Havana Sandwich Shop — Restaurant in Brookhaven

Some friends brought my wife and me here to grab lunch, and we loved it. We had a Cuban sandwich combo (includes black bean soup and rice), rice pudding, and a steak sandwich to go. The sandwich was simple and good - nothing fancy, just a fine, classic Cuban sandwich. The rice with some sort of tomato topping was a nice filler, and I definitely ate more than 50% of the tasty black bean soup (sorry, wife!). We enviously watched our friends eating the rice pudding topped with cinnamon for dessert; they had been here before and knew what they were doing. My wife requested I get one, and after a brief exchange, we also agreed to get another sandwich to go (we liked the food!). The rice pudding had a great texture and reminded me of horchata with the cinnamon. We got the steak sandwich (with bits of potato inside) to go and didn't get to eat it until later in the day; it wasn't bad, but I'm sure it would have been much better fresh. And I think I prefer the Cuban.

Per one of our friend's recommendation my wife and I shared a whole Cuban sandwich combo (includes beans and rice). The portions were a good size for people with normal appetites - filling and satisfying if you are willing to exercise some self-control and wait until your stomach can tell your brain it's had enough. As alluded to above, I gave my stomach little time to tell my brain anything, as I ordered another sandwich to go. I must have found favor in the eyes of the self-control gods as we ended up having to leave before we could eat the second sandwich, and I found myself feeling perfectly satisfied on the drive home.

The decor and interior are neither terrible nor great. One definitely dines here for the food, not the comfort, though an argument could be made that the setting is suited for the local, family-owned feel. My order was taken by a sweet woman who I'm sure is someone's friendly, tough-when-she-needs-to-be auntie.

I want to return to try other menu items... or maybe just get the Cuban...

While staying at a hotel across the street on a recent visit to Ga., I went in this place one night and asked for a shot of espresso. The unfriendly lady said it would be $1.35. I asked for a bit of half and half and she said it would then be $2.16. Thinking that .81 for a bit of half and half was absurd, I said forget the half and half. Went back the next morning, and was met by the same lady as the night before. I asked for the same thing, a straight shot of espresso and a second one with some milk. I thought I would splurge for the milk and spend the extra .81 this time around. When she rings up the order, she charges nearly $8.00. I asked her for a break down of the charges because of the serious discrepancy. She explains that the straight shot is $1.35, but cafe con leche is $4.00. I said I was here the night before and this was not the price you quoted. She explained that since I wanted more milk, it becomes a cafe con leche and the cost is $4.00. She said that she doesn't set the price. Even so, 4 bucks + 1.35 + taxes do not amount to $7.81. A young lady behind the counter also intervened and tried explaining that was in fact the cost of the coffee due to the added milk and that the prices are set by the owner, which they had no control over. Clearly this was not an issue of error in judgement or bad math. It is simply a dishonest business practice of selective price gouging. Therefore, I told her to keep her coffee, refund my card and I promptly walked out. By the way, these prices weren't posted, so I guess they can make it up on the fly if you fit a certain profile. I would never set foot in this...

Havana Sandwich Shop is a family-owned Atlanta food institution that was the first to bring a full Cuban menu to Atlanta in 1976. Its ability to survive an ever-changing Atlanta food scene and a devastating fire in 2008 is a testament to its commitment to quality, consistency, and affordability. Havana is especially known for its Cuban Sandwich and Empanadas.

The restaurant is simple and unassuming. They have recently added a covered patio for outdoor seating. My meal came out within an appropriate timeframe and I was provided with great and friendly service.

During my most recent visit, I ordered a Yuca con Mojo, Chicken and Cheese Empanada, Roja Vieja, Flan and Café con Leche. I visit Havana regularly for their café con leche. They serve Café Bustelo and it is my go to when I need a midday caffeine boost.

I have enjoyed many variations of Havana’s meat and cheese empanadas and they are always crispy, airy, and packed with flavor.

The yuca con mojo had a nice hint of garlic and the sauteed onions added a nice subtle flavor. It was especially tasty mixing with the jus from the Ropa Vieja.

The Ropa Vieja is very comforting with just the right amount of seasoning. Havana’s plates all include rice and black bean soup. The rice was well prepared and the beans have the right touch of seasoning to allow the onion flavor to come through.

The Flan is light and pillowy with just the right amount of sweetness.

I have never had a bad bite at Havana’s and look forward to trying out the rest...