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Portland › Portland › Cubo
CuboB+Worth Trying
3106 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
· Cuban restaurant, Bar, Cafe
· 4.5/5 Google (1949 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Vibrant Cuban spot for flavorful bowls, Cubanos, and strong vegan options at fair prices, with counter service and lively indoor-outdoor seating.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Cubo delivers excellent food quality with tender pork, well-seasoned bowls, and thoughtful dietary options in a vibrant, welcoming setting on the popular Hawthorne strip. Friendly, efficient service and fair pricing make it competitive with the area's better neighborhood restaurants, though occasional consistency dips during busy times and counter-service limitations prevent it from reaching higher distinction.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with bright colors, wall art, and a breezy indoor-outdoor setup. Counter ordering keeps things casual and quick, and plates land fast even when a line forms. A diner summed it up: "Tender pork, crisp tostones, and friendly vibes." Service is usually upbeat, though a few guests ran into slow or curt counter moments at rush. The cooking leans Cuban comfort: slow-roasted pork, ropa vieja, and plantains with citrusy mojo and guava accents. Bowls and Cubanos earn the most raves, and vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options are clearly marked and well liked. Expect hearty portions and fair prices rather than culinary theatrics; it is classic, satisfying food with some flexibility for add-ons and heat levels. Families are well covered: there is a kid’s menu and kid-size discounts for bowls and plates, plus staples many kids actually eat like rice, beans, roasted chicken, fries, and sweet plantains. If your crew is spice-shy or cautious, stick to guava chicken, yellow rice, and maduros; adventurous eaters can branch into garlicky yuca or spicy shrimp.
At a Glance
- Flavorful Cuban staples with excellent pork and solid vegan options
- Good value for portion sizes in a lively indoor-outdoor setting
- Occasional bland or lukewarm items reported during busy times
- Counter line can move slowly before food arrives quickly
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- clear_dietary_labels
- indoor_outdoor_patio_vibe
- counter_service_speed
What People Love
- Tender, citrusy mojo pork
- Crispy tostones and sweet maduros
- Clearly marked vegan and gluten-free choices
- Lively, colorful space with a breezy patio
- Fast ticket times once ordered
Points of Concern
- Some guests found flavors muted compared with other Cuban spots; ask for extra mojo or hot sauce
- A few reports of temperature inconsistency (warmers vs. freshly fried sides) at peak times
- Line at the register can be slow; counter demeanor varies by rush and heat
- Review patterns are consistent with potential coordination (enthusiastic language, low negatives in recent period) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$27-36 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For vegans: Picadillo de Soya bowl ($13.95-$17.95) plus tostones
- Value pick: Havana or Ropa Vieja bowl (~$14.95) with shared side
- Kid combo: Kid’s sandwich ($9.00) and maduros
Perfect For
- Casual weeknight dinners with friends
- A quick, hearty meal before a show
- Family outings with picky and adventurous eaters
- Solo lunch on the patio
Location Insights
Area: Trendy, walkable Hawthorne corridor with indie shops, bars, and casual eateries; popular with locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, lively foot traffic day and night; standard urban awareness recommended.
Nearby: Near vintage stores, cafes, bars, and residential streets; convenient for meetups and casual nights out.
BuckmanBuckman is a lively neighborhood with a mix of historic homes and modern developments. It has a strong food culture with many casual eateries, bars, and cafes, attracting a diverse crowd looking for relaxed dining experiences and local flavors.
Hawthorne DistrictThe Hawthorne District is a well-known micro-neighborhood famous for its bohemian vibe, independent shops, vintage stores, and a wide variety of casual dining options including ethnic eateries and bars. It is a popular spot for socializing and casual dining with a laid-back atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–22:00
Saturday11:00–22:00
Sunday11:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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