Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar - DC 20001

801 9th St NW suite a, Washington, DC 20001, United States
+1 202-408-1600
$$$ Cuban restaurant
(5,318 Reviews)
Price Range $30–50

Welcome to Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar, a gem nestled in the vibrant heart of Washington, D.C. This Cuban restaurant invites you to immerse yourself in the rich and flavorful world of Cuban cuisine, infused with an eclectic atmosphere that combines lively music, passionate dancing, and an inviting ambiance.

The moment you step inside, you are greeted by a playful yet chic decor that reflects the essence of Cuban culture; it’s as if you’ve been transported straight to the streets of Havana. With its lively setting, Cuba Libre not only offers a place for delicious dining but also a locale to celebrate life. Be prepared for an evening of laughter, good company, and perhaps some impromptu salsa dancing!

As for the food, you'll find a delightful array of menu options that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Try the Pollo Asado—a succulent citrus-marinated chicken breast served with a luscious mango-passion fruit gravy and crispy french fries, or indulge in the classic Cuban Sandwich featuring pork loin, salami, ham, and an indulgent blend of cheeses that melds into a perfect bite. If you're in the mood for something hearty, the Churrasco Burger, made from a quarter-pound skirt steak and topped with fresh lettuce and tomato, promises to satisfy every meat lover's craving.

For a bit of fun, sip on one of their famous Nojitos—whether you choose the classic, passion fruit, or coconut flavor, each option offers a refreshing twist perfect for washing down your meal.

Customer reviews reflect the vibrant energy and authenticity of Cuba Libre. Raul Gonzalez shares that "the staff were friendly and knowledgeable," creating an atmosphere where both first-timers and returning patrons feel welcomed. This is echoed in the praises for the lively environment, perfect for those looking to enjoy good food and dance the night away. Others, like Kari Jackson, noted the charm of brunching at Cuba Libre, with standout dishes like the pan con lechon sandwich receiving rave reviews!

While there are some mixed feedback concerning service and portion sizes, like the smaller servings mentioned by Ada Rich, the overall experience remains delightfully warm, underscored by the unmistakable spirit of Cuban hospitality. So whether you're visiting for a casual dinner or an exciting night filled with music and dancing, Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with flavor, warmth, and joy.

If you find yourself in D.C., make sure to stop by and savor the authentic dishes and vibrant atmosphere that Cuba Libre has to offer! You won’t just be dining; you’ll be embarking on a culinary journey that celebrates the heart of Cuba!

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers delivery
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Has live music
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves happy-hour food
Serves late-night food
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has catering
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Good for groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Popular with tourists
Transgender safe space
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid multi-storey car park
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Pets
Dogs allowed outside
Openings Hours

Monday

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Tuesday

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Wednesday

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Thursday

04:00 PM - 09:00 PM

Friday

04:00 PM - 03:00 AM

Saturday

12:00 PM - 03:00 AM

Sunday

12:00 PM - 09:00 PM

5318 Reviews
Raul Gonzalez

05 Nov 2025

I love eating Cuban food and this place did not disappoint. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable about all the food and drink options. We went one night and enjoyed dinner and drinks. We were tired from the day so did not stick around for the dancing. The following night we showed up at 9 pm for a late dinner, followed by a night of dancing. Great atmosphere overall.

Marimar LaBelle

28 Oct 2025

The food was good. Great area. Great drink specials and sufficient portions! Service this time was not that great. It seemed that the guy we had was not able to get his tables' orders correct and kept messing up or just forgetting altogether. He's been there for a while. He probably had some form of dyslexia or a disability so we didn't mind and just wanted food. But things kept getting worse. When they got better, we waited for the correct items to finally come this was around 2pm, July 4th, not packed at all. Eventually we were helped by someone else. We still had a good time and thanked him.

Ada Rich

08 Sep 2025

The service was wonderful. The environment was lovely. Of course there is no parking due to the location, and I don't believe the price was right for my entree. The paella is a very small serving and the bottom is pretty crispy, which leaves a very small amount of rice. Pick another dish.

Kari Jackson

17 Aug 2025

We went on Saturday for brunch- got there early and basically had the place to ourselves:) The decor is fun and gives off outdoor patio vibes. I ordered the cafe con leche french toast and a bloody mary( nothing special). The french toast had great flavor- it was just sopping wet and soggy. My friend ordered the pan con lechon sandwich and coconut mojito- outstanding!! We both loved it. The sandwich came with crispy plantain chips that were so good. I would definitely go again when in town and try something else! Staff was friendly as well and they brought the check in a cuban cigar box which was a fun touch.

Dr. Karla Hernandez DeCuir

09 Aug 2025

We came here because we heard about dancing at night but we got here a little too early. It was around 930 pm so we just ordered some food. We had the ropa vieja & the empanadas. The Ropa Vieja was good but it only comes with white rice (I’m used to them always serving it with black beans and rice or with Congri & maduros). The empanadas were fried too hard. I didn’t really like them. The drinks were average. The place is pretty cute and when were leaving, they were starting to pick up the tables & the music was really great. The bathroom, however, had a long line.

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