Havana Rumba Bardstown Rd — Restaurant in Louisville

We’ve been regulars for years. We typically eat here 3-4 times a month. Food and drinks were always top notch until recently. The portions have progressively gotten smaller and the quality is much less consistent. My larger issue though, is with the service. The last 3 times that we’ve been, the hostess (same each time) was disorganized at best and extremely rude. We often request to be seated at a high top in the bar due to the inability to carry a conversation in the main room because the live music is too loud. This annoys her greatly, apparently, because we are often subjected to huffs and puffs, eyerolls, and told we can wait as she then chooses to ignore our presence and seat other customers who come in after us. Last night, was the first time that we’ve ever walked out. She immediately told is that there were no tables in the bar. I then let her know that I’d check to see if there were any open spots at the actual bar. When I went back, I noted that there was an open table. We told her and pointed it out. She looked at it, acknowledged it, then said ok you can wait and I’ll get it for you. She then proceeded to seat customers that came in after us, about 3 parties in total as we patiently waited including a couple, much to our disbelief, at the table we had pointed out to her and she told us we could have but would need to wait. We immediately questioned her on it. She then said yeah they want a booth and then proceeded to tell me that she sat them there…at a high top table that we had specifically requested and waited for, until a booth opens up. Um…like what? Seriously, what kind of sense does that make? I had to clarify this absurdity. I asked her outright, “ So you sat them there for now, and when a booth opens up, they are going to get up and move to it? Is that what I’m understanding?” She nodded and said simply “yes”. I could tell she had made a mistake and she knew it too but instead of owning it and apologizing or offering to comp an app as any service provider should or would do, she lied to us, dug her heels in, and continued to be obnoxiously rude. She then said it would be about 5-10 min or so for another to open up and we’d have to just wait. We had had enough. I told her to not even worry about it and turned and walked out. Again, this was the worst but albeit not the only, negative experience that we’ve had with this hostess. I’ll be honest, her attitude and the experience, completely soured us to the idea of going back. I’ve never encountered a service provider who was so annoyed to provide service. Saddens me to say this, but I think it’s definitely going to be a long while before we decide if it’s...

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Flavorful Journey Through Cuba – Rumba Havana is a Must-Visit!

I had the absolute pleasure of dining at Rumba Havana, and every part of the experience was phenomenal—from the atmosphere to the final spoonful of dessert. If you’re looking for authentic, richly flavored Cuban cuisine with thoughtful presentation and incredible service, this is the place.

I started my meal with the beef empanadas, which arrived hot, crisp, and golden brown. The outer crust had that perfect light flake with a satisfying crunch, and the inside was packed with seasoned beef that was both savory and subtly spiced. What made it sing was the signature sauce—a bold, slightly smoky blend that brought out the depth of the beef without overpowering it.

Next came the pork tamale, beautifully plated and topped with pickled relish, fresh-cut onions, and chopped cilantro. The tamale itself was moist and tender, with pork that fell apart effortlessly. The relish added a bright, acidic note that balanced the richness of the tamale, and the onions and cilantro delivered that fresh crunch and herbal finish I love in traditional Latin dishes.

Then came the stars of the show: two Carne Asada soft tacos. The beef was marinated to perfection—juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Each taco was accompanied by a generous side tray of fresh toppings including finely diced tomatoes, red onions, chopped cilantro, creamy avocado slices, and wedges of both lemon and lime for that extra citrus burst. This not only added variety to each bite, but allowed me to customize every taco to my liking.

To finish the meal, I indulged in their flan, and it was a silky, decadent treat. It had a smooth custard base with the right amount of firmness, topped with a caramel glaze that was just sweet enough without being cloying. Alongside the flan, I enjoyed a Café con Leche—served piping hot, with a rich espresso base mellowed by steamed milk poured tableside. It was comforting, bold, and paired beautifully with the dessert.

Beyond the food, the service was attentive without being intrusive, and the staff clearly takes pride in both the food and the customer experience. The setting was warm and welcoming, filled with vibrant colors and Cuban music that added just the right ambiance.

Rumba Havana isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a full culinary experience that celebrates Cuban culture in every bite. I can’t wait to return....

This place is hot! A group of us were visiting from out of town and praise the Lord we found this gem on our last day in town.

You drive up seeing people outside eating and hanging out. It is surrounded by various quaint and one of a kind shops.

When you walk in the door the atmosphere is ELECTRIC! There was superb live music. The musician was a talented singer and trombone player. Kids were dancing, and people were laughing and having a good time. You can tell this is the place to be. You can’t walk in here without immediately enjoying yourself.

We had a 10-15 minute wait but it was well worth it. We enjoyed the brightly colored decor and talking to various people.

For appetizer they brought hot bread and herb butter. Then upon telling our waitress that it was our first time she brought out homemade guacamole with plantain chips (with no cost). Navigating the menu easily she quickly explained various dishes and made recommendations. Our waitress (Ritzy) was pleasant, welcoming, accommodating (obviously I can’t use enough words to describe her competency. She was joyful and elevated our experience as a whole.

Then the food came out - our group had 4 different, exquisitely plated dishes. And the flavor sent you taste buds into Cuban paradise. The sweet plantains were decadent, meat extremely tender with sautéed vegetables, and the steak immaculate. Honestly I cannot say enough about the traditional styles and flavor of each dish.

When our plates were bare, Ritzy came to the table and suggested coffee. And being a coffee lover I was intrigued. We ordered Cuban coffee and cortadito, which was the perfect complement for our dinner. It came to the table beautiful displayed and the flavor did not disappoint.

Overall if you ever visit Louisville then this must be on your list. It is the place to be!! If you live here...then what are you waiting for? Come get your...