In Brooklyn for the afternoon when I decided to grab lunch. Whipped out my phone loaded up Yelp and sorted by most reviewed. This place was right at the top. I love Cubans so it wasn't really a hard decision sooo...without further ado to the food review I go. The place is small. Really small. Like a hallway small. But that's alright, I was by myself and wanted to eat the worlds best Cuban; not impress my non-existent date. I grabbed a stool at the bar and was promptly served a menu. To be honest so many things on the menu looked great (I have a problem with skirt steak) but I was here on a mission, "one Cuban please without delay!" I thought. Then proceeded to order the Mexican corn which I had heard was unreal, a Cuban, and Jarritos soda to wash it down. All at ridiculously reasonable prices. (12$ Cuban, $5 corn) Within minutes the plate arrives. First, the corn. It arrives, two on a plate covered in what seems to be butter, white cheddar, and chile powder. Roasted, the corn charred deliciously licked by an open flame. Laying in a bed of mixed greens with lime, presentation wasn't what this place was after, the plating and plate itself reminisce of a local diner. I took a bite. Simple, perfect, complex. The flavor profile was all there instantly. A squeeze of lime, the light heat of the chile powder, followed by a buttery sweetness of corn and cheese. It's was amazing, it was simple, and it was perfect. Next came the Cuban. It arrives, just as the corn, simple on a plate, no flash or glam. The pressed bread with grill marks looks fresh perfectly toasted. Sweet. Baby. Jesus. That's all I thought. If there is food that proves the existence of a higher being this would be it. Perfect in its simplicity yet mastery of every simple seasoning and flavor. It's unreal, needing to be ate to be understood. Citrus marinated pork filling the inside, wrapped in slices of perfectly prepared ham literally dripped down my arm as I ate. It was perfectly cooked and perfectly moist. Their sauce slightly spicy yet creamy, crunch after crunch in to masterfully prepared meat. It's the perfect sandwich, and you deserve to eat it. I can't emphasize how much this place blew my expectations out of the water. Make the pilgrimage and become a believer.
(5)
Kim H.
I come here for grilled corn with my friends whenever I'm around. Never tried anything else but corn because I always went there looking for a snack. I just wish their corn is bigger but it taste so good I have no reason to complain.
(4)
Gina L.
I'll even go sometimes just for the takeaway corn. Yum!
(4)
William D.
Came here for dinner with a couple college friends. My friend from out of state chose the restaurant; she selected it by looking at it's yelp reviews. The food is very good here, but the space is too small to really enjoy the experience.. Cafe Habana is located in a popular area of lower Manhattan. The restaurant does not have a sign. We walked by it twice until I realized this was the place. The restaurant seems to be an old diner turned into this Cuban/Mexican restaurant. They do not take reservations, so make sure you are ready to wait if you want to eat here on a Saturday night. Because space is limited, they do not seat you until your whole party has arrived. My party orignally arrived at 7:15, but we had to wait for another person. Once that person arrived, then we were allowed to be on the line to sit. It took about 30 mins to sit us. That is not bad weight, but the restaurant is so cramped. It's a freezing cold day in January, so people are forced to wait inside the restaurant, which is already hard to maneuver in. My friend and I shared the grilled corn. It was very tasty, but it was pretty cold when it arrived at our table. It didn't take long to come, so they probably have a lot made, so it gets cold. I ordered the enchiladas suizas, which were very tasty. The sauce was very different from other sauces I've had on enchiladas. I thought the sauce tasted similar to chicken tikka masala, which, to me, is not a bad thing. I tasted the tostones, which were fried well. However, I did not truly enjoy my experience because of how cramped the place is. I like to focus on my food, and I really couldn't do that because I felt I had to watch out if someone would be bumping into my chair. I would go back to Cafe Habana at a less busy time so I can really enjoy the food. However, I would rather go to Jackson Heights and get really good Hispanic food than making the trek to the city.
(3)
Cathy H.
Had the privilege of eating a ton of mexican corn at the Governor's Ball last year. Never have I had corn so good! Some crema, cotija cheese and cayenne. *drool* I will make a trip to the actual cafe sometime this year hopefully!
(5)
Adeera T.
Its like getting a homemade Cuban dish. The food is pretty nice and the prices are pretty spot on. I think the corn is overrated, its a simple appetizer you can make at home. The place is extremely small and gets really crowded during the evenings. I don't think this is really a good place for conversation since it gets really loud.
(4)
Ha R.
Great food. Must try! Love the corn and tacos. Excellent Mojitos. Return ? Yes Frequency ? Occasionally
(4)
Rafael S.
I'm here visiting from Chicago and had to come here. The wait is totally worth it. Cuban name but great Mexican dishes. Next time I'm here I will be back. Good for a hangover meal with all of the drinks they offer. Before I forget the potatoes are delicious. I ordered them with the huevos rancheros.
(4)
Salina S.
Amazing!!! Every time I visit New York I HAVE to come here! All the food is mouth watering! I'd highly suggest the cheladas, grilled Spanish corn & the chicken diablo sandwich! On point!!!!
(5)
Marlene L.
simply amazing! corn. mole. tacos. try any of those and you won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Moon S.
$9 margaritas and no happy hour. :(
(3)
Samantha B.
Awesome brunch spot! Small space but great food!
(5)
Danan R.
The corn is simply amazing! It's perfectly grilled and seasoned with just the right amount of cotija cheese. Pair it with a Cubano torta and you have a deliciously indulgent meal. The roast pork is juicy, fatty, and tender and perfectly complemented by the ham, melted swiss, and spicy mayo on a freshly toasted and pressed baguette. It's tiny and crowded so I have always gotten my food to go or delivered. Prices are very reasonable and a sandwich with an ear of grilled corn is usually less than $10, although I usually add on a side of the sweet, crispy plaintain chips at the very last minute (about $3).
(4)
Raych D.
Yummy Yummy Yummy!!! Came here just for the corn...the restaurant next door is where you dine in and this one is mainly for the corn. Me and the bf got 2 roasted corn for about $5 and some change. The corn was a good size and it had this crusty cheese on it with some other spices and when melted the crusty cheese melted and it tasted like butter...totally melts in your mouth! It also goes great with fresh squeeze lime! Perfect for lunch or simply a snack. So inexpensive and delicious! And location is in the heart of SOHO.
(5)
Chau M.
The corn the corn the corn!!!!!!! Crowded and tight but food is cheap and filling- did I say get the corn?
(4)
Juan E.
2 stars for the food, 0 stars for the customer service. My wife and I had breakfast there on Sunday morning and experienced the worst customer service ever at a restaurant. The waitress was way more interested in talking to her friends than actually working. She also had a bad attitude whenever she decided to stop by out table. The food was average at best.
(1)
Kathleen C.
I live in California now and still have dreams about the corn and steak enchiladas from this place... Anywhere where people are willing to wait an hour outside and then share a booth with strangers to eat has to be amazing!
(5)
Carrie C.
Got the egg burrito to go. Flavorless. No cilantro or any other herbs for that matter. They've got the "retro mexican diner" look down, but no soul in the actual food. Pass.
(2)
Gertrude X.
We ordered the grilled Mexican corn and the shrimp tacos. Both were excellent. If I ever come back to this place I will come prepared with some dental floss as the corn gets all stuck in your teeth and I had to walk around for the rest of the day with corn in my teeth, which was extremely uncomfortable (not to mention unsightly). The toothpicks they give you don't do the trick unless you have sizeable gaps between your gnashers.
(4)
D L.
This is a tiny spot so be prepared to wait and sit very close with someone else like you're in the same party close. If you're sitting in one of the small tables be prepared to get up if someone needs to leave as well. It's also very noisy so you have to talk loud or be very close to someone to hear. But the wait staff is friendly and service is very quick. Of course after reading the reviews I had to try the corn which was sweet, nicely roasted and had the perfect saltiness from the cheese. Because so many people order the corn it's prepared ahead of time and comes out almost instantly. The fish tacos were fresh and tasty. Cuban sandwich was flavorful with the right amount of meat and crunchy on the outside. I enjoy the food but I would not go on a hot summer day or during peak hours.
(4)
Olivia R.
Wow wa wee wa .... The place is small but the staff was really accommodating. The service was friendly and fast, just how I like my manicurists. The corn. Order the corn. It was unlike anything I've ever eaten. I just went for the classic Cuban Sandwich with a side of Tostones instead of fries, since after all, we're eating Cuban here broo. My mind was blown - the sandwich was the best cuban sandwich outside of Miami (since we aren't allowed in Cuba, Miami is the next best thang LOL). So flavorful and juicy and just what a Cuban sandwich should taste like. Heavenly grease with a slice of pickles. Also, the cocktails were fantastic. I had the Daiquiri Cubano with Guava Puree (twice) - delicioso!
(4)
Jenny B.
Came here today hoping it wasn't packed, but it sure was. People were chowing down corn on the cobb in the streets with cotija cheese on their lips without a care in the world. I was not down for that, so I waited to be seated. Whats the big deal with their grilled corn? Well, it is grilled corn on the cob coated with a little layer of mayonnaise (I hate mayo, but this will be an exception), covered with cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder. I took my bite and the first thing I tasted was how sweet and tender the corn was- the type that isn't so starchy. Then, I noticed the texture of the cojita cheese- almost like a grainy consistency to it. The cheese didn't overwhelm the sweetness of the corn, but that chili powder definitely gave it a kick. I can take a little heat, but I thought the corn was really spicy (remind me to build up my spice tolerance). I would have to say that the combination of everything was new and unique to me, but I rather eat my corn with a just a bit of butter. Then, I heard someone next to me order the corn with "nothing on it." Guess I wasn't the only one not feeling the toppings. I wouldn't say this was the best corn I had. This corn on the cob will run you $3. I also ordered the Cuban sandwich which was good, but could have been better with minor improvements. For $8.50, you'll get a big sandwich with roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, and ham pressed together. The roast pork was soaked in sauce which was good, but what wasn't good was the fact that half of the sandwich bread was soggy from soaking up all that juice. By the time I got to the 2nd half of the sandwich, I had to eat it with a fork because the bread literally could not hold its contents. The sandwich came out pretty quick. When I got it, the bread was hot, but the meat was only lukewarm and the cheese barely melted. Other than that, the sandwich was really good and I felt stuffed after eating it. Would I come back for their corn? Yes with nothing on it, but for $3, no. Would I come back for the Cuban sandwich? Yes, if my sandwich is hot when I get it. 3.5 stars, but not worth the bump up to 4.
(3)
Matt S.
Went on a Friday night around 7 or so, got lucky and snatched a table relatively quickly. Definitely tight in here... kind of on top of everyone. Corn is a must. If I were a waitress here (in terms of job title/gender, this doesn't make sense because I'm a man, and I only saw attractive women serving during my dinner) I would make sure everyone is served the corn regardless if they actually ordered it. Other than that, the cuban sandwich was quite delicious. I have no memory what my girl had, which makes me think it was forgettable in both the literal and figurative sense. I'd stick with the corn and cuban, but I'm partial.
(4)
Andrew D.
CAFE HABANA. On a weekday in SoHo after a great yoga session on St. Mark's I decided to grab something to eat. At first I had my mind up on Dinastia even though it was uptown and I live in southeast Brooklyn. Nevertheless, I saw a friend of mine Ubering and decided to chat for a few where I then realized it wasn't practical to head uptown when I wouldn't make it. Ironically enough I then pulled out my trusty Yelp app and looked around my area to see what my options were and POW! lo and behold Cafe Habana came up and listed they closed at 12a. I totally made an aggressive pulling down motion symbolizing when someone scores! I've been to Cafe Habana once or twice before (thanks to my girlfriend introducing me) but this time I'd be alone. I arrive and grab the seat closest to the entrance as I spotted an outlet to charge my iPhone. I was welcomed by a lovely lady with a smile by the name of (I forget). I peered at the menu and didn't recall what I had as an entree my first two visits there, but I did spot what they were famous for and that was the very appetizing appetizer of the corn on the cob. It's delicious, satiating and anyone who digresses knows as much as Jon Snow according to Ygritte; NOTHING. After my satiating corn, I then decided to choose my entree. I opted for the Huevos Rancheros a Caballo (grilled skirt steak and their famous huevos rancheros serves with rice and beans). In other words, grilled skirt steak w/ scrambled eggs, rice & beans. It was ehh... good. I wouldn't say great or as satiating as the corn, but it definitely did the trick nonetheless. The beans looked a bit dry as if they were microwaved and stayed out a bit before arriving to my table. My plate wasn't as hot as I thought it should've been, and it took a long time to get to me (perhaps it was because I ordered my steak medium-well). My server was very pleasant and as always I enjoyed the versatile choice of music playing I'm the background. We sparked a conversation on the ever so classic "Candy Rain" by Soul 4 Real ('94) playing at the time. She was dancing allover the place and then informed me that the song was special to her because she saw them live at the Apollo that year when she was a young girl. If you ask me, nothing beats a steak and a good story over dinner (NYC'ers aren't social enough). All in all I really like this place and I would recommend it to any and everyone who likes Latin food. There's a lot on the menu to choose from, yet the menu seems quite concise and not overwhelming like a lot of other places. The food is satiating and music is cool. The only issue is that it is a very very small place, yet even then the wait is never ridiculously long.
(4)
Emily G.
Wish this place could get expand or move to a bigger place; I was seated right next to the dirty dishes tray area! Though I'm not a corn fan, I tried their infamous corn and it was amazing! Loved it because it was so savory with lots of cheese and mayonnaise on top of it.
(3)
Stephanie W.
Best Cuban sandwich I have ever had and the elote is so freaking good! Also, I've had a pork and bean dish before that was delicious. They just do it right here. I haven't had a thing I didn't like! The flavors are incredible and authentic. The only complaint is that the space is small and crowded and there is always a wait. I wish they would open up another location!!
The good: The food. They offer options for those who can and cannot handle spice. The bad: Very tight space seating wise. I'm skinny and I felt cramped. And the wait can be long.
(4)
Dee B.
I loved this restaurant. It was very casual, with fast service. And the food was EXCELLENT! I had the enchiladas de mole with a side of fried plantains and have been thinking about it all week. The space itself is pretty crammed, but then again, it is New York. I'll definitely return here next time I'm in town.
(5)
Rachel E.
This is one of my favorite places in the city. It's authentic and fun whether you sit in the tiny restaurant or take out next door. The corn is a must try, as well as the plantains.
(5)
Thorne K.
Came here last night around 6:30 for dinner with a girlfriend and my goodness is it small and crowded. Not only is this place the size of my closet but it's so loud because it's so tiny. I was screaming the whole night just to talk to my friend that was right next to me. Luckily we were seated immediately but on a two top by the bathroom. Literally my chair was right in front of the bathroom door so people kept hitting me as they walked by but I let that go since I was hungry and just wanted to try the food. We started off with drinks since that's the most important part of any meal. My friend ordered the margarita on the rocks and I didn't feel as adventurous so I just stuck with a beer. The drinks here are NOT watered down. Her margarita tasted like straight up margarita so you're definitely getting your money's worth. For appetizers, we ordered the corn on the cob. AMAZING. it's drizzled and covered in goodness and it comes out in two so my friend and I were both able to have one. For our entrees, my friend ordered the shrimp tacos and I ordered the cuban sandwich since it was apparently quoted as the best cuban sandwich in NY. I don't know about the BEST cuban sandwich but it's just okay for me. It was a sandwich. Nothing fancy or special about it. My friend seemed to enjoy the shrimp tacos but i wasn't too satisfied with my sandwich. The corn was a lot better. There service was great in the beginning but towards the end since there is limited seating, there was one server lady with the tattoos that kept rushing us and eyeing our plates to see if we were ready to leave when we clearly weren't even half way through our meal. I think she came by about 10 times to see if we were done yet and eventually she just came over with the check....okay? Overall, cute little place if you're in the mood for cuban place and don't mind the wait and the loud crowd. I say come here for the corn but if you want something else, then go somewhere else. You might wake up with a sore throat from all the screaming.
(2)
joe m.
This place has delicious food and a cool vibe and its cheap. Its a great place to hit during the summer, you might have to wait but I think its worth it
(5)
Carolyn L.
My experience here left me thinking this place was so over-hyped. I'm pretty sure I just got a bad batch of corn, but wow was it mediocre. My corn was so incredibly dry. There were no hints of sweetness or juiciness about it. I will say that the toppings--the salty cotija cheese, mayo, and lime-- added some flavor, but it was hard to enjoy under the incredibly dry kernels. I've had this type of corn at other restaurants so I definitely had some expectations. Unfortunately, Cafe Habana just didn't do it for me. And for the price tag of $7! Simply disappointing. I also got the roast pork dish. It is more appropriately priced and the pork and sides were decent. However, there was nothing about it that wow-ed me as I would have expected from such a famous restaurant. The place is also really cramped. We had no room to put our purses down on the booth, but our waitress was really nice and always pulled out the tables so you could get out.
(2)
Dave H.
Why isn't all corn cooked like Cafe Habana's? Mexican-style corn on the cob is a flavorful work of art: corn grilled to the point where it's slightly seared, a squirt of lime, mayo, cheese, and chili powder for a tangy spicy finish. With all of this, a head-scratching question comes to mind: where does one hold it? By the inserted stick, of course. Thanks to Hideki K. for getting one to go for me!
(4)
Katrina L.
Venue: Small and cramped. Don't be surprised if there's a line outside. Service: Mediocre Food: Flavorful and large in portions, but a bit pricey for what it is. Shrimp Taco - Shrimp is perfectly grilled, it comes with a large side of rice and beans. But where's the guac? I only spotted a little green sliver and tasted none of it. The taco is very delicate too and falls apart easily, so I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Everyone loves the grilled corn here, but I'm not a fan of mayo or shelling out $7 for corn on a stick.
(3)
Oskar W.
Recommend a visit during a weekday breakfast. It is so quiet and a lovely. I had a delicious Huevos rancheros. It was good and very cheap. The best though was the extremely friendly service.
(5)
Linh L.
The only thing i like abt this place is their cuban corns!!! So so good with that cheese, topped off with lime and hot sauce! I've tried their cuban sandwich which i wasnt very fond of becos it was filled w meats but dry meat. I also tried alittle of my bf's dish, believe he had steak w rice and beans (?) and it was alright.. Didnt really stand out for me. The service here was okay.. It gets busy and u do have to wait a long time to get seated, get food, get ur check. they have a take out section next door to their restaurant which is good for ppl in a rush. They have minimal seatings there.
(3)
Sarah J.
This place gets super crowded really fast. Prices are decent, food is good, atmosphere is super casual. We had the Cuban sandwich and the fish tacos. Both were good, though not the best I've ever had. The Cuban was really juicy for some reason, but tasted good (like any other Cuban: pulled pork, ham, cheese, pickles) and was a decent size. We got the tostones too, and those were pretty amazing. They come with this yummy garlic aioli that pairs really well with them. Our waitress was really nice and outgoing, everyone seems pretty chill here. It's a really casual atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends.
(4)
Ashley D.
The atmosphere here is really nice (unless you're the unlucky couple who have to sit in the toilet entrance; luckily we weren't). Atmosphere aside, the food itself is pretty poor. We had the fish taco's and the chicken special (can't remember the name). The fish was almost tasteless but ok with a hunk of lime and the beans, but the chicken was so bad neither myself or my partner could eat it. We ended up leaving most of the dish and heading to Price Street Pizza instead. Only 2 stars; 1 for the atmosphere, and 1 for the effort (generous at best)
(2)
Edward Alan B.
"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" --Yelp, 10/7/13, on Cafe Habana Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Can Cuban food get any better than this? Not in New York, at least. The wait: I've been here somewhere on the scale of a dozen times. The only time I didn't have to wait at least 15 minutes was when I went at 8 a.m. (They used to open that early; they probably saw I was the only one there and decided to move it back to 9 a.m.) TIP: if you want to get your meal on while in queue, you can hit up the Cafe Habana To Go right next-door and start with an appetizer of grilled corn, sans line. The seating: Probably the most cramped place I've ever been. When it's crowded (and it always is), you've really got to squeeze by people. Get a booth if you can, and try to avoid sitting against the wall leading up to the bathrooms, as these are the worst tables in the joint. Really, if you have the option, turn them down. You will get bumped and shoved in your seat as people swarm past; even worse, one of the tables is right near the discard bin for dirty plates, so you will probably get splashed, too. The food: So why put up with endless waits and cramped seating? Because the food is ridiculous. Their Cuban sandwich is the best I can imagine. The grilled corn is disgustingly delicious. I've had the roasted meats, the tacos, the enchiladas, the huevos, etc.--rest assured, it's all going to be awesome! If you want something vegetarian, consider the Tlacoyo de Tres Marias, which I ordered on a whim once and was awed by the rich and complex flavors of humble but great ingredients. The drinks are usually strong and tasty here, so get a Dark and Stormy or a Mojito. The service is also really on-point, and the servers are friendly, every time. I doubt you'll ever feel like you're just waiting for the food to come out. Cafe Habana is a fun, lively restaurant whose heavenly food more than justifies the long wait and cramped seating options.
(5)
Parul G.
Amazing! Walking down the street my husband and me saw the big crowd outside this restaurant waiting for a table. So of course we had to see what all the fuss was about! Thankfully we didn't have to wait at all, we grabbed two seats at the bar and were on our way to a wonderful, delicious lunch! My husband and me both had the Diablo Chicken sandwich, which was delicious!! It took awhile for the order to come out, but boy was it worth it. The chicken and the bun and all the goodies inside it tasted so fresh! The french fries were crisp, tasty and not oily at all! I would come back just for this sandwich. We saw a couple eating the corn with mayo and other goodies on it and that is something we have got to come back and try. The service was EXCELLENT!! The people behind the bar were so busy but they took the time out to ask me if I needed more hot water for my tea or more milk or anything else like 10 times, which I appreciate mucho! The place is small, but it has a cozy feeling and the food plus service is excellent. We will definitely be stopping by here again!
(5)
Xiaohui H.
the grilled corn is gorgeousssssssss
(4)
Ed L.
I've been coming to Cafe Habana for over 12 years! It's been a few years since I've been, but I used to always take out of town guest to this Lower East Side cafe. Delicious food, cool downtown scene and awesome service. I just came for brunch today and had the same great food at a great price! I don't think the prices have changed in the past decade. You can't go wrong with the Cuban Sandwich or the Corn on the Cob. I also highly recommend Huevos Rancheros. The coffee is excellent, but I decided to go with a Dark and Stormy which hit the spot! Cafe Habana is a little on the small side, so seating can be a little cramped. If you can score a seat at the bar or one of the booths that would be ideal. Overall, if you've got out of town guests and you want to give them a Lower East Side brunch experience, you can't go wrong with Cafe Habana! Or if the weather's nice and you want to great brunch experience come on down!
(4)
Ydnew L.
This place is tiny! I'm not a fan of corn but their corn was really good. Love the combi of chilli powder and cotija cheese! Awesome creation! I had the sandwich which was really delicious but not mind blowing. Portions were big. Service can be quite slow. Their coke taste weird.
(3)
Woei G.
I came here for the rave about their corn. And it is by far the best corn I have ever eaten!!! My family and I went at night, but the wait was 2 hours. So we went in the morning around 10am. There was no waiting line... and the menu was the same. Extremely happy. If I were to visit NY in the future, I would stop by this place for their Corn. Super delicious.
(5)
Ory B.
Great spot to grab a beer and good food with friends. It is busy, but not crowded. You can sit by the bar, or grab a table. Either way, the servers are cool, attentive, and hospitable. The space feels very cozy and lively. The food is GREAT. I got the corn, the Cuban sandwich, and a side of plantains. EVERYTHING was delicious. And to top it all off, it is all reasonably affordable. Go here.
(5)
Monica S.
Best Cuban Sandwich in the City! A++++
(5)
J. K.
It's cute inside. That's about it. And the corn is really, really good. But.... no. I had problems with the service, the space, and the food. The service: This was by far the worst part. I arrived alone, on a SUNDAY evening at 10:30, so when it was NOT crowded at all. I was waiting for a friend. I had to ask to be seated. The hostess kind of shrugged and just gestured to tables against the wall. I took one. She then dropped menus in front of me but didn't bother to come back to ask if she could get a drink started for me while I waited. And let me say, I had just gotten off of a ten-hour work day. I could have used a drink stat! When only when my friend arrived did she finally take our drink order. (They took forever to come out, BTW -- they didn't get there until after our main course had arrived.) We ordered an appetizer (corn-- it was super good). However, two minutes after the appetizer arrived, our main course did. We looked up as she held two huge plates, and she visibly acted annoyed that we hadn't finished our corn yet. I asked her if she could put our entrees on the empty table next to us, and she rolled her eyes and said, "I guess." What. The. Heck. And who brings appetizers, food, and drinks out all within three minutes? What was she expecting? And note: It was neither crowded nor close to closing, so why the rush?? The space: Way too small. The three-person table that we were at (and there were only two of us) was barely wider than my hips. NOW. I'm Mexican so my hips are on the bigger side, but STILL. No table should be that small. And as evidenced above, the table was too small to hold one appetizer and two plates. Hmm. The food: Luckily the portions were not Castro ration sized. I was really full afterward! But the food wasn't really that authentic or original. I really wanted ropa vieja but they didn't have even that. I ended up with strip steak. It was good. But how can you mess up rare steak? My friend got a Cuban sandwich. It was OK, but I can't judge because I don't particularly like Cuban sandwiches. The rice and beans served on the side of my steak were decent, but one of my good friends is Cuban and his are way better. So all in all, the next time I want Cuban food, I'll probably just raid my friend's fridge. He has bigger tables at his place, too. And he's nice to me.
(2)
Robbie B.
Super super small joint. Great corn, decent Cuban sandwich, killer cocktails.
(3)
Eric V.
Still one of the best Cuban place in Manhattan. Come earlier as it's always full.
(4)
Chris M.
The corn on the cob is amazing....the line is a pain in the ass
(4)
Sean Z.
The corn was delicious and is definitively the specialty of the place. I got the pulled chicken with mole. It was okay - the chicken was a bit dry - the rice was different and delicious and went well with the beans. Had a Bong, which is a mango drink which is off menu but is very delicious (a bit pricey being $5). The waiter was very nice and the place was packed - may be hard to find seating but I got lucky.
(3)
Mardory V.
Seating is a little tight in this spot but I believe it adds to the cozy, charm. Didnt use the restrooms so I cannot comment on that but the overall look is quaint and a very tailored memory of what Cuba is supposed to look like... I came. I tried the corn. It was good--and I am not one to enjoy corn with mayo on it, but I digress. The grill marks were somehow smoky and sweet all at once. I've been swayed! Corn Tostones Cuban sandwich with some fiery concoction that was apparently good, if you like it hot Enchiladas mole with Mojito drink Enchiladas mole were good. My only gripe is that the tortillas were way too crumbly, yet, also chewy if that is even possible. Rice and beans were perfect and that is coming from a rice and beans expert: AHEM! My mojito was good and I'm glad for that. Food flavors overall were good but I was taken aback to find that their tostones were sweet. Like why? I didn't order platanos because I was looking for that salty component-- so that was a slight to my tastebuds! I would go back to get a better sense of the menu and to see if it lives up to expectations.
(3)
Jessica B.
Absolutely delish! We didn't find the sit down restaurant so we ordered at the take our counter. But we will definitely come back and try the full service.
(5)
Kelsi T.
Amazing! I have tried most things on the menu -and it has all been delish! My favorite is the corn! It is to die for!!! Most go if you are in the area!
(5)
Lisa R.
Every time I come here I get something new and it never disappoints. Everything I get is delicious from drinks to food, best cuban sandwich I've had and best Mexican corn as well.
(5)
Jonathan S.
There's a reason the Corn is featured most in the yelp photo's; it's damn good... The short, get the corn, expect the rest of the food to be good but don't go during peak times when there is a wait. Situated on the corner of Prince and Elizabeth, you might walk right by this unassuming mini diner looking restaurant. During peak times there is nearly always a crowd of people outside waiting by the door; make sure that you are around and listening for your name or they will move on to the next one. We ordered "light" going with the Corn, Enchiladas Suiza and Mole de Poblano. Corn as mentioned is legit, but the 2 styles of Enchiladas ended up being somewhere between OK and good. I WILL return as their Cuban is advertised as the "best in NY" and if its any bit better than my lunch a day spot Sophies, I'll kick up the rating to 4 stars.
(3)
Susana F.
The Cuban sandwich here was absolutely amazing! There was a hint of chipotle I believe in the mayo and it added a really nice kick to the sandwich. Nothing I've ever had before in your typical Cuban. Tiny little spot but sometimes those are the best and most authentic places to try.
(5)
Yara H.
A yummy but cold experince. I ordered the quesadilla de pollo with black beans and rice and my friend ordered the shrimp tacos. The portions were filling and the food was to our liking. Not the best Mexican food I've ever had, but it was satisfying. For the entrees I'd give this place 3 stars! After the meal we ordered the "oh-so-famous" corn and it was delightful. The dish came with two corn cobs and we couldnt get enough of the buttery cheesy goodness! Do not leave this place without trying the corn, I just added an entire star for one cob! Now the only con to this place is that its freezing which truly takes away from the experience. It was not well heated and when I asked if the heat could be turned on or increased the waiter told me that there's nothing she could do about it.. we was staring at that thermostat knob the entire time.
(4)
Stace C.
Where else would people wait over 30 min in the miserable NY winter cold and subject themselves to tiny cramped tables where you can hear the conversation of the table next to you? Recently found out they have a brunch menu here along with some signature items from their dinner menu. Love their challah french toast.
(5)
Dan B.
Came here twice within a two week time frame - yes! its that good. I got the Mexican cola (yum.. takes me back to mexico) along with the typical cheese corn on the cob and the authentic and classic Cuban sandwich. All are very good. Ive only been to the pick up side of the establishment. It takes literally 5 minutes for your sandwich to be made and delivered to you from the counter. I will be returning again within the next few days.
(5)
David M.
I had been craving their food, especially the corn, but was rewarded with a 20% gratuity on a table for two. Do they do this to all their European diners?
(1)
Alex W.
This place is really really really really good. Totally worth the 30 min wait. We had plantains and guac, THE CORN, steak enchiladas and the Cuban sandwich...ALL WAS AWESOME. Loved this place!
(5)
Dewan A.
Amazing place to get Cuban Sandwich and Grilled Corn Mexican Style. They have several types of hot sauce which is great. This is the best place to get Cuban and Mexican cuisine at one stop shop.
(5)
Kenley O.
Tried the famous grilled corn on the cob.. Did not disappoint! Most and charred to perfection. Had the steak entree-- way too tough, slightly dry and hard to cut into. Love the tiny atmosphere, gets crowded easily. Will be back to try their fish tacos!
(4)
Victoria X.
I finally got to try this place after hearing good things about it for so long. I tried their Mexican grilled corn and it was absolutely addictive. I also had the Cuban sandwich and that was delicious as well. The restaurant itself is pretty small and, from the looks of it, always pretty busy/packed. What's good about this place is that they have a take-out storefront right next door for those on the go. At this point, I just want more of that corn!
(4)
David L.
This place is always butthole packed. I always get the grilled corn, which is good. Everything else tastes alright, but portions are small, and prices are steep for what you get.
(3)
Krithika H.
THE GRILLED CORN! Get it! If you're like me, you love corn on the cob, but it feels pointless to order it in a restaurant right? I mean, corn is pretty standard... what can you really do to it to justify charging 7 bucks for two cobs? Righttt?? WRONG. The corn at Cafe Habana is magical. It's grilled to perfection and seasoned Mexican style with tons of cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. Everything is just right, worth every dollar. We went for bunch and only had to wait about half an hour, which was well worth it for a super cute restaurant in the heart of Soho. I tried a couple different brunch dishes, the chilaquiles with salsa verde (delicious!) and the open-faced pulled pork sandwich with eggs (divine!) My brother got the Cuban Sandwich (claimed to be voted best in the city) and he was super disappointed by it. Nothing special, don't order it.
(4)
Alexa M.
Amazing! Must gets: corn, Cuban sandwich and grilled shrimp tacos! Jalapeño margarita is amazing too! Very strong!
(5)
Robert F.
I literally would run over an old lady to get to this corn. The place has an authenticity and a casualness that just makes it work. Now that they have an LA location, I wont have to wait so long till my next visit!
(5)
Risca P.
I was excited to take out my friends here for dinner. It was my first time here, too but I felt confident that it would be a good time. Got there at 6:45pm and was told that there was an hour wait for a table for 4. Put my name down anyway. Tried looking elsewhere as a backup plan because I had nothing to eat all day (not joking) and I needed to EAT ASAP. Decided to wait instead. They didn't know how to pronounce my name. Whatever, it happens all the time. Got seated near the door - a bit tight in space but I liked that we sat near the windows. Minutes later, we were moved to a table with the blue couches. I heard the corn was to die for, but no one at my table wanted to order it, so we didn't. I got the Huevos Rancheros, to which the waitress said, "I feel really good about it," when asked what she thought of it. I told her I want my steak cooked medium and my eggs runny. She said, "Well, how we do the eggs here is sunny side up." I had to pause and think what the difference was between runny and sunny side up. Thought they meant the same thing. Whatever. My friends both got the Cuban Sandwich and my sister got the steak too without the eggs. Waited what felt like a turn of the century for our food to come. I think they may have forgotten it because I saw the waitresses chatting over our shoulders and pointing at our table. The food finally came. I scoured mine like a hungry hyena. Reaction: WTF is this? Steak too dry. I asked for medium, but what I got was something which a caveman burned and scrubbed too hard with charcoal. Mind you, by this point I was STARVING so I did not have extra time to spare to complain about my food. First, the long wait to get seated and additional wait to receive my food. It was overall a recipe for a stomachache, which I experienced. Aside from the belly pain, I tried using my palette to judge the quality of my dish. From scale 1 to 5, it was a 1. My friends liked their sandwiches so I was happy about that. If they didn't, I would have gone home in contempt. For the price and hype of this place, Cafe Habana delivered with a huge disappointment. Will I come back? NO. Not even for their sandwiches. If you want real and GOOD Spanish food (Cuban/Mexican/Colombian), go to where the real Cubans/Mexicans/Colombians go to. I have had better steak at Pollo a La Brasa Mario in Jackson Heights.
(2)
Scooby R.
Love the food, and like most patrons, the grilled corn is amazing. The prices are great. Very cheap for NYC and portions are a generous size for the price. I came often when I lived in New York and go whenever I visit. The reason I can't give it 5 stars: Due to it's popularity, the place is overcrowded. By way of illustration, imagine the inside of the Manhattan bound A train on a winter day, an incoming blizzard, and JFK and LGA just closed. Yes, it can be that packed. Expect a 1-2 hour wait. The tables are small and packed next to each other in a very small restaurant (typical Manhattan sized apartment) and you are most likely to eat sitting ON strangers. Worth it? At least once. Don't be surprised if you're eating across a celebrity. I ate across from David Duchovny with family post-but-recent sex scandal. Awkward!
(4)
Sally K.
Get the corn. They have a great group of workers. They're extremely friendly and sweet. I came on a scorchin' hot and busy day but only waited five minutes. The wait was short so the table we were seated at was kinda crappy but... the service was so good that I chose to overlook this. I definitely want to go back and try more things off their menu.
(4)
Jess N.
I was really excited about this place because I love Cuban food but I was a bit disappointed. The drinks were great, I had a margarita with mango. My bf and I ordered the corn, roasted pork and cuban sandwich. The corn had great flavoring but I wish the kernels had been softer. The roasted pork was pretty expensive for what was basically carnitas. It was good but not great. The cuban was good but nothing out of this world. I would say the best thing on my plate was the rice and black beans. Would I come back again? Probably not because the place is also super tiny and the manager that night seemed quite agitated at the large crowd which I thought was expected. Overall, I don't think the cost of the food is worth it
(3)
Bisi A.
I came here with my friend!! This place was sooo good. Small place but amazing food. YOU HAVE TO TRY THE CORN!! I cannot wait to go back. It is a perfect go to spot. The service was great and I do plan on going back to this place again!!
(5)
Zach L.
A lot of hype for this place, and maybe I ordered the wrong dish. I had the corrizo con juevos w/ arroz and yes it was good, it wasn't a breath-taking experience like I had anticipated. My girlfriend had the corn on the cob dish which was delicious and something that I highly recommend. The prices of the dishes were fair and the atmosphere is cool and casual. However, I wasn't a fan of the service. We were seated right away, which was good, but then we didn't receive a menu or glass of water for the first 10 minutes we were sitting. Finally I called over a waitress (we didn't know which one was ours) and asked for menus and she brought waters shortly after. There appeared to be more than enough members on staff to handle the small restaurant but throughout our meal we would be looking around for help with a coffee refill, a water refill and any sauce requests. Not once, did someone come check-in with us, and that was a big dissapointment. I'll probably come back to check out a different dish, but certainly not for the service.
(3)
Laurie W.
Hipster - yes Cuban and authentic - not so much Great little diner style place, gets super busy during lunch time (its not that bad) Menu is decent...got some range but not a lot Ordered the Mexican Corn and Cuban Sandwich Mexican Corn - its slathered in butter, mayo, chili powder and stuff....its grilled so it lost some of its juicyiness and it kinda sucked...but it wasnt bad Cuban sandwich -....MY GOD...how could i have not known about this?! It is delicious....salty cause of the meat but its not as bad cuz theres mayo and my god, its just delicious (not amazing but its a close race)....crunchy bread and melty cheese....just try it keeping it short and sweet...or savory
(4)
Elena D.
Heard about this place from a few friends and decided what better day than to try it on cinco de mayo! I was a little disappointed with the cattiness of our server and the fact they had no specials for this holiday! We got frozen margaritas, not bad, and then had the Mexican style grilled corn. GET IT! It's really really good. And the tacos pastor was yummy as well. The service was really poor though and we were waiting a long time for even our waters. It's worth checking out on a day that isn't busy.
(3)
Quoc L.
Did you know that hungry people tend to act impulsively and lash out verbally & physically? This is how I get when I don't get Cafe Habana. Blame science! Anyways, any day I make it to Cafe Habana is a day of love. Why? Because they have a drink called "Dia Del Amor." Don't read too much into things people, sometimes a chair is just a chair, & a drink is just a drink. Except this drink packs a smooth punch. Actually, it's more like a soothing curb stomping. Not a lot of cocktails can get you drunk but this one does the trick. Like a sandwich after sex. Speaking of sandwiches, get it! Find it on the menu and order it! I'm not entirely sure if the Cuban Sandwich is self proclaimed best in NYC or they actually have credible reviewers backing it up, but all I know is, it's as Cuban Sandwich as Cuban Sandwiches get (I've never been to Cuba, don't take my word for it)! Well, Cuban enough for the lady to ride her bike all the way from midtown and back to eat it; I'm pretty sure it's her favorite sandwich. She's into avocado & goat cheese, so if that tickles your fancy, the sandwich is a no-brainer. If you're more on the carnivorous side like I am, then I implore you to explore the Huevos Rancheros. I know your first instinct is going to be to try the Skirt Steak. Don't do it. Just... don't. The Huevos Rancheros is slightly cheaper but offers eggs and a cute little tortilla, so you can play with your food. If you find your steak a little drier than expected, you always have the option of slathering egg all over it. But let's say you're not too hungry. You're just here to chill out with your friends in an environment conducive for catching up (which it is), drinking cocktails, and perhaps munching on an appetizer or two. I give you-- the Shrimp Taco. It's introduced as an entree but let's be honest, 3 tacos is not an entree! It's a fucking appetizer and a slight insult to my manhood. Don't get me wrong, it's bangin'! It just won't fill you up. But let's say you don't like shrimp. Perhaps, somewhere in your past a shrimp killed someone you loved. Don't worry, I got you! If all else fails, get the Mexican-Styled Grilled Corn. It's laced with both Chili Powder & what I believe is to be cocaine. Under no circumstances underestimate how spicy it is. It burns so! good! I promise it can cure erectile dysfunction. But forget everything I just said! Because the real reason I ever come here (besides the lady dragging me to get her sandwich) is the Michelada. "My tongue says Sangria but my heart says Michelada." - Sterling Archer Cafe Habana has the best Michelada outside of Mexico. Give it to the Cubans to make a Mexican drink better than Mexican Restaurants. Come on Mexico, pick up the pace. I really go out of my way in search of the best Michelada & I can honestly say, I love their version more than I've loved most of my ex-girlfriends. But be weary, it all depends on who makes it for you. Much like the drink: the Dark & Stormy. If you find yourself at the bar alone... waiting... on a dark & stormy night for your ex, you'll find yourself immersed in the perfect drink. Unless they make it bad, then you're stuck with a bigger bill.
(4)
Samuel R.
Loved the food, try the fish tacos, they were awesome. A great place for lunch, really want to come back and try more stuff on their menu!
(5)
Agustin K.
They do live up to the hype. Get the corn, don't argue. Even when you're on a date. They give toothpicks to help with the stuck corn. Very helpful because that would have bothered me the rest of the evening. Their menu change every season. I was looking for the grilled pork with the mushroom sauce and they only have that winter time. They no longer have frozen mojito. I ordered mojito on the rocks but I think I could have made a better one on my own. Their Huevos rancheros is just like we expected. The steak is very juicy and tender. The chicken with garlic sauce is quite saucy which I like. I also enjoyed the spinach side dish. Overall solid food. Wait for Wednesday night is about 15 min (was told but ended up getting seated in 5 min). I heard the hostess sending people to the next door take out location so that can be a good option if you don't feel like waiting. Service was decent. Super young crowd.
(4)
Jade B.
Cuban & grilled corn ! Must....get ! . I love this place ; the ambiance is so relaxed , kind of small and compact, but it gives the place a more home like feel.
(4)
Amy N.
Corn? I love corn! Their grilled corn mexican style is the bomb! Sweet and savory goodness in every corn juice squirting bite! Pair that up with a michelda corona and you'll be good. They have quite a few drinks on the menu btw. Me and my bestie also got the baja fish taco and cuban sandwich, both are to die for! Catfish, fresh fish fried in a beer batter, sitting on a warm corn taco topped with dressed shredded cabbage...mm mmm MMM! Rice is nice and fluffy, beans seasoned well and creamy. The server actually recommended us the cuban sandwich, which is voted #1 in NYC. The citrusy pork and ham is smothered in a smokey chipotle mayo with melted swiss cheese in between a toasted bun, served with handcut fries, you will not be dissapointed! Almost forgot about their tostones. Perfect sweet and salty contrast, crispy on the outside, tender inside, dipped in a garlicky mojo sauce....yum! Wanted to try the cheese flan but they ran out :( Rainy night out wasn't so bad, afterall!
(4)
Meredith M.
Wow. Thank you YELP for helping me find this little gem on Prince Street! We rolled in around 8:30 p.m. on a Saturday night with two toasty and rowdy guys in our group of four. The manager told us it would be a 20-30 min wait. We stood outside for a while and then squeezed in to the crowded restaurant to hold our place in line. The waitresses were quick and flipped the tables so we could have a seat and brought us waters right away. Everyone in my party ordered the Cuban sandwich and loved it. We also started with two orders of grilled corn. Wow. I will dream about that corn. It was perfectly cooked and the cheesey seasoning on top were incredible. I had the skirt steak and rice/ beans and was very happy with everything. I can't wait to bring friends and family here and share the goodness that is Cafe Habana.
(5)
Kristina N.
We came here JUST for the grilled corn. We didn't realize this but if you just want food to go there's a smaller cafe Habana that takes care of short orders. The corn was bomb and well worth the special trip to try it. It has a BUNCH of cotija cheese on top so if that's not your thing i wouldn't recommend it.
(4)
Danielle V.
The food is great, but the restaurant way too cramped. There is also usually a wait. However, the service was pretty good and the location is nice.
(3)
Sarah A.
They don't take reservations and the wait was so long that I almost ended up leaving with my friends. I'm so glad that I didn't because the food was incredible. I definitely recommend the corn on the cob.
(4)
Anthony S.
Had this place bookmarked for a while and finally had the chance to make it there tonight (5/24/14). It's a pretty small spot without much seating. We collectively decided to place an order to go and take advantage of the favorable weather and dine outside on a bench in front. Ordered a Cuban sandwich which was terrific........but i think the highlight was the roasted corn slathered in a mayo parmesean cheese chili powder concoction served with a slice of lime. That corn was outrageously good. Not sure of the proper name of it, and I know it may sound a little weird, but trust me......the combination works. I'll be back again someday.
(4)
Andrew S.
Super delicious, but long waits in this tiny restaurant. The grilled corn with powdered cheese was the highlight. It kind of reminds me of the elotes you can buy on the street in Mexico.
(4)
Jason L.
Came here on a wednesday night for dinner. Was told the wait for 2 people was 20 minutes but we waited about 10 minutes and got seated. The restaurant was really small and the seating was really tight which I didn't like. I was bumped into on so many occasions during our time there, that I lost count. We ordered: -Grilled corn: Was good and tasty. A little spicy. A order comes with 2 corns. Messy but they give you a toothpick to get the corn that is stuck on your teeth -Cuban Sandwich: Flavorful with a lot of meat. The fries it came with was good. But don't think this is the best cuban sandwich -Enchiladas estilo Norteno: The steak inside the enchilada was was not dry or too hard. The rice and beans was normal. Service at this place was ok. But when they gave me the enchilada, I was not given a fork. Had to flag down a waitress to get a fork. Besides that, service was ok and friendly
(3)
Ian J.
How to weigh the good with the bad... Service isn't the best, and the space is extremely cramped and tiny, making for an uncomfortable meal... however, the food was fantastic. Really tasty, portion sizes were great compared to other restaurants that pile too much on. However it wasn't priced appropriately and ended up costing way too much for the experience, service and atmosphere. I would return during an off hour and get the tacos or enchiladas again because they were that good.
(3)
Peter G.
I love the avocado sandwich here and the corn is great. It's not sophisticated but the food is very authentic.
(4)
Erica T.
Cafe Habana, was my first stop when I arrived in New York! It was starving and could barely decide what I wanted. So my friend had recommended the Cuban Sandwich and Chili Corn to me and my boyfriend. FOOD VERDICT: The food came out extremely fast, and the Cuban sandwich was amazing. I liked the flavor that they had on the corn, However the corn was not sweet so it wasn't as good as I had expected it to be. ATMOSPHERE: Working in, it was very relaxed and chill. The waitresses all wore crop tops, It was actually pretty hilarious in my opinion. They also were all very kind. Very good for quick, and chillaxing food! I would recommend this place for everyone to try at least once.
(4)
A L.
The line was long when I got there for take out, but it was worth the wait. The Cuban Sandwich and corn tasted delicious! I just wished the corn wasn't so expensive. Just remember to grab a lot of tissue when you order the Cuban Sandwich!
(4)
Meat G.
Met a friend on a friday night and chose to go here based solely on the high score here on yelp. It seemed very busy with a crowd standing around the front, the hostess said it would be a 30 minute wait. It wound up only being about 5 minutes until we were huddled into a cramped table between three bro dudes getting drunk on Corona and the bathroom. It was so loud inside that we had to yell to each other all night sitting face to face just to have a normal conversation. All of this is pretty typical for a place like this on a friday night on the lower east side, so it has little effect on my review. I give it 1 star based on my experience with their food. I like cuban food and having lived in South Florida for 8 years, Ive had my fair share. The menu claims that their cuban sandwich was voted "Best in New York." This is actually the first Cuban restaurant I've been to in the city, but if this is the best New York has to offer I might have write off Cuban food til I return to Florida. First of all, someone needs to tell the chef at Cafe Habana that a cuban sandwich is supposed to be pressed. My friend and I both ordered the sandwich and they came out on a hard, flaky club roll that wasn't even warm, let alone hot pressed. The ham was cold and thickly cut. The cheese not melted. The one part that stood out was the pork, however. It was actually very good, and if they just knew how to craft a cuban sandwich it could actually be pretty good because this roast pork had some nice flavor. Sadly, it alone wasn't enough to make the sandwich appetizing. Paired with a handful of bland diner style french fries, I left hungry and disappointed.
(1)
Cody S.
SPACE: 3.5 stars This is NYC at it's best. Overcrowded, loud, and windows so the people on the street can gawk at you. I love it. SERVICE: 3.5 stars Again, it's all NYC. Basically abrupt bordering on rude. Service is fast but they aren't looking to win you over with their personalities. Hey, it's the Lower East side, if you want service, go to the Upper East side. FOOD: 4 stars Basic flavors done exceptionally well. What ever you do, get the grilled corn...it's worth coming just for that. COCKTAILS: 3.5 stars Basic margaritas, etc mixed and shaken to order. Very fresh and they don't cheat you on the booze.
(4)
Shantel P.
I'm not even going to.....try and describe how I need to marry the cook. The food here is REGAL. I mean......I'll never accept any of the other "stuff" I've been eating as Cuban food. You want Cuban food? You go here. Portion sizes are perfect. Not huge, but a little more than enough (be thankful for that because if it were any more you'd eat it all and lose your attractive physique lol). That corn on the cobb......listen. Ok? Drinks were....meh but the food totally makes that ok. And it is SUPER small, I mean TINY in this place. Don't come with a large crowd. I'd say limit it to 3 people, 4 is......the absolute max. I took off 1 star for the drinks and the size of this place. I'm not a fan of small spaces. Hate them. But the food is enough to keep me coming back.
(4)
Joy O.
Occasion: Weekend Snack Time (A) Food (5 out of 5) On our way to another hot spot in the neighborhood of Nolita, we decided to check out Cafe Habana. Fighting our temptation to order beer, we went straight to this notoriously famous - grill corn!! It was super-sweet, juicy, sprinkled cheese on the cob was like heaven! I noticed also very interesting hot pepper powder, extremely hot but very addictive! (B) Ambience (4.0 out of 5): We got the corner seat along the windows (got a few shots taken by tourists taking a picture of this restaurant from outside ^^) Although this place is small and crowded, it has its own coziness and charm. (C) Service (3.0 out of 5): The hostess was ok - we asked for order-in twice but we got take-out. (It's ok though, it just meant no basket to hold our corns.) (D) Value (3.0 out of 5): (Maybe we're very frugal from NYC standard..) but honestly I thought $3 for one cob of corn was not great from value perspective.
(4)
Ali C.
Just love this place. Davey at the bar makes it even better. Wonderful service. Great Cuban food
(5)
Jonathan P.
food, libations and service were spot on. go.
(4)
Wesley S.
So I love this place. I love it so much I am reluctant to write a review because I don't want anyone else to know about it but with the already 1000's of reviews it is probably too late for that! The things I have had (that I find to be amazing) were the following: corn appetizer (comes with two pieces), shrimp tacos, and the Cuban sandwich. I like to try different things when I go places than what is usually hyped about, but the Cuban sandwich is the best I have ever had in my life. You really have to try it to believe it. Sooo, in order to try other things I have elected to bring someone with me every time I come to get something different and we can share (this is just my method at this point) ! The shrimp taco's are now my second favorite dish. Just so you know the place is very small and generally very crowded. There is also often a line to get in so make sure you plan accordingly. Once you are seated, the staff is very friendly and accommodating and the food makes any discomfort you might have in seating well worth it. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
(5)
Kristina C.
Always a popular soho spot, the mexicorn here is a thing of legend. I love the shrimp tacos with shredded cabbage, guacamole all wrapped in a corn tortilla. The drinks were a little lackluster and I may just grab a Pacifico next time. Be prepared for a wait...drop your name and hit the shops nearby.
(4)
Yunji N.
A NYC must! I always get the elote and the shrimp tacos. The wait is totally worth it, so definitely wait it out if you must. It may seem a little cramped inside, but it definitely is an experience go eat elbow to elbow with a complete stranger :) a part of New York charm! The workers are a bit sensitive with the waiting list, so just be patient; your time will come.
(4)
Angel O.
I have been on a quest to find the best cuban (my favorite sandwich) in NYC and till this day, no where else has yet to beat Cafe Habana. And dont forget to order the corn! Always my go to spot.
(5)
Sashimi W.
I consider this more of a hole in the wall. It's totally good, just super small and cramped.
(4)
Luis B.
Cafe Habana is in a great location wrapped around Elizabeth and Prince streets. It can get very cramped in here and expect them to assign you your seats. Had huevos rancheros. They were very runny and messy but pretty good. Service was not so good. Staff just hanging out talking about boyfriends and their nails etc. Staff a little indifferent and uninterested. Habana management: Since the place is so small we customers can hear every little thing your staff is talking about. Keep it professional. Overall B-. Don't really get all the hype... It's a'ight.
(3)
Sereibot Y.
Came here on a cold Saturday evening to meet a friend for a quick bite and to satisfy a craving for some Cuban food. We walked in and noticed two spots at the bar area of this very small diner and decided to sit there rather than their few tables as it seemed very crowded and claustrophobic. Not much of a wait during prime dinner time considering how cold it was that day. After enjoying the Cuban decor and some Cuban music, I decided to go with a Cuban sandwich as the description pulled me in, "Best in New York". I can't pass on that! My friend ordered the roast pork after our bartender suggested it. Next to us was one of the waitresses/managers who was having a quick dinner before her shift started. She was very bubbly and was livening up the already vivacious atmosphere of the restaurant. She shared with us sweet plantains which were some of the best I've had. We had some Cuban coffee to end the dining experience and it was also very good. Very sweet, strong double espresso. Our food came quickly and I began scarfing down the best Cuban sandwich in New York. Yup, the pork, ham and everything else was delicious especially with the chipotle mayo. Next time I have to ask for more of the sauce, so good. I tried my friends dish and found his roasted pork to be very delicious also. There were many sauces on the counter that he tried with it. We didn't want to get too messy so we decided against ordered the grilled corn. In hindsight I regret it as it looked amazing when our neighbors ordered. Wish I had tried some of the cocktails also but was not in the mood at the time. Oh well, it gives me reason to come back!
(5)
Burcu B.
Their corn is a must-try and it's delicious! I also liked their cuban sandwich. Small place, big portions, nice service. Even better if you can avoid tables next to the bathroom.
(4)
Margot L.
First time in NYC and first time trying Cuban food. Both great experiences. My friend and I had to wait a while, but it was worth it. The food and atmosphere were amazing. The drinks were awesome too!!! Next time I visit NYC I will definitely come back.
(4)
Claire U.
I am drooling just thinking about their grilled corn. The wait was pretty long (30-40 minutes, at 2 pm on a MONDAY! Shouldn't people be at work?!!), but the corn made it worth the wait. The prices are surprisingly cheap ($7 to $8 per entree? in NY? wow), and the portions are large. My friends and I had the grilled corn, sincronizada toluca (basically a chorizo quesadilla), chicken quesadilla, and roasted pork. My one gripe is that the cheese to my chicken quesadilla wasn't melted, but other than that, the food was great! I cannot WAIT to go back!
(4)
Melissa D.
Awesome food and great ambience. Good service for a busy weekend night.
(4)
Kitana Q.
Uhh.. what is all the fuss about? For the most part, this place is ok, but the quality has deteriorated over the years. 1. Food: The cotija cheese and the chili powder make for a happy grilled corn, but the mayo is just unnecessary and overpowering. Served on a stick, so easy to eat! Chicken and pork tacos - dry and tasteless. Cuban sandwich: unremarkable slices of dry overcooked meat put together. No zesty or flavorful condiments. Yes, the corn single-handedly propped up the two stars in this review. 2. Ambiance: Tiny and crowded. The bathroom doors have their own bouncer - a diner unfortunate enough to be seated in the doorway. Good music, young crowd. Nice diner feel with exposed tin / metallic walls and linings. 3. Service: Ranged from indifferent and perfunctory to pleasant and friendly.
(2)
Be L.
Good food for the price. Great hole in the wall restaurant every time I'm in soho or little italy.
(4)
Dan S.
Everyone speaks the truth - the corn is amazing. Some unique cocktails too, which I suggest you enjoy. Rest of the menu is just authentic, good food that tastes right. It's a great spot that is loud and sweaty on a hot summer night, but oh so worth the wait for a table (be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors!!)
(5)
Matthew L.
Came to Cafe Habana this past weekend, and had the corn, the chicken/corn salad, and the torta. Of the items, I must say the corn is still the best item. Since my last review in 2011, the price of the corn has increased to $5.95 per 2 cobs. Still worth it because it's still uber delicious. The chicken/corn salad was decent, with a flavorful salad dressing but the chicken was somewhat over-grilled and dry. The torta (vegetarian) was decent as well, but had way too much cotija cheese for my liking. Now if you love cheese, then you'll love it. Don't get me wrong, I'm a cheese lover, but the amount they give you was pretty excessive. I've had the unfortunate chance of sitting in the very back of the restaurant by the bathroom on multiple occaisions. This place gets packed fast, so you can't be too choosey on where you're seated. But the table by the bathroom, in my opinion, is the worst place to be seated because the service there is the poorest. This is primarily due to the fact that the table (and its guests) are hidden coat hanger hooks (and if it's winter... big puffy winter jackets). So while you may get seated, the waiters/waitresses might not even realize you're there. So during my most recent dining experience a few days ago, I had to get out of my seat (after waiting 15 minutes) and flag down the waitress to let her know I still didn't have a menu yet. After that, the service improved steadily. So word of advice, if you have the choice, don't sit by the bathroom! Now if you're just going to get the corn, I would recommend just going to habana-to-go on the other side of the restaurant instead, as it will be easier and faster. Since my last review in 2011, Cafe Habana still has a 4 star rating in my books. The food is pretty solid (e.g. such as the seafood dishes) and the corn never fails to satiate my corn-cravings. Long live the elote!
(4)
Vivian L.
THE CORN. I'm salivating after I just thought about it. It's a must try. I think I need to go and get some soon because it really tickles my heart and makes my day. The Cuban sandwich I've had better at other places but it's not bad. But definitely...did I say corn yet? Yes do it.
(5)
Liz W.
I have been coming here regularly for about a year now, and my last visit the food was not great. The famous grilled Mexican corn was not evenly seasoned and seemed to have been thrown together. My fish tacos seemed a bit soggy, and worst of all the chicken in my husband's enchiladas suizas was totally dry (overcooked) and the enchiladas were folded like tacos (not enchiladas). I'm not sure if I'll go back.
(1)
Su L.
Hell yes. Forever hell yes. I've never encountered Cuban cuisine before. But hot damn this place is fantastic! Whenever you walk it, you immediately get blown away by Cafe Habana's personality. Being in Nolita you definitely expect some Latino flair but you literally get smacked in the face with it here. And it's great. The waitresses and even some of the patrons are dancing around to Latino music and just having a good ole' time. You can't come here and expect to have a quiet meal. Oh no, not possible. Expect to have fun! Their corn is really tasty and completely covered in parmesan. For $6 you get two ears of corn so not bad at all. Then their Cuban sandwich... Oh sweet mother of Jesus. That was the tastiest thing I tasted during my entire trip to NYC. WHAT WAS THAT? The Cuban sandwich had pork and ham slathered on with a bunch of veggies on super crunchy toasted bread. With a heavy dose of hot sauce, I was in taste bud heaven. Beware you will get sauce and meat juices ALL OVER YOUR HANDS. But who cares? It's freaking delicious so get ready to get dirty, real dirty.
(5)
Burgundy B.
Great food? Check. Ghetto fabulous? Check. Cramped seating?Check. No sign on the building saying the name of the restaurant? Check. Marc Anthony and Michael Jackson the same restaurant music playlist? Check. Then you must be at Cafe Habana! FOOD: Delicious. Nothing fancy or frills here. Small portions compared to other Latin restaurants. MEXICAN GRILLED CORN included mayo, finely shredded parmesan, spices, lime, and shredded lettuce. (Yummy. Slightly over charred.) BAJA FISH TACOS included fish tacos, taco dressing, black beans, and rice. (Fish tastes fresh but surprisingly flavorless. Latin food never lacks in flavor.) PORTOBELLO Y GUACAMOLE BURGER included portobello mushroom with guac, lettuce, tomato, onions, and steel cut fries. GRADE: B+ ATMOSPHERE: There is nothing kitschy, trendy, or modern about Cafe Habana. Its more like a no-name dinner you would find in Cuba. That you would only venture to if your friend was a local . It's a tiny, home-like place in Nolita, NYC. Chairs and tables resemble a dinner. Cramped. Cramped. Cramped. GRADE: C- CUSTOMER SERVICE: I never got my waitress's name. Don't expect customer service to be exceptional either. It's just friendly and sufficient enough to scrap by. You'll have a hard time flagging down your waitress. GRADE: C OVERAL GRADE: B It's great for a great no frills good bite to eat when you want yummy comfort food on the lower east side of Manhattan. Take your best friend, take your buddies, or your sweetheart.
(3)
Sean W.
The Mexican corn alone is worth coming here! It's coated with butter, cheese, and some kind of amazing spice, all for a pretty reasonable price (2 for about $5). I also ordered the shrimp tacos, which is served with rice and beans. I wasn't as impressed with the tacos as I was with the corn, but it was pretty good. The place is pretty small, so be prepared to wait if you visit during busy hours.
(4)
Armand L.
This review is for the to-go location next door, but was told they have the same food as the main restaurant. Ate here a year ago and it was great, went back last Saturday night and it was a horrific. The food was flavorless and bland. It tasted like a mouth full of plain rice. The fish tacos came out way too fast so they must have been microwaved, and tasted it; soggy, mushy and flavorless. No way they deep fried it for my order as would be expected. The steak plate was okay but the amount of steak was a joke. Not even enough for a sandwich, I kid you not. It was a thin slice of steak about 3 inches long, about enough for a taco, and it was an entree that cost $18, rice and beans extra. What? Yeah. Service was apathetic. The corn on the cob was excellent, as usual, but it was not hot. I suppose 1 star is a little harsh but I'd like them to fix whatever is wrong here.
(1)
Yusuf A.
Almost went somewhere else because of the wait - glad we decided to stay. Friendly staff, great food, lots of energy in the place - although we found it way to cozy in the beginning, the overall layout kind of grew on me. The Corn is sensational: found myself eating the bed of salad the corn came on just to savor the sauce that the corn was smothered with. Shrimp Taco, Battered catfish tacos, and some chicken dish. solid, not outstanding but consistently good across the board. nolita and the les are packed with great options, but this place definitely stands out for both the quality of the food and the solid atmosphere.
(4)
Eric N.
What is sad is that the Cuban sandwich here is way better than what you can get in South Florida. Then again, Miami just sucks in general anyways. Indeed, the best Cuban sandwich I've had pretty much anywhere. $9.50, the price of admission to what will is a symphony of pork, bread, ham, pickles, and a side of fries. The Mexican corn here is also quite good. $5 gets you two of these, which is funny because at El Chucho in DC for the same price you only get one. Was it better? Maybe its the two for $5 deal, but honestly I think so. The Cafe Con Leche is also great and much better than I've had in FL. $3.50 gets you a milkshake glass sized serving. Amazing. How I will miss the Cuban sandwich here on my way back to Washington DC tomorrow. It makes me sad.
(5)
Nick N.
Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Cleanliness: 3/5 Decor & Style: 3/5 The corn is just what they say! If you have time to wait, then try it. I also had the Baja fish style tacos. Tacos were good, but I would say the only thing worth getting is the corn. Since we waited forever to get in, we became hungry and ordered other food anyway. Staff were friendly and so was the host who kept us updated throughout the 45 minutes of waiting. Very helpful. The place is so small so you'll be sitting next to someone (possible touching) else. Good place for a casual hangout.
