Guantanamera

Guantanamera opened during the mid-aughts mojito boom, and the tiki ceiling fans and tropical murals at this large Hell’s Kitchen restaurant are still an appropriate setting for a glass of muddled mint and rum. They have Happy Hours from 12pm-6pm, but this kitschy Cuban restaurant truly comes alive at night, with live bands, a crowded bar, a man selling hand-rolled cigars, and couples dancing. It’s always a party, until midnight most days, and 1am on weekends. The food consists mostly of platters of meat, rice and beans, and while it’s adequate fuel, don’t expect anything too fancy. The next time you want to hear some music while simultaneously eating a Cubano and learning how to mambo—or if you just need a spot to take a group of people after a Broadway show—try this place.