Hello dear
Cuban Pete's, located at 428 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ, is a beloved gem serving authentic Cuban cuisine since 2006. Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, the restaurant transports you to a tropical haven with lively music and beautiful decor. Diners rave about the generous portions and the tantalizing flavors of dishes like vaca frita, tapas-style Cubano, and empanadas. The staff, dressed in charming guayabera shirts, provide exceptional service, creating a warm and inviting experience. With BYOB options and standout cocktails like mojitos and sangrias, Cuban Pete’s is perfect for celebrations or a delightful meal any day of the week.
About
Welcome to Cuban Pete's, a vibrant culinary gem nestled in the heart of Montclair, NJ, at 428 Bloomfield Ave. This beloved eatery has become synonymous with authentic Cuban cuisine and a lively atmosphere, drawing food enthusiasts and families alike. Cuban Pete's operates on a BYOB basis, making it an ideal spot for celebrations or casual dining with friends.
The moment you step inside, you are transported to a tropical paradise. The restaurant’s decor, paired with the charming yellow guayabera shirts worn by the male staff, sets the tone for a delightful experience. Sarah Samaranayake, a satisfied customer, raved about her lunch, highlighting the tender vaca frita and the tapas-style Cubano and mojo de pork — each dish bursting with flavor and generous portions, perfect for sharing. The emphasis on tapas allows diners to sample a variety of delectable offerings, making every visit an opportunity for culinary exploration.
Another satisfied patron, Carla Cedeno, praised the consistency of the food quality over her seven-year relationship with Cuban Pete's, noting the empanadas, churrasco, and chicken lollipops as must-tries. The service shines here, enhancing the dining experience with friendly and attentive staff who create a welcoming environment. It's no surprise that this spot has been a cherished staple for so long — the atmosphere is both fun and relaxing, making it perfect for birthday celebrations or a casual dinner after a long week.
For those craving comfort food, Maria Hidalgo Dolan, a lifelong Cuban food lover, celebrates the authenticity found at Cuban Pete’s. She and her family have been loyal customers since 2006, drawn back time and again by the extraordinary ambiance and fantastic dishes. The lively music and beautiful patio area add to the tropical vibe that makes dining here feel like a mini-vacation.
As you contemplate your next meal, consider what Olivia Landers shared — Cuban Pete's is not just about the food; it's about the entire experience. The mojitos and sangria pitchers offer delightful ways to enhance your meal, and the inviting environment guarantees a fun outing. Whether you’re a Cuban cuisine connoisseur or a curious newcomer, Cuban Pete's promises a dining experience where every dish tells a story. So gather your friends, bring your favorite beverages, and dive into a menu that celebrates the rich flavors of Cuba!
“ I’ve been going to Cuban Pete’s for years! Absolutely love it here. Food is amazing and the atmosphere is always a vibe! ”
“ This restaurant can get pretty busy on a Summer weekend but they have plenty of indoor and outdoor spaces. The food is tasty and has the authentic Cuban flavors you expect, and the portions are generous. Beware: this is a BYOB place, so the pitchers they offer are as mixers. Great for large groups. The menu is quite large, and I love that they offer a large selection of appetizers so you can satisfy several cravings without being too full or order them as tapas. ”
“ Not new to Cuban food, and this place was AMAZING. Came in for a lunch. My husband got vaca frita, which he devoured. I got the tapas version of the Cubano and the mojo de pork — soooooo so good. Would recommend the tapas style appetizers so you can try a few things. Very generous portions, with leftovers to take home. Wait staff was lovely and the place is so beautifully decorated. Maybe the best Cubano I’ve ever had. Punches were not too sweet which was nice. Food was the standout here !!! ”
“ We love coming here! We have been coming to Cuban Pete’s for about 7 years and the quality remains the same. I’ve never had a dish I didn’t like! I recommend their empanadas, churrasco, and chicken lollipops. The service is amazing and the atmosphere is fun. I love their mojito and sangria pitchers (alc free). It’s great that it is BYOB. Great for birthday celebrations! ”
“ Diego was my server and he was amazing! Everything came so quickly, we didn’t even have to wait long to get seated or get our drinks. Food is always delicious, 10/10 recommend. I got the grilled chicken! ”
“ Popular local spot for generous portions of Cuban food, that is usually busy and usually loud! I’ve been here 4-5 times over the last few years, mostly before pandemic and just recently. On weekends it’s not uncommon to have a long wait. This past Thursday night I was pleasantly surprised to not have to wait too long before being seated. Portions are generous which is nice. One thing just noticed is that food sometimes doesn’t arrive on a hot plate—in this case it’s possible that this is because we see the food being walked over from outside and it’s recently been cold. Note that they do not serve alcohol. They’re BYOB with a nearby liquor store. They offer various non-alcoholic mocktails including non-alcoholic sangria and such. On the whole the main concern I have is just how loud it is in certain dining areas, making it so that a small group has to yell to hear each other. ”
“ BYOB, bring your own drinks. The pitchers are perfect to add. This place was super fun on a Sunday! We had awesome food and amazing servers. The food was excellent and we just finished traveling our 12th country in 2 years. If you’re looking for a nice environment and authentic food, here it is. yes everyone cooks differently, but it was really delicious. ”
“ Being Cuban there is nothing like good old Cuban food! What a comfort! We've been visiting this restaurant since 2006, almost 20 years!!! I love that it's men waiters only and that they all wear these beautiful yellow guayabera shirts and the Panama hats! The ambiance is extraordinary! So beautiful. You feel like you are transported to a tropical island. I love eating in the patio area!!! The music is fabulous, lively and enthralling! The food is fantastic! Dominick Restaino is a maverick in starting this amazing restaurant! ”