Cienfuegos

95 Avenue A, East Village, NY

8.0

map & more

Neighborhood
East Village

Cuisine
Cuban
South American

Nearby
Mercury Lounge
Rockwood Music Hall

212-614-6818

Official Website

By Andrew Steinthal
March 8, 2011

At this point, it might appear to some that we get paid off in booze by the dudes behind the East Village matrix of Death & Co, Mayahuel and Cienfuegos. Although that would be pretty awesome, we don’t. We just appreciate a job well done and have hopped all up on this bandwagon.

Cienfuegos is the new(ish) bad ass rum bar from the group, specializing in punches that will help unwind and a full menu of Cuban eats to soak it all up. Downstairs is a more casual eatery and bar, and upstairs where the magic happens, where you’ll find a vintage “hidden” second level you can’t see from the street. It all feels a bit like a scene from the movie Blow, and is as “Perfect For” Date Night as it is for Big Groups. Impress your date with insider knowledge (because you actually managed to find it), cuddle up in one of their many cozy tables and remember – the more you drink, the more attractive you appear to others. Or something like that…

While the majority of the upstairs is best situated for parties of two or four, there are a couple of big share tables near the bar that are ideal for bigger groups. Six of your best friends, a Todas La Familia bowl of rum punch and a spread of Carnitas = recipe for a damn good night. Enjoy, and remember who sent you.

Photo Credit: Gothamist

Food Rundown:

Cocktails
I’ve been here many times at this point, and I can honestly say I can’t exactly differentiate one drink from another nor remember exactly which drinks I liked more than others. They’re all good. Especially the ones with Sailor Jerry rum…We dig the Jerry. And for a thirsty bunch, you can’t miss with their “Todas La Familia” punch bowls. Or just have one for yourself. We’re sure you’ll be fine.

Albondigas
Been on a bit of a meatball tear lately and these Spanish style lamb and beef meatballs delivered the goods. Served in a roasted tomato & habañero sauce with fried green plantains, we devoured these in about five seconds.

Empanadas De Carne
Winner winner, empanada dinner. Best thing on the menu. Where most empanadas are dry and sometimes dull, these were moist and delicious. Plus, the chimichurri sauce they’re served with spot on.

Yucca Fritta
Crispy yucca fries. Standard. Tasty.

Cubanitos
Mini cuban sandwiches, which were probably the best thing we ate aside from the ridiculous beef empanadas. Definitely test these out; roast pork, sliced ham, swiss, provolone, pickles & garlicky mustard.

Sloppy Joe Sliders
Oh yeah. Twice braised beef (ropa vieja) with stewed peppers, onions, tomato & cheese. The subtle touch of a small amount of melted cheese on these puppies really tied the whole thing together. Order with confidence.

Rack Of Lamb
Is this island spiced rack of lamb with citrus salad, rice, black beans & avocado worth $25? Probably not. But after a couple glasses of rum punch, it tastes pretty damn fantastic.

Tres Leches
The description says it all: Traditional yellow sponge cake soaked in three milks, topped with meringue & toasted coconut tuile. Doesn’t suck. It’s not on the same level as the one at Peels, but this is damn good sweets.