(4)
Stacey J.
They have really good corn and that is it!!! I ordered their veggie plate and all it was, was a plate of steamed frozen vegetables, canned beans and and rice. It had no flavor and it was disgusting. It was so bad that I did not even want to eat it so I told them that I did not want it. When I told them I did not want to eat it and that I wanted my money back the girl started to mock me saying that she should go to MacDonalds and order something and then take it back, and started saying other rude things to me, I just ignored her. But anyways the food is bad and the people are rude I do not recommend anyone to go there.
(1)
Courtnie T.
This place was delicious. Great atmosphere. Although, if you are claustrophobic you will want to steer clear. I was told it was not a place for a group because it's loud. It also turns out that if there are more than four of you there is no where for you to sit together. The black beans are amazing. The grilled corn is a must!
(4)
Annie R.
Ok so I can add some nonhipster insight to this joint. A lot of what people like about it is that it feels very "new york", sort of trendy/cramped, waitress's with weird hairdo's/stupid outfits (attempting to look like a poster girl for urban outfitters that whole shtick)..so you walk in and its like oh here we go with this nonsense. So let me discuss whats important here, the food. Honestly. It's fine. The corn is pretty good, the fish taco's are ok, the Cuban sandwich is probably the best thing on the menu, the side of rice/beans flavorless. I've spent a fair amount of time in Miami and honestly, this place wouldnt make the cut there. But alas its NYC....don't get me wrong, the food is fine. Just with the high reviews on yelp I was expecting a little more?
(3)
Kathleen T.
My girl Alice and I came out here just to have their corn on the cob. It was very good. Seasoned and flavorful. I must say, I've had better corn at only 1 other place, and it was out of a truck at a flea market in Oakland. I'd like to see them head to head.
(4)
Mimi N.
Everytime I'm in the area, Cafe Habana is always a stop for lunch. Their mexican grilled corn is DE-LI-CIOUS! Other menu items are great too. Don't get frighten by the long wait...it'll be worth it!!
(5)
Jen B.
Eat here. Honestly just do it. Order any thing as long as you get the corn to go with it. The wait can be ridiculous at peak hours but the food is amazing you won't even remember having to wait. Don't plan on sitting down and having a long meal. It can get pretty crammed in there, as in you're literally rubbing elbows with the person sitting next to you. Service isn't the friendliest. One waitress even spilled food down my friends back. Luckily we found it more funny than anything else.
(5)
Karen C.
Before coming here, you should know that Cafe Habana isn't a place to have a quiet conversation but rather a no frills, give you your food quickly kind of restaurant with elbow bumping seats. Like almost every other reviewer says, the grilled corn here is amazing with just the right amount of spice and cheese that melts into the cracks between each piece. I recommend the cuban sandwich, a popular choice, as well as the molletes, which is bread topped with refried beans, melted cheese, and bits of chorizo. The food here can be very heavy, so don't try to eat the whole dish if you can't, and walk it off by walking around soho. I felt our server wasn't really attentive and it was very cramped inside the restaurant, which is why I took a star off.
(4)
john b.
We tried the cuban sandwich and corn. The sandwich was not 4-5 star quality and pricey at $8. The bread was not too bad and the roast pork was good (but lukewarm) and the ham and cheese were cold. I've experienced quite a few cuban sandwiches now and this was mediocre. The corn was pretty good as it had that smokey scorched flavor. There were three of us and we all just wanted to try 1 sandwich so I asked if they could cut the sandwich into 3 pieces which they flatly denied and said they could only half it. Obviously cutting a sandwich into thirds is too much labor! I feel this place is over-glorified.
(2)
Alondra G.
Very delicious! Super cute and authentic Mexican food. I'm from California (where all the good Mexican food is but this place was BOMB!) best Mexican food in New York by far.
(5)
Denisse G.
I've been craving Cuban food for a while now so I came on Yelp to check the reviews. Reading them had me so excited that I dragged by boyfriend for our date. Initially you'll walk in and think "Oh, ok its kind of an old place and there's a lot of history here" but at the same time it is way too small & I believe they should remodel or at least update the decor. I felt like I was in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. So, we were greeted by this lovely waitress. She was very nice and we were brought to this little tiny table. We we're gonna use two because it was that small but we weren't allowed to. I still brushed it aside and I ordered the corn everyone has been raving about and the roast pork that came with rice and beans. THE CORN WAS NOT ALL THAT lol. I'm soo serious. I don't know if it wasn't hot enough, the mayo just didn't mesh well with me but it just wasn't such a big deal. I felt so bothered reading the hype and having my hopes up too high. I'm sure there are better appetizers. My boyfriend had some too and didn't care for it as much. The spice on the corn was the worst part. It's just bitter, no flavor. The roast pork was good, I feel like it could have been better and the rice and beans were just ok. I feel like for this place to be #2 Cuban spots in NYC is not cool. I had way better. My boyfriend really enjoyed his shrimp tacos. I didn't try them but they looked yummy. I don't think I'd go back unless I was in the area and wanted a good bargain. My plate was $12.95 and so was his.
(3)
Heather M.
Just like everyone else, I love the damn Grilled Corn. Love it as much as I love my boyfriend. The tastes -- sweet corn, mild queso, lime, chili powder -- are magical together. The best I ever tasted.
(4)
Amy K.
I've been hearing about this corn for the last several years. On this trip to NY, we had the corn twice. The 2nd time around we also ordered dinner. First , the corn... Best corn I've ever had in my life. It comes with cheese and chili powder and limes...I think I could have eaten four of them. For dinner, I ordered the camarones (shrimp) that came with some creamy garlic/spicy sauce, rice, and black beans. My husband ordered the beef enchilada. EVERYTHING was delicious. When we arrived for dinner (around 8:20), there was already a LONG wait, so we didn't get to eat until close to 9 pm, but I'd say that it was worth it. I'll definitely be back!
(5)
Leland S.
Story: The legendary place where "Friends with Benefits" was filmed...Oh! And where there's Cuban food too! Exploring around Nolita, I took a break to check this hyped place out. The break was definitely worth it. Ambiance: The setup is really like a cafe/diner feel. Very compact and intimate. There are actually two rooms, one to eat and one to go. It probably can fit 20-30 people. With the decorations, music, and smell of the food you'll immediately feel like you're away from the concrete jungle but in some diner in Cuba. Food: Corn (Recommended) Freshly made corn with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. Served hot and juicy. Additional seasoning is provided. A great on the go meal Limeade (Recommended) Appropriately sour with every sip. I would just ask to easy up on the ice so I would have more to drink. Customer Service: The service was fairly fast. I guess they know how that their corn is pretty popular. Overall: I give this place 4.5 stars. The wait wasn't too long, the food was served fresh, and the feel was pleasant. A great place to take a quick break but my next visit, I hope to lunch in and try their entrees. Advice: -Beat the rush hours, this small place can get packed. -If it's on the go, go to their to-go site right next door.
(4)
Connie W.
Service was okay. The lady didn't really give us water until the 3rd time we tried asking Corn was amazing. Everything else was okay. I had a portobello mushroom and avacado burger. It was alright. I usually love anything with portobello mushrooms or avacado. My friend didn't like her chicken salad. The chicken was too bland. I guess I should've ordered the Cuban sandwich. It was super small. You can barely walk in there.
(3)
Chang Hoan K.
best corn! ever!
(5)
Dayna L.
I was completely disappointed. The main dining area was full with a long wait, so my guest and I went next door to the to-go place that also had tables (confusing?) We asked if the food was the same and they confirmed it was, albeit a smaller menu. I ordered the fish tacos and my guest ordered the steak. It was ready in about three minutes which was WAY too fast. The steak was maybe 2 to 3 oz of meat...for 16.95. Absolutely disappointing. We were laughing at how tiny it was compared to the photos of the dish on yelp. It appeared he got a half portion or less. The fish tacos were soggy and mushy and tasteless. I have had them here before and enjoyed them so I knew that these were worthy of sending back, which I did. I gave an extra star for service because they allowed me to exchange my dish for the avocado and cheese burrito. However, the burrito was even worse than the tacos. It was bizarre. It had ZERO flavor. There was no salt, pepper, ANY flavor at all. I couldn't taste rice, beans, avocado, cheese. My guest tasted it and agreed it was the most bizarre burrito we had ever tasted. It was almost as if whoever prepped that evening had neglected to season a single thing. My shoe would have had more flavor. I took a few bites and tossed it. That was another 11.95 down the toilet. All in all for what we spent we could have gone to a super nice restaurant and had a satisfying meal. To the owner/manager - I highly suggest you keep an eye on the quality of the second half of your restaurant. I traveled across town to eat at your joint and ended up having to get food elsewhere afterwards! I will not be back and I will no longer recommend your restaurant to friends and guests of NYC.
(2)
robert s.
Fantastic food, cozy ambiance, none flashy, tastiness... If you need white gloves and cushy chairs, don't seek Cuban. This is down and clean, small but satisfying portions.
(5)
Winston R.
great food, strong drinks....mediocre service.
(4)
Fareed T.
Could use a bit more seasoning but everything was very tasty. Wait staff was very friendly and welcoming. Try the huevos rancheros and fresh squeezed limeade.
(4)
Jackie K.
The most important thing I can tell you is to get the grilled corn! It is amazing! The cuban sandwich is also incredible and highly recommended. The place is small so there is usually a wait but you can always go next door to their takeout area if you want a quick bite to eat. I definitely recommend this place if you want good food for a good price while in Soho.
(4)
Jamie C.
Mexican grilled corn. One of the best I've had. There are people outside around the store just eating corn. It's a great place to grab a quick snack.
(4)
Special K.
Went there last night with my girls to celebrate my birthday. We got there around 10:30/10:45pm and although the place is hella small, they were able to accommodate our party of 6 in under 15mins. The food came relatively quickly - 4 of us had the garlic shrimp with rice and 2 of us had the shrimp tacos. Everyone was super happy with their food; no one uttered a word for at least 20mins. We had both the red wine sangria and the white wine sangria. Needless to say, we were very happy. The waitress surprised me with what I think was either flan or tres leches. This, to me, was their only downfall. It was just not good. *le sigh* Anywho, to sum up, food and staff were great, price was very reasonable - $185 for 6 ppl, unknown dessert not so much. Really wish I could give .75 of the fifth star because the dessert was really the only not so great part.
(4)
Amy M.
I'm not one to trash companies and I have loved this restaurant for years. This gives them 2 stars instead of 1. I'm posting my email, which received a response after 2 days claiming they would follow up to address my issue. Nothing. No apology, no acknowledgement they did anything wrong (probably for legal purposes), no justification that they would be careful with these things in the future (at the very least if not admitting fault). Anyone with allergies, BEWARE. -- I live in San Francisco and was visiting New York last week for work. I have been coming to Cafe Habana since 2005 and have always loved the food, decor and service. Last Friday seemed to be no different, but in the last year I developed a gluten allergy. I was served at the bar by Angela. I ordered the corn, which I shared with a patron next to me, and the Sincronizada Toluca. I asked Angela if the tortilla was made of flour or wheat, and she said no, it is made of corn. I asked if she was sure because I'm allergic and she said yes. A few minutes later, just to be sure, I asked if there was anything else on the dishes that had breading or batter because I'm allergic to gluten. She asked the cooks and she said no I'd be fine. So I got the food, and it was delicious. The tortilla did look more like flour than corn, but I trusted her word. Well, 30 minutes later as I was heading uptown, I started to break out in hives all over my head and neck. I took a few benadryl hoping it would go away, but it got much worse spreading further. The welts were exponentially bigger than past minor outbreaks, and then my lips and tongue started swelling. I ended having to go to the emergency room at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital where I spent the next 4-5 hours. Gluten free seems to be a popular diet these days, but there are many of us that have serious allergies. These questions should not be taken lightly and if you don't know whether it's safe or not, you need to err on the side of being safe. I would have just ordered something else. This meal cost me to miss an important work event, hundreds of dollars (not looking forward to the hospital bill), and most importantly a terrible experience since health is obviously the #1 concern. I was thankful to have a colleague nearby and was able to handle the situation in the best way possible, but I can't emphasize how seriously disappointed I am that this happened with Cafe Habana, one of my favorite NY eateries. I hope that no other patrons ever have this experience. Sadly, I'm not sure I ever want to go back again.
(2)
kristine g.
Always busy and there's usually a wait, but the food is worth it. I love the pollo mirador. It's a limey garlicky chicken concoction served with yellow rice and spinach. The corn also never disappoints. My boyfriend loves the Cuban sandwich. Actually, the thought of how delicious the food is supercedes my need to hibernate during this frigid New York winter and motivates me to make the trek to Nolita. I am putting on shoes and puffy jacket to head down now!
(5)
EJ A.
This little Cuban restaurant on the corner of Prince and Elizabeth is a must try. The food is affordable and plates come stacked with food. I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich or the corn. That being said almost everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious.
(5)
Joanna C.
Best Quesadilla I've ever had in my entire life. But poor service. Like the worst. The girls here are really rude. I accidentally left my mail on the table. When I came back 10 minutes later to retrieve it they looked at my like I was an idiot and wasting their time and said they threw it away. Whhhhaaaaa!?? Who just throws away mail??...obviously I accidentally left it. Just put it in the back until I come back, or wait till the end of the day to throw it out...common customer service and decency. They were so grossed out and rolled their eyes when I asked them to retrieve it from the trash. Uh, Duh. I need my mail ladies. So....rude girls. Amazeballs quesadilla.
(3)
Monarch T.
This place is amazing. The interior is adorable, the food is amazing, the staff is so welcoming. We ordered plantain chips to dip in guacamole. Yummm. All of the drinks are great. Oh and their famous corn is almost worth a flight from California!
(5)
Paige S.
Always so busy but the wait is worth it and the food is incredible. The corn is really good. I LOVE the guacamole, I can eat that any day. The margaritas are to die for, its just awesome. The atmosphere is so friendly and even though the place is so cramped, it still feels comfy and nice in there.
(5)
Kwai L.
I heard about this place from a friend, she thought the world had ended when I misheard the name and told her it's been closed since she had left NY, turns out it was a place I've never heard of. She then raved about it while driving and salivating at the same time. I had to check this place out. We went around the corner since there was no sign of the name and went into the walk in pick up area where there were a few small tables. We were told after it was nearly impossible to get a seat for table service. The corn is amazing, cheesy and spicy without over doing it. The Cuban Sandwich was juicy and flavorful. The food seems like authentic Cuban food and doesn't dress up to be anything else. Definitely need to come back to try more menu items.
(4)
Jan-Michael C.
This place is packed with hot girls. And the food is good and reasonably priced. There's a wait though.
(4)
Sonia S.
While I didn't love the hour wait to get a table here (line out the door and a kindof scattered hostess who kept forgetting who was next on the list didn't make for a prompt seating), the corner booth in the way back made the experience worthwhile...that and the mouth-watering corn on the cob...sweet, buttery with a generous topping of cheese. Paired with a spicy bloody mary, you pretty much forget the annoying wait. I liked the overall ambiance--it's a fun place to have a bite, hangout with friends and maybe people watch if you care. The pork sandwich is a good choice, do it.
(4)
Anna Y.
Went there on a Friday night and the place was super crowded. We sat in a cramped little spot by the door (and it was such a cold spot) and moved to the next table when they left. Like almost everyone there, we ordered the corn appetizer -- I have to say, nicely grilled and spiced. It's no wonder that that is their signature dish. Also ordered shrimp tacos, which were so delicious with the rice and beans on the side. I took off a star because the cramped space did make the meal a little uncomfortable and the waitresses were not very attentive. It took us a while to get their attention, especially at the end when we wanted to get our check. But I do recommend this place for the awesome food; it tasted very authentic and had a nice bar area, so it is a friendly place to be, even if you are eating alone.
(4)
Rose W.
Corn on a cob...or shall I say CRACK on a cob?! It's definitely their signature. GET IT! It's always SO busy here, so you should almost always expect a wait! And the seats are TINY! If you're okay with being half an arm's length to the table besides you, then sure, come for dinner. Actually, the food really isn't all that bad, but the experience had been so RUSHED, it took the fun outta it.
(3)
Robert A.
Food was great but a bit on the colder side and the woman taking orders wasn't too much on the friendly side. The soup of the day was mad good, Mexican corn is a must try and the Cuban sandwich is above par. Still a good place and service was fast.
(4)
Esmi A.
Good little place. Very small. I got the soup of the day which was a tomato soup, it was very good! My husband got the Cuban sandwich which was pretty good but a bit dry. He also got the corn. Nothing special, I'm originally from Cali so I am use to having a guy sell them around my house for $1 and they are better than here. Very loud. And the cashier not so friendly.
(3)
Renvie R.
I LOVE LOVE their steak and corn with rice and beans OMG it's to die for. It is small but I don't care, I'd wait for an hour just to get some steak. Man, I'm about to troop it out there.
(5)
Blake S.
lets be honest, the corn is the best corn ever. and its actually the best thing there. the food is good, but it is completely over shadowed by the corn. i dont eat meat, so i get the corn meal goat cheese thing. its damn good, but it feels like dry humping after sex.
(5)
Jennifer S.
We went there after lunch hours so there was no wait. YAY! They're known for the grilled corn, which was OK. We have the corn guys selling similar corn on a stick in the Union City, CA decoto area. I has the steak sandwich SO BOMB! Steak was juicy and yummy. My friends had the omelet MMMMMMM and huevo ranchero? That was also GOOD!! Must go if ever in the SoHo district for Breakfast/brunch.
(4)
Steven N.
Tiny little place but Margaritas are fantastic and food is great. While I could see how things could get hectic, servers do a great job.
(5)
Jacob M.
I came here for a birthday dinner with the boyfriend. The place was pretty crowded, but we managed to squeeze (literally) into a spot between two other very small tables. The ambience is an odd yellow mixture of dollar store, Cuba-themed paper cut-outs and 1950s grungey diner. The place runs rampant with hipsters. The food was pretty delicious. The boyfriend and I ordered the corn which (as everyone else is raving about) was fantastic. Beyond fantastic. I would probably be more amazed if I wasn't so close to a Latin grill that served the same thing at half the price. The Tlacoyo de Tres Marias which was also very good and VERY spicy. Me gusta. The reason for the two star deduction though is, along with the cramped seating, the pricing. For how little food we got with how much everything cost, I'm unsure it merits a second visit. If they would just give more food or lower the prices, I would happily return!
(3)
David G.
Part of the reason why I like this place is because of the vibe. It doesn't hurt that the food is good too. I had the skirt steak w/ beans, and it was delicious. Others really like the corn (I don't eat it, since I hate mayo), and I mean really like it (as in, Virginians will ask their friends to bring it down to them, via car). It can get pretty packed though, so be patient, or go well before you get hungry.
(4)
Jasmine C.
Three words: Mexican. Grilled. Corn. Straight up the best grilled corn I've ever had, totally irresistible with cheese, pepper, and lime. Makes the insanely long wait worth it each time, though my friends and I were lucky enough to slide into a four person booth almost immediately tonight. Portion sizes are pretty generous each time we go. Drinks are also very very decently priced - their margaritas are enough to make you feel (almost) transported back to the original Cafe Habana in Mexico City.
(4)
Vinny C.
This is what NYC is about!! Hole in the wall GEM. Grilled corn is a must - 5 rice and beans - 4 go early or give your name and make other plans
(5)
Eri Y.
CORN! Mmm... Came here twice, both with friends and their food is pretty darn good. I wanted to give a 3. Why? The service was not that great. Sure, it was fast but the waitress had an attitude both times and that tends to leave you with a bad feeling. So why did I give it a 4? Food is just so good, I can't not give it a 4. I've gotten the cuban, fish tacos, and the corn. The cuban is awesome and packed. What I really love though are the fish tacos. The fish tacos are so good and the sauce they give is the right amount of hot. Thinking about it is making my mouth water - so good! The corn is just amazing. Enough said. The only thing I dislike is the fact that it's small and cramped and you're elbow to elbow with a stranger. It's even worse in the summer when the body heat overpowers the AC and you're rubbing sweaty elbows - YUCK! Overall though, really good food. Corn, fish tacos, and the cuban. Yum!
(4)
Melissa K.
The corn alone is enough to earn this place a five stars. It's so amazing. Whatever they put on that corn, it's more addictive than skag. Not that I've ever tried the latter. But I can only guess. Anyway, it's sooooo cute this place. I love it. The drinks are deliciouso. The food is excellent (not just corn). One of my favorite places in the city.
(5)
Kimberly M.
The food was okay. Not phenomenal Cuban food by any means, but the servers and bartender were awesome!!! So much personality, and I liked the decorations.
(3)
Marla G.
I have lived in New York for five years, and I can say with confidence that Cafe Habana is my favorite restaurant in the city. The wait is always pretty painful (expect to wait at least an hour and a half on any day after 7), but it's 100% worth it. The corn, of course, is a must. My favorite dish is the steak enchiladas, but I've tried a good amount of the menu, and everything is delicious. I also think there was a recent change in staff, which makes the restaurant that much better. Their old staff was rude and a tad obnoxious, but the new hostesses and waiters are very attentive and make sure that you are getting the best experience possible.
(5)
Mandy S.
They do not lie about the grilled corn! It is delicious. Add it that to whatever you're planning to order and you won't be disappointed. I also ordered their iced tea but it was very normal. Nothing spectacular.
(5)
Marty E.
This is as good a Mexican/Cuban restaurant as you're going to find in NYC. The grilled corn here is divine. It is a very popular place, so the seating is packed as close together as can be, and it is often packed to the gills, causing a long wait for a table, and not the most comfortable stay. The food makes it worthwhile, but I usually go to the far-less packed Habana To-Go next door, and just sit down there.
(4)
Beth H.
My first thought when my friend said we were going all the way to the Lower East Side for corn on the cob was "I'm from the Midwest...I know all there is to know about corn." False. When it comes to TRULY MINDBLOWINGLY delicious corn...I knew nothing. My mouth was an amazing-corn virgin. Now my mouth is a corn slut that wants to go rampaging through entire fields of Cuban corn. Seriously...I've never wanted to shove an entire cob of corn in my mouth so badly. We went around 8pm on a Saturday and there wasn't a wait at all. We were able to grab one of the few seats inside. I definitely want to try the limeade next time -- the guy next to me had one and I wanted to swipe it. I probably would have if I weren't so distracted BY MY CORN! Waitress was really friendly. Prices were inexpensive. PS. did I mention the corn?! The cheese...the hot chile...the lime juice....omggggg...I have to stop, I'm starting to drool. My advice? GO! GO and eat the corn. Your life will never be the same.
(5)
Dan L.
The cuban sandwich was SO GOOD. The meat was tender and the bread was super tasty. Not sure about anything else here but the food was awesome. Atmosphere was electric even though it was only 2 PM. Waitress was really friendly and gave me some advice on what to do around town. Will return next time I'm in the SoHo/LES area.
(5)
Pooja S.
All in all - the corn was amazing. The only reason it didn't get more stars was because of the service. We came in expecting to have to wait, but we waited 45 min and then got bumped once for someone that arrived 40 min after us and knew one of the waitresses. A little maddening when your sitting outside starving at 10pm. Overall food was ok. The corn is definitely worth trying trying though, so would highly recommend it
This place is WHACK under seasoned food. I had the roast pork it was too wet and the rice was mushy! Ain't nobody got time for that! I know good food and this was not it. Drinks were ok but nothing that would make me want to return.
(1)
Tina C.
Grilled cuban corn....oh how my mouth waters every time I think about it. I must say of all the grilled corn out there, this is still my very favorite. This is one of my "must eats" whenever I visit NYC. I also recommend they're pork chop dish as well. Since the actual restaurant is small and wait time is usually 1 hr+ I recommend coming early like around 5pm on a week day. If you don't have time to wait but would still like grilled corn visiting Habana-to-go next door is a viable option to take your corn to go.
(5)
Tatiana W.
Was ok. Proportions was extremely small at least for the breakfast. I got an omelette and was only allowed to choose two toppings with cheese being one of them without any additional charge. Strange. 8 bucks for an omelette that doesn't already come with cheese. So my two toppings was cheese and onions. Pretty boring but I was not willing to pay 1.50 for any additional toppings and I'm glad I didn't. I never put hot sauce on my omelette but for that place I had too. It was far too boring.
(2)
Vincent L.
Cafe Habana is well know for their grilled Mexican corn and Cuban sandwich. The grilled Mexican corn is well seasoned which will melt in your mouth on the first bite. It's so good that you can eat a dozen of these grilled Mexican corns and call it a night. The grilled Mexican corn is a must have for your meal.If you never had this grilled Mexican corn before then your missing out big time.
(4)
Carlos S.
I've been going there for 5 years!!! Amazing food and service a must go!!!!! Cafe con leche to die for!!
(5)
N N.
This place is great, cozy but great. There is loud music and food is tasty (get the corn). It feels like you are in Miami. It's not nearly as cool as its Brooklynite Outpost.
(4)
Debbie L.
food is great, but be careful if you use a credit card. They added a little something something to my bill.
(4)
G C.
GRILLED CORN! GET IT! The restaurant is kinda small so don't go in big groups. Went on a Sat morning around 10AM and it was PACKED. You probably wanna try going either early when they open at 9AM or off peak hours/days. We got breakfast with the grilled corn. Good size portions for the price. Their cafe con leche is pretty good, and it's a good size. If you ever been to Spain, cafe con leche is usually served in a small coffee cup and here at Cafe Habana it's double the size. If you just want their corn, they have a to-go store front right next to the cafe. Mmm...corn...
(4)
kris t.
the place is small but has a relaxed atmosphere. the wait was about 1 hour to seat 3 of us (place is small) just try the grilled corn. you dont have to wait to be seated. just order it and go. you're not missing out on anything else.
(2)
Elda L.
Egg sandwich and corn on the cob. It's what's for breakfast.
(4)
Alyssa A.
I went here on Friday for lunch. Dying to go back. Yes, this spot is a hole in the wall. Yes, it only seats a capacity of about, let's say 20 people. But it is so worth it. My friend and I ordered the grilled corn as an appetizer. Now, I'm not usually a big fan of corn on the cob because the corn gets stuck in my teeth so easily. But on that day, I didn't care. I devoured every BIT of it. It's that yummy. Best corn on the cob I've had. Definitely not that mess they serve at your aunt's barbecue. Next, I had the Cuban sandwich with fries. Yum yum YUM. I'm usually not a huge roast beef eater, but this sandwich I will eat all the time. Fries are crispy and delicious. Definitely order it! Also had the frozen margarita with mango. Lord. It was great. I was very pleased. My only dislike about this place (which didn't affect my review) is that the waitress I had before her shift was over completely forgot about my friend and I sitting at the table RIGHT BEHIND HER. We had to ask for menus and flag her down to get our orders taken! Ugh. It was such a bother. Overall, I will definitely be back here. I'm in SoHo all the time. This is my go-to food place for sure.
(5)
Kayla B.
the corn is really good! cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili spices and lime juice hmm yummmyyyy .
Really great. I just had takeout from here and felt compelled to write (rave) about it for you guys. The cuban sandwich is amazing. The corn - My friends have dubbed the corn "crack corn" for how good and addictive it is when you take your first bite. You will have little corn bits stuck in your teeth and not care cuz you will be high on it. I washed it down with the Tamarind soda which was good too. Enjoy!
(5)
Doug M.
I make a pilgrimage to this place every time I'm in town. Love the food and the staff, I always end up stumbling out of that place after a few of the house margaritas The corn. Oh, the corn. I have dreams about the corn there. Chili powder with lime and some kind of cheese? Yes please! Steak and eggs is my chaser. I"ve learned not to go there anywhere near a popular time. The wait is epic, the place is crazy packed and small. I've eaten at a table once and the counter every other time and try to opt for the counter when I can. Make sure you go the bathroom before you go in there and trying to get out mid-meal is going to be a challenge. You wil be apologizing and saying "excuse me" a lot. And please people, leave all your shopping bags at home, there just isn't room. Always treated well there and love the food and drink, will keep this place in regular rotation on NYC trips.
(4)
Alexsa S.
Had dinner here last weekend with my sisters and was very disappointed with the food and service. First off we arrived to the restaurant and was greeted by the nice hostess that told us it would be a 20 minute wait little did we know it would turn into an hour.the place is small but that didn't bother us.I ordered the roasted pork and white rice and beans the food was under seasoned and just blah I've had better lastly we were rushed out of the restaurant by the short haired hostess who was very rude. I'm sorry if it wasn't for our amazing waitress i would have given this place 1 star.
(2)
Kelly P.
Roll up your sleeves and expect to get a little cheese on the corners of your mouth. This is definitely not food for the neat. Also, you WILL get corn stuck in between your teeth! It's just inevitable. But luckily, they got you covered with a surplus of toothpicks. Cafe Habana is well-known for their roasted corn. These are covered in mayo, topped with a kick of lime juice, cayenne pepper and rolled in cotijia cheese. Honestly, the messiness of finger- foods makes the experience more enjoyable. Service was great! The hostess as well as our server were both extremely friendly and accommodating. This is a small dinner-like atmosphere. Casual and definitely relaxed. Definitely a top place in my book to take tourists for a quick appetizer!
(4)
Bandhini P.
The service here was the worst I have ever experienced than any other place I have ever been. The hostess had such a rude attitude towards us and did not accommodate when asked to be seated from the bar to the table. She was so discourteous and talked back to me without any reason. Because of her behavior, I had asked for a manager, she lied claiming it was herself and gave us more attitude. I would never go back there again nor recommend any of my NYC friends to.
(1)
Grace S.
not a fan of their huevos rancheros, but their corn is so delicious! can't wait for the weather to be better so i can order and eat on the bench outside.
(4)
Jeanna S.
AMAZING corn = MUST GET! cuban = good fries = good quesadilla = good can't really go wrong with anything on the menu drinks = disappointed my friend raved about the mojitos here but i thought they were just alright Only going to stick with the food whenever I go here p.s. the wait can be long so try to go on m-th or during non-peak hours
(5)
Carlin Y.
The actual food was pretty good as well, but the CORN. Oh man, it's SO GOOD, but SO BAD. Really delicious, with whatever extra spice they put on it. It's probably faster to get the corn from the take-out window. Suggest going early or on a warm day so you can wait in the sun.
(4)
Julie T.
I will always stretch my ways of eating here every time I'm in New York City. The grilled Mexican style corn, Cuban sandwiches, really strong espresso (I can go on and on about the menu but I'm pretty sure you get it). The restaurant is pretty compact itself (they shot a scene from Friends With Benefits starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis here, random fact) but there's a take-out area next door for those who wants a quick way to taste the amazingness coming out from this place. Do us all a favor and check this place out, you'll be going back for more, hands down.
(5)
P C.
Came to Cafe Habana tonight to celebrate my girlfriend's successful job interview. It was more of a treat for me then for her though =D Congrats sweety! We ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style (otherwise known as Elote) for our appetizer. Each order comes with two ears of corn so it's great for sharing. I don't think I'd be able to eat anything else if I had to eat both. The corn here is slightly spicy which is different then I've had anywhere else before. It was delicious. For our entrees we ordered the Cuban Sandwich and the Huevos Rancheros A Caballo. The Cuban Sandwich had a note "voted best in NYC." While I thought it was good, I'm not too sure if I'd agree it's the best. It was also a bit messy to pick up and eat as the ingredients were off center and it was too saucy to try to slide back into place. The Huevos Rancheros A Caballo was a good combination in my opinion. It paired a traditional Mexican breakfast of eggs, tomato sauce, rice and bean with a seared strip of steak. At first the steak tasted great and was beautifully seared but as we got to the other end we realized it tasted more and more charred. By the time we got to the other end we noticed it was just completely burnt. Kind of a disappointment there. Everything else on the plate was okay, nothing to really write home about or leave Mexico for. The wait on this Thursday night wasn't bad. We waited about 20 minutes and were seat at the bar. The tiny place was packed. It was literally elbow to elbow. Surprisingly the bar seats were the roomiest. I wouldn't want to be here on the busy weekends. Maybe I'll just use the takeout window around the corner next time.
(4)
Donald R.
This place is legit. I can't believe we stumbled upon this small restaurant on our trip to NY. Tucked away on a corner street surrounded by apartments, was this place. The decor had a comfort vibe to it, and the servers were really down to earth. They told us to get the Cuban sandwich and corn. Those were their 2 famous dishes that people always get. The Cuban was cooked to perfection, better than Porto's in LA, and the corn was melt in your mouth tasty. I can't believe the price as well. I noticed next door was their main restaurant that was a sit down. We were drunk and wanted something to eat asap so we took the quick route. I would come back for sure when I go back to NY. Thanks for being open late!
(5)
James V.
Very good food. I liked it better when we ate in then when we had take out. Just tastes better fresh. The cuban sandwich and corn are awesome. Its one of those things you'll crave later on.
(5)
Pragya S.
Corn is a must have. Waitress wouldn't customize simple order to vegetarian.
(3)
David M.
where i take my kids to give them corn on the cob like their dead mother used to make. bon appetite cafe habana!
(5)
Arielle S.
Was not really a fan of this spot. I had roast pork tacos that also had pineapple in it. the pork and pineapple tasted fine but they loaded it with other items (thinking it was cilantro), which overpowered the taste and then it was not so good anymore. The rice and beans were also very disappointing and taste better at the local tex mex place that my office orders lunch from. I dined with two friends. one had a cuban sandwich, which was described on the menu as voted one of the best in ny. she said it definitely was not one of the best. my other friend i think had an enchilada and barely ate her plate so that tells you something. the only thing we seemed to like was the side of tostones we had ordered. we also had a waitress with a major attitude----when she brought the change from our bill, she literally threw it on the table and coins went rolling. not sure what her problem was but it definitely deters me from coming back and trying additional menu items that might be better.
(2)
Lily T.
The Mexican Corn and the Cubano. Best thing ever! I've only ever been to the take out part, never been in the sit in; restaurant area. It gets crowded on weekends and lunch/dinner on weekdays. Their lemonade and Mexican hot chocolate is pretty good too.
(5)
Angela K.
This place is BOMB, enough said. Best cuban sandwich I've ever had. They are known for their corn, which comes roasted and coated with a layer of parmesan, mayo, and spices. If you come here you HAVE to get this. This spot is extremely small, but luckily a few patrons were just leaving as we stepped in. Plan to just grab the food to-go.
(5)
Lauren J.
Tiny space, with teetering tables wedged EVERYWHERE (you're within elbow jabbing distance to your neighbors). The waitresses have a good attitude, though there were just two gals for the entire (packed) restaurant during our visit. I was not served what I ordered. It's a pretty popular place, but seemed full of tourists and chicks taking a breather from shopping. One of us kept getting whipped by the beaded curtain that separates the bathrooms from the restaurant (one table away, but hey! Still pretty much all up in your face). All of the above is enough to put me off Cafe Habana. You want to know about the food? The famous corn was doused with way too much cotija cheese. We love the idea of chili powder dusted on top of the cobs, but there was so much butter and cheese coating the kernels that we couldn't appreciate the taste. The accompanying lime slices were mad dry and were clearly fished out of the bartender's station (aka where citrus goes to die). Baja-style fish tacos were greasy. The Cuban sandwich was doused with way too much mayo. The "Mexican hot chocolate" was basically Nescafe. On the plus side, the New Museum is just two blocks away. Go recharge at their cafe instead.
(2)
Anderson C.
Upon reading the infamous Jando's review AFTER already having sat through one of the WORST experience I've had at an establishment to date I will have to RESPECTFUL disagree my dude. PATRONS : There seems to be an influx of Asian customers today around 1pm sitting in for lunch at this place. DECOR : It is simple. I rather like it as it had several palm trees, yellowish painted walls, and a painting of a cabana boy trying to spit game to a lady on the beach as the centerpiece. The space itself I DID NOT like. It was cramped and VERY SMALL. I think they missed the difference between cozy and just plain eating on the subway during morning rush hour. This is NOT a dining experience that I expected from a dining establishment that didn't even have a visible sign of their restaurant name expect the logo on the front of the door to distinguish itself from just another hole in the wall venue. The seating was CRAMPED. The stools where we were had our backs to the window where foot traffic can see how nicely packed the diner is but nothing else. In fact, the tables in this place were so clusterf--ked that if someone had to use the lavatories we would had to disturbed a fellow patron to tuck in the seat what is already a tight niche space as it is. NOT COOL. The bar and the kitchen is connected with one just being as small as the latter. BONUS POINTS : you can see clearly into the TINY kitchen and that the cooks are wearing white vinyl gloves. So for sanitary purposes you get A+. SERVICE: 1) My party and I did NOT know there were reservations being taken when you walked through the door and the royal blue curtain draping which has an equal effect on blocking wind as doors open for new patrons as it did for BLOCKING the welcoming ambiance one would expect at ANY dining establishment. 2) Upon putting our name on the list for what seems to be only 2 parties ahead of us on the list we were given an estimate of 20 minutes wait time. This 20 minutes essentially lagged to 40 mins upon which added to the 20 ADDITIONAL minutes I waited previously for my party to arrive = 1hr. Already fuming I pray to the food GODS that the food was worthy of the wait. As you will read further, it was NOT. In fact, we were essentially SKIPPED ahead for a party of 4 that came AFTER US forcing us to have to take the bar stools in order to even get service. Fine, that is what we did. 3) The bartender was attentive but to his discredit it is hard NOT to be attentive when you are working in a space similarly to the l shape block in the game TETRIS. Not much you can do to avoid people really. FOOD: 1)The big PULL for this restaurant is their GRiLLED CORN MEXICAN STYLE (generous coating of cheese and chili powder served with lime wedges). I had a teeny bite of this and as a NON CHEESE FAN, this was not the dish for me. It was WAY too cheesy (good for all you LACTOSE TOLERANT folks) and the spiciness was OVERPOWERING. The corn itself was fine and the lime juice was a nice touch. 2) SLOPPY "JOSE" BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH (spicy bbq, jalapeno, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato) - Correct me if I'm wrong but it does say BBQ in the name? it DID NOT contained even the slightest hint of BBQ whether it be sauce or the smokiness that was to be EXPECTED. I will say this, they did stuff the MEAT and the bread was CRUNCHY hard which was good. The presentation was also good. 3) CUBAN SANDWICH - I am beside myself as to how a Cuban Establishment mess up a CUBAN sandwich. It would be like Asian people F--king up MAKING RICE! Ironically, on their online menu/dine-in menu it was voted BEST in NYC? Not quite sure which year this was but I've had MUCH better. The sandwich itself was BLAND. At the very least I would have been okay with it being salty which it wasn't neither. The bread again was the best part which was CRUNCHY and nicely presented but there were only so much bread one person can eat (Reference :Olive Garden). The one streak of sweet mustard was not enough to give the sandwich a good kick to the taste buds as it was only on one measly side of the sandwich. Once again they do PACK THE MEAT so there's that. PRICE: $9.75 + $7.50 + Tips = roughly $20 for my meal alone. Decent NYC price but not for what you have just read. Advice = I would try this establishment again but not in the near future. It could have been an off day for them but one can never REALLY tell.
(2)
Melanie M.
Got the corn and yes it was good. At the same time, I've tried making this corn at home and it's not that hard to do and just as good. I also had the cuban sandwich and it was meh. I've had a better cuban sandwich from a food truck. Pork was on the dry side and quite salty. Service was rushed and I didn't feel welcome eating at this place.
(2)
Eric Y.
If you don't mind waiting.....be ready for a wait. This little place has a high turn over rate and they do try to seat you as quickly as possible but if you are looking to eat during the main lunch rush...expect to wait about 30 minutes. This goes for a two some as well as big parties. Part of this is that many people eat here in big groups and it is not set up to handle them. Seating was cramped and uncomfortable. Felt like I was going to be bumping elbows with the guy next to me. I had the amazing corn on the cob and the Cuban sandwich. I for serious seconds for the corn on the cob.... I literally devoured that and wanted more :). It was Delicious! Cuban sandwich was decent but was a bit on the cold side when I got it. it lacked the right out of the oven goodness that I craved. Thankfully, they take credit card.... Didn't bring enough cash that day. Service was rushed.... Which was understandable because their were so many people waiting to be seated. I'll come back for the corn on the cob.
(4)
Amanda M.
The food and service was both so excelent! Everyone from the hostess to our waitress (who was also the bartender) were so friendly and up-beat. I went with a friend from out of town for lunch and we were a little shocked at how small and crowded the place was, but the hostess definitley made up for this by being so friendly and assuring us she would seat us right away. I love Cuban food and this place was no exception! Delicious fried plaintains and I had the pork tacos which were amazing. I also ordered a side of spicy sauteed spinach, this was my only disappointment because they were pretty bland, I wouldn't reccomend them for $5.50. Definitley want to go back for dinner when I can test out their drinks! Just be prepared to be up-close and personal with your neighbors and to not be able to hear your partner speak as it is very loud; but mid-day I found this invigorating. I gave 4 stars instead of five though just because it was loud and crowded, and my pork was a little dry (they were still excellent and I would def reccomend them!)
(4)
Arlene Y.
Theres two parts to this restaurant, a sit down place, and a "take out" place next door. Never made it to the sit down restaurant due to it being too crowded, so I usually go to the other part of the restaurant. I tried the cuban sandwich and it was mediocre but honestly this place is solely know for their Corn, and man oh man is this corn good. Seasoned perfectly with spices and lime and topped with queso fresco. Just eat some corn, drink some Mango Jarritos and you are good to go.
(4)
Jonathan W.
I used to be a big fan of this place but the more popular it's becoming the more apparent is the decline in customer service. For the most part, there is always a wait for a seat so I usually sit at the bar/counter. I am not a huge fan of the food so I will normally just have cocktails, which I do in-fact enjoy. This particular visit I decided to sit at a table and have a bite. Not only was the waitress very curt and non-receptive, but she was in such a hurry to get the table next to me out the door that she spilled a drink on me. Fortunately, she was empathetic enough to take the drinks I had ordered off of the bill because of the accident on her behalf, but at that point her rudeness really struck a cord with my appetite and I was asking for the check and out the door soon after.
(2)
Meridith G.
Maybe I built up this place in my head, or maybe it was the 97 degree weather mixed with no AC. But I just thought it was okay. I had the Mexican corn and the cuban. Both were fine. Nothing to rave about or send a friend to. Every thing was just fine, I expected fabulous
(3)
Tj C.
Easily the best Cuban sandwich I've eaten!! It's a must try!!! I go to Miami & eat Cubans all the time but they don't taste like this. I think the shredded pork makes all the difference. I'll be back!!
(5)
Thomas W.
We need more of these affordable Latino restaurants in NYC. I had the Huevos Rancheros. It was simply made with beans, sunny-side eggs and hash browns. The key was that the food was fresh, and made with care. I cannot wait to return!
(4)
Jeremy P.
I love places like this. Unassuming restaurants that just offer quality ethnic food. They are not in the business of running a restaurant: they are in the business of making food. I had the tostones, the Cuban sandwich, and a lime Jarritos. The sandwich was superb, and was well-endowed with juicy pork. The tostones, which, if you are uninitiated to Central American and Caribbean food, are fried plantains. These were delicious, though I could only eat about half of them. The place is small and crowded, but it is endearing in a way. One of my favorite things about eating at small restaurants in New York is being able to sit at the window and watch people walking by while you eat. That's not creepy, is it?
(4)
Alyssa V.
I come here all the time. I never have waited more then 45 mins at rush periods, which is pretty good for soho. I can't believe it took me this long to write a review for a staple in my life. Seriously the food is delicious. Also, I'm a vegetarian and their options are not many but the ones they have are the best!!
(5)
Shelby S.
This place has a really charming ambiance about it. It's small, but when you walk in, you get to take a little break from Manhattan. However, that's because of the Latin flavor, not the lack of a crowd. There is often a wait- but it is well worth it. The food is really good and inexpensive. I had the shrimp tacos, which were excellent. I would definitely recommend this place, and I am definitely going back.
(4)
Rebekah H.
Came here for breakfast with friends and thought the food was good. Service was good that morning too but we were also the only people there so that may account for it. The tables are ridiculously small and not friendly for more than one person at time, let alone a group. Also, I was not impressed by the cleanliness of this establishment, we were there right after they opened and it didn't seem to have been cleaned very well the night before. Not filthy but just not quite as clean as I would like it to be.
(3)
Chieu L.
It was alright....I was expecting amazing but everything was sub par....definitely not worth the rave reviews... The corn was good. The plantains were bland. The chicken was dry and do was the steak. The mole and diablo were good. Definitely just ok. You're not missing anything if you don't try it and they messed up order...so whatever not going back.
(3)
Kenia C.
Really good food!! I always get the corn, steak with white rice and black beans, fried sweet plantains, and nice alcoholic beverage! It's extremely small so you're sitting a foot away from the next person (if you're lucky, its probably less) . If it's your first date then it can be a bit awkward because it feels like people are listening in or looking at you. Service is a bit on the slow side so go if you have some time because every time i have gone it has been busy. There might be a half hour wait but it's worth it. Don't go with a large bag, or a ton of shopping bags! There is no room for it. NOW GO! treat your taste buds to a nice meal!
(4)
Christine T.
Super tiny, but they have the best Cuban sandwich in town. Ask for green sauce, and get the corn too
(4)
Wynona L.
Second time coming here just for their delicious $2 corn. Love it! My friends and I attempted to sit down and eat at the full-blown restaurant, but the wait was about an hour. You can expect as much on a Saturday night. There must be a reason for the crowds of people coming to this place.
(4)
Roham U.
I am in love with Cafe Habana. I've been here twice, both times earlier in the week and at an early-ish time (6-7p) to beat the crowds. Neither time have I had trouble getting a table for four. The corn is amazing- two ears of corn cut into four pieces with chili powder, creme, cotija cheese and lime, and for $4. Not bad for NYC. I could go on and on about the corn, but I think enough has been said about it. The shrimp tacos that my friends got were not very flavorful, but what you must try is the Camarones Al Ajillo- shrimp in a spicy garlic sauce served with rice and beans. So, so scrumptuous. For this one dish alone, I came back to Cafe Habana, and will continue to go back for.
(5)
Christine Joy G.
its a cute little corner spot.. limited space, long lines but the food is yum! the corn is everything other yelp reviews describe it as.. plus more!! i also had the grilled skirt steak which was cooked perfectly. i really enjoyed the food! and the service was quick and attentive. definitely will come back esp if i'm in the area!
(4)
Maz T.
2 stars are only for the most delicious corn ever served, zero stars for the rudest costumer service! went there with a group of my friends early evening last Sunday, we were 7 and the only small tables free were far from each other meaning we wouldn't see each other over dinner. we decided to occupy the existing tables, order our food and wait for another table to open up and squeeze around two tables to enjoy the food together which i think is very normal for customers to ask for and a fairly straight forward thing to make happen for a server. Our server though, probably named Gina simply refused to help us and told us once you are seated you can not move! it didn't make sense, so we asked to talk to the manager which they said didn't exist! we talked to an ignorant blond girl sitting at the bar that seemed to be the supervisor of the other servers. she argued we never take more than 6 ppl! which they obviously did. anyways, after few minutes they decided to be a little nicer, she changed our server, let us move to the tables we wanted which proved to be even more convenient for them! we then had our fantastic corn and mediocre enchiladas on the smallest tables ever. wished they didn't treat ppl like they didn't need costumers.
(2)
Charlie W.
This place was all living up to the hype. The corn was awesome and we had mushroom chicken dish. Had to wait 30 mins in line outside for a table, but turned out to be worth it. Lively atmosphere that makes u hungrier! Will be back!
(5)
Cathia L.
The tacos are good, had dinner with a friend after work here because I was in the mood for tacos and I really enjoyed it here. I really wanted to try the grilled corn from looking around but I was already full. But there is always next time. The place is a bit of a tight fit, you would be much better off at the bar or in a booth. Also the waitress with the cute natural fro was a delight.
(3)
Marie D.
Worst place and rudest place u will eat in NYC!! Go somewhere anywhere better! Not even worth one star!
(1)
Darwin G.
I've heard the hype and I will say that for the corn at least, the hype is true. The setting is quite interesting, in the style of a "Cuban" diner. On a weekday, it can be a bit of a wait, but they seated us in 5 minutes. People in front of us had left pretty quickly after hearing there was a wait and put their name down. For the main dishes, my tacos were pretty boring. The rice was slightly overcooked and the pork was quite bland. My friend also did not care much for his Cubano. For half the price, taco trucks do food twice as good. On the plus side, the grilled corn is an absolute killer. My friend did not want any and I devoured the two ears by myself. It's charred slightly from the grill to add a smokey flavor. Then it's deliciously smothered with mayonnaise, salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, cayenne pepper, and fresh lime slices. The combination is sublime. It's not the best value, but definitely worth the try.
(3)
Alex L.
Heard a lot about this place and was anxious to try it. It's small...not many tables...diner decor. Long wait times. The vegetarian tacos (w/ cactus) and tacos pastor (pork) were very average. The grilled corn is good but it's just as good at other places. A bit overrated. There's take-out next door.
(3)
George L.
Went there last night. To my surprise the place looked like a diner. It was pretty packed so my buddy and I took the seats at the counter instead of waiting for a table. They do not have a well stocked bar but i'm sure if you order straight from the drink menu everything would be fine, but i ordered a gin and tonic, and they had only plymouth gin and no tonic. No bigger, just got some gin with some lemons and it was fine. My buddy and I shared the corn which was amazing! I went in with high expectations due to all the glowing reviews of the corn and I was not disappointed. I wanted to eat all the cheese off the plate but I think that would have bothered the people around me so I used some self control. Now on to the entree. I ordered the Huevos Ranchero de caballo (or something like that). Basically steak and eggs with beans and rice. I ordered medium rare and It was almost medium rare but close enough. The meat quality was not amazing but good. The flavor of the meal was delicious! My buddy ordered the Cuban Sammy. He enjoyed the cuban but he said it was a bit dry. Then again he did put that mayo based dressing on the side so it was not really as it was suppose to be (he isn't a fan of mayo). Anyway he probably should of got something else but like I said he still enjoyed it. Maybe next time I will try it. The service was good and pleasant and the crowd was mixed and the wait was short for a wed night at 7:30ish. All in all I will come again! Maybe a Margarita or Mojito next time.
(4)
Ariane S.
Best Cuban food I've ever had in NYC...delicious corn and amazing taco appetizer. Very reasonably priced as well...not great for big groups but fun for 2-3 people.
(5)
Sandy O.
it was summer when I walked in hungry from a night of drinking, no ac, but the fans, humidity, & ambiance made me feel like I was in Cuba, lol. I'm a Cuban sandwich lover and this was new for me. It was pressed like a panini but the first bite had the juices dripping from the side of my mouth like I've never eaten anything so sexy.
(5)
Jocelyn L.
We stumbled in here after a popup store opening a few blocks away on Broadway. This place was packed at 10p on a Thursday night! Great staff, great service; they were very accommodating and got us seated right away at the bar. The 3 of us split an order of the Grilled Corn- Mexican style, Tacos Al Pastor and Cubano Sandwich. Grilled Corn: perfectly charred with mayo, cojita cheese and chili powder. Awesome Tacos Al Pastor: probably not the best tacos i've ever had, but it fulfilled our supper needs! Cubano Sandwich: juicy pork panini. yum! Very reasonable prices, yummy food, highly recommend
(4)
Ganious M.
I miss this spot and everything about it. From the day it opened to the last time I visited. :( The only thing bad about it was that too many people felt like I did, so I never seemed to have it to myself!
(5)
Rachel L.
Cuban sandwich. tacos. roast pork. plantains. all good but the best?? CORN. wowza. at one visit I think I had 5 corns and nothing else
(4)
Francisco G.
I had no idea this was a Cuban+Mexican place. I hadn't checked Yelp before going so I was surprised by all the Mexican choices on the menu. Not a big deal, I like both cuisines, I was just not prepared for it. But now I know that the place is meant to be a mix of both. I'm Cuban and I was looking for a place with more Cuban options on the specific day I went. Anyways... Apart from that, the Roast Pork dish I had was melt in your mouth tender and flavored well. Portions were great, not too much like typical Cuban places and not too little. My Michelada was good. I didn't try the corn which everyone seems to be raving about. The crowd was pretty and trendy Soho like all the restaurants in that area (which I like). Would I go back? sure why not. Would I rave about this place? eh.. For pure Cuban I'd rather go down to Sophie's on Chambers St yelp.com/biz/sophies-cub… for Mexican I'd rather go just a few doors down to Tacombi. ( yelp.com/biz/tacombi-new… )
(3)
Chloe K.
Cafe Habana is amazing, my absolute favourite. The corn is to die for and I always get the fish tacos. The rice and beans are the best I've ever had, I wish I could recreate them at home. The staff are lovely and the vibe is great. Totally recommend to everyone looking for a fun place with delicious Mexican food.
(5)
Raymond L.
Amazing corn and definitely don't think about sharing the 2-cob order because you will want to eat them both. Excellent frozen margarita too. However, the main courses (I had steak & huevos rancheros. My friends had shrimp tacos and fish tacos) were mediocre. Not much seating either; We had a tiny table for the three of us and had to shovel our appetizers to our main plates to make room on the table. At least the wait staff is friendly!
(4)
Allison Y.
sadly not as good as i thought it would be. the corn was extremely flavorful and delicious but i feel like the actual corn itself coulda been fresher. it was also lukewarm when we got it..sad. it has so much potential haha
(3)
Lindsay S.
Probably the best cuban/mexican food that I've had in quite some time. Really amazing and such great prices. The only downside is the wait time--they dont take reservations. I waited for a table for 2 for about 45 min on a busy friday night around 830. regardless, the food made up for it. Total cost for 2 apps and 2 mains was $40. Definitely get the corn to start and I also ordered a tortilla app with chorizo, mozz, avocado which was fantastic. All the main dishes are well priced and give you a ton of food. To be honest, I was full after the appetizers and got to bring home some leftovers. Will 100% be back but maybe during a weeknight to cut down on the wait time.
(5)
Christopher S.
BEST CORN ON EARTH!!!!!!! You have to try the corn here because it is breath taking and you will want more and more lol each serving comes with 2 so it's great!!! The drinks are good and the waitress is very good always paying attention to you and if you need anything they always available. Good lil spot for a little crew not a big crowd because its not so big so wait times are long. Overall 5 stars!
(5)
Jennifer M.
When you're at this establishment, you must try: - Mexican Corn Perfect blend of spices & cheese on a cob of corn. Splash a dash of lime and it's heavenly!! - Cuban Sandwich For some reason, the restaurant tends to make it a lot tastier than the take out side of the restaurant. Maybe the one I had at the restaurant made sure the cheese was all melted & gooey before serving it to you whereas the take out side just slaps all the ingredients together as fast as they can. Pricing is actually pretty good for the quality!! I frequent this place a lot but sometimes the Cuban sandwich disappoints or the corn is just warm coming out... so for its inconsistent quality I can't give it the full 5*
(4)
Michael L.
Omg, the corn is so mf'ing good I could eat like 5. I'll be honest, I haven't a clue what else they serve here. Eat corn. It's 5-star corn. Not sure what that means either but it's good.
This place is awesome! I don't even like spicy food much, but the corn is soooo good. Adding it to my monthly food rotation.
(4)
Amanda H.
Came here because my roommate and I were looking for some Mexican food that was, well, real and better than Chipotle haha. Ended up here and I got the Shirley Temple for a drink (very good) as well as the Tlacoyo des Tres Marias for an entree (very good, although I think in retrospect the rice and beans were the best part) and a side of plantains. Overall good experience with a good price - and yes, next time I'm going to try the corn!
(4)
Monica T.
We came here on that super rainy Friday after trying to get into tacombi. But cafe habana is a good choice regardless. Friendly staff and food smells goos! A bunch of us ordered burgers, burrito, cuban sandwich, fries and beer. Their fries are really good! Cuban was solid big! Filled with ham and pulled pork. Only caveat that I didnt like was my pork was a little cold :( or else that is a mean cuban! Deliciousness
(4)
Rob P.
After a week in NYC, I'd say Cafe Habana is one of the best meals we've had. And that includes 3 Restaurant Week meals for 4x the price! The grilled corn is off the charts, and I find myself craving it right now weeks after I've eaten it. Will definitely be back for that. Everything else we had was super flavorful, and it's super affordable. No wonder this place is packed around the clock.
(5)
Avi S.
5 stars cuz it has the best verson of corn on the cob I've ever had in my life. The Grilled Mexican corn....this place could only serve that (with drinks of course) and I'd still give it 5 stars.....Only bad thing I could say is that it gets really packed and theres no room to walk.....but they got good corn so it all makes it better...
(5)
Leonard S.
Great food and service.
(4)
Ruddy C.
I'd fight wars over the grilled corn and cuban sandwich here .. unbelievable
(5)
Charmaine L.
arrived at 10:45am so that we could try the grilled corn everyone raves about. the waitresses wouldn't let us order until 11am which is when they start serving the corn. so we sat around for 15 minutes before they would even serve us our mexican hot chocolate. when the corn arrived, it was nicely colored, smothered in butter and cheese, spreckled with cayenne, and served with limes and toothpicks. the corn was crisp, crunchy, sweet, and every cornel was delicious. it's fun eating corn that leaves butter all over your cheeks!
(4)
Nidhi P.
My friends and I were really craving Mexican one night and actually asked a complete stranger on the NYC streets for his recommendation. He quickly recommended Cafe Habana and even though we were all the way in Midtown we decided to give it a shot after he went on and on about it. The wait was over 45 minutes on a Tuesday night in the summer, but we figured that we came so far so we had to try. The place is tiny and not luxurious but who cares when the food is great? We ordered the enchiladas and our waitress had no problem switching the meat out for plain beans, since we are vegetarians. It was SO good, I think it's one of the only places I can clear my plate. The second time I went was a cold Friday night in December. We were honestly expecting a wait cause it's tourist season during the holidays but were seated right away. This time, we started out with the corn which was HEAVEN. So amazing. As we were ordering the enchiladas this time, our waitress told us that we couldn't make any substitutions. We were pretty upset since 1) we've substituted before and 2) there are only 3 vegetarian entrees on the menu. We explained our situation and she went to ask the chef, who agreed to make them vegetarian. However, for the rest of the night she would periodically come over to our table and tell us that this would be a one-time thing and next time we wouldn't be able to make this request. That was kinda off-putting since my friends and I were obsessed with this place. I want to come back and probably will but I'm a little hesitant after having this experience.
(4)
Shirley C.
So I came here today with a few friends because I've been craving the corn. The server took our order and we sat there waiting for our food. We ordered corn and cuban sandwiches and the food took forever to come. 30 minutes after the server took our order I thought to myself....okay maybe they are just taking a long time because there is a lot of people. After another 30 minutes, I noticed that the tables around me were seated after the server took my order, but they got their food already. I couldn't take it anymore and asked the server where our food was. Turns out the fryer was broken so our sandwiches and corn were left out in the cold waiting on the fries. So when we finally got our food, the corn and cuban sandwich was kind of cold and on top of that, I found a piece of aluminum foil in my sandwich. I don't know if the fries are supposed to taste like home fries because they were not crispy at all so I don't know why they needed the fryer in the first place.
(2)
Denny S.
Woww...! Let me just say that it was most well spend $50 by far... I ordered 5 grilled corn and 4 cuban sandwich.. Man...till today i still can vividly picture the very moment when i took the first bite and the slow roasted pork falling out from the sandwich...the crusty bread...the pickles...the ham...everything is just so right! Highly recommend this place..my recommendation is to go on weekdays after lunch rush to avoid the craziness..! I will certainly go back to this place in the near future to stuff my face with some cuban sandwich!
(5)
Kathy W.
I really want to give this restaurant a higher review given what others have said, but I have to be honest here -- this place is just average. Yes, I tried the corn. It was tasty, but what kind of food doused in mayo, cheese and chilli powder is not?? For entrees, we got the sloppy joe and chicken casserole. The sloppy joe was very savory, a little too much for brunch unless you're seriously hung over and craving a bucket of grease first thing in the morning. Only thing I was impressed by was the beans that came with the chicken casserole. Finally, as mentioned by others, the restaurant is always packed. We came fairly early on Saturday and the line was already out the door. We waited about 30 minutes for a table (others fared much worse). Given the wait and average food, I will not be returning.
(3)
Angel S.
Cafe Habana's grilled mexican corn has to be one of the best things I've eaten in New York so far, along with Momofuku's pork buns, artichoke pizza from Basille's, and the Akamaru Modern from Ippudo. The corn had a smooth buttery flavor, and was perfectly complemented by melted cotija cheese. The chili powder added just the right amount of kick. Squeezed in some lime and, bam, I was floored. The slow roasted pork plate was not too shabby either, though the rice and beans were slightly bland. For a beautiful half hour, I had visions of Southern California and SF's Mission District. The total damage was a smidge over $12 and I had to walk all the way up to Grand Central just to burn it all off. Totally worth it.
(4)
Anna O.
We got seated straight away (only because we arrived by 12.15pm), so that's obviously a plus at lunch. But then everything went downhill from there...we didn't get drinks for 10-15 minutes, and even then we had to ask. We didn't get our food for 40 minutes, which meant we had to eat fast. Our water never got refilled. And for that delightful experience, the food was very so-so; standard comfort food loaded with cheese, nothing new or crazy. Tasty but not exceptionally so. The layout of the menu is all over the place in terms of organization and pricing. Nothing was under $7.50 really (except the corn, which none of us wanted). Might come again if I have a 2 hour lunch break and have exhausted all other options in the area.
(2)
Riki V.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Whenever I'm in town I have to stop here for some corn and a cuban. A MUST!!!
(4)
Stanley M.
Ok, so the restaurant is somewhat misnamed, or at least the name is misleading. It is much more of a Californianized Mexican fare with a Cuban/Carribean flare. But the layout is pleasant, and the staff are extremely friendly, don't have the typical Malibu 'tude, and try their best to do their job right. Their corn on the cob, fish tacos, and carne asada are far more flavorful than in a typical Mexican restaurant, with some unique touches. Perhaps they could find something more original than chips and salsa to serve off the bat. But other than that, I think it is a welcome arrival in that part of Malibu, where the clientele are somewhat jaded, and quite demanding. I give it a thumbs up despite it being slightly over priced.
(5)
Lotta A.
I am so glad I checked Yelp before ordering here, because I would be so disappointed if I had not ordered the corn! It was by far the best corn I have ever eaten, and I eat corn like it's going out of style every summer. An order of the corn and the Cuban sandwich is a perfect amount of food for two non-starving people, and is a fantastic deal. Those two items, a guava daiquiri, and a beer only set us back $30. While the service was not great, the food more than made up for it. Highly recommended!
This is one of those places that you never forget. You know when the nuances of the flavors in food are so precise yet mysterious at the same time? Yeah....both frustrating and AMAZING I've tried to mimic the Mexican Grilled Corn at home on multiple occasions to no avail. Like the guac at Dos Caminos...they'll give out the recipe, but that spice combination seems to be the key and is never really detailed. Alas I'll just have to keep returning time and time again for more. It is to die for. The steak sandwich is also one of the best things that I have ever eaten. There is some kind of sweet and spicy mayo that gets put on the bread that when combined with the grilled sweet onions (and I don't even like onions) and green bell peppers, is so unbelievably good. Add in some high quality grilled beef and you've got yourself a little piece of heaven. It doesn't get too much better than Cafe Habana.
