Cuba Libre   

10 S 2nd St
Philadelphia, PA 19106
215-627-0666
www.cubalibrerestaurant.com

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If you're thinking about dining at Cuba Libre before catching a movie at the Ritz, arrive early, because unreserved seats are rare at this deservedly popular Old City restaurant. The decor may be more Hollywood's version of old Havana than the real thing, but it is spectacular. Couples, families and large groups of friends find themselves in a makeshift city square replete with building facades, palm trees and vines hanging down from the second story windows. On nice nights, you can venture outside to dine under the stars, but why chance the weather when the outdoors has been imported inside? You can run up a hefty tab because there are so many consumable delights: Besides over 60 varieties of rum, delicious and distinctive appetizers such as guava ribs, crab fritters and sweet potatoes filled with beef picadillo should be ordered abundantly for the table. Generous entree portions of Ropa Vieja (stewed, shredded skirt steak) and lecon asado will leave you almost too stuffed to move. But stay and leave room for a cup of cafe Cuba Libre, and forget about the movie. -- Josh McIlvain