Image: Vaca Frita, Arroz Congri, Tostones.
Last Updated: February 2023
Overview:
Mi Cuba punches above its weight, serving classic Cuban dishes that are hearty and heart-warming. Come for the Cubano sandwich, stay for the plates of lechon asado or beef. The level of care is underlined in the sides – caramelized sweet plantains, seasoned rice, or the dark hill of rice and beans that could be a meal in itself. The rellenas filled with beef or chicken are crisped round balls of airy potato encasing the meat. The attention extends the sandwiches, like the pan con lechon that has only the pork and carefully sourced bread to carry it, but Tim Carman in the Post fawns over it, “enjoy the rush of slow-roasted pork shoulder, shot through with bitter orange, black pepper, onions, garlic and more. It’s so simple and so sensual.”
The shoebox of a café is surprisingly cute, with a few small tables, artwork and other flourishes that contribute to the sense of a personal touch. The drink list is limited with some cocktails, a few beers, and some Spanish wine options. But they do have juices.
Mi Cuba is the kind of place that make the locals feel welcome, has food good enough to pull in some from beyond the neighborhood. We would also note that with its charm and affordable plates, it is not a bad spot for a low-key date night.
Other Guidance: Located at street level, with no stairs. GF can do well with the non-sandwich dishes. There are a few vegetarian friendly dishes too, though obviously meat takes center stage.
Summary:
Cuisine: Caribbean (Cuban)
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights/Petworth
Address: 1424 Park Rd NW, Washington, DC 20010
Website: https://micubacafe.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Pan con lechon made 2021 best sandwich list. Tim waxed longingly over the rice. Tom’s 2013 First Bite. (One of the few places to get reviewed by both).
Washingtonian: Cheap Eats 2018; 2017; 2016; 2015.
Rick Eats DC: 2016 Cheap Eats List. And the lechon asado made the best thing he ate list for that year. Same in 2018. And 2020 plug.