(5)
Vi N.
definitely a local favorite. always a wait, but worth it. the restaurant itself is all powered by solar energy. meals are priced fairly here, and the favorites are the grilled corn, it's basically the mexican style corn you get in California, but looks a lot more gourmet then the ones from Cali! You get 2 for about $3.50 or if you go next door to their takeout store, its $2 for one. the cubano sammich here is very tasty. best i've had in nyc.
(4)
Robert G.
The food was delicious but the cafe was understaffed. The grilled corn did NOT disappoint and entree was tasty. It was a little expensive for the portion size but hey, it's NYC. I would definitely visit again, but I would hope to get a table that isn't next to restroom.
(4)
Josh M.
Yum yum yum... this place is popular for a reason!
(5)
alisa g.
not worth HALF of the price. I have been here before and understood there is usually a wait however last week it was a bit extreme. The hostess asked if my whole party was here - yes 4 ppl, and then said okay 20 minutes max 40. We ended up waiting 1 hour. I kept telling my friends the food was worth it but they just kept looking at Jaques across the street hoping i would stop being so persistent. FInally the wait was over and we were crammed into a tiny space where peoples asses were in our faces while we were trying to eat and have a good time. When the waitress came to place our table settings she gave us each a napkin in front of us and then threw the forks and knives onto the middle of the table. For the tiny table that it was this action seemed SO harsh and barbarian. Reminded me of what my mom would do when i was 8 years old and she was busy with other things, except with a spoon, never knives or forks. The food i kept raving about, in the end did not match my expectations, and failed to justify the wait. To add insult to injury the bill was heinous. To wait an hour for food, get terrible service, and feel rushed out with a crowd of ppl in this tiny restaurant all mashing their asses near our food was just a gross experience. In the end we all had to laugh that i am so terrible at picking restaurants and that i was never allowed to choose a place again. Oh and the drinks were weak. I had been here before and remembered the drinks being good but that was a huge contrast from before to now. My friend told something to the waitress about it possibly being made stronger and she said "its a standard recipe" Well the recipe sucks Cafe Habana. - and never will i be foolish enough to return. On top of all this in house disgrace, when i got home i threw up and i believe i got food poisoning from this place.
(1)
Annie C.
I don't care what anyone else thinks or says, this place has the best grilled corn. Just make sure you don't go here for your first date :)
(4)
Angela W.
Just picked up an ear of corn from the little hole next to the actual sit-down restaurant. This place was packed! It took over 20 minutes to get just 2 ears of corn. Despite the wait, I cannot hate corn so long as I shall live, so of course this perfectly grilled corn with plump and juicy kernels, doused in mayo, chili powder, cheese, and lime get 4 stars from me. Also being $2 was a big bonus, especially for NYC, and especially since those damn county fairs sell them for like $4 an ear or some other more ridiculous amount (though they are heavenly). Love it!
(4)
Angie L.
The first time I heard of this place was from a facebook picture that a friend took. She had raved about the place so we made sure we checked it out next time we're in NYC and boy, has this place become the MUST to visit for us. We always order Fire roasted Mexican Corn: EXCELLENT! and Cuban Sandwich- really really good, although last visit, I did try the Fish tacos, which was really good too. Generous portion on the Cuban sandwich. Normally I will share with the Mr just so we can enjoy the corn too without being too full. The place is tiny and the wait can get crazy, but it's totally worth the wait. If you're not comfortable having people sit so close next to you, this may not be the place for you. When I said tiny, I meant really really tiny. You could hear what your neighbor is saying clearly. If you don't want to deal with this, take it to go! There's a to go area in the corner. Servers are attentive and nice enough. Food comes pretty quick. Definitely one of my favorite places to visit in NYC. Will be checking out the Malibu location soon enough, though I'm not sure it'll be the same. The OG is always better :)
(5)
Mindy J.
Good steak. Amazing corn
(3)
Molly T.
I came here with my boyfriend for dinner after a show at the New Museum. We were told there was a 30 minute wait, which turned out only to be about 15. Mojitos, mexican corn & veggie tacos! Everything was so yummy and the menu was much more interesting than similar places I've been to. I loved the ambiance of the busy restaurant and even though we were packed in (to the point of pulling out the table to get into the bench) I felt comfortable and had a really nice evening. Also: great for watching other people on dates! I was thrilled to finally check this place out & would love to go back.
(4)
Ben M.
The grilled corn is some of the best i've ever had. It's incredible. Go for that reason if nothing else. The rest of the food is good. It's a little expensive, but good. I usually get take out from this place because it's so small inside..
(4)
Ashley A.
CORN. Awesome. But, the rest of my meal was just ok. I'd definitely go back, and definitely recommend it to others but would also try something different next time. This place is tiny, kind of difficult to get around inside.
(4)
Eric J.
I was rather disappointed with this place. Came here on a Monday afternoon to find a 30 minute wait. On a Monday afternoon?! They simply do not have enough space inside for the volume of customers they need to be seating. Upon being seated, the three of us were cramped into each other around a little square table that could not hold all of our dishes. We had to put one on the booth and another behind the booth on the window sill. GHETTO! On to the food, the Mexican corn was great! I ordered the cuban sandwich and was very disappointed. It was greasy, sloppy, and not fresh. I've had much better from West Village spot Cafe Havana.
(2)
Kate C.
My friend got food poisoning here last week. Yuck. Not only is this place not worth the price or the overcrowding, but now you have to risk getting sick here.
(1)
melissa b.
so, we finally made our way here and waited for an hour. the place is small, cramped, but still cute..now onto the food. the corn is a must! it is ridiculous, an explosion of flavors!! onto the main my boyfriend got the Cuban sandwich and i got the camarones al ajillo, both were pretty good, tasty but the corn is love at first bite!
(4)
John H.
Pros: Amazing corn appetizer, still thinking about it 2 weeks later. Delicious Cuban Sandwich -- probably the best I've ever had. Cons: The place is small, and you might have to wait a while for a table, and when you get it you will be sitting on top of other people.
(4)
Jihea P.
I personally dont think you come here for service. As mentioned many a times below, the hostess can be rude, the space is super cramped, there is no waiting room while the line can be long, they whisk your plate away as soon as you drop your spoon on the empty plate, and they assume your apps are done if there is little food left. BUT the food is GREAT, portions are BIG, and the price is CHEAP. Thus, I will definitely be back. Came on a saturday night at around 630pm with three pals. We ordered the yummie yummie corn, the crispy plaintains, corn cakes (forgot the cuban name), the grilled pork, shrimp tacos, 2 steak enchiladas, and 2 drinks. All were really fabulous and looked very tasty. Absolutely no complaints about the food whatsoever. We were starving having trekked from brooklyn and when we walked out, we were beyond full, having paid a lil over 23 bucks per person. You really can't beat that in Nolita.
(4)
Ian Y.
The corn will change your life. If you're not in the mood to sit, or wait, you can go around the corner to their take out place. Everything on the menu is solid, but the corn is what sets the place apart.
(4)
Jennifer Y.
Corn Corn Corn! So I've heard a lot of hype about the Mexican corn and decided to check it out one day. The corn was cheesy and chipotle mayo-ey but didn't taste spectacular.... at first. There's something about the corn that calls to you. I left feeling indifferent about the corn... but felt a strange craving for it 3 days later. I work nearby so it wasn't so hard to satisfy the craving, but I still have this tiny voice in my head that screams "Need. Mexican. Corn. Cafe. Habana. Now."
(4)
sy w.
The hand pulled pork sandwich was out of this world! There was a line outside the eatery and did not go away even when a thunderstorming downpour rolled in! That should tell you how desperate the customers were... And great fast service!
(5)
eriin w.
yum yum, corn on the cob. dont forget they shot the lenny kravitz video here too!
(4)
Nam L.
I've been here a few times when I come to NYC to visit friends and the food definitely keeps me coming back. I would give it more stars, but I just wish they were bigger and the wait wasn't a minimum of 2 hours every time I come (I swear people must camp out overnight). I usually try to get there for brunch and the crowd is pretty much already 30 deep just before 11AM. I always think the New Yorkers must still be sleeping off last night's drinking binge, but they must just stroll over and wait before they even make it home. The place is small, like someone literally plopped a trailer at the street corner and turned it into a restaurant-small, so you better be ok with squeezing into tight corners to get to your seat and feeling like you're on a quadruple date. I think it gives the place a nice atmosphere as if you're actually eating at a little cafe in the middle of a bustling street in South America, but I know that's not everyone's cup of tea. Alternately, you can just order take out a door over if you can't wait or you don't want to squeeze into the place. Despite the wait and closed quarters the food is definitely delicious and the service is good too. All the waitresses are really nice and I do commend them for handling the (sometimes) unruly crowd so well. I highly recommend the corn. You really can't go wrong with fresh grilled corn on the cob with queso blanco, chili powder, and lime (YUM!). I also think they make one of the best cubanos I've ever had. The cubano has the perfect amount of meat pressed between delicious crisp bread. Wash it all down with an ice cold michelada and I the day is off to a damn good start!
(3)
Natalie V.
Whenever people visit New York, I bring them here. This is my favorite restaurant in the city, and that's saying a lot! Although it is always a feat getting a table here, I think its small size and loud atmosphere make Cafe Habana a neighborhood gem. The corn=orgasmic, the mojitos=orgasmic, the plantains=orgasmic, the arroz con pollo=orgasmic......catch my drift? EVERYTHING HERE IS AMAZING! Seriously. If you're trying to go on a Saturday night, good luck! That's the only downside, it's just a tad too small to accommodate enough diners.
(5)
Elizabeth H.
This is one of my favorite brunch places in NYC! One word: CORN. This is a must have, and, to me, the best thing on the menu. An order comes with two corns, and I like to have it all to myself (and I'm not alone). Everything else on the menu is solid brunch food, but nothing memorable in comparison. The place is small, so expect to be cozying it up with others. I don't mind it, but actually like how non-pretentious the place feels because of it. Also, depending on when you go, expect to stand in line. Saturdays and Sundays between 1-4pm are probably their busiest brunch hours (I've never gone for dinner), so expect to wait around 30 minutes, and possibly up to a hour. When food is involved, I usually do not mind the wait. :)
(4)
Sophia L.
The grilled corn is tasty! Corn+butter+mexican spices+cheese= $2 well spent. The line is pretty long though....blame youtube guru Michelle Phan for advertising this place.
(4)
Sue K.
B. An and I came here on a Saturday afternoon with some visitors and made it just in time for a really late brunch around 4:30. The place is really tiny but they somehow managed to squeeze the four of us into a tiny table in the back corner. I was staaarving so I ordered the Sloppy Pepe because it warns you in the menu that it's "not for the faint of heart"! Hmmm...maybe I misunderstood their description because I destroyed that sandwich in a heartbeat. And it was delicious. I wish this place was bigger though...I'll have to check out their location in Brooklyn. We didn't get to try their corn because the waitress forgot to put in our order and the kitchen had already closed by then. Boo :( BUT she was cool enough to offer us a beer on the house instead. Too bad we were wimps that day and declined the offer!!! Still wish we could have gotten that corn....and the beer!
(4)
Christian R.
I came here for 2 different dates. And let me tell you, both times, a little bit of grease goes a very long way. Cafe Habana offers a thrilling experience. It feels like an eternal summer in a diner. First of all you have to deal with the fact that everyone around you is beautiful- stunning waitresses, attractive residents from around the block, so much so that you're checking yourself out in the bathroom mirror to make sure you fit in. The space is tight so make sure you're in a comfortable booth. The first time I came here it was like I was 6 years old, munching on a cobb of grilled buttery corn, all the while slipping out of my hand- my face a greasy, slobbery mess (wait, that sounded extremely dirty). Anyways, make sure you eat a bunch of those and a delicious Pork Sandwich, which will last you until lunch the next day. None of this is complete without a few jolting, spicy Michelada Coronas! Have a blast. And smile at your waitress.
(5)
Nils H.
Cafe Habana is good, but not as great as the size of the crowd would lead you to believe. Three of us came late on a Friday night, and had to wait 45 minutes only to be seated practically in each others' laps (don't even think of coming here if you value personal space). There was a line of people out the door for the entire duration of our meal, too. This may be only a weekend dinner phenomenon? Everybody raves about the grilled corn. It's tasty, but not too far from something you could make by yourself at home. The other appetizers and entrees we ordered were scrumptious - vastly better quality than you'd expect for the price, but still cheap enough to make it feel like a casual evening out. Favorite was the seabass (which was the fish of the day). The staff was very friendly - especially given the chaos in the restaurant. While it was extremely difficult for us to access the bar amongst the bustle, we were pleased with our mojitos and margaritas once we finally were able to order them. I'll have to come back on a less crowded day.
(4)
Carly H.
I love this place! First of all, I want to give a big shout-out to the lovely hostess! She is super sweet, found us the perfect table even with the long wait and even offered to comp our dessert. You can clearly see that all of the customers love her. Now on to the food - corn on the cob and fish tacos are so delicious. I've been craving it ever since. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Natalya R.
As you drive around in the city, and you had a busy day and then suddenly you're hungry. You wonder what you going to eat, and you whip out your android. You know you want something different; you are tired of sushi or thai and hey you see Cubans food on a menu and they have a 4 star. So guess what happened, we ended up eating here. The problem with this place it was small. Dont get me wrong, I love small places but this place you literally listen to people's conversations which made things for you uncomfortable. The corn is obviously a must try. The pork chops was ok and nothing special and cuban sandwich was good; just something different is what I needed.
(3)
Nicole D.
This was my first time going I've always heard so much about this place ESP the corn and I was not disappointed!!! Small intimate setting the wait was only a few minutes. The food was amazing and fresh the staff super friendly, the drinks were amazing I can't say enough about this place I will definitely be back.
(5)
Colt S.
Great food and atmosphere. Skirt steak and corn are excellent! Only reason for not giving it 5 stars is because the last two times I have visited the hostess was hard to deal with.
(4)
Dee Dee X.
Great little spot for cuban food! The place is TINY though so you might have to wait quite some time for a seat! I had the classic cuban sandwich and it's fantastic! You can get the chipotle mayo for your fries (for an extra $1.50) to add a little more Cuban flavor! My friend stuck extra chipotle mayo in his sandwich too! If you don't want to wait for a seat, you can go next door to their little cafe/take out spot. I usually go there if I just want one of their delicious corns! It's a great snack to tide you over until dinner when you're famished after shopping in Soho! Great spot to take visitors too!
(4)
David K.
Cafe Habana is located in the Nolita area, a little northeast of Chinatown (easiest way to get there is to take the N to Prince St and walk east several blocks). It's a small Cuban restaurant that has tight limited seating but a great ambiance, and the servers are upbeat and polite. We started out with some cheese corn, where they cover two corn cobs on a stick with Parmesan cheese and some sort of spice. If you've never had it before I would recommend trying it. It costs ~$7.50, so a little pricier than the $3 corn cobs that you can get at street tents during the summer all over NY, but then again it probably tastes better too. For the entree I got the carne asada (pork) tacos, they were fantastic. Just ask for and add some hot sauce to spice up the flavor. Comes with rice and beans as well.
(4)
Tiffany F.
Food was good but its a very very tiny hot place.. When i say tiny i mean if your 2 people you'll sit cramped at a table the size of a basketball... But the food is good and thats really all that matters!! I can definitely recommend it here if you dont mind not much space!
(4)
Maria A.
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS PLACE!! I have been coming here since I was 15 years old. The corn is amazing, and their Camarones al Ajillo is outstanding! I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)
Ligia M.
The service was okay, it was a busy Saturday afternoon. I had the Cuban sandwich which was delicious & enough to share with someone. The mayo is some special mayo on the sandwich was delicious. I went to take out window & sat a table, fast service but not the friendliest.
(4)
Jessica C.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! After leaving for college I make sure to hit this place up every time I'm home and bring anyone visiting the city. They have a sit down side and a takeout side. I've never been to the sit down side since I usually go to the takeout side which has limited seating as well. The corn! To die for. I'm not exactly sure if there's butter but there is definitely cheese and spices. My favorite corn ever! (FYI: This was on food networks 'the best thing I ever ate'!!) The Cuban sandwich. Packed with meat and the bread is toasted. The grilled chicken and corn salad - if you want to be on the healthier side but not miss out on any of the amazing flavor definitely get this!
(5)
Cherry C.
This was like my fourth time there. As usual, I had the corn as the starter. The chili tasted reeeeeeally good! And the tacos were amazing too! I will definitely take friends there next time. hope they will expand the store.
(5)
Lori K.
I am a fan of the food - especially the corn. So the 4 stars are for that. However I am definitely not a fan of the bathrooms. Seems like the priority here is the food and drink but no one is overseeing the condition of the bathrooms. The one I used was not clean, had no paper towel and the toilet paper that people used to dry their hands was piled up on top of the wastebasket. Not cool at all
(4)
Tian X.
Waited for over 1.5 hours as the hostess seated several groups who were the same size as us and came after us. She even rolled her eyes at us when we asked if our table was ready. Didn't even get a chance to try the food because we were so fed up we just left and I don't think I'll give it another shot. Of course, this place is so popular they don't need decent service to attract new customers so they probably don't give a crap that I had a horrible time.
(1)
Ramon L.
Great place, good food. The corn is awesome. The pulled pork was also very good. The staff were all friendly and upbeat.
(5)
Ian R.
The best Cuban sandwich I've ever had; the best corn on the cob I've ever had; excellent fried sweet plaintains; very good tacos, beans and rice. Only downside is it's small and can sometimes be difficult getting a table and the waitresses are overwhelmed sometimes, but you can sit at the counter if there aren't any tables.
(5)
Alison H.
Been back over 10 times. Still love it here. Love the frozen margaratias and the corn. I would cross the sahara for that corn!
(5)
Jin C.
I come here for takeout never dined in yet. LOVE THE CUBAN! Everytime I have the cuban here I get sleepy and get food coma hahaha. The corn is really good here, the fish sandwich is ok I prefer the cuban over the fish sandwich.
(5)
Jimmy Z.
LOVE this place. A friend took me here while I was in NY, tried the corn and LOVED it! You HAVE TO get the corn. I also had a fish taco which was good but nothing exceptional. Place is crowded during lunch time so try to come before or after 12:30.
(4)
Sebastian C.
Grilled corn is a must! The food and ambiance are consistent with one another, and if it weren't for the sound of bustling city nearby, you'd think you were beachside on a small island cafe.
(4)
Yue L.
Haven't had their Mexican corn in years and came back with some friends to reminiscence. Went to the side cafe for a quick order instead of going to the restaurant is always my way to go. The corn is $3 each and smaller than what I remembered. In the past I also remember them being more grilled. The cheese, cayenne and lime juice flavor is still yummy though and I think this is definitely a must try if you are in NY.
(4)
Victoria T.
Although I've only tried their infamous corn, there is something about this place that makes me want to come back. Perhaps it was the dimmed lighting? Cuban music? Friendly service? Small and cozy seats? so it was 11:30pm and while lounging around in my hotel room..I remembered that Cafe Habana was on my list to eats. Due to the lack of time spent, I didn't have time to pencil it into my schedule. Since it was my last night in NYC...I decided to get a late night snack (the corn). Hailed a cab and rushed him because I was afraid they were going to close. In the midst of getting lost and only have 10 minutes left til 12..I got out of the cab and tried tracking this place down....and THERE was the little, dark restaurant in the corner on Prince St. The restaurant was very small, dark, intimate, and cozy. The decor and furniture was so cute! Everyone sort of knew everyone. I walked up to the counter and asked (with hope) if there was still time for me to order the corn. Surprisingly, he said yes! I guess the restaurant doesn't close at 12 because people kept on coming in and out. While waiting for my corn, the waiter offered me a glass of water..which was a nice gesture. The Cuban music was blasting through the speakers and couples were snuggling in the booths. Finally, my corn was ready and boy, was I excited to devour it! basically...the CORN was AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!! It was decked with chili powder, cheese and with a squeeze of lime! I think it was $2? The corn was a bit on the smaller side but nonetheless, amazing. My late night run to Cafe Habana was so worth it! I hope the next time I'm in the city, I can discover and try out the rest of the menu.
(4)
Tamara V.
I have not eaten here yet but every time we go to eat here its either packed to capacity because its so small or the seats are smashed together. The last time I went there the waitress told me to go next door to Habana to go. I love that place now.
(2)
Sara W.
Can't say I am a big fan of this place but it's alright. Ofcourse, the corn is the must.
(4)
Suzanne L.
We stopped in here for a refreshment on a bitterly cold night walking in Soho and were lucky enough to score seats at the little bar. The flan was delicious; but the real memorable part was the hustle and bustle of the scene inside the restaurant. From the right vantage point, worth the trip.
(4)
Shintaro H.
Cuban sandwich. Caipirinha. Wow. The food was fantastic. I didn't like the seating arrangements. It was unfortunate that we sat directly in a high traffic zone in front of the bathrooms. You should do your best to avoid that spot! I felt like the seats were too close together as well. If you want privacy, this may not be your go to.
(4)
Tiffany T.
omg. their grilled mexican corn w/ mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime was amazing. definitely recommend this!!
(5)
Danny L.
My friends kept posting pictures of the Elote from here (Grilled corn with salt, chili powder, butter, cheese, lemon juice, mayonnaise and sour cream), so I decided to it to my list. What is the hype!? After trying it, I just realize that San Jose, CA has the best Elote! I can definitely just go on the east side and find some and it'll taste 100x better! 2 for $6. This place is very small and cramped up, definitely not a atmosphere I wouldn't be in. 3 stars for the good service they provided. The question is, would I come back? Yes, just so I can try something else that's bomb and appealing, then maybe the stars will increase :)
(3)
Evan W.
If I was on death row and about to be executed, their grilled corn would be my last meal.
(4)
Stan Y.
If you're lucky enough to be one of the 20 some odd people to get a table/chair in the place, great, good for you, eat up. Although it's a bit tight, the food is worth it. It is a bit over hyped as people tend to crowd around. I only really recommend this place for their corn. Yea, get the corn. Here's a tip, walk 10 ft. and get it from the take out spot. I also like their cuban sandwiches, claimed to be the best, maybe it is. I don't know, it taste good in my mouth, and down in my stomach. Their pulled pork usually has me in the bathroom afterwards, but I take it as a sign that it was dirty, and filthy, just how it should be. Meaning it was good.
Yes, this place is amazing! Everything is so good! It gets crowded, it probably needs more space buttt it is worth the wait. The Cuban is my favorite. The pulled pork and corn is good too. It is a fun lively place to be even during the weekdays.
(5)
Diana S.
Hasn't changed a bit since the first time I came here... 6 years ago?? Something like that. I literally dream of the cuban sandwich here. It's so so so good. Also, always a fan of a no-fuss full bar. There is no attractive way to eat the corn here because it will be all over your face - but it's so good that it doesn't matter. I'd actually be offended if whoever I went to eat with didn't have corn and cotija cheese all over their face while simultaneously trying to maintain a conversation with me. Also, this is noteworthy. I think the food is so f-ing good here that HUNGOVER, I will subway/taxi/walk/ride a donkey to eat here.
(5)
Elayne P.
I had a taste of the chicken mole, the corn and the Cuban sandwich at governor's ball. Even though the sandwiches had been sitting out for a while and warm instead of hot (due to musical festival setting), they were delicious and some of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. I was skeptic to try the chicken mole because I am sensitive to spicy/hot flavors but I finished the entire thing! So delicious and satisfying. Definitely will visit their location and worth recommending to a friend!
(5)
jayda i.
i live down the street, and come here about once a week. i always order take-out next to the restaurant, since the resto is always packed (and it's a small space). i always get the avocado+white cheese burrito (minus rice), since i'm not a huge meat eater. it's def solid, although the white cheese is overwhelming. it's a block of unidentifiable white cheese. grilled corn is always perfection (duh). enjoy.
(4)
Katie N.
I went here with a friend after hearing all these great things about the corn and the food, etc, but I wasn't all too impressed. 1) I've had better corn at side street fairs. The corn served to us was warm, not hot and buttery the way I normally enjoy my corn. 2) The waitress was slow and inattentive even though the place wasn't super busy or anything. My friend and I didn't experience the long lines that we were expecting from other reviews. We got a table right away. We ordered 2 cokes and when we finally received them (after having to remind the waiter twice), the soda was completely flat. We were pretty disappointed given how hot the weather was that day.
(2)
Dianne K.
Basically everything is good here. It's so cheap too.
(5)
Jenn R.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. The place is extremely tiny, but it's hella good. Every time I visit NY, I have to go here. Anything and everything I've ordered never disappoints. My favorite must have: the cuban corn and the plantains!
(5)
Tinylittleimpression S.
There is (almost) always a wait here. Fortunately, there's a cute, expensive-looking French place across the street with a bar. Habana staff will let you put your name down and go across the street, but check back halfway through the wait time; if you're not there when they call you, they seat someone else. The food is decent. The corn is the thing to come here for. It's as amazing as every reviewer below me has said. The margaritas are a let-down (especially since they are so good at Habana Outpost - the summertime-only, Brooklyn take on this joint).
(4)
Tiffany K.
Since my first visit to Cafe Habana, I've been back twice and I still love it - it's always on my list of places to go back to each time I visit NYC. This time around, I got my usual Roast Pork entree and my cousin got the Pollo Mirador. As usual, I loved the Roast Pork, and also really enjoyed the Pollo MIrador. The chicken was very tasty and cooked well - the accompanying spinach and white rice was so delicious. Great experience, as always.
(5)
hyo l.
grilled corn is very good.
(5)
Keuris S.
Grate place to have lunch in because of the cool laid back atmosphere. The place isnt that big so one should expect a lil wait in the evenings. MUST TRY: Mojito, Corn on the cob Habana is one of my top spots.
(5)
raj b.
This place gets crowded!!! But is totally worth it. Do not dine in, go around the corner to their to go location and order a Cuban Sandwich and their famous corn. Enjoy the food outside!! Awesome place to come and enjoy food outside. Cuban sandwich was amazing, right amount of spice and flavor and the corn, well its what they are famous for. Yes its a lot like your typical Mexican Corn, but being from California, Mexican corn in NYC is not easy to find so i enjoyed it from Cafe Habana. Price is decent not ridiculously expensive but worth it if you really want to enjoy something different and good.
(4)
Rashmi G.
You pretty much know you're a tourist in the Big Apple when you've made a few bad Subway choices - getting on a subway that drops you off farther away than if you had taken a different subway, heading completely in the wrong direction, etc. WELL, good news was that for one of the first times, we made all the right decisions while heading to Cafe Habana! I'd say that we were already off to a good start! Located in a neighborhood, kind of in the middle of no where (coming from a perspective of someone who has never been to NY), Cafe Habana seems like a very popular place. When we went inside the restaurant, even though very small, we noticed that it was completely packed. We were lucky enough to get a seat to rest our achy feet immediately at the bar. After a glance at the menu, we got a couple of Shirley Temple drinks to start off with and the Chicken Mole enchiladas & the Cuban Sandwich for our meals. First, the Shirley Temples were interesting - not sweet like I expected them to be .. in fact, I can't even put my finger on what exactly they tasted like. We'd say that if we had to re-do our order, we wouldn't get them again. But it didn't matter as our food came out pretty quickly & we were able to get to eating right away. The Chicken Mole was good as was the Cuban Sandwich. Their mole sauce wasn't anything different than what I've had in the past, still tasty & delicious, but the beans that came with the meal were incredibly tasty! I'm glad I decided to get them because most times, I prefer to just get double rice. My date has had Cuban Sandwiches at other places before but none of them even came close to how good this one was. The atmosphere at Cafe Habana was very lively and the services was great. This is one of my top recommendations of places to dine in NY! -- I could even provide accurate directions to get there ... maybe! :)
(4)
Magnus L.
I forever seeing their patrons eating that Mexican style corn. So I thought I'd come in and check out the Cuban Sandwich! And I must admit it is tasty and a welcomed change from the Chinese and Pizza joints you'll find on most every block.
(4)
Prince P.
They say it's the best Cuban sandwich in nyc ! Ehhhhh i don't know about that and the corn the most popular is good but more hype then anything else. Overall the portion sizes, cost and overall decency of the food is what keeps you coming back. Service is basic I feel like I shouldn't tip the waitresses but rather the cooks. Servers don't do much and it's not really a sit down kind of place (I'm not cheap either so I wouldn't stiff anyone on a tip) but if I could take the food to go and sit somewhere I would. Unfortunately soho area isn't known for sitting areas. Would i come back ? Probably! Is it place that screams OMG I CANT WAIT TO GO BACK ? No I wouldn't go that far either.
(4)
Brianna F.
This review is loooong overdue. I've been here three times, and each time has been a wonderful experience. Two words. FISH. TACOS. (And grilled corn. And Cuban sandwich. Basically everything is delicious.)
(5)
G. Lue D.
Corn was delicious but Al Pastor tacos were dry.
(3)
Eitav A.
We had the grilled corns, which were awesome! A lot of parmigiano cheese and spices made it delicious
(5)
Marina S.
a gem. the true definition of a hole in the wall - in a good way! Service is good. place can get so packed ! 2 hours wait is not unusual. Corn on the cob to start. your mouth will thank you. skirt steak with beans and rice is delicious. shrimp tacos are very good. everyone I was with, praises the pork - in all forms. Heuvos rancheros great. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, even if you tried. So go ahead and try.
(4)
Samantha S.
anyone who chooses to wait online here is mentally ill. restaurant is so small you're packed inside with basically no room to breathe, worst part is you leave and smell like food... like its seeped into your whole body. go next door! the food is fast and easy. you have time to go out and enjoy the city instead of the company of your boring friends. better yet go to brooklyn to their outpost and enjoy the great food outside. OVERALL: rather go to brooklyn, or get it to go. food is whatevs. more hype than anything else.
(3)
Ed C.
the highlight here is definitely the corn. cheese and mayo on grilled corn with lime juice? how can you go wrong. It gets messy, i wish i brought dental floss, the amount of stuck in my teeth, no amount of toothpicks would remove. pricey for corn, 7-8 bucks for just two ears. i had to try the cuban sandwich, which has apparently won awards. that was a disappointment. it was way to soggy and dripped everywhere. it was tough to chew through as well. the fries were also strangely not satisfying. i may have been too full from all the corn but i would not go back there for a cuban sandwich. i watched the movie chef not too long ago, maybe i was expecting something that looked like from the movie. it's NOT!
(3)
Mathew W.
Came here on a weekend and had the cuban sandwich and the fish tacos... why did the sandwich go famous for 30 years? It's mighty dry!! The fish tacos were very fishy as well... I am not sure how this place gets such great reviews... The corn was the reason for 1 star that they get and the other star is for the service or else this place would get.... none.. sorry. Perhaps next time I'll be back to try more things? I have no idea honestly... what else to try?
(2)
Scott H.
Get the Grilled Mexican Corn and you can thank me later. These are legit and by far the best I've ever had. These are sweet, salty, sour, smokey and the perfect amount of heat. Delicious! I come back for these every time i visit NYC.
(4)
Crystine K.
It was an amazing place to eat at and their corn was so delicious. It was something that I have never tried before until I visited NY in July 2014. I was not disappointed by the service because of their kind and patient waitresses when I was indecisive of I want for dinner! This waitress, Jennifer, gave out these really good suggestions for the first timers. I wish I could remember what I had... but I have to say please go and try it yourself!
(5)
Gina H.
A little overrated. The only thing that I thought was truly amazing is the corn, which you can get next door. They give you toothpicks, but it would be nice to have some floss on hand. If the wait is more then 30 min then I would move on; not really worth waiting for. It is really small so you're really really close to your neighbors. My friend had the Fish Tacos last time and said it was a little dry. I've tried the Cuban Sandwich, which I thought was nothing special. I had the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano, which was not appetizing at all. I could barely eat it. My friend had the pork tacos, which I would recommend ordering.
(3)
Miranda W.
The food is always GREAT. Best Cuban I've had. Drinks are nice but a kinda weak. The service is TERRIBLE. Hostess is the worst but overall the entire staff is rude and not attentive. That being said, I am willing to give 4 stars and keep coming back time after time to eat focusing on the food and ignoring the attitude. Everything on the menu is great but of course, you have to try the corn.
(4)
Claire F.
You've got to be kidding me. I lived around the corner for years and the overflow of hungry, hungry, hipsters making this corner impassable was enough to deter us from eating there, usually. But one late night, a foursome of us came in to grab some late night grub. The food=blech. I do not know what you people are talking about with that corn bidnezz. It was dry and nasty. And the plaintains were somehow both sticky and dry at the same time. About 10 minutes after we had gotten our food, they made us get up and move everything (ourselves) to the cafe tables in the back. I am not sure why this happened, or why we agreed to it, but we did. It was late and we'd all worked long days, so our resistance was low. The entire experience left a really bad taste in my mouth.
(1)
Peter E.
The food was great here! I came with two of my friends tonight and we all loved it! It is extremely crowded and there is almost no room to move around but the food is really good. If you are in the mood for very traditional Cuban food, this is not the place. A lot of the dishes have a modern flare to them or are mixed with mexican dishes. The grilled corn is their most famous and is really good! We also had the sincronizada toluca as an appetizer and i definitely recommend it! The prices are cheap and the food is good! Go for it!
(4)
Kingsley C.
DELICIOUS! I'm not generally a fan of small restaurants, and believe me this restaurant is SMALL, but I was delighted. Cafe Habana is definitely not a place for large groups. The restaurant is very small, probably cannot sit more than 50 people at a time (maybe even less). However the wait staff works tirelessly running around making sure customers get what they need. The prices are great for what you get. We had the Grilled Corn Mexican Style which was unbelievably delicious. I never expected it! I'm not a fan of corn on a cob usually, but this is the new exception. It has just the right amount of sweetness mixed with spice. Next, we had the Sweet Plantains. I've never tried plantains before because I always thought of them as cooked bananas, which never appealed to me. But these were so sweet and tasted wonderful! I couldn't stop eating them! Lastly we had the Cuban Sandwich which was perfect. It was a lot of food to chow down, but well worth it. Definitely get there early to get a seat. Otherwise, get it to go and find a place to eat on the awesome streets of NYC! YOU MUST GO!!!
(4)
Christian J.
Wow, this place is just amazing. I thought I had my best pulled pork sandwich in Napa, but the Cuban Sandwich at Cafe Habana is the best I have ever had. Make sure you try the mexican style corn on the cob. Great prices, friendly staff, but can be very crowded. Try takeout too, even better prices!
(5)
Craig G.
I can't even remember how I stumbled upon this gem on Prince st. over 4 years ago. What I can tell you is that I eat here every time I am in Manhattan. The food is so good, the wait staff is hot and brilliant and the atmosphere is quaintly hopin'. Inside it's like the best small cubanesque diner you'll ever find. 7/14/11 Appended: After reading some reviews you should stay away from the take out. Don't let the bad or mediocre reviews scare you. Most of them are having Burgers in a Cuban restaurant. I have had the take out and it wasn't as good as the wait for a table inside.
(5)
Jose B.
Probably the best Cuban sandwich I've had in a while. Food was good and reasonably priced. The place is small and a bit cramped to dine in, but what place in the city isn't? The staff was polite and very attentive, they also have a takeout window which make pickups on the go quick and easy.
(4)
Archi M.
Always a pleasure coming to this tiny little restaurant - good food + friendly people We ordered a chicken Diablo torta, avocado burrito, sweet plantain and corn on the cob. - Corn on the cob was just phenomenal - chicken Diablo - light and crispy - mmmm.. - sweet plantains - meh (I've had better) - avocado burrito was a bit disappointing - was like a burrito from chipotle; actually chipotle's burrito may have more flavor that what I had here. But an option for vegetarians like me Oh - we have also had caramel flan during one of our previous visits - it's the best I've ever had (hands down!!) - do try.. If you are in downtown nyc make sure to visit this tiny little place! It just might surprise you..
(4)
Prerna M.
Great food, great drinks, good prices and nice ambience. There's often a wait but worth it. The corn appetizer is amazing - a must try!
Everything was great. Worst part was waiting since the place is tiny but man, everything else was super. Corn was awesome, best cuban sandwich as advertised and fish tacos weren't bad either. Great service as well!
(5)
Albert V.
By far one of the best Cuban restaurants I've been to in many years. A very strong recommendation for anyone who is interested in tasting Cuban cuisines.
(5)
Gina M.
Amazing!!!!! I loveeee this place! The corn is to die for! I have tried to make it my self but it's just not the same! Everything is realllly great!
(5)
Phi N.
Note to self, when dining at a Cuban establishment, more often than not, pork is king. But then again, isn't it always anywhere? That was the case at Cafe Habana. We got the chicken mole plate, the Cuban sandwich, and the Mexican Corn. The Mexican corn was just like any other Mexican corn you can get except ours was a bit burnt. The chicken mole plate just reconfirmed why I prefer dark meat to white meat. The chicken was a bit dry and the portion could have been a bit more generous. The Cuban sandwich however was delicious and moist. A good amount of porky mayo was dripping down my hand. That's when you know you got a good Cuban.
(3)
Molly L.
Yummy-Liscious! This little cafe is on a SoHo corner and packed with young hipster/artsy types....and i mean PACKED! Not a good place for claustrophobics. The menu is great! I went for lunch/brunch on a Saturday. I got the cuban sandwich with fries. The bread was awesome, the pork was moist and flavorful, and the fries were a true home-made delight! My boyfriend got the Molletes con Chorizo - an open face sub roll with black bean spread, cheese, and chopped chorizoish sauciness with salsa verde. We both devoured everything in sight and the bill didn't break $30. You can't beat that!! The only 'con' is that service is not the greatest because of tight quarters, high volume, and quick turn-over. I refuse to remove a star for this offense as I was not at all suprised or offended. I highly reccommend walking down the street to the Little Cupcake Bakeshop for a great follow-up dessert!
(5)
Daniel A.
Awful cuban sandwich. The service is friendly enough and it's in a great location. I guess stick to the corn on the cob.
As everyone else have already said, this place is a hole-in-the-wall, tiny, cramped, and very cheap and delicious. There are a couple tables but you really don't want to stay there for long after you finish your food because people literally fight for tables here. One flaw is that if you are hungry and can't wait till you get home to devour your food there isn't any sitting places around, you will have to eat your food while standing. Again the food is very good for the price point, corn is awesome, but its not something I will trek over Manhattan to get.
(4)
Arvee S.
Cafe habana has the best grilled corn in NYC!!! They made it just perfect for my taste bud. On top of the grilled corn they have great sandwiches and accomodating staff. I will definitely bring my friends and families who are visiting in NYC.
(4)
Jay Woo K.
Such great grilled corns. I've never powdered'em over red peppers and powdered cheese, and the combination of them with the sweetness from the cooked corn seeds just showed me to how the heaven would taste like, if that ever existed. Cuban sandwiches come with fries, and the pulled pork is also beyond words good. I have been also warmly welcomed by the people working there. Great energy~!
(5)
Jen T.
Literally a cramped, tiny hole-in-the-wall place with some good food. We passed by it a couple times before we realized that it was where all the crowds were. It's also down the street from most of the shopping in SoHo, so it's a perfect meal if you go before a shopping trip. We came here mostly because I had tons of friends rave about their grilled corn. Got it, and unfortunately it was overhyped. ): Or maybe because it's not corn season in the middle of January. Either way, it's sweet and roasted and covered with parmesan cheese and mayonnaise. Good, but did not make my life like everyone else promised it would. We shared the entrees of catfish tacos, roasted/pulled pork, and enchiladas suizas. Hands down the enchiladas were amazinggg. The meat was a little dry but the sauce more than made up for it. There were definitely some audible "mmmmm"s as I ate my meal. The catfish tacos were hard to compare since I am a taco/burrito snob... they were ok. Pulled pork was pretty good too! However, be prepared to WAIT at peak times and expect to share elbow space with some strangers. You might get rushed along in your meal because of how popular yet small this place is. We were waiting for our credit cards to come back and the hostess thought we were just sitting around and basically told us that we should get going. She realized then later she'd made a mistake and apologized to us. Oh, and holy moly their waitresses are pretty and have beautiful accents. I totally had a girlcrush on ours by the end of our meal. Probably also why we weren't mad at the hostess.
(4)
Jourdan D.
All of the positive reviews of this place are on point! My friend Susan and I tried this place on a random week night after she saw the number of rave reviews that it had received. We trudged through the snow to get there and the place was so packed that there was hardly room to get in and put our name on the list. The 30 minute wait almost made us reconsider but we decided to stick it out and went for a little winter stroll to kill some time. We got back and on our way in a girl that was leaving told us that it wasn't worth all of the hype and that it was not very authentic and that we shouldn't eat there, but we were seated right away after she left and we decided to see for ourselves. We were definitely not disappointed. That girl must be out of her mind! We ordered the Mexican corn, of course, and it was so delicious we couldn't even stop gnawing on our little cobs long enough to comment on how tasty they were! Ridiculously good! I will dream about that corn! I had the enchiladas suizas and Susan had the enchiladas estilo norteno and a guava flavored limeaide. We also got some tostones. I have to say everything that I tried was soooooooooooooo good! The sauces were very flavorful and everything was seasoned to perfection. Even the rice and beans were good. I was a bit disappointed that the tostones were not served with mojo though because the menu said that they are served with one and I think that would have made them perfect like everything else. I can't wait to go back to try the cuban sandwich! The ambiance was cute, palm leaves painted on the walls, cute little diner-like bar, dim lights, bustling staff and loud music. The service was very prompt but refills on drinks were not happening. The music kept getting louder and the staff was having fun with it dancing and singing to one of the songs. Overall this place has character and the food is amazing! I was so happy that we stuck it out and ignored the girl's advice. Believe me, believe the hype, and definitely GET THE CORN!
(5)
Debra T.
The only thing I tried here was the Grilled Corn Mexican Style, which is INSANELY delicious. Really, probably the only thing you need. I could eat like 20 of them. I am not even joking. ADDICTED.
(5)
Geekar L.
I stopped in here for lunch with a friend on a rainy day. It's really about the corn here. Yes, it can get messy, but totally worth it (they give you a wet nap and toothpick). I'm not a fan of mayo, but it goes great with the corn, cheese and chili powder. Quick and friendly service. Not really a place to chat, but great for a quick bite. They also have a to go location just next door, which is even better if you just want to grab some corn and a Mexican soda. My friend ordered the Cuban sandwich and liked it, didn't think it was amazing though. I ordered the steak and eggs, came with homestyle fries. Comfort food all the way! Space is small, so just be prepared to sit closely with strangers, which is totally fine by me. I will definitely come back, gotta love their corn, yum!
(4)
John O.
More or less stumbled upon this place whilst wandering around Manhattan. Tiny venue/limited seating aside (to be fair we were at the take away side and not the dining area), this place was friggin fantastic. Employees weren't the most friendly, but o well, their food was more than enough reason to go back. Got a Cuban sandwich and the corn, and as good as the sandwich was, the corn is the talk of the town for a reason.To be blunt, it was amazing, better than that msg laced state-fair corn for sure and available year round to boot. TO ALL MY WESTCOAST PEOPLE: there is now a location in Malibu, do yourself a favor and make a road trip out of it.
This is a review for the takeout portion of the restaurant only. Next time I will definitely try the sit in restaurant because the grilled corn I from the takeout section was not only dry but so terribly seasoned. Never again.
(2)
Susing Y.
I came here on a Friday night with a friend and it was very busy. The food is delicious here, but the space is small and cramped. The tables are placed close to each other. I would recommend this place to others because the food is great, but if you are looking for a quiet and spacious place, then go somewhere else.
(4)
Erin D.
So the good news is the food is pretty good, the bad news is the hostess is not client friendly, nor equipped to manage the simple task of seating people in the order which they arrive. Kudos on your food- but remember your business is based on people who can actually eat the food you serve.
(1)
Trish S.
Totally dive and we loved it. When at a new restaurant we always ask "what are you known for?" we order the 3 items the waitress suggested -- fish taco, cuban sandwich and the corn. My husband and I split everything. More than enough food. Best sandwich we have ever had. Downside -- small and cramped. we ended up with a seat near the bathroom and my husband had to move his chair ever time someone needed to use the restroom. Other than that --- fantastic NYC spot.
(4)
Kyri K.
Tiny cute little place. A little crowded but whatever. Their grilled corn is the shit. Not joking. You have to get it. Tlacoyos [sp?] were also good. I wanna go back right now.
(5)
Stephanie B.
This resto gives me life!! Best grilled corn and shrimp tacos I've tried in all of NYC! Tight space + Amazing/affordable food = Long wait times. That being said, I usually visit during lunch hours to avoid massive crowds and to get slightly cheaper menu options. Check out a more in-depth review complete w yum pics & descriptions on my food blog below! eatabletreats.blogspot.c…
(5)
Tiffany L.
i think i saw this place on tv once and i saw the corn and was like, yup, gotta try it. ok so this legendary corn was.....underwhelming. i don't know if i got a bad batch or what, but my corn, even though it had a bunch of crap on it, was under-seasoned and overcooked. i had high hopes because on paper, it sounds delicious. in my mouth, it didn't work. the cuban sandwich was also very mediocre, but i'm beginning to think i'm just not a fan of cuban sandwiches in general.
(2)
Arnette R.
Went here last week with 4 others. Fluked out and got seated right away. Someone ordered salad, another ordered fish tacos, someone ordered a pork dish, I ordered grilled steak and a side of elote. It's as great as I remember. Yum. It was my first food pit stop once I arrived. Thank you. Heard there's one in Malibu but damn that's just so far west than I ever go in LA. Move eastbound (and down too) please.
(4)
christine m.
thumbs up for corn and fish tacos! the frozen margarita and frozen mojitos are quite strong. its a great place to catch up with old friends over greate food.
(5)
Philip B.
Wonderful place. Went on recommendation of our host where we stay for the week. She was right, you shoudn't miss the corn! Then enchillada and a couple of cocktails.... The best!
(4)
Carmen L.
Came on a Friday night. Was seated at the bar because we didn't want to wait for a table. Ordered the Mexican style corn. The sauce on top was flavorful. They give you toothpick so no worries about the mess afterward. Cuban sandwich: bread was toasty. Just your regular ham and cheese sandwich. Side dish: fries Fish tacos: nothing special, fried fish with the reg onions tomatoes lettuces on top of a soft taco. Side dish: rice and beans Not enough heat inside the restaurant and wasn't given enough attention on food and services.
(3)
Rawan K.
Great little place with so much character and awesome service! Sat up at the bar with my sister and ordered the most delicious Mexican-style corn on the cob, followed by fish tacos (which could've used some more seasoning, if you ask me), and yummy cocktails! I had a michelada and a caipirinha. It's a rather busy and small place, so I wouldn't recommend it to large groups, but definitely for 2-3!
(4)
Luthfia S.
Service there was great! The two servers were amazing at making me feel good even with the crowd. Food was amazing! Elotes were delicious with lots of mayo! I ordered the shrimp tacos with tostones, they were not cheap on the guac and the shrimp was AMAZING! With a great pitcher of sangria, I'll be come back!
(5)
Vittoria L.
Absolutely addicting. My friend and I decided on Cuban food for our catch up date. We both ordered the Cuban sandwich and elote. The sandwich, which is supposedly voted the best in NY, lives to the hype. It comprises of citrus marinated roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, chipotle mayo within a toasted roll. I'm not a big pickle fan, so I asked for mine in the side. Each bite was pure deliciousness that I craved for more when I was finished. But you know what's better than the sandwich? The grilled corn. Seriously. Their version is drenched with mayo, chili powder, and cotija cheese, served with a lime wedge. I could not get enough. I even ordered one to-go and ate it the following evening, and it was still good despite it being soggy. Also had their plaintains for dessert, and they were pretty decent! But not something I would get again. I highly recommend this place.. give it a try!
(5)
Laura P.
4.5 stars. This review is only for the Torta de Queso Blanco y Aguacate. That tort is delicious. Vegetarian with white cheese, spiced avocado, chipotle mayo, black beans, red onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. Well toasted on torta bread with a side of fries. Side of fries is nothing to write home about. The sandwich is amazing, though. The flavors don't taste classically Mexican and just go so well together. Everything is very fresh, good quality, and the sandwich is light and healthy for a torta yet substantial. Each ingredient adds something to the sandwich and there is no filler. Super delicious. On a Sunday around 3 pm there was a 15 minute wait for a party of 2. It cleared out a little more by around 4 pm or so. The waitress was super cute and animated, but she didn't crowd you nor did she rush you at all. Fun vibe, casual, yet with personality. Loud music playing, lots of hustle and bustle. Vibrantly decorated.
(4)
Maria C.
I really like the food here, but the service is just so bad sometimes that i don't think I'll be going back. The last time I was there, the waitress said she'd seat us once our whole party was there, which was fine. once we were all there I told her. one of my friends didn't hear me, so she also told her politely that we were all there. the waitress responded very rudely and had such an attitude that we decided to leave. as we were walking down the street she screamed out at us... I can't imagine what people eating in the restaurant were thinking when they saw their waitress open the door and actually scream at people down the block... she said something like 'oh you're just going to leave now?!" It's not like we did anything wrong, just decided to take our business elsewhere. We didn't owe them anything. Very bad service.
(2)
Jennifer R.
Nothing has changed. Still great quality food and fun atmosphere. Get the grilled corn.
(5)
Daniel C.
The citrus roast pork here is on point. Only downfall is the extremely tight seating that makes the experience less enjoyable
(4)
Lin L.
The corn is tasty!!!! Sandwich was also good. Notice: it only offers Cuban sandwich after 11am
(5)
Elsie W.
Get the corn and cuban sandwich. Mexican corn is so good, I can't go back to non-Mexican corns anymore. Cuban sandwich was filled with meat and the bread toasted. Thumbs up.
(4)
Joyce K.
yes! yes! yes! the corn is as good as they say... if you like that los angeles mexican style dirty street corn with cheese and mayo and chili powder. pollo dish was very soft and sauce was good. spinach was good and garlicy.. nothing to rave about though... coconut flan very thick and tasty. yes! do it!
(4)
Shiela E.
I love everything about this place! It's pretty small, but their service is super quick so I feel like we didn't have to wait long. The hostess/waitresses were so nice! My boyfriend and I ordered the cubano sandwich and the corn! The corn was sooo good! I wanted to order more, but I knew I had to save my appetite for my sandwich, which was great too! My boyfriend and I wished we shared one order, because half of the sandwich already filled us up. He also ordered the cafe con leche, which he said was good as well! Definitely recommend this place!
(4)
Min Y.
It's amazing food. The corn is amazing, and the Baja Style Fish Tacos are it. If you like Tacos.. it's great and if you don't like fish.. you must try and then decide.. you will be pleasantly surprised. The interior is kinda small, especially towards the back where we were squished and the waitress had a little trouble taking plates away and bringing them out, but all in all.. I'm a fan.
(4)
Junie C.
So far I've only tried their infamous grilled corn on a cob and it was SO good. I've never had such good corn coated with delicious sauce, cheese, and pepper. I wish they delivered to my work place. This place is conveniently located by Soho which makes it nice extra cozy spot for a quick meal. Maybe too cozy - less crowded seating would be nice. I'm not sure whether it was because I went on Christmas Eve, but staff could've been more much more attentive.
(4)
Kailin H.
Had their Cuban Sandwich, which comes with a side of good fries. Now, the sandwich was good - loaded with juicy meats (tender and not overcooked). But not quite the perfect Cuban sandwich (Paseo's in Seattle is my reference here) because it was pretty much an all-meat sandwich. No vegetable or sweet peppers or fruits to provide a nice contrasting taste, and no distinct special sauce to tie it all together.
(3)
Terrell G.
Randomly discovered this place and grateful that I did! Food was amazing and so was the service. Though there was a long wait to be seated, the hostess kept me updated on table availability which I appreciated. Once I was seated, the bar tender was extremely kind and knew the menu front and back. I definitely look forward to my next visit!
(5)
J A Y.
The corn is a MUST!!! The entrees are ok- I recommend getting the corn- to die for.
(4)
Misha T.
wow a thousand reviews? that's pretty wild considering this place isn't that big or anything. anyways my cuban sandwich was solid. decent bread, good pork, good ham, good cheese, and good pickles. The problem was that there wasn't nearly enough pickle in my sandwich, and to make it worse the pickles were really good which just made me miss them more... also they don't put the mustard in and a good torta cubana needs mustard so dont' forget to add it on your own. I didn't try the elote (mexican corn) but folks stop tripping, elote is mad easy to make and folks sell it on the street in california. I'm sure there's is good but if you have corn, mayo, lime, chilipowder, cumin, and cotija cheese you can do it yourself...
(4)
David S.
Really generous portions and fairly tasty . I have to agree with the other reviewers that the grilled corn is the scene-stealer. It's buttery, sweet and salty with that delicious grilled taste. The frozen mojito was pretty good but didn't pack much of a punch. I downed two really quickly and didn't experience much of a buzz (brain freeze, yes!).
(3)
Jay A.
Great great corn, Cuban food
(5)
Vanessa H.
Of course everyone knows and loves Cafe Habana and its famous Mexican corn. But you really can't go wrong with anything here. Indulge in sweet or savory plantains or both! Imbibe in the refreshing margaritas! The staff are extremely friendly and accomodating. Another party knocked and spilled my friend's drink all over her and they were nice enough to apologize for the other party, waive the drinks from our bill, and brought us new beverages. Even if there's usually a long wait (no reservations), I usually just pop into Cafe Gitane around the corner for a drink. It's well worth the effort!
(5)
Kyle W.
I am the great Cornholio as Beavis would say. I'm not going to say anything new that hasn't already been already said. Small place, but totally worth it. The Mexican corn is seriously a showstopper. If I could create a list of Top 100 individual menu items to get in NY. Cafe Habana's corn would be on the list.
(4)
Robert S.
The "Grilled corn mexican style" steals the show. It reminds me of the tasty grilled corn that you can get at the San Diego County Fair. The cotija cheese is so finely grated that it makes the corn taste absolutely delicious!!!! 5 stars for the corn!! I also had the cuban sandwich and fries. My only gripe with the place is that the seating area is tiny. They squished so many people into the place that it's got to be a fire hazard. Unless you're seated in the booths, be prepared for a tight squeeze!
One of my favorite spots on my short visit to NYC. The hype was high and it was real. The cuban sandwiches is probably one of the best cuban sando's ive ever had. Perfect combination of ham wrapped in pulled pork and that aioli.. whoo whee that thing was good. Fries were amazing as well.. i grade my restaurants not on one item itself but the whole nine. My wife had the shrimp tacos.. amazing. and to top things off the Elotes (Mexican corn) were out of this world. I probably could have had 3-4 of them myself. The waitress was very nice, and on top of her ish, always came by asking if we needed anything and she always seemed so happy, and that is always a plus with service. The only thing is the wait, you can wait up for 45mins up to an hour or so if you have a bigger group, (4 + people). There were only 2 of us so we got lucky and got seated right away. Definitely worth a try and Im certain to go back when head back to the city.
(5)
Jess A.
Whoa! I'm still eating as I write this but I couldn't wait. I was a little skeptical being that it's a Cuban name but food on menu seems mostly Mexican. I've never really liked Cuban sandwiches but I ordered it anyway bc it seemed like a decent price. And let me tell you, I'll never buy it anywhere else. The sandwich Cubano is amazing. The Maduros not so much - I prefer more sweet and ripe. They delivered really fast during dinner time (5pm).
(4)
Yelena K.
Habana, you break my heart. Your Cuban is muy delicioso and so are numerous items on your menu (rice and beans, sweet plantains, pernil, shrimp tacos). At $10.95, you are a saving grace in Soho, but your service is so damn shitty, it makes me want to cry. Everyone who works here is terrible and rude. Your seating is so limited and (apparently) always reserved for more important white people who order shit like the "corn and chicken salad please, but with no corn, the dressing on the side, over lettuce and no rice tortillas." Still, I'll come here once in a while and indulge in your saucy sandwich and terrible waitresses.
(3)
Reese S.
I've been wanting to try this place since forever since I've heard great things about it (4 stars on Yelp too!), but unfortunately it was a disappointing dinner. My friend and I split the grilled corn, and then we both got the cuban sandwich. The sandwich did not live up to the hype, meat was bland and tough, and it is not worthy of the title of "best" cuban sandwich in NYC. Very disappointing. Service was fine, not extremely attentive but just mediocre. Unsure if it was an off night, but I don't think I'll be raring to come back.
(2)
Monica R.
Visiting from San Diego, California. I know Mexican food pretty darn well. I admit restaurant Mexican food in SD isn't always authentic but I do know some REALLY good eateries in So Cal from Hole in the Wall to family owned. Although my aunt's Mexican food is thee best and quite authentic. Needless to say, I KNOW really good Mexican food when I taste it. What Cafe Habana had to offer was not solely Mexican food. It had a Caribbean twist. In any case it was TASTY. And we wish we had been able to go back once more. The portions were good. We stopped in late night and were seated right away. :) Ensalada de Jicama = excellent Maduros = sweet! Roast Pork = Amazing Nothing is going to taste as good as your "mama or your nana's cooking" but the meal I had at Cafe Habana was delicious. The service was fast and the waitress danced a bit when a good song was played. Stop hatin' and appreciate what Cafe Habana has to offer. ENJOY.
(5)
Ayb A.
Extremely poor service. We looked at the menu, were rushed by the waitress, and then basically ignored when we were ready.
(1)
Rikin K.
I like cafe Habana a lot this is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant it's has the authentic Mexican taste minus the price of restaurants like dos CAMINOS! My favorite things are the jerk pulled chicken! The chicken burrito and of course the cafe Habana corn! Definitely should get the corn!!! Also check out prince at pizza one of the most famous eatery in east village!
(1)
Nicole E.
**Disclaimer: I am a Miami native and have yet to find real , good cuban food in nyc.** Traipsing around Soho on a rainy day on a Saturday evening I was looking for some comfort food- cue finding a "Cuban" place to satiate that craving. The moniker suggests cuban food but alas, like every "cuban" place in nyc, it disappoints. The menu is overwhelmingly Mexican and that's totally fine, if they could really deliver! Limeade is freshly squeezed and refreshing. Not sugary. Solid choice. I ordered the Tacos al pastor- the tacos were tasty, good balance of pineapple, pork well seasoned and cooked, and a nice sauce that accompanies the tacos. However, the rice and black beans as a side, blah. The yellow rice is SO bland. How?? The Goya seasoning is supposed to take care of that for you! And the black beans, I believe they use rosemary, because thats the only flavor I had while eating those beans. I was starving so I finished the plate off but oh man this is definitely not cuban food and the rice & beans are just not that good. Side of fries were mediocre. The service really depends on who is there. The staff dressed in the crop tops and high waisted jeans, while very trendy and looked on point, they were not about the waitress life. Very cold and no personality. Fortunately we had a NON crop top + high waisted jean staff person take care of us and she was super helpful, efficient, and lovely. One thing though- I get that its a tight space and I was sitting at a table that lends itself to the casualties of people walking up and down the little walkway but the only person to bump into me the whole time I was there was a crop top + high waisted jean waitress that was brutally forcing the glass recyclables through the walkway and totally banged into my elbow and DID NOT CARE. Ouch! I did bring this up to the more attentive staff and they said they'd definitely take that into consideration. Id come back here if I was in Soho, tipsy, craving an elote (They looked alright) + limeade, and wanted to hear the pretty bomb music they play there. Otherwise, even though the prices are decent, Im just not a fan.
(2)
Natalie C.
packed place in Nolita with great ambiance and delicious chilaquiles. Always a fan. I prefer to come during the week days when its not as hectic!
(4)
Clara M.
Not sure why else you would come here except for the Cuban food and corn. Today my fiance and I went out to dinner after work, we were served by waitress Claudia. We felt uncomfortable with Claudia because he rushed us for our orders and was extremely Unprofessional. She hardly checked up on us, was talking to her co workers the entire time and gave us attitudes when we asked her questions. On a positive note, the food was great.
(2)
Jami S.
I've been here several times and as always this time was no exception, I had to have the corn. I really think I could eat my weight in the corn. It's a little spicy, very savory/flavorful and a little sweet all at the same time. I usually get the Cuban but this time tried the fish tacos. They were great as well, next time I may try the pork tacos, mix it up a little!!
(5)
D Z.
Excellent Cuban food. Everything tasted great and relatively cheap. Very crowded seating. Usually a wait. Relatively quick for 2 people. Longer for 4. Above 4, go somewhere else. I think counter seats also avaliable. Highly Recommended: grilled corn, grilled corn (yes, that good), fish tacos, pollo mirado
(5)
David A.
Use to live in the city and visit here a lot. Since I moved I missed the amazing taste of the grilled corn I visited in the place and ordered my regular: Amazingly tasty grilled corn And the wonderful tastefully mad to perfection Cuban sandwich If you in the area don't miss it!!!
(5)
Robin V.
Right off the bat, taking a star off mainly because I'm not a fan of eating on top of people...granted I came on a Saturday evening at 5PM on New Years day and was jammed to a table that literally had us nearly on top of the people next to us and blocking whoever was sitting behind us at the counter and sitting right where people come in and out of the restaurant. Other then that annoyance, I would definitely go back to Cafe Habana to eat (different day and time though). The much praised Grilled Corn was very pleasing to the taste buds. Literally melts in your mouth. OMG I can never look at grilled corn the same way again. Forget butter..the mayo/cheese/lime/pepper was incredible. The Spinach Salad with apples and spicy pumpkin seeds was sooooooooo good, The combination of sweet, spicy, tart (there was grapefruit in my salad) and lightly creamy (from the dressing) made it more then just another spinach salad. The Roast Pork was moist and flavorful. My boyfriend added some of the Picante sauce to it and mixed it with the black beans and rice. It made the dish even better. We got to the restaurant during the change of service, so it was hectic..but the servers were really nice and made you feel welcome even though it was crazy busy. Decent sized portions, reasonable prices, great food. I would defiantly brave the craziness again for the Grilled Corn. :)
(4)
Damon A.
Grilled corn is a must have. They have dine in and take out. It gets pretty crowded and the waiting can get pretty crazy but totally worth it.
(5)
Rocky C.
food - good, ask waiter for advice, they wont steer you wrong staff - friendly portions - decent menu - a lot of mexican (not cuban) food i would go back
(4)
sally w.
I recently tried this place and I have to say the food was just alright. We got there a little bit before the kitchen opened and already the place was getting packed. It's an extremely small cafe with tiny tables. You definitely don't get a lot of personal space here. Like many yelpers, be prepared to wait...long. The grilled corn was amazing and probably the only thing I will eat here if I were to come back. It's their specialty and it's packed with flavor and a must try. I ordered their homemade ginger jalapeno soda and it tasted horrible. It was bland, not sweet, didn't have ginger taste at all and tasted more like plain club soda. I was disappointed. We then ordered the fish tacos, cuban sandwich and roast pork with rice. The fish tacos was lacking in flavor and the sauce that came with it was kind of bitter. Sad but I think Long John Silver's fish tacos are way better. The cuban sandwich (supposedly voted best in nyc) was good but the pickles were not bc it wasn't sour enough. The roast pork dish was delicious. I probably wouldn't come back here again except to eat the corn. The music that they were playing at first was a bit weird. Star wars music in a spanish restaurant? My advice, go early to grab a seat before the kitchen opens. I was told there's a small window where you can order take out but I didn't see it. If that's the case, just order the corn and go. Everything else isn't that special.
