Cuban Food and Latin Food Restaurants: Cuban Pete's Caribbean Grill, Anaheim, California

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Raúl: A Cuban restaurant in Anaheim, right next to Disneyland?

Jorge: Gloria Estefan did it at DisneyWorld with her Bongo's restaurant, so I guess we shouldn't be too surprised.

Glenn: Cuban Pete's Caribbean Grill isn't part of the Disney empire, but it does benefit from the throngs of tourists attracted by the Mouse.

Jorge: Judging by the crowds on weekends, Cuban Pete's has struck a chord with all types of Americans looking for something different from the usual bland, Disney-area fare. Owner Raymond Guerrero and his son bought the restaurant two years ago, and they have carried on the tradition of a unique dining experience in Disney's shadow.

Glenn: One thing distinctive about Cuban Pete's Caribbean Grill is the wonderful 50's Havana décor and the great music. They somehow manage to maintain a party atmosphere with LIVE MUSIC every night of the week.

We couldn't get very good pictures at night, so we came back the next day. The exterior of the restaurant is reminiscent of a Cuban village.

Raúl: And the food?

Jorge: It's a combination of Cuban and Puerto Rican. I think the head chef is from Puerto Rico.

Glenn: The pork dishes are very good, so it's obvious they can make a good mojo here. They also serve a tasty chicken fricassee, a half chicken in a red creole sauce with potatoes.

Jorge: Start your meal with some delicious Cuban tamales, croquetas de jamón (ham croquettes), and frituritas de bacalao (cod fritters).

Raúl: They have a nice appetizer sampler that includes an empanadita, papa rellena, croquetas, and a tamal.

Glenn: Then dig in to the extensive list of entrees. The seafood dishes include a zarzuela Basque, a paella-like rice dish in a white wine sauce with influences from the Basque region of Spain.

Jorge: They have a great stuffed chicken breast here. It's made with fufú (or mofongo as they call it in Puerto Rico) and is just bursting with flavor. If you like chicken, this one is the highlight of the Chicken side of the menu.

Glenn: The masas de puerco fritas are just about as good as we've had, here served with a pungent garlic sauce that will leave your tongue with something to remember.

Jorge: If you are a dyed in the wool, meat and potatoes kind of person, try an American favorite with a Cuban twist: Cuban Pete's filet mignon is cooked the way you like it and served topped with a tangy creolle sauce of garlic, olive oil, peppers, and onions.

Raúl: The prices are a little high for a Cuban restaurant, but I guess you're paying a little bit for the atmosphere.

Glenn: Most nights feature live Latin music and dancing. That can make the higher prices worthwhile. Thursday nights the music and dancing start at 9:30. On Sunday nights the fun starts at 6:30.

Jorge: My advice? Call ahead for reservations on weekends. It's very popular then.

Glenn: Cuban Pete's Caribbean Grill is a great way to end your long day at Disney. Stay away from that high-priced Disney food (six bucks for a hot dog!) and save your appetite for when you leave the park.

Jorge: Kids may enjoy the party atmosphere at Cuban Pete's, but it's better to eat here early before the music starts and the restaurant takes on a decidedly adult atmosphere.