Old San Juan
247 Surfside Dr, Lexington, KY, 40503
Old San Juan Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Lexington for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Lexington for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
247 Surfside Dr
Lexington, KY, 40503 - Phone (859) 278-2682
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Accepts Bitcoin : No
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Pepper T.
A friend turned me on this place... Authentic Cuban food is good! Like being back in Ybor City! I ordered the Cuban sandwich and the bread was amazing... it's what makes the sandwich. It was perfectly pressed. My friend ordered the steak tip sandwich and let's say, it did not last long on his plate. It's clean, the rating posted was 100%. The owners are kind, attentive and keep it simple. It's about the food and the food is wonderful!
(5)Beth H.
The food was wonderful! I had the special, can't remember what it was called. Can't wait to go back and try something else.
(4)Gisela D.
Great Cuban / Caribbean food!! Family run restaurant. New owners, Ale & Graci are lovely. My fav is the picadillo which reminds me of my grandmothers ( I'm originally fr Puerto Rico) and the Flan...yum. Love it!
(5)Charles S.
My family ate there and really loved it. I had a cuban and wasn't expecting it really to be anything new but the bread really made the sandwich. It was salty bread but it was really good. My wife had a chicken sandwich and managed to eat the whole thing. She said she wasn't sure the bread was cooked through but loved it anyways.
(4)Matt C.
If you want authentic Cuban, cooked just right, with more than fair portions and pricing, as well as excellent service, spend your money at Old San Juan on Malibu. I'd rather spend my money at a place that is authentic, fair, honest, and respectful. It'll be Old San Juan from here on. I have dined here multiple times and tried various entrees without any disappointment. There is a bit of a language barrier but the service is unaffected and always great. The owners and staff work hard to provide their customers with an authentic, taste bud and appetite pleasing, enjoyable experience. The prices and portions are more than fair and everything I've tried has been delicious.
(5)Nathan W.
This place is unique, service is a bit on the slow side but if you have time to wait their food is pretty good. The staff is friendly, and appreciate your attempts to order in spanish :). Great place to try out if you're looking for Cuban or something different!
(4)Scott B.
Always impressed with the food and the dining experience each visit here! Small, family restaurant that offers authentic Cuban food. The owners are warm and friendly, always a joy. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Chad C.
Love this place. I found it by accident a couple of years ago and can't get enough of it. It is a mom/pop owned cuban joint that you would more than likely pass up unless you were specifically looking for it. The cuban couple that own it are the only ones that I have seen working in here. The place is spotless. You can get a variety of pressed sandwiches, plantain chips, random odd flavored Jarrritos sodas, beans, rice, etc... Stop in if you get a chance and I am sure you too will fall in love with this place, its food, and the nice lady that will take your order and ask if you want "piquito jalapenos?" Love love love. Be aware that each order is made fresh. You will wait a bit longer than subway. But it is so worth it. ENJOY.
(5)Hu N.
Best Cubano in Lexington. Love the Ropa Veija too. Chicken sandwich and Cuban bread are spot-on. They're on island time so don't come if in a rush.
(5)Greta W.
My favorite Cuban restaurant here in Kentucky is Havana Rumba in Louisville, but Old San Juan is a close second. You really can't beat their prices and portions. I've tried several of their sandwiches and they're all great. The Cuban sandwich is my favorite. Their tostones are delicious, as are their beans and rice. The owners are very friendly and pleasant. Only positive things to say about this place!
(5)Jim P.
This place has been in business at least since early 90's. Recently under new ownership, who speaks English (a small plus), added a few more tables, and is maintaining authentic quality fare (a big plus). On a Thursday at 7p, ordered two dinners which were served quickly. Only two negatives: server never returned to check satisfaction, nor provided requested tap water (so diner retrieved self-serve bottled water.). Cost $33, including deserts, plus tip. Hope the menu is expanded so that paella and other labor-intensive dishes could be available (when preordered, of course). Limited selection of Cuban groceries are available.
(4)Bob T.
After finding this place on yelp while traveling thru Kentucky, it's been all my family has talked about. Nothing fancy but good home cooked food like a Cuban grandmother would make. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Jason B.
You want some good Cuban food, come to this place. I'm not sure of the people are really Cuban because the way they make their Cuban sandwich and plantains. But it's really close to it. Maybe they just make it different from others. But still so amazing! And try the cola that's famous in Cuba! You will love this place and they are so nice to everyone. :)
(4)Penelope A.
I am half Cuban, born and raised in Miami and I can attest this place is authentic. Great food, fresh bread and good service. Cuban coffee is excellent too and a good jolt of caffeine. I recommend.
(5)Bojan S.
I've been going here for 15 years. Amazing each time. Get the Cuban spicy. It is conveniently located and the family that operates the establishment keeps the tradition. The bread is absolutely delicious and the empanadas are succulent.
(5)Mike M.
Second time here and it's still great! Sari joined me this time and we both enjoyed our meal. Sari ordered the Carne con Cebolla (Steak Tips and Onions), I had the Chuleto de Cerdo (Pork Chop). I was planning to order the Carne de Cerdo Asada (Roast Pork) but the owner suggested the chop instead, and it was a delicious suggestion. Sari's beef was nicely seasoned but sliced on the thin side and a little too well-done for her taste. (I was surprised to see sliced tips, I expected sirloin tips.) On the other hand, my chops were excellent. They looked like boneless rib chops, 1/2 to 3/4" thick. Tender, succulent, and oozing flavor. The owners were warm and welcoming like my previous visit and their baby daughter has a smile for everyone. The owner's recommendation was spot-on both times I've been here and I think next time I'll bypass the menu and ask her to surprise me. We finished with flan and tres leches cake (both were decadent), and cuban coffee for me (tasty but not hot enough). Our second dessert arrived when we learned that a stranger had already paid our bill! The timing was good as I barely had time to yell thank you as he walked away from the restaurant. I increased to $$ because dinner entrees average $11. A Cuban sandwich runs about $8 so you can eat well for $10, too.
(4)dennis m.
Unfortunately, I have to update my review. It seems as though old San Juan has changed ownership, and not for the better. It's still decent, just not the over the top great place it used to be. The Cuban sandwich is still good, I'll stop by if I'm in the area and hungry for something other than the usual fast food, but it's not great. I feel like if subway made a Cuban sandwich, it would be similar to what they're selling. The piccadillo was an old favorite, it isn't bad now, but it's kind of blah. Same story with the black beans. They still have a great selection of unique sodas (get that friend you don't like to try Malta Goya) and its nicer inside than previously. It's not bad, and I'm trying not to be too critical, but it's not outstanding like it used to be.
(3)Horton L.
I lived in south Florida for many years so I know what real Cuban food tastes like. This is close. The owner couples are from Cuba and they seem nice. I recommend pan con lechon (Rico!) and café con leche!!!! Too bad they don't serve mojitos though!!!
(4)Mandy C.
Terrible. Husband ordered 2 Cuban sandwiches. The place smells of mildew and the bread smelled and tasted just like the restaurant smells. The bread was not toasted, barely warm, and the meat tasted old and slimy. Truly disgusting. Took 1 bite and tossed $16 in the trash.
(1)Maria M.
I am a Mexican American and proud of both cultures. This was my first time at this place and I absolutely loved it! I have to say I love eating and I am very picky with what I eat since I count my calorie intake. Food: we had the Cuban sandwich which was one of the best sandwiches I have had! The sandwich quality reminded me of Mancinos at Georgetown. They make their own bread and it was delicious. Then we had the Cuban burger I have to rate it a 4.5 on a scale of 5 due to the meat not being the same size as the bread. But either way very tasty and I would recommend it. To follow came the dessert. We had the flan and a cheese pastry. The flan was phenomenal! Great texture and taste. Not too sweet but sweet enough. The pastry was a 3. For drinks we had pineapple and grape fruit sodas. Service: the service was wonderful. The couple were very nice and welcoming. This place is must!
(5)Meghan F.
This place is delicious and the service is wonderful! We ordered the Cuban and a few other recommendations, we were warned it was a lot of food, but we ate it all plus dessert- Ha! Lexington is lucky to have such an authentic Cuban place! I wish the people who own and work at this place love and prosperity, because they truly are beautiful and kind people!!!