(2)
PEGGY F.
Not one bad thing I could say about this little hole in the wall joint.. Always great, hot and fresh. Love this place. Had the pulled pork sandwich, no jalapenos, still very spicy and the bread was out of this world. Love it.
(5)
Katie S.
corn corn corn corn CORN!!!!!!! If you come here and don't get the corn you are a FAIL. It looks like it's rubbed in crack and I wouldn't be surprised if there was actually some in there. Why.. so.. delicious... ?! I got the grilled steak as well which was also good, but next time I think i'm going for the cuban sandwich which according to their menu is the "best in NYC". If you want to be seated quicker definitely need to come here early, at an off hour, or with a small party because the restaurant is teeny tiny. I came around 5:45 PM on a Friday with one other person and we were seated right away. By the time we left, the restaurant was hoppin' and the line was out the door.
(4)
Tes Y.
I just came here for the corn. $4.25 for a plate of 2 delicious corns is so worth it. Smoky from the bqq, smeared with mayo, coated with salty cotija cheese, sprinkled with some zingy red pepper and fresh lime juice, the corn was amazing! I really loved it! I wanted to try the Cuban sandwich, but I wasn't hungry enough! I'm taking a star off because of how cramp it was. They had to move the table out of the way in order to seat us. Eating the corn is messy business, and I felt bad when tiny fly -away crumbs of cheese fell onto the table to us! Also, the bathroom seems tinier than a airplane bathroom! The waitress was very nice.
(4)
Catherine L.
yea yea yea... the corn is orgasmic. the truth is... everyone serves that corn (the taco trucks in red hook, The Corner - right around the corner, etc.). the cool thing about cafe habana is that you'll feel like you're in Cuba. straight up havana. everything is bright, multicolored caribbean colored, the floor is tiled, and there is retro-styled furniture from the diner booths to the metal-rimmed chunky stools. cramped. rickety. especially during the summer... with the coughing AC unit....you feel like raul castro is going to walk in. got seated by a stunning, amiable waitress whose ethnicity i could speculate dissertations on. she had a british accent. the food is great.
(4)
Jonathan K.
A nice, cozy restaurant with amazing food. You have to get the corn. A vegetable never tasted so good. I didn't eat anything else but I looked at the dishes people were eating next to me and they looked pretty good. Definitely a nice brunch place on the weekend.
(4)
Jessica M.
One of my favorite places in the city. Hopefully you don't mind waiting because this place gets busy and don't expect much privacy because they REALLY pack people in here! BUT the food.... worth it!!! The shrimp with rice and beans...... amazing flavor. The mexican corn!! Omg, the best that I've had in the city. The cuban sandwich was very delicious as well. I also had the mole enchiladas here before and I would definitely pass on that. Go somewhere else for enchiladas, go here for the corn and shrimp.
(5)
Jeffrey M.
On my last trip to New York, this was definitely my favorite meal (aside from chicken and rice from the halal carts). We got the cuban pork sandwiches, grilled corn and some margaritas. The cuban pork sandwich was so juicy and tender. I took half of it home to eat later and was just as satisfied when I had it for dinner later that night. The corn was also really great. I'm not too big on corn on the cob because I always get chunks of corn in between my teeth, but I would make that sacrifice for the corn at Cafe Habana. The alcoholic drinks were a bit pricey and not that great. Skip the alcohol and just focus on the food. You won't regret it.
(5)
Karen M.
They have the best corn I have ever had. That is all I had there because I knew it was their special. The place is very small and gets packed. There is a long wait at times.
(5)
Christine K.
I first tried this place back in January on my first visit to NY and since I now go to school here I've been there 3 times since and everything I've tried is amazing! It tastes so authentic and their signature corn is to die for! The corn is what I live for.
(5)
lysa p.
I always love this spot. Great cafe con leech to start. Clearly the corn is great if you like cream and cheese. The steak and corn salad is a must!
(5)
Katherine F.
Like almost everyone else, I was also referred to this restaurant by a friend. I love corn. I love butter. I love cayenne pepper. I love mayo. I love parmesan cheese. Therefore I enjoyed the grilled Mexican corn, BUT the rest of the experience was just A-OK. We came here at around 3:30PM, so it wasn't a primetime eating hour. When we walked in, we were able to get a table right away, but even though there was plenty of space, the hostess/maybe owner, wouldn't let us take a booth that we wanted to share for more privacy. Since the restaurant is really small, all the 2 seater tables are really crammed together. Thankfully our waitress let us move after another couple left soon after we were seated into a more private area of the shared back booth. Of course we ordered the corn. It was good. Then we also shared the Cuban sandwich "voted best in NYC." To be honest I was pretty disappointed by the sandwich. It came out lukewarm and would have been a lot better had it been hot. The bread was petty much the only good thing about it. I honestly expected a lot more since it was given an award. It was definitely not deserving of the award for sandwiches in comparison to a lot of other great sandwich places out there. Overall the decor and ambiance were cool, the waitress was really nice, and the prices were reasonable. I probably wouldn't come here out of my way, except to maybe grab a corn on the cob to go.
(3)
Laura S.
My friend recommended Cafe Habana to me. I took one look at the pictures of the grilled Mexican corn and knew I had to go. This place is TINY. We showed up fairly late on a weeknight and we still had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated. Crowded is an understatement for this place, but I guess that makes it cozy. We weren't too hungry so we just decided to split the grilled Mexican corn appetizer and roast pork entree. Okay...here's where I got a little disappointed. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where we have a large Mexican population, and because of that, I've been able to eat my fair share of Mexican style corn. I'd have to say the corn that you get from the guy pushing the cart and making it on the spot for you was better. I found the corn here to be kind of dry and hard, which could be because it was grilled, though the grilling did lend a nice smokey charred flavor to the corn. The price was a bit unappealing too (2 for $4.25). On the other hand, the roast pork was really good! Moist, tender, succulent pulled pork with perfectly cooked black beans and rice. Generous portion for $10.75. This is the dish that makes me rate this place 4 stars because I think they hit the spot for taste, quality and value. I would definitely recommend it. Oh, we also got homemade guava and mango lemonades which were refreshing. Don't forget to take a look at their drinks, both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic selection sounded yummy.
(4)
Chrysantha C.
"Jimmy crack corn and I don't care, Jimmy crack corn and I don't care, Jimmy crack corn and I don't care" Over the years people have debated and debated what the real meaning of this popular children's song is... but yesterday JULY 21, 2010 I found it's personal meaning for ME at least.... it was CAFE HABANA's ROASTED CORN. Goodness Gracious I felt like James Brown singing "I feel GOOOOD!" after each bite, because I KNEW THAT I WOULD after trying this corn! I watch Nacho Libre about once every month and the scenes where they're eating the street corn gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME! Jimmy cracked corn... yes he didn't care... it was this corn... this corn is CRACK... Sweet yellow corn roasted to perfection topped with mayo, grated cheese, butter, chille? HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLE GO WRONG... By the way.. On this special day I also happened to sign my contract for the perfect job here in NY that I've been praying for the last 6 months... I decided to celebrate by finally having lunch at Cafe Habana after my friend Ruby Anne first suggested it upon my move... I've been waiting and waiting for the perfect time... and I am glad that I did... I also ordered the Totones which I loved primarily because of the garlicky dipping sauce.. OMG, can I have more dip please so i can slather it on the CORN? Crack on Crack! It's a great hole in the wall spot.. I had seating upon arrival since everyone chose to sit on the red benches and plant boxes out front... Chic neighborhood, cool folks, great customer service, and the food was ready pretty quickly!
(5)
R K.
This is always my first stop when visiting New York, I love the grilled corn and the Cuban pulled pork sandwich! Because of its popularity, I often find myself camped outside so I can eat while it's freshly served and hot!
(5)
SukMon C.
When people say get the corn, get the effing corn. Honestly, it's one of the best dishes they have to offer, and that's not to say the rest of their food isn't good, because it's awesome. I've been here several times, and I can't do without the corn. When I first tried it, I felt somewhat hesitant because I'm not a big fan of cheese, and grill corn can get dry, so I worried about that as well. After you've taken your first bite, all your insecurities are put to rest. The corn is juicy, and the cheese makes you feel like all other corn pales in comparison. Other dishes you want to try are the Cuban Sandwich and the steak taquitos - I'm a fan of the tomatillo sauce the taquitos come with. Nothing worth mentioning about the entrees, except that they are decent, but not amazing. The only gripe I have about Cafe Habana is how uncomfortable the seats are - if you go in a group of four, you will be inevitably cramped, whether you sit at a booth, or at a table. It's very noisy so having a conversation feels like battling it out with the other diners. If that's the atmosphere you're looking for then great. If not, this may not be a place to go on a first date or whatever intimate quieter scenario you hope for. Regardless, come here sooner or later - you won't regret it!
(4)
Allen A.
Don't come here without ordering the corn!! I'm sure you've heard this a million times by now from all the other users. Definitely the best corn I've ever eaten. Other noteworthy things: Delicious Cuban Sandwiches and mojitos. Love the small cafe layout, but can get crowded and cramped at times.
(4)
Asmita J.
so you're thinking about going here and reading all the hype about those corn appetizers? well i might be the first to say....THEYRE NOT GOOD. why would i want my sweet, juicy corn smothered in sauce and cheese when it tastes perfect on its own? i definitely was not impressed. but as the most popular item on the menu, its worth trying at least once. though i can't rave about the corn, the chicken enchiladas in the creamy sauce are a whole other story. DELICIOUS. the sauce was amazing; the chicken was seasoned and cooked to perfection; the tortilla was sooo soft and goood!!! my mouth is literally watering! my friend ordered the fish tacos. i'm not the biggest fan of fish tacos, but we both argreed that they were the best we ever had. i also had the guava margarita which was strong and lacking the guava taste i was craving. oh well, the food made up for it. as for service, everyone was friendly and attentive. the place is small, and very crowded, but worth the wait.
(4)
Jeanette Y.
ORDER THIS: mexican style corn, fish tacos, and a mojito on the rocks. It'll make your day! It made mine. :] Be prepared to wait in line though if you plan to dine in. Otherwise if you want their corn and only their corn, just skip over to their to-go cafe.
(5)
Roberto A.
So overrated. I've really tried to like this place... I have eaten here three times and every time, the food is bland, dry, and mediocre. The corn is good, but nothing special. This place is super crowded on weekends, not worth the hour wait for the crap food. The place is tiny and you have to squeeze by to get to the tiny bathroom.
(1)
Alexis S.
So I was checking out what restaurants were good in the area and came across this restaurant. It's a tiny restaurant with people practically sitting on top of each other which I didn't like, like can I get some elbow room??? Theres tables right outside the bathrooms which I found to be kind of disgusting, so I hope no one blows up the bathrooms while you're sitting there eating smh. I ordered the corn as the appetizer bc literally every table had it so I figured it was good, it definitely was good :-) Again I was looking around the restaurant and I seen half the restaurant was having the Cubano and the other half was eating fish tacos. I decided on the Cubano which came with fries and ordered the hibiscus tea. Ok so I didnt like my cubano, how could you mess up a cubano smh. The pork was lemon flavored and too watery, what was that about???? The mayo was flavored also, idk the sandwich just had a sour taste to it. Wasn't happy with the choice I made at all. Lastly the hibiscus tea was too watery. This place received 2 stars from me for the friendly service and the tasty corn.
(2)
Nicole D.
The corn duh, is unreal!!! place gets packed and there's a good reason why. The food is unbelievable. I love NoLita and all it has to offer. NoLita is the new SoHo.
(5)
Quyen V.
The cubanos here are really good! The bread is toasted just the right amount, and the pork is very flavorful and juicy. I don't usually finish my portion of sandwiches at restaurants, but I pretty much devoured this one. However, I'm giving this 3 stars because: -the corn is overhyped. Maybe it was just the day I went, but the corn itself was tough and not sweet. Loading it with delicious seasonings did not help unfortunately. I've had this dish in other places (even food carts and popup stands) that was better than this place. -the service was truly terrible. Might have just been a lazy Sunday but that really isn't an excuse. Our waitress was inattentive, and also our cubanos took more than 30 mins to come out. For sandwiches! Ridiculous.
Great food at decent prices. The black beans are the best I've had on the mainland. How they imported that true island sabor is a mystery. The roast pork was delicious, well seasoned, decently portioned (to fill you up enough while still having room for an appetizer), and came out in very short order while the place was packed. Don't worry about the wait. It's small but folks are good about sharing the love cooked up in this kitchen.
(5)
evan d.
I dunno--I guess it's cool if you think the fact lenny kravitz shot a video there once is really cool--but to me it's just an pointlessly crowded clusterfuck of lameness. The food is severely sub par. I suppose if it was continually empty, it might be cute to pop into every once in awhile and get a drink but generally speaking you might as well just move to europe to hang out with the euro trash if you enjoy this place that much.
(2)
Pam V.
the food is overrated except for the corn. the corn is good. hostess was a b. not cool.
(1)
Scott L.
CORN -that's the only thing i've eaten here so far and i would go back just for the corn...2 bux for a full corn on the cob. it's topped with cheese red spice and lemon juice...mmm
(4)
Amy H.
There is only one reason I'm writing this review: the corn. Of course. The corn is one of the most amazing things I've ever eaten. I'd give it ten stars if I could. However, I also ordered the blackened chicken, I believe that's what it's called. It was extremely bland! I was definitely taken aback because I ate the chicken right after the corn. I don't know about anything else on the menu, but if you're going to go here, just make sure you don't miss out on the corn. Anything else, I'm not too sure about.
(4)
dawson c.
let me preface this review by saying that in exchange for moving my party of 4 to a smaller table, the server gave us the corn for free. how awesome is that? the corn was everything that it's hyped up to be, and more. it's just so f-ing delicious. i have no idea how to describe it. it's dripping with butter, cojita cheese, and chili powder. you squeeze some fresh lime on it and have at it. we didnt talk to each other until the experience was done. nobody should be disturbed during a divine eating experience, lets just leave it at that.
(5)
Roll T.
3.25 stars. This place is well known for its elote which is basically a Mexican style corn on the cob slathered in butter, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder. It is probably best known for its photogenic clientele. Naturally, I cared far more about the former rather than the latter. And frankly, if this is best elote NYC has to offer, I'll be happy to enjoy mine at El Chucho and Nationals Park back home in DC. This isn't to say that Cafe Habana's version isn't delicious; in fact, it is quite tasty. However, there are a couple of minor issues I had. Namely, the cotija cheese layer was far too thick and basically presented like a dusty mound on top of the corn. The result was there were a few bites that were pretty much cheese, chili powder and mayo without any corn base. Perhaps that is pleasing to some palates, but I like the seasonings to add flavor as opposed to being the flavor. And maybe the corn itself could have been slightly juicier. And then there was the moderately long wait before we received our dishes. OK fine, perhaps I was just upset that no supermodels walked through that door as Kevin L. had led me to believe, but yes, regardless of all that, you can come here for elote and only be slightly disappointed if you visit when I did and unintentionally avoid the copious amounts of eye candy.
(3)
Dallas H.
Love it. Great vibe, cool atmosphere. And world famous for their corn on the Cobb!
(5)
Maggie L.
best grilled corn in nyc, enough said
(5)
Jenn B.
Woo hoo! Reviewer # 900. Where's my prize? Not that my review will mean much at this point but this place is never disappointing. Can't ever go and not have the corn everyone raves about. Yes, it is that good. This place is always crowded and there's always a wait but with food that good and at a price that can't be beat who the hell cares. The fish tacos here are very flavorful and the mojitos are awesome. Wish I could make a comment about the sweet plantains but for some reason every time I order them they never come. Oh and by every time I mean the two times I've been there.
(4)
Camille M.
I hate to "cheat" but I'm copying over the text from the menu. Here is what I enjoyed: Sincronizada... 6.50 Small flour tortillas with Mozzarella cheese, chorizo & avocado served with green tomatillo salsa With Chorizo please add 1.00 I thought the Sincronizada was pretty good but all I could taste was the avocado so I had to grab the hot sauce. It was just a little bland and "safe" to me. Next time I am going to try the Cuban sandwich. I also enjoyed the corn on the cob (Delish - two per order so you might want to share) and definitely have some floss on hand!... and of course - floss elsewhere. Ya neva know in NY....
(4)
Batie H.
Amazing Cuban sandwich. Amazing.
(5)
Kate R.
have you had the grilled corn? do yourself a favor and order it. as for the rest of the food there, it's so-so. but that might be because the grilled corn is SO banging that nothing can tantalize the taste buds after that. and seriously, as a veg, i know there's gonna be a very limited selection at a cuban place. service is meh, getting a spot inside (and if you do it's pretty packed) proves to be difficult but there is always the quick eats extension around the corner.
(4)
Amanda C.
Wait on a Friday around 12:45pm was estimated to be 25 minutes. Actual wait was closer to 15 minutes. I had the fish tacos with rice and beans. Tacos were flavorless even with the salsa. Fish was dry. Rice and beans were okay but seemed overly buttery/oily to me. Had to try the corn based on yelp reviews. $5.95 for 2 corn on the cob with mayo, grated cheese, and chilli powder. Nothing special and overpriced.
(3)
Shaniece M.
Love the famous corn the tacos not really a fan only because they fell apart before my first bite.the service ok it's so tight n there that you really can't move around without bumping someone or being bumped. Overall I would go back but just for the corn n maybe I'll try something different but no tacos for me.
(3)
Jeffrey Y.
The ambiance inside is definitely reminiscent of a Cuban cafe. There are always waits outside this place but if you go an hour before closing, you should be able to get a seat without any problem. The menu is a mix of Latin specialties with a burger thrown in there for good measure, probably for those people too scared to venture out of their food comfort zone. Almost all the reviews mention the corn so that's where I'll start. It was perfectly grilled with just the right blend of spices and lime. I had the Pollo Mirador which was only ok. The chicken was cooked perfectly but the rice that came with the dish was too watery for my taste. The bf had the Enchiladas Suizas which he still hasn't stopped raving about. I ordered the frozen guava margarita and it was just the right blend of fruity with a kick of tequila.
(4)
Jennifer L.
Cafe Habana (and their famous corn) were highly recommended to me by a friend. No doubt, the corn was amazing!
(4)
Jonathan W.
everyone raves about the corn here - and i realize why. I'll leave it at that, a must try. fish tacos here were delicious. the cabbage salad and spicy cream over the tacos could not complement the fried crispy chunks of fish any better. the toppings on the taco really made it a very refreshing and light meal which you think otherwise with eating fried foods right? reasonable prices and great food suggest why the line to get in will run you up to an hour on a fri -sat night.
(4)
Alisa K.
Great place for latin american food- especially if youre craving some cheesey corn and tacos :). The place is tiny and its usually packed with people, but the waitresses are nice. Be ready to sit closely with strangers in this tightly packed place with tiny tables. Food came out pretty fast. If youre on a run, there is a to go cafe with the same name right next door.
(4)
Derek B.
Really cozy diner. I liked everything I ate, mostly because I walked 17 miles beforehand. Grilled and buttered cheesy corn was really good. I need a few more limes for my meal and stole them from my 3 other compatriots. I wish we had this eatery near me.
(5)
Debbie G.
Had the Roast Pork Cuban .. IT was delicious. Ate in the take-out section. It was very dark and kind of dim. Other than that I would recommend.
(4)
Bo L.
The corn... wow the corn. The spices, the strange buttery goop, the cheese (?). I ate that thing so fast thousands of little corn pieces were stuck between my teeth the entire night that no toothpick could get out. Ordered the fish tacos, will pass on that. It wasn't seasoned properly but the kicker was that I could taste a charred flavor the entire time, so I felt like I was eating a coal and shrimp taco. The yellow rice and beans that it was served with was good... and I usually dread eating those two sides when it comes with a meal, but I finished all of it. Rice was seasoned and beans had a great undertone of spices. Pollo mirador was amazing, roasted garlic sauce was divine and the chicken was succulent. Spinach paired well, that was gone pretty fast. Wait was annoying, crowded seating was annoying. Hipsters up the wazoo, thank god we were wearing our vintage frames and flea market finds that night or else we would have felt out of place. Joking. Fish tacos were disappointing. But get the corn, maybe two or three. Definitely don't share the corn.
(4)
Julio G.
This place has great corn mexican style.
(5)
Kristine C.
Still love this place. Nothing has really changed except I moved to Brooklyn and it's harder to get here but I still make the trek anyways. The location in Brooklyn isn't the same as the Soho spot. See the difference and food rundown here: theunitedstatesofk.wordp…
(5)
Jaime F.
Simplemente el mejor sándwich cubano!! Simply the best cuban sandwich. The roasted pork/pernil is amazing!!! Catfish sandwich and Mexican style corn are amazing too. Can't get enough!!
(5)
Ali B.
I am absolutely obsessed with this place!!! Their chicken Quesadilla is my go-to and I love their corn as well. This place is TINY and doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to wait at least 30 mins for a table at any given time. It's best for small groups of 2-4. I feel like I'm in a movie when I eat here, it has such heart. Definitely recommend this place!
(5)
Nic B.
My friend and I sat on a bench with some magically grilled spicey cheesy (buttery? scratch that-mayonaisy) corn. Two Japanese tourists stopped in front of us, laughed, and took our picture. We smiled proudly revealing kernel pieces a plenty. You know, in our teeth. Don't come here on a first date. Come here with someone who won't judge you.
(5)
GJ A.
Known for having the best Cuban Sandwich of New York. I've never had a Cuban sandwich before, but the one I had here was *excellent*, albeit messy (get a lot of napkins). Whoever invented the idea of putting marinated roast pork & ham together in a sandwich is a genius. Topped with Swiss cheese, pickle, chipotle mayo on hero bread. Cannot go wrong here. Again, just get a lot of napkins because the sandwich tends to leak. Mexican-Style Corn - Grilled corn sprinkled with cheese. They are famous for this. For some reason, it didn't work for me. The corn did not taste fresh, which was disappointing. Washed it down with tamarind soda. Jarritos, I believe. Wasn't a big fan of this either. I'd definitely come here again just for the Cuban.
(4)
Mel B.
This is a small restaurant. I have been here a few times and have enjoyed their food. The last time I visited, I had the cuban sandwich and the grilled corn. Grilled corn was $6.95 for 2. It was served with mayo, contija cheese, chili powder and lime. The saltiness of the mayo and cheese blended well with the sweetness of the corn. The chili powder was a good kick to the corn. The cuban sandwich was $10.95 and had a good amount of roasted pork, ham, cheese, chipotle mayo and pickles. It was served on a lightly toasted roll. Sandwich was a good portion and was great. Definitely a spot to check out if you're in the area. Not only do they serve good food but service was on point as well.
(4)
Travis P.
Not as good as BK location, but so damn good. A must stop for me everytime I'm in town.
(5)
Ryan O.
Everything delivered as expected. Had the Cuban, grilled corn and tried some of the fish tacos. Worth the trip and the wait. Remember to try to get some extra sauce if you have any leftovers. The fries were on point too.
(5)
Elizabeth O.
Everyone says try the corn and they are right! It's fantastic. I order it every time I eat here. Personally, I've never tried the Cuban sandwich but the way they turn them out whenever I'm there, I'm sure it's amazing. But my review is for the unsung hero, the catfish sandwich. I can't begin to described to you just how good this sandwich is but it won't stop me from trying. The sandwich comes with fried catfish (duh) black beans, chipotle mayo, jalapeño peppers, lettuce, tomato and red onions. As if that isn't enough, for $1 extra I add Swiss cheese. Simply divine!!! All of these ingredients by itself makes for an awesome time but the deal sealer is truly the bread. What I like about Habana is they order locally. The bread comes from, in my opinion the best damn bakery in NYC, none other than Parisi's bakery just a few blocks over. That bread is THE game changer! And if you don't believe me try the sandwich at their Brooklyn location after having it here and tell me if you wouldn't run across the Williamsburg bridge for the real deal. Trust me, I do and I live in Brooklyn, lol! I had to give them 4 stars because you can never get a place to sit and eat which is a good problem to have from a business perspective. I'm actually writing this review in my car parked across the street from the location. Solves parking and seating in one shot! So after you have followed the crowd and had the "amazing" Cuban sandwich, come back for the catfish. You won't be disappointed!
(4)
Jess C.
I'm torn between a three and a four. A four would be for the service, ambiance, and the drinks. But the food was only okay this time. Everyone is going nuts for the elote. While I'm sure if you've never had it fresh from a crappy vendor in East Los Angeles, it's very good, but I've had it fresh from a crappy vendor in East Los Angeles. The sopesitos were hard and not too tasty. I am still giving them a four because we slid in at the end of the night and that could account for the discrepancy from all the fantastic things I've heard from my friends. On another note... damn that daiquiri is strong and delicious! Major plus points!
(4)
Mandy L.
Yes, their corn is the best yummy mess you can ever eat! And their cuban sandwich really is the best there is in NYC. But what else I really like? Their imported sodas! Try the guava or the tamarind.
(4)
Scott G.
Not all it's cracked up to be if you're expecting authentic Cuban cuisine criollo style However the corn is to die for and they make a DAMN good cuban sandwhich
(3)
Jasmine L.
i really do gotta give cafe habana five stars JUST for their corn. the rest of their food selection is a three. there's nothing impressive about their entrees but because the corn is above all others and beyond, it compensates the experience. but the corn ... is just too good. each bite is filled with a perfect combination of cheese, warmth, and crisp that keeps you going back for more and more. there is a take out option right next to the restaurant if you don't want to wait an hour to be seated!
(5)
Ashwin T.
Cafe Habana seems to be in a battle with Ippudo for the most ridiculously high number of reviews. The nerd in me would guess that with so many reviews, the confidence interval around Cafe Habana's published rating of 4* should be pretty narrow, and I think the yelpers got it spot on. A fun restaurant in a great location with pretty solid food (but not groundbreaking - hence no 5*). The highlights for me were: -the corn, which has been reviewed ad nauseum on these pages, so no need to go further into that -Camarones al Ajillo: spicy and delicious -The cocktails - of which too many to name were consumed around the table On my visit (Sunday at 9PM) I was fortunate enough to be seated without a wait, but it does appear like this is the exception rather than the rule. I hope to have similar fortunes on my inevitable return visit!
(4)
Max S.
Loved Cafe Habana. Great food, drinks and prices. Started off with the corn it's really delicious. Then we had the pork tacos & the Cuban sandwich. The Cuban is rated the best in NYC and we saw why! It was really a great sandwich, the bread was a bit hard but still an amazing sandwich. They have a awesome drink menu and the mojitos are the best I've had in a while. All of this for great prices you cant go wrong with Cafe Habana.
(4)
Amanda L.
Brunch is amazing here! boy took me here for sunday brunch and we quickly got seated at the bar. Def def try the frozen margarita. They have a big selection of alcoholic drinks and sodas! I had the cuban sandwich, and it was amazing! Pickles, ham, pork and tasty sauce on toasted bread. Very very good! You can actually share this sandwich because it's pretty big and comes with a small salad and small fries. Boy had the chilaquiles verdes con pollo, very good and filling with a kick of spicyness!
(5)
Rachel K.
Great food!!! The corn app is so heavenly you can't leave this place without having it. Seriously so good. It comes w two corn cobs. I had the pork tacos w pineapple which was great, but small portions. My bf got the Cuban sandwich which I'll def be getting next time. Also we had the mojitos on the rocks- very very good. And I tried the la something mar or la amor... also good but very spicy!! Expect to wait at least about 30 mins on the weekends
(5)
Ashley K.
MEXICAN CORN for those of you who grew up in LA like me, this will be a taste of home. 2 fire roasted corn covered with cotija cheese and chili powder. Squeeze a little lime and get ready to consume the best afternoon snack. So if you are shopping in SOHO, and you get the hunger pains. Stop by Nolita and grab some corn on a stick and silence the stomach growls. After which point you can resume life and get your shop on.
(5)
Nate B.
Cute little place. Their Cuban sandwich is really a sloppy banh mi in disguise. While not bad, it's neither here nor there.
(3)
Dan L.
Overrated, except for the corn. Went here with some friends for dinner. We waited for about an hour, so I was really excited for the food. The corn. Delicious. If you are coming here, you better order it. If you are not coming here for the corn, don't come. There are plenty of better latin american food joints all over New York. I had the cuban sandwich. It was good, but I have had better. Also tried some tacos and they were very average/below average. The plaintains were soggy, not crispy on the outside (need I say more?).
(3)
Kelly D.
Clean your plate good. My cuban was amazing! The tacos al pastor are bomb! They come with a side of yellow rice and black beans. Pretty tasty. My only con about this place are the drinks. My caipirinha was terrible and my date got the corona in lime juice that was also terrible. Our waitress sent back my dates drink with no fuss. Considering the food was so good I'll deal with the mediocre drinks.
(4)
Ximena B.
Space wise, this place is pretty tight. But it did satisfy our craving for corn and some mexicanish food. The corn was delicious, it was grilled then topped with mayo, cheese, lime, and chile. The fact that it was grilled eliminated the sweetness that yellow corn typically has, so for once I was happy with yellow corn. We had pork, can't remember the plates names but the carnitas type plate was delicious. The carnitas were marinated perfectly, which came with red rice and black beans. The rice was good, would definitely recommend this place to someone moving from Los Angeles to New York in case they're really hungry for some tasty food.
(4)
Christopher A.
I've been here a number of times but haven't gotten anything other than the corn. Figured I'd write a review since I've tried something new, and plan to try some more. Their corn is off the hook. No other way to say it. It has butter, cojita cheese and some chili powder spice on it, topped off with lime. 3 bucks. Cmon. Authentic Mexican style corn. Just get it. I usually get 2. I recently tried their chicken with guacamole burrito. I'd say it's one of the freshest burritos I've eaten. Nothing tastes artificial/fake, the chicken was great, the guac perfectly made. I love it because it has no beans. I usually don't order beans anyway, so it's real easy to eat with just chicken, white cheese, guac, pick de gallo, sour cream and lettuce. No rice though which is a bit of a downer. It's a bit on the pricier side, $11, but cmon not that pricy. Make sure you get a Jarritos, Mexican soda. Bomb diggity. In regards to ambience, etc. it's a hole in the wall. It's Soho. However, still enough room to order and if you do get a seat, that's great. There is some seating outside if you're comfortable with that. I need to try their chicken Diablo and Cuban sandwiches, so I'll update this review when I do. Moreover, you should definitely come here. I have come here numerous times just for the corn, and will continue to come back.
(4)
Anna G.
My boyfriend and I split a Cuban just to try the place. Small awesome environment. Quick service. Delicious food.
(5)
Jasmine C.
Been here for the first time only a few days ago. My friend had to be craving this on one of the colder days of this winter and which we ate at the non heated togo spot because she forgot about the restaurant right next door. Wasnt too bad, had a very traditional spanish deli feeling to it. I got myself a hot mint tea and my friend an iced lemonade which tasted pretty good; refreshing with a subtle unique taste. We ordered and shared the 'it' items on the menu; the corn on the cob and cuban sandwich. Fell in love with it cuban, it was just so good and juicy. The corn was really good too, but just didn't like the fact corn gets stuck in between teeth. Def will come back to try other things on the menu.
(4)
Jamie F.
Corn, $2? In a word: perfecto Came here for a little pickmeup snack after shopping around Prince Street. And a perfect snack it was. You can't go wrong with corn and cheese!
(5)
Diana B.
trekked here from soho on a rainy day for our last meal before heading to the airport. we were in a rush and unfortunately, their credit card machine broke so i only had enough cash to order the huevos rancheros, which tasted so good, and not the corn on the cob that the table next to us had which looked very good, too. now that i've read all the reviews raving about the corn, i regret that i didn't run out in the rain to the atm machine. sigh. can i find anything comparable in sf?
(4)
Cole P.
Points for the adorably wacky serving staff. Also for the moist plantain chips and tasty vegetarian things and frozen margaritas. Worth the waiting for a table.
(4)
Charline F.
I just love it! I am not a big fan of mexican restaurant but this one is great. Good prices, delicious cocktails and the food is good! I also love the atmosphere and people are very friendly. Nice place for brunch, lunch, and evening!
(4)
Linda W.
I am flying back to New York from the West Coast JUST to eat this corn again. That. Is. How. Good. It. Is.
(5)
Nisha G.
The corn = LOVE The margarita = LOVE The price = LOVE Tiny space = not so much Pretty solid choice. Minus one star for that table that is seated so oddly right in front of the bathroom!
(4)
Naveen S.
The food is amazing. You are going to be full. You are going to be happy. Great crowd. Loud -- but that only adds to the atmosphere. Almost always a wait outside and you may end up waiting as long as 90 minutes on really really busy nights. Totally worth it to wait for a table. I suggest grabbing a drink or two at nearby Chibi's Bar or at Vig.
(5)
Chase L.
Not so clean place with awesome service and mediocre food. I ordered cuban corn and shrimp tacos. It was nothing I couldn't find elsewhere for cheaper. The corn lacked dressing, and the tacos had no flavor. The taco plate came with two small sized tacos, a ton of beans, and rice; all for $15. Over priced. Hmmm. I really wanted to like this place.
(3)
Jackie O.
I had the grilled corn, Cuban sandwich, and Caipirinha to drink - everything was so delicious and I would definitely go back to try the rest of the menu. Service was great - I didn't catch her name but the girl with the awesome black hairstyle was wonderful!
(5)
Stephen T.
As a local of Manhattan and born in raised in Chinatown, the food variety is abundant. Cafe Habana has been one of my favorite places for lunch and dinner. Their steak sandwiches and cuban's are top of the line in my opinion. Don't skip the cuban corn!!! Overall the food is great- I only give 4 stars because they aren't consistent with service (whether it be takeout or dining in). Nonetheless it's a must try.
(4)
Tracy K.
First off, the corn. I never thought I would like something like that, but I'm addicted. I'll probably be going back to this place just for that. But if you're looking for something more substantial than corn, I really enjoyed the roast pork as well. The main downside to this place is the long wait and the super cramped seating, other than that - delicious!
(4)
Youna S.
Grilled corn Mexican styleeeeee. Love it, and it's cheap for what you get. Only downside of this is that little pieces of corn and the spices can get stuck between your teeth but oh wells!
(4)
Soyoung H.
hands down, the best cuban sandwich i've ever had. and i've taken several friends here and they always agree. a few friends and i found this place because we were suddenly craving cuban sandwiches, and we'd just moved to nyc so we spent forever trying to find a place and landed on cafe habana. definitely the right call. wish it weren't so crowded at dinner time, but actually we've never had to wait too long. that might be more a function of luck than anything though. one star off not for food but just for the space. it's hard to just sit and savor when it's always just packed, you can see the poor souls milling around outside waiting to hawk on your table to enjoy what you're enjoying, and it's loud as sin, probably because everyone's just going like 'oh my gosh this sandwich is so good, do you think this sandwich is so good? 'i do think it's so good, what about you?' 'totally, i also think it's so good' etc etc etc there's really nothing more to say. i'm sure the other things are tasty too, but i can't not get the cuban sandwich.
(4)
R Y J.
So I've been craving really good Cuban food because I'm from Miami, and I'm really picky when it comes to Cuban food in the city. Everyone told me this place had amazing corn and that I had to go to try it. Verdict: It was just okay. I could make it. I mean, yeah, good, but not something I would keep going back for. And the Cuban sandwich was voted "the best in NYC" as it said on the menu, but I don't know... It was a good sandwich, but definitely not the kind of Cuban sandwich I know, made by real Cubans who had come straight from Cuba like three days ago - THOSE were AMAZING. Overall, good food, but I wouldn't go here often for amazing Cuban food.
(3)
Susan P.
I went to Cafe Habana solely for their popular grilled corn on the cob and it did not disappoint... I find myself daydreaming about it every now and then! ; ) I highly recommend it to everyone!
(5)
Allison K.
This review is for cafe habana in soho. My boyfriend and I went on a Sunday afternoon for brunch, which conveniently lasts till 4:30PM. We only waited about ten minutes for a table, but I wouldn't be surprised if the wait is generally longer. This is a small place but the ambience is great. Here is what we ordered. A frozen guava margarita, challah French toast, roasted corn and eggs with French fries. Everything was absolutely delicious. If you come, which you should, do yourself a favor and try the roasted corn. The prices are very reasonable. Service was great as well with very friendly staff. The bathrooms were small and dimly lit, but I wouldn't let that change my opinion. Another bonus; this is a great area to walk around. This place is a must!
(5)
Elaine K.
My husband said that the chilaquiles here was one of the best things he's ever put in his mouth. It was really, really that amazing. We came on a Sunday around the brunch time so there was a little bit of a wait. The tables are very close together, even for NYC. But the food was worth the discomfort of being pretty much in the middle of the conversation of the people sitting on either side of you. As already mentioned the chilaquiles was a must have. The chicken was so tender and the verde sauce was out of this world. He didn't get it with the eggs but I bet that would have also been amazing. It would also be good with fresh tortillas... I had the famous Cuban sandwich was another excellent choice. The meat was tender and juicy. We also had the corn (how could you not after all the reviews here??) and it was just as amazing as everyone says. Get these three items and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Anthony R.
Food is good but certainly not cuban cuisine more like Mexican.
(3)
P H.
Best grilled corn ever! Add some hot sauce for that extra kick. There's an order to-go/fast orders on the right side of the restaurant. Super convenient!
(4)
Sal A.
Love their chorizo sandwich.. very flavorful!
(5)
Daniel L.
Lovely little place. Can get a little warm inside because they didn't have AC, but the people who run this restaurant are so heart-warming and kind and very hospitable. We were in for brunch, so our table had the cuban sandwich, the open faced sloppy joe, the Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo and their infamous corn. I ordered the chilaquiles and didn't expect the best because I heard their roast pork was amazing, but I thought I ordered the best dish. The chicken was so goooood. Their corn was pretty amazing as well, although one of the corn(it comes with 2 corns) wasn't as plump as the other one. Nevertheless it was really good. I had a hard time with the corn though because of my braces...but well worth the trouble.
(5)
Jillian O.
At this point I think we all know just how good the Mexican corn is, but the other menu items I've had here were equally delicious. I was surprised to find Cuban food in this area and was more than skeptical to try it, but by the end of my meal I was pleasantly surprised by the quality ingredients and high-impact flavors. The space here is very small, and due to its popularity it does get crowded easily. There are a few places to sit inside but don't count on being able to grab a seat to eat. The burgers & sanwiches are delicious (next on my list to try is the chicken mole). This place is very far out of my way but it's definitely worth a try for anyone in the area.
(4)
Jack K.
With nearly 2K reviews, what more can I say that has not already been said. Well, I'll say this again simply because it's so delicious! The Grilled Mexican Corn is a must-try!
(4)
Charlene I.
Real good food! Especially the famous corn/elote and the meat+rice+bean dishes! I also really enjoyed their tostones that came with a really delicious dipping sauce. I do have to say though...this restaurant needs just a little more space...lol...it can turn you claustrophobic! haha The restaurant is close to soho so you can work off all them calories while shopping there! :)
(4)
Rico R.
The grilled corn was delicious! I had 3 on our first visit. The tacos were OK. We are transplants from LA so our benchmark for tacos is pretty high. We ail need to try other items on the menu (an excuse to have more corn) The place is always packed so I can understand that the staf may be stressed out, but crunch time is when good staff should shine!
(4)
Jonathan Z.
corn & cuban sandwich to go plz nice snack to walk around soho with. also one in brooklyn. i don't know why, but i just feel cool when i eat this. it makes me feel like i'm in cuba, just chillin and eatin.
(4)
Chris D.
Food was delicious. Had the grilled corn and Cuban sandwich. One of the best I've ever had.
(5)
Lauren D.
Cafe Habana is my first thought when I wake up on a Saturday (afternoon). I only eat there via delivery considering it is a tiny little place and people overflow onto Elizabeth Street the entire weekend. The cafe con leche and the mexican hot chocolate screams my name as soon as my eyes open. Sure thing is the Cuban Sandwich (get extra spicy mayo on the side), their salads are fab and fresh, and my personal favorite is the mole chicken burrito. Get some jarritos to mix (lime is the best) with Saturday afternoon cocktails and you've got yourself a classic Habana Saturday!
(3)
Christina L.
I would give this restaurant more stars if I could. Honestly im not sure if there really was any miss at our table because everything we ordered not only complemented our tastebuds but totally satisfied my tummy. We started with the famous corn on a cob which comes with 2 per order and it was amaze balls. I didn't realize corn on a cob could create such party in your mouth. The roasted corn with flavors bursting in all directions was definitely orgasmic. This is one of the foods you have to try before you die because it totally made my mouth and life complete! (Its the little things in life you should be thankful about heh) The grilled shrimp tacos another hit! These shrimps aren't your small sized shrimp but they are jumbo shrimps and the sauce that accompanies the taco is not only full of flavor but it leaves you with a little room for you to accent it with habanero sauce. The fish tacos were good too but compared to the shrimp tacos i personally felt it lacked flavor. The rice and beans that come with your order is sweet and salty to help complement the tacos. Honestly i would have just ordered rice and beans on their own. Overall 5 stars does not do enough justice...tastebud wise money wise it is totally worth it in all aspects.
(5)
Helen W.
I came here because my friends has been here and is always talking about it. I was in the mood for Spanish food, so why not come here. The food was ok. There wasnt much to choose from. Maybe it could have been what I ordered. My friends sure enjoyed what they ordered. I just got the simple plain taco. If I ever go back again I'll order something different. The service there was pretty good. Our waitress was nice. But the place was really small. And there was barely any room to walk around.
TWO SNAPS UP! Cannot take my eyes off the drool-worthy staff. Everyone is fabulously beautiful, a true American Apparel ad come to life with adorable servers I can smell and touch. The food is DELISH and the chic setting only emanates gorgeous people. Love nibbling on my corn while making mesmerizing eye contact with their oh so hot bartenders!
(5)
Peter K.
The corn here was tasty. I wanted to try the Cuban sandwich but was not hungry enough. My friend ended up getting it. From the bite I had of his sandwich, it was also good. There is nothing mind-blowing about this place, mind you. It was simply above average food at below average prices for the city. We went to the to-go part of the restaurant because the actual sit down portion was packed with a line out the door. I guess that's what happens when you sell decent food at reasonable prices in New York. I would like to come back some time when it is less busy and actually sit down and try other items on the menu. Funny story. My friend got into a fight with the cashier over some change when she was paying for her food. It was something like a couple pennies or a nickel, some entirely negligible amount. They were both quite angry. Women are hilarious.
(4)
Amy K.
I only tried their Cuban sandwich since it was "voted best in NYC" and had really high expectations of it. However, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be and I was kind of disappointed. This place was kind of missable, even though it was on the corner. There wasn't any big signs and I didn't see it, until my friend pointed it out for me. This place gets crowded most of the time and they had no fans/AC. They leave the door open, but I guess the heat was bearable? I might come again, just for the famous Mexican Corn. However, their menu is decently priced especially around this area in the city.
(3)
Michelle M.
Besides the small tables and likelihood of a wait, which is no surprise in NYC, there is nothing bad to say about this joint. Order any of the authentic dishes on the menu, just BE SURE to get the Grilled Corn Mexican Style, too!!!!!!
(5)
Jean B.
Try their Grilled Mexican Corn.
(4)
Khanh T.
Absolutely love the service and food! It's small and there is limited seatings available, so be prepared to wait. I recommend going in the Fall/Spring, because there's no AC in the restaurant. Must try the corn!
(5)
Helena W.
I don't know what took me so long to come here. Maybe because of the horrific line I see every time I pass by. Now I understand what the fuss is about. If you are going to try one thing from this joint, you must have their GRILLED MEXICAN CORN! It's like making the perfect pasta dish al dente well, they do it with the corn. The grilled steak sandwich was too chewy for me but the chicken diablo burrito was delish.
(5)
p.c. m.
Blackened chicken sandwhich- to die for. Ambiance and location- unbeatable. Save room for a cupcake from the little cupcake shops across the street!
(5)
Doris T.
Two things you MUST try when coming to Cafe Habana: GRILLED CORN and CUBAN SANDWICH! The grilled corn is amazing and it's the only place that's change my mind about grilled corn on the cob. It's got smokey grill marks, wiped down with mayo/sour cream/mexican crema, covered in cotija cheese, and dusted with chili poweder for that spicy kick. It messy to eat and you're gonna get that stuff all over your face but it's well worth it - get your mind out of the gutter! ha! The cuban sandwich is my favorite dish to get here. They've actually won awards for this sandwich so you know it's going to be good. The pork has some nice slow-cooked flavor.The bread is nice and crusty, and it's served with the cuban sandwich classics - ham, swiss cheese, and pickles. They also have a chipotle mayo in it, and serve it with a side of fries. The sandwich is big and it can fill me up for two meals. The enchiladas are very good as well. I've also tried the chicken quesadillas and the fish tacos, but they just don't satisfy me flavor-wise, they're a bit bland for me. I've ordered the fish tacos twice and it's really messy to eat, the tacos just fall apart and I expected bolder flavors. The drinks here are pretty strong too! The establishment is pretty small, and it's usually packed with people, waiting on line. Try going during off-peak hours. I think Cafe Habana is truly great if you want true authentic cuban food.
(4)
Jame A.
Delicious! really good, one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. i have never been disappointed here. The food is phenominal. Def get the grilled corn! I also had the Pollo Mirador which i basically licked the plate it was so good, and the Enchiladas Suizas was also great. The meal is worth the wait
(5)
Katharina K.
I was not sure whether to give this place 3 or 4 stars, 3.5 would probably be the best. First - it was crowded! And they really try to squeeze as many people in as they can. The table we were seated was TINY for two people, we really had a hard time balancing our drinks and food there, which made eating kind of uncomfortable. The atmosphere is nice though. Food in general was mediocre, especially as you can get the same food for a much lower price (i had the roasted pork and my bf some enchiladas). What was really, really good though was the corn. I can definitely recommend this! I will return to try their cuban sandwiches for which they are supposedly famous for, and then I can probably update my review to 4 stars ;)
(3)
Grant M.
Bomb
(4)
Travis D.
The grilled corn-YUMMM!! This place is smaller, but it does not disappoint! I went while I was visiting NY, with a friend whom had found it on Yelp and we were both very satisfied! The pulled pork is also a must-have! Prices are great and you get a great street view of SoHo! Love it!!
(5)
Lelly L.
always a spot I hit up when in NYC. like everyone says.. corn and cuban sandwich. if you are smart, get one to-go for later on...esp. if you're taking a flight out. you'll regret it while you're eating your panda express in the aiport food court.
(4)
ethan r.
Always happening, always buzzing. A taste of Cuba for foodie and hipsters alike in the center of Nolita.
(3)
Jason H.
Just to be candid, we were ready to walk out of this SoHo place immediately after being seated. We waited over 30 minutes to seat a party of four. We were eventually seated at what consisted of two small cocktail tables pushed together. It was so near the restrooms that my wife had to sit perpendicular to the rest of us so people could get by. We were constantly being bumped as other customers had to squeeze behind us to get into and out of the bathrooms. When we first sat down, two booths were also empty, and we asked if we could switch. The hostess and waitress unceremoniously said "No!" Those are for big parties and we were a party of four. They then sat two parties of four in the booths. We asked if we could change with them (we were there for a family celebration) and we were in line before them. They again said "No! The hostess makes the final seating arrangements." The only reason that we didn't leave is that we were starving and it was getting late. Now, the reason that they I am not giving them a one star review: the food was very good and the waitress that served us was nice and friendly. We took Yelp's advice and ordered the corn. It was spicy and cheesy and amazing. We also got the fried plantains, which were not too greasy and cut fairly thick. The Huevos Rancheros with steak were awesome, and the corn maza boat stuffed with feta and beans was the dish of the night. Don't get me wrong. This place is EXTREMELY noisy and packed. At one point, 1980's Axel-F dance music was blaring so loud that we had to stop talking for a few minutes. My son felt his braces coming loose from the vibrations! Its like they are a wanna be Dance Club or something? However, the food is really great. We aren't sure if we will be going back, but the horrible seating arrangement was surpassed by the corn and maza.
(3)
Abnous V.
Came here with boyfriend and a friend. Immediately seated! Had a few amazing margaritas! Our waitress was a doll and suggested a few things. We ordered the skirt steak( awesome) the chorizo quesadillas (amazing) and the pulled pork sandwhich- sooo good!!! The corn on the cob is a MUST have! Small place, but great atmosphere! The food is really delicious ( the spicy spinach was on the salty side)- any wait is definitely worth it. Will be back very soon!
(5)
Andrew C.
Stop checking these reviews and just go!
(5)
Kate B.
All I can say is WOW! Totally worth the wait and you can not leave without getting the grilled corn! Orgasm in your mouth.. The shrimp tacos were also fabulous. Side of quac to top it all off. So fresh!!
(5)
Alice L.
Cafe habana is one of the good cuban joints I know in the city. I always get the corn with the cheese. It comes with two full cobs of corn with lots of cheese. Ask for lime or lemon sauce to put on top ! Other than the sandwiches and corn.. I wouldn't really recommend anything else. I have tried their salads and was not impressed. The vegetables weren't fresh and it was really dry. Although the food is great, the service is not. I did not receive my menu for a while and wasn't given water or asked for a drink until after my food was served to me. I had ask numerous servers for water throughout my stay there.
(4)
erika n.
Don't talk; just listen. GET THE MEXICAN GRILLED CORN. You will not be disappointed. Grilled, cotija cheese, mayo, cayenne?? I don't know exactly what all is on the corn but I DO know that it makes for merriment in your mouth. I LOVE THIS CORN.
(5)
Funkatron F.
Only tried one thing here so I may come back and revise this later. I had one of their Cuban sandwiches and they are pretty tasty. Very big sandwiches too (which they ought to be for the price) I didn't even need to order anything else. One sandwich filled me up. I will definitely go back and try some other things though, especially the corn.
(4)
Amy-Ni N.
PLEASE...just go here and order 2 orders of the Mexican Corn for yourself. You'll thank me later. Don't share.TRUST ME!!!! Haha.
(5)
Kristin M.
I've been going there for years so the food is obviously good, but I'm getting increasingly turned off by the poor service and waitresses/hostesses with horrible attitudes. Last time I was there, we didn't get menus/waters for the first 25 mins we were seated. I kept making eye contact with the waitress and looking over my shoulder at her as she walked by and when she was chatting near her station with another waitress... She looked right at me and proceeded to stand around and do nothing. Ridiculous! A table near us was experiencing the same thing and got up and left about 15 mins in, and then she had the nerve to get angry about it for the following 10 mins (asking the table next to them what happened, complaining to the other waitress, etc.) She was rude to us when she finally did come by and serve us (I shared an entree with my mom but we ordered a bunch of appetizers and drinks, and she seemed pissed we were sharing an entree.... How much food can two people eat?!) About a year and a half ago is when I first noticed the service going downhill...There is always a wait and so you give your name to the hostess and definitely expect to stand around for at least 20 mins. Well after 35 mins of waiting and many people who came AFTER us being seated BEFORE us, my boyfriend and I and another couple who was experiencing the same thing looked at each other like, WTF!? she clearly forgot about us?! Each time we (us or the other couple) approached her to remind her we were waiting, she looked at us like she'd never seen us before and said something nonsensical..She was quite literally cracked out. I don't know why they hire such incompetent/idiotic staff who think they the Sh** and therefore do not need to do their jobs properly... I mean come on, the food is good.. but it's not THAT good!
(2)
Davy S.
Best corn I've ever had. Best cuban sandwich I've ever had. SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD! Didn't have to wait at all on a Sunday evening for 2.
(5)
Amy C.
While I was walking in Soho, I came across this restaurant. It was very crowded and the wait was 40mins for 2. The hostess was really nice. So I decided to wait. It was great. Its small and cozy. The food was great. I am a fan of fish tacos and had to try them here. They were absolutely delish. Of course, I couldn't go without trying the grilled corn. Amazing. I also had guacamole and fried plantains. Delicious. The service was nice and they were friendly. Definitely try it.
(4)
Glenn M.
We had to wait 40 minutes, but as soon as I tasted the corn appetizer I knew that the 40 minutes were SO worth it. Good music, feels very homestyle, and the food here is fantastic. My self-described "very very very picky 13 year old", loved every single thing she ate here!
(4)
clb k.
The corn is the absolutely awesome here, but it tends to attract your usual naive tourists. The flavor and consistency is a gooey conglomerate of goodness. We came here with a pretty large group and it was horrible since Cafe Habana is not suited to accommodate us comfortably. I ordered the pork chops from here and the portion size was enormous. My co-worker who showed up late actually had my second chop since the first one filled me up. On the plus side, they have Jarritos drinks which are pretty good. I would come back here for the corn itself, in which you may use their express take-out line. Yummmm...
(3)
Sokokyu K.
Was very pleased with the food here. You're silly if you don't order the Mexican Grilled Corn. The cuban is a safe choice. Their whole menu was decent. It can get really busy and space is tight inside.
(4)
Johnny G.
I used to like this place...service is now going down hill and I believe a server took cash off my table... unfortunately it wasn't for the bill so a good $20 meal for $100 with bad service...amazing... Ultimately the food is good but there are a million other restaurants in soho, that you'll get great service...Maybe this was a one time occurrence but it's enough for me to never go again.
(2)
Erica Jade L.
Yeah yeah, the corn is awesome. But the best reason to go here is to watch everyone else wipe the cheese/butter off the side of their faces (or better yet, not realizing that it's there in the first place) and then subtly yet pathetically attempt to pick the corn from their teeth. Balenciaga doesn't make dental floss? What a shame.
(5)
Craig I.
ya gotta go here just to try the corn on the cob. serious grinds.
(5)
Brent G.
One of the few places for brunch that I have been to where the lunch side may be better than the breakfast side. With that said, make sure you order the corn, unless you are prejudice against corn. I ordered the cuban bread and had previously had the huevos con chorizo. The cuban bread was really good. The chorizo on top made it nice and spicy. The Huevos was decent but the portion wasn't that much and it wasn't unique, so I can't really distinguish it from other places. If you come to this place though, I recommend coming early as it does fill up pretty quickly. The staff is extremely helpful and attentive and the food comes out quickly.
(4)
Ryan D.
I've been incredibly lucky in that the 3 times I've come here, there's never been a wait. Be it mid-week late-night snack or during a thunderstorm, perhaps i just choose the times when no one else should be out for dinner. That said, last night I went and I left with my eyes wide open. Usually I just get the corn and a plate, either pork or chicken. Last night I got the pollo mirador, and it was delicious. The garlic spinach that accompanied it was fantastic. The corn of course was great. We sat at the bar, and the bartender was super friendly, and made good drinks. But that was all normal. My girlfriend got the Cuban, which I'd never had here. After eating everything else, I ate half of her sandwich. GOODNESS. I may have been a few drinks in, but I don't think I've ever had that good of a sandwich before. I can't even begin to describe it enough to do it justice. The bread was just crispy enough. The ham was wrapped around a nice hunk of cheese. Everything just flowed like a river of wonderful, each bite had a delicious crunch followed by 20 second of bliss. Remind me next time to not ignore the Cuban sandwich. I've had Porto's in LA and that holds nothing to this one.
(5)
Cailin C.
I can't believe I can actually move right now. This place is absolutely great! I'm not gonna lie -- my friend and I both missed the restaurant and walked straight up to the to-go bar -- that's never going to happen again! Anyways, since my friend and I were waiting for our other friend, we were asked to sit and wait at the bar. The bartender is extremely nice! We didn't order anything at the bar, but the bartender kept checking up on us and making sure if we needed anything or not. Once our friend came, we immediately ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. YUM! I don't even like cheese, which was put on the corn with the chili powder, and it was still amazing. There are two corn that come with each order!! Overall, I had a GREAT experience! The waitresses were nice, but as other people have mentioned, the restaurant is a bit tight -- however, the bathroom is not as dark as everyone is saying it is. It's like a club bathroom - enough to do what you need to do and get out. Aside from that, it's a cute place around SoHo and a good place to relax after a full day of shopping! Your first time? I got you covered. Cailin's Recommendations - Appetizer: THE CORN!!!! AND/OR Ensalada de Espanica y Manzana: slices of apples and grapefruit on top of spinach -- I didn't order this, but I saw this woman next to me eat it and it looked tasty!! ($8.25) Cuban Sandwich: Citrus pork/Ham combo sandwich -- apparently voted #1 in NYC ($9.25) OR Grilled Shrimp Tacos - these 2 tacos look so small, but they are so filling!!! ($11.95) PS: order the white sangria -- SO GOOD. You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome!
(5)
Molly E.
Ate here for the first time today. It was WONDERFUL. I'm a girl originally from San Antonio, Texas... so any type of Mexican-esque food...I'm usually hard to please. BUT, this place was great. Not only was the food absolutely spot on.. the service was great as well. All the people working there were incredibly happy and seemed to enjoy working there. I had the jimaca salad... WOW is all I can say. It's one of the best things I've ever eaten. SO GOOD.
(4)
Carol B.
Had the cuban sandwich and fire roasted corn for lunch. Maybe the corn wasn't such a good choice, because a bunch of it got stuck in my teeth. The cojita cheese made it nice and yummy though. Mmmmm, cheese. The cuban sandwich was also good. I wonder what kind of ham they use. Could have use more cheese on the sandwich. God I love cheese. Anywho, it was really busy here around lunch time. Obviously they're popular with the kids. They take credit cards, which surprised me. Don't bank on having a table to sit at. Maybe they're a little bit overpriced. I don't know. You decide. If you really like cuban sandwiches, you'll probably like this place.
(3)
Jerome Y.
Solid but lacks a kick I think
(3)
Adrienne C.
Ooey cheesy creamy corn. SO GOOD. Their Cuban sandwich is super good as well. Other than that, the menu seemed more Mexican than Cuban...not that I'm complaining. Everything was super good and affordable. It's a pretty small spot do not recommend a group larger than 3-4 unless you're coming at an off time.
(4)
Varada G.
Grilled corn with cotija cheese and red chili powder: A+! I went out of my way to find this little gem that I'd heard so much about, and it was completely worth it. It's so famous that they ask you at the door if you're just here for corn, and then direct you to a smaller cafe room behind the restaurant. For under $6 I got two cobs of grilled corn and a lime Jarritos (delicious combination), and it was the most delicious and not-overhyped-at-all snack I'd had in the city. Definitely coming back, definitely recommending to everyone I know visiting the area. Until then I will attempt to make some myself.
(5)
Omar Q.
Corn on the cob with mayo, cheese and chili powder is the most amazing thing I've ever eaten. Their sandwiches are all amazing. I got the steak one it was amazing!!
(5)
Brenda L.
Of all the supposed best cuban sandwiches i ate in the city - this one takes the cake - they really do deserve the title of "best cuban sandwich in the city". Between the chipotle mayo sauce and the tender juicy shredded pork - they've somehow found the right combo to the perfect cuban sandwich. I also tried the famous roasted corn on the cob which was really good but a bit too heavy for me. The corn was buttered/mayo'd and coated with generous portion of cotija cheese dusted with chili powder. Great for a few bites or to share. The restaurant itself is extremely tiny - probably can fit 30 ppl max - there's usually a wait as well - for those that want to skip this hassle - there's a take-out section of the store right next door that serves all the same food but with no wait - win win =)
(4)
Thanh T.
All I had was the corn. 5 stars. Just for the corn. It deserves it. That corn was amazing! I wish I could take it with me back to San Diego! Our cashier was also really sweet. Although I didn't try anything else this place is still awesome!
(5)
Neha C.
The best corn in the entire world. Love this place.
(5)
Lisa H.
Ordered the Mexican corn to go several times ever since. Let's just say, long story short, the corn got worse and worse. The last time I went the cheese was lacking and it seemed like most of the ingredients got stuck to the aluminum foil. I spent more time licking the aluminum foil than eating the corn.
(3)
Evelyn T.
A must if you're on a NYC food tour like I often am. Go in and out and get just the corn...sit at the flower box right in front for the best 10 minutes of the day, and finish it before you're skip along your way. =)
(5)
Dan F.
We won't speak of the corn as it's been discussed by about 1250 other reviews. Outside of that well executed vegetable the experience was just above average. About average for the service and exceeds for the food. The standard Cuban sandwich is where it's at. The big negative for me was simply how hot it was. Yes the food was awesome, yes the service was ok, but sitting in your own sweat drippings kinda took away from it.
(3)
Tara P.
I want to offer a correction on one of the reviews below in regards to the corn: The corn is covered in cotija cheese and some kind of creme. some places do use mayo or Mexican Crema or mayo or yogurt, not just mayo. it's got garlic, cayenne, lime...I am not sure how someone who wants to review food couldn't figure that out especially after eating it, but it's not fair to Cafe Habana to publish that incorrect info. They don't serve corn covered in mayo. I really love this place. A few misses, but as much as I've eaten there, it sometimes happens. Overall, they always more than deliver on the taste. It's fun, casual, and packed. Good vibes and yummy!
(5)
Catherine D.
Two words: Grilled Corn. I actually prefer the to-go location to the restaurant, which is always way too crowded (and too long of a wait) imo. Ordering food is breeze, and there are usually seats available near the window that offer prime vantage points for people-watching. Great Latin fruit drinks and sodas, but I'm always a sucker for Classic Coca-cola in a glass bottle. Charming place for an afternoon snack after a day of shopping in SoHo and Nolita.
(5)
Angry D.
I was shocked to find a layer of cheese caked onto the corn cob. That's just nasty. They should just rub butter on it instead and then dust it with salt and either chili or pepper. My Cuban sandwich was so average. The cheese was there to make it feel buttery ... it had hardly any flavor on its own; same goes for the almost unnoticeable pickle; and the amount of meat on this thing was pathetically small. The Cuban sandwich from my elementary school days was better than this in terms of size, flavor, and feeling. Gosh it would be hard to make a sandwich as bland as this. The lime-lemonade was so average too. I don't understand this place's popularity; I'm guessing nostalgia for diner decor or some strange satisfaction that the seat you're sitting on might have been sat on by someone famous. Bleh. The fried plaintains were good enough to go back but actually Whole Foods has better roasted plaintains. My friend said the black beans were good too. But I guess that's it.
(2)
David K.
The grilled corn! Must. Eat. The corn is borderline addictive, and if I lived or worked closer, I'd probably get the corn 3-4 times/week. The corn is THE reason to come here. And while I had the Cuban here (it was quite good), the corn was clearly the standout. And if you can't get inside and sit down at Cafe Habana, go next door for the takeout.
Watch out for the 20% gratuity they add to your bill - even if you have a party less than 6 people. The corn is really good but other food items are ok at best. Not worth the wait. Go next door and get the corn
(3)
Ken W.
Elote (roasted corn with cheese, chilli, and all the good stuff), and fish tacos (with even more of the good stuff) are what we got here and we ate, casually, after the sun had set, but the heat had not sunk fully into the earth, on the bench outside the takeout, admiring the yellow labs and golden retrievers, eyeing the slouching hipsters and jagged packs of primped-up folks out for a night on the town, resting on our yoga mats and stepping out of the river that is the LES, onto this island of a bench where the sun was shining in some part of Habana, And glorious it was.
