we went for my friend's grad dinner. i never thought food could taste this good haha the service was a bit slow but thats understandable because this place was packed!!! they were also very accomodating to my requests. the ambiance was nice and calm. a little loud but it was very pretty. finally my food ranking list - 10 outta motherfckin 10 so many bangers: lamb chops - best thing ever shrimp - second best chicken large plate virgin guava mocktail flan 2021 muga rioja wine good: ribs (i did not eat this) salmon large plate dont get the: guac, plantain chips, bacon wrapped dates Favorite Dishes: Lamb chops read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - the amazing lamb chops! - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

Honestly, I'm not sure if Cuban food is really salty or just this restaurant cooks everything with a heavy hand. EVERYTHING was so salty I couldn't even taste the flavors of the food. The yuka fries were really good though and you can taste the truffle oil. read more

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The vibes were super cute, especially in the outdoor seating! Service was great as well. My favorite dish of the night was the yuca fries with the sauce, so good!! I also enjoyed the tres leches, they were very generous with the milk and coconut syrup. The other dishes were also good, but very very salty. read more

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We had dinner here with a reservation on a Friday night and the place was packed. Despite how busy it was, the service was fantastic. Our server was knowledgeable about what ingredients were in the dishes and made sure to accommodate our table's different allergies. We got a bunch of small plates to share and the highlights were: * Ceviche - fresh and with delicious sour citrus flavors * Bacon-wrapped plantains - the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors, plus crunchy-chewy and soft textures. * Octopus - perfectly cooked, flavorful, and topped with perfectly cooked potatoes The dishes were on the pricier side, but the great service and lively atmosphere made for a great group dinner experience. read more

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Fun little spot! They've got a rotating menu, handcrafted cocktails, and a fun, lively atmosphere. It does get a little cramped inside, but the energy adds to the experience. Our server was friendly, knowledgeable, and gave great recommendations throughout the meal. We tried a few different dishes and honestly loved everything. The standouts were definitely the mussels and the ribs. The mussels were huge, fresh, and packed with flavor, while the ribs were coated in a tangy-sweet sauce and literally fell right off the bone. Would absolutely come back to try more of the menu! read more

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Obsessed is an understatement when I think of this spot. Gustazo has perfected and elevated the tapas game. I came here for a date night and sat on the back patio. The water fountain and string lights provided a lovely, romantic ambiance. Our server was most helpful when trying to decide which plates to select. Every dish sounded amazing, but we were helped with narrowing down our choices, which I highly recommend doing as they know best! I cannot wait to bring friends and family here to enjoy these amazing dishes! read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - Menu - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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My large group had a great experience. I say 4.5 stars as my vegetarian dish was not elevated like others. I had Ropa Vieja de hongos and while tasty, it was not special. All other dishes pretty much had an elevated presentation and I was told very tasty. Service was very good which is why I think it deserves a little more than 4 stars. Compliments to the chef! read more

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Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar has such a cool atmosphere. Service was very nice but a little slow. All the food looked beautiful and tasted amazing!!! we ordered the chicharrones, mussels, pulpo, and the Croquetas de Jamón were the best. Definitely worth going back. read more

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Gustazo Cambridge has become one of our go-to places for celebrating special occasions, and for good reason! We were seated upstairs, where the energy was buzzing -- perfect if you enjoy a lively dining experience. On another visit we tried the downstairs area, which has a quieter, more intimate atmosphere, making it ideal for conversation. It's wonderful to have both options depending on the mood you are in. The food is consistently outstanding. Each dish bursts with great flavors and is plated beautifully. One of the things we appreciate most is the range of vegetarian options, which isn't common in many tapas restaurants. The vegetarian dishes are creative, full of flavor, and thoughtfully crafted so you never feel like an afterthought. Service is always top notch! At the last visit Mariam took great care of us. She was warm, attentive, and so knowledgeable about the menu. She made excellent recommendations and checked in just the right amount to make sure everything was perfect. Her genuine hospitality elevated our dining experience from great to exceptional. Our favorite dishes have been- *Yuca Fries *Corn Fritters *Ensalada de Habas (fava beans salad) *Sweet plantains *Lamb chops *Camarones a la Plancha (small plate grilled shrimp) *Arroz con Pollo (Pan roasted half chicken) *Ropa Vieja de Hongos (Mushroom Ropa Vieja) *Tres Leches Highly recommend Gustazo if you're looking for incredible food, a vibrant atmosphere, and amazing service!! read more

