A Touch of Havana In Hamilton Park
Rumba Cubana has opened this month, bringing a little touch of Havana to Hamilton Park. Owners Ian and Nairelyz Lopez are a husband-and-wife team who emigrated from Cuba in 2000. They opened the first Rumba Cubana in North Bergen in 2009, with outposts in Guttenberg, Clifton, and now JC to follow.
If you haven’t been, Rumba Cubana is nicely situated in the ground floor of Silverman’s Park Francis Building across from Hamilton Park. Their outdoor seating is planted in the cobblestoned pedestrian walkway, across from Madame Claude Wine Shop, GPs Restaurant, and Smith and Chang Coffee Shop. We bring this up because this small square is a perfect example of retail done right, we think.
Since opening, Rumba Cubana has been consistently busy. There is ample and comfortable seating inside and friendly, efficient staff. The Cuban music sets a festive tone that, upon entering, makes you (or us, at least) immediately clamor for a cocktail and a fun-filled meal.
On our three visits, the manager came by our table (and others) to welcome us and offer menu tips, which was helpful for those who struggle to choose from a very extensive menu. Our favorites among the traditional Cuban dishes we sampled: Lechon Asado (marinated roasted pork, covered with grilled onions and mojo), Camarones al Ajillo (sautéed shrimp simply but perfectly prepared with butter, garlic, parsley and white wine) and Salmon Tropical (a palate-pleasing plate of roasted salmon covered in pineapple sauce, fresh fruit and cilantro).
Vegetarians and vegans will find options tucked in between the many seafood, pork, beef and chicken dishes. There’s also a tapas menu, a kid’s menu, and lunch and weekly specials. Beyond the Mojitos and other Rum concoctions, Rumba Cubana has a full cocktail and wine list. There’s lunch and weekly specials, too. The next Rumba Cubana is set to open in New Rochelle, but we will likely run into you in Hamilton Park, mojito in hand!
Rumba Cubana, 235 Pavonia Ave. 201-878-440 www.rumbacubana.com