(4)
James C.
The corn here is amazing. Like nothing I ever had. I ordered the Cuban sandwich. Not the best I've had and a bit too dry for my liking. The shrimp tacos were great. This place is small and space is very tight. You are literally sitting on top of each other. However, the food is great and the prices are nice.
(3)
Thomas F.
I wish I could say more than the other reviews have given this place, but let me reiterate. The corn on the cob is an absolute must try for this place. It is delicious and savory. It is the best corn on the cob I have ever tried. They had Jarritos here, and I am a big fan of trying new sodas, especially exotic ones. I have only found jarritos in Miami so I was pleasantly surprised they offered it here. I also had their Cuban Sandwich. It was also flavorful. I wish I had tried these two on separate occasions because the corn overshadowed the sandwich. The service was good here and I did not have to wait too long to get a table for 5.
(4)
Michael L.
Yes corn. I didn't understand how it could be so delicious, but there it was. Two nicely sized pieces for $5.95. I wanted to make a bed out of it, but then I'd be covered in cotija and mayo. Had the rice and beans and spinach platter, delicious, filling and (hopefully nutritious) and at $8.95, why not?? The potatoes that come with the breakfast things are AMAZING. I'm not the hugest fan of breakfast potatoes, but they are SO. GOOD.
(4)
Melissa M.
One of my friends was in town from AZ and we were in Soho wanting a snack. It was a jillion degrees outside and we were both starving and thristy. She remembered that she had heard wonderful things about corn in a cuban place. Next steps involved texts, yelp, and google maps to direct us here. I'm not one for corn - in that I will pass it up 99% of the time, but if a place is "known" for someting I need to try it and weigh in. We arrive and I was really really really really hoping for AC. Haha no such luck. It was also a jillion degrees in there. MI continued to sweat bullets. My heart goes out to the staff. They had the windows open and it kind of added to the cuban ambiance (or what I think cuban ambiance is) but still WAY TOO HOT. The place is super small and has a diner atmosphere. We were able to grab a seat at the counter as people were leaving. All the tables were taken. We had to wait it bit for service - we ordered 2 red sangrias and a a dish of corn. Note that 1 dish has 2 ears. It took a while to get our drinks, but they were well worth it! Sangria was delish! Waited a bit longer and out came our corn. Again - not a corn person, but it was AMAZING! Perfect amount of spice and seasoning. Love the mayo! Also very affordable! Will definately be coming back with the husband - he really likes corn. But - I will wait until winter - the heat was just way too much! If you cant tolerate the heat, wait until the temp drops.
(4)
Jeanette L.
Very good food. Great corner location, tight squeeze. The takeout counter is probably a better bet than waiting for a table. Just remember to make time for a nap after eating here.
(4)
Liliana L.
So this review is going to be for their costumer service at the location where they make the corns, which is next to the restaurant located at the corner this is how I posted as my FB statues so enjoy it. --Funny how you're in a Mexican Restaurant and you clearly observe that the workers are from hispanic background, so I as a good Colombian, I go and speak with the cashier about my order in Español, then she looks at me like she doesn't understand a bit, therefore I proceed to translate my order in English, then she replies to me in English and she turns around to speak in Español with her coworkers, how funny & ridiculous. -- this was really rude-- in addition to this my friend wanted to ask for a lemonade she went to the cashier and the workers were talking nonstop among them, they saw my friend standing there wanting to ordr something they didnt even bother to ask if she needed help, seriously I dont even know how come they have so many workers in that small place doing nothing.
(1)
Jessica D.
Roasted corn on the cob and Cuban Sandwich. Do it. This place was delicious. The spot was a little crowded (even at 11:30pm on a weekday), but the service was still fast and the food was great. Their drinks are also good - I'd recommend the mojito. If you get a frozen margarita, get it with the guava puree!
(5)
Sanga P.
it's all about the corn on the cob. everything else is good, the other food, the vibe, but don't make me say it again. yeah it's always crowded. welcome to ny.
(5)
Alain H.
Was there in 2013, probably the best sandwich I ever ate. Going back to NYC this month and will immediately head there for lunch.
(5)
Briceyda L.
I visited this place per a coworkers suggestion during a business trip and I've been back another time since then. The drinks and food were great. The corn is memorable and a must get for sure. Common was having dinner there when we went the first time so that was exciting. This past time I went I also tried the shrimp tacos and they were yummy. Both times I left feeling super full. I will definitely return when I'm back in NYC.
(4)
Raquel Y.
I remember this place being a little bit trashy, crowded, and tiny, but CORN WAS AMAZING! So much flavor, creamy, cheesy. Drunk food for sure, and best snack ever.
(4)
Jerry D.
Sat at counter. Guys behind it were great. Know how to make a cocktail. Food awesome. Get corn on stick.
(4)
Gabby B.
Delicious!! The roasted cuban pork, the corn and platanos are musts. It's a cute, tiny, huge emphasis on tiny, place. There's like ten tables. The margaritas are splendid, especially the spicy one. No reservations are taken, so you have to kind of take a leap of faith and hope there are tables available when you go. Our food came out fast though and they don't rush you out of the place even though it's small. That's always nice. It's an NYC cuban staple and the food is pretty amazing, so go.
(4)
Nikita K.
I LOVE cuban food and Cafe Habana did not disappoint. While it's slightly ironic that most Americans can't vouch for the authenticity of Cafe Habana's Cuban food, but the restaurant is amazing. Its quite small, be prepared to wait. But its reasonably priced and offers something for everyone (vegetarians and meat-eaters alike) I tried the grilled Mexican-style corn on the cob which was nice and juicy with great seasoning. (Side note: I will be adding lime juice to any future corn on the cob I make). Following this up with the Cuban sandwich. The roasted pork and ham were nicely seasoned and moist and the portions were generous. I brought half the sandwich home. My friends had the huevos rancheros and heuvos divorciados which are basically the same dish, but the later has two types of salsa and beans. They also have a 'to-go' shop around the corner, which I plan to stop by in the summer to grab the corn on the cob to go and not to be missed Cuban Coffee!
(4)
Bang T.
Have you recently Seen Friends With Benefits, and you're wondering where is that cute little restaurant Justin and Mila ate at was? also what is that corn they were eating so happily?!! Yes, the Mexican Corn on the cob is wildly addicting and a must get. I usually have the grilled streak entree which comes with rice and black beans DELICIOUS. I love this place and always come whenever i have a chance... Update more later!!!!
(5)
Hana S.
Got here just before 6 on a weekday so there was no wait (thankfully)! It's a super small tight space and some of the seats are very close to another but can't expect more in this area. Got the street corn and the roast pork to share. Street corn met my expectations and I'm not a huge corn-on-the-cob person. The flavors of all the toppings were great on the corn, even better accentuated by sprinkling some line on it. Yellow rice and black beans came with the pork and it was pretty standard, I love yellow rice so much I could (probably) eat it everyday. Roast pork was also good, a few fatty pieces of shredded pork but mostly tasty Caribbean-style meat. Pretty sure this is one of the more accurately Cuban dishes on the menu but I could be wrong! Not sure if I would come back here especially when I consider how every time I've passed by it's packed and has people waiting. But I would most definitely go next door to pick up some of that street corn, yum yum.
(4)
Erika F.
Rename this place. The menu is primarily Mexican. The cuban sandwich, camarones enchilados, and the maduros and tostones are all that is Cuban about this place. That being said- those tostones were DAMN GOOD. I also tried the famous grilled corn everyone raves about and although the toppings were tasty, I found the corn a bit dry. The sincronizado seemed interesting and was really tasty. This is a really great (and large) app! For a Friday night and a small cafe, I was happy to see only a 20 min wait. Everyone was also really friendly. I'd definitely head back to try some of the more cuban items on the menu.
(3)
Gordon Y.
We tried the Cuban sandwich. It is the best sandwich I've ever had in My life So far. Only 4 stars is given because of the small place.
(4)
Samir K.
Good food but not really worth the price. This is a small place with extravagant prices unfortunately. I loved the corn on the cob but would have prefered the corn to be warm/hot to make it even better. Worth a try!
(3)
Arturo G.
A busy, but very bright spot. Sat at the bar where we got to see the bartender at work making delicious cocktails and beverages. The smell of squeezed lime, mint, brown sugar were a delight. I had very tasty hibiscus tea. Started with the illustrious mexican-style corn. Having grown up with the stuff, I had pretty high expectations that were largely met. The cotija cheese combined with mayo and lime was excellent. The corn was not sweet (which is crucial and often missed at American establishments). I can't say it's perfect, but it is very solid. For the main, I had the Tlacoyo (a masa pie filled with goat cheese, sundried tomato, and black bean). Pretty delicious though I would have liked a little more sundried tomato to boost the flavor. Served with rice and beans, it was definitely enough food. Overall, I liked the open-air cafe atmosphere. The neighborhood is top-notch, the staff were all quite pleasant and cool. Definitely will go back. Strongly recommend.
(4)
Stavros G.
I 've been here a couple of times and the experiences were a bit different each time. The first time I had a famous sandwich, I cannot recall the name, which I liked but not loved. The place was greatly recommended so I decided to give it another shot. And boy was I right. The second time we went there for dinner and we started with the best corn I've ever had, along with a neat mojito. A delicious steak with fried eggs followed, with another mojito, and by the time we finished and were heading back I knew that cafe Habana had make a new fan.
(4)
River O.
Wow! The best cuban in the city for sure. The fried plantains are amazing too.
(5)
Reesie R.
I'm from FL - so I know a good Cuban sandwich. Not quite up to par. Keep trying. The corn on the cob is unique, but not out of this world. Not really worth waiting in line for an hour to be crammed in a small joint to eat subpar cuban food. Nice try.
(3)
Joanne K.
great guava margaritas! also the corn is the best. the food here is really good which is why they opened a take out place next door. i'm not a fan of yuca but their fried yuca and garlic sauce is so good.
(4)
Marti M.
Service sucks but the food is pretty good (must get the corn and the tostones w/ the sauce!). Would go back again, just not a day/time that's so busy (Friday 6 pm). *Also, no AC in the summer :/
(4)
Mario V.
I really like the location, decor, and variety of sandwiches. Usually I end up getting the sloppy jose, but last weekend ending up trying their corn on the cob, which was unique and delicious with I think parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika. The seating inside is limited, but there are makeshift planter benches and a trashcan outside too.
(4)
Monica B.
JB got a sandwich here and wasn't overly impressed. I got the corn, however, and was sitting pretty. Stop by the take out next door, and save yourself the wait.
(3)
Tonton T.
- Good for Brunch in Summer with Friends -
(4)
Vincent R.
Uber Cool Plus Good Food makes for a great Combo. Awesome Vibe with Good Music, Food, Ambiance and Hip Crowd. Try The Grilled Corn w/Cheese, "It's Off The Chain" !!!
(4)
Shekina C.
Restaurant was very clean but the space is very tight. Glad I got there right at dinner time (6pm no wait), because once it got to full capacity I couldn't wait to get out of there so I could breathe. Come later than 6:30pm during the week, expect to wait for a table. The corn on the cob appetizer was good, but my meal was just ok. I had the special of the day which was fried fish, white rice and mixed veggies. I really don't need to go to this spot again. Been there done that!
(2)
Edi R.
Saturday night after a day at the US Open and we were starvevd! Locals highly recommended Cafe Habana and it was quite a trek from the upper west side but we hopped in a cab - and were glad we did. The corn was recommended and is delicious - it does come 2 full ears to an order so be careful and don't over eat.... save room because the dinner is worth it! I had grilled shrimp tacos and they were happy to change the rice and beans to a small green salad. You'd be surprised how often that is an issue. My firend had the Baja Fish and love it! I wanted to order the plantains and forgot.... but we didn't have room anyway so we will have to make another trip back. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, the drink specials were delicious! Reasonably proced and fabulous, fun food!!
(4)
Rohan S.
I got the chilaquiles which were unbelievable. My brothers and father weren't as excited about their meals however. Also, very cool little spot.
(5)
Marissa P.
I didn't understand all the hype honestly. The food was good, for sure, but the space was mad tight. The service was alright. Nothing blew my mind though, and I was under the impression it would.
(3)
Neelum K.
Everything they serve is so YUMMY! Of course the corn on the cob is the mainstay and to die for. However the brunch menu is a wondeful surprise. Huevos Divorciados has 2 salsas, ranchero and verde -- never tasted like this before. You wish you could lick the plate so not to lose any of the flavor. Super tiny tables and always packed, I would recommend before 10 am otherwise don't bother. If the wait is too long, take Habana to go next door and find a bench. The table size isn't much bigger anyway.
(4)
Mr F G And Ms M S.
We were here around 4pm on a Friday & the place was busy but we were seated immediately. The place is small. It's definitely not comfortable. It is definitely a place where you eat & go. We got the grilled corn & the Cuban sandwich. They were really good especially the Cuban sandwich. The sandwich is packed full of tender juicy meat & cheese! Absolutely delicious! The Cuban sandwich comes with fries on the side. It may not look big at first but it's definitely filling. Our waitress, she was polite. Overall, the service was good. The food came pretty quickly. Good food! Good service! Definitely a fan!
(4)
Jenn R.
The Mexican corn is delicousss!! I don't like ham so I get the Cuban sandwich without ham and it's perfect. The only thing I hate is how small and crowded it gets but the food is so worth it.
(5)
Joann R.
Their piña coladas were strong and Cuban sandwich flavorful, I would only come back for those two combinations. What is a bathroom? In this restaurant it's more of a tiny closet which happens to have a toilet and miniature sink.
(3)
Leo C.
+ corn was great...a must have here + Steak salad was good - Cuban was OK - usually a wait...waited 30 mins - very tight seating area
(3)
Jessica T.
I really enjoyed my first time at Cafe Habana. The waitress was really friendly, and service was quick. I got the fish tacos, which were nice and crispy and generously portioned. My friend and I also split an order of the grilled corn, which was amazing. The wipes and toothpick they brought were appreciated, because the corn was messy. Margarita was average. I would definitely go back for the corn and great service.
(4)
Ryan S.
This is a great place to get grilled corn (oh god is it delicious). You'll know it when you walk within a block of here and start seeing the crowd of people outside, nibbling their ears. I also really enjoy their pork dishes so get that too if you're not just planning on strolling with your cornies. The place has kind of a weird setup where there's a restaurant on the corner and then takeout nextdoor but you'll figure it out. Neat stuff in this neighborhood includes the Macaroni and Cheese Bar down the street and I believe the Earth Room ain't too far either.
(4)
Joanna C.
Corn corn corn corn corn!!!!! So delicious, oh so fresh, just perfectly grilled, and perfect for a post shopping snack. Confession: I don't actually love the cheese or mayo, but it somehow works with the corn!! Yum! I'll have to come back and try some of their other food (the tortas look and sound delicious), but for now, I'm content grabbing a corn on the cob and chowing down under the little trees outside.
(4)
Karin R.
I liked Habana...a lot...but I'm not in love. I had fish tacos and I have to say, I've had better fish tacos ::GASP:: I know!!! But it's true. These were tasty, don't get me wrong...but maybe my hopes were way high because of how hyped up this spot is...it just didn't blow me away like I was expecting it too. It's easy to make me happy at a taco spot...guac...fish tacos...margaritas are a nice addition...of course mexican corn...and this place had most of everything I wanted...I guess I was just expecting something extra that my other fav taco spots don't have...but I didn't find that. All this being said...go...try it for yourself...I'm just glad I went when they were slower and didn't have to wait because I really don't think it's worth an hour wait.
(4)
Jamie S.
Can I just say I love this place? I'm a big sucker for atmosphere, and I just love sitting at the bar and sipping on a margarita while watching everyone come in and out. It's such a small place, but it doesn't feel like it because of the windows at the entrance. The waiters and staff are all so friendly and, well, sunny! I was so comfortable I just wanted to keep buying drinks to sit there and enjoy it more. I've been there a few times now and have had both the Cuban sandwich and the Tacos al Pastor. Both are very good and reasonably priced. I highly recommend going here. If there's a line (there probably will be), just put your name in and hop into one of the many bars right beside the restaurant and have a beer! It makes waiting a lot more enjoyable.
(5)
S C.
Love this place. The best huevos rancheros. Only wish there were more seating. But yeah it's the city.
(5)
Erica H.
Your first time here you must get the Cuban sandwich and corn. We also got the plantains which were delish and the portion is enough for 3-4 people. The servers are really nice and so are the prices.
(5)
Lizzer R.
Recently back in NYC on business. I always hit this place up. Expect tight quarters, good margaritas and AMAZING food. I wouldn't suggest going with a group but check it out with a friend and fall in love. The corn? Please.. it's just... outstanding.
(5)
Josephine L.
While I find the food here mediocre, I too, am addicted to their Mexican corn. You just can't go wrong with sweet grilled corn smothered in mayo, chilli powder, cheese, and lime. Until I figure out how to replicate this at home, I will keep coming back. While you're there for the corn, I recommend the Cuban sandwich. Pretty decent. Don't get the fish tacos. It was majorly lacking in salt and flavor.
(3)
Michael J.
Cool ambiance and tasty food.
(3)
leslie w.
I miss Cafe Habana. I miss the flaky yet sturdy bread enveloping the thick slices of sirloin. I miss the juices that freely run from your hand why you take that too big bite. I miss washing it all down with the homemade lime-lemonade concoction. And I miss nibbling on the roasted corn pebbles. I just miss it all. I actually dreamt about the steak sandwich the other night. That's how bad it is.
(5)
Xiu L.
I just wanted corn on the cob here, and I ended up eating here. I had the steak and it was yummmmmmmmyyyyyy. I seat at the counter because I was by myself. I didn't mind it at all with such a cute bartender (Mike) for my amusement. Don't tell him I said this.
(5)
Sophie C.
I just got their famous corn on the cob! When my friend told me she wanted corn from cafe habana, I was thinking...how special can corn be?! I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised with a well-seasoned corn, covered with delicious, cheesey, slightly spicy, cream and crumbs. If you want to see it for yourself, feel free to watch my video! :) The only thing I think they could improve is getting the coating a bit more even and thicker! :D
(4)
Shaji K.
What the hell happened to my mouth? Oh that's right - some damn good food. Small place, fast service, some of the best food in the city. Corn on the cob, cuban sandwich, avocado/cheese sandwich. All of it. Get it all. It's worth whatever wait they say it's going to be. Oh and their mango margarita is on point. (Did they squeeze the damn mango in there? Christ.)
(5)
Stephanie D.
This place was OFF THE HOOK! The food was phenomenal, the staff was great, the music on point, and atmosphere was really really awesome. My boyfriend and I had just gotten into New York and we wanted to grab some lunch. I went ahead and yelped the closest restaurants in the area and saw that a small cuban place was near by. We got in and immediatly the smell of the food hits you right in the face. The smell of rice beans, chicken, & corn on the cob lingering in the air ready for you to devour anything that comes your way. There was salsa in the background. Small place but totally worth the squeeze. I ordered a breakfast plate that had eggs, beans, tortillas, and i'm sorry a mojito on the side (which was really good - & i'm a tough mojito critic!). We left very pleased with the place that we came back for dinner with some friends later that day! We will be back the next time we're in NY!
(5)
Amelia W.
This place is so cute and little. The corn was amaZing, but wish they had healthier options on the menu. Would definitely go back though.
(4)
Percila Z.
MEH. Dinner was on the pricey side, and going from the other reviews, I expected a lot more. The place was SO CRAMPED, the tables were small, and I heard everything the people next to us were saying. I felt like a freakin' sardine. We were seated at a table by the bathroom, so people kept banging into me and my chair as they walked past. If you are very sensitive to heat, please beware. It was 80-85 degrees that day, and the restaurant didn't have AC. The bathroom had VERY dim lighting (maybe to cover up the filth?) and it was tiny as well. I ordered the taco al pastor and my boyfriend ordered the fish tacos. Both were eh. I've had a lot better for the same price. The white sangria was good, though a little on the sour side. Also, the guacamole does not come with chips. That's too bad, because I was really craving guacamole. This place is known for their corn on the cob, and everyone in the place was eating it, so we gave it a try. It was good, but by no means was it mind-blowing. Would I ever come back here just for the corn? No. Was the food worth the price? No. Granted, I only tried the tacos, so the other things on the menu could be the 4 stars that Yelp says it is. Our waitress was very nice though. Over-hyped. Skip.
(2)
Marianne M.
Be prepared for a wait time when coming in for dinner, but know that it is worth it! Whenever a friend is in town, I always want them to try my favorite Cuban restaurant. I love the grilled corn appetizer--the creaminess and spices have made it a must-have every time I go. I've tried the fish tacos--sweet mix of battered catfish and cabbage--and enchiladas de mole poblano--the green sauce not being too heavy, but light and refreshing. Both dishes come with sides of black beans and yellow rice. You can never go wrong with the sweet plantains as a side to all of this!
(4)
L. E. S.
This is really nice, cheap simple Cuban food - I just want the armies of hipsters and tourists to disappear so I can enjoy it more. Every time I go here, they seem to have added another table - yet the size of the restaurant has not changed! Most recently I was seated so close to the toilet I almost didn't even have to stand up and go anywhere to use it! And the service by the bored D-list actors who work here gets worse and worse. The side of avocado was not served with salt, and when requested, it was flung at us. Though it was accompanied by a pepper shaker and my eggs were grateful for that! Overall - I would suggest take-out only - it's seriously one of the worst in-restaurant dining experiences in the city.
(3)
David P.
Good restaurant. The corn appetizer that they are known for is very good, but not incredible. Everyone's entrees we're very good, but were all served cold, as if they had been sitting for some time. We could say "well, they were busy that day," but Cafe Habana is busy every day, all the time, so there should be a way to serve the food hot. The waitstaff was very friendly and great. Would be 5 stars if any of the food (appetizers and entrees included) had been served hot.
(4)
Anand P.
Great Cuban restaurant - for any time of the day. My favorite dishes are the rice with shrimp and the Cuban sandwich. The rice here is cooked perfectly and the sauce on the shrimp is to die for. The Cuban sandwich is top notch. The pork will melt in your mouth.
(4)
Brittany L.
So this was kind of a fail - I saw that there's a to-go and the regular restaurant and because we came down the other side of the street I got so excited when I saw it that we just jumped right in and ordered. ATMOSPHERE: SO SMALL lol but that's because we went to the to go one, with three plastic type chair and tables and a counter. I was like how could they have filmed friends with benefits here...it doesn't look like the picture at all until later we realized it wasnt the right place. FOOD: Cuban sandwich - very good, crunchy bread...moist and juicy pork, tender...flavorful...mm.. Corn - not as good as I thought it was going to be. The cotja cheese just coated the whole thing as a thick layer and it was sweeter than I was imagining. Don't get me wrong, it still tasted good but nothing I'd rave about. Hence, the 3 stars, it really was just good. Still can't believe we ate at the to go instead of the real place...but I'm guessing the wait was shorter, just sucked because all the plates and water cups were plastic and cheap.
(3)
Ciji J.
Listen - I dont remember what I ate because it was 2 weekends ago. but!! this food was great - the server was a sweetie and helped us with drinks. Decently priced - great crowd - great food.. " I LOVE NYC" sums it up!
I have a hard time coming to Manhattan without stopping in Cafe` Habana.. Love the atmosphere and love the food. The corn is worth coming every time!
(5)
Eric D.
Great service and awesome food. Pretty fair prices as well
(5)
Su S.
Definitely get corn. I love that they bring toothpick with the corn. I had pulled pork with rice and beans. Delicious and reasonable pricing.
(4)
Margaret C.
The place itself is really crowded, but I don't really mind. The bathroom is really small and the lighting is really dark. The waitresses don't pay much attention to you, most of the time you have to raise your hand to get their attention, they never come back to refill your drink or anything. Now the food itself, Of course you have to come to try the corn and so I did. The corn doesn't take that long to come which is good(actually all of the foods we ordered didn't take a LONG time to come). What they put on top of the corn is actually really good, it's really soft and flavorful and it just melts in your mouth. The corn itself isn't anything special LOL.. it just taste like regular corn, it's sweet though. Moving on, I did try the Cuban sandwich that I was not a fan of. It was really salty in my opinion but this is also the first Cuban sandwich I had.. ever, so I'm not sure if it was suppose to taste like that. It comes with a side of fries which was good. It also came with tomato and cucumber.. but I wasn't sure how to put it in the sandwich so I felt like it was just for presentation. I also tried the taco.. (forgot the name) the proportion is small, it's two small soft wrapped tacos. But it does taste better than the cuban sandwich! It comes with a side of yellow rice and black beans which I thought we were really bad. But for the price, it was pretty good (two orders of corn = 4 pc of corn, a cuban sandwich and tacos came out to be less than 40$!!)
(3)
Wei-Hsiang H.
The most famous meal in Cafe Habana is "Grilled Corn Mexican Style". Habana to go bar is right next to its restaurant. For people who just stop by for grilled corns is really convenient. I had a Cuban sandwich and a grilled corn to go this afternoon. Goat cheese on grilled corn makes this cultural cuisine so tasty!
(4)
Anne H.
Mexican Firing Squad and the Corn. All you need to know and have!! But please, if you have a large group this place is not for you. Teeny tiny!
(4)
Queena T.
I ordered the quesadilla thinking it was your typical cheese/chicken sandwiched between a tortilla, but I was met with three fried potsticker-like things that looked nothing like the type of quesadillas I was used to eating all my life. Not to mention I ordered to-go, so when I opened up the box and saw three little potsticker-like dumplings starring at me, I thought "WTH they got my order wrong". But before I marched over there like an asshole, I decided to google and do some research. Apparently they are called Masa Quesadillas which are the more authentic mexican quesadilla, none of this american mexican quesadilla ish. So I dug in to see what these little Masa Quesadillas were...and they were delicious! The cheese is not like the typical stringy cheese in an american quesadilla, they were little chunks of mozzerella-like cheese which was quite yummy. There was also corn inside...who doesn't like corn. My taste buds were pleasantly surprised. The only knock I had was that 3 wasn't enough (they were literally potsticker sized) and they were a bit pricey ($12). Though they were listed under appetizers so that's my own fault. Anyway the place has a cool vibe and based on my limited experience the food is good so I would come back to try something else
(4)
Mel T.
For all of you skeptics saying, "It's just overpriced corn and cheese. How good could it possibly be?", just give it a chance! It's as good as everyone says it is! It deffo is a tad overpriced (2 for $6.95) but it was worth every penny. It does get messy, and you will get corn stuck in your teeth, so don't say I didn't warn you. For my entree, I ordered the Cuban sammie (citrus marinated roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise and pickle, on toasted roll). I didn't taste any citrus notes but it was still really good. The bread was toasted to perfection (think of a REALLY good panini). The only thing is - you have to eat it fast. The juices from the pork, mixed with the chipotle mayo will make the bread from your second half a little soggy. The fries were kind of soggy too, but not for the same reason. It just tasted like they weren't completely fried. But other than that, I really liked Cafe Habana. I was really expecting it to be over-hyped, but it wasn't. Would deffo come back and I would order the same exact meal. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
(4)
Eva Z.
First off, this restaurant is extremely small and cramped. You literally have to pull out the table in order to get to your seat. They have a to-go place around the corner that has seating too, but even that place is small and cramped. The corn is probably the best thing here. I got the fish tacos platter and it was okay at best. The rice and beans on the side were really bland. The rice had no taste to it and the beans were really watery. The fish inside the fish tacos were a little overcooked. I would also suggest putting the salsa that comes with this dish over the tacos unless you want really bland tacos. I probably wont return unless im craving the corn.
(3)
Miao C.
One word : corn!!! Come here for the corn! Enough said. Everything else is just okay. The real star of this place is the corn. It's sooo delicious. Just writing about this corn makes me wish I had some in front of me.
(4)
Leanne I.
My friend and I were food hopping today and past by this place. The wait was 20 mins to sit down and we only wanted to try their "famous" corn so we went to the togo part next door and each had the corn. It was so good with the toppings they put on it!. Totally worth my $2.
(4)
Nick C.
I've had this place bookmarked for awhile, after seeing it's Mexican Grilled Corn on TV. Came here for dinner around 9pm. It was small, unassuming, and packed, which is a good sign. We had to wait about 10 minutes for a table The menu was relatively small, and it also claimed to have what was voted the best Cuban sandwich in NYC. My brother and I split orders of fish tacos, the Cuban sandwich, and grilled corn. The corn comes with two ears per order, and it was very good, though I feel like they could have seasoned it more heavily. The fish tacos were excellent, not too greasy and stuffed with catfish. The Cuban sandwich was also very good. I'm not sure it's the best though. Mustard does not come on it by default, but they do offer grey poupon if you ask. I wasn't disappointed.
(4)
Martin C.
Came here on a rainy sunday afternoon craving cuban sandiwches. Decided to order their mexican corn and WOW I was caught off guard. Couldn't get enough. The cuban sandwich is very good as well, but the side of fries could have been done without. All in all a solid place to get a good cuban, but their mexican corn definitely stood out the most. Service was good, but the place does get very cramped...
(4)
Annie W.
This is one of my go to places in Soho when I'm stopping for a quick bite. My favorite is the corn on the cob and the chicken diablo torta. Soooo delicious, i crave it every time! The corn has just the right amount of cheese and butter with a hint of cayenne pepper which brings the spice. Love it!! They have a dine in restaurant and also a side with take out. It can get pretty crowded, but I always seem to catch a empty seat or two at the take out end. Definitely love coming here in the summer time and will be back to try some other options on their menu!
(5)
Umami Y.
If I could trade porn for Cafe Habana's corn, I would. It's that good. Less than impressed by the other food, but the corn. Oh my, the corn.
(5)
Liz C.
hipster joint in nolita. this place is tiny and always super crowded. we waited for 2 hours for a table, one hour outside in the cold, and i would still go back. that is a huge compliment. the corn is amazing! the mojitos are weak and expensive, so stick to beer.
(4)
J A.
That corn should be illegal its that good. Heaven on a stick. What are the secret ingredients??? Mmmmmmmmm
(5)
Bruno B.
A quick and solo dinner at the bar. The food is good but I rather prefer Mexican one (this is a personal taste). Drinks are OK but the margarita is machine made which is not great. Do not try to have a conversation as it is very loud especially with the music screaming in such small place. In summary good for a snack but you do not want to spend too much time inside.
(3)
Sonal S.
Loved the corn on Cobb. It's full of cheese so very difficult not to like it. The portbello burger was awesome too. Good service and friendly waitress.
(4)
Juan J.
Get the corn or you are stupid. Don't remember anything else, but I remember eating two corns. Corns rule!!!
(5)
Nitya D.
The corn! Rolled in yummy cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili spices and lime juice. Delicious if eaten there or even on the go. Can't even handle how delicious it is (i.e. currently salivating...at 9 am..at my desk at work..).
(4)
Dawon H.
3.5 stars Came here for dinner on a Wednesday with two of my friends (around 7pm). We put our name down, then waited for about 35 minutes before we were seated inside. The restaurant has a very authentic interior decorations. There's a booth area you can sit at or the tables. The only thing I'll say is that the space is a little cramped, but that didn't bother me that much. We got the famous Mexican grilled styled corns as a group. To be honest I expected something AMAZING, but maybe I set myself up to be disappointed because the corn to be honest was just good. Not complaining though, because it was delicious nonetheless (the fact that I was starving might contribute). I got the roasted pork dish, which comes with your choice of rice and beans. The portions, I'd say, are decent for the price (I believe my dish was about 13 dollars). The food was nice and warm and the services we received were quick and attentive. The only reason why I didn't give 4 stars is because neither the food nor the ambiance of the place intrigued me, or stay with me. It was a nice choice to go for dinner, and it's definitely a place worth checking out to see what the hype might be about.
(3)
Shawn G.
Always great for a quick sammich and butter-soaked corn on the cob
(4)
Winnie L.
The grilled corn and Cuban sandwich is legit! I have tried to sway away and order other entrees on the menu but I always go back to the amazing Cuban. I like their shrimp tacos too, if only they served 3/4 tacos instead of rice and beans. Only setback was my friend's chicken salad was dry. Service could be better. Fortunately there was no wait for us but we never got water to our table. I know the tables are small and every inch of space gets fill up quickly but c'mon guys. Basic table service requirement is to serve your patrons water once seated!
(3)
Gordon M.
If you are going to this restaurant be prepared to wait. Believe me, it is worth the wait. I have had the Cuban Sandwich and also burritos here. Everything that I have ordered here has been perfect. I wish I lived in SoHo. If I did I would eat here once a week without fail. PS: Have a margarita.
(5)
Suz A.
Heard so much about the corn. Would have been good if it was in season. Extremely loud for a Sunday. Very hip and reasonably priced. Is everybody going deaf? Why blast music when you are trying to eat and have conversation? Even the waiter couldn't hear our choices.
(3)
g c.
The corn is great ... Steak is awesome! Great food.
(5)
Marta P.
Great place. Excellent value for money. A bit too hot in summer. Always very crowded so it is better to go in off-peak hours.
(4)
Laura A.
i should change my last meal on yelp to be "anything from cafe habana", because if i was hit by a crazy cab driver and killed after walking out of this joint i would die happy. the corn, of course, is phenomenal. i can't say enough about that. i had the tostones recently and they are great - almost as good as my beloved orinoco in the south end in boston. the drinks are also great and make up for the annoying as hell wait. i've gone there are varying times of the day and i have always always always had to wait. the service can be a little iffy too, mostly because the waitresses are too busy looking beautiful to actually hustle your food out of the kitchen.
(5)
Szu L.
Cafe Habana is one of the best places I've had breakfast in NY. Located in Nolita in a hidden area, the egg with chorizo is so oh delicious!! Their grilled corn is their specialty and it melts in your mouth!! The menu has a great assortment of Cuban and Mexican that will make decisions difficult when ordering. The service is also super friendly!! Check it out!!!!
(5)
Irene S.
Oh-Kayee. Lesss git down to the nitty gritty. It is all about the egg with chorizo entree (ground chorizo scrambled into the eggs and browned to perfection; entrees served with a side of amazing yellow rice and black beans) and, as other Yelpies have reported, the grilled CORN a la none other than Nacho Libre style! The messier you get that upper lip dusted with cheese and mayo, the better. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Li M.
Not much else to say- only to confirm that the corn on the cob is the most amazing corn you will ever taste. Try it if you haven't yet and you'll see what all the hype's about.
(4)
Anthro Food E.
eh, i dont see what all the hype is about this place...i had a veg quesadilla and was not satisfied...come on people...how hard is it to grill some veggies, stick some cheese on there and put it btwn two tortillas then heat? not hard at all... the corn on the cob was average, nothing too exciting...
(3)
Martina C.
I finally managed to go to Habana few evenings ago. We were a party of 3, and we got to wait about 10 minutes on a lovely red bench outside. As everyone said, no reservation, few seating spot. Just arm yourself with some patience. I had the famous corn. Delicious! ..but definitely not a meal to share with a date. Corn's fibers got stuck in your teeth pretty easily; and it's pretty hilarious seeing people having trouble with it. The portion has two corns, so it's easy to share! After that, I got maybe more delicious shrimp tacos, with a side of rice and beens, accompanied with a frozen Mojito. My friends tasted the famous Cuban sandwich, which looks great, taste amazingly as well, but it's a huge meal. Tasty dinner, a little bit rush as the waiters want to seat everyone, but it's definitely worthier - wait and rush service. About $25 dinner with alcoholic drink!
(4)
LeAnn L.
Zero frills. Fresh everything. Huge Flavor. Highly recommend the catfish tacos and of course, the Cuban sandwich. Wash it down with a jalapeno margarita (or two). I'm sad I opted out of the corn when I came, but alas, a reason to return. GOOD TO KNOW: If the wait is too long, just go down the street to Habana To-Go and order/eat there.
(3)
Jackie d.
I never heard of this place until I went to the grub street food festival on Hester & Essex. I tried the Cuban sandwich and it was amazing. The pork was so juicy & the bread was nice & crispy. I can't wait to go to the restaurant so I can satisfy my cravings....yummy.
(5)
Surbi V.
So so soooo delicious! The yummiest sandwiches ever(, even for the vegetarian!) And the portions, generous. Located in a hip and chic area, the space is limited. But the service is prompt and the food is finger-lickin good. Totally worth it. (Yea, I can't stop raving!!!) The corn is a little over-rated though. It's alright. What's cool about it is simply the rarity of corn, in general, in this part of the world.
(5)
Anastasia W.
Wow! Ordered the chilaquiles and the veggie Cuban sandwich - everything was amazing! I cannot recommend the grilled corn enough! I could've had two orders of it and would not have complained. We sat in the part of the restaurant that has tables stacked on top of one another. It makes you feel like you're in another country! We didn't realize they had a second place next door that looked newer. Service was a bit slow, but once we were able to order the food came up quick. Reasonable prices for the city! Great spot for brunch with a few friends who you don't mind sitting very very close to (^_^)
(4)
Will R.
This place is pretty good!! Grilled corn with chili powder was interesting, food, bread all fresh.
(4)
Amanda F.
When I arrived at Cafe Habana, there was a 30 minute wait, but the wait was worth it. The food and service was excellent. My friends and I tried the corn and it tasted amazing!!!! I had the steak with rice and beans. The steak was smaller than expected but it tasted delicious. Because the meal was small, I ordered extra rice and beans. The rice and beans were delicious. They were seasoned very well. I would definitely go back if I was visiting NYC again.
(5)
Jack L.
The wait might be long at times, but def worth waiting, grill corn is a must. Tacos are great. Will come back and try more food
(5)
Wilkie J.
Another establishment proved me wrong, so I am writing this review based on their poor customer service. I have decided to re-visit this establishment because I spoke so highly about the place, but it got tarnished by one waitress. When I asked the waitress, "what would you recommend to order," do not act like you are being bothered, because honestly I could have gone to other restaurants instead. To make matters worst, the waitress messed up my order, when I clearly request no pickles in my sandwich. What was in my sandwich? You guess it, pickles! When I have addressed it to her, she acted like it is a normal thing. MISS, if I was allergic to pickles, what would your answer be?! What I noticed, she enjoys talking behind customers back. Yes, Miss, I called you out! Bi$@&! Wait until I leave the place before you start talking Sh$&@, so now this review is dedicated to you. Why the change of heart: - If you have a bad day, do not come to work. Stay home! - You have messed up someone order, what should you have done?! Say sorry and get the order swapped out. You clearly messed up my order and you think is cool. - After you realized you messed up. You tried to insult customers (us) behind their backs... We have noticed it from far away. That is why your co-worker had to do your job correctly. One star! Good night!
(1)
Nick M.
Great cubano sandwich and the corn is delicious! If you are in nolita you have go give this tiny place a shot! The staff is attentive and i feel like you could be sitting next to someone famous and you wouldn"t even realize it! This place has charm and character and if you want a reasonably cheap and delicious meal then come here!
(5)
Maribeth G.
I was excited to try this place after hearing good things, but it was a downer. The Mexican-style corn was the highlight of the meal. Besides that I ordered the grilled shrimp tacos and my man friend ordered the enchiladas. Grilled shrimp tacos: The rice and beans it came with were good and so was the corn shell, but the grilled shrimp left something to be desired. It wasn't flavorful. I'm glad atleast they were generous with the guacamole. Steak enchiladas: The sauce on the enchilada sauce reminded me more of spaghetti sauce than salsa especially in texture. Again, the rice and beans were good, but the steak was needed a lot of chewing. I'd come back to this place just to get the mexican-style corn to go, but besides that there are plenty of other great places to grab a taco from. Also I noticed a lot of other tables around us dining on burgers. I found this to really say something about the place.
(2)
Tim M.
ok so i read about this place for months, saw the review on time out ny on demand, heard all my friends talk about the cornication there. so i went on a friday night at about 9pm and waited over an hour outside for this corn. ok...the corn is amazing, but the rest of the menu isn't that tasty. i'd probably come back but only during the afternoon and only for the corn. it's cornicopia baby!
(3)
Kim N.
I adore their grilled corn! That for sure is the best thing on the menu, as everyone else has stated on Yelp. Their cuban sandwiches are really good too--crispy crust, melty cheese, flavorful meats.
(4)
ko i.
Everyone knows Habana for the roasted corn on the cob, but it doesn't stop there. If you are a fan of Cubano's (Cuban Sandwich) they serve them up the right way. Almost everything on the menu will leave you wanting more, which is probably the reason this place is such a hit, especially with neighbourhood hipsters and young celebrities. The restaurant has also been featured in a Lenny Kravitz video and in the film Basquiat by Julian Schnabel. Try not to freak out if you are having lunch next to the newest "It" girl or boy.
(5)
Aleth C.
When we got there, we could see it was very busy... lots of people waiting outside to be seated. It's a small spot... but there was only 2 of us -- so we got seated fairly quickly. I have to say it was kind of tight in there... I was trying to dodge people as they were passing by. That was really uncomfortable. I couldn't fully enjoy my meal. I have no complaints about the service. Our waitress was very attentive and very nice. Obviously, i had to have the corn everyone is raving about. i loved it... but could live without it LOL... and i also had the huevos con chorizo -- it was just ok. I would say just get the food to go at the other entrance.
(3)
Stephen C.
Grilled corn is the rave. Cuban sandwich? Not my fave. Skip crowd. Eat on bench.
(3)
Chelsey S.
Anyone that has been here knows the atmosphere can't be beat! Beautiful & bubbly staff that are always a pleasure! The drinks and the food are delicious! The corn is to die for.. Do not come here without getting the corn, you will see other guests around you eating it and surely regret it! One of my favorite favorite spots in the city! Love this gem!!
(5)
Tiffany J.
The food here is awesome, and the wait is sucky (but standard), but what I'm really here to talk about is the SERVICE. Does anyone else here think the waitresses are total babes who seem too cool to talk to you and yet, despite all odds, DO?? I mean, never mind that they are technically here to work and take your order and bring your food and refill your drink. They are too dang hip to be chatting with awkward dorks like me. I would come back here if only to up my street cred.
(4)
Alan L.
I don't know what authentic Cuban food tastes like, but if it tastes anything like Habana, then I am one happy camper. Past by this place and thought to myself lets try it. A great idea by yours truly. FYI: I suggest taking out since the place is quite small. I ordered the two most popular dishes on the menu. I got the Cuban Sandwich and the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. The Grilled Corn Mexican Style- served with mayonnaise, chili powder, cotija cheese and lime. That quite possibly is one of the better tasting corn I have tasted. It was cheesy, creamy, and very tasty. I almost wish I had another one. Something I think you can get addicted too. Cuban Sandwich- citrus marinated roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, and a pickle on a toasted roll. Voted as the best sandwich in NYC, I can see why. The Cuban sandwich was toasty, cheesy, the layers of meat were very juicy and tender. It was a very delicious sandwich. I can see why this place is very popular. A great choice to grab some lunch or even dinner.
(5)
Kathy L.
I've lived in NY all my life and I can't believe I've never been to Cafe Habana. Ok I lied, I've been to the one next door with a limited menu but not the real Cafe Habana The place lives up to its reputation. We came on a Friday night, there was a line but the wait was only 20 minutes. Of course we started with the Grilled Mexican Corn and its JUST as good as everyone says. Then we shared the Cuban sandwich and the Enchilada Suizas. The sandwich wasn't bad but maybe a bit overhyped or just not my think but the Enchilada Suiza was delicious! The green sauce is perfectly flavored, I wish I could put it on everything
Mediocre food, terrible service. I've been here three times, the third was my last. The food was mediocre the first two times and the third time I never even had a chance to order. I ended up being seated towards the back in a really crowded space, which was not ideal in the first place. Then to make matters worse the manager made a scene about our table being in the way. We ended up leaving before we even ordered. I wasn't disappointed because the food isn't great and there are so many amazing places right around the corner. We had a great dinner at Cafe Gitane instead!
(1)
Christina F.
Extremely crowded. Corn was pretty good but not as amazing as I had hoped. Had the shrimp w/ rice and beans which were good but again, not amazing.
(3)
Jay T.
The best Mexican Grill Corn. Its a must order. The grill skirt steak is cook to your liking. The fish sandwich is amazing. One of the best cuban sandwich. I love the food here. The wait to be seated is long. I just go to the take outside. Its not a full menu the only downside.
(4)
Danny S.
Fan-freaking-tastic! I had the pleasure of eating here when I was out in Manhattan last June. My friend out there took us to Cafe Habana and ranted and raved about it and it did not disappoint at all. We already knew this place was going to be good by the number of people waiting outside to get a seat. The wait is well worth it. I had the corn which was amazing (as good as the corn guys here in LA, if you're from LA/OC, y'all know what I'm talking about) and the steak enchiladas. Man oh man, it was grreeat. My friends and I left this place wanting more. Def deserving of the 5 star rating. Enjoy!
(5)
Stranger D.
There's a reason there was only one review below four stars on the first page. Expect a line. If you're with a group, send someone to the Outpost next door to get some corn to spell your wait.
(5)
Ikeb I.
GET THE ROASTED CORN. It just cant be replicated! Eveything else is decent, if you must order more. But I get 3 orders of corn, and I'm a happy little (ok, big) oinker. Even happier because then i'll order more to take back home with me to California! OH, added plus. SEXY HOT WAITERS! Word to the wise, get there early as there can be quite a wait (and they dont take reservations) or hit up the 'TO-GO' next door to the main restaurant/cafe.
(5)
Erin D.
There's always a wait at this hipster haunt, which is why I usually grab something from the to-go place next door, although if you don't mind cooling your heels you can usually spy some eye candy...in fact, it's so crowded you'll practically be sitting on their lap. The cojita-slathered corn on the cob is my favorite, with the goat cheese torta a close second.
(4)
janet t.
Corn on the cob is what keeps me coming back to this place. The mango salad is very good. The rest of the food is fresh but not memorable. Love the neighbourhood atmosphere.
(5)
T T W.
What you need to do is go on a Tuesday at like 2.30 in the afternoon. It's actually sort of empty at this time, and you can order as many cheese-encrusted corn on the cobs as you desire, all in less than 20 minutes!
(4)
Gourmet G.
As someone who prefers to keep the spectacle of handling food a private affair, I always avoid ordering anything that requires the use of fingers when eating out - but I have been known to come here simply for the corn on the cob. It's a messy and amazing meal unto itself. The only drawback is finding a dark corner or an empty alley where I can discreetly pick the kernels out of my teeth afterwards. Who ever thought I'd give five stars to an ear of corn?
(5)
Annie L.
I will warn you, the line is long but definitely worth the wait. Be prepared to be packed, but hey, you can always make friends with your neighbors :) Grilled corn with cojita cheese is an absolute must. Good, authentic food in a cozy and charming atmosphere. Price: A+ Food: A- Atmosphere: A Wait: C+ (but like I said, worth the wait)
(5)
Eddie K.
Cafe Habana is a small and crowded restaurant whose late hours cater to those looking to satisfy their drunchee urge. Came here and shared a couple of different dishes that weren't too impressive. Then we got to the grilled corn... IT WAS THE BEST CORN I'VE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Creamy, cheesy, and delicious; this corn is on point but be warn as it'll get into every nook and cranny between your teeth. Overall: Corn was outstanding but everything else was just-OK.
(3)
Kathleen T.
When anybody asks me what my favorite restaurant in NYC is, it's this place and YES it may indeed be all about the corn! It's out of this world, that just one is never enough!! It can get crowded very quickly so be prepared for a possible wait time and if you're claustrophobic you're going to have to get over it because I promise you Cafe Habana is well worth the wait! Don't just take my word for it go try it!!
(5)
Ja'Crispy C.
I'm sure you've read the same thing over and over again in all the other reviews, but the grilled corn is reason enough to go down to Cafe Habana. Go there, and find out for yourself!
(5)
Nitza B.
Grilled steak torta + grilled corn mexican style hit the spot after walking all morning. It's small so try to visit off hours or you'll find yourself in a line out the door. Make sure you know what you want when you get to the front of the line...they are not very friendly and do NOT mess with the cuban.
(4)
Mercy A.
So we went for the corn due to all of the Yelper suggestions. Yes, it was good. Not to die for, but good. Mine was a little dried out- maybe grilled too long? It was all down hill from there. Service: Almost non-existent? Unfriendly and slow. Food: Their famous Cuban Sandwich was average- not sure I like that ham they use. Pulled pork was very dry and there was more bread than anything else. Space: OMG. Be prepared to be best friends with those around you. Not enough room on table, either. Won't be back- not worth the tude!
(2)
Brad P.
This was one of those, I'm-in-a-random-spot-in-Manhattan and am hungry and this place looks decent sort of moments. So, I popped in for a late breakfast, sat at the counter, and had me some huevos ala mexicana which set me up for a great day. This is a warm and cozy spot, with a menu with a lot of attractive options at good prices, too. There was a nice local feel to the clientele, who seemed to know each other and enjoyed seeing each other. I watched them cooking up a mountain of corn on their grill as they got ready for the rest of the day, and now that I read the other Yelp reviews, I now see the light. Next time!
(4)
Meryl C.
Yes, it's crowded at night. Yes, the corn on the cob rocks. But, the best thing about Cafe Habana (aside from the gorgeous staff and cool, laid back decor) is the cheap breakfast. Go for the eggs, toast, potatoes and coffee for under six bucks.
(4)
Sovi P.
Love this place. There's always a line but its definitely worth it. Always go for the Cuban sandwich and the Grilled Corn. Service is good and they aren't pushy even with being so small an busy! I've been going here for years and years.. Food is always great! If you don't want to wait try going for early lunch!
(4)
Kara N.
I will preface my review by saying that I absolutely LOVE Habana... on Fort Greene. Cafe Habana is so small that it should be illegal, and the service is so bad that it should be illegal. Okay, I'm lying, the service isn't that bad but its not good either. Nope, not good at all. I don't remember how crappy it was because I was there a while ago, and it was probably alleviated by how delicious the food was. Come to think of it, the food here wasn't as good as Habana Outpost.. DISAPPOINTING ALL AROUND :(
(1)
Jasmine M.
Cheers again for that amazing crack corn. Sopecitos were good, but I really loved the tres marias with black beans, cheese, and sundried tomatoes! yum! and hey i think the waitresses are really friendly here...they put up with my friends and i with our drinking fest for two hours.
(5)
Jess K.
I don't think I have ever reviewed a place with this many reviews already. Whoa. Never before have I felt so insignificant (I couldn't vote in the 2000 election or that would take the cake). So anyway, I went here because my Sister-in-Law told me that I HAD to go and try the grilled mexican corn. And so I did. It's awesome that it comes with two pieces but there was no way I could have myself eaten two pieces of corn so I split the appetizer with a friend. I liked the corn...a lot....but I wouldn't say OMFG that's the best thing I have ever eaten. I think it's because I don't love spicy foods and it had a whole lot of kick to it. Also I ordered this dish that they say is like a calzone and I see the resemblance. The beans and rice were also delicious. Most of us devoured our food in no time at all. I shared a bottle of red wine with a friend and it was really great. I would definitely go back here and try some more menu options.
(5)
Rae F.
Working in soho/nolita for 7yrs, i've seen the neighborhood transform. And this place seems to get harder and harder to get into for a meal during peak hours. It doesnt help that it is the size of a shoebox either. However, the only thing that doesnt change is the tasty food (corn, sauteed spinach, cuban sammiches) and the gorgeous people that frequent this place. I mean, the people that eat here, look like they belong in an abercrombie ad...wait....THAT GUY IS IN THE ABERCROMBIE AD!! So if you want to eat some great cuban, scope out some gorgeous people, this is the place to be. MEOW.
(5)
Alex T.
As everyone else had mention..try the corn!! Great food and service...love the corn
(4)
Julie T.
So one of my girlfriends has been raving about cuban corn ever since she moved to NYC!! So after many trips to the Big Apple I finally made my way over. We ordered our corns and took a seat!! let's just say it was ok untill her boyfriend came around and told me to try it with the lime!! Man that's what i was missing adding the tangyness of the lime to the corn sure made a huge difference it was soooo yummy!! Thanks boyfriend saver you made this 2 star place into a 4 star place by telling me to use my lime :)
(4)
Corinne M.
The "Sloppy Jose" pulled pork sandwich is amazing!!! Really nice flavors, and extremely messy. Must order with a Mexican coke. Downside is, they can sometimes take forever with deliveries.
(4)
Emely J.
For starters I feel this place was a little too hyped for me. I've tried better Cuban sandwiches... But Nothing beats the corn! Place was way too small and the ac wasn't working. But I would order again, prob for take-out or drinks.
(3)
Scott J.
This place stands up to the hype. I've had the Cuban and the grilled corn on multiple occasions. We had to get it to go, as the sit down part of the restaurant is constantly packed.
(4)
Michelle s.
Delicious food, eco-friendly, and cool atmosphere. The Michelada is delicious and unlike anything I have ever tasted before. The wait is horrendous... however, several cool nearby bars offer a cool place to forget about your hunger until your name is called.
(4)
Diana C.
i love corn, therefore i love cafe habana.
(3)
Cathy N.
If you want to taste the best Mexican corn ever, this is the spot! SO GOOD. Corn on the cob - grilled just right, rolled in some yummy grated white cheese, and then sprinkled with a mildly spicy chili blend. Squeeze some fresh lime over it and voila! BEST CORN EVER! My mouth waters just thinking about it.
(5)
Daniel S.
+ Highlight item - Corn with Cajun spices, powdered cheese, and a piece of lime. + Quick service (3min. wait for corn) - 12 seats in the restaurant. Ate the corn standing up. - Door does not properly shut allowing cold air to seep in the store in the wint
(3)
Kaitlyn Y.
Come here for the corn and Cuban sandwich. I was suggested a iced coffee and it had no taste. Crowded as always but very nice place to have lunch with a friend or two
(4)
Pierre F.
another great little hole in the wall !!! love the bfast here ! highly recomemded !!!
(5)
S A.
The first time I went here, I made the mistake of ordering things with the grilled corn. The actual food was sub-par at best. But the corn...OMG. It is to die for. I could eat 10 of these. Now all I have when we go there is the grilled corn and the limeade. The strawberry limeade is the best and the mango is not bad either. But if anything, the corn is the highlight of their menu.
(5)
Brooke S.
Brunch at Cafe Habana is so yummy. My friend and I ate at the bar and enjoyed bloody marys and screwdrivers along with the chilaquiles and the cuban sandwich, both with sides of rice and beans. Delish! Loved everything about our experience here. The only tiny shocker (which actually I should expect by now living in NYC) is the price tag when drinks are ordered...but the awesome bartender actually gave us a round on the house, which lightened the blow a bit. Very pleased with Cafe Habana.
(5)
Asiyat T.
I'm writing the review while eating my Cuban sandwich! This place is absolute heaven! First time when I'm satisfied with Cuban sandwich and grilled corn! The way they serve corn....it's a poem! Their sandwich is to die/kill for! So good!! People are so fun and friendly. Portions are huge! Wish I wasn't sick, so I could try cocktails too! Wish I could kidnap the whole place with people working here and take back to SF with me!!! Cafe Habana, I'm singing you my love song!
(5)
Mel L.
It can get super cramped in here and it seems like there's always a line! But I think the wait is worth it when you're really feeling like mexican food. It's probably not the best place you can find around in terms of food but its very satisfying. Also, sometimes you just crave some well made elotes and you don't care how long it'll take to get one. Have some drinks while you wait, they are pretty good as well.
(4)
Linda W.
While killing time waiting for a salon appointment, Hub and I wander around in the neighborhood. I've been wanting to try Elote Mexican corn at Habana forever. Finally, we stopped here for lunch. We had the following: Cuban sandwich, Pork Tacos, Elote Mexican Corn, and Mango juice at the take-out cafe next door. It was apparently packed at the main one. The food was Soooo good! Hence, the long wait! We later learned that the take out cafe is just as good as the main one and cheaper. The staff was not exactly friendly but we came for the food. The take-out cafe is meant to eat and go. Even the regulars just eat quick and get up when they're done. Def look forward to trying the other specialties on our next visit!!
(5)
Larry F.
Oh man oh man oh man cafe habana doesn't disappoint, what is this crazy Mexican/Cuban on the corner?! Cafe habana is the name and it's the real deal when it comes down to good and filling food. Order that special Cuban sandwich today and boy oh boy was that sandwich good,you got the juices from the sandwich dripping down as you hit hat crunchy bread slice. Wow what a sandwich and not to mention the atmosphere of the place, you got Spanish music blast through making you get the feels like it's straight from the villas. This little corner delight does not disappoint and I walk out that joint with a fat belly.
(4)
Jade B.
Cafe Habanas Ambience Is Amazing, Small, But Full Of Energy. Bartenders Were Super Friendly And The Cuban Was To Die For.
(4)
Camille W.
I love this place! Small but with lots of character. Their elote is a must have: it is the best I have ever had. Their Cuban sandwich is also to die for! Also, margaritas are delicious and super strong.
(5)
Jimmy M.
What else should one try first but the cuban sandwich? Good ham, cheese and bread. French fries were crispy and hot. Service was super fast at lunchtime.
(4)
Clara L.
I love this place! Best cuban food! I´m always eat at this restaurant when I'm In NYC.
(5)
Zach W.
You know how most restaurants, when you order the corn, just act like they don't have corn on the menu? Well, Cafe Habana doesn't do that at all, and their corn is delicious. You know how if you go to an Italian restaurant and order and Italiano they look at you funny? Or a Chinese restaurant and order a Chineseo? Well, finally a breath of fresh air - these guys not only had a Cubano, but it was a really, really good sandwich! I forget what the other thing we ordered was, both because it was pretty average and unremarkable but ALSO because there was a margarita on the table and that thing was strong. Like one margarita, two people buzzed strong. Anyway it's definitely a solid meal, four stars.
(4)
Laura F.
The corn with cheese thing is so good!! I'm reading the other reviews and see that people had issues with the cashiers as well. You would think that's a sign to fire them? Lmao First of all, I got two small white napkins with the corn, and the thing is messy so you need like 10! I go in and ask do you have any napkins? She points to where they are so I grab them and leave. As I'm leaving, she yells you're welcome.. lol! I always tell people thank you, but it was so loud in there I couldn't even hear myself think. Also, next time give us a bunch of napkins with dishes that are messy. Common sense.
(2)
Eric C.
After reading all the rave reviews about the corn I had to order it, and I can now confirm that it is delicious. As an entree I had the Cuban, which was quite good. The pork was juicy and flavorful, though there was a lot of bread which was a bit chewy. The restaurant itself is quite small and more than a bit cramped. You may well be essentially sharing a table with the party next to you. Service was very friendly and quick. Overall a great option if you're in the area!
(4)
Carolina V.
Great spot! The food was great. The atmosphere was just what you would expect for a small Cuban diner, music is great. Some salsa some top 40 some alternative.. Def. will return. . I sat at the bar with my book and enjoyed my Cuban sandwich.
(5)
Carlos B.
Needed to find some food, yelp food and came up this little spot on the corner for authentic Cuban food and we are there! Great drinks,cheesy quesadilla an awesome Cuban sandwich and great service . Our waiter Claudia was super cool, a homeless man passed by and she stopped him to give him money and I gave her some money too to hand him. Do good so others can follow. God is good!
(5)
Janus C.
I always come for their Mexican corn, even though I know it's overpriced for something so simple to be made. Yet I just keep coming back. And back. And back. What is it that makes me come back for more - the mayo, the cotija cheese, the lime, the chili powder, the smokiness of the corn? I just always feel like I could make it at home, but I never can be bothered. The Cuban sandwich is amazing though! Toasted well, and the meat is super flavorful. Highly recommend it.
(4)
Lynn J.
Probably my favorite meal in my recent trip to NYC! Not like this place needs another great review, but I couldn't help it! It was that good! This place is soooo good that I overlooked that we were sitting at a table with total strangers so we could eat. Their corn on the cob is unbelievable!!! I got the chicken quesadilla and my husband got the Cuban sandwich...UNBELIEVABLE! This place is reasonably priced, I think bc its a few blocks off the main streets in SoHo, but you will not be disappointed...I am anxiously awaiting the opening of the one in Malibu!
(5)
Katie M.
Of course, immensely enjoyed the corn. That's a given. Yummers. But, I think the real winner was the steak enchiladas. The beans are perfectly cooked and seasoned. Really didn't mind the cramped eating situation because of the deliciousness of the food. Our server was amazing, policing the sidewalk waiting peeps and remembering orders, faces and names. I think I would order from the takeout at the next meal.
(5)
Genuine N.
Saw 1000+ reviews for this in yelp so had to try it out. So I tried the cuban sandwich and some grilled corn, both were awesome! The ciabata bread of the sandwich had a nice crisp to it.... the mustard added just the right amount of tanginess to its overall taste.... the roast beef and ham were nice and moist..... the combination of the chili powder and cotija cheese on the corn was incredible. Good amount of food and it definite hit the spot. For those that don't feel like waiting the 45+ minutes that Ive waited, theres a take out next door. The bad things: Too loud atmosphere (to the point the waitress misheard my order), very small tables
(4)
ally h.
omg I love their grilled corn! its spicy cheesy sweet and so delicious. Their eggs with choizo with rice and beans is super yummy. I like their chicken and corn salad with the mustard dressing too.
(5)
Tillie K.
I gave up on dining in here. it's so small and tight. the service isn't friendly either. I feel like a rush eating here. Maybe I will try back on a lunch time of a weekday. Otherwise, I would go next door to their "take-out" only order. There are some stools inside the take out area and there is also 2 benches outside so you can eat it here or just take it to go to where ever you are heading to. Their grilled corn is a must and their cuban sandwich and skirt steak sandwich is both really good. Their corn is something you would really crave for. GO TRY IT OUT!
(3)
Bryan F.
Great food, just a little cramped. The corn makes up for that tenfold though.
(5)
DineGirl K.
Nolita landmark. The wait is very long (45min ++) during peak times, but the food is solid, atmosphere is lively and the price points are very affordable. The corn is a must. Menu is surprisingly extensive - I tend to gravitate towards enchilladas suiza or the cuban sandwich but there's something on the menu for everyone. Drinks are fun and the frozen margaritas are amazing. Trendy vibe but always friendly and inviting. It's very cramped seating but that's part of the charm. Go during non-peak hours and it's much more relaxing. Great spot and always popular among both locals and tourists.
(4)
Daisy M.
Great food. Expect to wait for 20min for lunch but it's worth it.
(5)
Michael H.
TERRIBLE service. Food was decent. Did I mention horrible service?
(3)
Vineet S.
As a big admirer of Cuban food, I was really excited to try this place for lunch. The spot itself is not huge but has decent dining and bar area seating. When we walked during lunch there was a wait of 20 mins for the table so decided to sit at the bar. I ordered the Chicken quesdilla and my friend had the veggis tacos. Both the dishes come with rice and beans. I had the red beans and yellow rice. My dish had 3 quesdilla's, though were OK but were not exceptional but quantity wise it was a good amount of food. The lunch was $10 bucks.Since so much has been said about the food at this place I would keep it short , my lunch was good but not great hence the 3 stars.
(3)
Rachel G.
First time in my life I've ever been excited to eat an ear of corn in a restaurant--and you should be too. Slathered in a pile of cheesemayospice, the corn is messy and grilled and insanely good. We enjoyed as well their mojitos and a tasty cuban.
