I grew up in the same neighborhood as Alex Fraga. The owner I have visited Hemingway's, and the only good thing about Hemingway's is the view. I grew up in South Florida. I was born in Cuba. I was turned on to Hemingway's also by another friend of mine that told me that Alex Fraga had opened a Cuban restaurant in Downtown Asheville. I have been there three times and all three times I've been disappointed. The food is awful and the service is awful. The only reason i've gone there three times is because my family that was visiting from Miami insisted in going to a restaurant that had a nice view. Mr. Fraga should listen to the reviews and really look into changing his staff. If you really want authentic Cuban food, you should try Guajiros Cuban food. The owner is a outstanding person and always greet you a smile. The food is excellent. The young man is from Hialeah Florida, which is Cuba North . Mr. Fraga should really consider contacting the young man and offer him a partnership that's the only way that Hemingway's restaurant will survive. Again, the restaurant has a great view, but that's about it. read more

Ya know. Well. Usually I critique with long missives about a restaurant but I'm so utterly full of amazing, delicious food I must lay down. You'd think I was pregnant but at 80 it's impossible. Our first time here; for bunch! Fourth floor, elevator opens...TADA! Really charming decor with that kind of 'Kool' atmosphere you'd want when someone references Poppa, Ernest Hemingway! (He'd be very pleased.) Outdoor dining a must, especially if you want to catch the sunset view from here. Wowza! Oh yeah, the food? Well this restaurant is a keeper: the food was deliciously CUBAN. Can't wait to try everything on the menu! Like I mentioned, I'm going to lay down! Phew, full of terrific Hemingway, Cuban cuisine! I read more

To start with the positives the food is excellent here and the views cannot be beat however the service is sub optimal at best. It seems likes it's run by a very young staff who are friendly but untrained. The hostess stand was 3 teenagers who were joking around who would seat us and who would hang out with the "cute boy" who just walked up. Our food was brought out BEFORE our appetizers and then they forgot two appetizers and when they were brought the kid held it literally over my friend's head and said " where am I putting this?!" In a very annoyed aggressive tone and then the waitress started clearing food while we literally had just put our fork in the dish. We actually asked if they needed the table before felt so rushed:(. I do not recommend at all for a enjoyable dining experience read more

Hemingway's gets five stars for the nice rooftop restaurant (be sure to request). Expect a beautiful sunset if the weather is working in your favor. We are from south Florida where there is a good Cuban restaurant on almost every block. The food here was good but far from great and the portions were small for the price. It's also traditional to offer rice AND black beans; however, only one side is included with an entree (e.g. rice) so you're paying extra (about $5?) for the second side. Like restaurants around the US, they appear to be short-staffed. Our waiter forgot our second orders of drinks, and the kitchen never delivered one salad. We also requested extra bread to soak up the juices from our shrimp appetizer but it never arrived and the near-empty pan sat on the table during the entire meal. Next time we'll go for drinks and appetizers and enjoy a nice dinner elsewhere. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Traditional Flan $8.00 coconut and pineapple - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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We were so impressed by this restaurant's dishes. We had the ceviche mixto & mariquitas (plantain chips), chicken tacos & camarones con coco. All delicious! The views were lovely as well and great staff. Portions were very generous too. read more

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Getting to Hemingway's Cuba might seem confusing at first but once you realize that it's actually on the 4th Floor of the Cambria Hotel, it should become less daunting. When you enter the hotel, there's a hotel front desk and an elevator to your left. You may end up like I did and get trapped between people checking into the hotel or checking out. I couldn't tell the difference between who was doing what and where they were trying to go. Simply ignore all of that hoopla and take the elevator to the 4th floor, to get to the restaurant's rooftop lounge. There's a fantastic view waiting there for you. There is ample seating, inside and outside of the restaurant. There are a few fire pits sprinkled about the expansive rooftop, to warm you up, if you just happen to visit on a chilly Saturday afternoon like I did. As explained to me by the bartender, the tables and chairs underneath the pergola is the restaurant's reserved seating area and beyond the pergola is for everyone else. Since we had already eaten, by the time we made our way to the restaurant, my friend and I didn't order from the menu. However, I didn't forget to snap a pic or two, so that you're ready to order, when you visit. Although we didn't eat anything, we stayed just long enough to have a drink and take in the view, before heading off to the next spot. read more