(5)Daniel M.
Excellent and friendly service! I ordered Ropa Vieja and it was delicious! Will definitely go back next time I'm in Lexington!
(5)Hector E.
Little disappointing. I went there right as they opened to get some cuban sandwiches and beans and rice. It wasnt the worst sandwich i have had but it wasnt the greatest either. I was really shocked that the beans were not fresh. they literally microwaved them in front of me doubt we waste money on this place again
(2)Olwen C.
4.5 stars, really? I had been really looking forward to finally trying this place after reading the good reviews. I was not very impressed. My party ordered Ropa Vieja, a cuban sandwich and chicken croquettes. None of it very impressive. The cuban sandwich was ok, but all of the bread was covered in a buttery spread, including the bread that was brought to the table. I wasn't exactly expecting a healthy meal, but I felt like I was eating way too much buttery spread and oils. It's also kind of expensive for what it is. Rice and beans are like the cheapest thing you can eat, and that's what the majority of the plate is. The beans were probably the best thing in the meal.
(2)David H.
A little different but still worth the wait. Still excellent. I get the tripleta every time.
(5)Renee N.
Slow service and bad food. We had the pork with rice and beans. The pork was so tough we sawed through it. The beans were bland and the rice had crunchy spots. The server was awkward and my husband had to get his own drink. No one brought us a bottle opener, so I looked around myself until I found one. Three microwaves in the kitchen may be a bad sign, too.
(1)Chester T.
Patients is needed, the servers here can be slow. So just relax and be prepared for a excellent meal.. Seating is basic, decor is plain and the aroma is enticing. Simple menu choices. We appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a quality meal at a reasonable price...
(4)Jim B.
So my food adventure led to try Cuban food tonight. Being one of lexington's foodies I have tried lots of places just never a Cuban place. I love hole in the wall food. Let me tell you this place was great. Fresh bread for my Cuban sandwich great favor. I'm a plantain fan and these are mouth watering good. To say this place is good is easy enough but it wouldn't do it justice. Go try it and like it it will keep you coming back. Now where did I put my Cuban cigar. Hmm. It s some where over here.
(4)Ernie D.
Great food and a low price. It's run by a family so don't expect some 5-star wonderland experience and you surely won't be disappointed. They have lots of great drinks in the freezer and places to sit. I had the vieja ropa which was very flavorful and came with a huge bed of rice and fried plantains. If I'm ever looking for a place to have a laid back meal this is high on the list.
(4)Christy B.
Love it here. Food is delicious. The wait is a bit long, but the owners are quick to chat. The food is well worth the wait.
(4)Steve M.
This place is awesome. Is the food alone a 5...eh maybe...but it is about the people too. We are recent transplants to Lexington from downtown Chicago. In the 10 years we lived their all we ate at was privately owned small awesome restaurants. And this place absolutely is one of those awesome hole in the wall joints. Is there a small language barrier...yup...but who the heck cares. The food is authentic and it is great. I had the cuban and my wife had a vegetarian sandwich. The rice and beans on the side were very good. Our 2 and a half year old had chicken with rice and beans and mowed it down. He said it was his new favorite restaurant. We sat at the counter and he loved to watch them prepare the food. The people are super nice and the food is great. Go here.
(5)Ryan N.
This place is great! The food was excellent. The Ropa Vieja plate was delicious, and the sides (beans/rice and fried plantains) were good too. The portion size was good. My only gripe is the disposable plates/flatware. A few other reviewers mentioned potential language issues--we didn't have a problem at all. The owners were sweet, cordial and great. You always get great meals from places like these. This is a mom n pop establishment, conjuring up a little Cubano vibe in Lexington. And for the low price, you can't beat it.
(4)John S.
So it's definitely been a while since I came here while I was in Lexington, but I cannot pass up the opportunity to give this small mom and pop (literally) place a positive review. I came here with some coworkers while at Lexington for work, looking to get dinner around 7ish. Once arriving, they were a little hesitant given that from the outside it looked pretty mediocre, but I assured them the best hole-in-the-wall places often look like this. And I was definitely right, as they all agreed this was some AMAZING food. I had the Bistec Empanizado (breaded skirt steak), which was delicious and juicy and oh so tasty. Even the breaded layer was juicy somehow, and not dry at all. I had it with the Maduros (fried plantains), which were just the right amount of fried - soft but still a bit crunchy on the outside edges. Also had the rice and black beans, which (as everyone should) I mixed together to eat. This was real tasty too; I think it was the texture of the rice or the spicing on the beans. Either way, overall a delicious meal and being from Miami myself I'd definitely say this place does Cuban food justice.
(5)Danny D.
Really love the fried green plantains and the Cubano. I've eaten lot of Cuban cuisine in my time and though the sandwich is mildly different (as is the bread) the flavors are all there! The people who own and run Old San Juan are very sweet and provide great service. Plus they have the mini grocery section. For dessert we had guava wafers and mango nectar. Will go back again an again and will definitely recommend!
(5)Andrea N.
Everything we've ever gotten here has been delicious. Last time we got a Cuban sandwich, the piccadillo and croquettes de pollo. So good! They forgot to put my sandwich in my to go order bag but were very apologetic and even refunded my money when I came back to pick it up.
(5)Samantha L.
What a fantastic little place, I'm so glad I found it!!The Cubano sandwich is delicious and they have a great selection of imported sodas/juices. We wanted to save room for dessert, so my boyfriend and I split a cubano and a side of fries, but it was so much food we had no room for the flan I was eyeing (guess I'll just have to come back, yay!). The area does look a bit dodgy, right next to a bar and a laundromat, but don't be deterred, it is so clean and bright inside and the staff was so nice and attentive. It gave the whole place such a great vibe. So a pleasant dining experience, attentive staff, and an excellent meal for 2 people for $15. I will definitely be back!!
(5)Esteban M.
The only place to get anywhere near true Cuban food that I've found in Lexington. Before I even tried the food here, I was coming here to find the cooking wine, mojo, and seasonings I'd be able to find in Tampa and Miami but struggle to find here. And I can say that it's a good Cuban sandwich, not just "a good Cuban sandwich for Lexington." They did not go the route of some of my favorite places for Cuban sandwiches (La Ideal in Tampa) and say, used minced ham pieces to make it extra tender, but the pork and ham is nonetheless tasty, and they are smart to butter the bread before pressing it. Another unique feature to the order seems to be chorizo, which is a surprisingly welcome addition but may turn off purists. It adds a bit of salt and spice to the sandwich with the mustard. Like some of the other reviewers here, I'm curious as to where they get their Cuban bread. If it's self-baked, that explains the less "torpedo" shape and more oval size of the loaf. If not, I think that it could be some weird Italian/Cuban bread hybrid being baked up for them. But it had two crucial qualities: crispy, thin outside and fluffy insides, packed dense by the pressing. It holds butter excellently, and anyone who hasn't had Cuban toast will learn this is the bread that salt and oil was made for (in a good way). I had also ordered a side of small black beans and rice - I ended up saving it for dinner because there was no way I was going to eat an enormous sandwich and that as well. The black beans do seem homemade, but they tended to be "just" salty and savory. This is my own prejudice speaking now, as I make the black beans my family taught me to make, and they are more complex with flavors of olive oil, basic sofrito, vinegar and sugar. But as a former coworker once told me, the problem with being Cuban and going to Cuban restaurants is you always complain about how much better you or your family can do it. They are certainly not bad, by any stretch though, and recommended for a cheap vegetarian lunch. That comes to the last caveat of the review: timeliness. I was very happy to see the place busy, but it wasn't even the current patrons that had affected my meal. I could see that someone had placed a huge call-in order on the cork board that the mom, pop, and I'm guessing relative that work there were busting butt trying to fill out. Do not invite your group of twenty here. Do not think that this place can handle your family reunion. At least they were apologetic, and they were certainly hustling, but it was still a -long- wait for what I ordered. If I hadn't realized what had happened by being observant, a less patient person would have certainly been fed up. I'm still giving them a high mark, even though I was late returning back to work from lunch; I could tell that they were doing their best, and I don't expect them to have that sort of workload every day. Also, apparently their milkshakes are very good; all of them are of tropical flavors like mamey, tamarind, and mango. I will try them and update Yelp with the results.
