Photos and reporting by Stacie Joy
Cantina Cubana debuts today (Sept 15) at 4 p.m. at 17 Avenue B and Second Street.
Ricardo Arias and Patricia Valencia, the husband-and-wife owners, were happy that ConEd finally turned on the gas for the restaurant.
The couple previously operated Café Cortadito at 210 E. Third St., just east of Avenue B. They closed at the end of January after 18 years in business after the landlord increased the rent from $8,000 to $15,000 monthly.
Cantina Cubana is opening with a full menu with a similar lineup as Cafe Cortadito. Ricardo says it's 99% the same menu, with some new additions such as tacos and guacamole, plus a smash taco burger made with tortillas.
Here's a look inside...
Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. breakfast hours are possible in the future.
You can find the Cantina Cubana website here.
