Laurels Restaurant

This isn't the best or the cheapest Cuban spot in the city, but few restaurants can make you feel like you've visited another country.. Walk in to Laurel's and you'll be hit with Cuba all at once: heat from the kitchen, the smells of spices, plantains and roasting meat, salsa music blasting (seriously, blasting) on the stereo--and diners/waitstaff dancing to it. A mural of Cuba, a pre-Fidel vintage wooden stereo and copious tropical plant life set the stage--you are now in Havana--for pitchers of sangria or mojitos, and a plate of oxtail, calamari, or Ropa Vieja. The prices are high for the level of food and service (you almost feel like you're subsidizing the meal of the omnipresent salsa-ing group in the corner who seem to be related to the staff; Fidel would be proud), but included in that price is a ticket to another world: hot, loud, spicy, vibrant, Cuba.…

LOVE IT!. strongest mojito of my life...that's what i get for messing with the waiter and telling him that I wanted a GOOOOD one...whew, kicked my as$. my buddies and i had a great experience here. we are a fun crowd so the relaxed atmosphere fit us. i was taken aback by how small it was and the wierd green light they were using, but it's a homey atmosphere. i think abuelitas in the back, cookin the food, ya know what i mean?? anyhoo, i think it's a great cuban restaurant and if you're in the mood, this is a great place to go.…

Best Cuban food in the city!. I can not put into words how much I love this restaurant. The food is delicious! I've had many items on the menu and eveyone has been good. You are given large portions so count on leftovers. The Sangria is the best I've ever had! The owner/server is wonderful, he's so nice and attentive. I have no complaints!…

Great service, great food. My (now-ex)boyfriend took me here for my birthday last year. The waitstaff was terrific, serving us quickly. There was no rush for us to leave. When The Ex left to pick up the car and subsequently disappeared for two hours, the waitstaff allowed me to sit and brought the end of the evening's sangria to pass the time. The paella was terrific, and I have unsuccessfully tried to recreate it. Bottom line: excellent food, and even better service!…