Vicente's Cuban Cuisine is one of the gems of the recent Downtown Detroit revival. It's snuggled on Library Street, across the street of the Skillman Branch of the public library by the old Hudsons' Building. Parking isn't too bad - you can park in the lot next door, on Broadway and walk a block, or in the Opera House Parking Garage (which is a block away).
The decor inside of Vicente's is simple but perfect - not too overdone, like many ethnic restaurants, but not too simple, like many modern upscale restaurants. The waitstaff is very friendly and the manager can usually be seen running around, greeting patrons, and opening the door for customers. There is a coatroom by the front door for the winter months.
The food is simply amazing. I prefer the Ropa Vieja or the trout dish, whose name I cannot remember. The drinks (specifically the Mojitos) are to die for. I simply cannot explain it - it's delicious.
You simply cannot enjoy fine dining in Metro Detroit until you've been to Vicente's Cuban Cuisine downtown.
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