This restaurant is amazing!! I was there on a Wednesday evening with 3 other people. We sat out back on the pation. It was absolutely beautiful. It was a warm day and there were 4 fans helping circulate the air. There was also a small stage where a lovely woman sang a mix of Spanish and English songs. She was fantastic! The food was amazing! All of us got different dishes and we all loved them! I got the Ropa Vieja en Lata which was delicious!! It's served in a can that they opened table aide with a short history of lesson as to why. It was a great experience! The reat of the table got the Vaca Frita, the Cuban sandwich, and the Pescado Crujiente. Everyone raved about their food. I'll definitely be back to try their whole menu! read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Outside Patio - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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What a joke of a place!! Totally regret taking a taxi here ...what a waste of money! Firstly, the person at the check in stand was horrible! And turned even worse and angry when I said I wanted a table as opposed to the offers bar. Not sure why these hosts at restaurant take such issue with a single person wanting a table rather than be crammed into a bar seat and then receive mediocre service from the bartenders! So I was told I had to wait 20 minutes. When they came to get me, guess where they sat me...in the bar!! WTAF?? Yes it was on a table, a broken table, unclean and sticky, but still in the bar in a crowded spot. As expected, zero service! I had to wait to even be greeted and when finally greeted...all I got was "what do you want to order?"! No help, no introduction, no hello or welcome! I was trying to figure out the menu and the bartender offered nothing! Said he would come back and then just disappeared! After about 10 minutes I chose to leave! What a mess! Maybe it's good...but I don't know and won't ever. I'll just go to a mom and pop place another night! read more

I had a small quick lunch here, shrimp ceviche and a margarita, both excellent. Such a colorful place, really pretty. Bright colors everywhere, from the outside facade as I entered, to the chairs, tropical plants, the "Azucar!" mural with dangling vines, the dinner plates, the menu, and the food itself. My waiter Pedro was great, and checked on me frequently. In fact all the staff were great, neatly dressed in black, most wearing hats, making friendly greetings as I passed, holding doors, etc. Complimentary bread was brought. It was a good mini loaf, fresh and warm, and accompanied by two compound butters, guava and cilantro. I'm not a butter fan but I did try them for review purposes and they were interesting. The bread also helped extend my appetizer-portion ceviche, soaking up the spicy liquid. The ceviche portion was actually generous for the price and with the bread just what I needed for lunch. Medium-size shrimps in spicy tomato-lime sauce with cilantro, raw onions, micro-greens, and orange-yellow edible flowers on top. Served with tostones instead of the usual chips. These thick fried slices of green plantain were salty, soft in the middle and crispy on the outside, a perfect accompaniment. The outdoor covered patio area was packed with diners, loud with Cuban music in a good way, vines (plastic?) everywhere , chandeliers and straw lampshades on the ceiling, with large fans and a misting device controlling the heat. A small bird visited my table as I ate, politely sitting for a bit on the other chair. A comfortable place where you'd want to hang out a long while if you had the time, which I didn't. I also had a mojito, cold, minty, limey (real limes) and refreshing. A bit sweet to my liking but definitely strong. I love Cuban food, and I wish I could have tried more of the large and intriguing menu. I didn't even get a dessert, just an excellent Café Cubano without sugar (so an espresso really), served in an elegant Victorian-style gilded espresso cup and saucer (see photo). Chipped, but that just adds to the charm. read more

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What a fun restaurant! Every dish that we tried was phenomenal. My favorites were the plantain nachos and the fancy butter that came with the Cuban bread. There was a live band when we arrived that made it a bit too loud for conversation, but it definitely added to the atmosphere of the restaurant. Our waiter was efficient and made sure we had everything we needed. I highly recommend this restaurant! read more

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This was my first time ever trying Cuban food, and it was great! We walked in on a Saturday around 4 PM and there was about an hour wait but we decided to just eat in the bar area instead. I ordered the shrimp appetizer, which was delicious but very garlic just in case you don't like that. And the vaca frita - everything was so delicious and I will definitely be back to try more things on their menu. read more

