By Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host Published Sep 12, 2023 at 11:04 AM

It’s been almost two decades since Marc and Marta Bianchini opened Cubanitas at 728 N. Milwaukee St., and the Bianchini family is inviting friends, family and loyal patrons to celebrate 20 years with three days of festivities at their Downtown location.

The celebration kicks off on Thursday, Sept. 14 when guests are invited to stop in for happy hour (4 to 6 p.m.) and stay for live music from Cache from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. 

The party continues on Friday, Sept. 15 with live music from Experiencia Bohemia from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. plus tastings of Bacardi Mango Chile Rum from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can also score $5 shots and $8 drinks made with the Bacardi Chile Mango Rum all day long.

Meanwhile, you can stop by for dinner and stay for the party on Saturday, Sept. 16. Beginning at 10 p.m., there will be music from DJ Whyte Nite and plenty of room on the dance floor for those who wish to rumba, tango, mambo or bolero the night away.

About Cubanitas

The trail-blazing restaurant, which opened its doors on Sept. 17, 2003, was the first of its kind in Wisconsin and thanks to dishes inspired by Marta's family recipes, it quickly became a popular Downtown hot spot for dishes like empanadas, tostones, ropa vieja, arroz con pollo, lechon asado and more. Its success led to a second location, which the Bianchinis opened at Drexel Square in Oak Creek in 2017.

Marc & Marta Bianchini
Marc & Marta Bianchini
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Cubanitas is just one of the restaurants that helped to establish Get Bianchini as a staple hospitality group in Milwaukee. Others include the beloved Osteria Del Mondo (1994-2012), which assisted in introducing Milwaukee to regional Italian fare, and Indulge, 708 N. Milwaukee St., which opened as one of Milwaukee’s first wine bars in 2008, transitioning in recent years into an intimate full-service event space, which established a home base for their popular catering operation.

Hours & specials

Cubanitas Downtown is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Cubanitas in Oak Creek is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  Both locations offer happy hour Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m.

Follow Cubanitas on Facebook or Instagram for more information and updates.

Lori Fredrich Senior Food Writer, Dining Editor, Podcast Host

Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with each and every dish. She’s had the privilege of chronicling these tales via numerous media, including OnMilwaukee and in her book “Milwaukee Food.” Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. 

When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or recording the FoodCrush podcast, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.