Rincón Cubano is a well-known Cuban restaurant in Cape Coral, Florida, established in 2004.
Renowned for its authentic Cuban ambiance and quick service, the restaurant attracts both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Cuba.
However, my personal experience left me with mixed feelings about the overall dining experience.
Atmosphere and Staff
The atmosphere at Rincón Cubano is undeniably authentic.
Upon entering, I noticed that nearly all the staff and patrons communicated in Spanish, creating an immersive cultural experience. However, every employee at the time I was there was female so I am not sure this is how they usually operate.
I don't feel like they were very inviting to white people. If you don't speak Spanish, you probably shouldn't go here.
While this added to the restaurant's authenticity, it may pose a slight challenge for non-Spanish-speaking visitors.
Despite this, the staff was friendly and service was impressively fast, ensuring minimal waiting time.
Food Quality and Menu Options
I ordered a Cuban sandwich, which every Cuban restaurant should be able to do well.
The sandwich featured the classic combination of pulled pork, serrano ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard, and mayo.
However, the bread didn’t seem very fresh, and the meat lacked the flavorful punch I was expecting, which made the overall experience underwhelming.
On the positive side, the plantains were cooked perfectly, adding a delightful touch to the meal.
Separate Black Beans and Rice
One surprising aspect of the menu was that black beans did not accompany the rice by default. Instead, they had to be ordered separately, which added to the overall cost.
This small detail felt inconsistent with the usual Cuban dining experience and was slightly disappointing.
Menu Variety
While the menu boasts a wide variety of options ranging from empanadas to seafood, my impression of the food was that it was decent but not exceptional.
It’s clear that Rincón Cubano has a loyal customer base, but for me, the flavors did not fully justify the restaurant’s popularity.
Details
- Website: rinconcubano2004.wixsite.com
- Address: 958 Country Club Blvd, Cape Coral FL 33990
- Payment: Apple Pay, credit card, cash
Final Thoughts
Rincón Cubano is a decent choice for those seeking a fast, authentic Cuban dining experience in Cape Coral.
The cultural atmosphere and extensive menu are appealing, but the food quality and pricing structure left room for improvement. I thought for what I ordered it was far too expensive!
While I understand the restaurant’s appeal to many, my personal experience was average. I would not want to back on my own volition.
The well cooked plantains were a highlight, but the lackluster Cuban sandwich and unexpected added cost for black beans and rice detracted from the overall experience. I think the Cuban sandwhiches from Publix are better, and cheaper!
Rincón Cubano is worth a visit for its ambiance and efficient service, but temper expectations regarding the food quality and value.
If you're looking for good Cuban food, go to Citanos Cafeteria instead.