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I made a reservation for 1030 did not know they close at 11. Despite that our waitress Isabella was so gracious ! She did not make us feel rushed at all. We got the Calle ocho breakfast burritos and they were AWesome !! Great coffee and loved the rooftop! read more

The food and service was really good. We sat on the roof top, only half the table had shade so it was a little hot. Looks like a great place to grab drink at night. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Out side seating - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Came highly recommended. Made reservations because hotel told us they were always busy. Went with party of three at 6:15. Immediately sat, lovely table. Saw no one for another 30 minutes. Eventually went back to hostess, who apologized. Manager came eventually and took our drink order. Server came about 10 minutes later and apologized. She was working alone on the floor. We eventually got food and drinks- everything was very good. But management should have helped the server with the floor instead of simply visiting each table. This was not the server's fault- she was working as hard and as fast as she could, but was simply sat an entire inside restaurant ( 30 tables?) with no help. Disappointing. Would try again because the food was good, but the teamwork lacking. (And yes we left a great tip for our server- this was obviously out of her hands.) read more

Incredible food and view! We enjoyed a late Thursday evening dinner of tapas on the balcony here and got to watch the sun set on the mountains. The food was outstanding, and we're from Florida so we seek out good Cuban food wherever we go. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Tostones Board - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Located on the 4th floor of the Cambria Suites Hotel, this bar and restaurant has a stunning view of the Pisgah mountain range and all of downtown Asheville. They have a great Cosmo and lots of fun foods. Its a hidden gem from Page avenue and Battery Park. Try it out soon. We also have several other rooftop bars but start here and try a few of them read more

Location was great, wanted to sit outside but Carolina weather prohibited that plan. Mojitos were Amazing, definitely coming back for them! Went on a date with my fiancé and we tried a few different things just to get a taste of Cuba. Appetizers 1) Ceviche - Amazing 2) Croquetas de Jamon - tasted like fried mush shaped into fingers. Not good 3) El Cubano - no flavor, the pork was soo dry, very overcooked, had to drink a ton of water Just to choke down the pork. Tasted like an overcooked pork sandwich with a ton of mustard to mask the dryness. Not good 4) Bistec Palomilla- cheap paper thin sliced meat with no flavor. Definitely not worth $24. Not good 5) Black Beans - from a can obviously! Absolutely no flavor and cold. Latinos definitely take pride in their beans and present them as a definition of who they are and where they came from. Hemingway beans are definitely located at grocery store in the canned beans department. Definitely not good. Service was nice and the Mojitos hit the spot! Other than the ceviche.... I am not sure that they even have any Cubans cooking their food? What makes the restaurant a Cuban Restaurant? Is it the plantains??? Seriously Cuban food takes time to simmer, flavor, smoke and stew with flavorful spices. Hemingway was A horrible interpretation of what Cuban food really is. Maybe they need to hire some Cubans to show them how to cook Cuban food in a Cuban restaurant. Long story short, craving a Mojito and Ceviche.. this is your spot! If you want a meal...this is not your spot. read more

Poor lighting, live music too loud inside, arrow con pollo chicken rubbery, server at bar had bit of an attitude and to top it all off the mojito was unpleasant. As one who lived in Miami for 25 years and loves Cuban food, as well as visiting Cuba, I speak from experience. Only plus here was spectacular view on 4th floor roof. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Having eaten twice at Hemingway's Cuba, once when we arrived in Asheville in the evening and then again, this Thanksgiving, I am confident that this hotel restaurant rates three stars, right in line with many hotel restaurants, which can be worse, or occasionally better. This is a pseudo Cuban restaurant, where my favorite dish is the veggie burger. The black beans are excellent, but that's always the case at every Cuban restaurant. The mojitos are three stars, certainly not better, but also not worse. Everything else we've ordered is three stars at best, so not great, but on say, Thanksgiving, you'll survive. Though, the hotel, Cambria Downtown Asheville, is perfectly located and swell all around. read more