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Finally tried this place after hearing so many good things about it. And as excited I was from all the hype, I will say I was a little disappointed after trying it. I started with a jalapeño margarita which was pretty good but a little spicy for my taste. I had read many reviews about the appetizer's, so I decided to try a few. The empanadas were pretty good, didn't care for the fish tacos on the plantain shell, and the ribs were just ok. I'd try different ones if I were to come back. We were still pretty hungry, so my boyfriend got the ropa vieja which he liked. I had a few bites that were good as well. We ended with churros for dessert which were light and fluffy, paired with a nice chocolate sauce. It was quite busy but food didn't take too long. It's also a smaller space and tables are very close together, so our experience was quite noisy. It was a nice introduction to cuban food but I wasn't totally impressed unfortunately. I think it's a nice place to maybe meet friends and grab some small plates but it didn't wow my expectation's, and it's pretty pricey for small portions. read more

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Thrilled that Gustazo is n9w offering brunch! We went this past weekend and loved it. The chicken and waffles were fabulous. There's so much chicken and it is flavorful, juicy, and crunchy. The spicy guava syrup on the waffle is great. The portion is huge. More than enough for two big servings. We also got eggs with pulled pork. Delicious! I like the new brunch cocktails too. It was quiet when we wre there. As usual, the service was excellent. read more

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Delicious and wonderful ambience. Fortunately for us they had plenty of patio seats for those without reservations. Maybe in winter, you'd need a reservation as seats filled quickly. Food was rich and savory, although leaning towards the saltier side. The tapas are definitely meant to be tapas - for example the tacos and chicharrones only had two little servings of the dish. The food did take a little bit of time to come out (to the point where I finished my whole drink before any food came out) but I think it attests to freshness and time needed to prepare each dish, which were all nicely presented. Not the cheapest meal but it was a lovely experience. Metered parking nearby til 8pm. read more

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I've been here multiple times and the food is consistently good! The dishes are small and big plates and best shared so you can try more dishes. Each of the dishes are beautifully presented and flavors are complex. The restaurant has many tables and there's even seating downstairs. I recommend making reservations! My favs were the baby back ribs, ropa vieja, grilled lamb chops, and yuca fries. read more

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3.5 out of 5 stars We went to dinner for my birthday on a Tuesday night. There was a good amount of people for a Tuesday night. The restaurant is cozy with dim lighting, definitely date night vibes. Service was good overall. I had to greet the hostess, but our server was high energy and friendly. He was attentive with our 6 year old and kind enough to bring us a birthday dessert when my daughter mentioned it was my birthday. I had included it in the reservation notes, but this hadn't been communicated. It did feel like they were a bit understaffed and he seemed rushed. The food was also just good. I really liked the portions for the tapas and the variety. We had a number of dishes, but none of them stood out as something we would go back for. The menu was not kid friendly, which is fine because it's not a restaurant that most people would take their kids to. Overall, given the reviews, I was expecting a bit more, but dinner was enjoyed. read more

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I really enjoyed Gustazo! We've had this on our place to visit, and I'm glad we finally made it in. Upon walking in, I really love the atmosphere and the artwork on the walls. The hostess and waitress were both pleasant. First we ordered the fried yuca, which was great. Next, we had lamb chops, which were cooked well, just wish there were 4 instead of 3. For dinner we ordered the shrimp fried rice and the arroz con pollo. The fried rice was great and had some pork as well. The chicken and rice was fantastic, with juicy chicken and well cooked rice. The prices may be a tad high for the portions but the food is good. I can't wait to go back and highly recommend. read more

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This should have received 5 stars based on the food. I'm from Tampa and Cuban food is absolutely one of my favorites. We did not have one singular item that wasn't amazing. Spinach empanadas were lite and flaky, ropa veija was the best I've ever had. Slightly spicy but that's how I like it. Drinks were good and everything else we ate was amazing. The reasons for the star downgrade. #1 we had a reservation for the main dining room. They sat us in the bottom floor. The ambience in the main floor is amazing. The basement is not great. #2 our service was really slow and it was not our waiters fault. He got to us as fast as he could. The basement was slammed and they only had two servers working that entire floor. That delayed request for drink refills and additional food items. We will definitely be back but hope to get the room requested and that they staff up a little more. Again...food was amazing!!!!! read more

