Matthew Hughes

Cuba512 has been on my radar for almost a year, and I finally made the drive down to South Austin to try out a highly recommended Cuban restaurant. About three months ago I wrote about the great Cuban sandwiches at CHICHOS Sabor A Cuba and Tropicana Cuban. Cuban 512's version is on par with those two, giving Austinites a trinity of choices to go for this mouth-watering handheld. Cuban512 makes their roasted pork in house. Their marinade is really good and gives it a ton of flavor. For those who are wondering, traditionally the marinade has cilantro, mint, oregano, garlic, cumin as well as lime and orange juice. Yes, you must have all the ingredients for it to be a Cubano - that's pork, ham, pickles, Swiss cheese, mustard and Cuban bread. Yes, it should be pressed or at least grilled. Gotta have that crunch. Cuba512 does their El Cubano the right way. With decades of practice, their version is perfect. While I was waiting for my sandwich, I tried two of their most popular starters, a Croqueta and an Empanada. For the Croqueta, you can choose chicken, ham or pork. I recommend ham. Cuban512's Croqueta's are seasoned with bell peppers, onions, garlic, milk and their secret blend of spices. Add the meat, deep fry it and served with their house salsa. I could have eaten a plate of them. The Empanada's were even better. They are best in have tasted in Austin. Yes, they were that good. When you read this, you are going to want to say, "but Matt have you tried the empanadas her [fill in the blank]. Bring it! Cuba512 offers four types of empanadas including chicken, beef, cheese or eggplant and mushroom. I went with the beef. Served with a side of chimichurri sauce, I actually thought I was in food heaven after the first bite. It was a 10 out of 10! I also tried a bite with the house salsa (jalapeño-based) which was really good too, but the chimichurri was better. I can't wait to take my wife for dinner their. They have Tropical Ceviche, Maduro, and Boniato Frito as other starters that we both enjoy. Entrée is on my hit list will be the Lechón Asado , Puntas de Res and the Camarones al Ajillo. Too little space to explain that they are if you don't know already. Check out their website which has a lot of information. They have happy hour Mon-Fri from 4-7 p.m Also Cuba512 has a huge catering business and can add a little flare to your birthday, graduation or other special occasion. Another yummy spot to try in the Southwestern area of Austin (Garrison Park). #MattGoodEats

+6

Bob-o Mozisek

Came here once pre lock lock down (2020). It was great then, and still holds up 2025. I got El Cubano and the Tostones. El Cubano was toasted to crunchy perfection. While I do wish the mustard had more spice kick, that is not enough to take it down. The sandwich is full of flavor. The pork is juicy but not over greasy. The Tostones are crispy and the mojo has a nice herb blend, not too strong. Definitely going back to try more of the menu.

+1

D Castro

Great food and I recommend the cuban coffee. Friendly service and plenty of parking. It’s very easy to find. The lunch special is very affordable and plenty of serving.

+5

Codie Corn

Wait staff was on point and very friendly. Appetizers were out quick ad super delicious. Drink were also amazing. Along witht the food

E L.

This place was AMAZING!!!! I know nothing about Cuban food and our server was so sweet! She explained all the different options and made helpful suggestions. I have celiac disease + I’m vegetarian and I couldn’t believe how many options I had on the menu. Dietary restrictions were clearly marked on the menu too which was super helpful. My husband had a traditional beef dish and he loved it. I can’t say enough good things about this place. Excellent food and excellent service, will definitely be back soon!

Yolanda Sierra

I came here for dinner with my husband and my mom. The hostess was very courteous. The food was really good. I really enjoyed it.