(4)Ana R.
Went to this place based on the reviews. We are originally from the New York area so we have eaten plenty of Cuban cuisine so when we saw this place in Kentucky we were a little skeptical but we are glad we made the stop. Food is authentic and prepared by a lovely Cuban couple. Definitely worth it!
(5)Paul C.
Just found this restaurant after working just blocks away for years. Thanks yelpers! Went in for lunch just after they opened and was greeted by the owners, an older couple who do everything in the restaurant. They treated me like family and gave me great reccomendations. I got the Cuban sandwich with spicy peppers an order of fried plantains, and a tamarind shake. It was amazing. The place specializes in Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine and is also a small Latin grocery store, so the food is very authentic. Amazing find.
(5)Alison B.
Come in - dont be scared -it's so much more than it looks! Eat empanadas and the steak sandwich! Cheap and amazingly good!
(5)Gordon F.
Came here based on Yelp reviews. The cuban sandwich was very good, as well as being a good bargain. Seemed authentic, but I haven't been to cuba so who knows. The fish plate was so-so, and pretty expensive for what it was. The sides were good. So I would recommend sticking with the cuban sandwich and a side of rice/beans/fried banana if you like. Fair warning: if you order water, you will get charged for a bottle of it. And you won't complain because the old couple running the place seem so sweet. Lastly, practice your spanish before you arrive, you'll need it!
(4)Jess T.
Ahh! So adorable! When we first came here I had been missing New York terribly, and this mom and pop joint reminded me so much of little restaurants in Manhattan! The food is good and they're so very nice! I've been a few times now, and know a little of what I like and don't; though I admit that I don't know the least about Cuban food, I do know that theirs is tasty! Fried plantains are excellent, and I'm such a sucker for empanadas--these make me happy! ^ .^) I admit, I could care less for the bread (but I'm picky about my breads, so I just didn't eat it), but the rice/beans/whichever meat my friend got were so flavorful and delicious! I stole several bites of the rice, and when I raved about it, they were so kind to try to explain how they cooked it! I brought some flan home--it was sweet and creamy, which doesn't quite match my ideal flan, but it was still good. Keep in mind that since it's just the two of them running the place, you're not going to get your food insanely fast, but it's worth the few minutes they take. Just a reminder, they're not open on Monday! (I've thought about going way too often on that day, for some reason).
(4)Corey A.
Tasty Cuban food served up by the sweetest husband and wife team. There was a bit of a language barrier, but they were very interested in how I was enjoying my meal. I got to use my very limited Spanish so that was kinda cool/embarassing. The tres leches cake here is SOLID, man.
(4)Sherah I.
I first went on a Monday but they are closed on Mondays so I returned on a Tuesday. Before I came in, a woman that worked in the restaurant kept coming to the door to look at me sitting in my car lol, I just thought it was funny because she saw me in my car but when I came into the restaurant, her and two other women just looked at me without greeting me. A man finally came to greet me to take my order. The restaurant was empty other than the staff members. There were not to many grocery items they offered and the feel of the restaurant was that they did not get many customers. It felt like the wild wild west where there are no people in the town and a tumbleweed is seen rolling across the street lol. I viewed the menu before going so I had my mind set on the Ropa Vieja Cuban but I was told he was fixing it right now and it would take about 20-25 minutes before it was done... I wasn't waiting that long so I ordered the Picadillo. I got my food to go because I always feel awkward when there are more servers than customers because I feel people are just watching me eat lol. Once I got home, I surveyed the food to see what goods I got in my order. There was the main dish that was seasoned ground beef, white rice and two pieces of plantains, a bowl of black bean soup and two pieces of bread. The beef was okay, a bit salty but I was not Wowed by the meal. The black bean soup was really good as well as the plantains. The bread was just regular bread with butter. Overall the meal and service were okay. I will not go back because there was nothing that spectacular that made me want to go back to try other dishes. I have never had Cuban food so this was my first time, so far I am not a fan but I am sure Cuban food is amazing, I just have to find the right place that serves it.
(3)Brandon T.
This place is so amazing I had to write a review. I almost never do. This place from the outside looks like it would be a no but you have to say yes and get past the look! This is the most amazing place. Completely authentic. I had the chorizo sandwich, fried plantains, black beans and rice (stirred together once on my table). My friend had the milanesa and shared the sides. OH MY GOD! So amazing. I dot live in Lexington but this is a stop that I will never pass up when in town!
(5)Beth C.
Delicious Cuban sandwich! The bread was amazing. The location of this place is not exactly appealing, and you might drive by and say to yourself, "Hmm, should I try it?" I recommend giving it a go. There were two people working behind the counter, and there was definitely a language barrier. Those three college courses in Spanish were NOT beneficial. Thanks be to God, there were two people sitting up at the counter that were chatting it up with the workers and could act as translators. They smiled and said, "Have a seat! They'll be with you shortly." Much to my dismay, the only this available on the menu that evening was sandwiches as I managed to figure out in my conversation with the employee that she was short staffed and would only be able to make us sandwiches. Good old reliable Cuban sandwich it was. The hubby and I were the only two guests in there during our entire visit. The food was good. There was a tiny little market area in the back of the restaurant. I'd like to go back again and try some of their other menu options. OH--I almost forgot!!! FLAN! Take a piece to go after your stuff yourself.
(4)Kirk H.
First impression: wednesday 5:00 pm, not a customer in the place; impeccably clean. Placed order at the counter. Ordered WAY too much food. It's cheap though. 2 sandwiches, a Cubano and a Sliced Pork, a large rice and beans, beef empanada, side of sweet plaintains. The lady started making our sandwiches. Did she just put our sandwiches in the microwave? Uh-oh. Then the incredibly delicious smell hit us. Is that our food?!?! It has to be there's no one else here. Boom! She brought our food and it was fantastic. Sandwiches had gone into the panini press. Best sandwich in Lexington. Rice and beans were delicious. Empananda was huge and great. Sweet plaintains best I have had. Sandwiches and rice and beans were each $7, empanada was $3 (great deal!), sweet plaintains were $4. Canned drinks in the cooler. Way too much food for $32, had some to take home. Very nice older couple run the place and cook.
(5)Brian K.
Really good Cuban. I don't know if it's authentic, but I suspect it is. The only gripe I have is that you don't get free refills, as most places give. You have to buy individual bottles of whatever you're drinking. Otherwise, great little place!
(4)Bill H.
One of my favorite places to eat. I have eaten here for the past 12 years. The original owners sold the place to relatives so the flavors have stayed consistent but I think the service has sped up a little. The only negative to this place is the time required to get served. Do not bring large groups!!! Four at the most, there is not a tremendous amount of seating. Order a Cubano or a Frijolata sandwich, these can be split between two people because they are so large. The plantains are delicious as well as the desserts in the case. Tip: If your worried about time, call ahead and place order.
(5)Casey M.
Great food, extremely friendly owners, and unlike anything else that you will get in Lexington. The location is easy to find if you're aware of it as it is only slightly off of Nicholasville Road. They also have some imported groceries, including some Latin American sodas. Nearly anyone who has been there will tell you to try it at least once. You can carry out your food, but they also have a small dining area.
(5)Eduardo C.
If you like a variety of meats in your sandwich, this place is worth trying. The cashier/cook are most definitely Cuban, and judging by the way they were arguing over an order, also married. The sandwiches are very different from what most people are used to, which is apparent in the sauce, bread, and meats. They are pretty filling and a great option to surprise your coworkers with for lunch.
(3)Patrick B.
I LOVE the food here. I had the Cuban sandwich and it was so so good! I also had one of their empanadas and I really loved it. I can't wait to go back here to try some more of their dishes! If you're looking to avoid all the chain restaurants, Old San Juan is a GREAT find!
(5)Jenny H.
