Looking for a place to bring you out of that Nebraska winter slump?
Head on over to Gusto Cuban Café where the Caribbean flavors are sure to warm your spirit and stomach. Located in Ralston at 7910
Harrison St., the unique experience that awaits is worth the drive but may be difficult for first-timers to find.
The goal of the location was “to make it a place where mostly regular customers would come,” said a Gusto waitress. “We like to think of it as a hidden gem.”
But, don’t let this scare off Gusto newcomers. After walking in the door, diners are immediately greeted by tropical smells and Cuban music.
Graffiti left by previous guests in both the waiting and dining areas contributes to the comfort of the atmosphere. But this entertaining art is not the only thing that has left its mark.
After one bite of Gusto’s homemade dishes, customers understand why people can’t stay away. The prices may take students by surprise, with most entrées between $14 and $18. But with large portion sizes and entire plates devoted to sides of rice, beans and fried plantains, you get what you pay for.
One may find it intimidating to take a stab at ordering from the Spanish menu, but the staff is willing to explain the authentic Cuban dishes to make the process easier.
In addition to the entrées, salads and sandwiches, the menu dedicates an entire page to its unique beverages such as mango juice and Iron Beer, the non-alcoholic national
drink of Cuba. As an added bonus, the menu marks many of the customers’ favorite items such as the Gusto Cubano Especial sandwich and Trés Leches cake.
“Everything we make is fresh and homemade,” owner and chef Roberto W. Miereles said. “I put a lot of love into what I do and my goal is to make you feel like, with every bite, you’re in the Caribbean.”
This Cuban café not only makes visitors feel welcome by the passion put into their food, but also by the atmosphere created by the staff. Waiters and waitresses talk to customers like they’re old friends and owner Miereles and his wife take occasional breaks to check up on customers.
“I felt like the people were welcoming me into their family,” Emily Holt, a Gusto first- timer, said. “The comfort yet professionalism of the restaurant made me want to go back again. It would definitely be a great place to entertain a big group of friends.”
The entertainment aspect of Gusto is what truly makes the restaurant shine.
“One of our goals is to promote dancing,” the Gusto waitress said. “Every Friday we offer Zumba from 9:30-10:30 p.m. and salsa dancing on Friday and Saturday nights. It doesn’t matter if you can’t dance. The environment is so easy that you can go up to one of the regulars and they’ll teach you how to salsa.”
The lively atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and delicious cuisine are guaranteed to keep those seeking the friendly and comfortable island lifestyle coming back.
“We have a lot of fun with the service and food here,” Miereles said. “I’m unique and my restaurant is unique. It’s a lot of work, but I’ll continue to do what I do to make my customers happy.”