, also takes immense pride in his restaurant and makes everyone feel extremely welcome. read more

Esperanza - Puerto Rican Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

This was formerly Cintron which we went a few times and always enjoyed. We saw the name change hoping and expecting there'd be some revamp or just rejuvenating to the place or menu. It was the same exact thing I was whelmed. The night we went the server did great and we enjoyed the food. However for the price it feels like it wants to be a little more upscale than it currently is. Still the food is great and I wouldn't mind coming back maybe if there was a happy hour. read more

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Stopped by on a Friday night and listened to a great singer while eating an excellent dinner. Great service too! Advice: clean up the clutter at the end of your bar and do a little more decorating and you will be perfect! read more

Food was okay was very MID my friends got the glazed salmon with cilantro rice she said it was OKAY and the other got a salmon Caesar salad and she said the salmon was dried. The drink was GREAT but the food wasn't it for me. Also there should be more vegan options. The decor was nice and the waiter was great . Will I be back probably not. Appetizers was GREAT just the main entree was not good at all read more

Esperanza - Coquito moctail - Puerto Rican Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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The food was AMAZING! We dined in a beautiful cozy courtyard with an attentive and personable waiter/ owner. It's been one of our top dining out experiences in Gainesville. read more

Great customer service, the owner even came to ask how we liked our meal. The venue was beautiful, perfect for date night.

Best puerto rican food in town! The mofongo is to die for! Great cocktails and service as well!

Formerly known as Cintron, this place is a cute vibe nestled in a plaza of other shops and stores. Unfortunately, the restaurant was short of staff which caused our wait to be quite long between orders of drinks, appetizers and of course our entree meals. It all worked out for our group though as we enjoyed the time together to talk a little longer and spend extra time with one another. Our food was cold when received as I believe they waited for all of our dishes to be prepared before serving. Our waiter was very apologetic and friendly which made my experience overall pleasant despite the aforementioned hiccups. Suggestion, ask about menu items if you have questions as some of the menu items are not prepared as you may be accustomed to. Feedback from the table. Happy eating! read more

The food is amazing, Caribbean nouvelle cuisine. Very creative! The service is exceptional and the ambiance is spectacular with an inviting outdoor sitting area by a relaxing rumor of a fountain. read more

Esperanza - Glazed salmon with sautéed veggies and cilantro rice. - Puerto Rican Near Me - Gainesville, Florida

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On a Friday night at 8:30pm without reservation, and with only half of the tables taken outside and more empty tables inside, we were told that there was a 45 minute wait. So we headed to sit at the bar (with NOBODY sitting at the bar), intending to drink while we waited, and were told by the man at the bar that we were also subject to the 45 minute wait. What??? We cannot wait at the bar? That is not a way to conduct business. OK, this establishment lost a neighborhood patron. Never again. read more

Great food and great service. I would highly recommend it to anybody, and I'm looking forward to returning soon.

Best Coffee!! Love the new decor and actual real plates and glasses. Food and service are excellent.

What a treat to have Esperanza in Thornebrook . It's fun vibe and attention to Latino dishes totally shines through . Their thoughtful menu and dishes have been bringing locals not just out to eat but to enjoy live music and brunches on their lovely patio . The service was amazing. Being a foodie and loving to taste small dishes, I knew I wanted to try their Pulpo ( Octopus ) on potatoes. Oh yummy, tender and excellent sized portion. Also had the chicken & rice soup which was light and refreshing. The Ceviche was bright using Mahi - perfect fish for it & the traditional gazpacho . Also had their Queso Frito - fried cheese sided with a Guava jam - mmmm! They have a lovely wine selection ( owner Harry is also a Sommelier ) and a full bar . Dayra his wife keeps happy smiles amongst dinners with her caring heart. I was told they do brunches on weekends also serving up plantain waffles. I can't wait to try that ! A person ordered a whole fried fish that passed my glance and it looked outrageous. So head out to Esperanza for a true Latin dining experience!! I'll be back for sure. read more

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Came for dinner tonight with my husband and 2 kids. I had the guava glazed salmon with cilantro rice, which was outstanding! Delicious blend of flavors and perfectly prepared. My husband and son got the Esperanza burger, which he described as "exceptional, unique, one of the best burgers I've ever had" (the chorizo flavor was a bit intense for my 9 year-old). We all agreed that the sweet potato fries were the best available in Gainesville. My 12 year-old son got the blackened mahi, which he described as "really darn good." :-) The sweet plantains were some of the best he's had. We all tried the Coquito Martini mocktail, and everybody loved it. Sweet and creamy- almost a dessert! We also got the coconut-based dessert that "tastes like Christmas" (I can't remember the name), as recommended by the owner. It did not disappoint! Very unique and super delicious. We sat outside, where there was a great duo playing live music, adding to the fun atmosphere. The service was great too. We'll definitely be back! read more

Some of the tastiest food I have had in years! Loved the ceviche appetizer, salmon and mahi entrees. Recommend the guava cheesecake for dessert. Delicious!! read more

I went here for the first time since changing to Esperanza, and it was disappointing. I ordered the crispy Brussels bravas and squash soup. The soup was fine, but a little thin in my opinion. The Brussels sprouts were not at all as promised by the menu. The description says: red chili aioli, pickled papaya, crushed peanuts, micro cilantro. None of those four ingredients were present, and the Brussels sprouts were far from crispy. Instead, it seemed like they sprouts had been undercooked in chicken broth and draped with boiled onion. The new owners are largely trying to keep the same menu, but they were far from hitting the mark on this item. read more