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Really great tapas spot, probably my favorite in Cambridge. Everything was excellent, and more filling than you'd expect. The ceviche was a highlight, as were the yuca fries. The barrio chino was my favorite, but everyone else at the table was not a big fan. The arroz con pollo was similar (my table found it too salty). We also enjoyed the mushroom croquettes, and felt meh about the guayaba ribs (they were a really nice texture but odd flavor). The cocktails were also tasty and Caribbean. Service was very friendly, although the staff felt a bit uncoordinated. We ate on the patio, which was a nice vibe given the pretty weather. Place is pricey but I'd recommend it for a special occasion! read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - Ceviche - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

This place was amazing, great food/drinks, and great service. We got the mussels, croquetas de jamon, ceviche, ropa vieja. This was for 3 people and was very filling. The ceviche and mussels were especially amazing. I highly recommend! read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - Mussels - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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Overall the food was good, staff was friendly but. A little on the pricey side ‍ plan on spending at minimum $80 to $100. For 2 people. Would I recommend, mmmm yes. Note also that there is free parking, in back of the building. I enjoyed the Cuban music in the background. read more

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The best Cuban Restaurant in the region. Not only Cuban, among the best restaurant of any type in the Boston area. The best thing to do is to go for tapas. There are only good choices. The ambience is also great. read more

My wife and I were born in Cuba and moved to the United States when we were very young. We've cherished Cuban cuisine throughout our lives, prepared by our parents and grandparents. Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Gustazo Cuban Kitchen in Cambridge for the first time, and it was an exceptional experience. Our server, Sandeep, was delightful and provided excellent suggestions and recommendations. We began with three small plates: Croquetas de Jamón, Garbanzos con Espinaca (a Spanish-style dish with chickpeas and spinach in a smoky almond sofrito), and Tortilla Española (a traditional Spanish egg frittata with layered potatoes and caramelized onions). Each dish was incredibly delicious. We also sampled the Congrí Rice & Beans to see if it would be suitable for our holiday catering needs, and it exceeded our expectations. For our main course, we enjoyed the Ropa Vieja, served traditionally with white rice, black beans, and maduros. We ended with a delicious flan to share. Having dined at many Cuban and Spanish restaurants in Massachusetts, we can confidently say that Gustazo is the most authentic Cuban restaurant we've experienced. The flavors were truly delightful. Highly Recommended! Ray & Luisa Gonzalez read more

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Came here for a birthday dinner and was not disappointed. Gustazo is an upscale Cuban tapas restaurant in Cambridge near Porter Sq. They serve traditional Cuban food with a twist. The ambiance is great with lots of cool art and decor. The restaurant has an upstairs and downstairs seating area, so it's pretty spacious. We were recommended 4 small plates and 1 large plate between the two of us- this was more than enough food and we probably could have ordered less. We tried the yucca fries, the lamb chops, the grilled shrimp, crab stuffed peppers and the puerco asado which came with plantains, beans and rice. Everything was flavorful and well seasoned. My favorites were the yucca fries which were super crispy and paired well with the truffle oil and aioli and the pork which was soooo tender! We also got tres leches for dessert which had a coconutty twist and was the perfect way to end an amazing meal. Service was friendly and quick - the dishes were spaced out well and we were never waiting too long for the next dish to come out. Will definitely come back to try more things. read more

This was my first time at Gustazo and I had the most amazing meal. Every dish was so fresh and unique. My favorite was the ribs and the guacamole. Our server, Rebecca, was also great - she was so friendly and attentive. Some of the best service I've had anywhere!! The ambiance is also perfect. Definitely will be returning and highly recommend. read more

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Overall: true to its name Gustavo specializes in "Cuban" food. The flavors were well represented all around and I would definitely recommend this place again but some dishes could go back to R&D for a better final product. Food: they had the classics like ropa vieja which had that melt in your mouth slow roasted feeling. The flavors were rich and actually had a tinge of sweetness from one of their ingredients. They had a lot of fish options but we got the large plate mahi mahi. The sauce that came with it was very very unique. The "rice" it came on felt like risotto so it was almost like 2/3 dishes in one. The highlight was the fusion style barbecue ribs with guava flavor. Not entirely sure if it's traditional but the use of guava to tenderize the meat and flavor was really creative. The one dish that could use more development was the enchilada de canejo. The way it was cooked and the flavors were all there it's just that something didn't add up. Either the dish didn't come together flavor wise with too many things going on or it was too much of everything. The beet salad was a secret positive having never had beets. They were tender and extremely flavorful almost a bit sweet. Ambience/Decor/Service: we sat upstairs had a good time as the food came out one by one. The server was extremely helpful answering questions and making sure we got everything we needed. Cute spot away from the usual locations of Davis and Porter. read more