The rooftop view at the hotel was stunning, especially during sunset--absolutely unforgettable. The drinks were refreshing, and the food was great, making the whole experience even better. A perfect spot to relax and take in the scenery. read more

I had no clue that breakfast was over at 10. I was there at 9:58 and they still sat us!!! I felt horrible but they were insistent we stay. The food was so good especially the Cuban. The restaurant is so nice and peaceful as well. read more

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We had dinner reservations and were excited to eat something Cuban in NC! We arrived and were seated immediately. I did not like the corner table we were at, so I asked to be moved to a window once it became available--they accommodated. The place can get packed, but we got lucky. We did ask for outside seating but that was only for cocktails and dessert? Oh well. We ordered some cocktails and the tostones board. Our waitress was kind and spoke highly of staff. For the first time, my partner and I did not like each other's drink. Which was fine with me because I loved my Garden of Eden. His Blue Ridge Mountain Martini was not for me, but he loved it. That tostones board is AMAZING! it is huge and can easily feed 3 or 4 with extra tostones. The meats were delicious and the tomato salad was the perfect addition to balance the savory meats. We also ordered the Masas de Cerdo Fritas and the Vaca Frita. The only reason I'm giving this place a 4 is because their Congri was bland and the only way I could eat it was by putting some picadillo on it from my appetizer. My boyfriend didn't even eat his at all. Also, the cerdo fritas could have been a little more juicy. It was sort of dry. Overall, I would come back to try some more dishes and skip the congri. read more

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Cute little spot with a great view, elaborate menu, and friendly staff. Had a small plate on the recommendation of my waitress and watched the sunset. Will definitely be back for a meal and cocktail when I am in town. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Camarones al Ajillo - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Much love to this place. Astonishing views as expected: the bourbon selection good as well However, we came as the menu stated "veggie burger" Now from my experience that entails a home made veggie pattie unless otherwise noted by **beyond burger** I was highly old fashioned at this time so I ate the beyond burger, first one. Congrats, you got me. The sodium fill burger went well with my drunk Taste buds however not what I wanted. If it's a fake sandwich say it, don't say veggie burger. Carry on with your fabulous views read more

This is a great venue for watching the beautiful Asheville sunsets. The outdoor seating is really nice--with tables under a covered area, tables with umbrellas, sofas and seating around firepits and high top tables with great views. There is also a really expansive indoor seating area. Our food was really good. We had a skirt steak with broccolini and fried plantains (delicious!!) and rice with chicken. There was a great variety of drinks--including specialty cocktails. The waiter was extremely helpful in explaining the menu and giving suggestions. All of that staff were very friendly, too. If you would like a good meal with a lovely view of the mountains and great sunsets, check out Hemingway's Cuba. read more

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Went to Hemingways on a Monday shortly after it opened for drinks and an app. The drinks were good and we ordered the yucca fries. They were very good (not greasy at all), and the dipping sauce was tasty. We mainly came to take in the views, it is a great spot! read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Yucca Fries - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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The view gets 5 stars!! Such a chill vibe when the sun is going down. I could have stayed there for hours. It gets 4 stars due to the typical hotel cocktail bar prices...and the wait I had when I ordered breakfast earlier in the morning. I was there at 7:30 and I only saw one other person. But somehow scrambled egg whites and toasted wheat bread took 20 minutes to make. Not sure what was happening with the kitchen but not impressed. Your best bet is just to grab a rooftop drink in the evening to enjoy the view and skip going for breakfast unless you're willing to wait for mediocre food. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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We had a wonderful time celebrating a friends birthday! The vibe was great, the food was good and the music fun! Is it a foodie destination? Not so much but the overall atmosphere and experience was great! Our server was top notch too and the views are hard to beat! read more

