Restaurant Roundup: Guantanamera

What: Guantanamera, a delicious & festive Cuban restaurant in an easy-to-get-to locale
Where: 939 8th Avenue at 56th Street
Why it Rocks:
1) Happy Hour from 4-7 Mon - Fri at the bar, featuring half price beer, wine, & specialty drinks (including mango mojitos!)
2) Live music every night! Who DOESN'T love that? Latin dancing also encouraged.
3) Food was totally delish, portions were perfectly sized.
Bonus: Waiters gave us free chicken & cheese croquettes appetizer

Gripes:
While everyone loves live music, it made the rockin' conversation with my fave ladies virtually inaudible.
One teeny bathroom with a long line of ladies.

Bottom Line:
Great food and drinks in a fun, trendy but none-too-threatening atmosphere. Just be prepared to stalk the hostess station for a table.

Tips:
Try the Ropa Vieja (shredded skirt steak in yummy sauce) with red sangria as it is sure to satisfy any carnivore's palette. Be sure to get there early as the place gets packed by 7 o'clock, potentially tarnishing hopes for a quick table.