Raúl Musibay: I always felt that I could make a killing playing that "Know Your Cuts of Meat" game.
Jorge Castillo: Just keep in mind that Victor's mid-town Manhattan location (in the heart of the theater district) comes with some pretty stiff lease rates. So his meals have to be priced accordingly. But you will get an excellent Cuban meal for the money.
Raúl Musibay: You do get plenty of food here!
Jorge Castillo: Although Victor has expanded his menu with several dishes we never saw in Cuba, he has remained true to his Cuban roots, presenting many of the classics of Cuban cuisine. He hasn't gone completely Nuevo Latino, as so many other restaurants have.
Raúl Musibay: They also serve something we love, but rarely see on menus any more: a plantain-battered whole snapper served with fufú.
Glenn Lindgren: We fell in love with the seafood! They serve several large shrimp in a champagne cream sauce that is really something. I also loved the Cazuela marinera "Paso de los Vientos," a slightly spicy dish filled with seafood: fish, shrimp, scallops, snapper, clams, mussels and blue crab.
Raúl Musibay: Don't forget the sangria it is full of fruit flavor and very refreshing.
Jorge Castillo: Other items we recommend include ropa vieja nicely spiced and tender, arroz con pollo very light with a hint of beer flavor, and pollo en manqué - a boneless, mojo-marinated chicken breast served with fresh green onions, avocado, and tomatoes.
Glenn Lindgren: We didn't get to try the paella, but some diners at a nearby table told us it was very good. We did get to sample the arroz con pollo it has just the right of beer flavor with a lot of tender chicken pieces. A very hearty meal for the overly hungry.
Raúl Musibay: Victor's menu has a lot of enticing items. We will definitely have to go back to try some more.
Jorge Castillo: The short answer to that question is yes. Victor's Cafe 52 is beautiful and the equal of some of the better known stars of New York cuisine. With three dining rooms and some great views of the city, Victor's has great atmosphere and excellent Cuban food.
Glenn Lindgren: If you want a wonderful dining experience in a beautiful location, Victor's won't disappoint you. The bamboo covered walls and furnishings look a lot like Havana in the 50s.
Jorge Castillo: Victor Del Corral used to have a very fancy restaurant here in Miami. He took the concept to New York and has been very successful with it.
HOURS: Open daily for lunch and dinner from 11:45 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. | Friday and Saturday 11:45 a.m. to Midnight
PRICES: Entrees typically run from $14 to $35.
DRESS: "Business" casual no jeans, tennis shoes, etc.
BAR: Full. Try a mojito.
CARDS: Yes