Havana Social — Restaurant in New York

I have had my eye on this place for a very long time and today was the day I finally got to see what the hype was about. I came with some friends (Party of 5) and first glance I realized this place is not a big as I thought it would be. I am happy we came for lunch (around 1pm ish) on a Saturday because it was empty so no wait. As we walked in we were approached by a hostess who was pleasant and beaming with energy like she overdosed on Red Bulls but in a good way lol. The ambiance an interior is soothing on the eyes and relaxing with some Latin music playing in the background. This is definitely good place to take a date for ambiance purposes but for privacy no because of the small space inside.

Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu answering all our questions. The tables were a little tight like a sumo wrestler trying to wear an extra small wife beater tight which was one of my complaints being we had a party of 5. Also because of the size of the place you pretty much don't have that privacy as far as conversations go which is not sexy but I didn't mind just making you guys aware of that because it matters to some people. Let's get to the food shall we (In My Perfect Englishman Voice) LOL. Here is what we ordered below which was all amazing nothing disappointing here.

Appetizers:

Corn Tortilla Chips With White Corn Dip/Sauce (Complimentary): This tasted Soooooooooo Goooooooood I almost ruined my appetite by destroying this dip which I almost became an addict within a matter of minutes tasting it. #TrueStory

Empanadas MIxata" Lobster Mac & Cheese w Bacon, Spicy Beef W Cheese & Corn, Spinach & Quesco: Some of the most well seasoned perfectly made Empanadas I have had. These rank very high some of the best I have had. The texture and freshness bursting with flavor in each bite was totally AMAZING !!! MUST ORDER FOLKS

Taquitos (Fish): Very Very good and great for light meal with a side option such as rice or sweet plantains etc...

Entrees:

Cuban Sandwich With Side Of French Fries (2 People Ordered This): I didn't try it because of the pork which I don't eat but this looked like one of the sexiest Damm Cubans I ever seen as far as juiciness, texture and cook balance. They both loved and said it by far in the top 5 they have ever had as far Cuban Sandwiches go!

Los Clasicos "Pescado El Mojo Pollo" Bento Box With Chicken, White Rice, Black Beans, Mixed Green Salad, Sweet Plantains In White Wine & Garlic Butter: This was my order and listen the quality of taste and seasoning in the chicken and tenderness marinated in this succulent white wine & garlic butter just melted in your mouth. Then the sweet plaints that were flawless just put it over the top with very good black beans and white rice. WOW ORDER IT MANNNNNNNNNN !!! LOL

Los Clasicos "Pernil Asado" Bento Box with Slow Roasted Pork, White Rice, Black Beans, Mixed Greens And Plaintans: Person who ordered it said it was amazing and well seasoned to perfection. She definitely recommended it for people who are Roasted pork fans and said you can tell it was a slow roast as advertised by the tenderness of the meat and texture.

Overall .... Their are so many options on their menu for food and drinks, and something for everyone as far as taste buds go. I would recommend doing a reservation though because of the size of the place and especially if you come in the evening on a weekend I can almost guarantee there will be a wait because of the popularity of this place which is worth it based on the food and drinks. The customer service I cannot stress enough how they were on top of everything service wise. If you are driving for people not familiar with the area you can get lucky if you are patient with parking but my motto as always is take the train to anywhere in NY for convenience and peace of mind to avoid traffic, accidents delays blah blah you know the typical NY stuff lol I will be back most definitely other than the tight seating It worth a visit. So what in the "Hell's Kitchen" are you waiting for lol (Yeah corny...

Havana Social in New York City is a hidden gem nestled near Wall Street, on the charming Stone Street. This picturesque street boasts several inviting restaurants, with tables and chairs spilling out onto the cobblestones adorned with colorful flags, creating a lively ambiance even when the street is quiet.

We were warmly welcomed by a friendly waiter who didn't push us to make decisions hastily. Upon perusing the menu, we were delighted to find Mexican cuisine, which immediately piqued our interest. With a wide selection of sodas, 8 bottled beers, and 9 draft options, there's something to suit every taste.

Our dining experience was nothing short of excellent. The portions were generous, true to American standards. We indulged in guacamole, a nacho platter, a juicy hamburger, a flavorful tortilla, and the highlight of the meal, the Chicharrones de Pollo – tender chicken chunks marinated in garlic and oregano, fried to crispy perfection. The tantalizing aroma hinted at the lively parties held at Havana Social, but it didn't detract from our dining experience.

Additionally, outdoor seating is available, providing a delightful al fresco dining option. Overall, Havana Social offers a fantastic dining experience with delicious food, friendly service, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a great spot in...

We usually pay attention to Google ratings to help us make our final decision on choosing a new restaurant. More often, the ratings are spot on,  and once and awhile, they are completely off. Unfortunately, this was "off"

Ordered the guacamole dip.The nacho chips were stale, and the plantation chips did not taste right. However, the guacamole itself was absolutely delicious. But for some reason, the guacamole with the quesadilla was quite different from the app. And for $18, i would have expected a side rice to compliment the meal. Sadly, it did not.

We weren't asked if we were enjoying our meal or why we  left the majority of our food on the plate when the plates were removed. Hmmm... here was your chance to save the day, amigo.

Service, warmth, and welcoming was sub par. Like the staff dreaded being here. When you have over 25,000 restaurants in manhattan, you'd expect some excitement and/ or professionalism towards your guests.  There couldn't have been no more than 9 people in a 40 plus seater on an afternoon when business would be traditionally low at that time period.

The place is worn with extension cords running everywhere.

On a brighter note, the pina coladas were...