Havana Café — Restaurant in New York

The service was good and the staff was attentive to my needs. Upon entering I found the lighting to be very dim and had to ask a couple of times to have them turn up the lighting in my section. I found that for the amount of customers coming to dine that there was only one restroom for potentially seating for 50 plus patrons to be inadequate and that the staff along with the patrons had to use the same restroom.

The food was delivered to my table promptly, however me and my lady friend ordered the Ropa Vieja which came with White Rice and (Black) Beans and just 2 little pieces of Maduros. Me and my lady friend found the whole entre to be very salty all around. The Beans were especially salty and the Ropa Vieja was well cooked but also salty and you could taste more vinegar and salt than any of the green and red bell pepper that was in that dish. They could've afforded to be more generous with the Maduros. I think 4 pieces of Maduros would've been adequate considering what they charged for the whole entre.

The appetizer were disappointing as well. We had the Empanadas De Carne. Firstly, they were very very small (Approximately 3 inches by 1 and a half inches) although tasty they could have been bigger for the $12.00 they charge. Traditional empanadas are way bigger (roughly a little smaller than a Jamaican Patty) but definitely a lot bigger that what they serve you here. The dessert was great. We both had the Tres Leches Cake. It was fresh and moist as it should be.

NOTE: When I dine out in restaurants I look for a certain level of quality of service. I search for certain outstanding features to the business. 1.) I look for cleanliness of both the staff and of my table and seating and the overall ambience and look of the establishment. If it looks like the place is unkept and staff are not clean or don't pay attention to detail I walk out and never come back. I then review the establishment and grade them according to my findings. Just like Zagat does. 2.) I check for restrooms. (How many and how clean.) 3.) I time how long it takes for the appetizers to get to my table from the moment I'm seated. 4.) Then I time how long it takes my entre to come shortly after the appetizers. 5.) I watch for the staff and see how they interact with myself and the other patrons, checking for courtesy, promptness and delivery of food to my table. 6.) I taste and check for a dish's appearance, temperature, how the food tastes and whether it's too salty, over seasoned or under seasoned. 7.) Timing. How long staff takes to tend to my needs. 8.) Price of food and the value and quality of the ...

Outstanding service. We came in with a party of 10 at 3 p.m. on a Saturday and were surprised to see how lively the place was even during off-peak hours. Despite the crowd, we were immediately welcomed, seated, and provided with everything we needed — plates, utensils, water, and a full explanation of the menu. The staff was attentive and genuinely warm. Our server checked in regularly without being intrusive, always ready with drink refills and quick to respond to anything we needed.

The drinks were perfect. My ginger ale was crisp and well-balanced, with just the right amount of ice to keep it cool without watering it down. My kids loved their Shirley Temples — not overly sweet, and served with a fun presentation that actually made them ask for seconds. The cocktails were also well-made and strong enough to taste the quality ingredients.

The food was absolutely delicious. The pollo al mojo was juicy and deeply seasoned — the garlic and citrus flavors were cooked into the meat, not just poured over. The salmon was flaky and full of flavor, perfectly cooked with a sauce that complemented rather than covered. The Palomilla steak was tender and packed with authentic Cuban spices, one of the best versions I’ve had. The arroz con pollo was a hit with the kids — plenty of moist, shredded chicken and bold seasoning. My kids are picky about flavor, and even the teenagers cleaned their plates.

I ordered a side of avocado and was pleasantly surprised by the portion — beautifully sliced and ripe, more than enough to share. The appetizers were incredible too — the empanadas were crispy and full of flavor, and the chicharrón de pollo was perfectly fried and seasoned. But the real standout was the maduros — caramelized just right, sweet with a perfect texture. Everyone at the table agreed: best maduros we’ve ever had.

The tables were clean and clearly well-kept. You could tell the staff took pride in keeping the dining area tidy and welcoming.

And let’s not forget the live DJ! He added so much energy to the space without making conversation difficult. Great music choices that kept the vibe fun and upbeat. If you're craving flavorful, authentic Cuban cuisine with great service and a lively atmosphere, this is the place to go. I absolutely recommend it — especially if you're coming with a group. From start to...

Havana Cafe is a hidden gem located on Tremont Avenue. It is one of the top three restaurants in the area due to its exceptional offerings. The cafe boasts four key characteristics that contribute to its popularity: high-quality fresh food, an extensive selection of excellent drinks, polite and professional service, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Upon entering the cafe, I am warmly welcomed and courteously seated. I am promptly provided with water, and my server introduces themselves shortly after. They are knowledgeable about the menu and provide helpful recommendations for drinks, which have consistently been on point.

Although the cafe can experience longer wait times for drinks when all tables are occupied, the wait is generally not excessive. I appreciate the opportunity to peruse the menu beforehand, which helps expedite the ordering process. However, the cafe's diverse and delectable offerings often make it challenging to choose a dish.

The name Havana Cafe effectively captures the essence of the establishment. It evokes the ambiance of a cafe with exceptional drinks, outstanding food, friendly patrons, and an overall positive vibe.Havana Cafe is a hidden gem located on Tremont Avenue. It is one of the top three restaurants in the area due to its exceptional offerings. The cafe boasts four key characteristics that contribute to its popularity: high-quality fresh food, an extensive selection of excellent drinks, polite and professional service, and a vibrant atmosphere.

Upon entering the cafe, I am warmly welcomed and courteously seated. I am promptly provided with water, and my server introduces themselves shortly after. They are knowledgeable about the menu and provide helpful recommendations for drinks, which have consistently been on point.

Although the cafe can experience longer wait times for drinks when all tables are occupied, the wait is generally not excessive. I appreciate the opportunity to peruse the menu beforehand, which helps expedite the ordering process. However, the cafe's diverse and delectable offerings often make it challenging to choose a dish.

The name Havana Cafe effectively captures the essence of the establishment. It evokes the ambiance of a cafe with exceptional drinks, outstanding food, friendly patrons, and an overall...