My boyfriend and I tried this place out after seeing that it was one of the most highly rated restaurants in lexington. I liked it, it's definitely a little mom and pop shop. I ordered a fish plate and he ordered a Cuban sandwich. I thought the fish plate was just okay - it has a tomato based sauce which I liked, but the fish itself tasted frozen and had skin on it which I personally don't like. The cuban sandwich was great however. The fried bananas side that my dish came with was good also. We also got a drink - I forget what it's called, but it was a cuban soda. It was extremely sweet. I'm a soda drinker, but this was so sweet, I had to stick with the water. Oh, water costs money here too. Great service though - the husband and wife were both very nice.
(4)Teresa M.
We've driven past this place quite a few times, but finally stopped in recently. Very casual atmosphere, but the food is fantastic! I had the picadillo plate - lots of flavor! The only complaint we had was the cheap plastic silverware and styrofoam plates - my husband broke a couple of forks cutting through his steak...
(4)Rose B.
Cute little place! They have amazing beef empanadas that are so huge that $3 is a bargain for them. Their sandwiches are even more filling and very tasty. And of course, I can't resist the plantains. The beans and rice side was meh. Not enough beans for the rice, and kind of overpriced.
(4)Jennifer M.
Great atmosphere, amazing food, homemade bread, wonderful personality from a mom n pop owners and always 100 by the health inspector. The Ropa Vieja a la Cubana is to die for!!!
(5)J D.
Great Food and Drink Make no mistake here, the food served is simple with subtle flavors and nuances i haven't eaten before. The Roasted Pork and Sweet plantains flavor was hard to figure out as well as the beans. Very very subtle nuances of spice and flavoring that is excellent. The beans and bread even had flavors that you dont taste every day, and the plantains are great. Had a malta India to drink and my Gf had Chicken and Shrimp which was excellent and very well flavored. It is not very spicy but they do give you some nice hot sauce with the Empanadilla and Jalapenos in small cups. Dont forget to Try one of the malt drinks they have here.. I think there is Malta Goya and Malta India which I opted for.. Has molasses and several kinds of malt and is non alcoholic which i loved. The owners are very nice and treat you like you are at home.. Come on out and try this place, you will love it and the flavors will you inspire.. The owners do everything you could expect to welcome and comfort you.. Hows that sound? i think it sounds pretty darn good myself, too bad its not across the street from where I live as I might just never leave..
(5)Nancy B.
MMMMMM The Cuban was excellent. Slightly different than the one I'm used to (Havana Restaurant in Atlanta, GA), the bread was rounder but homemade and yummy. Lots of roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese and some type of sausage on top. There was ample butter, mustard and pickles as well all. It was nicely pressed and toasted. One half of a sandwich filled me up and I have the other half for lunch tomorrow. Dan got the shredded roast beef sandwich that had swiss, mustard, mayo, and butter on it with the same Cuban bread. We also got a lime and Malta India soda to drink and came out for there for less than $20 (+5 for tip). It was clean inside and the family that runs the place is awesome. You can tell that they had great pride in their shop and they were genuinely happy for us to be there. So please my fellow Lexingtonians come in here the next time you want a sandwich and forego all the nasty chains around the corner. The menu is in English with descriptions and they have a cleanliness inspection rating of 100. I can't wait to eat my lunch tomorrow.
(5)Betty H.
Great place to go if you are hungry for a cuban sandwich. They are just as good as the ones in washington hts, nyc
(4)Sylvie B.
I love this place! The chicken Cuban sandwich is to die for. We've been coming back for years since I was a child.
(5)Manuel R.
How good could a Cuban Restaurant in Lexington, KY be? Amazing!!! The owners were very friendly and the place was very clean and the food was to die for. Tasty tostones, rice and beans.
(4)Seth K.
They have the best sandwiches! I go there every time I get the chance! I recommend the steak sandwich. The other food also looks really good, but the sandwiches are so good I haven't even tried the rest. Along with being a restaurant it is also a small shop.
(5)Halide T.
I stopped by here after a friend recommended the place. Small cozy place with friendly owners taking care of the orders. They seem to have a diverse menu of lunch/dinner plates and sandwiches, including chicken beef , seafood and vegetarian items. I chose to stick with a couple of side dishes for lunch. I had a beef empanada and fried sweet plantains and I was pretty full.. the empanada was quite big and delicious, with layers of flavor.. Fried plantains were also quite tasty. One of the owners asked me if I want some salsa . Their salsa/sauce was tasty with a bit of a kick and I added it to every single bite I had. I enjoyed the quick lunch I had and I will definitely return to try something else on the menu.
(5)Tom B.
Excellent food reasonably priced. We tried the sweet fried plantains, a Cuban sandwich, a chorizo sandwich and the beef empanadas. All were very good to outstanding. The shredded beef in the empanada was very flavorful. The Cuban roll on the sandwiches was also a highlight. I agree with the other reviewers - Spanish language skills would be helpful when dining here.
(5)Angela M.
This place is great. Be sure to brush up on your Spanish before going!
(5)Phil D.
I got the Ropa Vieja which was delicious and an excellent portion of food. It came with shredded/marinated meat (I think flank steak), fried green plantains, black beans, rice, and bread. Everything was prepared well and the flavors were bold and bright. The entrees were $11, which I thought was maybe a dollar or two too much but I will absolutely go back and recommend Old San Juan without reservation. I will probably try a sandwich next time which looked very good as well.
(4)Brad F.
I was referred here by my Mexican roommate who calls this place his favorite restaurant of all time. He was definitely on to something. This place a standard Mom and Pop's hole-in-the-wall joint serving the finest Cuban cuisine in the area. They serve one of the best pork sandwiches I've ever had: tender pork, fluffy bread, dressed with mustard and jalapenos, and you can have it with one of the 30 flavored soft drinks ranging from tamarind to guava to malt. This is going up on my list of favorite and most recommended restaurants in Lexington.
(5)Patrick D.
Love this place. If ever t here was a restaurant that deserves the moniker, "mom and pop" it's Old San Juan. You feel like you're being waited on and cooked for by your grandparents. The food is great, whether it's a sandwich or a dinner plate, I've loved everything I've had here.
(4)Rick F.
Not exactly Cuban Bread kind of soft like Italian/French Bread still very good. All the meats and sauces were tasty and of good portions. Had the Malta to drink if you do not like molasses or Guinness best to opt for water because all the food has plenty of calories.
(4)blue t.
Amazing, authentic Cuban food. Be prepared to wait, as the lovely owners make everything themselves, from scratch. We were lucky to have a Spanish-speaker in my group to facilitate the ordering (and score us some extra plantains!)... that's not a complaint, it really added to the atmosphere. So, so good.
(5)Nick W.
excellent food! even the black beans are homemade! but, it's a bit pricey considering most of the meal you get is rice and beans.
(3)Jason S.
Very good, authentic Cuban food, you know, because I visit Cuba often and know what I'm talking about. What i do know is that their Cuban sandwiches taste better than other Cuban sandwiches that you can get in Lexington. The sweet plantains are also very good. Prices are a little high, but worth it . And i agree that it does take a little longer than you'd expect, but also worth it.
(4)Andrea T.
Yay!! I got to stop by Old San Juan while back in Lex for the holidays. It's got new owners but the food is as amazing as ever. Another Cuban couple, sweet as pie and who don't disappoint with the Cuban comfort food. The new owners are a bit younger than the last, so the delicious food comes out even faster. At some point I'm going to have to know how they manage to have Cuban bread in Lexington, b/c in Northern Cali, where I now live, they want to serve Cuban sandwiches on sourdough. Um, nope.
(5)adam C.
The sandwiches here are great, though you will have to wait a while to get them.
(5)blue t.
Amazing, authentic Cuban food. Be prepared to wait, as the lovely owners make everything themselves, from scratch. We were lucky to have a Spanish-speaker in my group to facilitate the ordering (and score us some extra plantains!)... that's not a complaint, it really added to the atmosphere. So, so good.
(5)Nick W.
excellent food! even the black beans are homemade! but, it's a bit pricey considering most of the meal you get is rice and beans.
(3)Jason S.
