Cuban restaurant opens in Covington’s Wedding District

Covington’s resurgent Wedding District welcomed a new dining option last month.  Cuba Cafe opened at 630 Madison Avenue and will unsurprisingly feature Cuban cuisine.

The location is in the heart of Covington and only a short walk from the popular Greenup Street and Main Strasse commercial districts.

The restaurant will be open Monday through Saturday for lunch and early dinner.  Restaurant owner Willie Rodriguez is a Cuban native and has included his mother in the venture as the main cook of the Cuban dishes that also come in family-style portions.  The family operation goes even further as Rodriguez’s sister serves up the dishes that go for the typical lunch price of $5 to $8.

The Cuban dishes will include “homemade rice, beans and a variety of meats.”  The always popular Cuban sandwiches will also grace the menu with pulled pork and ham.

Cuba Cafe will also serve a variety of homemade pastries “filled with fruit, fruit and cream cheese, coconut and flan.”  Early morning goers, or those just looking for a jolt, will be able to enjoy the notoriously strong Cuba coffee called “bustelo” or “cafe con leche.”  Rodriguez says that the bestelo will be served in a tiny shot glass and deliver “a jolt of espresso” for just 85 cents.

The restaurant features dine in and carry out options and encourages those with large orders to fax them ahead at (859) 261-7600.  Major credit cards are accepted and the restaurant is closed on Sundays.

Cuba Cafe is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm, and on Saturday from 10am to 5pm.  To contact the restaurant for more information call (859) 261-14444 or email willierodrig@gmail.com.

Writer: Randy Simes
Photography by Amber Kersley