Café Havana — Restaurant in Cartagena

I see the reviews are mostly split between “excellent” and “too high an entrance fee for what you get” which made me hesitate as to whether to go in or not…. But the music coming from inside was really good so we decided to bite the bullet and give it a shot. And…. I’m glad we did!

On Friday there were two bands, with a total of about 20-22 instrumentalists and singers. We thought that while 60,000 $ per person is expensive, if you factor in the size of the bands and their level of quality it really isn’t - or, let’s put it this way: it’s worth it!

There is no aircon inside; instead they have about 16 fans going strong. They did a good job for a while, until about 23:00 when many more people started to come in.

Service is ok and drinks are good though on the more pricey side (to be expected). The two staff members at the entrance were cool - polite and welcoming and not at all pushy.

I imagine levels of business will vary. On Friday we managed to get in at 21:30 (midway through the first band). It was lively with a nice atmosphere, excellent music and decent space. If you don’t like crowded I think from about 21:00 is your best bet. Once the second band came in from 23:00 the music became faster (still great!) and it grew very busy very fast. Indeed, not a lot of space to dance but you can manage if you’re determined- just keep in mind that you’ll just have to make small steps. It’s a popular place after all!

Would I recommend it? Yes, definitely! Good atmosphere and excellent music. It was the cherry on top of our experience in...

Ah, Café Havana—the place where you can experience the thrill of a mosh pit without attending a rock concert. If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to dance salsa while simultaneously practicing your crowd-surfing skills, this is your spot.

Ambiance: Imagine cramming all your friends, their friends, and a few random strangers into your living room, turning up the heat, and then trying to dance. Cozy, right? The décor screams “Cuban charm,” but the space whispers “hope you’re comfortable getting up close and personal.”

Cover Charge: For the modest fee of $8 USD, you too can gain entry into this sardine can of salsa. Think of it as paying for an exclusive membership to a club where personal space is overrated.

Music: The live bands are phenomenal—so good, in fact, that you’ll momentarily forget you’re sweating more than you thought humanly possible. The rhythm is going to get you, mostly because there’s nowhere else to go.

Drinks: The cocktails are as strong as the urge to find the nearest exit when the crowd reaches peak density. But after a few sips, you’ll embrace the chaos and maybe even start a conga line.

Service: The staff navigates the packed floor with the agility of seasoned sailors in a storm. Don’t be surprised if your drink arrives with a side of someone else’s elbow.

Overall: If you’re looking for an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and making new friends by sheer proximity, Café Havana is the place to be. Just remember to leave your personal bubble at the door and bring a...

A Salsa Lover’s Paradise in Cartagena Havana Café is an electrifying gem in Cartagena’s nightlife, where salsa pulses through the veins of every guest. On my visit, two phenomenal live bands turned the night into a rhythmic journey, blending classic Cuban beats with modern flair. The first act ignited the room—trumpets blaring, congas roaring—as the crowd, a vibrant mix of locals and travelers, packed the floor, hips swaying and cocktails in hand. The energy was contagious, though elbow room was scarce early on.

By 2 a.m., the scene shifted magically. As some revelers drifted out, space opened up, transforming the venue into a dancer’s dream. The second band, even more dynamic, had seasoned salsa enthusiasts and newbies alike claiming the floor with spins and dips. The cooler, breezy air from open windows mingled with the sweat of passion—pure authenticity.

Havana Café balances lively chaos and intimate groove seamlessly. Whether you’re clapping from the sidelines or tearing up the dance floor, the vibe is unmatched. Don’t miss this spot; stay late, embrace the music, and let Cartagena’s salsa soul sweep you away. A night here isn’t just fun—it’s unforgettable.

Cover on March 2025 was:...