You know that feeling when you step into a place and the energy just shifts? That’s the immediate vibe at Son Cubano restaurant West New York NJ. It isn't just a place to grab a skirt steak. It is an experience. Honestly, the Port Imperial skyline view alone is worth the Uber fare, but there is so much more going on behind those glass doors than just a pretty backdrop of Manhattan.
Located at 40-4 Riverwalk Place, this spot has basically become the anchor of the West New York waterfront. While other restaurants in the area come and go like the tide, Son Cubano has stayed relevant for over a decade. That’s an eternity in the Jersey dining scene. It’s owned by the Franjevic family—Kevin and Alexander—who also run Ventura’s and Son Cubano’s sister spot, Cubacan, down in Asbury Park. They clearly figured out a formula that works: 1950s Havana glamour mixed with modern luxury.
The Real Vibe Check: Is it Too Flashy?
Some people walk in and think it’s "too much." The velvet, the chandeliers, the massive windows. It feels like a movie set. But once the music starts—and they almost always have live music or a DJ—the stiffness evaporates.
It’s loud. Don't go there if you want a quiet, whispered conversation about your 401k. Go there because you want to feel alive. The crowd is a wild mix of locals from Guttenberg and West New York, city people who hopped the ferry, and influencers trying to get that perfect "Empire State Building in the background" shot.
What You Are Actually Eating at Son Cubano Restaurant West New York NJ
Let’s get into the food because pretty lights don’t fill your stomach. The menu is "Modern Cuban." What does that mean? It means they respect the roots of the cuisine but they aren't afraid to get weird with it in a good way.
The Churrasco is the undisputed heavy hitter here. It’s a 12oz skirt steak served with chimichurri and moro rice. It is salty, charred, and tender. If you go and don't order it, you kind of missed the point. But the real sleepers on the menu are the appetizers. The Croquetas de Jamon are exactly what they should be—crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and salty enough to make you order a second mojito.
Speaking of mojitos, they don't skimp on the mint.
Then you have the Salmon Tropical. It’s served with a coconut-infused sauce and pineapple salsa. It sounds like something you’d eat at a resort, and frankly, that’s exactly what it tastes like. It’s light but satisfying. They also do a Lomo Saltado that nods to the Chinese-Peruvian influence in Latin cooking, featuring filet mignon tips, soy sauce, and onions. It’s savory and rich.
One thing people get wrong is thinking this is just a dinner spot. The Sunday Brunch is a total zoo—in the best way possible. They do these Guava and Cream Cheese Pancakes that are basically a pastelito in pancake form. It's ridiculous. You'll need a nap immediately afterward.
Why the Location Matters (and Why Parking is a Nightmare)
If you are driving to Son Cubano restaurant West New York NJ, God bless you.
Parking in West New York is a legendary struggle. There is a parking garage nearby, and they offer valet, which you should probably just pay for and avoid the headache. The restaurant sits right on the edge of the Hudson River. You can literally watch the NY Waterway ferries glide by while you eat your ceviche.
This specific part of the Gold Coast has transformed. Twenty years ago, this was mostly industrial. Now, it's luxury high-rises and manicured walkways. Son Cubano was one of the first places to prove that you could have a "Manhattan style" nightlife experience on the Jersey side without it feeling like a cheap imitation.
The "Supper Club" Evolution
There is a specific trend in dining right now where restaurants are trying to be "entertainment venues." Most fail. They feel forced. Son Cubano feels natural because Cuban culture is inherently tied to music and dance.
On Friday and Saturday nights, the place transforms. The dining room stays active, but the bar area becomes a dance floor. You'll see grandmothers dancing with their grandsons and young couples on first dates all in the same ten-foot radius. It’s one of the few places in North Jersey where the "Supper Club" label isn't just marketing fluff.
Exploring the Menu Depth
A lot of diners stick to the basics, but if you look closer, the kitchen is doing some interesting things.
- Short Rib Vacaca Frita: This is a play on the traditional shredded beef dish. Instead of flank steak, they use slow-braised short rib. It’s fattier, richer, and honestly better than the original.
- Pollo al Aljibe: This is a roasted half chicken marinated in bitter orange and garlic. It’s a staple of Havana’s famous Aljibe restaurant, and Son Cubano’s version is a very respectable homage.
- Seafood Paella: It’s loaded. Lobster, shrimp, clams, mussels, and chorizo. It’s meant for sharing, but I’ve seen people tackle it solo. It’s a bold move.
The Professional Verdict on Service
Look, when a place is this busy, service can be hit or miss. On a Tuesday? You’ll feel like royalty. On a Saturday at 8:00 PM when there are three birthday parties and a bachelorette group? You might have to wait a few minutes for your water refill.
The staff, however, are pros. Most of them have been there for years. They know the menu inside and out. If you ask for a rum recommendation, they aren't just going to point at the well bottle; they’ll talk to you about the different aging processes of Zacapa or Brugal.
Nuance: It’s Not Cheap
Let’s be real. You aren't coming here for a budget meal. Between the cocktails, the entrees, and the inevitable appetizers, you’re looking at a significant bill. But you’re paying for the view, the live band, and the fact that you’re in one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the state.
Is it worth it?
If you want a quiet hole-in-the-wall where you can eat for $15, no. Go to a small cafetal in Union City for that (and you should, because those are amazing too). But if you want a "Main Event" dinner, Son Cubano delivers.
Practical Steps for Your Visit
Don't just wing it. If you want to experience Son Cubano restaurant West New York NJ the right way, follow these steps:
- Make a reservation at least a week out. If you want a weekend table with a view of the water, two weeks is safer. They use OpenTable, and the prime slots go fast.
- Dress up. This isn't the place for gym shorts. You don't need a tuxedo, but "New York Chic" is the vibe. Think nice jeans and a blazer or a cocktail dress.
- Check the live music schedule. They often post their performers on Instagram. If you prefer a slightly quieter meal, aim for an earlier reservation (around 5:30 or 6:00 PM).
- Take the Ferry. If you're coming from Manhattan, the ferry to Port Imperial is a three-minute walk from the restaurant. It beats the Lincoln Tunnel traffic every single time.
- Order the Tres Leches. Just do it. It’s soaked perfectly—not too dry, not a puddle of milk. It’s the right way to end the night.
Son Cubano remains a landmark for a reason. It captures a specific type of New Jersey energy—ambitious, diverse, and unapologetically loud. Whether you're there for the history of the cuisine or just to see the Manhattan lights reflect off your martini glass, it’s a staple that isn't going anywhere.