Usually love this place. I've gone a few times especially because I have a friend that lives near by. Last night ordered the ron don, louis burger, and beef gallitos. The beef gallitos were amazing than I moved on to the Ron don..... The curry was soo overdone! I've ordered the Ron don a few times and never have I had it this hot before. Definitely ruined the dish for me couldn't eat it without my mouth being on fire which has never been the case before. I love a kick but come on it was wayyyy overdone! I don't know if they were off yesterday but for how slow it was I would expect them to be on point. The burger was also another disappointment. Had this burger twice before I know it has mustard on it but this burger was drenched in it. Couldn't even taste the burger just the freaking mustard. I like mustard but not when it's all you can taste! Very disappointed and not sure if I'll ever order again especially since I paid like $58. Also don't know if maybe it's because I did takeout but still no excuse should taste the same when in the restaurant! Just overall a bad experience!
George M.
This place was on our list since opening and we finally checked it out. The small space is inviting and came with a warm welcome. We shared patacones, cabbage salad, parsnip chimmichurri and oyster cebiche. All were very good. The choice of oysters for the cebiche we found a bit odd but still flavorful. The first thing that was not optimal was that the server prematurely withdrew a dish that still had plenty of dips left, the patacones I recall. We wanted to finish them with the plantain chips but it vanished while we weren't looking. We all ordered the carne asada which was delicious. However, it took about 30 min before that main appeared and it was pretty cold while the roasted jalapeño accompaniment was piping hot. Also, one person's meat was well-done, one medium, and another med-rare. Carne asada is often served med-rare, but we weren't asked about temp preference and that's what we got. Still we enjoyed the place and will return.
Courtney Early
We stopped here for lunch one day and were pleasantly surprised! The waitstaff was friendly and attentive and the brunch we had was so good! The dirty rice and beans in addition to the breakfast plates was heaven. This is now one of our favorite breakfast spots!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gallo Pinto
Andrew M.
On this occasion, I came here with a pretty big group (10 or so) on a weekday evening, and they were very accommodating with advance notice. Inside isn't a very large space, but it has an approachable, casual vibe, with a lot of light colors and wood surfaces going on. I imagine that in the summer, they probably offer a lot more seating outside. Service was pretty good. Although our waitress seemed inexperienced, she was friendly enough and had our 10-top's order in quickly, serving things as they were ready. We tried out seemingly half the menu, but for me, the stars of the show were the radicchio salad, cod gallitos, squash frita, and patacone. The burger was cooked well and was pretty good. The media noche - sort of an updated cubano sandwich - was the only thing that didn't hit the mark for me, as the pork was very dry, and it really missed the punchy flavors you usually get from a mustardy, pickly cuban sandwich. Otherwise everything was very enjoyable! Good cocktails too. The one thing that left a bit of sour taste was the way the bill was handled. Auto-gratuity was included because of the size of our party, however this was not stated on the menu, nor was it communicated to us by the waitress. As a result, the individual paying for the meal ended up double-tipping, and I would have expected this to have been pointed out as we wrapped everything up. To Cafe Louis' credit, however, they straightened everything out after a quick email the next day. We will definitely be back! I can't wait to try out the rest of their menu, and maybe have a cold cerveza or two at the bar.
Cody Floyd
Absolutely loved Cafe Louis. Started with a round of jaw dropping cocktails and proceeded to order everything but the burger off the afternoon menu (which looked fantastic). Our server was great and I am a sucker for a restaurant with an open galley. This may be our new favorite spot in SoPo. The vibes in here are exquisite and the music had us bobbing our heads. A+
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rachel P.
Excellent service and space. Their veggie burger (made in house) was fabulous!! Such a jewel of an establishment
Carol Lindsey
Very nice breakfast, all the plantain dishes are spot on. Delicious hibiscus spritzer, fresh everything. Salt cod cakes needed the salt cod soaked (more-?) way too salty , otherwise perfection. Pricey but the food really is above average, salt cod not withstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ron Don, Queso Para Frier, Cabbage Salad
Susan P Murrell
The food was excellent; atmosphere cute; service pleasant. Will definitely be going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Media Noche House Cubano, Tres Leches Pancakes
Sherri Supple
Love this place! Cozy, excellent food, drinks.Our waitess was an adorable, attentive, friendly young lady who did a great job too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Louis Burger, Ron Don
Victor Mendez G.
I have been told there’s a mix of good caribbean dishes, but not tipico costarican ? oh no! Definitely looking to try it out next time I go to Portland.
My husband and I were crying about this food the entire time. Everything was chefs kiss! Close to being our favorite place to eat in Maine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ron Don
Hannah R.
Everything was a 5 out of 5! The restaurant is super cozy and the staff were very helpful and friendly. I got the beef gallitos which were honestly some of the best tacos I've had! The lime is essential and adds freshness to the dish. The patacones with the guacamole was a good appetizer. I wish the guacamole was more chunky but the plantains were cooked well! I would definitely come back and get the fried cod gallitos next time and make sure to make a reservation.
Lesley Jones
Food was great. They were busy. Service was not great.Pricey too.Small plate.Very tasty tho.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Ben Whiting
Bowl of Ron Don, solid breads, good brews, and other eclectic drinks! mussels local not Walmart
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ron Don
Rob B.
The vibe is fine. Nothing great, not bad either. The service is fine. One lady was a bit lackluster and on instagram a lot, but another dude was very accommodating for dietary info and friendly with our party. The food is outstanding though. The apps are good, the drinks are interesting, and the entrees are stand-out. Shout out to the mussels dish with grilled bread. And the bison chopped cheese style sandwich was off the chain. Also I've eaten hundreds of cubano's, and can say their cubano is very well crafted. Big ups.
