
Address and Contact Information
Address: 5033 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: (980) 219-8339
Website: http://elpurocubanrestaurant.com/
Menu Photos
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Reviews
From the moment you walk in, you feel it — the music, the vibe, the warmth. The live band sets the tone with classic Cuban rhythms that make the entire place feel alive. It’s not just background music — it’s part of the experience. The sound fills the room without overpowering conversation, creating that perfect balance between lively and intimate.
Now let’s talk about the food — because it’s outstanding.
I ordered a plate featuring tender, slow-braised shredded beef in a rich, savory tomato-based sauce. The meat was incredibly flavorful, perfectly seasoned, and fall-apart tender — you can tell it’s been cooked low and slow the right way. The sauce had depth, with hints of garlic, peppers, and warm spices that tied everything together beautifully.
It was served alongside perfectly cooked rice (dark and flavorful, likely infused with beans and seasoning), sweet fried plantains that were caramelized just right — crispy edges, soft centers — and a fresh, crisp salad to balance the richness. Every component on the plate complemented the other. Nothing felt like an afterthought.
The presentation was generous and rustic, exactly what you want from authentic Cuban comfort food.
The service was welcoming and attentive, and the overall ambiance makes it a great spot for:
• Date nights
• Celebrations
• Dinner with friends
• Or just a night out where you want great food and live music
El Puro isn’t just a restaurant — it’s an experience. Great food, great atmosphere, and great live music. I’ll absolutely be back.
We started with the empanadas and croquetas, which were both pretty good, but the real standouts were the entrées. I ordered the Ropa Vieja, and I also tried my friend’s Bistec Relleno—and I definitely made the right choice. The Ropa Vieja was savory, perfectly seasoned, and disappeared from my plate in no time. For dessert, two friends ordered the Dulce de Leche and a chocolate pie or cheesecake they had available at the time. The dulce de leche was excellent.
Overall, I really enjoyed the meal and the atmosphere. I’ll definitely be back to try more of the menu—brunch, perhaps.
We ordered a smoked old fashion and a pina colada! Wow! The pina colada was probably one of the BEST I’ve had! The smoked old fashion was also a hit. The pina colada mix is made in house and it shows through the Rich flavor. We skipped appetizers and ordered our main course. I ordered the ropa vieja and my husband the Rabo encendido(oxtail). You can tell that both dishes were made with love and patience. They came out fresh and flavorful! Charlotte has a GOOD thing going with this spot.
Check them out, you won’t be disappointed!! We plan to return soon!!
Saturday’s live music was fun. Nice to see people dancing while you’re enjoying your meal. I might have heard “happy birthday” more times than I’d liked, but maybe I wouldn’t have minded if I was there to celebrate that.
– Cocktails leaned on the sweet side (esp. the guava nectar) but the tropical profiles were tasty and complementary to heavy food.
– Appetizer sampler (tapa cubana) was a good move, but the fried pork shoulder (masitas) only had flavor in the fat and was unpleasantly dry elsewhere.
– Entrees we’re just fine. I’d consider them overpriced if you don’t include the entertainment “tax” (not a real surcharge).