First Look: Son Cubano Reopens With "No Jeans" Policy in West Chelsea

By Anna Hyclak

Good news for people who love mojitos – Latin-themed restaurant/nightclub Son Cubano has finally reopened 13 blocks north of its original location, in the former Cain space at 544 W. 27th St. The new place has an old-school Havana supper-club vibe, with white-clothed tables circling a black-and-white checkerboard dance floor and large, glitzy chandeliers catching light from the blue neon palm trees on the walls behind the bar.

Those who used to dance on tables at Cain will find a much different atmosphere at Son Cubano – while there are some nightclub-y elements (including a strict no-jeans policy for guys and a $20-30 weekend cover charge if you show up just for the dancing), it’s got a much more low-key, laid-back feel. Guests are encouraged to come for dinner (hopefully snagging one of the tables right on the dance floor), then stay and get their Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights on afterward. A (very loud) live band will perform six nights a week, with DJs spinning Latin beats after 11. This area has seen a lot of nightlife-centric destinations come and go, so it will be interesting to see if the late-night crowds turn out.

One thing that makes the haunt stand apart is the food. The midpriced menu includes plenty of Cuban standards, from seafood-stuffed empanadas and black bean soup to arroz con pollo and steak with yucca fritters. Meanwhile, the cocktail list is full of tropical favorites like caipirinhas, margaritas, piña coladas and, yes, mojitos (made with light Bacardi rum, so you don’t have to feel too bad about downing six of them). There’s also a fun drink on the menu called a “Cuban cosmo,” which is a mojito made with Zacapa Centenario rum and cranberry juice and served in a martini glass. Something tells us the cougar-heavy crowd will enjoy that one…(544 W. 27th St.; 212-366-1640).