Very good, authentic Cuban food, you know, because I visit Cuba often and know what I'm talking about. What i do know is that their Cuban sandwiches taste better than other Cuban sandwiches that you can get in Lexington. The sweet plantains are also very good. Prices are a little high, but worth it . And i agree that it does take a little longer than you'd expect, but also worth it.
(4)Andrea T.
Yay!! I got to stop by Old San Juan while back in Lex for the holidays. It's got new owners but the food is as amazing as ever. Another Cuban couple, sweet as pie and who don't disappoint with the Cuban comfort food. The new owners are a bit younger than the last, so the delicious food comes out even faster. At some point I'm going to have to know how they manage to have Cuban bread in Lexington, b/c in Northern Cali, where I now live, they want to serve Cuban sandwiches on sourdough. Um, nope.
(5)adam C.
The sandwiches here are great, though you will have to wait a while to get them.
(5)Bojan S.
I've been going here for 15 years. Amazing each time. Get the Cuban spicy. It is conveniently located and the family that operates the establishment keeps the tradition. The bread is absolutely delicious and the empanadas are succulent.
(5)Patrick D.
Love this place. If ever t here was a restaurant that deserves the moniker, "mom and pop" it's Old San Juan. You feel like you're being waited on and cooked for by your grandparents. The food is great, whether it's a sandwich or a dinner plate, I've loved everything I've had here.
(4)Rick F.
Not exactly Cuban Bread kind of soft like Italian/French Bread still very good. All the meats and sauces were tasty and of good portions. Had the Malta to drink if you do not like molasses or Guinness best to opt for water because all the food has plenty of calories.
(4)Matt C.
If you want authentic Cuban, cooked just right, with more than fair portions and pricing, as well as excellent service, spend your money at Old San Juan on Malibu. I'd rather spend my money at a place that is authentic, fair, honest, and respectful. It'll be Old San Juan from here on. I have dined here multiple times and tried various entrees without any disappointment. There is a bit of a language barrier but the service is unaffected and always great. The owners and staff work hard to provide their customers with an authentic, taste bud and appetite pleasing, enjoyable experience. The prices and portions are more than fair and everything I've tried has been delicious.
(5)Corey A.
Tasty Cuban food served up by the sweetest husband and wife team. There was a bit of a language barrier, but they were very interested in how I was enjoying my meal. I got to use my very limited Spanish so that was kinda cool/embarassing. The tres leches cake here is SOLID, man.
(4)Alison B.
Come in - dont be scared -it's so much more than it looks! Eat empanadas and the steak sandwich! Cheap and amazingly good!
(5)Gordon F.
Came here based on Yelp reviews. The cuban sandwich was very good, as well as being a good bargain. Seemed authentic, but I haven't been to cuba so who knows. The fish plate was so-so, and pretty expensive for what it was. The sides were good. So I would recommend sticking with the cuban sandwich and a side of rice/beans/fried banana if you like. Fair warning: if you order water, you will get charged for a bottle of it. And you won't complain because the old couple running the place seem so sweet. Lastly, practice your spanish before you arrive, you'll need it!
(4)Kirk H.
First impression: wednesday 5:00 pm, not a customer in the place; impeccably clean. Placed order at the counter. Ordered WAY too much food. It's cheap though. 2 sandwiches, a Cubano and a Sliced Pork, a large rice and beans, beef empanada, side of sweet plaintains. The lady started making our sandwiches. Did she just put our sandwiches in the microwave? Uh-oh. Then the incredibly delicious smell hit us. Is that our food?!?! It has to be there's no one else here. Boom! She brought our food and it was fantastic. Sandwiches had gone into the panini press. Best sandwich in Lexington. Rice and beans were delicious. Empananda was huge and great. Sweet plaintains best I have had. Sandwiches and rice and beans were each $7, empanada was $3 (great deal!), sweet plaintains were $4. Canned drinks in the cooler. Way too much food for $32, had some to take home. Very nice older couple run the place and cook.
(5)Brian K.
Really good Cuban. I don't know if it's authentic, but I suspect it is. The only gripe I have is that you don't get free refills, as most places give. You have to buy individual bottles of whatever you're drinking. Otherwise, great little place!
(4)Bill H.
One of my favorite places to eat. I have eaten here for the past 12 years. The original owners sold the place to relatives so the flavors have stayed consistent but I think the service has sped up a little. The only negative to this place is the time required to get served. Do not bring large groups!!! Four at the most, there is not a tremendous amount of seating. Order a Cubano or a Frijolata sandwich, these can be split between two people because they are so large. The plantains are delicious as well as the desserts in the case. Tip: If your worried about time, call ahead and place order.
(5)Casey M.
Great food, extremely friendly owners, and unlike anything else that you will get in Lexington. The location is easy to find if you're aware of it as it is only slightly off of Nicholasville Road. They also have some imported groceries, including some Latin American sodas. Nearly anyone who has been there will tell you to try it at least once. You can carry out your food, but they also have a small dining area.
(5)Eduardo C.
If you like a variety of meats in your sandwich, this place is worth trying. The cashier/cook are most definitely Cuban, and judging by the way they were arguing over an order, also married. The sandwiches are very different from what most people are used to, which is apparent in the sauce, bread, and meats. They are pretty filling and a great option to surprise your coworkers with for lunch.
(3)Patrick B.
I LOVE the food here. I had the Cuban sandwich and it was so so good! I also had one of their empanadas and I really loved it. I can't wait to go back here to try some more of their dishes! If you're looking to avoid all the chain restaurants, Old San Juan is a GREAT find!
(5)Jess T.
Ahh! So adorable! When we first came here I had been missing New York terribly, and this mom and pop joint reminded me so much of little restaurants in Manhattan! The food is good and they're so very nice! I've been a few times now, and know a little of what I like and don't; though I admit that I don't know the least about Cuban food, I do know that theirs is tasty! Fried plantains are excellent, and I'm such a sucker for empanadas--these make me happy! ^ .^) I admit, I could care less for the bread (but I'm picky about my breads, so I just didn't eat it), but the rice/beans/whichever meat my friend got were so flavorful and delicious! I stole several bites of the rice, and when I raved about it, they were so kind to try to explain how they cooked it! I brought some flan home--it was sweet and creamy, which doesn't quite match my ideal flan, but it was still good. Keep in mind that since it's just the two of them running the place, you're not going to get your food insanely fast, but it's worth the few minutes they take. Just a reminder, they're not open on Monday! (I've thought about going way too often on that day, for some reason).
(4)Jenny H.
My boyfriend and I tried this place out after seeing that it was one of the most highly rated restaurants in lexington. I liked it, it's definitely a little mom and pop shop. I ordered a fish plate and he ordered a Cuban sandwich. I thought the fish plate was just okay - it has a tomato based sauce which I liked, but the fish itself tasted frozen and had skin on it which I personally don't like. The cuban sandwich was great however. The fried bananas side that my dish came with was good also. We also got a drink - I forget what it's called, but it was a cuban soda. It was extremely sweet. I'm a soda drinker, but this was so sweet, I had to stick with the water. Oh, water costs money here too. Great service though - the husband and wife were both very nice.
(4)Teresa M.
We've driven past this place quite a few times, but finally stopped in recently. Very casual atmosphere, but the food is fantastic! I had the picadillo plate - lots of flavor! The only complaint we had was the cheap plastic silverware and styrofoam plates - my husband broke a couple of forks cutting through his steak...
(4)Rose B.
Cute little place! They have amazing beef empanadas that are so huge that $3 is a bargain for them. Their sandwiches are even more filling and very tasty. And of course, I can't resist the plantains. The beans and rice side was meh. Not enough beans for the rice, and kind of overpriced.
(4)Jennifer M.
Great atmosphere, amazing food, homemade bread, wonderful personality from a mom n pop owners and always 100 by the health inspector. The Ropa Vieja a la Cubana is to die for!!!
(5)J D.
