cubano's restaurant

silver spring, md.  very goodcubanfood. we ordered a camarones al ajillo (grilled shrimp with garlic on skewers) and a mariscada (seafood medley). both came with rice, black beans and sweet fried plantains. the seafood medley was in a very tasty tomato gravy, and was large enough for 2 to share. good ambience and good service.

this place is a true diamond in the rough! the waiter was very nice and willing to explain things to us. we went duringcubantime which is basically happy hour monday-thursday. the drinks were half price and the tapas were very reasonably priced at $5-7. the food was great; the only concern was the emapanaditas being a little crispy. otherwise, we were super happy with our visit and would go again!

these guys cook so cuban, you’d swear you’re in havana having your meal!. i usually state that if one is a true aficionado of 'legitimate and traditional'cubanfood, one must come to grips with the fact that there is almost no 'real'cubancuisine to be found in the metropolitan washington area, even if few and far between, then only can your expectations be changed - in coming to 'cubanos' you realize that occasionally there iscubanfood light at the end of the tunnel for those who live in the nation’s capitol region! the argument that because of the assimilation of thecubandiaspora within most metro areas outside miami, new york and chicago, that the bestcubanvictuals are relegated to nouveau cuisine, variations on a caribbean theme with the restraint and homogenization is pretty much put to rest by cubanos. their offerings of traditional dishes with traditional styles and traditional ingredients is heartwarming. their renditions of: puerco asado (roast pork); pernil (ham); yuca con mojo; ensalada (salad); mariquitas (fresh deep fried plantain chips); platanos maduros (fried sweet ripe plantains); moros y cristanos (cuban black beans mixed in white rice); tres leches (three milks) flan are acubancuisine connoisseur’s dream. highly recommended – we plan on continuing to eat their victuals.

mojitos are right. i will say i've had probably every flavor mojito here...they are all good. depending on the bartender i've also had some with quite the kick, without any loss in flavor. as for the food i've had the empanadas, shredded pork, beef and shrimp in garlic sauce. with each selection i always feel the food could have more flavor, stronger marinated sauces, garlic, and etc. the plantains are preferred over the also very plain flavored beans and rice. the yellow rice also lacks flavor. overall it's a decent option but not the bestcubanfood.