Paladar has all the elements I enjoy in a restaurant: good food, good drinks, good service and swanky decor. My partner and I went with another couple late last Saturday night and had a great time.
We started with a round of drinks and a couple of shared appetizers. My pomegranate caipiroska (think caipirinha with vodka instead of cachaça) was perfectly balanced and refreshing. The chorizo and chihuahua cheese papusa (say that five time fast) and Cuban black bean soup had excellent flavor. With the waiter's assurance, I also tried the Havana Side Car martini made with rum instead of cognac. Very, very nice - it went down really smooth.
For dinner, I ordered the "Ocho Hora" Braised Short Rib and my partner had the Braised Beef "Ropa Vieja". The short rib was fall-off-the-bone tender and accompanied with yummy sides. The braised beef was incredibly satisfying and came with traditional Latin sides like black beans and plantains. Mmm... I didn't personally try my friends' slow-smoked chicken or salmon, but they both vouch for their dishes.
The space at Paladar is very cool. The bar area is well-lit and playful with ample seating for those after work, before dinner cocktails. The main dining area is very comfortable with a combo of chairs and banquettes overlooked by a color-shifting wall. Another seating area is lit by a sparkling galaxy of Moravian star latterns. It's an eccletic, upbeat space that feels special and accents the vibe from the crowd.
I look forward to visiting Paladar again on our next trip to Cleveland.