Cuba Libre, nestled neatly in Pointe Orlando, has been on my must-try list for a while now. We used to have an apartment nearby, and I’d see it while running errands. With its Havana-esque exterior, I’d always say, “We have to go there!”
If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a highly decorated themed restaurant. Cuba Libre absolutely fits the bill. We finally made time to check out their Tropical Brunch, available Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm. I have to say, this may be one of the best brunches in Orlando.
It’s also the first restaurant featured in my new Best Restaurants Orlando series, where I’ll be highlighting local spots that stand out for their flavor, atmosphere, and overall experience.
Note: This is not a gluten-free review. For more info on gluten-free options at Cuba Libre, scroll to the end of the post.

Cuba Libre Orlando Quick Facts:
- Location: Pointe Orlando, in the heart of the I-Drive area
- Meal: Brunch (Saturdays & Sundays, 12 PM – 4 PM)
- Atmosphere: Vibrant and tropical, and a hint of nightclub energy.
- Price Point: $$–$$$ (Most brunch dishes fall between $18-$32)
- Standout Dish: Honestly, quite a few items impressed us. But if you only try one thing, make it the Pressed Cuban Bread with Mango Butter. It’s sweet, salty, soft, and crispy in all the right ways.
- Reservations Needed: Reservations are not needed but are recommended and can be made online or by phone.
- Is there a Dress-Code? There is not a dress code during brunch, lunch, or standard dinner. There is a dress-code during Cuba Libre Nights (an after hours event with music and dancing). Consult the Cuba Libre website for best practices.
Atmosphere & First Impressions:
What has always caught my eye when driving past Cuba Libre is that even the exterior is thoughtfully themed. The building features lightly colored plaster, decorative windows, and a vintage-looking marquee, just like the architecture you'd find in the heart of Havana. (Fun fact: Mr. Garlic and I actually spent a few months in Havana, and it's one of our favorite places.)
Walking up, there's an outdoor hostess stand and a large open patio with plenty of tables if you prefer to sit outside. Since I wanted to explore more of the interior theming, we chose a booth inside.

Our booth was cozy and comfortable, with thick padding, a pleather cover, and a great view of the space. We were tucked into a corner beneath a large mural of Cuba, surrounded by painted wooden shutters in classic Havana teal, faux plants, and textured walls that made the space feel warm and lived-in.

We had a half-booth, half-chair setup that gave us a nice overlook of the main dining floor. One corner held a tucked-away bar, framed by archways. The central dining area felt spacious and open, with two-story ceilings, dim faux candle lighting, and a layout that reminded me of a breezy plaza. A wide staircase led up to a second floor, which was closed during brunch but is usually open for dinner. I was told it’s modeled after a Havana town square.

While we were dining, the staff was setting up for their weekend Cuba Libre Nights, a nightclub-style event with music, dancing, and drinks that takes place on Fridays and Saturdays.
What’s on the Menu? Brunch & Dinner:
Our server, John, greeted us quickly and handed over a stack of menus. Personally, I appreciate a large menu with a lot of options and variety, so this was right up my alley.
(Find the full & current Cuba Libre Orlando menu here)
The first was the Brunch Menu, split into two sides:
- One side featured Cuban twists on classic brunch dishes. Think sweet and savory flavors, tropical ingredients, and bold seasonings across plates both familiar and unexpected.
- The other side listed brunch beverages and cocktails, including bottomless brunch drink options, which were a nice touch if you enjoy a mimosa or three with brunch.


Next up was the Dinner Menu, which we were told is also available during brunch hours:
- The front highlighted classic Cuban small plates and sharable entrées, perfect if you're visiting with a group or want to try a bit of everything.
- The back, a selection of wines and classic Cuban cocktails, like mojitos and caipirinhas, all crafted to match the restaurant’s tropical vibe.