Great Food and Drink Make no mistake here, the food served is simple with subtle flavors and nuances i haven't eaten before. The Roasted Pork and Sweet plantains flavor was hard to figure out as well as the beans. Very very subtle nuances of spice and flavoring that is excellent. The beans and bread even had flavors that you dont taste every day, and the plantains are great. Had a malta India to drink and my Gf had Chicken and Shrimp which was excellent and very well flavored. It is not very spicy but they do give you some nice hot sauce with the Empanadilla and Jalapenos in small cups. Dont forget to Try one of the malt drinks they have here.. I think there is Malta Goya and Malta India which I opted for.. Has molasses and several kinds of malt and is non alcoholic which i loved. The owners are very nice and treat you like you are at home.. Come on out and try this place, you will love it and the flavors will you inspire.. The owners do everything you could expect to welcome and comfort you.. Hows that sound? i think it sounds pretty darn good myself, too bad its not across the street from where I live as I might just never leave..
(5)Nancy B.
MMMMMM The Cuban was excellent. Slightly different than the one I'm used to (Havana Restaurant in Atlanta, GA), the bread was rounder but homemade and yummy. Lots of roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese and some type of sausage on top. There was ample butter, mustard and pickles as well all. It was nicely pressed and toasted. One half of a sandwich filled me up and I have the other half for lunch tomorrow. Dan got the shredded roast beef sandwich that had swiss, mustard, mayo, and butter on it with the same Cuban bread. We also got a lime and Malta India soda to drink and came out for there for less than $20 (+5 for tip). It was clean inside and the family that runs the place is awesome. You can tell that they had great pride in their shop and they were genuinely happy for us to be there. So please my fellow Lexingtonians come in here the next time you want a sandwich and forego all the nasty chains around the corner. The menu is in English with descriptions and they have a cleanliness inspection rating of 100. I can't wait to eat my lunch tomorrow.
(5)Betty H.
Great place to go if you are hungry for a cuban sandwich. They are just as good as the ones in washington hts, nyc
(4)Sylvie B.
I love this place! The chicken Cuban sandwich is to die for. We've been coming back for years since I was a child.
(5)Samantha L.
What a fantastic little place, I'm so glad I found it!!The Cubano sandwich is delicious and they have a great selection of imported sodas/juices. We wanted to save room for dessert, so my boyfriend and I split a cubano and a side of fries, but it was so much food we had no room for the flan I was eyeing (guess I'll just have to come back, yay!). The area does look a bit dodgy, right next to a bar and a laundromat, but don't be deterred, it is so clean and bright inside and the staff was so nice and attentive. It gave the whole place such a great vibe. So a pleasant dining experience, attentive staff, and an excellent meal for 2 people for $15. I will definitely be back!!
(5)Esteban M.
The only place to get anywhere near true Cuban food that I've found in Lexington. Before I even tried the food here, I was coming here to find the cooking wine, mojo, and seasonings I'd be able to find in Tampa and Miami but struggle to find here. And I can say that it's a good Cuban sandwich, not just "a good Cuban sandwich for Lexington." They did not go the route of some of my favorite places for Cuban sandwiches (La Ideal in Tampa) and say, used minced ham pieces to make it extra tender, but the pork and ham is nonetheless tasty, and they are smart to butter the bread before pressing it. Another unique feature to the order seems to be chorizo, which is a surprisingly welcome addition but may turn off purists. It adds a bit of salt and spice to the sandwich with the mustard. Like some of the other reviewers here, I'm curious as to where they get their Cuban bread. If it's self-baked, that explains the less "torpedo" shape and more oval size of the loaf. If not, I think that it could be some weird Italian/Cuban bread hybrid being baked up for them. But it had two crucial qualities: crispy, thin outside and fluffy insides, packed dense by the pressing. It holds butter excellently, and anyone who hasn't had Cuban toast will learn this is the bread that salt and oil was made for (in a good way). I had also ordered a side of small black beans and rice - I ended up saving it for dinner because there was no way I was going to eat an enormous sandwich and that as well. The black beans do seem homemade, but they tended to be "just" salty and savory. This is my own prejudice speaking now, as I make the black beans my family taught me to make, and they are more complex with flavors of olive oil, basic sofrito, vinegar and sugar. But as a former coworker once told me, the problem with being Cuban and going to Cuban restaurants is you always complain about how much better you or your family can do it. They are certainly not bad, by any stretch though, and recommended for a cheap vegetarian lunch. That comes to the last caveat of the review: timeliness. I was very happy to see the place busy, but it wasn't even the current patrons that had affected my meal. I could see that someone had placed a huge call-in order on the cork board that the mom, pop, and I'm guessing relative that work there were busting butt trying to fill out. Do not invite your group of twenty here. Do not think that this place can handle your family reunion. At least they were apologetic, and they were certainly hustling, but it was still a -long- wait for what I ordered. If I hadn't realized what had happened by being observant, a less patient person would have certainly been fed up. I'm still giving them a high mark, even though I was late returning back to work from lunch; I could tell that they were doing their best, and I don't expect them to have that sort of workload every day. Also, apparently their milkshakes are very good; all of them are of tropical flavors like mamey, tamarind, and mango. I will try them and update Yelp with the results.
(4)Manuel R.
How good could a Cuban Restaurant in Lexington, KY be? Amazing!!! The owners were very friendly and the place was very clean and the food was to die for. Tasty tostones, rice and beans.
(4)Seth K.
They have the best sandwiches! I go there every time I get the chance! I recommend the steak sandwich. The other food also looks really good, but the sandwiches are so good I haven't even tried the rest. Along with being a restaurant it is also a small shop.
(5)Halide T.
I stopped by here after a friend recommended the place. Small cozy place with friendly owners taking care of the orders. They seem to have a diverse menu of lunch/dinner plates and sandwiches, including chicken beef , seafood and vegetarian items. I chose to stick with a couple of side dishes for lunch. I had a beef empanada and fried sweet plantains and I was pretty full.. the empanada was quite big and delicious, with layers of flavor.. Fried plantains were also quite tasty. One of the owners asked me if I want some salsa . Their salsa/sauce was tasty with a bit of a kick and I added it to every single bite I had. I enjoyed the quick lunch I had and I will definitely return to try something else on the menu.
(5)Tom B.
Excellent food reasonably priced. We tried the sweet fried plantains, a Cuban sandwich, a chorizo sandwich and the beef empanadas. All were very good to outstanding. The shredded beef in the empanada was very flavorful. The Cuban roll on the sandwiches was also a highlight. I agree with the other reviewers - Spanish language skills would be helpful when dining here.
(5)Angela M.
This place is great. Be sure to brush up on your Spanish before going!
(5)Ana R.
Went to this place based on the reviews. We are originally from the New York area so we have eaten plenty of Cuban cuisine so when we saw this place in Kentucky we were a little skeptical but we are glad we made the stop. Food is authentic and prepared by a lovely Cuban couple. Definitely worth it!
(5)Paul C.
Just found this restaurant after working just blocks away for years. Thanks yelpers! Went in for lunch just after they opened and was greeted by the owners, an older couple who do everything in the restaurant. They treated me like family and gave me great reccomendations. I got the Cuban sandwich with spicy peppers an order of fried plantains, and a tamarind shake. It was amazing. The place specializes in Cuban and Puerto Rican cuisine and is also a small Latin grocery store, so the food is very authentic. Amazing find.
(5)Phil D.
I got the Ropa Vieja which was delicious and an excellent portion of food. It came with shredded/marinated meat (I think flank steak), fried green plantains, black beans, rice, and bread. Everything was prepared well and the flavors were bold and bright. The entrees were $11, which I thought was maybe a dollar or two too much but I will absolutely go back and recommend Old San Juan without reservation. I will probably try a sandwich next time which looked very good as well.
(4)Brad F.
I was referred here by my Mexican roommate who calls this place his favorite restaurant of all time. He was definitely on to something. This place a standard Mom and Pop's hole-in-the-wall joint serving the finest Cuban cuisine in the area. They serve one of the best pork sandwiches I've ever had: tender pork, fluffy bread, dressed with mustard and jalapenos, and you can have it with one of the 30 flavored soft drinks ranging from tamarind to guava to malt. This is going up on my list of favorite and most recommended restaurants in Lexington.
(5)Mike M.
