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Madera Cuban Grill & Steakhouse
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Madera Cuban Grill & Steakhouse
8.4
A Cuban-leaning steakhouse built around grilled meats, bold sauces, and a lively room that can shift from weeknight dinner to full-on weekend energy. The kitchen hits hardest when you treat it like a grill-first spot: one signature steak, one traditional Cuban plate, and a side that soaks up chimichurri or mojo without getting heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Skirt steak with chimichurri, Ropa vieja, Paella de mariscos
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Cuban classics paired with a true grill-and-steakhouse focus.
Who should go: Groups, steak cravings, and Cuban-food fans
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or happy hour at the bar
What to order: Skirt steak, ropa vieja, paella
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for happy hour drinks, then order one steak to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive in the evening; plan extra time or use a nearby garage if arriving after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual—jeans are fine, but many guests lean polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—easy to talk early in the night, but conversation gets harder once live music or peak energy kicks in.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially on music nights.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian plates and sides are available, though the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited—some sides and vegetable-based dishes can work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options, especially grilled meats and rice-based dishes; confirm sauces with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like lively energy—go earlier for easier conversation, later if you want a fun, music-driven vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults—families can come earlier in the evening, but late-night energy and music skew adult.
Best For
Better for: Grill-driven Cuban flavors, social energy, and group-friendly steakhouse dining with personality.
Skip if: You want a quiet, white-tablecloth steakhouse or a strictly traditional Cuban menu without steakhouse flair.
Madera Cuban Grill & Steakhouse
8.1
A Cuban-leaning steakhouse where ribs come in an Argentine-style format—beefy, knife-and-fork, and built for dinner appetite. The best move is treating it as a savory, shared-table meal with one rib plate and two classic Cuban mains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef spare ribs (asado), Lechón asado, Ropa vieja
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Steakhouse-style ribs with Cuban comfort on the same menu.
Who should go: Dinner groups who want beef-forward plates
When to visit: Dinner hours when the grill is humming
What to order: Beef ribs, lechón, ropa vieja
Insider tip: Order one rib plate and two mains to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking in Hunters Point; can be tight after 6pm. Rideshare or walking from nearby residential blocks is often easier at night.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual. Jeans are fine, but polished tops or jackets fit the room better.
Noise level: Moderate—lively dining room energy, but you can still hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short 5–10 minute wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward sides and a few mains can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—expect to piece together sides; confirm preparations with the server.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free grilled items and sides; ask staff to flag sauces and marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like a lively, polished atmosphere. The menu encourages sharing without feeling too casual.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays or early evenings. On weekends, arrive before peak dinner or expect a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids than toddlers. Portions are shareable, but the evening vibe skews adult-focused.
Best For
Better for: Beef-forward, knife-and-fork ribs paired with Cuban classics in a stylish dinner setting.
Skip if: You’re craving traditional sauced BBQ ribs or a very quiet, intimate dining room.
Madera Cuban Grill & Steakhouse
7.7
A Cuban comfort spot that doubles as a neighborhood steakhouse, mixing classic Cuban plates with straightforward grilled cuts. It’s best for a low-pressure date where you want hearty food, familiar flavors, and an unfussy vibe rather than a white-tablecloth steak ritual. Go here when you want steak night energy without steakhouse formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churrasco / skirt steak, Ropa vieja, Cuban sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cuban classics plus grilled steak options in a local, no-scene setting.
Who should go: Couples who want hearty, familiar comfort food
When to visit: Early dinner for the calmest tables
What to order: Churrasco, ropa vieja, Cuban sandwich
Insider tip: If you’re here for steak, order it simply and add a classic Cuban side.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Hunters Point; usually manageable early evening but tight after 7pm. Nearby paid garages are an option if circling gets frustrating.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, no need to dress up like a classic steakhouse.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally easy to hear your date without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable — sides, rice and beans, salads, and a few vegetable-based plates.
Vegan options: Very limited — mostly sides; best to preview the menu or ask about modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free grilled meats and sides; cross-contamination possible, so flag it to the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want relaxed and low-pressure. It’s comfortable, familiar, and food-forward — better for conversation than impressing with flash.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights or early evenings. Weekends are busier but still more forgiving than destination steakhouses.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual atmosphere, approachable menu, and flexible seating make it workable for families, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Comfort-driven steak nights with Cuban flavor, generous portions, and a neighborhood feel.
Skip if: You want a polished, high-end steakhouse experience or a trendy, cocktail-forward date-night scene.