In the heart of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, Cuban Shack is a neighborhood favorite offering Cuban classics as the best sellers: $16 Cuban, $16 Pork, and $18 Steak sandwiches. My favorite plates are the $20 Picadillo, $18 Pork, $16 Chicken and $20 Steak plates, as I grew up on rice, beans, and fried bananas. You can try the $7 yuca fries, too.
Rafael Almeida started his restaurant journey as a busboy when he was 16. He opened his first restaurant in 2010 and has been cooking for all NYers and visitors ever since.
When he opened his first restaurant, he hired Victor Facciolla. Victor has been cooking side by side with Rafael since his first restaurant, and together they own Cuban Shack.
From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by rich, enticing aromas of slow-roasted lechón, crispy empanadas, and pressed sandwiches crafted to perfection.
The top sellers are the $16 Cuban sandwich (15-hour slow-cooked pork) and the $20 steak plate (marinated ribeye). Best served with $7 fried sweet plantains.
Pork lovers: try the $12 chicharrón (fried pork belly).
Another favorite of mine: $12 Loaded Yuca Fries (choice of pork, chicken, picadillo, or jackfruit on top, to which you can add pickled onions, pickled jalapeños, or white queso sauce).
Empanada lovers: consider ordering $4 beef, chicken, ham and cheese, and guava and cheese empanadas to stay or to go.
Codfish croquettes are $12, and vegetarian options are a $9 house salad, a $16 vegetarian sandwich, and an $18 vegetarian plate (slow-cooked BBQ jackfruit).
This past Saturday I was sipping on a refreshing handcrafted Sangria (sometimes I order a frozen Mojito) while listening to Cuban Shack’s Saturday afternoon live band. You can try the Cuban Pornstar (Vanilla vodka wine, passion fruit puree, and lime juice). Other options are the Cuban Spritz (Sparkling wine, rum wine, lime juice, simple syrup, bitters, and mint). Many other fun and refreshing options are available.
Order wine by the glass (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sparkling Wine).
All Signature Cocktails, Wines, and Frozen Drinks are $12. Draft Beer is $7.
The cozy, welcoming atmosphere makes you feel like an instant regular, while Rafael, Victor, and the friendly staff ensure every visit is memorable.
Adding to its captivating charm, Cuban Shack is turning up the energy this season by hosting lively Latin, soul-stirring live music every Saturday until the end of the summer. If you understand Spanish, prepare yourself for heartbreak and cheeky, funny songs that will make you smile or laugh.
Singer Daniel Odria, a Washington Heights native (he is Peruvian-Nicaraguan), started to sing and play keys by listening to music during the pandemic. This past Saturday, he teamed up with Roberto Acosta, a first-generation Cuban American born in Miami and living in NYC for the past 3 years. He plays piano, bass, Jazz, Salsa, and Timba (modern Cuban Salsa).
Everyone was enjoying the outdoor space as part of the Atlantic Avenue 2026 Brooklyn initiative, where on weekends the street is closed. On Saturday evenings, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, Daniel Odria and friends sing, play, and entertain. Kid friendly and all ages welcome!
This Saturday, comedian Eric Andre stopped by and was surrounded by female fans and friends.
Cuban Shack provides the perfect mix of phenomenal food, hospitality, and unbeatable summer vibes.
You can always finish with dessert: a $5 guava pastry, $7 churros, $7 tres leches cake, or a $7 chocolate flan (or traditional flan).
Did you drink all night? $3.50 café con leche (latte), $3 cortadito (macchiato), $2.50 cafecito (espresso), and $5 colada (double espresso).
Affordable prices, no gimmicks.
CUBAN SHACK
75 Hoyt St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
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