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Cuban restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina
What should I order at El Puro Cuban Restaurant?
What to order
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Ropa Vieja
Mentioned multiple times as savory, perfectly seasoned, fresh, and full of flavor; several reviewers called it a standout entrée and said it was cooked with love and patience.
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Empanadas
Repeatedly praised as good or delicious, with one review calling them a 10/10. They were also noted as a reliable starter that fits well with the restaurant’s Cuban menu.
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Oxtails
Recommended in several reviews for being flavorful and memorable, including one comment that they had never had oxtails like that before. They were also paired positively with rice and peas.
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Guava Pancakes
Strongly recommended for brunch, described as spectacular and delicious, with one reviewer saying they were 'to die for' and another specifically praising them during a family brunch.
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5
Fried Red Snapper
Called a 10/10 and mentioned again as something a reviewer planned to return for, suggesting it is one of the most memorable seafood dishes on the menu.
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Maduros
Mentioned alongside other sides as great and also as part of an authentic Cuban meal that the restaurant nailed, making them a well-liked accompaniment.
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Tostones
Praised as great in one review and included in a meal that was enthusiastically recommended, showing they are a popular and well-executed side.
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8
Masitas De La Loma
Specifically called delicious, warm, crispy, and flavorful, making it one of the most clearly praised signature dishes in the reviews.
Details
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 5 to 10 PM |
| Wednesday | 5 to 10 PM |
| Thursday | 5 to 10 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 12 AM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 12 AM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
About El Puro Cuban Restaurant
El Puro Cuban Restaurant is a Cuban restaurant, bar, fine dining restaurant, and live music bar in Charlotte, North Carolina. The menu includes Cuban and Caribbean dishes, with reviews often highlighting ropa vieja, oxtail, fried red snapper, ceviche, empanadas, croquetas, and tres leches pancakes. Reviewers consistently praise the live music, atmosphere, and attentive service. Food and drinks are also frequently noted for strong flavor, with mentions of cocktails, dessert, and coffee.
Amenities
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- No-contact delivery
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Organic dishes
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Tourists
Planning
- Reservations required
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is El Puro Cuban Restaurant known for?
It is best known for its live Cuban music and authentic Cuban comfort food, especially dishes like ropa vieja, oxtail, and fried red snapper. Reviewers also repeatedly mention the patio and say the music makes the room feel energetic without overwhelming conversation.
What dishes are most recommended at El Puro Cuban Restaurant?
Reviewers most often highlight ropa vieja, Rabo encendido oxtail, fried red snapper, empanadas, and Cuban sandwich. Other frequently praised items include croquetas, tres leches pancakes, and ceviche, with several people calling the portions generous and the flavors well seasoned.
What is the atmosphere like at El Puro Cuban Restaurant?
The vibe is lively, warm, and music-driven, with a band, dancers, and a setting that some reviewers compare to Miami or the Caribbean. It suits date nights, celebrations, dinner with friends, and groups that want dinner with live entertainment rather than a quiet meal.
Is El Puro Cuban Restaurant good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is $20 to $60, and reviewers say the portions are generous enough to share, especially dishes like the oxtail with rice and peas. People also mention specials, strong cocktails, and a full dinner experience, which helps explain the higher-end price point.
When is the best time to visit El Puro Cuban Restaurant?
If you want the full experience, go on a Friday or Saturday night, when reviewers say reservations are a good idea and the live band plus dancers make the room especially lively. For a quicker visit, lunch can be calmer, with some guests seated right away when it was not busy.
Is parking available at El Puro Cuban Restaurant?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does El Puro Cuban Restaurant have vegetarian options?
Yes, El Puro Cuban Restaurant offers vegan options.
Is El Puro Cuban Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, El Puro Cuban Restaurant is good for kids.