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Incredible food, incredible service and the vibe is immaculate. This place is a can't miss stop in Louisville. Protip: get the pitcher of mojiotos... you'll thank me later. read more

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Our server, Olaff, was phenomenal. He deserves all the praise! He made us feel like we were having dinner at a friend's house. With his recommendation, we ordered the Camarones al Ajillo which was buttery and flavorful and the Ropa Vieja en Lata which was perfectly seasoned and tender and served in a creative way that honors Cuban culture during the Cold War era. The La Havana Mojito was very minty. The complimentary warm fresh bread came with garlic cilantro butter and guava butter. The guava butter tasted like a sweet cream cheese. The interior of the restaurant was such a vibe, with Cuban music playing and lots of playful patterns and colors. This place was recommended to us by many locals, and now we know why! It was easy to make a same-day reservation on Open Table. read more

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we went there yesterday for July 4th. lunch. I got the tropical salad and my wife got the ceasars salad. the tropical had a citrus flavor. I liked it. it had different fruits layered in it. we both ordered the mahi. it's delicious and it's cooked in plantain crumbs like a panko. I substituted the rice for yucca. I also exchanged the sweet plantains for tostones which is the same banana but it's fried and crunchier than the regular bananas. the staff and the food is always good. they also give a military discount. they allow you to park in the garage next door for free; you have to ask for the password from the hostess. Will always return. read more

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4 stars! The service was phenomenal from start to finish. The shrimp and garlic dish was outstanding, and the fresh bread and butter felt wonderfully indulgent. Whatever you do, don't skip the bread! The garlic butter is delicious, but the sweet butter is unforgettable!! It'll live rent-free on your tastebuds for weeks afterward. Trust me - I know! A quick note for anyone with mobility concerns: there are quite a few stairs leading to the upper dining room, and I didn't notice an elevator. You'll want to request a table downstairs when you make your reservation. Def make a reservation! The restrooms are very nice. They smell wonderful! They have a warmed candle that emits such a lovely fragrance. I want it for my house! I must inquire or just snap a picture of the candle name the next time I dine there! Also, the best mojito I've had outside of South America is served here. The piña colada mojito is dangerously delicious. The rim is delicious, too! It's coconut and something sweet. I dunno. Whatever it is.... It's fantastic. You can't taste the alcohol at all, but trust me, it's there. You'll realize it the moment you stand up, so enjoy responsibly! Especially since you may have a bit of a walk back to your car. Parking can be a challenge in this area, and that's honestly the only thing keeping this place from earning a full five stars from me. Well, that and the crispy short rib... aka "dry roast beef". But folks love it, so do you, boo! read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Camarones Ajillo entree - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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If you don't come to this place while in Nulu, you're doing yourself a disservice. This was amazing. I ordered the Vaca Frita, which was the braised short rib and it was so flavorful. The vibe of this place is very cool too. Make a reservation, it gets packed. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Vaca Frita - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

First time checking out a Cuban Restaurant.Everyone at our table couldn't stop talking about the delicious food.The staff was amazing,polite and very patient explaining the menu.La Bodeguita de Mima Restaurant was vibrant with a vlively atmosphere. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Croquetas de Pollo - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Whenever we asked someone to recommend somewhere to eat, they invariably would say La Bodeguita. I am not exaggerating, every single person. We were leaving for the second leg of our trip and were running late, as usual. We decided to run across the street for a sit down lunch, what's another hour? Two smiling faces greeted us at the door. They offered a high top but my hip was absolutely not digging it nor a table up the flight of steep stairs. Once seated, we were greeted promptly and had water in front of us almost immediately. We each ordered soup and then a sandwich to share. I had the Sopa de Pollo . A hot bowl thick with thin noodles and lots of chunks of chicken. The chunks were too big to eat without being cut up which was a challenge in a bowl of broth. It was so hot that I had to wait a while to try it and even then had to blow on it. It was delicious. Unless the soup is your meal, order a cup. I still took nearly a pint of soup back with me. My husband ordered the Frijole Negro - a huge bowl of black beans that was served with a large pile of raw onions on top. Like the chicken soup, it was burn your mouth hot and a very large serving. He said it was good but he'd not order it again. Moving on to the sandwich. We had the Cubano. I'm not even going to describe it - just trust me - order the Cubano. Do not look at the rest of the menu - order the Cubano. Don't even bother looking at the ingredients, just order the Cubano. Have you ordered it yet? Do it already. The Cubano is huge. We split one half and had the other when we arrived at our next stop. Do consider that we had soup first; otherwise, we'd have eaten the whole thing. The accompanying plantain chips were worthy of their own review. They were wonderful. Who knows if and when we'll be back to Louisville but when we are, La Bodeguita will be the first place we stop. BTW, have you ordered the Cubano yet? What are you waiting for? Put your phone done and order it! Enjoy!! read more