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Came here for a work related dinner with a group of 10. It was a Saturday night so they were very busy. We had a pre arranged menu which allowed us to taste so many different dishes. My favorites were the vegetarian empanadas, beet salad, squash salad, vegetarian ropa vieja. And don't forget to try their churros, they are so fluffy and light. There were other dishes such as mussels, chicken, regular ropa vieja, but I didn't try them. Also, great mocktails! Our server Frank was amazing even though the kitchen and bar were very slow that night. read more

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made a reservation for a saturday night, the only tables available were in the basement. the lower floor is quieter than the main floor. we ordered a couple dozen tapas. the pulled pork stood out. the ceviche was fresh and tasty. the cheesy cauliflower was superb. empanada shell was perfect. the churros could've been better had they been warm. parking lot is in the back of the building. read more

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A great place near Davis Square to get together with friends! We made a reservation for a Sunday night and it was definitely busy but there were still lots of tables open for walk ins. It seems to be a pretty large place with both a main level and downstairs, and the main level is nice and spacious so you're not privy to the conversations of the next tables. We tried two dishes from each area of the menu. The squash salad with grilled green beans was delicious, as were the yucca fries (wish these had a lime wedge!). Also got the mussels, steak, Platanos, grilled shrimp, halibut (fish of the day) and puerco. My favorites were the steak and platanos, since both had lots of fun sauces and herbs (my kryptonite), while my least favorite was probably the fish--it had a very strong odor when it came out and needed something acidic like a squeeze of lemon to lighten the dish. For dessert, we got the tres leches which was good but in my opinion not worth the price. Same for the cocktails--guava blossom is tasty, but our glasses came about 1/2 full so they looked a bit odd while the others had nice garnishes. Service was nice, and they were prompt to bring all the dishes out as they were ready which we appreciated. It's not the cheapest tapas place, our total bill was around $300 but if you're looking for a nice cozy night out with some good food, I would recommend! read more

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Gustazos is my go-to when I'm in the mood for a fancy tapas spot. The atmosphere is always great, with top-notch service to match. The food is fantastic--definitely recommend ordering a variety of dishes to sample everything on the menu! read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - MEJILLONES CON CHORIZO - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

I have been here a few times but just came for a friends birthday over the weekend and it was fantastic! Staff surprised our friend with dessert with a candle. There was 6 of us and we were sat downstairs which was a very nice vibe. I had only ever been upstairs and I never knew how large their downstairs dining was. We got 5 tapas and one large plate between the 6 of us and it was perfect. Everything was so delicious I don't know how to pick just one. The empanadas were so fresh and incredible with a great bagel seasoning type twist. We also go the arroz con pollo and the chicken melted off the bone. We were able to cut it to share with just a butter knife! On larger parties they do include a 20% which I have no problem with but they didn't tell us so please make sure to pay attention to your receipt! My only other complaint is they used to have this incredible salmon dish on their large plates menu and it is has been gone for some time. I still dream about that salmon so if you ever wanted to bring it back! I would be happy to see it. read more

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Gustazo is an amazing gem between Davis and Porter Square, on Mass Ave. While I had walked past it hundreds of times, I don't know why I never went in or booked a reservation until recently. That is when I realized the error in my ways... Gustazo is somewhere between your traditional Cuban eatery and a Spanish tapas place. The dishes may appear small, but they are not only more filling than you would think, but they are loaded with flavor and personality that cannot be found outside of Cuban cuisine. Why? Cuban seasonings and preparation are similar to Spanish cuisines, but more aggressive in EVERY way. The char on the meat, the abundance of spice (not just HOT spice, but paprika and herbs), and the confidence to turn even peasant ingredients into dishes that even the most experienced critic will enjoy. The food is only one of the things that makes Gustazo amazing, though. The service team is attentive, but amazing in the way they know the menu inside and out as well as the drinks and appertifs that are available. The ambiance makes me think of a lavish Spanish hotel restaurant that spans multiple floors (never been to Cuba), with dim lighting, vibrant music, and moderate noise from medium-large parties that are scattered throughout the venue. If I had one little nitpick on Gustazo, it would be that I was not expecting the price point (I didn't look beforehand). While the value was on-par for the dishes we ate and enjoyed, it seemed a little more expensive than what I expected (but didn't mind, to be honest). Why bring it up then? Not everyone is so understanding of the price point of restaurants. The ingredients were fresh and expertly handled, and I had zero complaints walking out the door. We'll be back for sure, and this time we won't be surprised by the price point. If you are fine with the price point, Gustazo is a MUST for anyone in the area or those looking for an amazing Cuban experience. read more

