I was working late over at my studio on Lena Street. I decided to grab a quick takeout sandwich at Lago. I ordered the Media Noche and plantains. I ended up being charmed by the casual picnic tables outside and the delightfully friendly and welcoming staff, so I decided to stay and sat down outside. They insisted on taking the time to plate my food and make it look fresh and new, I can't believe the same sandwich had just been in a box. It looked right out of the kitchen. It was a beautiful evening and I was sorry not to be able to stay longer. The sandwich was simply delicious. Lago is a hidden Santa Fe gem! read more

This is a small cafe bursting with all things Cuban. I finally got to give it a try and I'm glad that I did. The dish I ordered was under the Salads section on their menu. It's Ensalada Caribe made with chicken, avocados, mangos and arugula with a honey sauce. It tasted so fresh and was it delicious. Speaking to the owner, I realized how unique and traditional the foods are. They even make Cuban coffee which is a treat if you like your coffee strong. Their service is five stars. Hours are Monday through Saturday 11am to 8pm. I 'm ready to try everything on their menu. Don't miss it!! read more

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We arrived in the midst of a rare Santa Fe rainstorm, so they had hurriedly brought in the outside table and umbrella, but the interior is brightly lit and decorated with both contemporary art and panoramic photos of Havana's waterfront. The chairs have wooden legs and plastic bodies, but they are quite comfortable, and the surrounds on Lena Street are charming. We were greeted with a smile and a carafe of still water with our menus. As we pondered the many choices, another couple was just leaving and they made sure to let us know they loved the food and the service. They were proved absolutely right. My dinner companion and I both ordered mocktail mojito, which were tall, refreshing, and wonderful as a meal partner. My companion chose the Guajira plate, pulled pork with Moro rice (black beans and rice cooked together with a magical spice blend) and plaintains. I had the same, but with the Ropa Vieja shredded beef instead. Both were outstanding, and the portions were just right. That left us enough room to share an order of the house flan. Lago's version leans rustic, with visible egg texture rather than the glossy version served by some kitchens. Just the right sweetness from the drizzled light caramel sauce sent us out the door smiling and determined to return with a small party so we can sample the enticing tapas platters together. read more

Lago Cafe - Flan with a bite or two missing -- eggy and delicious - Cuban Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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The people who work there were super nice and very attentive. Unfortunately I found the food to be not authentic. I ordered a Media Noche which is supposed to contain slices of pork loin, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles sliced the long way and then pressed in a Panini press. That's not what I got. It's not authentic Cuban food read more

Lago Cafe - I don't know why the pickles are brown but they're not supposed to be and they are supposed to be cut the long way - Cuban Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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On our last night in Santa Fe, my son and I were looking for something different and we came across Lago Café. It's off the beaten path, but I think that really enhances its appeal. There are roughly six tables inside and an outdoor seating area. When we walked inside, we were immediately greeted and ushered to a table. The wait staff was engaging and attentive. My son ordered the virgin Mojito and said that it was very refreshing. For our meals, I ordered the Guajiro with the moro rice and plantains, and my son ordered the Cojimero. My son really enjoyed his cojimero. The guajiro? Oh my goodness. The slow-cooked pork was excellent. It says 'with barbecue sauce,' in the description, but don't think of your typical tomato- or vinegar-based BBQ sauce. It was something altogether different and very tasty. Mix it with the chimichurri to add another level of goodness to the dish. Also, the plantains and the moro rice were delicious. Finally, I ordered flan and an espresso for dessert. The flan had that great custard texture and the perfect level of sweetness. It came with a chocolate sauce, but did not need it. The espresso was a bit of a let down. It did not have that sharp sweetness, but rather tasted like the coffee had been exposed to too much air, oxidizing it. That is a very minor thing in comparison to everything else. All that to say, I highly recommend that you enjoy a meal at Café Lago, and do yourself a favor, order the guajiro. read more

Lago Cafe - Flan with chocolate sauce. - Cuban Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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Went to a fun new restaurant today. They have been opened about 2 months. Excellent!!! First time there but will return again & again with friends. I had a Cojimero: 16.95 Curry Milk Chicken Sandwich, made with succulent chicken in a mild curry sauce, topped with fresh tomato and creamy avocado on bread. Shared a flan with my friend. Had to stop myself from licking the plate. Took Croquettas home for my hubby. read more