Whether you're popping in for a casual brunch, a birthday dinner, or late-night cocktails, the menu feels fun and versatile without being overwhelming. (Although I do wish I had three stomachs to try more.)
What We Ordered:
After looking over both menus, Mr. Garlic and I decided to split a few things to get a better feel for the brunch lineup.
Drinks: Bottomless Brunch Cocktails – $17 per person
The menu lists bottomless pitchers of classic mimosa, pineapple mimosa, pomegranate mimosa, red or white sangria, and bloody marys. Since a single mimosa runs $9, we figured the bottomless option was the way to go.
We chose the classic mimosa, expecting it to arrive in a pitcher to share. Instead, individual stemmed flutes were brought to the table. Our server let us know that because the drinks weren't in a shared pitcher, we could mix and match, which I actually preferred. Variety is always better in my book.

I tried:
- The classic mimosa, which was simple and refreshing, though a little heavier on the orange juice than I usually like.
- The white sangria, which was light, dry, and fruity. It leaned less sweet, which is exactly how I like my sangria.
6.5/10. The drinks were good but not standout. Still, the bottomless option was a solid value and I'd definitely order it again next time.

Starter: Mango Butter and Pressed Cuban Bread (V)
First basket complimentary, $4.75 for additional orders
This was a major win. The bread arrived warm in a basket. Four slices of crispy, golden, buttery Cuban bread with a side of lightly whipped orange-hued mango butter. The flavor reminded me of French toast with its sweet and savory balance. Buttery, just the right amount of crunch, and that mango butter added some tropical flair.
8.5/10. Honestly, I would go back just for this. It’s that good.

Starter: Smoked Cubano Pork Belly – $15
Mr. Garlic loves a pork belly, and this one did not disappoint. The plate came with three pieces of tender, spice-rubbed pork belly, grilled with a rum and pineapple glaze. Underneath was a generous swipe of black bean hummus (lightly spiced with cumin), and it was all topped with pickled pineapple, microgreens, and a balsamic drizzle.

The pork belly had a perfect char on the outside and melted in your mouth. Every bite had something going on, sweet, smoky, savory, creamy, tangy.
7.5/10. Beautiful presentation and really well-balanced flavors. Would definitely get this again.
Brunch Entrée: Jamón y Huevo Breakfast Sandwich – $19.50
This dish arrived with yucca fries and a side of mayoketchup, but visually it was underwhelming. Kind of like a slightly elevated cafeteria sandwich. That said, looks can be deceiving.

Once we took a bite, we were surprised. The soft toasted brioche bun had a touch of sweetness, layered with country ham, bacon, cheddar, sautéed onions, and a rich mayo-ketchupsauce. Flavor-wise, it totally delivered.
The yucca fries were thick-cut and had potential, but they were a little soggy and lacking in flavor. The outside was crispy enough, but the inside leaned toward dense and dry.
5.5/10. Not a bad dish at all. The sandwich was delicious, but between the average presentation and the fries being a bit meh, it’s not one I’d rush to get again with so many other standout options on the menu.
Brunch Entrée: Huevos Benedict – $21
This dish was loaded. Two generous benedicts on toasted brioche with smoked salmon, ripe avocado, poached eggs, red onion, hollandaise, crispy capers, and a smoky chipotle aioli drizzled underneath. It came with a side of breakfast potatoes topped with salsa and sour cream.