We had an excellent dinner and the service was stellar. Great cocktails and every dish we tried was amazing. Lovely decor inside as well. I'd love to go back next time I'm in town. read more

The food, service, and ambiance at Gustazo well exceeded our expectations. They were quite busy at 7pm on a Saturday night, so I would highly recommend making a reservation if you plan to dine here during the weekend. We started off with drinks and ordered the Guava Blossoms and Cuban Cigar. Both cocktails were tasty and strong, but they took a notably long time to come out. Our server kindly checked in and explained that the bartender was backed up because there were so many customers that night. The food came out within a reasonable timeframe. The Yuca Frita were perfectly crisp and deliciously seasoned with truffle zest. We also got the Mejillones Con Chorizo (mussels), which were fantastic, and the El Dorado (mahi mahi). The lobster coconut milk broth and coconut rice in the El Dorado were addictively fragrant, and there wasn't a single grain of rice left once we cleared this dish. Although our drinks were delayed, the overall vibes, service, and most importantly food at Gustazo are wonderful. We'll definitely be returning to try the rest of their menu. read more

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Dear everyone, PLEASE go to Gustazo‼ Every dish we ordered had such a well balanced, flavorful profile and the plating was beautiful too! If you're looking for a place with a bomb mango mojito this is your spot‼ I came here for my four year anniversary with my boyfriend who loves to cook and he was very impressed with the flavor of all of the dishes. Definitely a favorite spot for both of us and a memorable experience :) read more

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Great service. A bit pricey and the menu has limited options. The empanadas are always yummy and I have enjoyed the large plates I ordered. Nice dim- light dinner scene. read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

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The mussels were fire and the bread was just right, the chocolate churros too! Love the vibes read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - Mussels - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

We recently had dinner at Gustazo Cuban Kitchen and Bar in Cambridge, MA- It's a cool spot- very busy but with multiple floors. Highly recommend getting a reservation. The service was fantastic. Fast, even for as busy as they were. And our server made some great recommendations. The drinks were great, but really liked the Pineapple Mojito the best. The food was phenomenal. Highly recommend either the Serrano ham or mushroom croquettes. The Yuca Fries and the sauce it came with was also great. All in all, a great meal. Would highly recommend! read more

Trendy place with a bar and two floors. It's a nice ambiance with great lighting and the Cuban food is on point. Got the Ropa Vieja read more

Gustazo Cuban Kitchen & Bar - Cambridge - ropa vieja - Cuban Near Me - Cambridge, Massachusetts

My favorite Cuban place in town! I basically bring anyone who has not had Cuban food before to here. Regardless of low reputation of Boston having terrible international cuisine, this one I love it so much that I miss when I travel in different countries! I have to admit that it is getting way more crowded than it used to be as it is only becoming more popular, however, their service and food are on par as they were before. For the night, we stared with Lobster empanadas, pork tacos, beet salad and Yuca Fries. Ordering sangrias and Cuban cigars was sufficient to satisfy our thirst. (Note that their drinks are pretty strong if you don't usually drink). For main dishes, we ordered Arroz Con Pollo and Ropa Vieja. They were delicious, not to say they are the most regular menu for large plates. We ended up ordering even more tapas including corn fritters, ceviche (lobster daily special) and rice and bean dishes. Beet salad,and Yuca Fries were big hit for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. empanadas and tacos were freshly made and served warm. My favorite was probably Ropa Vieja de Hingis which is the mushroom dish with rice and beans. They were so flavorful and seasoned well. Our night ended with getting Tres Leches cake and churros (you should wait till it cool down a bit, and it tastes even better!!). The thing I like about the place is that both vegetarian and meat eaters can enjoy meal and drinks are fun as well! Perfect place for date night, or family hangout. I 100% recommend visiting here if you are in Boston! read more

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What an experience! Gustazo has been on my bucket list for a while. We don't get to Cambridge often, but when I had to pick up my daughter at the airport... perfect excuse. We made reservations and arrived early, and we were seated which was great Tomar our server was fantastic! He went over the menu with us, and even tolerated my terrible accent when trying to pronounce the menu items! The food was amazing, we will be back!!! read more

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This is a great spot for group dinners. Tons of diverse options for all types of palates, including plenty of vegetarian, meat, and seafood options. They also have a fun cocktail menu. The ambiance is cozy and inviting and servers were well versed on the menu and friendly. read more

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