Katrina “Kat” Menter

If I could give 10 stars, I would. I originally heard about Cuba 512 from an Austin local friend, someone with very high standards for their food, who raved about Cuba 512's happy hour. I had a great time, the food & drinks are delicious, & the prices are so inexpensive for what you're getting. I reached out to Cuba 512 on instagram & asked if they would be interested in throwing a ticketed event with me - Tuky, Cuba 512's owner - not only accepted the challenge, but she went above & beyond. I asked if we could do a custom menu, one bite of each of her favorite dishes from their menu, & then I could have her explain Cuban food & her restaurant's story to our guests. Tuky even prepared trivia after our guests ate & gave our winner a gift card! It was an intimate, classy lil dinner party & they had the perfect team, space, & food for it. They have an entire restaurant & bar space & then a second room for events with its own door, restrooms, bar, and more. I kinda want to have my birthday party here hahaha Zaida (their GM) & Rodrigo (our head server) took care of everything. They checked on me the entire event, the host, & genuinely asked if guests were having fun, if there was anything else they could do for us. I know the menu I asked for was logistically a LOT for a kitchen that doesn't normally do a tasting menu style of service but they killed it. The food is flavorful & delicious every time, the on-site staff are all a bunch of genuine sweethearts, & the owner is a boss woman who really wants to make your dinner or event special. This restaurant better be on your Austin Restaurant Bucket List!!

Cat

The owners of Cuba 512 are so kind, welcoming and friendly. Everything from their drinks, appetizers, entrees and dessert are made from scratch. They are passionate about serving authentic Cuban food. Our favorites were the cubano sandwich and Ropa Vieja. Highly recommend!

Jason Todd

Very good Cuban place with great appetizers and tasty plates. The pulled pork was very tender and juicy, but a bit too salty for my taste. The rice and beans made a good side to the pork. The shredded beef on one of the appetizers was cooked perfectly and was tasty. Would recommend

+3

From the moment I walked in, Cuba512 captured everything I love about a great dining experience -- warm hospitality, bold flavors, and a vibe that feels both relaxed and special. Every dish we ordere…

Cuba 512 hit me right in the homesick spot.\n\nI'm Cuban, born and raised in Miami, and lately I've been missing home pretty hard. So my husband and I decided to give this place a shot, hoping for at…

The food and the service was great and the Cuban tamales were to die for. I would definitely come back and eat again

The food and the service was great and the Cuban tamales were to die for. I would definitely come back and eat again

The food and the service was great and the Cuban tamales were to die for. I would definitely come back and eat again

The food here is always outstanding, this time I had the Cuban churrasco and my friend had the lechón asado. I enjoyed a Cuban512 mojito and that was delicious as well! Now, we got the flan to go a…

Happy Halloween! Two goals on my day off - find my hubby a birthday gift (4 days left...technically 2 days since we are going out to dinner on Sunday to celebrate his birthday) and self-care. One…

Just discovered this gem over lunch! The lechon asado was amazing! Just melted in my mouth. The fried plantain (3 kinds!) was carmelized perfectly sweet. Can't wait to come back! Staff was pleasant…

Authentic Cuban cuisine with fried empanadas and just the music I wanted to hear. There's two areas for dining, one by the bar, and one on the other side of the wall. The bar has a great ambiance…

Authentic cuban cuisine with fried empanadas and just the music I wanted to hear. There's two areas for dining, one by the bar, and one on the other side of the wall. The bar has a great ambiance, …

I didn't think austin would have a authentic Cuban restaurant that was actually amazing. I have been here 4 times so I really waited to write this review. \n\nThe food and the service are amazing I…

My husband had a Cuban friend and spent time in Little Havana's and he says the food here is the best since visiting there. Highly recommend the cubano sandwich, the sweet potato fries and the Ma…

Came here specifically to try the El Cubano as that is one of my favorite sandwiches. sandwich was amazing!! Have to say one of the best Cubano sandwiches I've ever had!!! sandwich is huge and I …

I'm from Miami and have been waiting for a Cuban spot like this for years. THIS IS THE BEST CUBANO SANDWICH IVE EVER HAD!!! I promise you that you will think the same. The salsa is also to die for,…

The best Cuban Restaurant in South Austin, friendly atmosphere, a great service and the best of all, the food, absolutely delicious!

