Reviews for Mambo Latin Kitchen & Empanadas in Rutherford, NJ
This is a very small restaurant (24 seats inside) but has a nice atmosphere. The service was great until they got busy and then... it became a complete absence to the point of getting up for the check. The appetizers though good was also disappointing. Theempenadas had ranch on them, which can be fine but applying by default was strange. The chicharrón were not deep-fried which iswhat was expected. They were instead a crispy skin laid over lechon (roast pork) and cut into squares. The main courses were thestars of this visit. If you like garlic I highly recommend the Mofongo with puerquito. The prices were on the high side but theportions are pretty big. Read more
There's a reason this place is a local favorite. It's fantastic. Really, really good. The empanadas are definitely worth it.... The garlic shrimp empanadas are insane. They're stuffed with shrimp and so much flavor. In fact, anything with Camarones Ajillois worth it (appetizer, dinner and mofongo. The Salmon Fresca is perfectly cooked. Don't forget the Barrio Chino options . TheTallarin, Saltado and Arroz Chaufa are all great, and huge portions. Best of all, it's BYOB. We bring rum or Malibu and gettheir Piña Colada mixer. It's SO good My terrible pictures don't do it justice. 10/10 Read more
I loved the food but it was a long wait for it and there were very few customers there at the time which made the atmosphere... great as there was no need to raise my voice to be heard with my wife. The decor and music was also very pleasant. It was a bitpricey in my opinion for two. But I would definitely return. Read more
This was actually my first time here and I was truly grateful for the great service we received! We came here for my Mom's 62 ND... Birthday and I have to say the people here went above and beyond. The owner even added my mother's picture to the menu. It wasdef a great touch to add to her birthday celebration. The apps were delicious and a big portion as well. The food was good andthe music was awesome! We will definitely be coming here again! Great atmosphere ???? Read more
I love Cuban food, however I haven?t been able to find a place in norther NJ that I can honestly say the food is amazing. We... decided to come here after so many great reviews. The place is clean and the music is amazing. Sadly the food wasn?t asexpected, I couldn?t tell you the exact spices they use to season their beef, only that whatever they used gave the meat a notso pleasant taste. It just lacked of that Latin flavor. The rice tasted like box rice, not a fan of box rice. It is not all bad,I did enjoy their Yuca fries, well seasoned and not soaked in oil. Sadly I don?t think I will be returning, but hope to findanother Cuban place around this area. Read more
Walking into a small restaurant second guessing because there were only 3 parties sitting decided to give it a chance and let me... tell you something. BEST AUTHENTIC FLAVOR IVE HAD IN A LONG TIME. Everything from the ceviche, to the empanadas, to thetrifongo, ropa vieja all the way down to the black beans. INCREDIBLE!! 10 out of 10. Read more
Had a great time with friends here. The food was delicious and the server was great. The music was lovely. It is a very small... restaurant, but definitely cozy. Would recommend if your looking for great Cuban cuisine. It's also BYOB. Whatever you order youmust try the empanadas. They were absolutely delicious! Do not leave here without eating at least 1. They are $3.50 a piece, butso worth it. They are good size portion too. I had the chicken empanadas, but they have so many options for fillings. So takeyour time and choose one or two! The empanadas come with a delicious side sauce made of cilantro. I know right! I am not a hugefan of cilantro in general, but Believe me it was delicious, just try it. Also those fries in the pic are yuca fries ????! Read more
Great food! Service was great as well! I had the brunch La Colombiana and the French Toast. It was really good!