(4)
Janani S.
i visited new york city last month and was fortunate enough to have my friend take me here for lunch. i dream of that corn. dreammmm of it. soo good. i also ordered the diablo burrito and it was only mediocre. but that corn. oh man. we also got the plantains, which were okay but nothing extraordinary. FOUR stars for the corn. minus one star for mediocre food, overcrowding and high prices. i want corn.
(4)
Loretta C.
Do get: the grilled corn; it speaks for itself. The only complaint I have about this place is that the line gets longer and longer everytime I go. It's tiny and a little cramped (not your setting if you're claustrophobic), but the dishes are plentiful and the prices are very reasonable. After the corn, try their salads and sandwiches--you won't find anything too imaginitive, but the cooking is definitely consistent. Service is good, too. PS: this is also the site of my Johnny Knoxville sighting.
(5)
grace l.
I've always been a huge fan of Habana Outpost...and recently, I've "tried" Cafe Habana. Looooove the food! Everything is delciious...you can't go wrong! WEIRD thing: My friend ordered a Cuban sandwich & on the menu, it said it comes with fries. So we asked & verified. They said it we had to order next door. We got ping-pong-ed back and forth a few times (over the cuban sandwich to come with fries, mind you)... That was a smidgette ridonk, but it worked out in the end, and quite possibly worth the back & forth since the food is DELICIOUS!
(4)
Aditya D.
Oh what a horrible experience !! The hostess/server Jennifer who we met at the front door was the worst server/ restaurant employee I have ever met in my life. She had such a horrible attitude. After waiting for almost an hour, when our turn finally came to sit, she seated someone else in front of us. We went ahead and grabbed a seat at the bar which seemed to make her angry at us for some reason. When a table opened up again, we requested her to shift us there from the bar and she absolutely refused saying she was keeping it open for dinner service. No apology or even an explanation, just NO. Whatever food we had sitting at the bar, was so ordinary. The service at the bar was also so poor. Never got any utensils or water. Had to ask for everything. The staff seemed more interested in gossiping about their lives which everyone at the bar could hear. This experience completely ruined our day I would strongly advise not to go to this place. All you get is horrible attitude, poor service and ordinary food.
(1)
Yiwen S.
finally was able to make a trip here because we figured out the formula for how to get a table without any wait on a weekend. - arrive between 11pm and midnight (closing time) - come after a snowstorm, when it's more than a few degrees below freezing - come in a group of 2-4 you'll be guaranteed immediate seating, and we only waited about 5 mins between ordering and getting our food. that being said, the tables of 2 are VERY close to each other. you might as well make friends with the table next to you. but it's nice and cozy - something about the atmosphere and the friendly service makes for great ambiance. ROAST PORK: the menu described it as "caribbean style citrus marinated pulled pork" and for some reason i thought the pork would come heavily marinated. but the citrus marinade was very light, you could barely taste it - so all you're left with is the natural flavoring of the pork. and it was really, really tender. just the best. i'm a big fan of their yellow rice, but the beans are just whatevers. GRILLED CORN: cheesy, fatty goodness. what else needs to be said? get it!! CUBAN SANDWICH: perfectly crispy pressed baguette bread. ooey gooey melted cheese. layers and layers of tender roast pork. add a couple pickles for that sour kick. mm-MMM. A.MAZE.BALLS.
(4)
Lauren M.
The vibe of this place is awesome... especially in the middle of winter. The food is so good. I recommend this to anyone visiting or living in the city and the corn is a must have! Just go here!
(5)
Wuhoo S.
the corn is amazing. they slather this special mayonnaise and parmesan cheese after its roasted. my friend and i got the shrimp tacos and they were okay. the shrimp was fresh but there honestly was nothing special about this dish. i feel like you could get similar shrimp tacos at rubios (in california this is a classier fast food mexican chain). the space is small. you can barely get in or out. there is too much hype for what you get. i would just get the corn to go at the to go stand for cafe habana next door. definitely not worth the wait (for an entree). who knows, i should really explore the rest of the menu, so wait for an updated review.
(3)
Denean P.
Oh the Elote was out of this world! The enchiladas were amazing. And the vibe was super cute! I'll be going back here.
(5)
Kelley B.
Everybody says the corn here really is to die for -- yes it is. The service wasn't horrible. They seated my friend and I at a table that would have allowed for three, and then asked us to move but gave us free drinks as a thank you! That was a classy move.
(4)
J L.
The corn is to die for here! I've had Mexican corn at other restaurants, but this one is definitely the best I've had.
(5)
Amy C.
*Must Try: Grilled Corn on the Cob. Served with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. *Pollo Mirador: sauteed Chicken breasts with roasted garlic sauce and spicy spinach. Juicy and delicious! *Flan is good, but comes in a very tiny jar.
(4)
Jerome T.
Cuban? Really? That's like calling McDonald's Mexican cuz they have breakfast burritos. This place is 84.67% Mexican. And I'm not talking about the guys in the kitchen. The menu is MEXICAN! Whatever. I'm not into corn. Which is ironic, because I'm a corny mofo. But, if you throw enough stuff on it that it doesn't taste like corn, I'm in. These people throw everything but the kitchen sink to mask the corn. It's all I remember really from last night. I think I had fish tacos, too. Whatever. It's all about the corn. I've been to both the restaurant and the take out joint next door. If you can smell the breathe of the person at the table next to you, it ain't for me. I only want to eat here on odd days at odd hours. Which is normal for me. The tacos are good. Not memorable. The space, vibe and people are the best thing about this joint. Oh and the corn. The end.
Wow. We totally just stumbled upon Cafe Habana from Yelp. Signage is non existent, and we actually past it twice (saying, "wow, that place must be good, because it's swarming with people!"), without knowing it was what we were looking for. Very small, but surprisingly efficient, short wait, and the staff was very friendly. We tried the corn. The corn, the corn, the corn. If you eat nothing else, eat the corn. So delicious! (And it comes with toothpicks! :) ) Next we had the Sopesitos- little crisp corn cakes with black beans and a sampler of three salsas. Yum! The Ensalada de Espinaca y Manzana was beyond delicious, with chunks of crisp apple, spicy pumpkin seeds, spinach, grapefruit, and a fantastic orange tequila vinaigrette. Will definitely have that again! Shrimp tacos were different and delicious, with a terrific sauce on the side. (Only complaint would be that the tacos were so stuffed, and only had one tortilla- would have been easier to eat with 2 tortillas.) Finished with the Cheese Flan, and it didn't disappoint either! LOVE this place! Worth the wait (because there will be one!)
(5)
Dimitrius J.
I remember I ate here three years ago with two hot girls and a friend of mine man the food was really good that was the first night I tried habanero sauce whew it was spicy I had like 3 cups of water lol but anyway went really well with the food I ordered I had a chicken salad I think it was good i would definitely go back here
(4)
Winnie M.
My friend recommend to come here. We try Cuban Sandwich and grilled corn, there are excellent ! I definitely will come back to try more ,of cause I love it so much.
(4)
Stephan H.
The corn is indeed good
(4)
Ania B.
It's been about 2 or 3 years since I last came to Cafe Habana, so I was a bit apprehensive that I may have oversold how great it is to a friend of mine. We went for dinner last night, and it did not disappoint. Good food, good drinks, and good prices. After a while, well after we had finished eating and were just enjoying our drinks, the waitress very very nicely asked if we could move a table over so they could accommodate a (very) large party in the back. I wouldn't have really minded this in the first place, as we finished our plates anyway, but they still threw in a free round of drinks as a thank you for moving which obviously wins some bonus points! Yes, it's a super small space so if you absolutely hate that, then don't waste your time, but overall this place is a favorite of mine, and I will continue to recommend it.
(5)
ML V.
I don't even remember what entree I ordered, but holy #%^*.. The corn. It's a definite must. This place has ruined my taste for grilled/crazy corn from now on. I would go out of my way the next time I'm in New York to have that corn. It's essentially grilled corn coated with mayo and spices that give it the perfect amount of kick. It doesn't sound spectacular, but I guarantee you that it is all that and much more. The place is pretty small and gets crowded easily, but it's worth it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Steven T.
Love, love, LOVE the corn here! Whenever I stop by, I usually grab one. Delicious.
(4)
Versace J.
Nice Laid back vibe on prince street . Drinks are good . The enchilada was burnt due to the charcoaling .
(4)
Z B.
The food is good. The service and noise level annoying. You're better off ordering at their to-go window.
(4)
Joshua P.
I've eaten dinner three times here and each time my entree has been mediocre to gross. I travel to Mexico City often, and the food here just isn't up to snuff. BUT, the street corn makes it worth the trip. Just get the corn and a Jarrito cooler before going on to dinner elsewhere.
(3)
Daniel B.
Cuban sandwich was great. We also ordered a chicken burrito, which was super flavorless and dry. Our request for some mayo was met with disdain and a lecture about their mayo policy. After returning to the counter a second time they finally relented and gave us some sauce, though not without reminding us that they were doing us a biiiig favor. All's well that ends well, but it would have been nice if they seemed to care a tad more about the satisfaction of their customers.
(3)
Ian C.
Holy delicious. This is exactly the kind of paper plate, just-like-Mom-made-it cuisine I don't see nearly enough of in Manhattan. I had the Tlacoyo de Tres Marias, and would've ordered a second serving if I hadn't already decided to try their popular corn on the cob. The restaurant felt like it had been pulled straight out of Havana (and I say that in the best way possible). Laid back, friendly, and a much-need retreat from superficial SoHo. The prices are great, too (under $15 for my whole meal, including tip and tax). The Tlacoyo plate had some of the best Chipotle sauce I've ever had, and is a good dish to try if you enjoy Tex-Mex. Be prepared to get a little messy if you're ordering a corn on the cob: it's piled high with shredded cheese and butter. So, so good. Follow-up: the margaritas are awesome!
(5)
Louise F.
the corn is amazing . Something I had never tried before and didn't expect to taste so great. Fish tacos are great too as are the margaritas. Would be great if they could sell singular tacos instead of having to buy the whole plate with rice and beans. Also the staff aren't the friendliest hence the 4 stars.
I think this place is way over valued , they have an amazing branding , and a young vibe , location on the corner and good corns - That's it ! Everything else is really whatever , cheeseburger is really tasteless a , low quality - the steak sandwich is good although they do not put enough steak in it . Overall the place is really not what it looks like . Once again brand wins , but if you are looking for a nice lunch , just go somewhere else
(1)
Tiffany M.
Sitting on the corner far from the busy streets of the people and shops on Broadway is this gem of a restaurant. My friend and I decided to share some Mexican for lunch and found our way through here thanks to Yelp. When we arrived, the restaurant was already a little busy but tables were clearing up so we were seated within 5 minutes. My friend and I started off with the grilled corn. I chose the shrimp tacos as my entree. I'm not a fan of corn usually but seeing the recognition it gets in the restaurant and in the reviews did not hesitate me to give it a try- AND OH MY, was it delicious! So savory, sweet, yet salty (not too salty). Writing this is making my mouth water as I type! Our entrees came within minutes of our corn and we had to do a bit of rearranging to our table since the tables are SO tiny (if you're seated at a two-person table). Most entrees come with yellow rice and black beans. The whole entree was fantastic. The second fish taco ended up drooping a bit so I finished that one off with a fork. It got a little messy! Overall, service was nothing exceptional but the food was fantastic. I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Anna W.
Corn! I came to the take-out location to avoid waiting in line for a table, and got my ear of corn and Cuban sandwich in about 3 minutes. The corn is delicious, grilled to perfection and sprinkled with cheese and lime. Yum. The Cuban sandwich was very filling, I could only finish half, but quite good. My only gripe would be that it was also quite oily. Great place for a late night snack!
(4)
Nicole M.
Damn...the corn!!! I'm really not a big fan of corn, but their corn is WOW!!! I think everything on their menu here is really good. Ate here with my gfs who like to try everything---from the tacos to the sandwiches, everything was tasty! If I'm feeling for Cuban food, def will be coming back here!
(4)
Angus B.
That corn! It's so good, like nothing I've had before. If your in nyc it is a must. Staff couldn't be more friendly and genuine (not just looking for that tip). Tacos the best I've had, so authentic and delicious. 100% try this place!
(5)
Vincent H.
This place is muy delicioso. Seriously good! Fun and relaxed atmosphere! Corn was beyond good. Guacamole was fresh and tasty and went great with the fresh plantains. Price is right! I'll be back for sure!
(5)
Ivy T.
The Cuban corn is definitely worth trying! Deliciously sweet with a punch of cheese and lime. The other menu items were also pretty good. I ordered the garlic chicken: not bad, but it was a bit sour. The huevos rancheros are a good choice. Staff was nice and upbeat, however It was fairly loud and crowded. If you like a busy, loud atmosphere, this is the place to go!
(4)
Jen B.
I'm in love with cafe Havanas Cuban sandwich.... More so than the corn they are infamously known for! I mean don't get me wrong, the corn is good, but it's not the best I've ever had for elotes corn! Back to the Cuban sandwich, they pack it with delicious tender, juicy meat... and melted cheese! Seriously the best ever!! I would definitely come back for their Cuban sandwich. I also got the fish tacos.... They were just "ok" Mind you, this place is small and you will practically be sitting on other peoples laps if you're not seated at the bar.
(4)
Rokha H.
What happened to your corn, Habana?! There was absolutely no kick, no flavor to it!!! I used to recommend you to every visitor to NY and I am not sure if I can anymore. Were you having an off day or did the tourist traffic do you in?! Also, that brunch menu is really lacking!!!! If I wanted eggs done 101 ways, there are gazillions of options in NYC!
(2)
Tiffany M.
This rating is only for the Corn. Heard a lot of rave about the mexican street corn so I decided to give it a go. Honestly, I don't see what the fuss is all about. I love corn but this was not what I was expecting at all. The corn was not that warm and had too much grated cheese on it, in my opinion. I'll stick to the corn on the Lexington Street Fairs.
(2)
Michael S.
Unbelievable Cuban sandwich that is worth the trip alone. Went here on late on a Sunday night so there was no wait which I guess is sometimes an issue with the area being what it is. Service was quick and portion to price ratio was very good. Would definitely come back.
(4)
Heawon K.
This place is not that good. Why does it have four stars? I don't know. Maybe it's the flock of tourists that find themselves at cafe habana after a day of shopping in soho that contribute to the 4 stars? Or maybe it is the terrible fish tacos and subpar service that scores this place 4 stars? Just kidding. I have been here two times. The second time I came here, I was dragged by a friend who was craving Mexican food. To be honest, we would have been better off at a taqueria. Oh well. The only good thing about this place is the corn. The tacos are just ehh. The fish in the fish taco had breading which took away from the texture and flavor of the fish. The rice and beans that accompany the tacos, taste straight out of goya cans- completely flavorless. The service is mediocre. You can read the expression on the server's faces and none of them seem to be having it. If you're craving authentic mexican food, do NOT make your way over here.
(2)
John C.
Best corn on the cob. Cheesy, fragrant, juicy, buttery. Nothing more you need for this. Service is decent even for a crowded restaurant. For manhattan this is very affordable place to eat or to hang out at.
(3)
Eli G.
Talk about hitting the spot! After a drive down from Boston and a few hours spent crate digging in the lower east side in freezing weather with frigid wind chill I was ready for something to warm my belly. Lucky my NYC buddy Abby K. hooked it up by bringing me to this tiny diner style Cuban jump off. It's packed and you probably will have to wait awhile but once you get seated the food is not only top notch, its also reasonably priced. The corn with cheese app is like Smart Food times a million and the wide selection of entrees covers a variety of Cuban styles, spicy and flavorful all around. I'll def be going back next time I'm in the city.
(5)
Justine L.
My review is only for the corn since that's the only thing I get when I come here. It is delicious and you should try it. Fresh grilled corn, covered in crumbled cotija cheese, served with a lime wedge. Simple perfection. Note that there is a sit down restaurant and a smaller "to-go" place next door.
(5)
Deb E.
The grilled corn was fabulous. Messy too. Seating is WAY limited so take plenty of napkins and eat your corn in the street. Ask for extra lime wedge - 1 is not enough.
(4)
Lana L.
Omg Mexican grilled corn is so amazing!! I don't even like mayonnaise and now I want to recreate this food at home. I got the vegetarian tacos as my main, they were good, but the thought of grilled corn haunted me throughout the meal, even to this day... The place is small and somewhat cramped, but after a near half hour wait in high 30's, it worked. Well worth the wait, as there are bars and a cutesy bakery nearby to pass the time. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area.
(4)
Carlos A.
Their grilled corn (elote) is excellent. I also liked their eggs and chorizo. I LOVED the cuban sandwich. This place is very affordable with most items being less than $7. It is a small space so don't come here with a large group (more than 5 or 6) but otherwise I highly recommend it.
(5)
Mei C.
Lovely staff and the food was good. The corn - yes, it's a must have. Everything was ok except for the space. It's so small and they try to cramp so many people in that tiny space. I got a little claustrophobic.
(4)
Noah N.
Taste bomb. Try the Pollo Mirador - chicken in light sauce with some spinach and some rice. Wham. I love spinach.
(4)
Chris L.
Always a favorite, despite the wait - the corn here is fantastic! grilled and sprinkled with cheese and cayenne pepper and garnished with a fresh lime - I can't go to Cafe Habana and not eat it! These days I'll pop in at Cafe Habana To Go next door to beat the crowd and eat my corn!! The rest of the menu is also good, but nothing beats the corn!! Try the various enchiladas and quesadillas, but skip the Cuban sandwich, which can often be a little dry. Drinks are good too, and usually pretty strong - and brunch is super tasty - try the scrambled eggs w/ chorizo or the green chicken dish. Have tried attempts at the corn at Dos Caminos and others but nothing compares to the Cafe Habana corn!
(4)
Nona C.
Cuban was decent...and the corn, well I understand how it can be do delicious but honestly, there were areas that were burnt to a crisp. The plantains were also meh. Place is small and the seating areas are so cramped, you must be skinny to be able to navigate between chairs without knocking someone's head while you're passing. Not sure if I'd be back.
(3)
Brig A.
I got here at 2 o'clock on a Saturday and apparently that is brunch time. That was fine. I was expecting more rice with the dishes, but Cafe Habana doesn't do rice for brunch. I ended up getting the grilled corn and the chorizo tacos. Both of these selections were excellent. The corn was especially good. I have grilled corn myself many times and never had anything nearly as good as what Cafe Habana makes. The reason that it isn't five stars is because the service was so-so at best. Quite frankly they have very limited space to work with, but that is no excuse. Our table was right next to the bathroom, which was annoying as well as it was a very small hall and we had to stand up every time someone went to the bathroom. I suppose that is part of the charm of this place.
(4)
Erin A.
Come for the corn! End of story! A friend recommended I come here for the corn and also to try the Cuban sandwich. The food is decently priced and well worth it! There is limited seating so be sure to go when mid day when there's less of a crowd. The employees are friendly and quick to serve! Enjoy!
(5)
Lor B.
Order the Cuban Sammy - a cup of soup and corn on the cob and u'll be happy. Little tiny joint that is jammed packed with good grub. Other notable bites include the jicama salad, chicken mole & portobello Sammie's all really amazing. Top it off with a negra modelo and fried plantains. Who needs an embargo when u have Havana right in the city. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Jess N.
So I love this place. I love the corn. I'll probably come back just for the corn... as I always do. Not really excited or mindblown about anything else... except for the corn. Which is the reason this place is 3 stars and NOT 5 ... even 4 stars. On that note... Who the hell hires any of these waitresses? I get lucky like once every 3 times or whatever, but the last time I immediately thought to myself, "WOW THAT WAITRESS WAS SUCH A DICK I'M GOING TO YELP THIS." And so yeah, Cafe Habana... Get your Human Resources together or some shit. That girl couldn't give less than zero fucks about us, anyone else, or her job. 5 minute wait, nobody's in line, and yet, you let two separate sets of random walk-ins right after us take a seat before us? I had to waive you down twice just to order. I ask for an EXTRA FORK... and you go straight to one of the dudes behind the bar because you just HAD to continue your conversation. You come back after 12 minutes and say, "Oh, sorry for the wait!" Really? Why did I have to ask you for my check TWICE? CoOOooOMe OonNNnNNnn.
(3)
Mindy M.
the corn was amazing!!! omg. cuban sandwich was also delicious. my mouth is watering just writing this review. quick, casual service. my boyfriend and i went in the late afternoon and didn't have to wait for a table, although i can imagine when it's busier this is a problem. the drinks were also really yummy (guava margarita and mojito). i cant wait to go back!
(5)
Cristina L.
As usual, the mexican corn is everyone's favorite. It was juicy. The entree is the same as other places. I would definitely go to the take out next time if i was craving for the mexican corn and cuban sandwich.
(4)
Lola B.
This rest is overrated. I'm Hispanic and know real Hispanic food. Been here several times bc my bf likes corn. I'm now going to start cooking that for him bc I'm done with this place. The skirt stake is burnt, has no flavor other than charcoal, the sweet plaintains the same. Portions are tiny. The limeade with tequila has a bad flavor. I think the okay things (2 stars) is the corn and the moijitos.
(2)
Benjamin C.
I actually accidentally found this place while waiting for friends and I was hungry. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out it was a small affiliate of Habana Outpost in BK. I loved the outpost but this joint fell short. I just got the classic Cuban sandwich. The cheese was not melted at all and the sandwich dripping too much. I'mm all for juicy meat but it was making the sandwich soggy. Maybe I just went on an off night but I wish I got some of their signature corn.
(3)
Linda L.
Grilled corn and mojitos = love. This may be the very best way to eat corn. bring a buddy because 1 order yields 2 on a cob unless you want them all to yourself, and no one can blame you for your gluttony.
(5)
Brian Y.
Hesitant initially because Cafe Habana appears really small and cramped on the outside. Arrived around 6:30 on a Friday after work, waited about 30-45 minutes for a table for three. Grabbed a few beers at the bar area while we waited to keep us occupied. Ultimately, WELL worth the wait! The staff was very charming despite being flustered by the prime time dinner rush and limited seating. I was very impressed by the food. Good prices considering the area and probably the most perfectly cooked skirt steak I've ever had (despite being slightly underseasoned). Skirt steak dries easily because of its low fat content...but man...this cheap cut of steak was cooked better than many of the quality cuts I've had. Sampled my friend's shrimp tacos....which were also phenomenal because of the unique marinade they use. The Cuban and grilled corn everyone raves about...absolutely lived up to the hype and was worth trying. Highly recommended spot to visit. The only reason I'm not giving it a perfect score is because the bathroom is located awkwardly behind two tables and it's tricky to avoid bumping into seated customers. Will definitely return!
(4)
Juan T.
i like this Mexican Joint, Yes Its mexican. not cuban. The original location is in Mexico City and i have been to that location also. The corn is good, i had better on the street but this is good for the area that is in. The corn comes with mayo, cheese and chili powder on top but it was bit dry/hard maybe not as young as it should have been. Ordered the roast pork and it came with yellow mexican rice and beans. My friend ordered the Cubano which was actually good. The place is so tiny that u cant have the food and apps on the same table. Beers were super warm and i had to ask for ice and a cup. Prices are moderate for mexican food. AC was not very good that day, it was barely comfortable + warm beers= no bueno. Maybe if the Ac worked and beers were cold and tables a bit bigger, this would have been a very good mexican restaurant The entire menu has maybe 3 cuban items. Maybe. the rest is all mexican
(3)
Alex W.
I can understand the long wait, but I'm not quite sure I myself would do it. Don't get me wrong, I thought the cuban sandwich was delicious and certainly worth a re-order on a return trip. It's meaty, salty, tasty, filling. Everything you want out of a sandwich. The moscow mule was refreshing and delicious, as well. It's worthy of 4 stars on food alone. But, the space is way too cozy for comfort (as in patrons are packed in like sardines) and it gets ridiculously warm since there's no A/C. Servers walk around like bumper cars and can't get you out of there fast enough to keep up with the line outside. I mean, the restaurant itself has it's own charm to it, with almost kitschy decor. But it's certainly not a relaxing meal by any means. If by chance it's empty on off-hours, it's worth a stop for the cuban sandwich and a drink.
(3)
Grant W.
Usually come here for breakfast. No complaints, bang for the buck is there... Had the corn and cuban for lunch (first of probably many upcoming lunches). Best lunch I've had in NYC. Full of flavor and the corn spice was dead on. The best part is that they give you 2 ice cubes in your water you don't run out. Will definitely be back. It actually said on the menu that the Cuban sandwich is voted best in the city. Neither of us are lying. The corn is in friends with benefits. Delicious. Just go!
(5)
Noheli H.
The place is small but the food is really tasty. I had the chicken taquitos and cuban sandwich which were both very good! We sat at the bar and were well attended. Our server was attentive and service was quick! I would definitely come back :)
(5)
Alaina W.
So apparently the corn is really good here, huh? I was served the perfect dark&stormy on the dark and stormy night before Hurricane Irene, and I would have died happy had this been my last meal. There was only a short wait (because of NYC's impending hurricane doom, most likely), and we were quickly seated. The place is a teensy bit cramped -- the waitress tripped over me twice -- but after a couple of drinks, I was perfectly willing to overlook that. Good drinks, good food. Oh, and just in case you didn't hear, order the effing corn.
(4)
Priscilla K.
their grilled mexican corn is out of this world. my friends and i have made it a few times, but it would've been better if we'd had cotija cheese handy. while that is the most notable item on their menu, i also really like their skirt steak, enchiladas estilo norteno and their huevos rancheros a caballo. their mango limeade and margaritas are also choice. go get ze corn.
(5)
Mike O.
Okay, this review is based on a brief respite I made to grog some suds so as to requisition the use of the lavatory, but even in that brief time I was impressed so that I want badly to return. Soon. The atmosphere felt breezy and open-air, cozy yet not cramped. The food made me feel ravenousss. The extra g's are for the kids who use that style in their texts to add emphasisss. Those extra s's are just intentionally annoying. Yes I used grog as a verb. Why not?
(4)
Amanda J.
The best corn on a cob in NYC or anywhere in the world! The other stuff is mah... Expect a 15-30 minutes wait.
(5)
Christine C.
I have only been to Cafe Habana's Take-out next door. I love the take-out place because you don't have to wait for a table and most importantly, you can avoid the horribly cramped seating and general pretentiousness. Plus, it's how I like my food...fast, no hassles and cooked right in front of me. On that note, I must say that the food is quite delicious. I always order the egg with chorizo served with a side of beans (black/red, your choice) and yellow rice. The grilled corn definitely lives up to all the hype.
(5)
Ryan H.
Denia is the bomb. Can't beat a Sincronizada Toluca at the bar on a sunny weekday. Best in SoHo.
(5)
Bing R.
I think the steak is a better choice than my chorizo tacos - where's the chorizo? It's mostly potatoes
(3)
Carina C.
I love the spicy corn. I definitely like the food. The service absolutely sucks. The waitress refused to sit us at the booth and was rude about it. It was supposedly "reserved" for 4 people. Your "Oh no! God forbid 3 people sit there" attitude sucks.
(3)
Almando p.
I thought it was good. I know it's is a tourist spot but I have been meaning to go for awhile. I loved the tostones and roast pork. Margarita was good and the corn had a distinct taste it was cold but I never had corn like this so it was nice to experience a new taste. I would go again to this place maybe for a pickup. It is a little too cramped for me when you sit in the two seaters. It is like clostrophobic syndrome feeling.
(4)
Henry T.
This was my second visit here in about a year. I had the diablo chicken platter with rice and beans,Mexican corn and mango Jarritos. The main reason why I came here was for the corn. It was because of the good first impression,and the excellent reviews that I have encountered. The service was mediocre. The lady at the counter seemed like she was in a rush to end her shift. (I went at 6pm on a Friday evening) Nevertheless, my order arrived in a matter of minutes. The platter was a bit bland, so I drenched my dish in hot sauce. It later turned out too salty but I ended up finishing the whole plate. The corn definitely was up to my expectations, as it was creamy, sweet and buttery. Overall, I would come back again and I would recommend this place to my fiends.
(4)
Christopher C.
Just Great....Service/Food/Everything Came here tonight to get the pulled pork and the bartender immediately remember he messed up my to go order two weeks ago and took care of me. Remembered what I ate and drank and plain and simple just great service...Food is always good but with service like that you get five stars Thank You other venues should learn from u
(5)
max s.
I can't believe it, but after coming here for well over a decade, the place has still got it! Came in over the weekend for a nostalgic ear of their famous corn, honestly was not expecting much as they have always been super crowded, etc. But luckily, my expectations were met and exceeded. Even with people waiting outside, our wait for a table was only 10 minutes. Every single member of the staff was super friendly and of course, the corn, the media noche and the fish tacos were top notch. The only draw back - I kept getting bumped in the head whenever the waiters tried to get a menu from the menu holder behind me. Great to see that this place is still booming!!!
(4)
Quay X.
Yummy food, great atmosphere and service, and the grilled corn is wonderful indeed. This place avoids a higher rating because of the weak ass mojito I got. It tasted like a rum and sprite--with way too much sprite. Mojitos should have mulled sugar and mint. If you're using simple sugar syrup, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
(3)
John Paul N.
When searching Chowhound for the best brunches in NYC, Abby found a little note about how Cafe Habana serves the best Huevos Rancheros in the city. A bold statement, and one that we had to decide for ourselves. I asked one of my sisters, who used to live in NYC, if she's ever been to Cafe Habana and she said, "GET THE CORN!" So apparently the corn is the way to go here. Other reviews online also remarked about the corn and how hard it was to get a seat. Well, we arrived at 1 or so and put our name in for a table for four and we waited outside for our friends to arrive. While waiting, we saw the little take out spot next door and stacks as high as me of corn being brought down to the prep kitchen. I guess the corn really is a popular item. Cafe Habana is a very tiny spot, with a bar/counter area for about 5 people and tables lined against the windows along with a booth or two. Waiting inside for your table means literally hovering over other customers as they eat. Plus, with the weather being as cold as it was, having people waiting with the door open made the heavy drapes used to keep the breeze out basically useless. (After we were seated, people would just stand in the doorway with the doors open causing everyone in the restaurant to freeze. Our hostess immediately ran to the front, asked the people to please wait outside and closed the big drapes up.) Abby and I both got the huevos rancheros and an order of the corn. Our friends...I forgot what they ordered other than one got the Mexican chocolate which turned out to not be as thick as we all imagined it would be. The corn was just as advertised. You really do have to get the corn if you come to Cafe Habana. The only issue I had was that I immediately had to floss after I finished my corn, but that's a personal issue not one for the restaurant. The huevos rancheros were a bit watery overall, but that did not affect the taste. The beans were quite delicious and the rancheros sauce had a nice tang and heat to it to make it stand out for other huevos rancheros I've had in the past. Bottom line, Cafe Habana is a great spot for brunch from the service to the food, everything was a big hit. There might be long lines and it's a tight fit, but if I lived in NYC I'd come back often for the corn. I give Cafe Habana a 4 out of 5.
(4)
Angie C.
I want to give this place 4.5 stars with most of the credit going to their AMAZING CORN. I've never seen corn on the cob prepared this way but it is unbelievably amazing. And relatively cheap too. $4.25 for two ears of butter, cheese, and spice-smothered corn. My friend had this dish with bread and it had chorizo sausages and cheese on it, I wish I could remember the intricate Spanish name for it. That was pretty good and I believe was only $7. I had the Chilaquiles Verdes after seeing my neighbor order it and I'd say it was pretty good. Not extraordinarily memorable but pretty decent. Though when I asked for corn tortillas to go with the casserole, it didn't arrive until I had like two bites of my dish left... I think I'd like to try one of their sandwiches next time. The cafe is pretty cramped; I was practically sitting on the lap of the person next to me but I didn't really mind. Go for the corn!
(4)
Jorge M.
Great place for different food with some vegetarian options. Beware that the brunch menu (served on holidays and weekends) has less favorable vegetarian options: - tarta de queso blanco (sandwich with avocado and cheese) - mulletas (bread with mozzarella and black beans) - grilled Mexican corn The place has great atmosphere with Cuban music and decoration. Very small with waiting lines.
(3)
Kathrina T.
Best Corn Ever! Fish taco was awesome. Was disappointed with their burger. Guess it was my mistake to order a burger in a Mexican place. Place gets packed even on weekdays so be prepared to wait. No time to sit around and hang, they will kick you out coz there's too many people waiting.
(3)
WooJung Y.
Their corn was delicious, would definitely recommend! I also ordered the Cuban sandwich, which was magnificent too.
(4)
Helga N.
ok yup the lines are long the place is cramped and doesn't even have a great decor... what is so special about this place?... its got swag and that restaurant charm that makes you feel great every time you come with friends. they have great food too, very affordable and its just a trendy area where you can people watch as you wait... mmm mexican corn!
(4)
Stuart C.
I stopped in for a take-out order on a friends recommendation. The Cuban was wonderful and the grilled corn in out of this world. I am looking forward to going back and trying other items on the menu. If you haven't already... give this place some love!
(4)
Maia D.
I can't wait to try the Cuban here - which is apparently one of the best in NYC, however there is nothing that turns me off more than really rude service. Even though we waited for 30 minutes AND were seated, our hostess was so incredibly rude and started us off on the wrong foot - that we just left. I'll go back when I am certain that she is not working.
(1)
Brooke F.
Where do I start? Small things definitely come in huge packages. This place is tiny but the food was oh so good. I ordered the famous grilled corn and yes it is "all of that" (two snaps). I also ordered the Cuban sandwich which I shared half with my friend. The portions are large and I have no complaints except I should have worn lose clothing!
(5)
Aria H.
The food here is interesting and also tastes good. And what's more, it's not expensive at all!
(4)
Jocelyn K.
Wow this place is so amazing. I heard this place usually has a long wait, but we went at 11am on a Saturday morning so we had no wait at all. I ordered the Huevos Divorciados. The salsa verde and salsa rancheros tasted so good with the sunny-side up eggs. My favorite though was the home fries. They were cooked with some kind of salsa as well and together with the onions it was really savory. We also ordered the famous Mexican corn. From now on I want all my corn to be grilled and covered with cotija cheese and lime. The place is small but service and food was great.
(5)
Chenrui Y.
Small and crowded, no reservations, but it is so worth to wait! Everything we ordered was perfect. The corn is soooooooooo good that we almost wanted to order another, but we decided to save room for other dishes. Will definitely come back! Nice place to go before/after you get lost in soho during a weekend shopping.
(4)
Tash R.
Would go back here for the corn and the mojitos. The enchiladas and the pulled pork were also okay. Great vibe about the place!
(3)
Jean L.
I was walking through Nolita yesterday, bummed that the store I was trying to get to was closed down, when as I was passing the window of this place, out of the corner of my eye, a part of me sensed my proximity to a special something. Was that guy holding what I think he was? I do the double-take and bingo, I spot one of those things that makes my heart beat faster--grilled Mexican corn. For $2, I get a grilled cob of corn, coated all over in what I suspect is a blend of mayo, cotija, and spices + 2 lime wedges. Now, I should tell you I love corn. Corn soup, corn on the cob, pop corn--all of it. But when it is grilled, the flash of heat caramelizes the sugars and makes it even sweeter. Like I said, special. I ate it all up and left--toothpick in hand and a smile on my face. Not even caring that the store had closed down anymore. BTW, dear readers, is it rude to pick your teeth on the go? Or is it something you should do in the privacy of a privy?
(4)
Honey D.
Get use to long line. Since it was our last day, we had plenty of time to wait. The place is tiny and super crowded, since food is amazing people don't seem to mind. Recommendation: Cuban sandwich with a side of Mexican corn (mexican corn=cheese&spice. You get 2 corns, so share =)
(5)
Diana L.
Oh! The long waits, diner on top of diner seating, rushed service, and suspicious red light in the restroom! Yet all so worth it to get to this delicious, succulent Mexican corn that has also been ordered by literally every single other table. The slightly melted mayo and cotija cheese. The char. That last bite of the most heavily chili powered portion, with an extra squirt of lime juice. Ignore the rest of the menu. It's alright. You should know who the star is by now. Oh, and get more than one order. Your friends who wanted to try out the entrees will be eyeballing that corn and steal one at the first opportunity.
(4)
Stephanie H.
One word: corn. Two words: Cubano sandwich. Is it bad to say that I didn't think that corn was that divine without a hearty dousing of Tapatio? And that sandwich: I think I still dream about it. Love the vibe; get it to go and hang out on the sidewalk with your friends. Summer's ending soon, so get on that kids!
(4)
Chao L.
Although every time i come here and eat, i always get different sandwiches and drink! The corn stays with me!! I do not think is a complete meal in this place without the corn. If you don't get the corn then might as well not eat here, THAT'S IT!! Came after today and it never disappoints.
(5)
Bryan M.
I don't understand the buzz. The place is extremely small, looking like half of one of those old railroad car diners you see on TV. Unless you get one of the booths, you will be crammed into a table literally bumping elbows with other diners. And if you sit near the (single) restroom, prepare to be bumped by people going in or coming out. The restroom itself is about the size of a phone booth. The decor is absolutely nothing to write home about. In fact, I'm not sure if the decor is deliberate or just sort of happened. It is certainly a dive-style restaurant. The corn, which everyone raves about, is good but no better than any other restaurant that serves corn with mayonnaise and cheese. Ours came out and was already getting cold. One of the people in our party had been here before and said the corn they had last time was better. Maybe an off night. Still, not a good sign for their signature appetizer. We each had a different entree, and it all three were OK, but nothing special. At Cafe Habana, the only reason to go is flavor - the decor, the service, the vibe, the presentation are all straight out of a working class diner. And unfortunately, the flavor was OK but not outstanding. One of the people in our party had the tostones, and she thought they were great. Service was a bit on the impersonal side, even for NY. I don't know if the place was having an off night, or what, but it was mediocre at best. You can get the same quality food at much nicer restaurants, or much better food at other local cuban joints. I wouldn't go out of my way to return.
(2)
Molly T.
Love love love this Cuban/ Mexican style food. The staff at this place are friendly, always on their toes and up for a chat - the funky electric vibe is awesome. I ALWAYS recommend this place to any friends travelling through NY as it's situated in a fab area. The corn is a must to start with to get those juices going :) you'll even get tooth picks so don't be shy. Have had many awesome main options, although only once have I had a serve of dry meat. Staff had no issue swapping my order. Can't wait to return when I'm back in America!!
(5)
Carmen M.
This place probably doesn't need a review from me... But I just wanted to say that the Cuban sandwich is delicious! Enchiladas are yummy too. I'm not a big fan of the beans and rice they serve dinner with though, I feel that it always lacks flavor. The magical corn! Its sooo good. All sorts of textures and flavors.. sweet, spicy, creamy. I don't recommend getting it from the take-out next door however.. it seems to taste better in the restaurant itself.
(4)
Sandy C.
Swung by here the other night after work with other Yelpers to grab dinner. Upon returning, I know I want to get the corn again, which of course I did. However, this time the corn wasn't as good as the first time I've tried it. Maybe it was just me, but it's still pretty good. I also ordered a Hibiscus iced tea, which was refreshing and not too sweet - just the way I liked it. I got the Cuban sandwich, which is voted best in NYC, a fresh roast pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickle on hero bread with chipotle mayo. This sandwich was so tasty in so many ways. The roast pork was so tender and juicy that I was making a mess everywhere, which in result a great fertilizer for the tree outside. The sandwich was pretty big for me, that I saved the other half for next day's lunch. I love it when that happens because it means I can save money on lunch when I have leftovers from dinner =) Thanks Jenn L for setting this up. It is always great hanging out with you lovely people, you know who you guys are! =)
(4)
mong linh n.
i loveeeee corn! i especially loveeeeee mexican corn! i think this place is a little overrated. the corn on the cob is good, but not that great. its like a teaser to me. more on the healthier side from what i have had in cali! its missing more slabs of mayo and more of that fatty goodness. i could say ive had better. but im sure if its your first experience, youd loveee it.
(3)
Michelle W.
This review is strictly for the sweet plantains. I really hope the order I got was a fluke and not normally this bad, but the sweet plantains weren't even sweet! Besides that, some of them were either not cooked fully, or too over cooked to the point where it was super hard. I was really disappointed as I expected so much more from Cafe Habana. I've made my own sweet plantains that came out 100% better than the ones I had. Like I said, I hope and think this was just a fluke, but you can never be too sure. I'll be sticking with the corn which is perfect each and every time.
(2)
Brooke S.
5 stars for food, 1 star for everything else. The food is SO good. Great affordable prices, decent portions, EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS I WISH I COULD EAT THIS EVERYDAY. Garlic sauteed spinach, corn, mojo steak, I have never had a bad meal here. Now the dining experience itself is absolutely horrible. The place is almost always PACKED at all hours, the wait for a table is always a lifetime, the space is small so once you get seated, it is still uncomfortable because you're squashed between all these tables and people, the tables are very small so your plates might start overlapping after awhile, and the wait for your food to be served can sometimes take FOREVER. There were a couple of times when the wait for the food took so long we were offered cocktails on the house. I prefer to go around the corner to the take out window and get it to go regardless of the limited menu.
(5)
Ivan V.
The setup is really like a cafe/diner feel. Very compact and intimate. There are actually two rooms, one to eat and one to go. It probably can fit 20-30 people. With the decorations, music, and smell of the food you'll immediately feel like you're away from the concrete jungle but in some diner in Cuba. Anyone that has been here knows the atmosphere can't be beat! Beautiful & bubbly staff that are always a pleasure I recommend the cuban sandwich, a popular choice, as well as the molletes, which is bread topped with refried beans, melted cheese, and bits of chorizo. The food here can be very heavy, so don't try to eat the whole dish if you can't, and walk it off by walking around Soho. In short: Small place, big portions, nice service. Even better if you can avoid tables next to the bathroom. You will leave satisfied!
(3)
Tugba A.
If I was forced to review this place in one word it would be "CORN" Luckily for us yelp doesn't have a limit, or I have never written enough to know if there is one. It was my first time at Cafe Habana so I asked my waitress what the customers "top picks" on the menu were and she failed to mention the corn.**GASP** But doing my extensive research on yelp I knew to order it and it was shockingly delicious. I had ordered the fish tacos and unfortunately I cant say the same for those. The 2 two waitresses that were on the floor were very friendly and one was quite the singer. You will see me there again, even if its only for the corn.
(3)
Shalen O.
Grilled corn! Come on this is why everyone comes here. Okay okay okay, I know this can be made at home, and I've tried, but it doesn't taste quite the same. It must be the 3 tablespoons of overcrowding, 1 teaspoon of tourists, and 1/4 cup of hours of waiting that I did not add to my recipe that must not make my corn taste quite as good. Oh well, better luck next time. Every time I go, I wait, cursing under my breath, because of the confined space, the long lines, and the people that come from all over the world to say they tried this place because some celebrity was there. Does it deter me? Heck no! I'll keep coming back, wait, curse under my breath, and forget it all once I bite into that corn. And the other food is pretty damn good too. The best part: The food is sooo damn cheap for NYC which gives this place an automatic 5 stars.
(5)
Martin K.
Over 2000 reviews speak for themselves. Make sure to have the corn when you go there and also make sure not to sit next to a window when you're there in winter, because it feels like sitting right outside. Cozy and tiny place with more than great food and courteous waiters.
The food and drinks were okay my first time here so I keep coming back, but everyone who works here sucks. Also sadly the food and drinks aren't good at all anymore. The platanos are not ripe and the tacos are greasy and not flavorful. The drinks are also not good. Sad decline.
(2)
Helen O.
the corn on the cob is a must try! I've been disappointed with Cuban sandwiches just about everywhere I've gone (even in Miami) but this place was delicious! The roast pork actually had seasoning and it was done very very well!
(5)
Elizabeth M.
Honestly the appeal of this place is 10% culinary and 90% atmosphere. It's always bustling with customers and employees alike who look like they are just straight up having a good time. I like any place where you're greeted with smile and can sit back with a cerveza and that Mexican street vendor-style corn and chat with friends or even a sassy waitress. It's popular for a reason: it's laid-back, friendly, and consistently tasty. And if you can get your hands on some cotija cheese (not queso blanco, as one person said), chili powder, and lime, you too can create the famous grilled corn.
(4)
Busra A.
I saw four stars, 2089 reviews, and 2 dollar signs... And thought I was in for a foodgasm! And to my disappointment there was no 'gasm of any kind. So according to yelp, 3 stars means "A-ok" and that's exactly what this place deserves. It seems as if everyone rating this place was actually just rating the corn. So I'll go ahead and say it aswell. The corn is amazing! And it deserves all 5 stars. It's a quick lunch spot with decent food. I will come back and try other things only bc 2089 people can't be wrong. Right?
(3)
Danielle T.
I have heard great things about the food. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to even eat because of the HORRIBLE excuse of a hostess they had. She said her name was Jennifer. Incase she was lying, she was a petite rude Hispanic with a sock bun. She took our name, said it would be a half hour for a table for 3. I was confused because she didn't write our name down but I stood there anyway. 5 minutes later a man comes and asks how long for a wait for 3? She says a half hour but if this reservation doesn't show up in 2 minutes they can sit in 5 mins. Ummm excuse me we were here first. So she rudely gets in my face and continues to tell me how she's gonna "go by her list" (which she never even put me on) and how that man was here before me, but how would I have heard their conversation if I wasn't standing there waiting...? My mom asked for a manager and she claimed she was in charge, right after the bartender told her there was no one currently there in charge. My sweet mother tried to reason with sock bun but she was quick to interrupt her. ATTITUDE.
(1)
Alexandria R.
I found this place to be very cute, but not quite authentic. Food overall was alright and the drinks were ok as well. I don't think I'll be coming back to this establishment.
(3)
Anhnold N.
The best mexican style corn ever!
(5)
Cranky C.
Slowest service ever. Brutally slow. Water in 10 minutes. Food in 40 minutes. Table after table came in and waited. Everyone we saw had to ask for water, ask for a menu, ask to order, ask for the check. Painful. Tiny little water glasses means they have to keep coming back to fill it up. Well not in their world. It means you go without water even after lighting yourself on fire to get their attention. We considered leaving twice because we had become invisible. The corn cob things we're tasty but what wouldn't be tasty if its covered in cajun spice, cheese and butter? The chic quesadilla was like one I would make at home. Super average. The place is charming looking but crazy small. Very difficult to relax. Downside? Cheap food. Sweaty, uncaring, over burdened staff. Slowest service in all of the universe. Upside? You save a ton on tips.
(1)
Cathy H.
The best joint! Incredible corn on the cob, pulled pork and guava margaritta (not on the menu but is made to order!). Only get to NYC every few years and we only had 4 days this trip. But we wouldn't miss having a meal at Cafe Habana even though there are tons of other great choices!
(5)
H T.
i had heard so much about the corn on the cob here that i had to come here during my trip. how good can corn be? i was wrong. the corn on the cob was delicious and the perfect snack after shopping all afternoon in soho. it was probably the perfect time to go also, b/c i heard the place gets packed. i also tried my friend's fried plantains which were delicious. to round things out, i had a mexican hot chocolate to warm up since it was so rainy out.
(5)
Jerome Espinosa B.
my dear friend treated me to a birthday dinner here, & i came a bit earlier than usual. i asked for reservation under my friend's name, and was told, they "don't accept reservations." i then decided to get a seat on the bar as i waited for my friend. i have to note that everyone among the waiting staff here are very helpful and would like to make sure you're seated and enjoying yourselves. my friend came & we opted to just stay in the bar----and in a few minutes, a deluge of customers showed up, patiently waiting in line---it must have been the cold weather outside that night that must have prompted a lot of people to join others in dining out. well, i totally enjoyed it. the food actually reminds me of some dishes back in the Philippines, & they're reasonably priced. the grilled buttered corn's a must! & i had fun having beers i haven't had before in other places here in NYC....
(4)
David L.
This was my favorite place with the corn that was a must eat, but the last time it was just so so, and the cuban sandwich that was just okay.
(3)
Fred L.
I usually take all my friends here, JUST for the corn, and actually never stepped foot into the restaurant till pretty recently, I gotta say the food is just as good, I had the chicken diablo sandwich, The chicken was good, it wasn't dry like most places, but it was really juicy, I highly recommend it. but seriously. at least just for the corn, do it for the corn!!!
(4)
TX B.
Easily, very easily, hands down the best corn on the cob I have ever had. I won't give it away (even though the other reviews probably will), but just order it as an appetizer and you're set for one great meal. The Cuban sandwich here is city-wide famous for being better than your average. It was. Cuban sandwichos are usually dry, so dry that you need to ooze it with green sauce. Not the case here; I used the sauce for my french fries and ate the Cuban by itself! It's a great sandwich - I'll try some more places before I update my review to say its the best in the city, but it was pretty damn good. The wait (Thursday, around 5pm) was only 15 minutes, which is not bad considering the place is rather small and is well known. They don't try to rip you off either. It was a good sandwich experience and my other two friends (one is half Cuban and knows her sandwiches!) definitely agreed - awesome corn and awesome sang-wich.
(4)
Marc S.
Finally made my way here with my girlfriend and ordered two Cuban sandwiches and two roasted/seasoned ears of corn. I heard that this place was kind of a big deal so I expected the price to be a little more than it should be, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this only came to $20. The sandwich was by far one of the better Cuban's I have had despite the fact that the roll was a bit thick and not pressed like I'm used to seeing, but this is certainly their take on the Cuban and it works! Also, the corn was fantastic (considering I only discovered the joys of grilled corn on the cob last year). It is coated in a powered/ground cheese with some grilled red pepper. The perfect blend of sweet, cheesy and spicy all in one! Considering that that places is not huge, it was still pretty easy to find seating. This was a meal I'll gladly revisit.
(4)
Jason J.
There isn't a whole lot to say about a place with 800 reviews other than that I enjoyed it. The grilled corn was sweet, spicy, and had a lot of cheese on it. Wonderful. I had a vegetarian dish with goat cheese. Though this was definitely a mistake, given the focus of the place, it was still a good dish. The tostones that I also got were very delicious. Even the michelada was fresh and flavorful. This isn't the most descriptive review I've ever written, but I'm just throwing my thoughts out there: even though some might not like that this place isn't 100% authentic, it's the best you're going to get in the area and the value is just right, too. Recommended.
(4)
Alex R.
Corn: sooo good, but it's honestly hard to screw up corn, butter and cheese. Guava margarita, blended: perfect for my pallate. Not too stiff but definitely holds its little tequila kick. Guava puree is not too sweet. Other food: pretty good but definitely see this place as more of a hype than anything else. I can find similar food with similar if not better quality elsewhere. Service: sub-par to say the least. Semi- curt waitress in a wayyy too crowded area. Worth a 15 minute wait, MAX.
(3)
Clarence L.
Staff was courteous, inviting and hellpful. Short wait was worth the wonderful experience. Tables are small but ample for multiple dishes for sharing. Interesting mojito recipe (bitters?) but refreshing. Mexican corn is a star and must have. Cuban sandwich was as advertised - great. Sincronizada Toluca app stole the show - oozy, spicy and tasty. Tacos Pastor were solid choice. will add Cafe Habana to my NYC list. The vibe is exhilirTING.
(4)
Liza A.
Food is good but the pitcher of sangria was more ice than sangria. Also it tasted like orange juice rather than sangria so definitely not worth it. Also the space is really small, we got lucky and were seated right away but it was kind of cramped and really hot bc of lack of ventilation
Get the corn! The corn is sooooooo good here. Super flavorful. It is a small joint and I am sure during lunch/dinner time this place gets busy. I went in between meal times and so it wasn't too busy. But there is limited seating.
(4)
Jen S.
The only time I'll eat corn on a cob in public is here. Forget about looking like a mad dog and flossing, the corn is SO good.
(5)
Noel P.
The food was awesome, had a skirt steak dish and it had so much flavor. The grilled cord with spices on it was the bomb. I will definitely visit again the next time I'm in the city.
(4)
Shirley Y.
This place has gone downhill since the last time I visited. My two friends and I went on a Tuesday night around 6pm. I was surprise to find that there was no wait for once (bad sign). The snobby waiter squeezed us into a 2ft by 2ft table meant for 2 people after we waited by the door for 5mins. There was barely any space for us to eat comfortably. I attempted to take the table next to us where no one sat in the whole time, but the waiter push it back over right away. We wait about 15mins before we got water. I was midway eating my dry corn and she decide to take our appetizer plate away and bring the tacos. The three entree plates barely fitted on our table so I left my cup of water on the table next to us. The waiter came over and attempted to take it away. She made me move it to behind the seat (who does that?). Not to mention our taco was not even warm and she was trying to rush us out of there. The waitress is really unbelievable and made uncomfortable during the whole so we ate quickly and left. You are better off just ordering your food to go next door.
(1)
Laura S.
SO GOOD. I'ev been coming here for almost three years and never getting sick of their menus! But don't go here for breakfasts or lunch menus.... Strangely, in the morning I guess the cooks are not feeling energetic or something, but the menu they serve in the earlier time were usually not that great
(4)
Ameer N.
I didn't sit down, we hit the next door takeout portion of this spot. The corn is grilled to perfection and smothered with deliciousness. I'm not huge on corn, but I enjoyed what I had.
(4)
Andy K.
This. Place. Is. Amazing. I visited NY from LA 2 years ago and my friend who was living in the area showed me this place. Its very (almost too) cozy, but the food here is amazing. I've only had their breakfast food, but only because I love it so much I don't want anything else. I don't think I need to tell you about the corn, but man...the corn. THE MOTHERFREAKIN' CORN IN THIS MOTHERFREAKIN' RESTAURANT! Its so good. As a matter of fact, when I found out that I was going to be living 30 minutes from Manhattan last year for four months, one of the first things I said was "I GET TO GO TO CAFE HABANA WHENEVER I WANT NOW!!!!" The end.
(5)
Jimmy L.
Did I come on a bad day? lol. First time dining in this place, usually just grab the corn to go. Had the cuban sandwich which was alright. Bread was crispy but really tough, meat was falling out of the sandwich as I tried to press the bread together. Had the fish tacos which were bland. Also, could be the fact that the door is always open but there were several flies zipping around my dishes. This place is definitely better for takeout considering sanitation is good but it is hot in the summer time. The ambiance is semi authentic but it is right by Soho so not really. 2/5
(2)
Michael B.
Great brunch menu at this bustling Cuban/Mexican spot. Quarters are tight and seating is cramped, but the food and drinks make that easier to take, as does the friendly staff. Try the grilled corn on the cob covered in grated cheese; the huevos con chorizo is also a tasty brunch offering. Good, bargain prices, too!
(3)
Franklyn O.
This is one of favorite restaurants in Manhattan. I've been going here for years. The grilled corn is spectacular. Love love the eclectic vibe whenever I go. If you go when its beautiful weather, be prepared to wait. Its small however the food is very tasty. Hit the take out spot next door if you just want grilled corn.
(5)
cait l.
Great food. Service was a bit slow but the waitresses are lovely... As every reviewer has mentioned, order the corn - it is smothered in butter, cheese and deliciousness. I also thought the vegetarian options were good - but I would pick one of the tacos over the mushroom burger, which is a bit small. My drink was very strong... at least it made the $9 seem reasonable. For the best experience, do not go with more than 3 other people and go on the early side of lunch or dinner - otherwise the lines can be hellish. Now, enjoy!
(4)
Angela C.
We lucked out and got seated immediately in this tiny tiny place. Cafe Habana is known for its corn, but what impressed me the most was the Cuban Sandwich! Let's discuss both. The corn is topped with mayo, rolled in Mexican Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Squeeze some of the side limes onto your corn, and add additional hot sauce if you wish (but it's not necessary). The combination of flavors are delish and you can't go wrong. Wish the corn was more "piping hot" though. Also, I thought the corn was on the small side. I'm always wary of Cuban Sandwiches because I've had my fair share, and they've mostly led to disappointment. Not here!! They claim that it was voted BEST CUBAN SANDWICH IN NYC, and I believe it! The bread is what makes the sandwich, but the fork tender pulled pork, chipotle sauce, cucumbers, and ham all work together to make this a stellar sandwich. By the way, I'm from California, and they JUST opened a Cafe Habana in Malibu - wooohooo!
(4)
K L.
i call it CRACK CORN!!! It's that good.
(4)
Carlie C.
the mexcian corn lives up its hype. i probably could have eaten a whole order to myself. *note to self: wash down with mojitos.
(5)
ryan c.
Very scrumptious. Yummy!!! I was hungry for something light and this definitely hit the right spot for a quick lunch. Cuban sandwich was better than what I had in MIA (and I was just there last weekend). Very inexpensive and small place though. I didn't get a chance to try the corn because I did want to eat light but everything was gettin down on it. Maybe next time when I'm back in town in a few weeks.
(4)
Olivia B.
Food here is just fantastic! So so yummy. Their fish tacos are delightful: nice and lightweight, not greasy at all. Rachel's Breakfast is also very good. Their plantain chips are simply delicious! And when they say they have fresh squeezed orange juice, you better believe it is. It is so very good. The only reason why I don't give 5 stars is that it is very small and almost always crowded and the staff can be rude sometimes. I went in once to get a table and stood there for a while. A waitress came up and started letting in the people behind me without even addressing me. I calk it up to it being a busy place though. Otherwise, totally worth going. I go every time I am in the city now.
(4)
Susan X.
Grilled corn Mexican style-good. Fresh and juicy corn cob. Salty cheddar cheese and hot chili powder balance well with sweet corn. A little burnt.
(4)
Parth S.
Highly recommend their corn. Extremely well cooked - not too crispy and not to soft. Well seasoned too! Def recommend it
(4)
Siva S.
Best corn on the cob I ever had! Make sure to order that with your meal. This place is known to be crowded so expect to wait for a bit but believe me it is well worth the long wait.
(5)
Robi F.
We were so excited about our order after reading the reviews....what a joke.....if our fish sandwich had fish on it, we must have missed it! $50. later!
(1)
Nicole R.
My mouth salivates as I write this post, which is long overdue as it has been three years since I first tried their Cuban sandwich and grilled corn. Since that first encounter, I have been back to NYC two more times and each time, Cafe Habana is a must, if not the first stop! I am not a big fan of ham nor cucumber, but somehow these ingredients sneak their way into my mouth with every bite of the Cuban sandwich. The special sauce is what makes this sandwich--a blend of tangy and spicy--it totally complements the pork, ham, and cheese all stuffed inside a warm, toasty bread. The best partner to this sandwich is the grilled corn, topped with what seems to be mayo, cheese, and chili powder. I've glanced at the other items on the menu, but not dare pass up a visit without having the "usual." It's enough. More than enough that every time I go home, I spend my last day making a stop here to load up on at least two meals worth of the "usual" to fly back home to San Jose. And yes, after 5+ hours of travel, it's still THAT good once reheated/toasted.
(5)
Linda L.
LOCATION: smack in the middle of Soho. We com back here each time we go to NY. SERVICE: Quick and easy. Staff is fast and very easy going. The restaurant is always hustling and bustling---which leaves for a very fun eating experience. FOOD: Small menu, but thats okay because we love everything on it! SUGGESTION: Their freshly grilled corn is a MUST even if you're stuffed and have to order it as takeout to eat later. Cuban sandwich is also to die for. PRICE: Cheap. $4-7
(5)
Jessie D.
This is one of very few places in Manhattan, where food is so good and affordable that you feel like they should win a novel prize or something.
(4)
Pancake C.
Cuban sandwich is the best ever! Must try along with (of course) the grilled corn on the cob! They are so delicious!
(5)
Zachary A.
This restaurant was REALLY good! The atmosphere is really chill too! So we went in not really knowing what to expect..but it was crowded so we knew they must have been doing something right. The wait was about 30 mins on a Tuesday night so be prepared to wait a little b/c the restaurant is small. -The waitresses are really friendly and will dance w/you -The playlist was really good & other people were dancing while they ate -The margarita looked good but was kinda pricey...$8 -The Cuban Sandwich was AWESOME and for the price was well worth it -The corn was amazing Zach Austin, TX
(5)
Michael A.
I guess, I've been coming here for the last 7 - 8 years, before they opened the next door restaurant. Cafe Habana has been consistent with the quality of their sandwiches. My personal preference: the Cuban Sandwich and the Grilled Corn, a match made in heaven. Par this with a cold corona on a sunny day and you are ready for a nice siesta :) Cafe Habana, keep up the good work! Cheers
(5)
Charolette O.
The food is outstanding here, They offer authentic dishes and variety of fare. Great place to people watch, the crowd is on the trendy side so theres plenty of hipsters to chat with. Worth checking out!!
This is my happy place. No seriously, I instantly reverted to a 5-year-old-at-a-Rainbow-Brite-themed-birthday-Âparty mentality (or a Neanderthal experiencing flavorful food for the first time, you choose...) and the pure and utter glory that filled my body was practically illegal. Gnawing down on corn like it's my very first cob, piling black beans and yellow rice into my mouth like there's a famine coming on, sipping frozen versions of classic tequila and rum based cocktails, and taking waaaaay too much physical pleasure out of a veggie quesadilla... Just throw a frigging cinnamon-bear-filled piñata into the mix and I could have died right there as life would have reached it's pinnacle of perfection and could only have gone down from there. I definitely didn't eat food anywhere near this good in Cuba... or anywhere else on the planet, for that matter.
(5)
Rachel W.
I can't gush enough over this place. Everything about it is right. Food, vibe, decor, crowd. The sweet plantains and chicken tacos were heavenly. It's a tiny venue but 100% worth every cramped minute. The servers are on it. Everyone seemed happy and stoked to be eating terrific food and listening to great jams. Also, the margaritas were deliciously potent. Laid back and super cool.
(4)
Marcus L.
This little corner hole-in-the-wall restaurant is a perfect little get away from the bustling city. We came here on a Tuesday morning and had a very quick lunch before shopping in SoHo. The grilled corn was delicious and seasoned with Mexican cheese, mayo and chili powder and a side of lime for you to squeeze over. Just diving in on the ear of corn made the trip to NYC worth it. It was grilled perfectly and season well. Nothing was too overpowering and you can really taste the sweetness of the corn. We also ordered the Cuban sandwich. This Cuban was a little different from others I've had. They used pulled pork instead of slice pork which is even better since slice pork tends to be really dry. The pulled pork was very juicy and the bread was crunchy yet soft in the middle. This was one of the cheapest meals we had, so if you are on a budget, come to Cafe Habana for some cheap and delicious eats.
(5)
Yoonah L.
The 5 stars is simply due to the grilled corn & sangria. Went with a group of girlfriends. Waited almost 2 hours ( anger level was high). The pitcher of sangria we ordered took all of that anger away. It was one of the best sangrias I've ever had!! The grilled corn also was SOO delicious. To be honest, I don't remmeber anything about any of our entrees. I think they were good as well, but definitely the sangria and corn took the spotlight in our tummies.
(5)
Kevin L.
There are beautiful people here. No, really. In the booth behind us, a supermodel was seated. Ask Kat F - she knows these things. Beyond the supermodel, there were some ultra-cute boys at another table. And the servers are notably easy on the eyes, as well. Clearly, this joint flourishes based on the traffic it does... not on the prices they charge. Considering that lunch entrees run in the $8-10 range, it's shocking that plates come fully loaded and the similarly-priced alcoholic beverages are neither small, nor light on the sauce. As plenty of other yelpers have already noted, the grilled Mexican corn is a must-have, although I'd recommend sharing a plate, since each comes with two cobs. And I was full after wolfing down the first half of my Cuban sandwich, although I utterly annihilated the other half... along with my side of fries... and someone else's leftover Cuban roast pork... and another person's else's leftover rice and beans... What? I couldn't help myself - it was too delicious! Ugh. How do supermodels stay so skinny if they're dining here? Oh. I suppose it works in their favor, since cramming five people into a booth is -not- so comfortable. Well, unless you're supermodel-skinny...
