J Café - Columbia

The open kitchen promotes a casual family atmosphere, as the owners alternate as chefs and hosts. With only one other table at service as 6:00 came on a Sat night, we weren't surprised by prompt delivery of lemon'd waters and a tostones app. Orders for classic arroz con pollo and aporiadio de pescado were placed; as we waited we chatted with regulars doing takeout. Accidentally, we learned of a red snapper entree not on the menu vastly preferable to the tilapia I'd ordered. A well, chaulk one to growing pains! The orders arrived at proper temp, with sides proportional to the entree. Those not familiar with Cuban cooking might imagine a spice profile or complexity of flavors simply not borne of the Caribbean. Neither Jamaican nor Puerto Rican with their West Indian influence, Cuban rolls more in tune with Haiti. Subtle happy flavor blends rule. Savor the fine details, rather than expecting a body blow! These guys are doing it right!

I don't have a lot of experience with Cuban food. Mostly from Cuban restaurants in Miami and Orlando. So I went here without much expectations but was pleasantly surprised. The ropa vieja was so flavorful...so much that I'm still thinking about it hours later. My partner had the cubano sandwich and I tried some of his. We both agreed it was by far the best cuban sandwich we had ever had. Not a huge fan of the yuka for a side item but the mojo sauce was great. The owners were so nice and I would love to see them succeed. Downtown Columbia needs a diverse restaurant like this. I can't wait to go back!

I really enjoyed visiting Sagua La Grande Cuban Café for dinner. Delicious food and great atmosphere. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Not overly spicy, just amazing.

The workers are always nice and cheerful. They care about the customer. The venue is nice for studying and hanging out with your friends. This makes it my favorite spot on campus. I don't remember the manager's name, but he's really killing it. He does a fantastic job every day he is there.

Don't buy the pizza. It's awful. Go to dominoes and get an entire pizza for $0.50 more.