Well I must admit I was very disappointed with this place. Prior to sitting down I told the young man at the door that I had forgot my current coupon for 25% off. The one I had expired 6 days ago. He spoke to the manager and came back to inform us that he would not honor the coupon.
It's been pouring rain all day and it's about 6:30. The place is empty. Needless to say I feel this decision that the manager made tonight was a poor one. Had we stayed and enjoyed our meal I always bring my friends the next trip. There was a current coupon that was the same discount for the one I brought. Â
Very poor management. Â We won't bother to try to come back. They lost a lot of customers for a $4 or $5 credit.
We started off with guacamole and chips. The guacamole was perfect. Though I don't make a habit of eating fried foods, I loved the fried tortilla chips. I had the ropa vieja and it was delicious. My boyfriend had the Cuban skirt steak and he said it was good. They give you complimentary pressed hot bread with some crazy spicy green sauce. It's really good, but so HOT! I kept burning my tongue, but kept going back for more.
The second time we ate at Salsa I ordered the picadillo and my boyfriend ordered the ropa vieja, and we shared a jibarito steak sandwich and guacamole and chips. The ropa vieja once again was very good. Â I don't think you can go wrong with the ropa vieja. The jibarito steak sandwich was tasty and it was only $7. My picadillo was horrible. It tasted like I was eating nothing but salt. I should've sent it back, but I was semi full from the jibarito, chips and gaucamole, so I just paid for it and didn't complain. I definitely will never order the picadillo again. The server was super friendly and attentive.
We were so excited when we read Puerto-Ric/Cuban/Mexican from the tourist ad so we ventured in here. Â Place was bare bones wood floors, tables, and that's it. Â Not much for decor, but I didn't care as long as the food was yummy. Â Uh, I ordered two acappurias, which were so minute. Â The ones you get fresh fried from Pinones in Puerto Rico are huge, and crispy. Â These were skinny, flat, and greased out. Â I was expecting crab meat, but it was ground beef. Â The ropa vieja was not as tender as it could have been. Â A little tough. Â I couldn't finish it and gave it to my husband who shoved it away, complaining how come there was no green peppers or onions. Â We had gone to Versailles in Miami and my ropa vieja the day before was definitely slow cooked, juicy, and tender with the peppers or onions. Â My husband didn't like his chicken stew. Â Plus place looked like it was a joint out of a Quentin Tarentino movie, the one with the vampires in a titty bar in the middle of the Mexican desert. Â Ew.
Review Source:I love Cuban food and this place did not disappoint. Â I got the Jibarito which is not cuban it is Puerto Rican. Â Not true Puerto Rican as it was born in Chicago, Â and not a true jibarito but it was really good. Â I got the steak and it was tender and flavorful. Â The plaintain bread should have been squished a little more and it was lacking the garlic sauce that they dip it in. Â Their black beans and rice are to die for they are seasoned perfect. Â The cheese croquets were amazing. Â The fried plaintains were good but I prefer them a little more ripe. Â My husband had the arroz con pollo and he said it was so delicious and he doesn't like much of anything. Â To top of the meal we had the tres leches which was awesome and delicious.
Review Source:Very friendly staff. Â I was the only one in the restaurant on a Wednesday late night and was treated really well. Â Even helped the staff decide whether or not to buy some cowboy boots. Â I ordered the Mofongo shrimp and sangria. Â Sangria was decent, 3 stars. Â The Mofongo was really tasty, never had it before. Â The only part of the dish I didn't enjoy was the overcooked shrimp. Â The shrimp were cooked about 2 minutes too long, a little chewy. Â I would definitely go back thanks to the staff & mofongo.
Review Source:I wasn't familiar with the area's restaurants when I found myself in Fort Meyers on a business trip. Â I was hoping to find a good Cuban restaurant, and was very pleased that I found Salsa. Â
As someone else noted, don't be hesitant based on outside appearance of the building. Â The staff was warm, welcoming, and professional. Â The food was delicious, from the home made chip to the fried plantains and everything in between.
If I lived in the area, this would definitely be a regular stop.
And for those interested in live music and dancing, inquire about the entertainment they bring in on Friday and Saturday (and double-check those days). Â I wasn't there for that, but from the description by the staff, it sounded like it would be a very lively evening.
Such a wonderful variety of food! I don't think you'll leave hungry. Entrees come with a couple of sides: white or yellow rice, red or black beans, and two different options for plantains. I was super excited that my diet coke was served with a lime (reminds me of my vacations in Mexico!). We got a Cuban tamale and an alcaparria our appetizers. Yum! My entree was a Cuban style steak with onion. My fiance got a pork dish served with a spicy family recipe sauce. We fell in love with our food! I haven't tasted food this spectacular since a Turkish restaurant I ate at in Indianapolis last year. Also, they offer salsa dance lessons so we got to watch that while we ate. I think we learned some sweet new moves to bust out on the dance floor someday! All in all, a great experience.
Review Source:Salsa Restaurant & Lounge opened last year at a location which was previously a German restaurant for years. Salsa concentrates on the Cuban & Puerto Rican cuisines and blends a bit of Mexican flair into it at the same time which makes it unique for this town.
We went there yesterday for lunch and both the food and service was great. After you order they bring out complimentary freshly toasted garlic bread with Jalapeno sauce; and yes it is spicy :) The food arrived fairly quickly and I happened to order ground beef and potatoes which came with a side of rice, black beans, and plantains. I think most all dishes come with plantains and beans though. One of my coworkers order Ropa Vieja which looked excellent as well. Lot of people ordered Cuban sandwiches and you can't go wrong with them either. Their quesidilla looked like any other quesidilla, so I wouldn't care to order that here since they have so many other interesting choices.
From a price point, everything is fairly inexpensive. So you had a whole family to treat it would be very affordable and would not break your bank. Overall I rate this place 3.5 Stars for great quality food, price, and decent service.