(4)
Wei K.
I had one of my best meals here on my recent NYC trip. The grilled corn is amazing, definitely a must when dining here. We an order each of the beef and pork tacos for appetizers and they were good as well. My entree, the skirt steak, was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy. The only downside is that the restaurant is tiny. We shared a tiny table for three people that would have probably only seated one person comfortably. But the uncomfortable seating arrangement was quickly forgotten when for the phenomenal food was brought to the table.
(5)
Brittany H.
their grilled corn is amazing. comes in a pair, drizzled with cheese, spices & a lime wedge which adds a nice citrus-y touch. if i were to come back, it'd be for the corn alone.... the food here is mediocre. had the grilled steak salad and my friend had their fish tacos. neither dish strike as being fresh, which made the food so-so and our inability to finish the meal in it's entirety. and if i were to come back, I'd opt for something else on the menu. or rather...stop by their express next door just to pick up some corn to go. i'd be solely content with this snacking to go. this place reminds me of a deli/diner style.... with an out of the country feel. where tables meet head to toe and we all might as well be squished as sardines. in an odd sense, it felt kind of nice (esp. with the a/c on...otherwise, my opinion would have changed).
(3)
Kathy T.
If you are not a regular, forget getting a table for dinner in under an hour. No reservations means, wait outside while we seat the regulars, even though you've been waiting. We heard great things but were sorely disappointed. The corn was great, I had the special fish of the evening that had a guacamole sauce that had turned brown and watery. The fish was cooked perfectly, but the sauce ruined it. The waitstaff and hostess was RUDE and it was overpriced and over hyped! We were seated next to the bathroom which was busy and SMELLY. Of all the wonderful places to eat in that area, I feel robbed! I do recommend the takeout part of the restaurant next door. The dining experience does not ruin the food.
(2)
Victoria H.
I ate here back in December... in fact, I ate here twice in the week I was in NYC. I don't think this place needs another 5-star review, if you hadn't noticed everyone loves the corn. The food is awesome too. But whyyyy?! is the new location in Malibu, CA so crappy? Did you guys not train the chef there? I just ate at the one in Malibu tonight and my experience just made me feel the need to jump in Yelp and b*tch about it. Which I did, and now I am here to give the NYC location the props it deserves. Can't wait to go back to the Big Apple.
(5)
Emeterio H.
Grilled Corn with the cheese, lime, butter and chili flakes. This is great stuff for around $2. Five Stars for the corn. I am not a big corn person...but I do dream about this corn sometimes...lucky for me that I live near by now. Have had the steak burrito there as well and it is a bit above average. Hence the overall 4 stars for now. I look forward to eating at the restuarant again and trying echiladas or the steak sandwhich. The restuarant itself is always busy at night with people waiting outside. They do have a little to go shop around the corner. Easy way to just get the grilled corn if that is all you are after. Highly reccomended. See my current top NY restaurants at newyorkcityreviews.wordp…
(4)
John C.
Really well prepared Cuban food and really inexpensive. Not sure what i can add that the other 800 reviews have not already been through. The mojitos are great, as is the mexican corn and the fish tacos. Actually really good rice and beans, great flavor as opposed to most places that leave these staple latin sides bland. The only dish that was missing a little something-something was the corn cakes appy. But nevertheless cool little tight spot and will def. be back.
(4)
Alre H.
Eat It OR Beat It? **EAT IT!!** My first visit to Cafe Habana NYC is what made me decide my love from Asian food would now turn to Cuban food. I remember coming back home to OC raving and craving about this place! Simply amazing! Grilled Corn "Mexican Style" (2 for $4.25): The BEST corn you will ever put in your mouth, hands down. Juicy, rich in flavor from the spices and cheeses... mmm! Fish Tacos ($8-9): Very succulent and full of flavor. Not fishy at all, and the rice and beans complement the fish tacos perfectly! Pulled Pork ($8-9): JUICY and tastes great! The pork is cooked very tenderly and just pulls apart beautifully! Cuban Sandwich ($8-9): WOW. By far the BEST Cuban sandwich I've eaten anywhere! The meat and cheeses of the sandwich just come together perfectly and what makes the biggest difference compared to other restaurants is the bread and how perfectly it's pressed and cooked! MMM! CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, the location in Malibu absolutely sucks.I just ranted and bitched about them in my review on their page. However, it was just their third day opening, so I'll cut them some slack, but I'll be back again in the near future. For now, the TRUE and ORIGINAL Cafe Habana NYC rocks!
(5)
Angela T.
Wow this CORN IS AMAZING. I also had the cuban sandwich which was just mediocre I thought, I liked the fries that came with it more than the sandwich. Man, I am so glad I went here. I crave this corn all the time! That was the only good part about this cafe, service could be better and it could be a little bigger!
(5)
claudia y.
we came for lunch on a friday afternoon. a rather late lunch, 1:30, and the wait was 45minutes! it turned out to be about 30 minutes but still. i heard the wait was even longer on weekends. i didnt really think that the food was so out of the world that it warranted such a wait. my favorites were definitely the corn and the cuban sandwich. we also tried the fish tacos and i thought they were a tad fishy. also the chicken quesadilla didnt blow my mind. we also had some sauteed spinach. the vibe is definitely a must experience though. all the people who work here are girls. scantily-clad girls at that. sweaty, scantily clad girls with the fan blowing in their hair. haha ...
(3)
Samantha L.
This place was great! It was a little bit of a wait for such a small restaurant, but worth it. The food was delicious. Definitely get the corn! (The only thing that takes away a star is the pulled pork was good, but not amazing. Other food I've had there has been great.) The atmosphere might have been my favorite part. I went with a group of friends and we were singing along with the music and having a great time, and the waitress would often join in. Another time I went with my mom and sister. Not the same music, but still the same fun, friendly environment.
(4)
Nina D.
Insanely overrated. I sat at the bar and was served by the bartender. The girl never stopped moving, I have to give her props. The Mexican Firing Squad she made me was okay. Not sure there was any "homemade grenadine" in it and I'm pretty certain she put hot sauce in there instead of orange bitters, but whatever, it was drinkable. Got the corn, which is covered in mayo (ew), cheese and chili powder. When the chili powder and greens on the bottom of the plate are the redeeming factors, you know it's not very impressive. Also, I could see the chefs grilling the corn and they grill it, and then throw it into a huge bin, so no wonder my corn was lukewarm when I got it. Also, there are 2 cobs in an order, surprise! I also had the roast pork, black beans and yellow rice. The roast pork was insanely juicy, but lacked much flavor. The yellow rice was good. I had to douse it all with hot sauce to give it a taste. The service was good. The bartender let me charge my phone and all of the servers were pleasant. This place has been on my list of must-gos for so long now and I am pretty bummed it didn't live up to expectations. I mean, mayo on corn...what the fuck was I thinking?
(2)
Michelle Y.
I came here to have a date with myself after having Cafe Habana on my to do list for about 4 years. I walked in and really felt like I was in a cute Cuban cafe. There was 1 spot left at the bar and I snatched it up. I ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style served with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. This might be one of the best things I ever ate. Roasted corn with a bit of spiciness and creaminess. The other came with 2 sticks of corn and you bet I finished both. Veggie candy. I also had the infamous Cuban Sandwich. It was fresh and had the perfect ham/pork/cheese ratio. It came with fries too, but they were nothing special compared to the rest of the meal. Cheap and delicious meal? Count me in.
(4)
Elizabeth J.
Grilled corn: yum yum yum Cuban Sandwich: Amazing pork, tender ham, tasty cheese, and incredible bread with a soft crunch. Hot sauce everywhere. Oh baby!!! The spot is a hole in the wall w/like 3 tables, but they serve beer and amazing food!!
(5)
Kevin W.
4.5 stars for the corn (num pang corn is better), 2 stars for their steak torta (I've had better at a corner deli, I've made better myself). Do yourself a favor and stick to the corn and a Cuban sandwich here.
(3)
Anna L.
I invited my friend and her boyfriend to come meet me + mon ami. She arrived there at 5 vs. later in the evening so the wait wasn't immense (for a Friday) but it was still...intense. Intense in that the group in front of her started a fight with another group over who had their whole party there. Curse words flew out and one party left in a huff. I guess people really like the corn to fight for it. My friend surprisingly had no trouble and she was seated in a 4 person booth with her bf. When we arrived, they were sipping frozen moritas (mojitos + margaritas). We quickly put in our order: 2 orders of the corn of course, 3 moreeee moritas, 1 margarita, steak enchiladas, chicken enchiladas (mine with cream, friend had mole), cuban sandwich. I thought the morita was quite good (not super sweet + strong) but I mainly liked the mojito part of it so next time I think I will just get the mojito. It melts pretty fast so all the more reason to chug and get another! They don't have happy hour there so it's $8.50 all the time. However my bf preferred the margarita over the mojito so it all depends. Corn was aWweesommmeeeeee. We all had a cob and loved it. The only thing was....man i wish we had toothpicks!! or at least floss in the bathroom - _ - But I do agree, it seems so simple...butter, lime, parmesan cheese, etcetc. I need to make this at home on my secret indoor grill. The rest of the meal was excellent. Loved the cuban sandwich, very juicy ham and the pork was not dry which is a plus. My enchiladas were tasty (chicken was grilled and cut up vs. pulled!) and I added a bunch of hot sauce. Definitely good choices. Love the venue. It kinda looks dingier in the pics than it really is. I was afraid it was going to be a dirty place but I love the bluegreen tables, booths, and the bar. Relaxing, chill environment. The bill ended up being 123.50 (got another margarita) for the four of us sooo 35$ each. woweee but we did get a lot of drinks. Overall the meal was fantastic and I definitely would go here again with friends. Why the star off? Service was good in the beginning and then at the end she kinda got mean and spilled water on my bf (accidentally but she could have been apologetic...). soooo you're not our friend anymore ms. waitress.
(4)
Kat C.
We waited maybe.. 45 to an hour for a table. It was certainly tasty, very tasty, but you have to decide if waiting is in your personality. Prices seem fitting for the area/the city but I generally don't like paying $9 for any drink but I guess I'll make the exception for the guava margarita here. Great Cuban-American cuisine; I guess I'm saying that after studying in Havana for 3 months in 2009 and the food at Cafe Habana is extravagant, deluxe, decadent, compared to anything you can find in Cuba. And from what I experienced, they actually don't like using garlic in anything, and my dish was laced with it! Delish cuban-american cuisine, worth the wait--definitely try once if you hate waiting.
(4)
Christopher M.
I came here after the folks at Fluevog recommended it STRONGLY to me. My first trip I ordered a cuban sammich. . hold the pickles. Un fuckin real. It was advertised as the best in NY and while I was sure it was good, I somehow doubted that was the case. Well, I haven't tasted all the cubans in NY. . .actually I've only tasted this one, but I could very very very easily see it being the best cuban sandwich anywhere. In fact, I was so elated that my brain released sufficient endorphins to cause me to leave my bag behind. my bag with my return ticket and keys and such. After an hour running frantically around trying to figure out where I left it (and a call to the wrong Cafe Habana location), I made my way back to find some awesome citizen and returned it, mostly unfondled (though he had looked through my bag to find some contact info), and on my second trip bought. Ready for this? MEXICAN COKE. ZOMG if you have't had it put down that horrendous thing inthe plasitc bottle and go here and buy mexican coke. This is what coke is supposed to taste like. The powers that be at coke headuarters are lying to you that HFCS tastes the same as cane sugar. Oh, yeah and please follow my lead and tip them well for being so awesome. I'm tempted to return just for this place. Five stars.
(5)
Daniel C.
Okay... so a little story first. When I was in high school, my dad owned a video store in Echo Park, CA. Completely Hispanic. The corn vendor was always outside and illegal since they didn't have a permit. Whenever the police came by, my dad would harbor these "criminals" and they would just give us some free corn. I never thought I was taste that wonderful fragrant, buttery, fresh, sorry, my drool is coming down.. corn. With that cheese and sauce... and years later, I find it again at Cafe Habana. There is a GOD!!! Of course, it only cost me a dollar at Echo Park, (if not free). Cafe Habana is still missing something. Maybe it's the consistency of the corn. I dunno. I'm pretty sure it's not just my memory. Something lemony... Whatever, they come the closest. But folks, if you ever go down to Echo Park, look for a family with their shopping cart of corn and how they make it right in front of you. Nothing like it. Oh.. on another note, get the Corona or Negro Modela Michelada here too. Never had a Michelada?? What's wrong with you!!! Go get one now!! Not that michelada style crap. The rest of their food? I like it enough.
(4)
T L.
Every bite was a burst of flavor. I walk by this place frequently and it is always so crowded. Today it was quiet and what I mean by quiet is that there wasn't a huge line outside but it was full inside. Now about the food: Order the corn!- I just got sent to heaven when I bit into it. Had an insane craving for eggs so I ordered the Huevos e.t.c. dish. The rice and beans ::twirl twirl, faint:: the rice and beans really made the dish. The eggs and steak was tasty but ...did I mention the rice and beans? The coconut flan was intense. Sugar-high alert! I will be back and I will try everything.
(4)
Nascha J.
Loved the food and will be back! This review covers the small lunch counter, not the official restaurant. Had my first Cuban here and also a bowl of carrot soup. Soho and Nolita are two of my favorite neighborhoods in the City and so I couldn't resist stopping in this place during my lunch hour. Loved the Cuban sandwich and the unexpectedly perfectly-not-so-sweet carrot soup. I will definitely be back and will probably dine in next time.
(5)
Sean T.
Two things you must try here. 1. The corn 2. The diablo chicken sandwich
(4)
Nick E.
The quick-and-dirty: * Great people watching at this joint. Many mustache sightings. * Fairly cheap dinner for two - if I wouldn't have gotten two $8 Mojitos we probably could have gotten out of there for about $35. * They also have a couple of other entrees and appetizers that appear to be gluten-free and vegetarian (Sopesitos and a masa boat stuffed with goat cheese, beans, and sun-dried tomatoes) * Get here early if you don't want to wait. * My recommendation = get a Mojito and some corn and move on for dinner.
(3)
Alice Y.
It took us absolutely forever to get seated! Hungry and tired from shopping all day in SoHo, we were famished and eager to get seated into the tight quarters of the restaurant (which by the way, reminds you of a cuba with the translucent ceiling light panels and the old-school fans twirling). Boy, was it worth the wait! My friends and I started off with a pitcher of sangria. O-M-G! What was in this concoction to make it so delicious? I don't get it! From the first sip, all of us at the table were hooked on this delightfully refreshing and perfectly sweet drink. Whatever it was, it really started the meal on the right foot. By suggestion of our fabulous waitress, I ordered the enchiladas suizas and a friend and I shared an order of the habana corn. DELISH! The enchiladas were perfectly seasoned and the chicken was moist and tender. As for the CORN... oh the corn! It was perfect! The corn was grilled perfectly with flecks of parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper perfected with a squeeze of lime. This stuff is heaven! I would come here just for the corn! SO DELICIOUS. Overall, this was by far my favorite place throughout my week-long stay in New York. Come here and come often!
(5)
Katya K.
This is the place for CORN. Sometimes I even dream of corn from Cafe Habana. It is the most delicious corn of this 'style' you can get. If someone knows any better - send me a message with the name of that place and you'll make me even happier than I already am. But corn is not the only thing for which I love Cafe Habana. Cocktails, food and atmosphere make me come back to this place. I am sure I'm not the only one who adores Cuban sandwich there. If you never tried it then you missed something real big in your food life. I only wish they had more space.
(5)
Sami C.
While I have become a veteran at queuing at a restaurant for 1+ hours, I have yet to understand why I'm doing it. Not so, with Cafe Habana, which we visited on recommendation from a good friend. It was cold, wet and miserable, but the moment we were served our corn on the cob, it was all better! I'm not sure what they put on it, but its a bit creamy, very sweet and has just a hint of a kick (some sort of spice, I imagine). We also had the fish tacos, which also tasted great! I'm not sure I would queue that long again, but I think I'll just have to work out the best timing to get there early and avoid the queues, next time. Either that or just attempt to get the corn to take out!
(4)
Gennadiy R.
Amazing food, pretty waitresses and quick service - even worth the hour wait to be seated. I recommend the corn for an appetizer, and pulled pork for the entree. Only thing I would improve is a tad more sangria per pitcher, felt like getting glasses wouldve been worth it more.
(5)
Lisa K.
I walk in a put my name down and midway through the waitress snaps at the table next to her "Can't you see I'm talking?! I'll be right with you!" I thought about it and decided not to be deterred. There had to be a good explanation for the 4 star rating on Yelp. We of course ordered their famous corn. It was good but not unique. You could easily walk a few blocks and get this type of corn at La Esquina. The cafe con leche was huge but really satisfying. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and the bf ordered Enchiladas Suizas (so Cuban, I know...its a training process that I'm slowing losing.) The Sandwich was tasty but not at all authentic. It had this mayo sauce on it that I could have done without. The pork was excellent though and the reason why I decided to bump this review up to 3 stars. I can't say that enchiladas were bad either. The chicken was tasty, however the sauce was a little thick. Rice and beans were good but then again not authentic. I don't at all think that Cafe Habana deserves the long wait or the high reviews, although I wouldn't be opposed to coming back if I didn't have to wait.
(3)
Nick M.
Like most people, I came here because I needed to find out why everyone was raving about the corn... Fire roasted corn on the cob, butter, mayo, parmesan, and lime. Sounds good right? Well if your shaking knees can handle it, try adding a few generous splashes of tapatio! The people have spoken, and the people were right!
(4)
Jo. P.
Five criterias, one star each... 1/ Food / Drinks: full star!! Loved the caipirinha , loved the food! 2/ Crowd: Excellent vibe with great mix of people. Cute girls and unpretentious clients. 3/ Service: I was at the bar and just loved it. 4/ Decoration / Concept: Mexican food for a Cuban name... hum why not but loved the place... so full star again :-) 5/ Starway to heaven?: Sure... let's go for it Had a great time, went there to grab quick food and ended up spending a qualitative time there!
(5)
Lisa O.
Awesome cuban food, roasted corn and cafe con leche. My favorite Cuban spot anywhere. The take out area is much easier to navigate and eat, theres about 15 seats.
(4)
Tracy X.
IF you do not try the grilled corn here, you will not die a happy camper! I mean, I know it's just corn here, but whatever it is that they mix into their secret spice and cheese, it is like crack. I know I had a full meal here too, but can't seem to remember what it was...it was definitely good though. But, nothing compares to their grilled corn, as this will be the first time I'm giving five stars to a restaurant purely for a vegetable! oh yes, and it's always always jam packed here...and the wait can be insane...but it's all worth it.
(5)
Kathleen D.
Hell yes, Cafe Habana, I love you. From the super amazing corn appy, (which I have tried, unsuccessfully, to recreate) to your delish fish tacos, to the super yummy, knock-you-on-your-ass mojitos, no amount of waiting on a streetcorner for a table could dissuade me of your amazingness. My only gripe about this place is that it's located on the other side of the country. When i'm back in October, you can bet where i'll be headed first.
(5)
Lena H.
i came here after katz deli so i wasnt hungry. i made sure to save some room for the corn, though. we came in and sat down at the table for 4 near the door. we werent sure whether we were supposed to seat ourselves but in the end everything worked out. we ordered 4 orders of corn, fried plantains, and i got a guava margarita. the corn was good but i was not blown away by it. again.. i wasnt that hungry so im positive that if i had a bigger appetite i would be writing a different review. the guava margarita was soooooo yummy! the plantains were sooo blagh... they were not sweet. i thought they were going to be the sweet glazed kind but it was really just... pan fried. very plain jane.. service was friendly even though we sat ourselves, ordered to go at the bar, and ate there. lol..
(3)
Neha S.
The first time I went to Cafe Habana, I got the grilled corn to go which was out of this world! So I had to go back for dinner, but was disappointed. The grilled corn tasted pretty bland, and the the entree was very bland. Perhaps it's because I'm vegetarian and it's not the most popular entree on the menu. The best thing at dinner was the rice/beans :(
(3)
A. M.
Located around the corner from the New Museum, Cafe Habana is located on the corner of Elizabeth street. There is a sit down restaurant which serves hard liquor and a small eat in/ take out next door with the same menu with the exception of the booze. I have eaten in both and they are just phenomenal. You must order their corn which has butter and some sweet powder sprinkled over it- it's truly amazing. Also order their Cuban sandwich made with the simplest and finest ingredients. if there's a wait for the restaurant, it's well worth it.
(4)
Mari Y.
Oh Cafe Habana. When I dream of Cuban food, I dream of Cafe Habana. This place was THE place when I lived here. I would wait in line for however long it took for a bite of its corn, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros. I also wouldn't overlook the iced coffee because it is delicioso! During my last visit, I ordered the huevos ranchers and substituted the home fries for yellow rice. I also ordered the sweet plantains on the side. The sauce wasn't as spicy as I've had in the past, which I liked. I love this place, love it, love it, love it.
(5)
Edgar S.
This place is literally a hole in the wall. Don't believe me? They seated me practically in the bathroom....I am not lying. Regardless of the bathroom seating, the drinks! the food! oh and the CORN! OMG......I felt leaving here like a fat man wanting a bed. Guess what I did when I got home? I went to sleep with a fully, happy belly!
Went again, tried the chicken eschiladas and famous cuban sandwich. Goodness, both were fantabulous and far exceeded my expectations. Easily one of my favorite grubs in the city, can't wait to go back and try the rest of their dishes!
(5)
Ryan D.
dear cafe cabana...please open a location in boston! The corn the corn the corn...It is all about the corn here people. I got my first order...ordered another one...then another one...and then another one....yea thats right 4 orders of grilled corn.....oh yea did i mention i was with 2 other people. anyways yelp brought me here on my last day visiting ny. I was in the mood for moofungo which they didn't have : ( . but the 700+ reviews won me over. This place is a gem. The restaurant is divided into 2 sides...A take out shop and a sit down restaurant. When i walked in i thought i had latin fever... ay dios mio.... the girls that work here are gorgeous. more the sit down part then the take out shop...sorry if i offended anyone. enough about girls more about food We got the braised pork and rice, a steak style cuban sandwich and fish tacos. I also wanted some burritos which they only do at the takeout shop. I decided to walk outside and go next door to the takeout shop all for a chicken mole burrito. it was worth it!! all of it. Im not a expert of cuban cuisine but i do know good quality food when i eat it. it was fresh and wasn't over seasoned. just a little lime did the trick. The only down side to this was i really wanted fried pork skin and moofungo!!! Next time im in ny...this will be my first meal. ps. does anyone know if they will mail me corn?
(4)
Dri S.
The infamous Mexican corn joint. I'm so craving this right now. My first time eating Mexican corn but well worthwhile at $3 a pop. I never had the other Cuban food but judging from the bustling customers, they seem to know what they're doing!
(5)
Andrew W.
Great atmosphere -- food is good but atmosphere is the draw. The corn and Cuban is great. Good fish tacos. Ha the sloppy pepe which is ok wouldn't order again.
(3)
Jason C.
I'll let you know now that the place is tiny & really cramped, plus it's totally no-frills, but don't let that put you off. It was around 8 at night, but luckily it didn't take us long to get a booth which was lucky as there is normally a really long wait. Obviously, we went right in & ordered Mango Margaritas (which I think are among the best in the city). Not sure how they make these things, but they're great! The other staple here is the Grilled Corn Mexican Style: it's basically flame-grilled corn sprinkled with chili powder & cotija cheese (hard cow's milk cheese from Mexico). It's served with lime & is skewered. Most people eat it with their hands, but I recommend shaving it off of the skewer & asking for extra lime. I think it's a lot better this way, but give it a try & see how you feel about it. Still hungry, we ordered another round of drinks & 3 appetizers: Sopesitos (corn cake sampler), Sincronizada (tortillas with mozzarella & avocado) & Taquitos Caseros (home style tacos with meat fillings). All 3 were really good, but I must admit that I really liked the corn cakes. A great snack/meal. There is an extensive entree menu that we didn't get into, but I really enjoyed myself there. If you don't mind dealing with crowds & slightly tight spaces, you'll really enjoy Cafe Habana!
(3)
Sarah C.
Normally I'd skip adding a 758th review, but in this case, I have something to add other than "OMG CORN NOMZ," so I'll make an exception. That being said, yes, the corn is quite tasty. My theory is that anything you eat off a stick is automatically more fun and therefore more delicious. However, I think the secret is that this cheesy corn hits three of the five tastes, at once salty, sweet and spicy, plus a squirt of acidic lime juice. Also, it doesn't hurt that it only costs $2, which is almost unheard of in this city-- it's no wonder that everyone is gaga for Habana corn. In fact, all the prices were super reasonable, as $21.75 got us two tasty Cuban sandwiches, the corn, and some fries. The sandwich was particularly delicious considering the cheese wasn't actually melted enough. The yummy blend of flavors more than up for the lack of total meltiness, and I especially appreciated the understated subtlety of the pickles, which I normally dislike, but here perfectly complemented the rest of the sandwich. What's worth mentioning aside from the corn and the obvious cheapness is that if you find the restaurant too cramped and the wait too long, you can get the same food at the take-out store front next door. There's even a few seats if you want to sit and eat, although with this frigid weather I would recommend sitting to the left of the door to avoid as much of the draft as possible. Considering how busy and crowded the official restaurant looks, I'd definitely recommend sticking to the faster, cheaper and less chaotic take-out counter and avoiding the dining room. Prices are a dollar or two less, and you don't have waiter service so that also saves a few bucks. It was such a nice, easy, no frills meal, and Boyfriend and I couldn't stop exclaiming over how perfectly it hit the spot!
(4)
Eric G.
I've been craving a Cuban sandwich for a while since I had my first taste of one in Miami, so it was fitting that I ordered it at one of the city's best Cuban-inspired restaurants. Big and delicious, I was only able to eat half of it at the book-sized table I shared with two co-workers (it's not a big place). I plan on ordering their world-famous corn on the cob at my next visit.
(4)
Byron W.
This is a great gem. They don't have much space but this is the place I was introduced to THE CORN. You can't go there an not eat it. It's a must have. I had the fish tacos recently and they were just as fresh & good as any place on the west coast. The Hibuscus tea is purple and refreshing. Definitely recommend others to try this spot!
(4)
Gina N.
If you want awesome hearty wholesome cuban food, this is your joint. Undeniably the best Cuban food I've ever tasted (granted i've never been to Cuba!). But don't take my word for it...the 700+ other reviews speaks for itself. Definite must try...and believe the hype! The grilled corn is TO-DIE-FOR!!!! For all you non-locals, they have 2 locations right next to each other...one is more low-key, good for take-out, and if you don't want to wait for a table at the other spot. We made the mistake of discovering the low-key "take out" spot before we even saw the "restaurant" and was so hungry at this point, we didn't realize it until after we finished our food, that the "restaurant" was next door. The only dissapointment I had about the meal was not being able to sip on some sangria while enjoying the lovely meal as they only serve alcohol at the "restaurant." Definitely won't be making that mistake again.
(5)
Jason A.
Corn is okay. It's grilled with Parmesan cheese. That's it. I ordered the roast pork with yellow rice and blk beans to go. Pork had medium to light flavor but it was juicy. Beans tasted sweet. I'm cuban myself so I enjoy a bit more salt on my pork but for people who don't your in luck. Grilled steak is made with filet minion. Thick and juicy.. Ask for well done! Medium was a horror to eat on the run since fork is plastic and meat is xtra thick. I guess I would come back... Not a instant favorite tho.
(2)
Irene K.
So I found this place on yelp since i was visiting New york for the first time. It was crazy to me that people were so CRAZY about the corn. When i got there it was packed since it is pretty small. I was dying to try the Corn since i have never heard of corn being such a popular item. I had the corn and it was everything and more! The waitresses were really nice and i loved the corn. Definitely a 5 star
(5)
William K.
The Skinny - home style and authentic, unpretentious, flavor-filled, affordable, fun and vibrant, Cuban diner/restaurant. The Details - came here on a weekday afternoon to grab a bite. The restaurant was much smaller than what I expected but that was fine by me as we didn't have to wait long for a table. But this place is pretty jam-packed at all times; hopefully they expand or open a second spot. It's a fun little restaurant with Cuban music blasting overhead and the waitresses shaking their hips to the beat. I ordered the fish tacos and shared the grilled corn (must try this). The order took a lot longer than I expected, and was somewhat annoyed when the group that came after us got their dishes first. The grilled corn is definitely worth trying and filled with a bunch of great flavors, from the chili powder to the cheese. The fish tacos were pretty solid too. All in all, great meal at an affordable price. The Major Pros - Great tasting food, packed with juicy flavors - Fun ambiance and vibe The Major Cons - A bit too crowded and tight-spaced for me The Verdict - If you're in the area, definitely go check it out, if for nothing else than to try their grilled corns, which are monumental. Oh, and I'd try to avoid the usual lunch and dinner rush time, I can see this place having super long lines during those hours.
(4)
Laur T.
I'm not sure if the corn is all that different from what I'd get in a street fair (for less too!) but I like it! Everytime I see huevos rancheros on a menu, I'm immediately transported to the times when we were in Acapulco over Spring break, with housekeepers and cooks whipping up lovely huevos rancheros for us.... and almost always feel torn about ordering it there and then! However, I decided to be adventurous and went with the chilaquiles verdes con pollo. It was good but really, not my most desired dish - if I could choose again, I would most likely opt for something different. Overall, I feel like Cafe Habana is way overhyped. Yes the food is good but I don't see why and how it's way up there compared to other cuban or latino joints in the city! I guess the prices are cheap so probably good value for money (not the corn though! hehe)
(4)
Debi N.
This place was small and crowded but the waitress was able to stick us somewhere. We didn't wait long luckily, about 7 minutes. The waitress seemed stressed and tried to rush us to sit down quickly but was pleasant once we were seated. Since we just came from Rays and weren't too hungry. I only wanted to try to famous corn. I felt bad so I ordered another entree which my boyfriend and I split. We initially ordered one order of the grilled corn which came with two heads but it was absolutely amazing we had to order another. The corn was grilled to perfection. Didn't taste burnt at all. Definitely full of flavor thanks to the chili powder, lime and cotija cheese it was smothered with. We also ordered the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano. I wasn't a huge fan of it. Probably because I haven't developed a taste for the mole poblano sauce. Nonetheless I will be back next time I'm in NYC, just for the grilled corn.
(4)
Margaret P.
I used to love this place, but I must say , in the past year quality had really taken a dive. I ate there yesterday for a late lunch, only to find that the menu was different (ie not as good). My hub ordered the pulled pork and raved about how good it was. I, however, ordered quite possibly THE most disgusting quesedilla I've ever had. It was full of dried chicken and giant hunks of semi melted smoked "cheddar" (more like velveeta) and squirted with some disgusting mayo sauce. It ate two bites of it and didn't finish. Gross... I won't be back, not for lunch at least.
(2)
Jayne L.
I live nearby and everytime I pass by I just need to get the corns. It's irresistable. It is a little difficult to dine in here tho as the cafe is extremely crowded.. and small. But I guess the good food would make it up.
(4)
Veronica B.
45 minute wait for a table of 2? People on top of me as I drink my $25/liter Sangria? Table the size of my seat? Tripping over another table on the way to the bathroom? Table falling over every time some shifts their seats? Yet it was SO worth it. We ordered the Red Wine Sangria for $25/liter, that's a little on the pricier side considering I've never paid more then $20/pitcher in any other restaurant. They only put apples for fruit yet the sweetness&wine were perfectly balanced, squeezed about 4 glasses out of it. Got both of us a little tipsy which is always a plus. Next, ordered the Mexican Grilled Corn and Tostones for appetizers. Tostones were hot & crispy on the outside with a mayo/vinegar dipping sauce. The corn is unexplainable, sweet/spicy/tangy all perfectly moshed together. It should be a mandatory order every time a customer sits down. I could have had the sangria and corn all night long! For entrees, we had the Grilled Steak and Chuleta Pork Chop. The Grilled Steak came with rice & black beans, the steak is the reason why I love this place. For the first time in my life, a restaurant actually cooked my steak how I asked, rare. Which I know is especially hard considering it's a skirt steak, but they accomplished it. The pork chop came with mushrooms and smothered in this creamy sauce which tasted amazing. I would highly recommend the pork, though it does take a bit to cook you can munch on more corn :) I would definitely come back again for the drinks that all looked amazing. They had frozen/on the rocks mojitos/margaritas ($8) they all looked really good. Corn & alcohol is highly recommended!
(5)
Tony T.
Went last night around 8 pm and the wait took 45 minutes. Since there are no reservations, just put your name down and then go find a bar or someplace around to sit down, relax, have a drink, and go back at the appropriate time. You have to start with the corn. Not sure why a Cuban restaurant serves Mexican corn or Mexican Jarritos, but regardless, the corn was spectacular. Since there were 4 of us, we got 4 different dishes, the roast pork, fish tacos, pollo mirador, and the cuban sandwich. We also got the tostones, which were very good. They were crunchy on the outside (not soggy like some places), and had enough salt to give it flavor but not overwhelm the taste of the plantains. My favorite dish was the cuban sandwich. I don't think I have had a better cuban sandwich anywhere else. The cheese was melted, the pork was tender, and the sandwich was grilled to perfection. It would be hard to find a better sandwich anywhere. You can tell the roast pork was cooked for a long time and it fell apart easily as I ate it, almost like a pork version of ropa vieja. The black beans and spanish rice were good but the white rice that came with the pollo mirador was better. The chicken was tasty and had cloves of garlic in the sauce, which I thought were mushrooms (until I bit into it). The fish tacos were my second favorite dish, battered catfish stuffed into a taco, how can you go wrong? The reason why there are 4 stars and not 5 is because of the lack of ambiance, which is almost intentional. I got some pollo mirador sauce spilled onto my sweater, people kept bumping into me with their bags and body parts, and I was hoping for more Cuban dishes. There is a take out counter around the corner, which would be great if you lived in the area. All in all, a great meal if you don't mind being in a crowded place.
(4)
Priscilla N.
Like the yelpers below me, I would avoid writing a 2482039840th review for this place, but I feel that I need to express my slight disappointment. I went here on a random Tuesday night, and although I had read all the previous reviews warning me about how small the place is so there is going to be a long wait, I didn't think it was going to be that bad since it was a Tuesday and when I had gotten there there were empty tables. However, my friends and I ended up having to wait about 1.5 hours because the a-holes at the table that we were supposed to get were just sitting there chatting and drinking beers, NOT ordering food, essentially hogging the table when there is a BAR that they could have been drinking at! Needless to say, I was very angry (didn't help that I had a couple drinks at the bar while waiting so I was getting belligerent haha). When we finally sat down, it was very loud and we could barely hear each other across the table and had to shout at the top of our lungs. That being said, the food was quite delicious. I ordered the cuban sandwich, which was good, but I've never had a cuban sandwich before so I can't really compare and say if it was the best cuban sandwich I've ever had. My friends got the pork platter thing, and that was delicious as well. And of course, we got the corn, which was good but I was expecting it to be phenomenal so I was a little disappointed. If I could give 3.5 stars, I would do that because the food is good, but I wasn't too much a fan of the long wait/not being able to hear my friends :(
(3)
Derek B.
So much has been said here I'm not certain at all that I'm adding to it, but I did want to give a shout out to literally everything on the menu, but in particular the "Sloppy Pepe's" open-faced sandwich. Beautifully cooked pulled pork and pico de gallo to die for. A great choice no matter what the meal and a strong recommendation.
(5)
Kristina A.
This place is a must try. It's a very tiny space and can get very very crowded, however. So be aware. There seemed to be only about 2 or 3 waiters and they were constantly running around so be prepared to wait longer than you'd like for the check or seating. However, I think it kind of goes with the ambiance. You feel like your in Havana in a tiny Cuban cafe, sweating it out with other locals (you're practically sitting on top of each other). BUT dear LORD the food is tasty. Like everyone says you cannot leave without trying the CORN. HEAVEN. I also had the Diablo sandwich which is so yummy!! I really enjoyed this place while visiting NYC and I'm excited to see they are opening a cafe in MALIBU, CA early 2010.
(4)
Scott L.
I went here last week for a late dinner, and had the best enchiladas that I've had so far in NYC. As for the decor/resaturant, the place is fairly small and the tables are very close together. We were sat literally right next to the door, and there was another couple 2 feet away from us. If you want your own space, this restaurant is not for you. That being said, the wait staff does a good job getting you in/out. Apparently they don't take reservations either, so be prepared to wait, especially if you have a group of more than 2. The prices were pretty reasonable, and with a laid back atmosphere, you can have a few drinks with friends while you wait for your food, or after you scarf down your plate (portion size is good too).
(5)
Karen W.
You walk in and there's the option to eat at the bar, huge comfy booths, or tiny tiny tables. Every time I've been here this place was jam packed and had to wait for whatever seat freed up. That's right, it's that good. I've had the grilled steak (YUM), and the pulled pork (more than a handful of times) - both highly recommended. The portions are filling - I've even ordered 1 entree to share if I wanted a quick bite. The meat, rice, beans - always perfect. Now, I feel the urge to rave about this corn they have. First time I saw this one menu, I said to myself, "really? corn?". Little did I know I would eat my words (and some corn). It was delicious. It had the perfect combination for me to nosh on while waiting for my entree. Highly recommended. Only cons (which I can't really even hold them accountable for): small tables / limited seating. I want to bring all my friends here, but I guess I'll have to do it one at a time.
(5)
Rob L.
Very very good. Of course the corn is incredible, and the Cuban Sandwich was awesome. I wasn't a fan of my girlfriends steak salad, but I put the blame squarely on her for ordering that here. I'll be back again!
(4)
chavo d.
kings of that buttery parmesan corn, they've never failed with some tasty mexi-cubano treats. add to that some of the cutest latina servers east of the mississippi, and you've got a hit! the only draw back is that this place packs asses and elbows deep, like a nightclub. interesting crowds though, but still, no one likes tostones with a pair of ass cheeks floating too close for comfort.
(4)
Marta P.
Not that this place needs any more reviews. I think if I had to pick my last meal on earth it would be here. I do not live in New York, but come here every single time I am in the city. Try to get there during the week because I think the brunch menu is what they offer on the weekends. This still includes the corn, but not as many of the other dishes which are phenomenal!
(5)
Andrew K.
A crowded little place for festive Cuban dining. The must is the grilled corn, which is delicious if you happen to snag the right piece. Crispy and well-seasoned, with a bit of juiciness in the kernels. Their sangria is wonderful. My entree, when I dined there, was the Enchiladas Suizas: "Grilled chicken enchiladas served in a creamy tomatillo sauce w/ rice & beans". Absolutely fantastic. You will most definitely wait a bit for a table if your group is bigger than 2. But the servers/hostesses do a good job of providing swift service and you'll get your table before you know it.
(3)
Heather H.
Go for the corn. It is a nice blend of parm cheese, chili powder, lime and a bit of mayo. There were actually two models in the restaurant when we were there, they ordered the corn, and then shared a small plain dry spinach salad, no joke! So the corn must be good :-) I had the smoked cheddar and chicken quesadilla, it was really good. The rice was really tasty as well, I'm sure lots and lots of butter goes into it. Go by and give it a try, even if its just for the corn!
(4)
Kevin W.
I order the grill chicken and black bean to go...The food is very fresh, healthy and taste wonderfull. The only problem I have with Cafe Habana, is the rough customer service...perhaps there busy or arrogant...not sure...
(4)
Adam S.
Super cramped little spot (i almost ate off the plate of the woman next to us because i thought it was on our table) but fresh, hearty offerings. The cuban sandwhich had great flavors, smokey pork, crisp pickles. I am used to cubanos being slightly more pressed, with the cheese nice and melted, but this was still delicious. The real money item was the grilled corn, slathered in spice and cheese, a must have.
(4)
Theresa C.
MMMM I LOOVE THEIR CORN!!! Whenever I am in Soho/Nolita area, I think of this place!! I've never actually sat down inside simply because the wait is ridiculous, especially for someone, like myself, who just wants some corn!! Oooo and with the lime.. squueeeze the lime!! But this place is genius for adding the take out area even if it is cramped like a mother! I've also tried their steak sandwich, which was pretty good as well. It's huge and by the time you are done, it's all over you. The steak is cut into long and thick pieces, which kind of made it hard to keep the sandwich in one piece. Other than that, I can't wait to go back and try their cuban sandwich!... and maybe get a few corns to go! =D
(4)
Steve M.
If you're lucky enough to get a table towards the front of Cafe Habana on a hot summer evening, when all the windows facing Prince & Elizabeth are open, get a margarita, some corn, some pork, and you will love New York City and you will love life. Cafe Habana is a perfect spot for a fourth or fifth date, it has this great, almost exotic, romantic feel to it, the food is outstanding and demands that you eat it with some gusto and often, with your hands; the drinks are great, and like I said, those front tables are gold - perfect for people-watching but also because it's nice and cool up there. The Roast Pork entree is a safe bet, but the real star is the Chuleta de Puerca a la Pimienta, a grilled pork chop served with the house special "mushroom au poivre sauce," and a piece of bread with some goat cheese. Cafe Habana is not good for a first date, a party of 5 or more (even 4 is pushing it), or someone finicky about food. Unless you arrive off-hours, expect to wait about 30 minutes; check often with the hostess to make sure your name is moving up the list!
(5)
Marina G.
There's nothing really Cuban about this place. It's Cuban food for white people which is fine...I don't want to pretend it's anything else. I've had the Cubano...dry pork, good ham, not enough pickles, wrong bread...it's decent but I'm not coming back for it. Roast pork entree is just dry...how you can make it that dry I don't know. space is cramped, service is meh...it's a place to socialize not to have great cuba fare. On the cheap side though nothing above $14 on the menu
(2)
Sally C.
This place is trendy and always packed but the food is not extraordinary. I ordered their steak and eggs for brunch once and the steak came out tough and charred - nearly half of it was inedible. The service is absolutely horrible and the venue is always loud and cramped. On one occasion I went there with a few friends and I put down my name with the hostess to wait for a table. After about 45 mins the hostess seated us after the group ahead of us didn't answer when she called out their name. A waitress proceeded to bring water to our table and just as I was about to take a sip out of my glass, she said the group that had been ahead of us showed up and we had to leave our table for them. I was livid and had a mind to just leave, but we had waited so long already, we figured we might as well just stick around. There's a great mexican place called La Esquina down the street and I have abandoned Cafe Habana for much better quality food, service, and prices. However, I would come to this place if I was entertaining some friends from out-of-town who wanted to experience what snooty NYC dining is like.
(2)
Tuyen M.
I recently checked out this place on my first trip to NYC. My bff kept ranting about it so I wanted to see what the hype was all about. I had the mexican corn for the appetizer and pulled pork as the main entree. The mexican corn was good but not out of this world. Growing up in Santa Ana, or SoCal, we're spoiled by street vendors who sell the same stuff for $1.50 on the street. I'd say if you never had it, you're going to really like it. If you've had it from Socal already, you're gonna think, "eh okay, more sophistication" but it's not like you're gonna get a food-gasm from it. The pulled pork was really gooooood. It was served with black beans and rice. The rice was probably cooked with some chicken broth but super delish!
(4)
Thuy P.
I stopped here for a Soho shopping break with two friends. The three of us had the OHH-EMM-GEE, the corn, the corn. Yeah, I had that so called famous crack corn. Since we made a pit stop for just the corn, we plopped our three little tooshies onto the street curb to devour our cuban corn. Since I only had the corn that everyone raves about, this review is simply on that, THE CORN. Can I even say... umm, yuck?! As I type this, I'm looking around and behind my back because I'm afraid loyal patrons will find a way to hunt me down and torture me until I take it back. Maybe it was an off day for Cafe Habana? My corn was dry, completely dry actually, over charred, barely any cheese sprinkled on top, and dang it, even my little lime wedge was dry... I couldn't squirt any juice out of it. So, yes, I said it! YUCK. I thought it was just my corn but when I looked over to my two friends, their corns looked exactly like mine. Dry and unappetizing. I do give places a benefit of a doubt each time but seriously, why on earth would you serve something so unappetizing to your customers? If it's not up to par, do NOT serve it. I'm still debating if I should give this place one more shot but still I can not get the first impression out of my mind. I always think back, WOW, this is the famous corn everyone raves about. Sorry, not for me. NEXT!
(2)
Wendy L.
As Bubba would say " corn, corn cakes, corn on the cob, corn tortilla, corn salsa, corn salad...corn, corn, corn!" I love it! Came here while I was traveling for business. It was recommended by my cousin and if was for something you CANNOT miss. They are known for their corn which is a must order, but everything else on the menu I tried was SUPER DELICIOUS. Enchiladas de Mole Poblano ... 11.95 Chicken enchiladas in our homemade mole poblano served w/ rice & beans AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! Sopesitos ~ A sampler of corn cakes topped with black beans, cotija cheese and 3 different salsas ... 6.95 YUM YUM YUM! Grilled Corn Mexican Style ~ 2 pieces served with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese ... 4.25 YES YES YES! Can't wait to go again! Note: Please go for a run before you go. It's a tight fit...
(5)
Vivian H.
I don't know what to say, I am just not on the bandwagon of 4 or 5 stars for this place. But, from the looks of it, this place is a success and because of that success, they now also run a take-out right next door. The first 2 times we tried to eat here were aborted missions. Too many people, too long a wait. Finally, this past Saturday we decided we were gonna have some Habana food. Do or die! The line was horrendous and out the door, and the wait for the food was at least 15 - 20 minutes. Luckily, the weather was nice, and since this is a hotspot, the people watching wasn't bad either! Since the wait was so long, we figured, the food must be good right? Wrong We did not order the crack corn, which seems to be everyone's favorite, and opted instead for an avocado and white cheese torta and also a homemade lime-lemonade. The total came to $12. In any case, after the LONG wait, we finally got to sink our teeth into the torta. The torta is a good size, easily able to feed 2 people. But that is where the excitement ends. The sandwich was pretty bland, and the cheese had no taste. In an attempt to liven up the torta, I put some hot sauce on it, which helped. But the thing is, it shouldn't cover up the original flavor, or try to mask it, hot sauce should only be an enhancer, not the main attraction! I wish that I could have given this place a better review, but the food speaks for itself... Footnote: After eating the torta with hot sauce, my belly god was angry with me and I had heartburn ;-(
(2)
Ronald T.
ORDER THE CORN! It's sweet, it's spicy, it's cheesy, and with a squeeze of fresh lime, it's absolutely delicious! Although the dish comes with two pieces of corn, it would've been better if they choose bigger corn so that each kernel packs a greater punch. We also ordered the Cuban Sandwiches. The menu claims it to be best voted in NYC, and I believe it! The pork was super juicy, the ham provided the perfect saltiness, the swiss added a nice "glue" to the sandwich, the pickles were thinly sliced and perfectly crunchy, and the bread seemed very fresh. I could've sworn cubans usually come with mustard, but this one didn't. No one ever talks about the fries on this dish, but the fries were AMAZING. Finally, we ordered a pitcher of Sangria (only $25! and makes for 4-5 glasses) which was a GREAT compliment to the meal! 4 stars because the place is TINY
(4)
Lan H.
Of course, order the corn. Hell, order two for yourself. It is THAT good. The limeade is so REFRESHING. The sandwiches are to die for. The black bean spread is heaven sent. Perfect place for a pit stop when you're out walking around the city. Two thumbs and a big toe up!!
(5)
Riley B.
Although I would never go there if I were in a hurry (because of the wait and the hit-or-miss service), the food never disappoints. Very few dishes in the city can top the grilled corn followed by the Tlacoyo Tres Marias, a corn masa boat filled with goat cheese, black beans, and sundried tomatoes, covered with red and green chile sauces, and drizzled with crema. Rice and beans on the side that actually add to the dish, rather than simply fill space on the plate, make this one of those dishes that you ain't shaking from your memory anytime soon.
(4)
Nancy C.
After all that shopping and walking in Soho I needed a snack and of course I headed here for corn. I'm sure the locals would thank me, but it was just a-ok to me. Don't get me wrong, the corn (comes in a set of two cobbs perfect for sharing) is delish. BUT, I could reciprocate this at home and not have to sit in a cramped space with horrible service. I was seated next to the bathroom so constantly the bf had to scoot. We had to ask for water 4 times and don't get me started on how long it took to get the check. Mango limeade was fresh but too sugary for my taste.
(3)
Jason A.
Proper Cuban food is hard to find in the Bay Area, so outside of the occasional Cuban Sandwich, I didn't know what to expect. Recommendations echoed the "Order the corn", but what most fail to mention is their properly done Roasted Pork. It is slightly fatty, juicy, and well flavored. When paired with one of the better tasting black beans and seasoned rice, the holy trinity is complete. The Cuban sandwich filled with the same roasted pork, is big enough to satisfy most hungry needs and is filled with all the cheesy, pickle, ham, aioli, on hoagie-goodness. Yes, you must get their amazing corn on the cob! In fact, get an order to go. Just try not to limit yourself here because you'll regret it! Great service and food, makes this Cafe one of my "Must Eats" in New York.
i was visiting in NY and yelped for some food and this placed seemed good so i checked it out. when we got there it was crowded and the place is small. Positives: Food is AMAZING The prices are great Negatives: the place is small so not much room to stay and eat Now i don't know if its because i'm mexican and i have had grilled corn but the corn here isn't that amazing, its ok. so i guess if you have had it before somewhere else chances are you won't see anything special, but if you have never had it you will love it The only other thing i didn't like was the girl taking our order was rude and not nice at all. she seemed bothered by anything we would ask. but i get set that aside because the food is amazing i got the diablo chicken sandwich. BOMB my girl got the cuban torda or w/e and it was BOMB Great food good prices just don't expect to be able to sit because its small, and just expect rude service.
(4)
Latoya G.
i have to come back and order more from the menu to really feel like i can rate it BUT.. i did have the tostones and the mexican hot chocolate which were both nice and tasty. my friend had the cuban sandwich and she gave it a thumbs up as well. i saw the mexican corn and will def try that next time after reading such rave reviews. in addition, i have to add that i have read and totally understand the reviews about whether its mexican or cuban... but, in the grand scheme of things.. the food is good.
(4)
Christine A.
Cafe Habana was my first experience with Cuban food, and it was absolutely amazing. It's located in a quiet corner Nolita, but it's anything but quiet inside - the place is jam packed, and because it's so popular, the wait can be quite a while. We ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style (~$5), just as everyone recommended, and WOW it was unbelievably tasty. It's prepared with sprinkles of cotija cheese, chili powder, with a slice of lime for you to spritz on the corn. Yummyyy. For the entree, I ordered the Cuban sandwich (~$10), which was voted as the best in New York City - it had roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles with french fries. The roast pork was so tender and juicy, and everything put together was just a perfect combination. The portion was huge though, so be prepared! We also shared a pitcher of red Sangria ($25), which was suuuper refreshing and good. It's not too strong, but it goes so well with the food. The margaritas came in strawberry, mango, and guava, and they all looked reallyyy good too. Service was great - the waitresses were very friendly, and the food came fast. I wish they had a Cafe Habana in California! If I ever come back to NYC though, I'm definitely paying this place another visit. :)
(5)
Rin Z.
I've been coming to this Cuban hot spot for years, it's still one of my favorites to go to. Their corn is to DIE for, i usually have two for myself =P - it's sweet, spicy, and salty all at the same time i, it's like having a fiesta in my mouth lol . Their entrees are also delicious, I usually order the chicken enchiladas or the fish tacos and it's mouth watering each and every time. The only thing I dread about going there is the long wait and lack of space. However, if you cant wait they have a take out restaurant right next door which tastes just the same and comes twice as fast and the plus side is that everything they serve is at a affordable price esp for Manhattan. I recommend this place for anyone who wants good mexican/cuban food.
(5)
Jonathan J.
Swagger and hipster chic' flood this East Side Cuban "hole in the wall". Once you step inside you're hit with an amazing aroma of spice and pork, all while a boombastic Cuban soundtrack wails in the background. The space is extremely small and littered with numerous Havana posters that builds an ambiance that adds to the experience. I came here with a friend and loved the food, the corn appetizer was fantastic. It had a tasty mix of sweet and spicy all at once. The enchilada mole was decent, but the rice and beans were incredible. The sangria was tasty and definitely made with perfection. It's definitely a spot I am going to frequent. It packs in tight real quick and you may have to wait a while to get a seat, but it's definitely worth it. A few doors down they opened up an express location for those who want to eat on the fly.
(4)
Tamara O.
this is one of those "insiders secrets" that all the outsiders get to learn about, because it is just SO GOOD! Decor: nothing too fancy, "cuban" style interior with little cute tables. But as it has a high "authenticity" factor you're not expecting it to be very orderly and neat. Food: the food here is absolutely delicioso. I tried taking some photographs for Yelp, but as with good home cooked food, the yummie taste just doesn't portray well on photo's :-) The cuban corn is definitely a must, but the shredded chicken is something I usually have to have as well. Drinks: When you thought that the food was good, try the bloody mary's after a night of drinking... its the best thing that could have happened to you during a hang-over. I personally love the frozen strawberry margarita as well, coz it has real fruit in it. If you are not up for alcohol in the middle of the day, the lime lemonade will give you all the vitamin C you need. Price: The prices are super reasonable for new york. Corn is about 4-5$, an entree between 6-10$ and drinks are between 2-5 non alcoholic, to 7-14 for alcoholic beverages. The yummie margarita's are 9$. Line: there is always a wait when you get here, but usually you get a table pretty fast 10-20 minutes. Trust me its worth it. :-) Enjoy, for a minute you'll forget you're in New York.
(5)
lisa b.
Why write yet another rave review for this place, and particularly about the corn? Because when a place is this consistently good, it deserves the praise. You don't have to worry about it getting too crowded due to reviews, because that happened a long time ago. Expect to hang and wait to be seated, and consider it all part of the experience. You could get lucky like I usually do and meet some cool people while you're waiting. Now about that corn: it is sweet, spicy, salty and creamy all at once. The charred flavor combined with the natural sweetness and the cheese is unbeatable, as is the price. Consider the Cuban sandwich, the plantains, the jicama salad, even the fish tacos. But don't expect a very good margarita, in fact stick with the sangria (or beer). It is strong and perfect with the food.
(4)
C F.
I'm afraid I have to agree with the previous poster who said that it's going downhill but I would like to hope that it was just a down night. First, the corn they gave us was midget sized, like 4 inches, and half of the corn stalk was shriveled and inedible. It was like baby corn. I've been here numerous times and this is the first time they totally cheaped out on corn, which if you consider that they can get 3 for $1 in the grocery, they already score huge profit margins. If you have a piece of corn that's half inedible, scape off the edible parts and use it in another dish, don't give me half a piece of corn and charge me full price. Second, they forgot my drink order. Third, I asked for no jalapenos and the person taking my order made a point of saying that they would put a note in about no jalapenos. Guess what I got on my pulled pork? Jalapenos. Also they got rid of horchata at the take out place, which is a big downer. I'm going to give this place one more shot but if it continues to go downhill, there are tens of thousands of other restaurants in NYC. And if I have to grill corn myself and slather cheese on it I can.
(2)
Shirley N.
We ate here twice during a recent visit to the big apple. Expect to wait about 20 to 30 minutes for a table. The restaurant itself sits on a corner in the Nolita neighborhood, and the seating is very tight inside. If you're lucky, you can grab a seat at the counter. The grilled corn is a must when dining here. It's served as corn on the cob. The flavor is unbelievable. Lighlty dusted with cheese and chili powder. The fish tacos and the pulled pork sandwich are other highlights of Cafe Habana.
(4)
J W.
I remember when Cafe Habana first opened. I can't begin to describe the many wonderful mornings I spent eating breakfast there. Do they still have the fresh grilled corn smothered in butter and parm.
(4)
N C.
I know there are more than enough reviews for this place, but seriously the grilled corn and tostones are soooo money. I now actually make the former item fairly regularly whenever we BBQ at my place, because it's just corn coated in parmesan/mayo and sprinkled paprika/cayenne. But Habana does it so well that I still end up going back.
(5)
Caroline L.
Delightful cuban sandwiches. Corn of Heaven. Ice cold beer and margaritas. What more do you need?
(4)
Bethany P.
I wasn't going to write a review for Habana seeing as how there are already over 700 but I gave in because I LOVE this place. The food is phenomenal. I took one star away because it's teeny tiny and everytime I've gone the wait has been over an hour (more likely 2 on the weekends). The good thing about the wait is that the drinks are strong and you can sip away while you stare enviously at other peoples' plates going by. Their 'wranglers' as I prefer to call them (the girls who keep you from freaking out while you wait) are great too. It was interesting just to watch them coax people into staying and waiting it was somewhat like watching a mother soothe a fidgity toddler, "Juuust sit down and have a niiiice drink, that's right, there you go." The grilled corn is addictive. I dream about this stuff. I have no idea what is on it but it's honestly one of the best things I've ever tasted and I don't really even like corn! It's worth the awkward moments spent picking kernals out of your teeth with the complimentary toothpicks when it's all eaten and done. (Maybe not a great date spot w/ that little bit noted, ha ha). Once you've had your strong drinks and corn you may think it can't get any better but the entrees are just as flavorful and delicious. Just go, go go go go.
(4)
Cupcake C.
I fell inlove w/this spot. The food was yummy. The atmoshpere low key and happy. Try the corn!
(4)
Bobo R.
Great food. Terrible service. I like the corn on the cob.
(4)
B ..
"Eat your veggies". Ahh, that infamous line that Ma used to say when we had no choice but to clear our plates. At Cafe Habana, you will have little difficulty clearing your corn on a cob dish that is slathered with some mysterious goodness. My guess of what's in it: Chili powder, mayo, salt, pepper. Someone please tell me the secret recipe! I also had the pulled pork w/rice and black beans on the side. It was delicious! I had a few nibbles from my friend's steak dish and that was REALLY good! Portions are perfect for this type of heavy food...it doesn't leave you feeling bloated or like you have over eaten. I didn't say anything about any alleviation from the passing gas part. :p
(4)
Judy C.
The Grilled Mexican Corn is utterly amazing, we even took some home to go for later on. The cuban sandwich was delicious but they need to use deli style pickles, not kosher ones...overall very tasty. The waitresses were awesome and attentive.
(4)
Laura T.
My favorite 'discovered whole in the wall'. The food here is good, but the corn makes this place 4*. The Mexican corn is hands down one of my favorite foods in NYC. If you're visiting NYC, this is a MUST go. If there is a long line, they have a take out restaurant next door which is very convenient. I actually prefer sitting on the high stools at the counter eating my corn and cuban sandwich. You can't go wrong with this place.
(4)
Kari P.
the CORN! really we don't need to talk about much else, except that it makes the rest of your meal seem pointless. i did not want my ordinary huevos rancheros (which were good btw) after that corn. the service is friendly. the tables are tiny. best bruch in nyc! ooh and the potatoes are good too.
(4)
Jason P.
I like to call this place, Cuban food porn at its finest. It doesn't get much better than this. There are two establishments at this location, the diner-like atmosphere located on the corner, and the takeout (To-Go) area adjacent to the diner on Elizabeth St. We decided to eat at the takeout area, which is small in comparison to the diner. If your lucky enough to grab a seat in the cramped area, there are 3-4 small tables with folding chairs, and several high-chairs running across the bar countertop along the two windows. After you order, give your name, and pay, then move aside so the maddening crowd behind you can order. Wait patiently until your name is called and grab your food. There are a variety of hot sauces available on a shelf to the right of the cashier, along with paper napkins and plastic utensils. I've been to Habana Outpost during the warmer weather, but have never had the chance to check out Cafe Habana. It's winter and I needed my Cuban fix so it was the perfect opportunity. We ordered our usual: - Cuban Sandwich ($7.50) - fresh roast pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickle slices on Cuban bread with chipotle mayonnaise. Oh man, this mouth-watering sandwich was KILLER, as I'd have to claim that this was the best Cuban Sandwich I've had (even better than their sister location in Brooklyn). Everything about this sandwich was perfect, each ingredient complimenting the other, tender shredded pork, not too salty ham, fresh swiss cheese, and absolutely divine chipotle mayo. - Steak Sandwich ($9.25) - tender slices of grilled steak with caramelized onions, red & green sweet peppers, and their kick-ass chipotle mayo served on a crispy hero. - Sweet Plantains ($3.25) - This dish was a bit disappointing in presentation, maybe since 8-10 slices were served on a larger paper plate. I know they tout environmental awareness (take a look at their paper napkins which try to persuade you to use your sleeves), but the paper plate was just too gigantic for ~10 slices of plantains. Nevertheless, the fresh plantains were slightly caramelized, with the right level of sweetness. - Grilled Corn Mexican Style ($2.00) - A classic item that you must try, if you ask anyone who has been here. This is definitely an item to not miss out on. The corn is covered in Parmesan cheese and spices (paprika/cumin?) and complimented with a slice of lime. Don't forget to squeeze the lime juice on. I don't need to explain it, just TRY IT!! You won't regret it! What are you still doing reading this review?! Go already!!! I'm drooling just thinking about it!!
(5)
Yui W.
It's difficult to determine what really makes something the best. In trying out Cafe Habana's famous Mexican Grilled Corn, I was expecting an explosive taste. Call me old fashioned, but I personally enjoy more the typical grilled corn with butter and salt. However, to review on a fair basis, I'd have to say, they offer one of the most original and tasteful grilled corns (aka Elote) I've ever had, but from my understanding, it is also a commonly served street food in Mexico. For only $4, you get two corn on the cobs topped with a mix of cayenne pepper, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and a dash of lime. Definitely not good for groups. Expect lines and a small venue, but just as most of us in Asia know, it's small establishments like these that offer something truly special.
(5)
Corinne L.
If you're a virgin (not by choice) and you want an exhilarating experience, then eating the corn at Cafe Habana will probably be more exciting than your first time anyway. My experience on a busy Wednesday night with the bff went something like this... 1. OMG, CORN!!! 2. **squeezing of the limes** accompanied with giggling 3. First bite. Corn juice gushed into my left nostril, but I didn't care. 4. Chewing. Pre-jizzing in my mind. Omagah, omagah, must have more. 5. NOM. 6. NOM NOM. 7. NOM NOM NOM!!!!!! 8. Bff takes a huge hit of the chili powder. It hurts so good! 9. I'm wearing the corn on my lips, chin, nose &I don't stop to wipe my face. 10. Whaaat, I only have one turn left!? 11. MORE PLEASE! I wish we only ordered one cuban sandwich to share. I honestly would've eaten 3 more ears of that glorious corn. I will definitely be back. Take someone you love, laugh about all the shit in your teeth, enjoy the hot music, and go home to make Cafe Habana babiessss!!!
(5)
ross c.
BEST CORN ON THE COB EVER!!!! this place is great! Drinks are solid and get u wasted. Cute gilrs all around most of the time. I like to go during the week when it is not so crowded.
(5)
Mina D.