Ok this place is fun and delicious! Very nice service and an enjoyable music, flags and pictures on the walls to enjoy and add ambiance. The Forbidden Mojito is very tasty if you want a drink. We tried the Tostones Rellenos which was amazing! The plantains are crispy and the pork is great. Get it with the pork. I had the Ropa Vieja en Lata it come with a presentation and it fantastic. Beef that is so tasty with rice and fried plantains. My wife enjoyed the Arroz Imperial which was chicken rice and fried plantains. Get the cigar chocolate dessert! So fun in presentation and taste. We got it with another ice cream. Love this place! read more

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Fantastic spot and could be amazing! In the heart of NuLu across from the coolest hotel in the city, Hotel Genevieve, sits a great Cuban place. Friday brought a buzz, Cuban Fedoras aplenty, and some tasty plates from the old country. Empanadas are likely the best I've ever had, coming out piping hot with an easily penetrable crust with delicious meats inside. The crunchy salad might remind people of a typical Asian with citrus, but it's so much more. The traditional Cuban dishes do not disappoint, so dig in. Service was , well, reminiscent of Cuba. Let's just say, we'll make it back when we make it back. That was a drag, and it's not hard to fix. Take this up a notch and it's 5 stars all day read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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We had reservations for a group of 6 on Thursday evening and arrived a little before our scheduled time. We were greeted by the hostess and taken upstairs to a large round table in the back. It was perfect for our group. We loved the decor inside and outside of the restaurant. It send you back in time. Nicholas was our server and he was very attentive and helpful. We started off with the Cubanchos and everyone enjoyed them. For drinks, I had the Old Havana Fashion, which was delicious and my wife had the Canchanchara. I also had a Carib beer at the suggestion of our server. For dinner, I had the Lechon Asado and it was delicious. The pork was tender and I also enjoyed the flavor of the Congris. It also came with Yucca Con Mojo. I had never had Yucca before so I didn't know what to expect. It was very good. My wife had the Churrasco. She loved it. Everyone in our group enjoyed the drinks and the food. I don't think any of us were able to eat all our food so there were plenty of leftovers, which were sent home with our friends. We will definitely be back. read more

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Got there with about 45 minutes until closing after leaving the comedy show and both the food and service were still great. The atmosphere was my favorite part, it genuinely felt like eating at someone's abuela's house: warm, welcoming, and full of character. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Picanha steak was paire with white rice, black beans and plantains - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Just go! See for yourself why this place would get 10 stars if they could. Ambience perfect Service perfect Food perfect Drinks perfect Price perfect Music perfect If I lived in Louisville I'd be here every single weekend. read more

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This made my top 5 meals. We shared chicken empanadas, vaca frita, and Santería before heading to Ky Center. Perfect. Everything was delicious and the drink was so fun! Our goal was no leftovers since we were headed to a show. Success!! Wish we had saved room for dessert. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Vaca Frita, Empañadas de Pollo, Santería y guapo esposo. - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Delicious and authentic Cuban food in Louisville. Had a 30 minute wait on a Friday night which wasn't bad. Place is absolutely huge and we were seated on the covered outdoor patio space. Server was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. The complimentary bread and butters were soooo good. The drinks were strong and made well. The entree we ordered was absolutely large enough for two to split. It was a steak dish with caramelized onions and had great flavor. Would go back for sure! read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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This was our first visit to La Bodeguita de Mima and we were pleasantly surprised of the fun ambiance this restaurant has. Kudos to the owner for this! The service from our waitress and the entire staff was excellent. This was the best Cuban food we have ever had! We will be back the next time we are in Louisville, KY. read more

