snowrooster

Just found this restaurant recommended on Fodors and the menu looks fabulous (we don't have any Cuban restaurants in Cincinnati where we live). The pictures seem to depict a fairly festive atmosphere. Has anyone been there that can comment on whether it would be appropriate w/children (ages 4 & 5 - they aren't picky eaters & like to try new things)?

Suki

snowrooster, is this the one on 2nd Street in Old City? I think it is, and I would definitely say it was OK for kids. It is very loud and, as you say, has a festive atmosphere. If you are in that area at other times of the day, I hear that there is a great old fashioned soda fountain at Frankin Fountain. It's in the 100 block of Market Street (closest to the Delaware River.)

buongiorno

There is only one Cuba Libre

Suki

I know that, buongiorno, but there is more than 1 Spanish restaurant in Philadelphia, for ex Alma de Cuba - I was just thinking as I wrote.

yk

I think it's okay if you either go early in the evening and avoid Fri/Sat. The place gets very crowded on those nights and lots of young people (& women in skimpy outfits) getting drunk on mojitos.

snowrooster

Sounds great! We will be going on a Thursday evening and will definitely go fairly early. Anyone know if there is parking at the restaurant or valet? I'm not at all familiar w/the area.

BTW, there is another location (saw it on their website) but it is not in Phildelphia (I think it is in a casino in NJ?).

Suki

I haven't been there in awhile, but there was a lot right across the street that we parked in early on a Saturday night (maybe 5PM). I do think there is valet parking as well.

al

I was there in April and yes, it's a fun place that should be OK to bring kids. It's also a very good looking restaurant, like you're eating in Havana at an outdoor cafe. If you go early enough you might be able to find a parking spot on the street (I remember seeing a few spots when I was there around 6'ish); if not, there's gotta be a lot around there somewhere. Should be fine.

yk

It may be tough to find street parking around - unless you arrive just before 6pm. A lot of the metered spots are NO PARKING btw 4-6pm, so if you get there just before 6, you can park your car in a spot and just sit in the car until 6pm to be sure you don't get ticketed.

Otherwise, there are a few paid lots in Old City, and I'm quite sure Cuba Libre has valet - expect to pay like $10 for valet parking.

karens

We ate at Cuba Libre a few years ago. Parking was very tight and the nearby lot was $16. (This was on a Sat. night; maybe things will be a bit less crowded during the week).

Jed

The food is good, the atmosphere is lively, especially for the younger crowd on the first floor. You might want the second floor.

http://www.cubalibrerestaurant.com/index.php

There is a high rise parking lot a block down on the left. I am not sure about valet.

dbenya

There's a valet on Market right around the corner.

leeshiebean

Ooh, I definitely recommend Cuba Libre. There is another one in Atlantic City as well, to whomever asked about that. With kids, I'd say go for an early dinner, or at least not on a Friday or Saturday night as yes, it tends to be (as most Old City restaurants) a place for people to "go out" and might not be the best atmosphere for kids. But otherwise I do think you should check it out, the food is good and the atmosphere is great.