Second time here and it's still great! Sari joined me this time and we both enjoyed our meal. Sari ordered the Carne con Cebolla (Steak Tips and Onions), I had the Chuleto de Cerdo (Pork Chop). I was planning to order the Carne de Cerdo Asada (Roast Pork) but the owner suggested the chop instead, and it was a delicious suggestion. Sari's beef was nicely seasoned but sliced on the thin side and a little too well-done for her taste. (I was surprised to see sliced tips, I expected sirloin tips.) On the other hand, my chops were excellent. They looked like boneless rib chops, 1/2 to 3/4" thick. Tender, succulent, and oozing flavor. The owners were warm and welcoming like my previous visit and their baby daughter has a smile for everyone. The owner's recommendation was spot-on both times I've been here and I think next time I'll bypass the menu and ask her to surprise me. We finished with flan and tres leches cake (both were decadent), and cuban coffee for me (tasty but not hot enough). Our second dessert arrived when we learned that a stranger had already paid our bill! The timing was good as I barely had time to yell thank you as he walked away from the restaurant. I increased to $$ because dinner entrees average $11. A Cuban sandwich runs about $8 so you can eat well for $10, too.
(4)dennis m.
Unfortunately, I have to update my review. It seems as though old San Juan has changed ownership, and not for the better. It's still decent, just not the over the top great place it used to be. The Cuban sandwich is still good, I'll stop by if I'm in the area and hungry for something other than the usual fast food, but it's not great. I feel like if subway made a Cuban sandwich, it would be similar to what they're selling. The piccadillo was an old favorite, it isn't bad now, but it's kind of blah. Same story with the black beans. They still have a great selection of unique sodas (get that friend you don't like to try Malta Goya) and its nicer inside than previously. It's not bad, and I'm trying not to be too critical, but it's not outstanding like it used to be.
(3)Horton L.
I lived in south Florida for many years so I know what real Cuban food tastes like. This is close. The owner couples are from Cuba and they seem nice. I recommend pan con lechon (Rico!) and café con leche!!!! Too bad they don't serve mojitos though!!!
(4)Mandy C.
Terrible. Husband ordered 2 Cuban sandwiches. The place smells of mildew and the bread smelled and tasted just like the restaurant smells. The bread was not toasted, barely warm, and the meat tasted old and slimy. Truly disgusting. Took 1 bite and tossed $16 in the trash.
(1)Jim B.
So my food adventure led to try Cuban food tonight. Being one of lexington's foodies I have tried lots of places just never a Cuban place. I love hole in the wall food. Let me tell you this place was great. Fresh bread for my Cuban sandwich great favor. I'm a plantain fan and these are mouth watering good. To say this place is good is easy enough but it wouldn't do it justice. Go try it and like it it will keep you coming back. Now where did I put my Cuban cigar. Hmm. It s some where over here.
(4)Maria M.
I am a Mexican American and proud of both cultures. This was my first time at this place and I absolutely loved it! I have to say I love eating and I am very picky with what I eat since I count my calorie intake. Food: we had the Cuban sandwich which was one of the best sandwiches I have had! The sandwich quality reminded me of Mancinos at Georgetown. They make their own bread and it was delicious. Then we had the Cuban burger I have to rate it a 4.5 on a scale of 5 due to the meat not being the same size as the bread. But either way very tasty and I would recommend it. To follow came the dessert. We had the flan and a cheese pastry. The flan was phenomenal! Great texture and taste. Not too sweet but sweet enough. The pastry was a 3. For drinks we had pineapple and grape fruit sodas. Service: the service was wonderful. The couple were very nice and welcoming. This place is must!
(5)Meghan F.
This place is delicious and the service is wonderful! We ordered the Cuban and a few other recommendations, we were warned it was a lot of food, but we ate it all plus dessert- Ha! Lexington is lucky to have such an authentic Cuban place! I wish the people who own and work at this place love and prosperity, because they truly are beautiful and kind people!!!
(5)Daniel M.
Excellent and friendly service! I ordered Ropa Vieja and it was delicious! Will definitely go back next time I'm in Lexington!
(5)Hector E.
Little disappointing. I went there right as they opened to get some cuban sandwiches and beans and rice. It wasnt the worst sandwich i have had but it wasnt the greatest either. I was really shocked that the beans were not fresh. they literally microwaved them in front of me doubt we waste money on this place again
(2)Olwen C.
4.5 stars, really? I had been really looking forward to finally trying this place after reading the good reviews. I was not very impressed. My party ordered Ropa Vieja, a cuban sandwich and chicken croquettes. None of it very impressive. The cuban sandwich was ok, but all of the bread was covered in a buttery spread, including the bread that was brought to the table. I wasn't exactly expecting a healthy meal, but I felt like I was eating way too much buttery spread and oils. It's also kind of expensive for what it is. Rice and beans are like the cheapest thing you can eat, and that's what the majority of the plate is. The beans were probably the best thing in the meal.
(2)David H.
A little different but still worth the wait. Still excellent. I get the tripleta every time.
(5)Chester T.
Patients is needed, the servers here can be slow. So just relax and be prepared for a excellent meal.. Seating is basic, decor is plain and the aroma is enticing. Simple menu choices. We appreciate the opportunity to enjoy a quality meal at a reasonable price...
(4)Ernie D.
Great food and a low price. It's run by a family so don't expect some 5-star wonderland experience and you surely won't be disappointed. They have lots of great drinks in the freezer and places to sit. I had the vieja ropa which was very flavorful and came with a huge bed of rice and fried plantains. If I'm ever looking for a place to have a laid back meal this is high on the list.
(4)Christy B.
Love it here. Food is delicious. The wait is a bit long, but the owners are quick to chat. The food is well worth the wait.
(4)Renee N.
Slow service and bad food. We had the pork with rice and beans. The pork was so tough we sawed through it. The beans were bland and the rice had crunchy spots. The server was awkward and my husband had to get his own drink. No one brought us a bottle opener, so I looked around myself until I found one. Three microwaves in the kitchen may be a bad sign, too.
(1)Scott B.
Always impressed with the food and the dining experience each visit here! Small, family restaurant that offers authentic Cuban food. The owners are warm and friendly, always a joy. You won't be disappointed!
(5)Chad C.
Love this place. I found it by accident a couple of years ago and can't get enough of it. It is a mom/pop owned cuban joint that you would more than likely pass up unless you were specifically looking for it. The cuban couple that own it are the only ones that I have seen working in here. The place is spotless. You can get a variety of pressed sandwiches, plantain chips, random odd flavored Jarrritos sodas, beans, rice, etc... Stop in if you get a chance and I am sure you too will fall in love with this place, its food, and the nice lady that will take your order and ask if you want "piquito jalapenos?" Love love love. Be aware that each order is made fresh. You will wait a bit longer than subway. But it is so worth it. ENJOY.
(5)Hu N.
Best Cubano in Lexington. Love the Ropa Veija too. Chicken sandwich and Cuban bread are spot-on. They're on island time so don't come if in a rush.
(5)Greta W.
My favorite Cuban restaurant here in Kentucky is Havana Rumba in Louisville, but Old San Juan is a close second. You really can't beat their prices and portions. I've tried several of their sandwiches and they're all great. The Cuban sandwich is my favorite. Their tostones are delicious, as are their beans and rice. The owners are very friendly and pleasant. Only positive things to say about this place!
(5)Jim P.
This place has been in business at least since early 90's. Recently under new ownership, who speaks English (a small plus), added a few more tables, and is maintaining authentic quality fare (a big plus). On a Thursday at 7p, ordered two dinners which were served quickly. Only two negatives: server never returned to check satisfaction, nor provided requested tap water (so diner retrieved self-serve bottled water.). Cost $33, including deserts, plus tip. Hope the menu is expanded so that paella and other labor-intensive dishes could be available (when preordered, of course). Limited selection of Cuban groceries are available.
(4)Bob T.
After finding this place on yelp while traveling thru Kentucky, it's been all my family has talked about. Nothing fancy but good home cooked food like a Cuban grandmother would make. Can't go wrong here.
(5)Jason B.