We had a reservation for 1pm. Parking was chaotic at best, so get there early and use parking garage if it's not already full (it was for us). Got there 1:03. They took the two top walk in who was waiting in tandem w/ us to be seated, before us even though we checked in for our reservation. Usually the standard is seat reservations first because, they reserved. Needless to say you don't need a reservation here. We were sat at a table near the wall of the restaurant but we wanted tbe view so our hostess sat usat a dirty table. Our server was aloof. We ordered an appetizer and he said it was coming out soon. It never came. Then we ordered entrees- they entree came out but the appetizer did not. The server went MIA from our entree order to getting the check? Except to apologize for not putting in the app that was "on its way". Then we waited a good 15 mins for him to give the check, after he had cleared off our plates and drinks were empty- at which I went to the bathroom and saw him at a table with I'm assuming a manager. Finally he brought the check and waited there for us to get our card out. Btw he had maybe one other table? I can see why this place with an amazing view and decent food is not busy. I was in the restaurant/service industry as a host, waiter, bartender and manager in NYC and I can't extend a warm regard to this place. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Cuban Breakfast* - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Our first stop this trip to AVL. it was a gorgeous day and they rooftop patio was a great choice. We enjoyed a delicious Cuban sandwich. Added bonus they have live music on Sunday's. Great band! read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

I went to this place for breakfast and it was incredible. Food is very well prepared. The pancakes are monstrous. The view of the city and surrounding mountains is spectacular in this restaurant. Very clean and trendy. Great place to hang out with friends or to take a date. The coffee is great and the café con Leche is worth the calories. Very impressed in my first visit to this place. It's a great gym on the fourth floor of Cambria hotel right next to Grove Arcade. read more

Great space and drinks! The view looked amazing. Came here with my good friend who recently moved back to NC but to AVL. Ordered drinks only so I can only speak to that. Drinks were good and vibes and service was good. Loved the location. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Just wanting to share an honest review. The food was disappointing to say the least, lacked spices and flavor. I know Cuban food and this isn't it. The drinks were ok. With the theme and view, they could hit it out of the park. They have heard the feedback already.. let's see if they sincerely pay attention and make some serious changes to the food. Otherwise, I won't be back. Too expensive to make that mistake again. read more

A lot to be desired! Not authentic Cuban food period and I know that because I am Cuban! My $23 Palomia steak was full of nerves and fat. Rice was mushy and barely any flavor. The only good thing about this place was the server who was very courteous. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Palomilla Steak - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

If you're looking for a chill (HUGE) rooftop bar/restaurant in Asheville with a phenomenal view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is the place! Beer and cocktail selection was pretty extensive, and there was a really awesome food menu too (we didn't get any food though). They hostess let us seat ourselves and they even had some couches you could sit at if you weren't feeling a table. Both indoor and outdoor seating was available. Everyone who waited on us was super friendly and attentive - would absolutely go back in a heartbeat! Such a welcoming atmosphere. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Rooftop seating area - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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There was a DJ on Saturday night outside at this rooftop restaurant with a beautiful view of the mountains. We liked the beef empanadas. JO liked his shrimp tacos (doesn't come with a side though), but he would have preferred a burger & fries (just his preference). We all really liked the fries & the sweet potato fries were great too. JA didn't like her bistec, but liked her substituted sides of congri (black beans & rice...pretty good to me too) & plantains. I didn't like my yellow rice so asked for fries with my Cuban sandwich (I convert to a ham & cheese panini) and enjoyed it. The server was really sweet (name starts with an X). However, we were told we could pick any table outside but they almost tripped on us about having a reservation for the larger tables out of the sun (which no one had a reservation the entire time we were there)! So, I'm glad they didn't make us leave or move bc they would have missed out on all the money we spent! It was a blast though! read more

