Not sure what makes me more excited about Cuban Pete's -- the fact that they offer 12 different types of sangrias (I sampled six) including a mojito-inspired version and the fun Habana Banana (not to worry, there's plenty of traditonal red wine-based recipes for purists) or that the eatery, which evokes the mood of a tropical vacation, stays open late enough for Cinderellas like me who want to do movies first and dinner second. That's right, the kitchen at Cuban Pete's closes at midnight (every night except Monday when the place is dark) and the tapas menu (priced at an attractive $3.95-$4.95 a plate) makes having a light, late nite dinner a real possibility in a downtown Montclair that rolls up the sidewalks way too early.
The kitchen is still working out some kinks, but I was there on day 6, this past Tuesday night and by 6:15 the place was packed. It's a big space -- looks much bigger than its former incarnation as Liberte and the smart design includes a wall of floor to ceiling windows looking out on the attractive courtyard, as well as distinctive artwork, murals, faux finishing and the entire decor concept conceived and executed by Tony Ortiz. The other big news -- patrons of Cuban Pete's can park for free in the parking lot of the Masonic Temple (located on South Fullerton behind the restaurant). 
I sampled chef Carl Ruiz's (formerly of Sabor in Bergen) hazelnut goat cheese fritters, crispy chicken lollipops and tasty empanadas with manchego and spinach. I'd recommend them all, as well as the garlic shrimp which a table of guys next to me liked so much, they ordered a second round. For dinner, pargo, a whole red snapper in all its glory, came to the plate crispy on the outside and perfectly flaky and flavorful inside. A big part of the restaurant's appeal is the decor -- a Caribbean-Cuban fusion with lots of old world charm and awash in cheerful color. Cute waiters in fedoras worn ever so slightly askew and gregarious host Dominick Restaino complete the transportive vibe. Check out the tapas room, with its giant black board above the huge sangria jars, where you'll find a listing of the day's offerings. And although they have a kids menu, my 6-year-old was content to nibble from a bag of Cuban Pete's table crackers (the Cuban version of chips?), which he gave, a big thumbs up. -- Liz George
Looks interesting, will give it a try.
Great that it's open until midnight.
Agree that most restaurants (and stores) in Montclair close WAY WAY too early (except, I guess, the Office).
If they would stay open later, the area would become far more vibrant and even safer. And there would be plenty of happy customers they could service.