There are plenty of dining options in Orlando’s tourist district along International Drive. From Icon Park to Pointe Orlando, there are plenty of places to eat. One spot that we’ve gone to a few times and enjoyed is Cuba Libre. This restaurant and bar transport you to Cuba with its decor and delicious dishes.

Getting There

Cuba Libre is located in Pointe Orlando on Orlando’s International Drive or I-Drive. There is a parking garage, but unlike its counterpart Icon Park down the street, you have to pay for parking at Pointe Orlando. The parking tops out at $10 if you are parked for four hours or more. Some restaurants do validate, however, this has been hit or miss in recent times since COVID, so don’t bank on it.

There are two valet stands near The Capital Grille and Marlow’s Tavern. Those fees start at $12 per hour. Cuba Libre does offer validation for valet, bringing the fee to $6. If you don’t have a car, you can take advantage of ride-sharing. Typically those will pick up and drop off in between Pointe Orlando and its parking garage.

Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre is open Wednesdays through Sundays for dinner. On Friday nights, they have a Latin band that plays music and on Fridays and Saturdays there is a DJ and dancing. It can get pretty rowdy, so if you aren’t looking for that type of atmosphere you may want to stick to one of the other nights of the week.

So fun fact, Jessica’s side of the family is Cuban. With that being said, she can be a harsh critic when it comes to Cuban restaurants (frankly, no one can make a meal like your grandma, right?). With that being said, the food at Cuba Libre is on the better side when it comes to Cuban, especially for a larger restaurant. You’ll find your run-of-the-mill paellas, roast pork, and sides like maduros (sweet plantains), rice and beans, and tres leches.

Mother’s Day 2022 Menu

Although typically open just for dinner service, this year, Cuba Libre is offering special brunch options that will spoil mom whether she likes savory, sweet, or a little bit of both. The brunch is on Sunday, May 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and plates are $21 each. Plus, moms get a rose and a $25 gift certificate to use on a return visit (restrictions apply).

Here are some details on the menu.

Let’s start with a Spanish favorite featuring a breakfast twist. The new Brunch Paella features crispy boneless chicken thighs, chistorra sausage, Kurobuta bacon lardons, kale poached egg, and saffron long grain rice with Serrano ham, roasted piquillo pepper salad, and garlic aioli.

Sticking with Spanish-with-a-breakfast-twist we have the crab cake benedict croquetas. Featuring lump crabmeat and potato cakes, poached egg, avocado mash, and tomato Hollandaise sauce. Wrapping up the savory dishes is the churrasco burger with a 12-ounce triple patty, Meyer Natural Angus skirt steak, chipotle-onion marmalade, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato between King’s Hawaiian roll with a side of Boniato chips and house-made pickles (add bacon for an additional cost).

What if you want to give mom something as sweet as she is? If that’s the case, the French toast a la Cubana is what you’re looking for. Enjoy vanilla custard-soaked brioche bread, maple syrup, and panela-soaked sweet plantains all topped with whipped cream. You can’t have brunch without some delicious drinks. Mother’s Day drink specials feature the “Berry Special Lady Spritzer” with Ciroc Red Berry, lime juice, agave, bitters, raspberry purée, strawberry purée, and a splash of sprite.

If you can’t bring mom out for an early brunch you don’t have to worry, there are special menu items for dinner including Malanga Fritters, Bistec Empanizado, and Masitas de Puerco Fritas.

The dinner menu will also be available from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Mother’s Day only comes once a year and is the perfect time to treat Mom to a meal as special as she is. This year, head over to International Drive and have brunch at Cuba Libre.

Note: We were hosted for a 2022 Easter brunch by Cuba Libre.