The eggs were perfectly poached, the avocado was creamy and fresh, and there was a decent portion of cold-smoked salmon. The hollandaise was a bit light, but the crispy capers added great texture and that salty little punch. The sweet toasted brioche held it all together, and the chipotle aioli gave it a little Cuban flair with a subtle kick.
The breakfast potatoes, though, were our least favorite thing we tried that day. They were a bit cold, soggy, and dry, like they’d been sitting for a while. The flavor was just okay and the salsa and sour cream on top helped a little, but not enough to save them.
6.5/10. I love a good benedict, and this one was tasty and super filling. I'd skip the potatoes next time, but I’d still order the dish again.
Service & Overall Experience:
- Pacing: The pacing of our meal was well timed. We ordered both appetizers and entrées, and everything came out in a smooth rhythm. The pork belly arrived first and was followed shortly by our mains, so we never felt like we were left waiting or rushing through courses.
- Staff: Our server, John, was incredibly friendly with an upbeat, welcoming attitude. He answered all of our questions and even checked on the ones he wasn’t sure about, which I always appreciate.
- Brunch Vibe: The restaurant had a relaxed but lively vibe, with upbeat Latin music playing softly in the background and staff moving at a steady but unhurried pace. We visited on a Saturday around 1:00 PM and it wasn’t overly crowded, which made for a really pleasant experience. The team was already beginning setup for their weekend Cuba Libre Nights event.
- Refills & Plates: Water refills were timely, and while our table was a little small, John let us know we could place finished plates on the empty table next to us and he’d collect them. He followed through on that quickly, keeping the space tidy.
- Cleanliness: Everything felt clean and well maintained, including the restrooms.
Additional Info & FAQ's:
Inside Pointe Orlando on International Drive.
Google Maps Link
Not required, but recommended, especially for brunch or weekends. You can book through online or call directly.
Brunch is served Saturday & Sunday from 12 PM – 4 PM.
Yes!
Monday–Friday: 5 PM – 6 PM
Saturday–Sunday: 4 PM – 6 PM
Bar and bar table seating only.
Pointe Orlando has a large parking garage just a short walk from the restaurant.
0–2 hours: $5
2–3 hours: $7
3+ hours: $10
Valet is also available for $17.
Final Thoughts: Is it Worth it?
Atmosphere: 7/10
If you're into themed restaurants, you'll probably love this spot. As a theme park lover, I really appreciated the attention to detail, from the decor to the music, the whole place had a fun, immersive vibe.
Food: 6.5/10
There were a few misses, but most of what we tried was flavorful, fun, and well-cooked. This isn’t fine dining, but that’s not the point. It’s more about hearty, craveable food with Cuban flair.
Value: 6/10
For a spot on International Drive, prices were actually pretty fair. Appetizers range from $15–$20, entrees from $20–$35. Portion sizes felt right for the price, and the bottomless brunch drinks definitely helped balance out the value.
Location & Parking: 5.5/10
Being located in Pointe Orlando, parking is fairly straightforward. There's a large garage just a short walk from the restaurant. Rates are reasonable, and even on a busy Saturday we found a spot in just a few minutes. Beats street parking for sure.
Who would love this spot?
Date night couples, casual brunch groups, tourists exploring I-Drive, and locals who love a little kitschy theming with their meal. If you’re in the mood for Cuban flavors, tropical cocktails, and an upbeat setting, this place checks the boxes.
Accessibility, noise levels, and kid-friendliness:
- Accessibility: Though it's a two-floor restaurant, there's an elevator to reach the upper level.
- Noise level: During our brunch visit it was comfortably low. Soft music, some chatter, but nothing overpowering. Easy to hold a conversation without raising your voice.
- Kid-friendly: Absolutely! There’s a kids’ menu with options like empanadas, chicken tenders, and a Cuban sandwich, each priced at $15.95 during our visit. It felt like a good spot for families during the day or early evenings.
Would we return?
Yes! And next time, we’d love to check out the dinner menu or come back for another round of brunch.
Our Overall Rating: 6.5/10
It’s not a must-do fine dining experience, but for a fun, flavorful, and reasonably priced brunch on I-Drive? Definitely worth a visit.
If you love immersive vibes, Cuban flavors, and a good mojito (or three), this spot should definitely be on your radar. Whether you're visiting Orlando or a local looking for something fun and different on I-Drive, it’s worth checking out at least once.
Have you been to Cuba Libre? Tell me your favorite dish in the comments or tag me in your brunch pics. I'd love to know what you ordered!
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