Libertad in Philadelphia

Old City houses some of the best happy hours in Philadelphia. Its eclectic styles are what make this part of town a breeding ground for young professionals. Cuba Libre Restaurant and Rum Bar helps to celebrate this freedom by enjoying after work endeavors with co-workers, family and friends. Cuba is perfectly styled with a Latin fusion vibe on its 2nd and Market location, whose designers managed to keep the best of Latin American ambiance to suit Philadelphians nightlife.

 

Happy hours at Cuba Libre are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Having the best mojitos in this side of town is what makes happy hour a savvy remembrance of Cuba’s musical enlightment. Mojitos in Cuba include Pineapple, Pomegranate, and Mango and of course the signature Lime. My favorite drink of the hour had to be the “Cabajito” Manhattan. It had the perfect amount of sweets, ice and liqs to make it feel like you were having a drink alongside the tropical waves of the Caribbean. Did I forget to mention that they are $4! That’s huge compared to its $12 and up prices for mojitos post happy hour.

 

For those of you that not only go to experience the variety of drinks in Cuba, there’s always the bar food from paradise. The plates are $3 dollars, they may be small amounts but they are worth every bit of Cuban soul in a bite. Dishes like “el chicharron de pollo,” which is a crunchified chicken or pork served with a slice of fried plantain. Then there’s the “papa rellena,” which is “potato balls” with meat filling. It’s best if you spray a dash of lime.

 

Not only is this happy hour location great for the occasional happy hour, but also the consistent romantic ambiance your partner would happily reward you for. The restaurant does all the work for you with Latin rhythms setting the mood and its candle lit tables, even the servers are playing their part by wearing “Guayaberas” (Cuban shirts). Before the Latino in Philadelphia experience is over, your server will bring your bill in a Cuban cigar box still active with scents of Cuban cigars. Cigars not many Americans will ever enjoy. What a tease.

 

Another highlight is its salsa nights after 11 p.m. from Thursday to Saturday. Not only do they present quick dance shows every 30 minutes but there’s NO COVER. And if you’re afraid to step on the dance floor, don’t worry too much, after a couple of mojitos and its inviting crowds you’ll probably think you need to audition for “So You Think You can Dance.