I'm so excited I finally got a chance to come here! It's been on my list for a while now and today I got lucky because right when we walked in there were two seats at the bar! I got the second most popular dish and the chicken breast tasted so juicy!! I can't believe how much flavor it was in just one bite. I also enjoyed the black beans, probably the best beans I've ever had! So good! This dish was prepared so well, every bite made me so happy lol I also got the passion fruits mojito! Highly recommend. Also the bread they bring out before your meal is amazing! The two different butters go so well with it. I can't wait to bring my mom here when she's in town, the vibe of this place is amazing. Service was great and I loved the uniforms the staff wear. As soon as you step into the restaurant, you immediately feel like you're in Cuba! This is such a special place and I can't wait to come back. read more

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Ok.... I usually visit an establishment at least twice before making a review.... Unless.... its very bad.... OR Very Good!!! Guess which one this was?????..... Okay..I'm sure the 5 stars kinda gives it away!!!.. But.. This was some all around goodness.. from me hearing about this place from a friend last week... to actually meeting that same friend and his wife there with my oldest children.. And we were Not disappointed!!.. Everything from the atmosphere... The amazing service and hospitality... the the knowledge we gained about not only Cuban food but their traditions and why they cook what they cook... I really wish I could remember what we ordered, but the excitement was so overwhelming we just ordered and ate!.. the pictures does absolutely no justice to the flavors!! I'm certain that whatever you order will be prepared with Cuban tradition and Love!! Well worth the visit! read more

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I know this is an extremely hyped restaurant in Louisville for all the right reasons but a couple first. This is a jam-packed tight space whether you're waiting to be seated or you are seated and eating. As a vegetarian my options tend to be limited which surprises me when you talk about a Cuban restaurant as they should always have more than one option. I am not a plantain person so I normally swap my plantain with Yucca fries. They always come soft and mushy. A combination of rice beans Yuca is what ends up being my meal most of the times. Their drinks are good. Empanadas are acceptable .Overall a slightly pricey restaurant but worth exploring. I do know that my meateater friends enjoy these meals way more than I do, but it is a good ambience with live music on certain nights. Definitely worth a try if you are in the area. read more

I have been thinking about this place for the last two months since my last meal. The vibes and atmosphere are top notch. The service is outstanding. This is a must stop when in Louisville. Order: Lechon asado. Perfectly cooked juicy flavorful pork. The rice/bean mixture was flavorful and still had a great texture. Delicious and filling after a long day of bourbon sampling. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Enchilado de Camarones - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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If you're looking for an incredible dining experience in downtown Louisville, this is it! This was our second visit, and somehow it was even better than the first. Both times we chose to sit at the bar, and I highly recommend it. The bartender was friendly, knowledgeable, and made us feel right at home. The fedoras the bartenders wear, along with the Cuban music playing in the background, create such a fun, authentic atmosphere that you feel like you've been transported straight to Cuba. We started with the Tostones Rellenos, and they were absolutely amazing! For our entrée, we split the Enchilada de Camarones...and all I can say is WOW! Every bite was packed with flavor. Honestly, we haven't had a single thing here that wasn't outstanding. The full rum bar is fantastic too! I ordered the Kentucky Mojito, and it was absolutely delicious. The restaurant is bright, vibrant, and full of Cuban charm. It's easy to see why they're always busy. If you want seats at the bar, arrive when they open at 5:00 p.m. If you prefer a table, definitely make reservations--even during the week. This is hands down one of the best restaurants in downtown Louisville and an absolute must-visit for anyone who loves amazing Cuban food, outstanding drinks, and a fun, lively atmosphere. You'll already be planning your next visit before you leave! read more