My teens chose this Cuban cafe, and we're so glad they did! From the moment we walked in, we felt welcomed and comfortable. Our host/server/waiter seems to be an owner, and he took the time to explain and recommend menu items. My son ordered the medianoche (smoked ham/roasted pork) and my daughter had the pan con lechón (roasted pork and Cuban mojo) sandwiches. Both raved. My son declared his the best sandwich he's ever had. My Isla curried chicken was beautifully plated and bursting with delicate flavor. The plantains were top-notch! We had to try other menu items and had an excellent cafe con leche (European quality) and possibly the best caramel flan ever. We eat out very rarely, and it was so rewarding to find this gem. Along with the food quality, the level of service and being treated as valued guests elevated our entire experience. read more

Wow! What a treat to find genuine Cuban food in Santa Fe. We were literally on our way home from a trip to Miami ( where we had no Cuban food) and saw Lago Cafe on Yelp. It was great! The owner was very gracious. My husband grew up with a lot of Cuban food. It was a nice comfort food meal. We highly recommend this restaurant!! read more

Lago Cafe - This is Ropa Viejo and Picadillo. - Cuban Near Me - Santa Fe, New Mexico

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The service was delightful and engaging Cleanliness impeccable Food was genuinely authentic... having been to Puerto Rico and Cuba Servings were ample for the pricing read more

Their place is very small but very cozy, the food is so good. I loved their cojimero sandwich and their ropa vieja dish. Some of the servers are very friendly and others are a little more quiet but they're all nice and timely. read more

The people are really nice, so I feel bad about the negative review. Parking stinks. Cafe con leche is awful. It was like watered down American coffee with skim milk. Told the waiter it was awful and undrinkable. Ordered a cafecito (small sweet, strong Cuban coffee) after lunch and he brought back the same watered down cafe con leche! We were charged for both even though they were undrinkable and left untouched. Not much for vegans other than sides of black beans, plantain, and rice, which were good. This is not authentic Cuban Food. No cuban bread, no Cuban coffee. read more

This bright and cheerful little spot serves delicious food. We shared the Cojimero sandwich (chicken) and the Picadillo entree. Both were super tasty. Their black beans were some of the best I've ever tasted. We didn't try dessert but we saw many other tables order and devour them. We'll try them next time and there will definitely be a next time. The service was faster than expected with a small staff. The outdoor picnic tables look very inviting for a warm weather visit. read more

Amaaaazing. Authentic and delicious Cuban food. Being Cuban AND from Miami I know. The black beans, tostones, plantains and ropa vieja (shredded beef) were fresh and delicious. The croquetas were wonderful as well as the cortadito. Top notch and 10 stars. read more

The people, the atmosphere, The Food, lovingly prepared Its worth the visit!! Outdoors under trees... Lovely read more

My husband, daughter and I needed a place for early dinner, found Lago Cuba on Yelp and, being fans of Cuban food, went right over. We were greeted by the friendly server and the owner. Our order for Mediterranean Tapas, Medianoche sandwich (their version of the Cuban), Picadillo Habanero with white rice, black beans and fried maduro plantains, fresh papaya juice and a Vaca Negra coke with condensed milk, hit every spot! The food is genuinely Cuban, delicious and flavorful. We were so excited about it we neglected to take pictures and we left nothing on our plates. This small restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating, it is impeccably clean, the service is efficient and friendly and it is moderately priced. Fue un placer cenar aquí y regresaremos pronto! read more

This cafe with its attentive staff serves up delicious authentic Cuban cuisine. The menu is diverse offering great appetizers to include tostones with delicious Ropa Vieja and other fillings, to tempting entrees and delicate pastillos and rich Flan for dessert. Don't miss this a bit off the beaten path but lovely culinary experience in Santa Fe. read more

Excellent food and service unique to Santa Fe but familiar to this Cuban American girl from Miami. Nice relaxing ambiance. Real find!

Food is delicious and the staff were great. This is a great new spot to eat and I will definitely be back!!!

I really wanted to like this place because I love Cuban food, but for $20 I just received my order of Ropa Vieja and I literally got about 2 tablespoons of beef, a pile of rice and 3 small, greasy plantain stops. Will not be coming back. read more

This new restaurant is run by a really sweet family who are cooking up their home country's tasty dishes with love. I tried a sampler of tostones, croqueta, picadillo, beans, plantains and rice and was happily stuffed. I'm from out of town but would be a regular if I lived here! read more

This great cafe serves up the tastiest authentic Cuban cuisine served by the most pleasant staff. Its neighborhood location gIves yet another glimpse into the quaintness that is Santa Fe. It is clean. It is comfortable. Don't miss out on this hidden gem. read more