You want some good Cuban food, come to this place. I'm not sure of the people are really Cuban because the way they make their Cuban sandwich and plantains. But it's really close to it. Maybe they just make it different from others. But still so amazing! And try the cola that's famous in Cuba! You will love this place and they are so nice to everyone. :)
(4)Penelope A.
I am half Cuban, born and raised in Miami and I can attest this place is authentic. Great food, fresh bread and good service. Cuban coffee is excellent too and a good jolt of caffeine. I recommend.
(5)Nathan W.
This place is unique, service is a bit on the slow side but if you have time to wait their food is pretty good. The staff is friendly, and appreciate your attempts to order in spanish :). Great place to try out if you're looking for Cuban or something different!
(4)Jeremiah A.
The wait is long but that's because it's a family operation. It's a little Cuban grocery store with a kitchen. The Cubano and fried plantains are good. If you're in the mood for Cuban in Lexington, this is really the only place to try.
(4)KT C.
Such a great unexpected hole in the wall type of place. I went for lunch a little later than typical so no one else was in the restaurant. Had an authentic Cuban with fried plantains, everything was made to order.
(5)Thomas S.
I went here expecting to blown away with flavor and spices of Cuba & Puerto Rico. The food was well prepared but lacked any flavor. Very bland.
(2)Steve M.
This place is awesome. Is the food alone a 5...eh maybe...but it is about the people too. We are recent transplants to Lexington from downtown Chicago. In the 10 years we lived their all we ate at was privately owned small awesome restaurants. And this place absolutely is one of those awesome hole in the wall joints. Is there a small language barrier...yup...but who the heck cares. The food is authentic and it is great. I had the cuban and my wife had a vegetarian sandwich. The rice and beans on the side were very good. Our 2 and a half year old had chicken with rice and beans and mowed it down. He said it was his new favorite restaurant. We sat at the counter and he loved to watch them prepare the food. The people are super nice and the food is great. Go here.
(5)Ryan N.
This place is great! The food was excellent. The Ropa Vieja plate was delicious, and the sides (beans/rice and fried plantains) were good too. The portion size was good. My only gripe is the disposable plates/flatware. A few other reviewers mentioned potential language issues--we didn't have a problem at all. The owners were sweet, cordial and great. You always get great meals from places like these. This is a mom n pop establishment, conjuring up a little Cubano vibe in Lexington. And for the low price, you can't beat it.
(4)John S.
So it's definitely been a while since I came here while I was in Lexington, but I cannot pass up the opportunity to give this small mom and pop (literally) place a positive review. I came here with some coworkers while at Lexington for work, looking to get dinner around 7ish. Once arriving, they were a little hesitant given that from the outside it looked pretty mediocre, but I assured them the best hole-in-the-wall places often look like this. And I was definitely right, as they all agreed this was some AMAZING food. I had the Bistec Empanizado (breaded skirt steak), which was delicious and juicy and oh so tasty. Even the breaded layer was juicy somehow, and not dry at all. I had it with the Maduros (fried plantains), which were just the right amount of fried - soft but still a bit crunchy on the outside edges. Also had the rice and black beans, which (as everyone should) I mixed together to eat. This was real tasty too; I think it was the texture of the rice or the spicing on the beans. Either way, overall a delicious meal and being from Miami myself I'd definitely say this place does Cuban food justice.
(5)Danny D.
Really love the fried green plantains and the Cubano. I've eaten lot of Cuban cuisine in my time and though the sandwich is mildly different (as is the bread) the flavors are all there! The people who own and run Old San Juan are very sweet and provide great service. Plus they have the mini grocery section. For dessert we had guava wafers and mango nectar. Will go back again an again and will definitely recommend!
(5)Andrea N.
Everything we've ever gotten here has been delicious. Last time we got a Cuban sandwich, the piccadillo and croquettes de pollo. So good! They forgot to put my sandwich in my to go order bag but were very apologetic and even refunded my money when I came back to pick it up.
(5)Pepper T.
A friend turned me on this place... Authentic Cuban food is good! Like being back in Ybor City! I ordered the Cuban sandwich and the bread was amazing... it's what makes the sandwich. It was perfectly pressed. My friend ordered the steak tip sandwich and let's say, it did not last long on his plate. It's clean, the rating posted was 100%. The owners are kind, attentive and keep it simple. It's about the food and the food is wonderful!
(5)Beth H.
The food was wonderful! I had the special, can't remember what it was called. Can't wait to go back and try something else.
(4)Gisela D.
Great Cuban / Caribbean food!! Family run restaurant. New owners, Ale & Graci are lovely. My fav is the picadillo which reminds me of my grandmothers ( I'm originally fr Puerto Rico) and the Flan...yum. Love it!
(5)Charles S.
My family ate there and really loved it. I had a cuban and wasn't expecting it really to be anything new but the bread really made the sandwich. It was salty bread but it was really good. My wife had a chicken sandwich and managed to eat the whole thing. She said she wasn't sure the bread was cooked through but loved it anyways.
(4)Sherah I.
I first went on a Monday but they are closed on Mondays so I returned on a Tuesday. Before I came in, a woman that worked in the restaurant kept coming to the door to look at me sitting in my car lol, I just thought it was funny because she saw me in my car but when I came into the restaurant, her and two other women just looked at me without greeting me. A man finally came to greet me to take my order. The restaurant was empty other than the staff members. There were not to many grocery items they offered and the feel of the restaurant was that they did not get many customers. It felt like the wild wild west where there are no people in the town and a tumbleweed is seen rolling across the street lol. I viewed the menu before going so I had my mind set on the Ropa Vieja Cuban but I was told he was fixing it right now and it would take about 20-25 minutes before it was done... I wasn't waiting that long so I ordered the Picadillo. I got my food to go because I always feel awkward when there are more servers than customers because I feel people are just watching me eat lol. Once I got home, I surveyed the food to see what goods I got in my order. There was the main dish that was seasoned ground beef, white rice and two pieces of plantains, a bowl of black bean soup and two pieces of bread. The beef was okay, a bit salty but I was not Wowed by the meal. The black bean soup was really good as well as the plantains. The bread was just regular bread with butter. Overall the meal and service were okay. I will not go back because there was nothing that spectacular that made me want to go back to try other dishes. I have never had Cuban food so this was my first time, so far I am not a fan but I am sure Cuban food is amazing, I just have to find the right place that serves it.
(3)Brandon T.
This place is so amazing I had to write a review. I almost never do. This place from the outside looks like it would be a no but you have to say yes and get past the look! This is the most amazing place. Completely authentic. I had the chorizo sandwich, fried plantains, black beans and rice (stirred together once on my table). My friend had the milanesa and shared the sides. OH MY GOD! So amazing. I dot live in Lexington but this is a stop that I will never pass up when in town!
(5)Beth C.
Delicious Cuban sandwich! The bread was amazing. The location of this place is not exactly appealing, and you might drive by and say to yourself, "Hmm, should I try it?" I recommend giving it a go. There were two people working behind the counter, and there was definitely a language barrier. Those three college courses in Spanish were NOT beneficial. Thanks be to God, there were two people sitting up at the counter that were chatting it up with the workers and could act as translators. They smiled and said, "Have a seat! They'll be with you shortly." Much to my dismay, the only this available on the menu that evening was sandwiches as I managed to figure out in my conversation with the employee that she was short staffed and would only be able to make us sandwiches. Good old reliable Cuban sandwich it was. The hubby and I were the only two guests in there during our entire visit. The food was good. There was a tiny little market area in the back of the restaurant. I'd like to go back again and try some of their other menu options. OH--I almost forgot!!! FLAN! Take a piece to go after your stuff yourself.
(4)Jeremiah A.
The wait is long but that's because it's a family operation. It's a little Cuban grocery store with a kitchen. The Cubano and fried plantains are good. If you're in the mood for Cuban in Lexington, this is really the only place to try.
(4)KT C.
Such a great unexpected hole in the wall type of place. I went for lunch a little later than typical so no one else was in the restaurant. Had an authentic Cuban with fried plantains, everything was made to order.
(5)Thomas S.
I went here expecting to blown away with flavor and spices of Cuba & Puerto Rico. The food was well prepared but lacked any flavor. Very bland.
(2)