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Had so much fun checking out La Bodeguita de Mima in Louisville. The musicians playing and singing were so talented and we couldn't help but stop our meal and listen because they were so good. The Ropa Vieja had a really flavorful taste and the meat was cooked well and then served in a can. The staff told us how following the Cuban Revolution, Cubans faced economic hardship and relied on the Soviet Union for trade, during which they imported canned goods like this. Although the taste was definitely not straight from a can, it was nice to see how they were preserving history and we even got to take the can home as a souvenir. The fried plantains were also really tasty, and it came with a bowl of black beans. The arroz con pollo a la chorrera was the perfect comforting dish, and reminded me of porridge since it was soupy. Empanadas were steaming hot and I loved how crunchy the shell was in comparison to the meat inside. We got a mix of beef and chicken! The staff was so friendly and I loved how festive the atmosphere was, with other guests recommending dishes and sharing jokes with us. Can't wait to be back! Getting a reservation is recommended for weekend dinners, since it is a popular restaurant. They have a parking lot with designated spaces, which was helpful as well! read more

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La Bodeguita is a gem located in the heart of Nulu. The restaurant specializes in authentic Cuban cuisine and cocktails. The dishes are cultivated and curated to perfection!!! The customer service is phenomenal and ambiance and decor is beautifully decorated. The moment you walk into the restaurant you will experience the rich Cuban history. The restaurant has a small parking lot and a patio area. I would highly recommend this restaurant; however making reservations is suggested as this restaurant is always booming with business. Hands down my favorite restaurant in Nulu and Louisville! read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Salmon, plantains, and rice. - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Loved this place. Will definitely come back. We tried the croquettes for appetizer. It was so delicious. For dinner I had the steak. It was sooo good as well. Steak was cooked perfectly on the rarer side. For dessert we had the chocolate cigar. Presentation was nice and it was basically somebody opening the box and smoke coming out. I will say I was a bit disappointed that they did not do the birthday celebration for my friend's bday, which I had informed them about. Other than that- the prices are fairly reasonable and I would even say below what I expected. Would come back, and hopefully they'll help make the next special occasion memorable. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Outside - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Cannot say enough about this Cuban experience. Great food great atmosphere and great people read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - The food and atmosphere are so amazing!!! - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

There's a reason a place has over 3000 images. The food is fantastic and great drinks. Service was perfect. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - There's a reason a place has over 3000 images. Foods great - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

This place is amazing! There's a reason they have a zillion five star reviews. We visited here on a weekday for lunch and made reservations in advance, knowing how hard it can be to get a spot here. We ended up in a cozy room upstairs and quite frankly I think we would've been happy with any room in the house because it all felt so cozy and like you were in someone's kitchen. Our order included a chicken olive dish, Ropa Vieja, some of the fabulous complementary bread with two different types of butter. We especially loved the homemade guava butter and a dynamite Mojito with a sugarcane stick. It definitely took us back to our past visits to Cuba and Miami. The staff was very friendly and the overall experience was kid friendly. You can't beat their festive and vibrantly decorated location in the heart of NuLu, the space oozes Cuban vibes with moody lighting, a cozy interior and vibrantly painted exterior including a mural and old car. Dreaming about future visits already! read more

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I will start by saying I would hop on a plane just to eat here. We recently spent a week in NULU to enjoy the bourbon trails and Louisville. This place was right across from my hotel. Not only is it eye candy and the outside drew me in, but the inside vibe is so cool. (That's if you are seated in the house) We are here twice, it's that good. The empanadas are amazing. The Papa Rellenos is amazing. The chicken and rice is amazing. I wish I could have tried it all! Every dish was absolutely delicious! Service was good, and they had some amazing drinks but I stuck with the New Old Fashion. Just a note, if they sit you in the expansion area, it's a bit like a Mexican restaurant vibe, still great, just not as good as the house. They had live music and it was exquisite! read more

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This restaurant is one of the best I've been to, ever! The food is spectacular. The drinks are fabulous. The service is top notch. You will NOT be disappointed. We've been at least 10 times and EVERY single time the service and food have been off the chart amazing. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - The Santarita is big enough to share, and oh-so delicious! - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