The best Cuban Restaurant in South Austin, friendly atmosphere, a great service and the best of all, the food, absolutely delicious!

The best cuban restaurant in South Austin, friendly atmosphere, a great service and the best of all, the food, absolutely delicious!

The best Cuban Restaurant in South Austin, friendly atmosphere, a great service and the best of all, the food, absolutely delicious!

The best cuban restaurant in South Austin, friendly atmosphere, a great service and the best of all, the food, absolutely delicious!

Coco A

They accommodated our large group. We had one waiter and he was very attentive and patient and dud and excellent job. My food was delicious, only I got the wrong sandwich ordered, but it was delicious and I ate it anyway. The boiled yucca was sooooo good!

anthony johnson

Food was traditionally delicious. Pepe was attentive. Cool young man. Venue was cozy. Small crowd considering it was the 4th. Plan to drive back fron San Antonio to experience the music. Cafe con leche is a must at every place I go. Miami, Tampa, and Orlando are my usual regular stops. This was nice.

+2

Shocktroop Studio

Good Cuban restaurant overall, menu is limited, didn’t have some of the classic dishes. Staff is friendly, helpful and service is fast. Good selection of Rum. Cafe con Leche is a bit thick and sweet, still good and packed of flavor.

I had not been here in a few years. Gave it another shot and feel it improved a lot. Had the El cubano sandwich and it was great. Others in my party really liked their brunch and pork offerings. …

I had not been here in a few years. Gave it another shot and feel it improved a lot. Had the El Cubano sandwich and it was great. Others in my party really liked their brunch and pork offerings. Vi…

The service was good, and the ambience is giving hole in the wall of the cuban streets. The food tastes like it's home made, and no fancy frills, just some good cuban home cooking. The Chuletas wer…

The service was good, and the ambience is giving hole in the wall of the cuban streets. The food tastes like it's home made, and no fancy frills, just some good cuban home cooking. The Chuletas wer…

If you're craving cuban food (or something in the general Latin American comfort food realm), Cuba 512 hits the spot. It's not exactly elevated cuisine, but that's kind of the charm. It feels homey…

Visited Cuban 512 on a late Saturday afternoon after seeing a TikTok about their sampler, and it definitely lived up to the hype! When we arrived, the place was quiet, but the atmosphere was still …

Great Cuban restaurant with many authentic dishes and drinks. My favorite dishes have been the beef empanadas, the Cuban sandwich, and "the pork entree" (BOMB!!!) The portions are also pretty hefty…

Met friends for lunch. It’s located in a shopping center. There is alot of space for dining, bar and kids corner. They have a lunch and dinner menu. We ordered croquettes with pork, tostones rell…

I am being generous here. Nice people. Cute girl singing. pork chop was cooked sometime around Christmas and was somewhere between leather and the Sahara desert. Unsure about all the positive rev…

I was really excited to stumble upon this restaurant because I love cuban cuisine and it's only 12 minutes from me. I decided to give it a try with to basic items and ordered them for pick up: beef…

I am being very generous here. Nice people, entertaining singer doing her best, but driving 25 minutes in Austin to visit fell short to say the least. They can do yellow rice and black beans but the…

Food was average at best. I’ve had much better and more authentic tasting Cuban food. Also I was not feeling well at all after eating the churrasco steak… Mojito was possibly worst I’ve had. Service was nice and decent atmosphere other than the gross bathrooms.

Dyanet Pimentel

If you want to be disappointed by authentic Cuban food, go to Cuba512. The food was horrible. The croquette fell apart into pieces — I never even knew what it was. The chicharritas tasted like rubber, something that’s normally crunchy. If you want to throw your money away and leave disappointed, come to this place. I don’t know what happened! But the change has been drastic. What a shame. The drinks are terrible . 😩