Cuba Libre Restaurant & Rum Bar

When I asked the bartender about gf options, she said she was a meat eater and wouldn’t know anything about “gluten options.” When I asked if there was someone else that I could ask, she said she asked the other bartender who said there wasn’t a single thing on the menu that was gluten free, which was disappointing because I had heard from several people that this restaurant should have options for me. I probably would’ve been able to get something but it was frustrating to have to poke and prod so much!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

The menu is not marked, but the waiter was knowledgeable. I had the Arroz con Pollo without the chorizo.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

The server was knowledgeable and recommended the paella and something else on the menu. I deduced that the Plate for 2 with lobster tail, chorizo, chicken, and skirt steak with beans and rice would he gf so I asked her to check with the kitchen. They agreed that it's gf. So we enjoyed it. The caipirinha cocktails were not great, but the service, atmosphere, and food were all very good. I did not get any reaction or ill effects.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Celiac Safe IF AND ONLY IF you make the extra effort to inform the server and, best if you call ahead of time to be sure. The safest item on the menu for us celiacs is the paella mixed. Did not get sick and it is delicious!!! So tasty! I say, stick with that. Its cooked in its own skillet and there is no cross contamination. Otherwise, for those just gluten free and not celiac, there are many options.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Manager was very knowledgeable about gluten and cross contamination (not the waiter though—he sent the manager over). Expensive food but I felt confident that it was gluten free

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Went for lunch yesterday and talked to waiter. We decided on a salad. I started eating and THEN the waiter came back to tell me it was gluten free except for the chips on top like it was now okay. I had already tried one and these were touching the rest of the food. Seemed completely clueless. I don’t mind people not accommodating but they need to tell people. I’ve been sick all night and this morning at a work conference.

Celiac friendly?

No

Delicious!! Sat at the bar and the bartender was very knowledgeable about the menu to offer recommendations and what to avoid...chips are fried first thing in the am in cleaned fryers so we're ok but said to avoid any other fried items due to potential cross contamination.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

oh my goodness knowledgeable staff, tons of gluten free choices! the server jumped right in when I said celiac and told me things I could and could not have. plantain chips are fried separately. dips are all gluten free. I had arroz con pollo, and I could have climbed right into that bowl! I was stuffed! the manager came over to see how everything was, and I told him about this app, which he wasn't aware of. he will for sure be checking it out now. this is a small chain, mostly southern. I wish they'd come to Phoenix, i would eat there all the time. you really have to try it!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Why is this listed on FindMeGF? I can't eat most appetizers or the chips. Very little GF choice.

Celiac friendly?

No

We came here thinking there should be many gf options because it was Cuban food. Well, the 4th person we talked to about the menu could finally tell me the actual gluten free options (instead of the thrice heard generic "stay away from anything fried or Asian because of the soy sauce"), which were only about 6! Since I don't like ceviche and I need something more than just salad, that took the options down to 3. Three choices at a tapas place where they recommend you get 3-4 items. They said they fry most things, so even the tortilla chips are cross contaminated. I am also hypoglycemic and by the time the waitress offered for us to talk to a manager, I needed to eat soon or pass out, so we walked a couple of blocks to Chipotle, where they actually know what they serve and I have many options! Skip this expensive place--There are many other options downtown!

wait staff and management were very knowledgeable about celiac. they came out before serving the seafood soup to make sure I was ok with maltodextrin in the soup base that potentially contained a minimal amount of wheat (the manager's mother has celiac). mixed drinks were unique and delicious (but spendy). $11 for a mango mojito, but excellent lunch specials at affordable prices and speedy service. we came back the next day for happy hour (yummy sangria!) and ordered from a different waiter (super good shrimp ceviche served with a potato crisp) and he was also aware of what was and wasn't gluten free.

Celiac friendly?

Yes