Cafe Laguardia
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: (773) 862-5996
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- Damen Avenue
- Directions:
- Bus: 50 to Armitage, 73 to Hoyne
- Hours:
- Mon-Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 12pm-8pm
Editorial Review for Cafe Laguardia – by John Dugan
The Scene
Ceiling fans, palm trees and leopard and zebra prints lend this family-run Cuban restaurant the feel of a quirky island getaway. Leather couches at the entrance serve as impromptu seating for lounge diners, while a mixed crowd of singles linger over drinks at the buzzing bar.
The Food
The extensive menu features traditional Cuban meat and seafood dishes, along with some Brazilian, Mexican and Caribbean plates. Starters include satisfying standards like ground beef croquettes and beef or shrimp empanadas. The house specialty is paella Valencia, with mounds of clams, chicken and shrimp cooked with delectable yellow rice. Other favorites include standout seafood dishes like crunchy plantain-crusted red snapper filet, and the bountiful Taste of Cuba platter, piled with seasoned shredded beef, ground beef, pork medallions, red beans and plantains. Chocolatey Italian tartuffo makes a fine finish.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkThe mojito (a sweetened rum drink of crushed mint) is great, but the caipirinha outshines it. A Brazilian concoction, it's made with fresh squeezed limes, sugar and rum.
When to GoTry Tuesdays when Cafe Laguardia features live music or Wednesdays when jumbo margaritas are a mere $5. Weekends are jam-packed but fun.
Know Before You GoEven with a reservation, you may end up waiting a while for a table. Plus, dishes are prepared to order and some can take up to 45 minutes, so prepare for a leisurely meal.
User Reviews for Cafe Laguardia
08/18/2008 Posted by wkugirl
Went here for a lunch with five friends. Server must have been brand new but he was friendly and attentive. The questions he could not answer he found someone who could. One friend and I split the paella. It says it will feed 2-3 but it is more like 4. The paella was presented in the pan it was cooked in and looked and smelled great! We enjoyed it and had leftovers for another day. Our friends ordered a combo entree and they could have easily split it. The BBQ on their entree was yummy. We also ordered a pitcher of Sangria. It was tasty. We ate a late lunch so we did not wait for a table and it was not crowded. The tables are very close together though so I would guess they pack you in tight on busy nights. Good drink menu.
07/26/2008 Posted by pink75
We felt welcomed the moment we stepped in. The man who greeted us perhaps he was one of the owner was welcoming and we were seated promptly. We were not crazy with the ambience, we thought it was too dark. Perhaps if they can brighten up the room a bit I would give it 5 stars. However, we were not disappointed with the food. The price was reasonable. We might come back for the food but will sit by the window.
Pros: good food, good value
Cons: ambience, it was too dark.
Users Who Viewed Cafe Laguardia Also Viewed
Thyme Cafe
1540 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Tango Sur
3763 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60613
