Cienfuegos

My first time visiting Cienfuegos was before the doors even opened to the public. A friend and I finagled our way into the "friends and family night" by introducing ourselves, and insisting that we could also be their friends. After sharing a large bowl of delicious rum punch, I knew that Cienfuegos would become one of my favorite drinking spots.

Located above a Cuban sandwich shop off of Avenue A, Cienfuegos is definitely a hidden gem. My second and most recent trip back to Cienfuegos is a bit clearer than the first. Arriving late on a Thursday evening, the place was packed. I love the ambiance, it is bright and colorful, yet dim enough to create a romantic feeling. There are a few food items on the menu, but I am yet to eat there. The punch is what I went back for. There are multiple varieties, some boozier than others, and some with big chunks of fruit. We had the "Punch and Judy," which was filled with strawberries and pineapple. The punches come in multiple sizes; from a glass, to several size bowls. Although the waitress insisted the large would only give us about 2 glasses each, we were drowning in punch. About 4 and a half glasses each later, we were full and drunk. I wouldn't recommend such a heavy and sugary drink before a night out, but I would absolutely recommend this place to drink and have a great time with friends.