Cuban restaurant opens in Covington's Wedding District

Published July 14, 2009 at 12:00 a.m.
Covington's resurgent Wedding District welcomed a new dining option last month.  Cuba Cafe opened at 630 Madison Avenue and, unsurprisingly, features Cuban cuisine.

Theintimate cafe seats 20 to 25 people and is located in the heart ofCovington -  only a short walk fromthe popular Greenup Street and Main Strasse commercial districts. Cuban-born restaurant owner, Willie Rodriguez, came to the UnitedStates in 1980 when he was six during the Mariel Boatlift and came directly to the Cincinnati area where his grandmother had been living since the 1960s.

Rodriguezsays that the plan was to start small.  "We can have our own littleniche here since there's nothing like us nearby."  TheCuban dishes will include "homemade rice, beans and a variety ofmeats."  The always popular Cuban sandwiches will also grace the menuwith pulled pork and ham.

CubaCafe will also serve a variety of homemade pastries "filled withfruit, fruit and cream cheese, coconut and flan."  Early morning goers,or those just looking for a jolt, will be able to enjoy the notoriouslystrong Cuban coffee called "bustelo" or "cafe con leche" which hasproven to beextremely popular thus far according to Rodriguez. He also offersbestelo which is served in a tiny shot glass and delivers "a jolt ofespresso" for just 85 cents.

The restaurant is open Mondaythrough Saturday for lunch and early dinner.  Rodriguez's mother isalso on hand and serves as the main cook of the Cuban dishes served infamily-style portions made fresh daily.  The family operation alsoincludes Rodriguez's sister who serves up the dishes that go for thetypical lunch price of $5 to $8.

The restaurant features dine-inand carry-out options and encourages those with large orders to faxthem ahead at (859) 261-7600.  Major credit cards are accepted and therestaurant is closed on Sundays.

Cuba Cafe is open Mondaythrough Friday from 8am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.  Tocontact the restaurant for more information call (859) 261-1444.

Writer: Randy Simes
Photography by Scott Beseler



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