An eatery that has been long in the making is finally serving customers as part of the completed vision of two ex-NYC restaurateurs, who have been serving the community via a catering business over the past few years.
Way back in September 2017, we reported on the imminent arrival of Casa Cubana. The endeavor came from ownership behind Agozar, a Cuban restaurant in Manhattan’s East Village that had a 15-year run before closing in 2018.
Casa Cubana had initially pegged Downtown space inside 363 Grove Street for their future home (which is now home to Tony’s Boloney’s). But co-owner Gerardo Perez confirmed to Jersey Digs the following year that the restaurant would instead be opening at 1007 Summit Avenue.
Perez, who runs the business with his sister, Diana Mastrodimos, called the neighborhood “up and coming” and told us that choosing The Heights instead of Downtown was a “good opportunity for us long-term.” Casa Cubana has been running a catering operation out of the property in the time leading up to the opening of their proper restaurant last month.
Currently open for pick-up, delivery, and quick service dine-in at 25% capacity, Casa Cubana Express offers daily specials and a lunch buffet. Classic pressed sandwiches like Pan con lechon with roast pork or a traditional Cubano are highlights as are tapas including beef, chicken, or spinach and cheese empanadas or wild mushroom croquettes.
Entrees include staples like ropa vieja and lechon, a Cuban spin on roast pork. A breaded sirloin steak dubbed bistec empanizado and several paellas are featured, as are sides like sweet plantains, yuca fritas, and rice and bean varieties. Desserts like tres leches, flan, and fried churros round out the menu.
Customers can order online directly from Casa Cubana Express through their website and the restaurant is now open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. They are currently taking orders for their holiday platters that include whole suckling pig packages and can be followed on Instagram at the handle @casacubanajc.