Usually love this place. I've gone a few times especially because I have a friend that lives near by. Last night ordered the ron don, louis burger, and beef gallitos. The beef gallitos were amazing than I moved on to the Ron don..... The curry was soo overdone! I've ordered the Ron don a few times and never have I had it this hot before. Definitely ruined the dish for me couldn't eat it without my mouth being on fire which has never been the case before. I love a kick but come on it was wayyyy overdone! I don't know if they were off yesterday but for how slow it was I would expect them to be on point. The burger was also another disappointment. Had this burger twice before I know it has mustard on it but this burger was drenched in it. Couldn't even taste the burger just the freaking mustard. I like mustard but not when it's all you can taste! Very disappointed and not sure if I'll ever order again especially since I paid like $58. Also don't know if maybe it's because I did takeout but still no excuse should taste the same when in the restaurant! Just overall a bad experience!
This place was on our list since opening and we finally checked it out. The small space is inviting and came with a warm welcome. We shared patacones, cabbage salad, parsnip chimmichurri and oyster cebiche. All were very good. The choice of oysters for the cebiche we found a bit odd but still flavorful. The first thing that was not optimal was that the server prematurely withdrew a dish that still had plenty of dips left, the patacones I recall. We wanted to finish them with the plantain chips but it vanished while we weren't looking. We all ordered the carne asada which was delicious. However, it took about 30 min before that main appeared and it was pretty cold while the roasted jalapeño accompaniment was piping hot. Also, one person's meat was well-done, one medium, and another med-rare. Carne asada is often served med-rare, but we weren't asked about temp preference and that's what we got. Still we enjoyed the place and will return.
We stopped here for lunch one day and were pleasantly surprised! The waitstaff was friendly and attentive and the brunch we had was so good! The dirty rice and beans in addition to the breakfast plates was heaven. This is now one of our favorite breakfast spots!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Gallo Pinto
On this occasion, I came here with a pretty big group (10 or so) on a weekday evening, and they were very accommodating with advance notice. Inside isn't a very large space, but it has an approachable, casual vibe, with a lot of light colors and wood surfaces going on. I imagine that in the summer, they probably offer a lot more seating outside. Service was pretty good. Although our waitress seemed inexperienced, she was friendly enough and had our 10-top's order in quickly, serving things as they were ready. We tried out seemingly half the menu, but for me, the stars of the show were the radicchio salad, cod gallitos, squash frita, and patacone. The burger was cooked well and was pretty good. The media noche - sort of an updated cubano sandwich - was the only thing that didn't hit the mark for me, as the pork was very dry, and it really missed the punchy flavors you usually get from a mustardy, pickly cuban sandwich. Otherwise everything was very enjoyable! Good cocktails too. The one thing that left a bit of sour taste was the way the bill was handled. Auto-gratuity was included because of the size of our party, however this was not stated on the menu, nor was it communicated to us by the waitress. As a result, the individual paying for the meal ended up double-tipping, and I would have expected this to have been pointed out as we wrapped everything up. To Cafe Louis' credit, however, they straightened everything out after a quick email the next day. We will definitely be back! I can't wait to try out the rest of their menu, and maybe have a cold cerveza or two at the bar.
Absolutely loved Cafe Louis. Started with a round of jaw dropping cocktails and proceeded to order everything but the burger off the afternoon menu (which looked fantastic). Our server was great and I am a sucker for a restaurant with an open galley. This may be our new favorite spot in SoPo. The vibes in here are exquisite and the music had us bobbing our heads. A+
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent service and space. Their veggie burger (made in house) was fabulous!! Such a jewel of an establishment
Very nice breakfast, all the plantain dishes are spot on. Delicious hibiscus spritzer, fresh everything. Salt cod cakes needed the salt cod soaked (more-?) way too salty , otherwise perfection. Pricey but the food really is above average, salt cod not withstanding.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ron Don, Queso Para Frier, Cabbage Salad
The food was excellent; atmosphere cute; service pleasant. Will definitely be going back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Media Noche House Cubano, Tres Leches Pancakes
Love this place! Cozy, excellent food, drinks.Our waitess was an adorable, attentive, friendly young lady who did a great job too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Louis Burger, Ron Don
I have been told there’s a mix of good caribbean dishes, but not tipico costarican ? oh no! Definitely looking to try it out next time I go to Portland.
Restaurantji Recommends
My husband and I were crying about this food the entire time. Everything was chefs kiss! Close to being our favorite place to eat in Maine.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ron Don
Everything was a 5 out of 5! The restaurant is super cozy and the staff were very helpful and friendly. I got the beef gallitos which were honestly some of the best tacos I've had! The lime is essential and adds freshness to the dish. The patacones with the guacamole was a good appetizer. I wish the guacamole was more chunky but the plantains were cooked well! I would definitely come back and get the fried cod gallitos next time and make sure to make a reservation.
Food was great. They were busy. Service was not great.Pricey too.Small plate.Very tasty tho.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Bowl of Ron Don, solid breads, good brews, and other eclectic drinks! mussels local not Walmart
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Ron Don
The vibe is fine. Nothing great, not bad either. The service is fine. One lady was a bit lackluster and on instagram a lot, but another dude was very accommodating for dietary info and friendly with our party. The food is outstanding though. The apps are good, the drinks are interesting, and the entrees are stand-out. Shout out to the mussels dish with grilled bread. And the bison chopped cheese style sandwich was off the chain. Also I've eaten hundreds of cubano's, and can say their cubano is very well crafted. Big ups.