Cuban Pete's - Montclair, NJ

I realized I have been eating a lot of Spanish food lately. And I'm not even sorry. Spanish food for me is a type of soul food -- it is hearty, and fills your stomach to satisfaction. Cuban Pete's is a popular Cuban restaurant in the North Jersey area. When you eat here, you are not just going for the food, you are going for the atmosphere. It feels like a party -- music, chatter, and great food. I would suggest coming early because the wait can get pretty long and tedious. There was a time that I ate here and there was an hour and a half wait; however there were bottles of tequila that were being passed up and down the stairs, making it an experience to remember.

The food here is no short of amazing. Each dish is a juicy large portion, which will have you wanting more and more. The most recent time that I ate here, I ordered the Suckling Pig with fried yucca and rice and beans. It felt like I was eating a home cooked meal in a friend's backyard; everything about it was perfect. 

Cuban Pete's also has a great selection of Tapas. One of my favorites is their ceviche, which is fresh fish cooked in a citrus. It is very light and refreshing.

And this restaurant is also BYOB. I would advise to bring your own alcohol (like a rum or tequila) and add it to their sangrias or mojitos. However, even if you do not bring any alcohol, I would suggest trying one of their pitchers anyway. They are sweet and refreshing, and perfect for a sunny day.