A trip to Cuban Pete’s Café in Plaza Midwood is like taking a vacation to the tropics. Decorated with tiki torches, straw-thatched awnings, and murals of the beach (painted by owner Tony Ortiz himself), you are transported to Cuba as you walk through the doors. A long bar lines the back wall, along with a sangria bar next to it. Thoughtful touches like covering the menu with a collage of Ortiz’s family photos add charm to the restaurant. Read more about the restaurant in this previous post. The restaurant has a warm, friendly vibe and the food is tasty. Take a look for yourself.
Cuban Pete’s Café
1308-E The Plaza (Midwood Corners Shopping Strip)
Charlotte, NC 28205
This article appears in Feb 9-15, 2010.
Wow can’t believe the owner is passing himself off as Cuban. Heard from a waiter he was from Venezuela. They have a different cuisine than Cubans. Heard the chef isn’t Cuban either. I decided to try this restaurant anyway. Having lived in Miami for many years and eating authentic Cuban food, this restaurant is far from authentic. The menu had choices that I’ve never seen before in a real Cuban restaurant and the food was nothing to write home about. Guess I’ll have to travel back to Miami to get some REAL Cuban food.
I was fortunate to be at the Family and Friends night. The restaurant was fabulous as well as the food and drinks. Service was wonderful and they provided excellent customer service with a smile. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone. Beautiful scenery and ambiance!
In reply to Margaret:
I am Cuban born and raised in Miami. I tried the restaurant and savored their food. There is nothing in the menu that is not Cuban. Just because the chef is not Cuban, does not mean that he cannot cook authentic Cuban food.
As for the owner, he has never stated that he was Cuban as a matter of fact, he has told everyone that he is Venezuelan and that he wanted to open a Cuban restaurant because he has Cuban friends and family. He has also expressed that the Venezuelan food is very similar to Cuban cuisine, both of them having their roots in the Caribbean, African, Spanish and Native Indians. Tony Ortiz, the owner, is a very good person trying really hard to bring something different to Charlotte.
I hope you give it another try!
You are right Margaret… the owner of Cuban Pete’s is Venezuelan and proud of it… he tells everybody that he is a VENEZOLANO!…
Isabel is right, the Cuban and Venezuelan food are very similar. White rice, beans, plantains, grilled steaks and the succulent roasted chicken and pork. Venezuela and Cuba shared the same culinary history.
Cuban Pete’s Cafe is a beautiful restaurant, with a true Caribbean setting. The food is delicious. The music great. It is a unique restaurant.
This place sounds great! I can’t wait to try it out!!
I can’t wait to try it out! I wonder if they make Pastellas? I love those with the guava jelly filled in the pastry…. Can’t wait to go here!!!!