A Culinary Gem in Chokoloskee!Havana Cafe is an absolute delight, tucked away in the charming enclave of Chokoloskee, FL. Our visit to this quaint cafe was nothing short of exceptional, leaving us with a craving to return as soon as possible.From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere that felt both cozy and vibrant. The decor, reminiscent of a traditional Cuban setting, instantly transported us to the heart of Havana, making for an authentic dining experience.We started our meal with the empanadas, which were simply perfection. The golden, flaky pastry encased a savory filling that was bursting with flavor. Each bite was a testament to the chef's skill and the quality of ingredients used.For our main course, we indulged in two of their signature sandwiches: the Cuban sandwich and the Media Noche sandwich. The Cuban sandwich was a delightful symphony of tender, slow-roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed to crispy perfection. It was, without a doubt, the best Cuban sandwich we have ever tasted. The Media Noche sandwich, with its sweet egg bread and similar fillings, offered a slightly different but equally delicious twist. The balance of flavors and textures was impeccable, showcasing the cafe's dedication to delivering top-notch Cuban cuisine.The service was outstanding throughout our visit. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely enthusiastic about the food they served. Their recommendations were spot on, adding to our delightful experience.Havana Cafe is more than just a place to eat; it is an experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of Cuba. Whether you're a local or just passing through Chokoloskee, a visit to this cafe is a must. We left with full hearts and even fuller stomachs, already planning our next visit to this hidden gem. Highly...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreIf I could rate this restaurant a minus score, I would. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. I requested a Coke and I received a can and a glass full of ice. This was perfect for a hot day. However, the glass had lipstick marks all around the edge. Obviously, it wasn't washed. My wife had the American Breakfast with bacon, toast, and Maduros. I had a Chorizo Egg Sandwich with chips. I know we live in Florida. However, this restaurant was so infested with flies, it was almost impossible to eat. My wife's meal was done and it sat underneath the heat lamps for eleven minutes while the flies feasted on the food and my sandwich was being done. We asked for a new plate to be made, which they did. When the meals came out we, requested straws for a second time - especially after the dirty glass issue. Both sandwiches were burnt, including the bacon (Just like charcoal). The maduros were excessively greasy. My wife requested for her toast and I requested for my chips since they didn't come out with the meals as noted in the menu. The dirty and used dishes are left outside which is on the other side of a wall where the hot lamps are for heating the freshly cooked food. No wonder there are tons of flies all over the place. At the time, we were the only customers. Therefore, no excuses. On the outside where the dinning area is the plants are too overgrown and harvest tons of bugs. The standard procedure to eat is to swat the bugs with one hand and eat/drink with the other. Again, the service was good. Unfortunately, everything else was extremely poor. Food served on dirty dishes, poorly cooked food, dirty dishes left near the food warming lamps and eating area, along with an overwhelming amount of flies, but good service is a recipe for failure no matter how great the service is. I'm being extremely generous with a score of...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreThis little gem of a restaurant is fantastic. My wife and I visited this place for lunch. When we arrived, it was just a little wait until our table. We were escorted to a table and given a bowl of chips and salsa. The seating area is nesseled in amongst some trees. You feel that you are isolated from the surroundings even though you are close to the road that brought you here. The salsa they made was excellent. Just a hint of sweetness and a nice little bite of spice at the back end.
My wife and I both ordered a fish salad. Hers being grouper and mine being mahi mahi. After we placed our order, a musician sat down and started to play some Cuban music. It was a nice background sound for this restaurant. It was not too distracting and if you wanted to pay attention to it, it was loud enough. We got to watch him play and enjoy the music.
In ni time our salads arrived. They both looked and smelled delicious. Bout of or fish were grilled nicely. The fish tasted very fresh and was delicious. I thoroughly enjoyed my salad and even got to enjoy a bit of my wife's grouper. It was delicious as well. The homemade dressing was a very nice compliment to the salad.
We both ended our meal with a very delicious cup of colada. An excellent end to an excellent meal.
Definitely highly recommend this wonderful and...
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