Absolutely horrible experience. From the moment we walked in, everything was bad. We waited forever to even get acknowledged, the service was terrible, and the food took way too long. When it finally came, it was cold and tasted like it had been sitting there all day. The staff acted like we were bothering them when we asked for anything. The whole place felt dirty and nobody seemed to care. Definitely not worth the money. I will never eat here again and would not recommend this place to anybody. read more

This restaurant. THIS RESTAURANT!!! If you visit any one place in Louisville, make it this spot. Every dish is a banger. Every cocktail, perfection. Vibes, immaculate. I may just come back to visit Louisville for La Bodeguita de Mima alone read more

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We were visiting Louisville for the weekend and looking for something unique and delicious and we struck gold with La Bodeguita! We waited about 20 minutes for a table on a Friday night, and our server was both friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. She let us know that all of the dishes are family recipes and helped us decide on an appetizer of what looked like mini beef tacos. The pulled beef was so tender and full of flavor and was topped with homemade guacamole. My husband ordered the Cubano sandwich which came with plantain chips and I ordered a chicken and yellow rice dish, Arroz Imperial. We cleaned both plates because it was too good to leave any leftovers. The Cuban sandwich was one of the best we've ever tried, the pork was perfectly cooked and seasoned and the mustard added a nice kick. The pickles were clearly house made and the bread was fantastic as well. My rice dish was the quintessential cheesy, warm, comfort food. The chicken thighs were seared and juicy. The flavors were off the charts and the spice wasn't overwhelming. The bar is known for their mojitos but I've recently stopped drinking alcohol - thankfully the server clued me in to their virgin mojito and with the fresh mint and lime, I didn't miss the rum at all! We ended the night with the bread pudding which was different than traditional bread pudding in that it was a solid piece of cake-like bread soaked in caramel and cream. Needless to say, we polished that plate as well! During dinner we got to participate in an impromptu conga line and got to enjoy some lively Cuban music. The whole restaurant was full of a party-like energy that was infectious and only added to our enjoyment of the evening. La Bodeguita truly provided a five star experience and we'll be making a point to return the next time we're in Louisville! read more

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From start to finish, La Bodeguita de Mima was a fantastic experience. My only regret is that we didn't order more food! Our server was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. She suggested the mojito because it was the best and she wasn't wrong! The mojito was perfectly sweet, minty and dangerously good, if you know what I mean. We ordered the ensalada Cubana, camarones al ajillo and the churrasco. The salad was huge, great for sharing. Both the shrimp and churrasco were perfectly seasoned and cooked. We hope to return soon to order more and dessert too! Inside and out, the decor was amazing. Bright, rich colors with a nod to Cuban heritage throughout. Each corner and room was different and absolutely lovely. Reservations are highly recommended and certainly made the experience seamless upon our arrival. There's a reason this restaurant has so many five star reviews and from so many people around the country so if you are in the area, don't miss out on the opportunity to give this place a try at least once! You won't be disappointed in any part of your experience here! read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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The restaurant is 2 hours away but we drove here specifically for this reason! And it met... exceeded... expectations! Shrimp Ceviche was delicious! I needed a spoon to eat it all. The pollo a cherrro had a tomato sauce with fried green plantain. Yum. My SO got the pollo with a side of black beans, rice, and sweet plantains! Love love love the fried sweet pl read more

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If you enjoy a lively dinner scene, this is a hot spot! It was quite loud at the front with the live music at the bar. We had to wait a while, but it was worth it! We got a table in the cigar room which was quieter than the downstairs dining. All of the food was delicious, but I think the cubanos were the highlight! Absolutely recommend this place for cuban food in Louisville. read more

La Bodeguita de Mima - Cubano - Cuban Near Me - Louisville, Kentucky

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Fun upbeat atmosphere! Live music with pizazz!! Amazing food and the cafe con leche and desserts are fabulous! I do recommend a reservation, however they have a covered porch if you have to wait. read more