Eats : Azucar Cuban Cuisine & Cigars
Eats : Azucar Cuban Cuisine & Cigars
About Azucar Cuban Cuisine & Cigars
In the booming Newport area of Jersey City, Azúcar offers an escape from the surrounding corporate jungle to the carefree world of 1950s Havana. Inside, robust palm trees and Cuban nostalgia set the scene for a tropical getaway. On Thurs-Sat nights, a live band or DJ in the lounge plays all varieties of Latin music and engages guests to show off their dance moves or relax while enjoying flavorful mojitos. The center of attention is the traditional Cuban cuisine, prepared expertly by Vazquez and his loyal staff. Vazquez's attention to detail and authenticity result in dishes that make his mother proud. Upstairs is the only smoking lounge in Hudson County, a cozy enclave with dark wood paneling, deep couches, a full bar and cigar humidor, and tables for dominos and chess. Also available are a VIP room and a private party space. In season, the outdoor patio offers views of nearby Manhattan. Although you can't enter Cuba legally, a trip to Azúcar certainly comes close.
Azucar Cuban Cuisine & Cigars Review By Sean G. : Galloway, OH
After dinner drinks...oh yes, you could have a few at the trendy restaurant where you just had dinner, or you could take a walk down the street and actually have a little entertainment.
First, though, I have to admit I'm a little sensitive to smoke, being an ex-smoker. There is a smoking lounge upstairs and, although I'm sure they have a great ventilation system, coming from a state (Ohio) where smoking indoors is virtually banned, it's odd going into a place where smoking is still allowed.
I see other reviewers talking about food, dancing, smoking cigars; and I experienced none of these things. What I did experience was....
Drinks. Yes, I'm a little fruity, and I ordered a mojito because it seemed like the right thing to do at the time, particularlly in a Cuban establishment.
I was not disappointed.
Let me be frank: this was precisely everything I had ever hoped a mojito to be, in the glass, sitting right in front of me. Did it appear that they had muddled the fresh mint leaves with sugar and lime juice? It sure looked that way. Did it have a perfect, well-balanced authentic taste? Absolutely. Instead of a swizzle stick, was there a stalk of real sugar cane in the drink? Whoa! Chewing sugar cane is fun, especially when everyone else around the table is talking about sports or business.
The staff was really friendly and attractively dressed, atmosphere was casual with Latin music playing, staff was running up and down the stairs taking care of people in the cigar lounge upstairs, and you could sit there and look at the decor for hours.
I think if I were out with friends, I would probably enjoy a little dancing - after a few drinks mind you - and I might possibly ask my server if they had anything vegan-friendly to eat.
Overall, a rock-solid four-star experience, leaving me wanting for more.
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