P-YOOOO, Yuck Yuck!!!
This is Cuban food made for Anglos, no flavor what so ever. I'd recommend Copa Cubana before the Samba room, but even that place is lame.    [18 Jun 2003 14:31:20]

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Recommended Dishes: N/A

     ­Fidel Castro, May Day Brotherhood   Fidel dot Castro at cuba dot com

Try it, you might like it!
Samba room was nice. It was a pleasant change instead of going to downtown Chicago, so that was an experience in itself. The place was nice, the food was good. I recommend the "Churrasco". It's NY steak with rice and beans, but it's much better than I'm describing it. Also the platanos are good, although we thought they would be a good side dish and actually they make a good dessert. They have brown sugarr and cinnamon, so, you may want to hold off until after the main course. The only complaint is the music. Ok, I know the theme of the restauran is Cuban, and I know Gloria Estefan is Cuban, but that doesn't mean you have to play her CD ALL night LONG! There are many other great Cuban artist that they could have played, and they didn't even have to be Cuban to give it a Latin flavor. Overall, good! I put down minor flaws for ambience cause believe it or not, the chairs we were sitting in were probably the most uncomfortable I've sat in ever!    [23 Jun 2003 13:01:20]

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     ­Anonymous   

The Worst!
Absolutely the worst "Cuban" cuisine I have ever had. This is just another "theme" restaurant. Avoid at all cost.    [09 Jul 2003 13:35:16]

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     ­Anonymous   

It was lovely...
The food was good. The service was good. The atmosphere was nice. We all had terrific meals. The Sangria was the only disappointment.    [21 Sep 2003 16:07:29]

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Recommended Dishes: The Plantain encrusted Mahi-Mahi

     ­Anonymous   

Do they really think they are food critics?
I have taken the time to read all of the above reviews and I have to ask, "do they really think they are food critics?" Where do they come off criticizing the most trivial facets of the dining experience. The Samba Room is fantastic...food, drinks, ambiance, service, etc. This is a nice restaurant designed with Cuban flair and should be absorbed accordingly.    [30 Oct 2003 20:27:03]

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Recommended Dishes: Any fish entree is delightful

     ­DD of Naperville   

I agree - I love it.
My husband and I have been to the restaurant four times in the past year and we've had fantastic food each time. The ambiance is great; the service is really nice. I highly recommend the Samba Room and I'm a picky person when it comes to dining out.    [03 Dec 2003 16:39:47]

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     ­Anonymous   

I thought it was great!
Nice atmosphere, my dinner was wonderful and came out hot, the service was great. I wonder if some of the other reviewers here went to the same place?    [11 Feb 2004 12:23:45]

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     ­Berto   

wonderful blend of flavors
This has become one of our favorite restaurants. The red snapper is absolutely delicious and the presentation in great. It's a fun atmosphere with out being over the top. In warmer weather it's a great place to sit outside and enjoy yourself. Also the iced coffee is really good.    [11 Feb 2004 13:37:49]

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     ­Anonymous   

Nice blend of different influences
By looking at the menu, I thought the restaraunt's influences were Carribean/South American, not strictly Cuban. (which I believe is a good thing)Hard to compare since I think many of the flavors were a unique blend. I thought the wine list was a nice offering. Overall experience was very good.    [08 Mar 2004 19:56:29]

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Recommended Dishes: Fish

     ­CS   

Recent changes aren't for the better...
I used to absolutely love samba room but within the last few months they have had a menu change to more fried foods and reduced portions and quality of preparation. Overall I wouldn't go back now.    [24 Apr 2004 13:30:00]

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Recommended Dishes: I used to like the sashimi tuna but no longer!

     ­Anonymous