Read about this place several times and finally in Asheville so we made reservations. They were great about accommodating our 2 reservations and putting us next to each other on the rooftop terrace. A beautiful terrace it was! Great views of the mountains, great picture ops! They have the dinner seating under the canopy and the seating in the open air for just drinks and enjoying the rooftop. Saturday night they have a DJ too. Unfortunately it poured down with rain just after we got there, luckily we were under the canopy! It was short lived and started clearing up . We ordered drinks, disappointing they were out of some liquors so I couldn't get the cocktail I had chosen, ordered some appetizers as well. The empanadas, Cuban bread , and the yucca fries. The bread was excellent, just how Cuban should be, ever so slightly crunchy too. The empanadas were chicken, and were ok, nothing out of the ordinary. The yucca fries, I love , always been a fan of these potato alternatives ! Main meal I split the pollo a la plancha , grilled chicken with garlic, lime and onions, we had rice and black beans with it. They were nice to split it for us when it came out. Honestly I was disappointed, nothing had much flavor , all very bland, no seasoning. On our table a friend got the Cuban sandwich, El Cubano, Swiss cheese, sweet ham, slow roasted pork and pickles and mustard, said it was good. The Vaca Frita , pan fried shredded skirt steak, garlic mojo, fresh lime and onions. Looked kinda odd, just a flat steak shredded, on the plate. They said it tasted fine , again not anything out of the ordinary. Ordered the churros for dessert, one of my favorites! They came in a glass with chocolate dipping sauce at the bottom, nice and hot and crunchy cinnamon sugar all over. They hit the spot for sure. Only thing really food wise that really that lived upto expectation. The service was ok, our server didn't seem to be happy to be working. I would come back here to enjoy the rooftop, to get a drink, but food wise we were all kinda, tried it probably won't be back. It's a busy place for sure, but I think it's because of the location, I wouldn't say the food was the reason. Oh well I had high hopes. read more

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We've been coming to Asheville for six years in a row. Finally made it up here to have their breakfast, which they say is really good. It was average at best. First of all they're understaffed and no one really smiles. Breakfast was rather basic, although I did see some meals that looked appealing. I'm not sure if Sundays are a bad day for them. If that's the case, then don't be open. I Don't know if we'll give it another shot here, you're more than welcome to because you'll probably need breakfast sometime. read more

Small plates are just perfect & delicious! Live music on a Tuesday, too! Yahoo-so sweet! And the view from the rooftop bar-sweet! read more

Hemingway's Cuba - I don't know if it's homemade, but the flan is delicious! - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Was prepared to hate this hotel eatery which actually isnt remotely Cuban nor does it have anything to do with Hemingway that I can see. But the breakfast food turned out to be surprisingly tasty. My omelette was filled with flavor and the homefries were salty but good. The view onto the street from the roof is great. Theres zero atmosphere and ambience but somehow it still works. Fine service. Clean restrooms. read more

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Four of us had drinks and snacks on the roof top terrace in October. We went there two times. We loved the atmosphere with the lounge chairs, tables and umbrellas, the views of the mountains in the distance, the sunsets, the perfect weather, and our waitress Helen. Drinks are on the pricey side, but hey, we were on vacation. The food was good, but not great. It was also on the pricey side. Helen was fantastic! She took such great care for us. On our second visit, half of the terrace was roped off (for a private party), so seating was limited. We started to order drinks inside at the bar when Helen came over and told us a few people were just leaving. We were able to sit outside, which is where we wanted to spend our evening. She was a gem! This is a fantastic place to wrap up a day of sightseeing in Asheville. read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

Great location overlooking Asheville and the mountains! The rooftop is gorgeous and offers a variety of seating options, including lounge seating. I ordered the bistec de Palomilla with fried tostones on the side. The bistec had great flavor and was delicious. The tostones were okay--a bit hard and not a ton of flavor. They have a large cocktail menu with fun Cuban drinks, but I ordered wine from the wine list. Great spot for the view for sure! read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Bistec de Palomilla* - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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This was our first time to Hemingway's. We were told that it provides the best roof top view in Asheville. Our reservation for dinner was for 7pm. When we arrived we were greeted by the hostess and informed that they were short staffed and that it would be another 20 mins before they would seat us for dinner. When we were finally seated, we were greeted by our server. He was incredibly friendly. We recognized that they were busy, so we told him to take his time. We weren't in a rush, so we didn't mind the waiting and taking in the house credible view. The food was well worth the wait. Overall the experience was wonderful. We will definitely be back the next time we are in Asheville. read more

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We enjoyed our breakfast here Good food fast service We only had breakfast so we can't say anything about dinner read more

Hemingway's Cuba - Pancakes - Cuban Near Me - Asheville, North Carolina

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Not a good experience. The food was a mixed bag of decent to bland flavor and one of our entrees was cold. The service was bottom notch (though it is so endemic that it seems like a management issue). Plus the sunset that is supposed to be the main attraction was behind a building. read more