Welcome to Matanzas Cuban Cafe
At Matanzas Cuban Cafe, located in Hartsdale, NY, culinary tradition meets passionate hospitality. This cozy cafe serves up authentic Cuban dishes, highlighting the richness of Cuban culture. Signature offerings include the legendary El Cubano and the savory Papi's Pan Con Lechon, both crafted with love using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the owner personally ensuring a delightful dining experience. Customers rave about the robust flavors and generous portions, like the comforting picadillo and the crispy empanadas. Matanzas is more than a cafe; it's a community hub where every meal tells a story of heritage and love.
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17 E Hartsdale Ave, Hartsdale, NY 10530, United States Hotline: +1 516-621-5130
If you find yourself in Hartsdale, New York, a culinary gem awaits you at Matanzas Cuban Cafe. Nestled at 17 E Hartsdale Ave, this cozy café embodies the vibrant spirit of Cuba through its authentic dishes and warm ambiance, leaving diners with not just a meal, but an experience worth savoring.
Matanzas Cuban Cafe captivates patrons with a menu that pays homage to Cuban culinary traditions. Signature offerings like the Papi's Pan Con Lechon, featuring succulent roasted mojo pork topped with caramelized onions, perfectly highlight the cafe's commitment to bold flavors. Customers rave about their sandwiches; one cannot visit without trying the famed El Cubano—a delightful union of ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles grilled to golden perfection on soft Cuban bread.
- Specialties of the Day: Matanzas excels in providing daily specials that showcase the heart of Cuban cuisine, like the tender Rabo Encendido (Cuban Style Oxtail) offered on Thursdays for $28.95 or the comforting Picadillo (Cuban Style Ground Beef) every Saturday for $16.95.
- Empanadas: Priced at just $4.00, the Ropa Vieja Empanada serves as a delightful introduction to the cafe's offerings, brimming with seasoned shredded flank steak and simmered vegetables.
- Family-Friendly Vibe: Customers have described Matanzas as a place that feels like home, where the service is attentive, and the atmosphere is inviting. As one diner puts it, it “feels like a family place” with 10/10 service.
Feedback from patrons highlights a consistent theme of warmth and flavor. For instance, Kaelin Suh enthusiastically claims the Cubano to be "the best sandwich I’ve ever had", while Grumpy Greg notes how the owner personally ensures your experience is memorable. The genuine hospitality paired with house-made dishes resonates with diners, making them return for more.
Lovers of plantains will not be disappointed, as dishes like Chicharrón De Pollo—bite-sized fried chicken accompanied by garlic mojo sauce—are met with high praise, while the sweet plantains are equally enchanting. Each dish is a testament to the care and craftsmanship that go into every recipe.
Convenience is another feather in Matanzas' cap, with a municipal parking lot located just across the street. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or settling in for a more leisurely dinner, the vibrant flavors and welcoming environment of Matanzas Cuban Cafe promise an unforgettable dining experience. As your culinary adventure in Hartsdale unfolds, don’t miss the chance to indulge in the inspiring tastes of Cuba right here at Matanzas.
The cubano was the best sandwich I’ve ever had, and huge for the price! The plantains and coffee were also fantastic. Feels like a family place and service was 10/10
I never leave Google reviews, but will make an exception in this case. This was not only the best Cuban restaurant I’ve ever been to, and I’ve been to a lot, but it was among the best restaurants PERIOD I’ve been to. Best Cubano you will ever have. All the other dishes are fantastic, too. And the woman who runs/owns it is very kind. I go far out of my way anytime I’m in the area to eat here. Anyone who gives this place less than 5 stars is evil at heart.
Small little cafe with a few lunch counter style seats. Great brightly light interior with Cuban/Latin accoutrements. A very friendly and attentive staff. The owner herself attended to us. I initially wanted the El Cubano but I saw the Papi's Pan Con Lechon and I need that mojo pork right away. It was delicious with the caramelized onions and buttered bread. We also had the Ropa Vieja that was tender and flavorful. This place gets two thumbs up!
Authentic and excellent Cuban food made with fresh ingredients. The “ El Monte” was an extraordinary Cuban pressed sandwich with black bean, Swiss cheese, grilled onions and sweet plantains - large enough to share. Also tried the sweet plantains, yucca, tamal Cuban and black beans - all homemade and far above anything around. A cafe con leche completed our feast. It’s all about the food. Some stools at a counter which is fine for lunch. We’ll do take out for dinner. Public lot across the street.
My coworkers and I decided to have lunch here. We ordered the lunch special which was a sandwhich and a soup for only 13. I had the classic Cubano sandwhich and a small lentil soup, it was delicious! We all loved our food and ordered cortaditos to go. The service was excellent! They even had a cute glass lemon water dispenser. We will certainly return again.
OMG!! New little Cuban restaurant in Hartsdale. You must try the VACA Frita Fries. So delicious!! We tried a few items. We had the daily special Chicharrón de Pollo with white Rice and Black Beans. A ropa vieja empanada! Yum!! My husband had the steak sandwich and he said it was perfectly sliced, nicely seasoned and the little fries on top gave it the perfect crunch. Our daughters don’t eat nest so they tried the cheese empanadas and they really liked them too. The special aioli sauce was so good we were fighting over it. Lol. Both girls also said the rice and black beans were delicious. No complaints from our two toughest critics. Will definitely return to try other items in the menu. Very friendly service. And parking across the street at the municipal lot. *** One year later *** This little cuban shop has received an incredible recognition! Recognized as having the best Cuban Sandwich in the Best of Westchester Magazine! And I would say their JJ’s Pan con bistec (steak sandwich) is even better! And don’t miss Friday’s specialty, the oxtail sandwich. Makes my mouth water just thinking about it. We drive an hour out of our way to get these very flavorful sandwiches. Run don’t walk and try for yourself!! Yum!
Never been inside always ordered from Ubereats … and the Cuban sandwich always hits. Bread is soft, the meat (pause) is tender and buttery … the mustard is subtle the cheeese is sweet and savory … If you’re looking for a traditional Cubano.. look no further !
A cozy café with window stools along wide countertop to dine inside. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, charging station for your cell phone and help yourself to refreshing lemon water. The owner is super friendly, and there’s convenient municipal parking right across the street. Can’t wait to return! What we ate: Tostones con Mojo/Fried Green Pantains with Garlic Sauce. (The garlic sauce is a family recipe - absolutely delicious.) Media Noche Pernil, ham, swiss, pickles and mustard all pressed on sweet Cuban egg bread. (everything I wanted from a Cuban sandwich, but with a softer sweeter bread.) Papi's Pan con Lechon Roasted mojo pork and grilled onions on toasted Cuban bread.(awesome) Cortadito Bon Bon Espresso with equal part condensed milk Jupina - cuban pineapple soda (so good. I had to take a can home.)