Trying their Corn is a must!! Try not to go there with a big group or odd number of people! First time I went there with two of my friends and we waited 30min, second time it was four of us and we waited 20 mins. But I could see being there only with another person could be a lot faster! The food in this place is amazing! Specially their corn and Cuban Sandwich. If you don't have time to wait, you can order the Corn for to go and go eat some where else, but if you are in NYC you have to try the corn. The service is very friendly but they are very busy so you might have to wait on the waitress longer than usual.
(5)
Susy C.
DO NOT COME HERE WITH A BIG GROUP. IF YOU'RE IN A LARGE GROUP, GO AWAY!!!! ... that way, I can ensure that I have a seat for myself, muhahahaha. I LOVE THEIR CORN!! Generally, food on a stick is good. I love corn, and it comes on a stick!? EVEN BETTER! 1 order comes with 2 pieces of corn and believe me - you will not want to share the 2nd piece. Make the other person get their own order! I also loooove their Sloppy Pepe open faced Hangover sandwich. It's bbq pulled pork hash topped with 2 eggs and a habanero salsa or onions? I didn't get the full description. I got my eggs over easy and had my creamy yolks jizz all over that delicious pulled meat. MMM MM MMM sooo good. Even better is when you slather it with some hot sauce. This place is tiny, so go away!! GO FAR FAR AWAY! DO NOT COME HERE SO THERE'S MORE SPACE FOR MEEEEEEEEEEE
(4)
Dan D.
I went to Cafe Habana a week ago after 2 of my friends in the city wanted to meet up for dinner. They had frequenct this place a few times and were in the mood for it, and seeing as how I've never had cuban inspired and flavor food, I was game! We got into the place around 9 PM. The restaurant itself is pretty small in size but we didn't have to wait, most likely due to the late time. I love the look and feel of the place, it's very dim lit and has a nice atmosphere. Our waiter was extremely nice and fun to talk to. We start off with corn for appitizers and if you like corn then you must try their corn! Each order comes with only 2 pieces so we had 2 orders. The corn is seasoned in butter and some sort of chilli spice and the combination between the two is fantastic! I loved it so much that I took the extra piece for myself! For dinner, I ordered their steak with black beans and yellow rice. Dinner came out in a promptly manner and the appearance of the dish looked great. The steak itself was pretty good, I had ordered it medium rare and it came out pretty well. The black beans were good, but for me what stole the show was the yellow rice. I had never had yellow rice before, but I will be having more yellow rice in the future after having it here. The yellow rice is so flavorful and has a lot of taste to it. I highly recommend this place and hope that I get a chance to return.
(5)
LuCy t.
Cuban Sandwhich & Roasted Corn. I still dream of you.... My quest for a west-coast equivalent will continue until I can find something comparable!
(5)
desiree s.
Came Here on a chilly afternoon and was told we have to try the mexican Corn. Well Being that my Boyfriend is from mexico and having had the real thing out in LA. I was excited to see how it tasted. Everything they put onto the corn including the cotija cheese was perfect... except for the corn! The corn was a bit dry and wasn't good at all. I guess Im used to the corn out in la where they are sweet and juicy and DELICIOUS but it just didnt compare. But I still give this place a solid three stars cause there coffee was really good and so was their burrito with chorizo with egg. They used good quality chorizo and the perfect amount of cheese. The place is a little tiny but what isn't in NY. If Im ever back in New York maybe Ill try something else. But as for the corn im better off getting it here.
(3)
Wing C.
My bestie and I decided to take advantage of $15 credit courtesy of Tabbedout. It was our first attempt to use the app (and assuming same went for our server) - it took a bit of trial and error (best style of learning) - but as a team, we figured it out! We came for an early dinner and were able to have the whole back room to ourselves - nevertheless we still had to place our condiments and glasses of water to adjacent tables - just to have space for our entrees! Honestly, we couldn't imagine coming during peak hours. We stuck to what they are famous for -Mexican corns and Cubano with fries. I am envious of those who were able to enjoy those corns when they were less than $2! Beautifully charred, sweet corns smothered in generous slabs of mayo, cheese, and chili powder. You kno what I will be grilling this weekend! I'd actually never eaten a Cubano before so I have nothing to compare Cafe Habana's to. The pulled pork was juicy but a little too fatty. Ham is ham - never crazy about processed meat. The bread was toasty for most the most part but got a bit soggy after soaking the meat juice. With a little dap of hot sauce, the sandwich was fine. Good but nothing to write home about. We shared their coconut flan to finish. $5 was not a bad deal! However it was a little too sweet for our taste. I would recommend finishing off with more corns. Overall, decent foods and service. However certainly not worth waiting in line for.
(3)
Anthony W.
Really good food! The pollo mirador is excellent!! And the corn is to die for :D highly recommended!!!! Five stars!!!!!!
(5)
Anisa H.
Not sure what all the fuss is about, corn is great but quesadilla and burger nothing extraordinary. Guacamole lacking heat big time. Overall this place for me is not worth the wait. I prefer La esquina by mile.
(2)
Michael L.
I dont really get the hype. The place was crowded, the service slow. I have definitely experienced better and yes the corn is good but my wife makes it so much better. Overpriced if you ask me. oh, just a tangential note: It was raining cats and dogs that day and someone took our umbrella, pretty elegant.
(2)
Emily O.
Love this place. Service can be spotty but the last time I went the server was so nice. Hibiscus tea, YUM! Tostones, PERFECT! Jicama Salad, MY FAVE (maybe a tad too much cheese) Coconut Flan, AYE PAPI! Gracias, Cafe Habana!
(4)
Kelly L.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! A friend took me here... she said the corn was amazing! It was... I could have easily downed four ears... but I had Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo(Corn tortilla & shredded chicken casserole cooked in green tomatillo salsa and topped w/ crema and cotija cheese) on the way. It was sooo delicious!!! It's very small inside.. but worth the wait... (we only waited 20 minutes for a table on a sunday afternoon). They also have a take out place right next door... They have some type of corona with hot sauce drink... and margarita salt around the glass... (forget the name) I think its a chelada corona? Very Good... If I had more time I would have ordered another. If you are in the area... I highly recommend stopping by. Very nice, no fuss, in-expensive good food!
(5)
Chelle Y.
While waiting for our table at Lombardi's, we contemplated making a quick run to Cafe Habana for the infamous corn. After very little debate, we made a mad dash and picked up a few ears and started munching only to find out our table was ready. We snuck the corn in and snuck bites under the table. Hot corn juice dribbling down our chins and cheesy, spicy, stolen bites of the most awesome corn EVER - totally worth the scolding we got for bringing 'outside food.' Just a few days after, we went back for more corny goodness and a shared platter of roasted pork, beans and rice. YUM YUM YUM YUM -- the only thing that could've made it better are the added dramatics of breaking the rules and eating it in another food joint. NYC and Cafe Habana-- I'm coming back soon...and I'm definitely coming back for your CORN!!!
(4)
Eunice C.
I. Love. Their. Corn. Get their corn for appetizer and you're pretty much set. I personally like their steak sandwich, but it's a little bit greasy. The cuban sandwich is also another great option. I've tried their pozole for dinner, which was pretty good but a little unfulfilling. If you want something sweet to go along with everything, their side of sweet plantains is a nice touch. Be warned, Cafe Habana is really small. Like, really small. I have a hard enough time getting to my table from the bathroom. Also, the waitresses can be a little...absent. However, I am a fan of their shirts!
(4)
sha m.
what would i do without Cafe Habana in my life?! i trek out from CA to new york every year and this is one of my favorite spots. expect to wait 30min - 1 hour....it's a tiny place, but well worth it! corn. steak enchiladas. mojitos & beer. that's all you need to know.....go indulge and enjoy!!!
(5)
Melissa B.
Went to Cafe Habana for the first time today. The food was delicious. Although the waitresses were pleasant, service was a bit slow. It took a few minutes to get menus and we had to ask for water. However, once we placed our order the food came quickly and it was worth the wait.
(4)
Mick B.
Don't get the hype. The corn was good, but it's not worth waiting 30 minutes for a lukewarm mound of rice and clod of re-fried beans.
(2)
Greg C.
The corn was very good. Even better though was the roast pork with a side of yellow rice and red beans. Amazing flavor!
(4)
Preeti S.
Ugh... Mexican restaurants in New York continue to disappoint me. I came here with a whole lotta expectations and a very hungry tummy. After waiting for about 30 mins on a weeknight, we got seated at the bar. Obviously we had to order the grilled corn...and it was as DELICIOUS as they say. Probably the best corn I've ever had! But then, I got the tilapia tacos...which is where the disappointment began. Pretty bland, tastless, and overstuffed. The rice and beans had too much salt as well. My dinner buddy ordered the vegetarian tacos...and it was the worst tasting, foul smelling piece of taco I've ever had. It had uncooked okra in it...which gave it a horrible texture as well as taste. A restaurant can't just ride on the success of one appetizer. Unless they add some zing to their insipid entrees, I'm probably never coming back.
(2)
Dominique G.
Well, everyone has told me about this place, and I finally made it there. I went there for a first date, actually. We sat at the counter on a Thursday night, and it was PACKED and LOUD. The corn was fantastic - everything people say is true. I had the fish tacos, which were fresh but could have used a little more zip, some salt, something. The bartendress was sweet, attentive, and seemed to like checking in on how the date was going. The drinks were pretty good, and she kept them coming. By the end of the night the hostess was dancing salsa in the middle of the floor, people were clapping, and the date was going really well. We'll come back again, I'm sure.
(4)
Andy H.
First come, first serve. I was at first told that there was no reservation, next thing I know, I see someone taking names down. Not cool. So this place is small. I MEAN SUPER SMALL. We ended up sitting next to another 2 person table. So close that I felt we were practically the same group. Unfortunately, I had the seat next to the door so not only did I get the cold breezes but people's butts hitting my shoulder. There's nothing like enjoying a conversation and the next thing you know there's a butt practically in your face if your head turns. So aside from that, to start we have the corn and like what everyone has said... IT WAS SOO DANG GOOD! Also we had the Sopesitos... It was cooked to perfection. I enjoyed it very much! For the main course, I had the Roast Pork... mmmm mmm good. Very moist. A MUST. My bro had the huevos rancheros. It was decent. Eggs sat ontop a steak and he gave me his black beans since he doesnt like them. Aside from those little blips, the food was fantastico! A recommendation when you're in Soho/Nolita.
(4)
Annie T.
wow what a cute little place! Music, decor, staff were perfect. Doors were about to close so we didn't have to chance for a relaxed dinner. The Grilled corn was super awesome, much better than Habana Outpost's. Our entrees, which i fail to remember now, were also pretty good. Would go back in a heartbeat
(4)
Claire M.
You guys. YOU GUYS. I know it's been said a million times, but the roasted corn at Cafe Habana is really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, realllllllllllly good. My sixth-grade English teacher hated that sentence, but she hasn't had the corn at Cafe Habana, so I wouldn't expect her to understand. It's charred JUST the right amount - so that the kernels crunch sweet and juicy when you bite into them, but with a hint of smoky-charcoal-roast that immediately evokes feelings of summer. It's covered with cotija cheese, chile powder, and lime juice - which might be the most winning combination of ingredients EVER. Each order has two ears of corn and if I didn't like my date a whole lot, I might have punched him out and grabbed the other ear. Seriously, I saw people at the bar who just ordered a drink and an order of the corn, and I was a little surprised UNTIL I tried it myself. It's definitely going on my list of Favorite Things to Eat Ever. The rest of the classic Cuban fare - the Cuban sandwich, the enchiladas, the maduros - are tasty, but the corn is what you'll write home about. Cafe Habana on the whole is adorable and small. Very very small. Get there early or expect to wait. Best to leave any large bags or purses at home. And if you can grab a seat at the bar while you wait, go for it. The bartender recommended the Dia Del Amor cocktail (St. Germain, tequila, lime juice, & hot sauce) and it was fantastic.
(4)
Heather L.
This place has great, inexpensive cuban food. The corn is amazing. I also like the cool, laid back atmosphere here.
(4)
Nikki L.
I really like grilled corn so naturally, I've had the corn here. I don't remember it too well except that there was a layer of granulated cheese sprinkled on top with some red chili spice. I liked the chili but wasn't partial to the cheese. It was fun to hold the corn and gnaw on it. I can't remember if it was sweet or not. I'll have to come back one day.
(4)
Kate N.
Came for the corn. Should've stick to just the corn since the other dishes weren't as great. But definitely great corn! Tiny tiny place. But I will still recommend to go for the corn :D
(4)
Char Y.
delicious cuban!!! the pork was juicy and tender, bread crunchy. yum!
(4)
Ava R.
Wow, this place is T I N Y. To the point where I think my booty brushed someones Sloppy Pepe as I wiggled my way to the bathroom. Don't come here with more than 4 people in your party. Even as 5, we were crushed. The servers are friendly and attentive and the food was good, definitely better than Habana Outpost. Huevos Rancheros, steak and eggs, corn, chicken diablo sandwich, and Sloppy Pepe were all consumed and the consensus was that there just wasn't enough food on the plates. We all left feeling just a tinge of hunger. Luckily, the prices weren't too exorbitant and I wouldn't feel bad coming here again at a totally random time when it was much less crowded, but only if I was already in the area and really craving Latin American food.
(3)
Ben C.
I tried this place twice and both times I had a mediocre experience with the food (not to mention it's super crowded..a very tight squeeze even for a slim person..but it's something I can overlook for now). Had brunch and dinner here and although everybody's else's food looked and smelled amazing, I wasn't thrilled. The corn is super tiny here and dry (perhaps corn is not in season in December?) not to mention burnt in certain areas. Their enchiladas leaves much to be desired, but I must say the rice and beans is good enough to serve as an entire meal alone. Huevos rancheros which is usually a sure thing at Latin places for brunch was a miss here. However, since I am such a huge fan of Habana Outpost, I am willing to give them a third try. Next time I will definitely order the Cuban sandwich and if it is still as mediocre as their other dishes (I can't imagine how that can be possible since their Cubans get rave reviews), I will just have to wait until April for their BK location to re-open.
(3)
Amador A.
5 Stars for the grilled corn. Must be the best corn I've ever had. After its grilled the rub it with spices and some kind of cheese. Soooo good!!! 3 Stars for everything else, I didn't mind that the place is the size of a bathroom and the bathroom is the size of a shower. I actually love places like that. I had the Pulled pork entree which was good, nothing different from any corner bodega I've been to. It came with rice and a side of black beans. Service was good. I asked if we can have the food rushed cuz I had to catch a show. Our waiter was very understanding and we got our food in no time. After thwe finished eating she even showed concern and asked if we will make it on time. I don't think I would come back for an entree but I would definitely go back for their grilled corn.
(3)
Anthony M.
simple, wonderful, awesome cuban food... affordable too. definitely try it, you'll love it
(4)
Lauren K.
THIS PLACE IS A-HMAHZZZING!!! Went here with a few friends super early on a Saturday (6pm) & there was a 40min wait (bummer) but it was soooo worth the wait! Everything we had was awesome, whether it be a cuban sandwich, fish tacos or just a chicken salad. Definitely get some corn & plantains as well! This will be a keeper & also it was super cheap!! 10$ entrees... almost unheard of in the city. I will be back.
(5)
Elle P.
I love Cafe Habana. I may not be able to go to Cuba, but I can have their food here in the city. I brought some out of town friends here who were overwhelmed by NY and kept on requesting a really good restaurant that was reasonably priced, large and spacious, and with no wait. I told them that it was like real estate, pick two and forget about the rest. And because we didn't have reservations for anyplace on a weekend night at prime dining hour (8 - 9 pm), they could also forget about no wait. Once they tasted the amazing grilled corn and digging into the food, all their cares and feelings of exhaustion floated away. Their faces brightened up and began seeing NY for what it was -- an amazing city with great secrets and delights tucked away in every corner just waiting for the right person to come along and discover them.
(5)
Marian C.
this place does not need another review but everyone wants to throw in their 2 cents and wants their VOICE HEARD! so yeah, heard many many many great things about this place. CORN.. did not know that 1 order comes with 2 corns on the cobs. oopsie. oh well. it was good! is this really how the mexicans eat their corn? how come it seems like it's not served anywhere else? although i enjoyed eating the caked parmesan cheese, i prefer my corn nekked. the cheese hindered me from enjoying the taste of maize. didn't mind the claustrophobic bathroom. cute decor. will be back
(4)
Jen V.
I ate here enough times to notice when they switched the bread on me. Steak Sandwich + Corn is the only route to go. I have tried the other dishes, but they just aren't up to par for this Californification gal (where we get the best Mex/Cuban food). I am not a fan of the Ciabatta they used once on the steak sandwich. It's typically served on a baguette. Maybe they ran out? Way too much bread, not enough meat. The corn is hit or miss. Sometimes there is more chili than sauce. Sometimes way too much sauce and not enough chilly. I'm afraid the more popular this place gets, the less quality the food is becoming. Nonetheless, you get some bang for your buck. (especially in a pricey area) Though I've been disappointed not once, but twice...I still have faith in this quaint spicy little joint. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. ¡Ay, caramba!
(4)
Nick A.
I'm not going to rehash the obvious here about the grilled corn and Cuban sandwich. This, though, is the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had. It's a personal favorite of mine and after the dozens I've tried, they do an incredible job. The pork is tender and moist and the center of the sandwich seems almost steamed as the bread is soft but crunchy. I split a sandwich and two orders of Mexican corn and it was just enough. Though I would have housed it all myself easily :) I've had the fish tacos here before and while they were good and fresh, I prefer them grilled as opposed to fried. Cafe Habana will be seeing much more of me in the near future!
(4)
C J.
I didn't realize this was a sort of chain restaurant (I've been to the Outpost in the BK). Personally, I think it's kind of overrated. The food was ok (I only ordered sides), and my sangria was way too strong--then again I was drinking at noon so maybe that makes me an alkie and therefore irrelevant:-) The service was "ehh"; our waitress seemed clueless and took someone else's order before ours even though we had been there 5 minutes already. Not a place I'll be dying to go again (same way I feel about the Outpost).
(2)
Cyrus J.
Always crowded but for a reason. Food is great and the ambiance is chill. Even though it's in a super trendy and posh neighborhood you wouldn't think or feel it hanging out in the old Cuban style decor. Their corn is always on point and the new fish tacos are actually pretty good.
(4)
Joe C.
Ridiculous. Riduclously good that is. Corn..amazing tasty corn..corn that all my visitors swear they will fly across the country just to eat. Corn that will be my last meal before I die. That kind of corn that..must be laced with some sort of illegal barbituate. OH yea..the Chuleta de Pimiento is pretty darn good too! Recommendation for 2 people: 2 orders of corn and share a Chuleta. Just come early or u will end up chillin on the street corner for a bit. CORN
(5)
Courtney G.
I came here on my 21st birthday suggested by my cousin. I was a little disappointed on the 20min wait, but quickly changed my mind when I tasted the food. The grilled corn MELTS in your mouth. And I'm definitely one to stop eating foods if its spicy but I ate the whole thing! Their mojitos are AWESOME! we also had some tapas the counter guy suggested.. and they were also scumptious. I don't know what I can't say positive about this place. OH! and for such a small busy place.. they really do a great job on servicing everyone.
(5)
Jenny T.
The food here was ok- we had the roast pork with rice and beans which was very good. The Cuban sandwich was alright, but I came in with very high expectations. The Mexican hot chocolate was good. The corn was probably the best part of the meal. However, I had terrible stomach pains while eating and could not finish. The service was horrible. We came for lunch on a Monday and there were not many other people but the waitresses were obnoxious and loud. The bathroom is very dirty and dimly lit.
(3)
Abi M.
This is my favorite spots for comfort food. By far one of the best Cuban food in the area. Yes, the restaurant is tiny and crowded most of the time ( I think that's a sign of how good the food is). Must haves Roasted Corn and Fish Tacos.
(5)
Franco N.
One of the best Cuban restaurants I have visited. Great fish tacos, corn and cuban coffee.
(5)
Daniel L.
The service was great. The drinks are ok. The food is nothing special. The only thing I would try here is the corn.
(3)
Esther L.
Ok, the Cuban sandwich was excellent! The pulled pork was juicy, the sauce was creamy and the bread was toasty crunchy! Also had the shrimp tacos, which were ok but I really liked their rice and beans. The roasted corn was delish, must order that.
(4)
Jen C.
Me an my friend went to this place after checking their reviews! And I liked the corn, (my friend just loved it!) Also the rice with beans but the cuban sandwitch was just ok. I'll come back for more cuban corns!
(4)
Minh L.
This is kinda of a hidden gem. You probably won't come in unless you see it on yelp, which is how I stumbled upon it. Expect long waits, but it's all worth it. The place is tiny, and noisy, but that's my kind of place. A must get is the grilled corn. Goodness gracious, those cobs are divine, probably the best corn I've ever eaten in my life. Nice and sweet, and everything they put on there just melds so well with each other. For my entree, I got the grilled skirt steak. Decent steak, cooked medium rare, just to my liking. Got a mojito to drink, which was also decent. Will definitely be coming back soon, the corn is really out of this world.
(4)
Flora B.
Thank God for my spunky, hip friend Lisa C. and thank God for my fellow Yelpers, all of whom led me to an incredibly delicious and satisfying lunch at Cafe Habana. YUM x 5 stars!!!!! Lisa was the mastermind who led us to Cafe Habana, but it was you, dear Yelpers, who made my ordering a snap. While waiting for a table (yes it was crowded at 2pm on a Friday...) I quickly scanned some reviews for highlights. Mexican corn. Check. Diablo chicken sandwich. Check. Tostones. Check. I would like to add, for future reference, that the rice, bean, and spinach plate is also a good way to go. Angela the bartender was superb... Yeah non-alcoholic limeade!! I'd go back in a heartbeat. Sweet Cafe Habana...
(5)
Riz A.
Awesome sandwiches. the space is kind of small so i'd say its better for carry out...but oh my the grilled corn is delicious...
(4)
Marlon T.
I wanted a quick snack so I went with the elote. Literally, it just means corn on the cob. Basically, it's a corn with butter and chili powder. This is a cheap street food in Mexico. I don't think a lot of people know this (exemplifying how diverse/transient NYC can still be a bubble). It cost me about $4--I mean it's just corn, butter, and chili powder so it better not cost more than $5. Take a break from shopping around SoHo and treat yourself to a tasty, quick, and cheap Mexican treat. I bet the other food is just as tasty so it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend a whole meal here too. This joint is small so it's not ideal for huge parties. If you are in a large party (10+), you'll probably be taking your food to go and classically eating outside (just like street food in Mexico).
(4)
Derek R.
If only the employees of the Cafe Habana in Malibu were compelled to visit this joint and see how it's done.
(5)
Cherry L.
corn. get it. the end. ps. such a fan fan fan!
(5)
Billie L.
Went for a quick bite on a Saturday night. We arrived around 8:00pm and had a wait of 20 minutes, I noticed parties of two had a better chance of getting a seat within that 20 minute range. We were standing elbow to elbow with customers who were also waiting but due to the diner atmosphere (not in a shabby kind of way) and quick chef, tables were quickly turning over to others. The hostess was very friendly and took care of everyone who was waiting and checked up on those who were seated to make sure everything was okay.... Now for the best part.... As everyone on here has reviewed the Mexican corn on the cob is a must!!! I've never come across anything like it, both tangy and sweet!! My date ordered the pulled pork dish, I'm not a fan of pork but I think I finished more of it then he did, it was tender and flavorful, didn't taste like pork to me, was delicious. I had the grilled skirt steak cook exactly as I had requested, very good and comes with beans and rice! I love the simplicity and budget friendly prices. Two imported beers, apps and dinners for $42. Can't beat that price in NYC.
(4)
Wing L.
Let me start off this review with this statement. I.. LOVE..the.. Mexican grilled corn here...love it. Haven't found a better version anywhere else in NYC yet, and trust me, I've tried. The combination of the cheese, butter, and Mexican chili powder here is outstanding. The grilled steak is a must try if you eat red meat. Not a very big portion but what they do serve you is marinated well and is very moist , juicy, and tender. For the seafood lover, try the Mejillones con Coco: steamed farmed mussels served in a spicy coconut sauce. Comes with a decent amount on a large bowl with the sauce at the bottom of the bowl to keep it moist and flavorful. I could go on and on about some of the other stuff here but these are the stand outs for the food that I have eaten. Get the Mexican Hot Chocolate while your there. It has a nice, cinnamon flavor to it that is different from the American chocolate drinks. Considering that it's chilly outside these day, it'll warm you right up. Of course the alcohol served at the bar might end up doing the same. There is always a wait to get into this restaurant so prepare for that. Right next door to the restaurant is the takeout area for Cafe Habana. It has it's own door and space. There is a small seating area inside. They have most but not all the major selections from the restaurant. In my opinion though, the take out is slightly inferior to what you get when you dine in. They have separate cooks and I think they always keep the more experienced one in the restaurant. The corn doesn't travel well. They wrap it in aluminum foil. When they do that it kind of crushes and brush away some of the wonderful cheese and chili powder. What you have left is a good grilled corn with a hint of it's former glory as the great Mexican grilled corn from Cafe Habana. Oh, and did I ever tell you that I love the corn here?
(4)
Garrett P.
I've revisited and Habana is what I remember and better...any time pork is pulled and served with rice and beans I begin to salivate and Habanas is as good as anywhere... The corn is lathered in cheese and other amazing spices...I never thought a piece of corn on the cob could serve as an appetizer...low and behold. Just order Negro Modelos instead of Margaritas...you'll still get a buzz, but for half the price.
(4)
Shawn A.
Lets set the scene. I was drunk. Really drunk. With my coworkers. On a Monday. And my boss says "Hey, we're by this awesome Cuban restaurant... we should totally go there... if there isn't an insane wait." "Ummm... boss? I know I'm extremely drunk here, but it's 10 o'clock.... on a MONDAY. What wait?" What wait you ask? (I ask? whatever.) The place was packed. With people waiting around for a table. The 45 minute wait translated in finding a bar nearby to have a not so quick drink, which in turn translated into me being even drunker by the time I sat down to enjoy myself some Cafe Habana, something that should clearly have been on my radar prior. We started off with some amazing grilled corn... but here was when the waitress started taking advantage of my drunkenness! I was ranting and raving about something or other (probably something I shouldn't have been saying around my boss and coworkers), and when I look down, I see that my not all eaten corn was gone! And I was totally still enjoying that! A lot! And then when the main dishes arrived, my steak with rice and beans was nowhere to be found. Everyone else got their food, and I just got the spins! My food showed up while everyone else was finishing up, and it required me to show my coworkers that not only am I an excellent worker, and an entertaining drunk, but I could speed eat like a mother$#&@er. The food here was really quite good, but the service? I hate it when a place gets so hyped up by it's own hype that they forget to give a crap about the people eating there. It seemed like the waitress was more out of it than I was... which is spectacularly impressive considering how smashed I was. Still, I'd be willing to come back (maybe a bit more sober. maaaaybe.) Because damn! I want to finish that corn!
(3)
Dan F.
No need to mention what others have (apparently 594 reviews mention the corn). Just go here, now, even better if it's the summertime. My favorite place in the city
(5)
PHILLIP K.
As others have said, the corn is awesome. I had the enchiladas suizas at the suggestion of the waitress. All of the flavor blended well, and I would definitely get them again.
(5)
Nancy D.
Cafe Habana is a drunken-late-night-munchie kinda place. Two sides that I love to get here? The grilled corn (duh) and the TOSTONES. I'm a huge fan of tostones and I get super excited when I find a place that makes a good batch. It's hard to find tostones that are satisfying and NOT swimming in a bath of oil and grease. Green plantains deep fried to a crispy golden brown finish = heaven. Pair that with Cafe Habana's yummy garlic dipping sauce and voila!
(5)
Eloi B.
Holy toledo. I love this place, and I'm excited to say so (all of my reviews thus far have been somewhat negative, and it feels good to like something)! I had only ever been to the Outpost in Fort Greene for a quick bite of corn or an average salad, so I never thought to consider that the flagship, Habana Cafe, would be such a blow-away experience. It was! The wait was about 25 minutes, but the hostess was charming, sincere, and committed to not losing track of who was next, despite the swarming and anxious bustling of chilled, impatient bodies. From the very beginning, things were great. I ordered the pozole. Such luscious hominy! Such fresh cilantro! Such delicate broth! A great dish. Everyone else at the table got "the boat" (I forget the real name for it). I had a quick bite of it and got my second sock knocked off when the goat cheese reached around the more traditional Latin flavors of mole, black bean, and red rice. Just effing great. Yes, yes, yes, go here. It's worth the wait. (Your waitress might be a little cold--ours was--but everything else--the hostess, bartender, food, environment--was out of this world.)
(5)
yvette a.
Food is great and reasonably priced for the city. Won't disappoint. The corn is EVERYTHING they say it is.
(4)
Ana P.
Great drinks. Great fish tacos. not expensive. Wish the spot were a bit larger so more people could enjoy. Sucks to wait in line but hey...when its good its good.
(4)
Tran T.
I usually skip the wait at the cafe and go to the express to-go side next door. Their food is good, but nothing can stop me from getting their grilled mexican-style corn on the cob. The corn on the cafe side comes in a serving of 2 cobs. But on the express side, you wouldn't have to worry about how to split up an order between 3 people since you order by the cob. In California, you can also get mexican-style corn but only from Cafe Habana can you get that corn grilled as well. It's just so amazing how good corn can taste when it's grilled, and then slathered with a layer of mayo and cotija cheese, topped off with chili powder and lime juice. It's a culinary orgasm in your mouth!
(5)
Andrew P.
We've had our eye on this awesome little eatery for a while, and finally braved the line. Seriously, the food is excellent, hearty and prompt. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. Another plus is the Latin jazz playing in the background. My only caveat is that you practically need to step over people to get in and out. If it weren't for that, four stars without question.
(3)
Michelle P.
After a Broadway show matinee, my hubby and I decided to take a trek downtown to Cafe Habana for some good eats. While I had read the place was small, I didn't realize literally it could only sit about 30 people and fyi - not comfortably. Be prepared to make close friends since privacy is non-existent here. The bathrooms, for some reason are about 20 degrees hotter than the dining area...yech! That being said, their corn is addictive. Remainder of food is solid... not many places that I make an effort to clean up my plate - this is one of them. I'll be honest, ...great food noted, I'm just going to wait till its wintertime before I saddle up to a stranger like that again.
(4)
aaron t.
Below average food. I don't think it's worth the wait and I wouldnt go back. I had a chicken dish and corn. I'm not a big fan of the corn. It's so drenched in mayo you're pretty much eating corn flavored mayo.
(2)
Nancy H.
Even though it was a 40 minute way for a table for two, that's ok because they had a cafe next door, where you can just sit and chill until your table was ready. When we finally were seated, we ordered the grilled corn...so delicious. I loved the mayo-chile and lime juice combination. We ordered the chicken strips with garlic sauce, and this was solid. I loved everything! The sweet plantains were also a must. :()
(4)
JINI K.
only one word can describe the food here... YUM! Well known for their tart and spicy corn this place is what some might call a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. But it is more than that. It is a restaurant that strives to sell delicious foods that are hefty in portions.
(4)
Tyler L.
Low-key good food. F-yeah.
(4)
Stephanie V.
Honestly the best Mexican/Cuban restaurant in the city. I've come here three times and every time I try something new and I leave very happily. The grilled shrimp tacos are a must try as well as the Mexican corn!
(5)
Damionitis J.
The corn on the cobs was great but the cuban sandwich made me feel a lil sick. the waitress are definitely a product of Cuba.
(4)
Melanie A.
This place is amazing if you love Cuban food and feel a little nostalgic about your past years in high school. The interior has an unexpected retro charm and they serve their delicious quesadillas with the right amount of high school bitchiness. The Cuban sandwich was really good and the blond waitress did her best to keep the prejudice of a rude trynna rip you off NYC attitude alive. However their Mexican corn did disappoint me a bit- I loved the seasoning and the dirty looks but the corn was a meager struggle corn that disappointed in juiciness.
(4)
Sonia C.
The corn is good. The wait is long. The prices are low. The portions are big. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "No shit, Sherlock." Well, as Cafe 687th reviewer, I have nothing else to add. Just try it out, you won't be disappointed.
(4)
jodi p.
THE BOMB... Long lines, celebrity sighting, crowded.... but F*&K that corn is like crack! In my top 10 places to eat....
(5)
Lorraine C.
This place is good for its crowded NYC atmosphere and their amazing Mexican grilled corn.
(4)
Vito V.
gotta get the corn!!
(5)
John Y.
Went here tonight on a recommendation of a long-time local. The place is tiny and busy, but we got lucky and were seated immediately by a friendly host. The menu is compact but packed with interesting selections. I ordered the Grilled Chicken dish, called Pechuga de Pollo al Pipian. The menu describes it as: Chicken breast served in a traditional toasted pumpkin seed & tomatillo mole with your choice of rice & beans. I would augment the description with a preface of "The best..." and a postscript of "...that you will ever taste, at a very reasonable price."
(5)
laura y.
All I can say is YUMMM! hate the wait but its worth it. reasonable price, great margaritas, and nice service. its a really tight space in there so it can be uncomfortable at first but then you realize the atmosphere is pretty relaxing and laid back.
(4)
Ingrid M.
I have been hearing ravs about this place since i first moved to New York 8 months ago. It definitely lived up to its reputation. Food review: Corn: great, but, la esquina's is superior Sopresitas appetizer: absolutely amazing. Reminds me of el savadors pupusas Cuban sandwich: overrated, i dont understand the hype Sweet plantains: delicioso, but i dont think i have ever had bad sweet plaintains dessert: some sort of unmemorable flan dish. Meh. Bartender: cute. Makes a great hot toddy.
(4)
Thomas M.
Its so tight in here The food was good - got their city wide famous cuban. It lived up to it's name. Their "KRACK LIKE CORN" is a lie though, I've had better corn. It was good, but I wasn't clawing my eyeballs in amazement afterwards that I was expecting.
(4)
Lisa H.
The elote (roasted corn) is bomb!!! So good that me and my friend ate here 3 times during our 5 day trip! (Once at the soho locations and twice at the outpost in Brooklyn.) elote is a must have!!! I also had the fish tacos. I thought it was nice that it came with rice and beans because the outpost didn't come with any. I also ordered the guava margarita which was delish! It got me a little tipsy off if one drink too. Hahaha. My friend ordered the carne asada tacos that came with two without any rice or beans. I thought it was lacking because it didn't come with any thing but lime. Where's the cilantro?! The tostones and moio sauce is really good too! Otherwise everything was delicious!
(5)
Tina C.
My brunch here, on a chilly, chilly January morning, was just mediocre! I don't understand what the fuss is for ! Yes, the corn was good, but what about all the rest?
(3)
Matthew P.
It used to be, back in the day, that the great food and drink at Cafe Habana would more than compensate for the cramped space, deafening noise, and very long wait (often in blustery weather). Man, this place has slipped. Badly. Perhaps it's because I make much better Mexican Corn (elotes) at home that I resented their funky tasting version (which used to be so good). The corn tasted like the cook didn't wash his hands after using Windex to clean the windows. My pork tacos-- meh, and WTF with a stale tortilla? Very disappointing. The frozen Mojito--almost undrinkable. It also had that funky taste like at 7-11 when they don't clean the ice machine. Frankly, this would be a 1 star review if it wasn't for the exceptional fresh coconut flan and good cafe con leche. I likely won't be back, which is too bad, because since they opened (sometime in the early 90s?) I've been here at least 2x a year. I'll just leave it to the faux hipsters and wannabe tourists.
What can I say about Cafe Habana, except perfection! This tiny little cafe packs a lot of punch into their teeny tiny little space. Everything from the music, the decor, and the staff was perfect. The entire staff that works there are extremely gracious hosts and make you feel right at home from the moment you step inside. I managed to take a few pictures of the deliciousness before I had to put the camera away and just enjoy the food. What you are looking at here are two of their amazing appetizers, Grilled Corn, Mexican style, with chili pepper, lime, and cojita cheese! This is THE best corn I have ever tasted! And of course I could not pass up the tostones, which my mom makes a mean version of as well! Lots of delectable items on the menu to chose from, please go there some time!!! PS- I have cross-posted this review on my blog. And was linked from their blog which you should also check out: cafehabanablog.wordpress…
(5)
Jenn L.
It's funny - since moving here, I've taken a good three or four other people here for their first times, and I can't but stop and giggle when they each take their first bites of the corn and that heavenly look spreads across their face - like they've been transported through time and space to who-knows-when/where. Needless to say that every time one of them has a visitor from out of town, Cafe Habana becomes a must-eat place on their lists.
(5)
Andy U.
Always packed, always authentic. The Cuban sandwich was perfect. Excellent pork and ham and the bread was crusty and moist like it should be. As most others reviewed the corn is awesome so definitely order it!
(5)
Antonella M.
C Corn.. you aren't just any little cob, you're my cob, you're special to me, you're my mexican fling... you're exactly how I like my men, a little cheesey, a little hot, and so biteable ;-) A A great CUBAN Sandwich... although it may be premade way ahead of time, I don't care in fact when I once took you home CS... I left you in the fridge for a week and I couldn't resist eating you a week later, there I said it.. we are out now.. but oh how I wish they would still take out the pickle for me - yuck - I know I am a baby F Finding a table in the restaurant isn;t so easy it is always crowded, luckily next door - the take out side has tables and bar stools and yes before you ask those good looking girls serving you... E Enchiladas De Mole Poblano - I only had this once... in fear of becoming 500 lbs... Chicken and Choclate in an enchilada.. god how I envy the mind of the creator... H Hot female servers.. yes, I am a female, but hey those Cubans have some bodies and they're own calendar - which they give away free in January usually A All at a friggin great price... nothing is expensive.. which means order more and spend more.. mMmm a fat person's daydream B Brunch menu, the crowd is okay, not my style and I am not sure why, maybe too classy for me hahahah appreciate my honesty and move on lol A Atmosphere is one of my favorite in the city, whether you are on the small bench outside eating cozied up to someone.. whther your in the take-out area watching the people of the neighborhood walk by, whether your in the crowded restaurant and about to be seated - enjoy it you are about to embark on a journey of pure Cuban tastebud bliss N Nothing on this menu sucks... I haven't found anything I don;t like, I mean I have tried to believe me, anything to try everything, even the friggin Oatmeal Cookie was good! A AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGG!
(5)
Y S.
Unfortunately I went for brunch so I could not taste their more famous dishes like the Pollo Mirador. I was however able to try their grilled corn which was excellent as advertised. If you require a comfortable place to sit, this may not be the place for you. It is very small and packed. I'll be back for dinner soon...
(4)
Shirley N.
DEEEELICIOUS! Get the corn with everything on it! So simple yet soooo addicting :)
(4)
Christina N.
Really enjoyed our grilled corn, fish tacos, and the Cuban sandwich. Went on a Tuesday night at 10pm and it was still packed!
(4)
Matt M.
Food is pretty good, very small place. Drinks are reasonable. Service is OK, we ordered a second round of drinks, they never showed up.
(3)
Matthew C.
Cuban Sanwiches, platano mas duro/tostones and a delicious Mojito to ease the digestion.....YUMMY!!!! I hear the corn is off the hook and will try next time.
(5)
Ashley S.
I love Cafe Habana! They have the best fish tacos that I love smothering in their side of mole sauce ( I always as for extra). Their grilled corn is out of this world, and in the morning their early bird special at the diner bar (corner seat by the wall) is wonderful. It is small, but it's worth the squeeze.
(5)
Kristi K.
The corn alone gets them the 4 stars. It is so good I have been craving it ever since. The wine was good, the guava margarita was delicious and I had the pork with rice and beans which was also very tasty. The only reason they didn't get 5 stars was the fact that it is really crowded and you can't even stand inside if you are waiting for a table; the space is just really small, which is annoying. That being said, I would go back again, the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable.
(5)
Fanny C.
TOTAL love. I just happened upon this place the other day when walking through SoHo in search of lunch. Am I glad I stumbled upon Cafe Habana because it's now become one of my favorite eateries! It's definitely a place to eat when you're starving hungry 'cause it'll fill you up real easily. I'd say you HAVE to start off with the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. It comes with 2 corn on the cobs and you can not not order it. I had the Cuban Sandwich, and just eating half a sandwich, I was extremely stuffed already. It's a simple sandwich, but the ingredients are amazingly flavorful and so so scrumptious! Get it with a side of fries for a couple bucks more. My friend had the Quesadilla de Pollo and that was quite tasty as well. Great food, happy eating, fun service, and best of all, GREAT prices!
(5)
austin b.
Usually stop in during lunch on the weekends. I get a order of corn and a cuban sandwich. I leave very satisfied. The corn is great and the sandwich is authentic! Lunch done proper!
(4)
Jane S.
you have to try the grilled corn. you have to. wish this place was bigger. if you're in a rush or don't want to wait for a table in the restaurant (the restaurant is tiny and fills up fast), they have an area next door where you can order take-out (this place has a few small tables as well).
(5)
Cathy D.
The corn was the BOOM DIGGITY!!! We stopped by Cafe Habana's takeout section which was in another store front adjacent to the sitdown corner restaurant. In a quest to get our grub on at multiple spots in NYC, we had just came pretty full from eating at Lombardi's, which wasn't too far away. So we didn't get to do the entire sit down experience here, but we got what we came for and left quite satified. MEXICAN STYLE CORN: Flame grilled corn, Mayo, Parmesan cheese, Chayenne Pepper/ or is it Chilli Powder?, and a lime wedge......Heck yah I'd come back for this!
(4)
Jane K.
Slipped in here at 10 to five for a late lunch this past Saturday and our party of two had no wait (yay!). The kitchen was closed for their hour break so it's not such a huge surprise but we were delighted to enjoy some incredible frozen mojitos while we waited for the clock to strike five. The atmosphere was great: laid back and homey though it's incredibly tiny so let's just say you gotta be comfortable with someone accidentally eating off your plate (not me, I swear!). Everyone raves about the corn. I didn't order the corn. Just wasn't in the mood and that absolutely enchanting beverage that I was sipping up like a marathon runner downing water after a 5k race...oh my jesus so good...what was I saying again? Oh yeah, anyway a little booze and I felt like getting experimental and veering outside the Yelp reviewed items. The enchilada suiza sounded dope...and it was. Cheesy, hot, simple. I tried the cuban sandwich and it was aight...not as good as my dish IMHO. I'll go back and try the corn since it seems to have quite a cult following but in the meantime I can't urge you enough to give that frozen mojito a ride.
(4)
Joanna L.
This is really not an update on the food (since it was still delicious) but more about the service. Although I'm sure the waitresses were extremely busy (it was a crowded Saturday) I was VERY disappointed in the poor service. Firstly, while we sat down and ordered relatively quickly, I ordered an iced cafe con leche and we received our food before I asked them what happened to the coffee and to bring by some waters. As I watched the waitresses swing by with water for other tables that sat down and ordered AFTER us, I wondered what happened again. So I asked for water again... it took them a good 20 minutes to just get us water... Then the cafe con leche? They brought out hot cafe con leche. Had to have them take it back and make it cold. I hope that next time I'll have a better experience. The food is too good to be paired with poor service, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they were just too busy.
(3)
Jenelle P.
I love this place. It's really squished,all the time. But still I love it. The food is great, the tostones- Yum. corn- delish. camarones- even better. mojito- yes, please! If you don't like to wait, don't go here on a saturday at noon. It's really that simple. Do the math.
(4)
Sunny S.
Since we've had this blast of summer heat this past weekend, it's brought up sweet memories of corn on the cob from Cafe Habana's in New York City. On the corner of Prince and Elizabeth, you'll see droves of hipsters and tourists lined up outside waiting to get into this little 20 seater for yummy eats. Not only do they serve the best corn in town, but they have a killer Huevo Rancheros for breakfast and a mean mojito for that pre-party drink. They also have a take out window on the side for you movers and shakers. If you can't get to New York any time soon, I'm bringing a little Latin flavor to you; a simple, no frills recipe for yummy Mexican Corn. Ingredients 4 Ears corn, shucked 1/4 Cup melted butter or margarine 1/4 Cup mayonnaise 1/2 Cup grated Cotija cheese (or more, I am a cheese fanatic). If you can not find Cotija, use fresh Italian Parmesan 4 Wedges of lime Pinches of chili powder, ground cumin, ground red pepper, salt and pepper Directions 1. Make sure to pre-heat an outdoor grill for medium to high. 2. Grill the corn until hot and lightly charred for 7 - 10 minutes. Roll the corn in butter, then spread evenly with mayonnaise. Sprinkle the cheese generously and serve with a slice of lime and salt and pepper to taste. 3. Pinches of chili powder, red pepper and cumin are optional for those who like a little spice in their lives. * If you do not have an outdoor grill, simply just boil the corn in water for 10 - 15 minutes and char it a little over a frying pan. If you have a George Foreman Grill (or anything like it), this will work too. Time to fiesta, enjoy!
(5)
John L.
Location, location, location. This is a restaurant that fully benefits on it's prime location. The food is good, but it's mad sceney and the majority of servers and customers are rubbernecking to look at all the pretty hip people coming and going. Not really my style and I opt not to eat here when it's busy. The service really suffers from the wait staff working so hard at looking sooo cool. The good news is there is a seperate take-out entrance around the corner. When it's nice out, I'll go here and grab a burrito or torta and corn on the cob and walk a 1/2 block south to the little sculpture garden and get all picnic on that shizz. Much nicer surroundings then the environment in the restaurant which goes like this: LES hipster + SOHO too cool for school = Nolita* douchebag-aroni with xtra cheese. *I actually really like this hood a lot, just calling it like I see it. Oh and if you want real Cuban food head over to Cafe Cortadito on B, or Amour Cubano up in Spanish Harlem. Don't be scared whitey, they won't bite. Much.
(3)
Lulu T.
I go here a lot because damn I love the corn and sopesitos; I definitely do NOT go for the service which is always rude and slow. If I worked here I'd be so happy!! I am always curious why the waitresses seem so mean, but whatever...by the time my corn comes I don't care anymore....
(3)
Jess L.
While this was not done on purpose, I am very glad that Cafe Habana is my 400th review. It was a wonderful meal! Yes, it's very crowded at lunch time, but you will get a seat. And it's worth it. The grilled corn alone is enough of a reason to stay. It is one of the best side dishes I've ever had - great flavor. Scrumptious. My friend and I both got the Sincronizada, "small black bean & sun dried tomato tortillas and mozzarella cheese and avocado." I know it doesn't sound like a lot of ingredients, but each bite was so delicious. And they don't skimp on the avocados, either! Service was pretty good given how crowded it was. We were practically sitting on our neighbor's laps, but that's part of the charm, right? A definite go-to spot in NYC!
(5)
Lan N.
The corn here is the most amazing corn i have ever at in my life.. the dishes are good as well.. but corn is a must!!! small diner but lots of flavors. waiters are very nice and down to eat! price was good and affordable!! a hidden gem!
(5)
Alex W.
What consists as a good restaurant? The primary concern is the food of course. That's why this place is 3 stars. The corn is what everyone comes here for. and it tastes very good. the way its cooked is excellent but i feel the quality of the corn itself could be better. The restaurant side is very cramped, bumping shoulders with people standing in the bar waiting to be seated. The sandwich side is equally cramped. the cashiers are not the friendliest and service on either side is unusually slow. but at the end, this place is a hole in the wall and these things should be expected and tolerated for the excellent corn, and great sandwiches.
(3)
Dina M.
This place is so good! its hard to find seating but the food is amazing! Its so eco friendly and good!! its a must!
(5)
ryan m.
whenever im showing a guest around the city, a stop in soho for shopping inevitably leads to lunch or dinner here....mostly because its a little more out of the way, not as easy for the tourists to find. though, the locals def know its here, and you will still probably wait for a table if its nice out, opt for the carry out right next door...the menu is a little different, but just as delicious and authentic, and you can eat outside on the benches ive gotten just about everything on the menu at this point, and so far, there has been nothing i wouldnt eat again, gladly. if you like corn on the cob, you must try it here, complete with cheese and spices, youll never look at bbq cobs the same
(4)
K G.
Delicious brunch! You'll have to wait most likely. The bar seats are by far the best and get an alcoholic beverage. Trust me.
(5)
Christophe G.
My partner insisted that we go to Cafe Habana right away when we landed at JFK. Because it's a place where he used to go all the time when he lived in NY, etc, etc. So we went! It's a small cafe with smiling waitresses, ours was definitely zesty and came from La Habana, or somewhere nearby. We ordered the mojito, and although they were a little small, there were delicious. Then, obviously, the corn! Really good, tasty with a hint of spicy. I then ordered the amazing pork chop. Great sauce, the meat was perfectly cooked and savory. My boyfriend got a great enchillada. By the time we were almost done dining, the place was full, and people were waiting at the bar to be seated. A hot spot, definitely.
(4)
Shannon L.
Corn, duh. But what else? CUBAN SANDWICH!!! Oh man... I don't know why people recommend the Chicken Diablo Sandwich because although the chipotle mayo is good, the sandwich is dry without enough of it. And if you want more, prepare to pay an extra $1.25. Cuban sandwiches have not always been my favorite. Usually the ham is so overpoweringly boring that I cannot stand to eat it. It has always resembled plain ol', supermarket luncheon meat. But here, it is actually quite exciting to eat! The roast pork is flavorful and chopped up like tuna for some reason. This doesn't bother me though and the ham only adds to the juiciness. It is literally so juicy that oils were dripping down my mouth and all over my hands. Mind you, the place is small so if you go during a busy time, you'll have to wait but it's worth it. Make a friend wait and peruse the neighboring boutiques or vendor stands.
I've been coming here for awhile now and this place has never disappointed. I only wish they would expend so that the wait time weren't so bad. At anytime of day, you can expect a wait of 30-75 minutes for either a party of 2 or 4. a party of 4 almost guarentees you a 45 minute wait as only a few table in the restaurant can accomodate this. Now, onto the food. This place is solid all around with entrees ranging from $10-$20. a must have is the corn on the cob. They season it with spices and cheese and a little lemon that you squeeze on and it is perfect everytime.
(4)
Michael P.
Shout out to Leighann F. for the recommendation! Thanks! *** THE WAIT The wait was killer when we came. For a group of 4 at 6pm, ETA was 1hr to 1hr 15. We came back in 50 mins, but she had already given our table away b/c we weren't there 5 mins earlier when our table was ready. We had to wait another 40 mins. WTH! This place has VERY VERY limited seating. Maybe 10 tables total, each with a maximum capacity of 2-4 people. *** THE FOOD The food was definitely tasty and worth trying, but for n00bs here, I don't think it's worth the 1hr 30min wait. I think 30-40 min wait is appropriate. My friend and I shared the Mexican style grilled corn ($3.95). It comes with 2 grilled corn dressed with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. It's their signature appetizer dish so it's worth the try! To me, I enjoyed it, but I prefer my corn less seasoned so that I can taste more of the corn's natural flavors. I ordered the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta ($12.95). It's grilled pork chop & goat cheese toast with their "famous" wild mushroom & chipotle "au poivre" sauce. I don't know the story behind why it's so famous but I loved the dish. Big thick juicy slab of pork in a pan gravy sauce with yummy mushrooms. With the rice and sides that come with the dish, the portion size satisfies a healthy appetite. You will finish your plate but you're not left wanting that much more. Perhaps room for dessert? Also, note that next door there is a to-go version of this restaurant. You can get the same food without the long wait!
(4)
emily h.
Love the tostones, the loud Cuban music, and the friendly and beautiful staff. There's just no place to stash my shopping bags.
(5)
Anh D.
I was never really a fan of the cuban sandwich until I had it at Cafe Habana. Rather than using deli meat like most places, this place uses real shredded pork which makes it all the more delicious. This is by far one of the best cubans i've ever had. In addition to that, I usually do not get corn but my friend recommended that I try it and i have to say, it was good, really good. I've been to alot of great places to eat in new york but this place really sticks out in my memories and taste buds. If i ever have friends visiting new york, I always tell them to come here now. The place is a little small so you'll have to wait to be seated, but it's totally worth it. If you dont want to wait, you can go to the take out side and order there and just eat in there. it's not as nice as the sit down side of the restaurant, but the food is just as good.
(5)
choad x.
I ate here and it was awesome! The horchata is fake. Don't get it. Water plus powder. Get the corn though of course.
(5)
Melissa R.
crowded yet cozy great music in the background enchilada suiza w/ tomatillo sauce=amazing must try the corn thanks for the recommendation!
(5)
SA G.
I loved the Elotes the most. The other entrees were delicious too. This is not a place to go to for ambiance or a romantic dinner. And its way too cramped. Ambiance means a lot to me, if I just want good food, then there are plenty of hole in the wall places. But all in all, I did enjoy the dinner overall, not a bad experience.
(3)
M C.
Came here for breakfast and dinner. I've been here about 4 times now and every time there was at least a 20-30 minute wait. Not so bad if you're standing at the bar and having one of their margaritas. DELICIOUS. Just the right amount of alcohol and sugar. They also have flavored margaritas but I suggest getting the original.. MMMmmMmMm! Crowded, loud, small tables, tight spaces, no where to hang your coat.. love it (isn't that what NY's all about?)!! Waitresses are gorgeous and super friendly. The corn is out of this world. and their food....... oh man.. their FOOOOOD. !!!!! THE best pork chops and enchiladas EVER. Even their plantains were good and I don't even like plantains !! @_@ One of thee best restaurants in the city hands down. Oh and prices are good too!
(5)
Michelle M.
This place has the most delicious food imaginable. I really don't to repeat the raving about the corn, but it's inevitable. The corn is YUMMY. I mean, words really can't describe it. The restaurant was very crowded, and the servers seemed to be spread a little thin, but the food beyond compensates for this shortcoming. We ate until we were very full. I wanted to try the dessert, but had no room :( The prices were also very reasonable. I cannot wait to go back.
(4)
Matthew S.
i've since had REAL elote at the Red Hook Ball Fields. it was about 1,345% better than this place and cheaper. fuck cafe habana
(2)
Jamie C.
After all the reviews about their transcendent crack corn, I finally made it to Cafe Habana last night with an old friend. I must say, feeling a little let down. Maybe I was expecting orgasms or something, but the food just did not live up to my expectations. The corn was little over charred, and though they sprinkle cheese on it, I still felt it was kind of bland. Needed more butter and salt. I've had far better Mexican corn at Diablo's. But it is what it is. By some miracle, we did not have to wait that long for a table. Just 10 minutes. All the staff (about three of them serve as waitresses and hostesses) were super nice. It had a homey diner feel mixed with a tropical flare which was also nice. I had the chicken enchiladas and my friend had the steak. We were both pleased with the meals.... still nothing spectacular and life changing. The mango margarita was probably the highlight of my meal. A strong frozen Margarita with a mango puree at the bottom. Mixed it in and it was DELISH! Overall this spot is A-ok with me though I'm not in a rush to come back. I'm the type of person who likes to linger over my meal. With the wait outside, I feel like I would be kind of rushed, not by the waitresses who were so nice, but by my own guilt for dominating a table. Fortunately, we came towards the end of the dinner rush and there were few people waiting so I felt very little guilt then.
(3)
Jeff C.
Ode to Mexican corn... Just a little look has got me feeling things Just a little touch has got me seeing things Just a little taste has got me off the chains Doing things that I don't want to Do it like you do it to me (I'm burning up) Do it like you do it to me (it's not enough) Do it like you do it to me just open up Don't you know how much I want you BEST MEXICAN CORN! I was MUCHO HAMBRE upon arrival. Too bad there was a 15min wait @ 7:30pm on a Thursday so we went to Bossa across the street first. I didn't know you can order drinks or frozen drinks while you wait. Waitresses Padma and Padma Jr. were really nice to us, with lots of spunk and personality. Like Ed F mentioned, if you walk away, your name will be crossed off the paper. Padma was nice enough to stick us back in front of the queue after we lost our table though. Alas, the wait was finally over. I got to try the ethereal Mexican corn you all covet. You know what, it DOES live up to the hype, I must say. When torn between the steak and the chuletas, Padma Jr. said to go with the chuletas, since steak is on their lunch menu. I come to later find out what a wise choice that was. The yellow rice here is of the small grain non-sticky variety. The black beans are to die for. Good looking crowd, unpretentious vibe, elbow to elbow diner table seating makes for good times with good company. You know what, I don't care if it's authentic, as long as it's good. General Tso's chicken isn't authentic either, but it's damn good when made right. Cafe Habana is comfort food that hits the spot, reminding me of soul food with a Latin American flair. I will be back within a week to try the steak! -Grilled Corn Mexican Style ($3.95) [served with chili powder lime & cotija cheese]- heaven on a wooden stick, you get 2, i think the grilled char on the outside makes this dish, so heavenly, i could eat 10 of these! -Camarones Al Ajillo ($14.50) [shrimp in spicy garlic sauce served with rice & beans]- they would call shrimp gambas in Barcelona, a thicker sauce than i had imagined, shrimp heads were off (ugg) so no shrimp head tamale for Jeff, very sad -Chuleta De Puerco a La Pimenton ($12.75) [grilled pork chop & goat cheese toast with our famous wild mushroom & chipotle au poivre sauce]- you get 2 ample sized chops, perfectly cooked, up there with Little Giant and Gramercy Tavern's, goat cheese toast was so amazing, plenty of mushrooms in the cream sauce, i would have loved a more heavily infused chipotle flavor though, still excellent, great deal, MUY DELICIOSA! Mexican corn recipe (courtesy of Sunny S.): partlysunny.ca/2008/06/1… Total came out to $20/pp after everything
(5)
jennie t.
yummm! very authentic and DEEELICIOUS!!! this place is very cozy and fun... i came here with a few friends and had an awesome time! if ur in the area, u should def. try this place. It does get really packed, so go a bit early.
(4)
Jeffrey B.
Definitely delicious! Only decided to go here because of the reviews on Yelp, and Yelp didn't disappoint! The place is tiny, but totally cute! It's cramped but works. Got there with two friends and we were seated right away. (Beware: All members of your party must be present to be seated!) The server was amazing! Always paying attention to us, although the place was crazy busy! Food was delicious, loved the corn! Spicy, buttery and flavorful with a touch of that smokey taste. YUMM!! Also had the Cuban sandwich - I love Cuban sandwiches, and now I love them even more. Dripping with deliciousness I couldn't lap this big Cuban up fast enough. Satisfying meal without feeling ridiculously overstuffed - although we definitely were ALL stuffed! Favorite part? My friends were done with their meals, and I still had a few bites of my Cuban to go. Instead of rushing to get us out and others seated, she asked if we wanted another beer - obviously seeing we were pretty much done. Of course, I couldn't say no to another beer, so after I finally finished my meal, we sat for a few minutes to finish our last drinks and let the food digest. Didn't once feel rushed to get out! Oh, the crowd was also interesting - and by the time we left the entire front room was filled with too cool for school 20-sumtins drinking the delicious nectar of the gods. Going back here? For sure!!
(5)
Jay B.
Another one of my must-eats for the NYC. This place is pretty small, so it can easily get cramped. The wait is definitely worth it though, from the main dishes, to the plantains, and especially to their famous corn. Make sure you get the corn when you're there. You get two pieces, which is definitely more than enough for two people. Service is awesome. They are friendly and very down to earth. There's a non-sit down mode of the restaurant right next door, so if you're in a hurry, just order some corn and be on your way.
(5)
Elizabeth K.
everyone i know talks about this place whenever i mention food in new york. the food lived up to its hype. i love breakfast food and its one of the best ive had. and you MUST get the corn.
(5)
Bea M.
Went here on an off night, only about a 10 minute wait. The place is small, but it works. It's cozy and you don't mind. It might have also helped that I hadn't heard a lot of hype so I didn't have any built up expectations. The food was good, yes especially the corn everyone keeps mentioning. The plantains were good and our main dishes as well. The waitress was super friendly. I would definitely go back, probably not if I had to wait an hour outside in the winter but on an off night or a busy night when the weather is warmer.
(4)
Christine M.
the first few times i came here, i didn't realize that it was a place that people actually considered to be "cool". it's great if you're there with one other person, or by yourself because everything about this place is quite small. not cramped, just cozy, and the crowd in here is always rad. i almost regret going vegan because their huevos rancheros are excellent. that and a bloody mary, and you'll be ready to face whatever lies ahead of you that day, regardless of what you did the night before. also GRILLED CORN....grilled corn.
(4)
Lynda D.
Came here during spring break. I specifically come here for their flavored Mexican Corn! Pure awesomeness!!! Price is reasonable. $2.50 for corn. #atmosphere: it's seems to be crowded every time I come here. There's a restaurant section and a take-out section. I thought the takeout section was the restaurant, not until I left and saw the restaurant next door lol Check out my vlog on YouTube.com/lyndeezleTV for my food adventure in NYC
(4)
Velina L.
Small, no reservations, but AMAZING food! You definitely don't want to miss the Mexican grilled corn and the cuban sandwich with melt-in-your-mouth pork. The fish tacos were also really good and I especially loved the rice it was served with. Portions are huge so sharing is highly recommended. Also, get a lot of extra napkins - eating can be quite messy!
(5)
Liat K.
This place is very delicious. It's very small and crowded, which is the only downside, but its otherwise good and very affordable.
(4)
Meagan B.
Yes, the corn changes lives. It is truly amazing. A few points to note, first it is a small place, they might put you near the bath room and that is really annoying so be prepared, second, the tables are small, third if you come here and don't get the corn, you will probably regret it for your life. There are two in an order. I had the enchiladas suizas which were good and my friend had the cuban no complaints, but it wasn't the best part of the meal. Minus one for sitting people near the bathroom, but the service was great friendly enthusiastic and loved to dance it out to the cuban beats. Beware of the occasionally bitchy customer thinking they deserve more space than they are given, it can be a pain, but just go with it. Finally don't get the corona lime juice drink unless you really love lime juice, it is NOT a splash of the juice instead more like a cup.
(4)
Youri H.
My buddy had been talking this place up, so I knew I had to make the trip. His advice - Cuban corn. Oh my god. Roasted Corn covered in a spicy mayo and cheese with a lime zest garnish. I never knew that corn could be so filling until eating here today - and it was cheap! Maybe $6 before tip for two massive pieces. My only regret is that I didn't get a chance to explore the menu a bit more, but judging by the smiles on everyone's faces, I'd say it's a hit. Pro Tip: If you're solo, grab a seat at the counter. Guaranteed to atary
(5)
Yolanda C.
Terrible over-rated food, over-priced, cheap, small portions, tiny, crowded space - people of normal weight and size won't be comfortable sitting in this space. They don't even offer free chips and salsa. Do not go out of your way to go to this terrible place.
(1)
Yumi A.
When I get a craving for their spicy corn and chilaquiles verdes, I hesitate to take along more than one other person with me for fear of drooling uncontrollably in front of the endless line of hungry, fashionable New Yorkers. Go early, don't go with a group larger than 4, and enjoy! Last time I went, all of the servers were having a ball singing & dancing while taking orders. Fun times!
(4)
Richard P.
Mexican, Latin American & Cuban food unlike any I've ever received at a restaurant. I was raised on Mexican food, having a talented Mexican mother who cooks outrageously delicious traditional dishes, and can barely stomach eating at a Mexican restaurant anywhere, much less Los Angeles or San Diego. Lemme just say Cafe Habana has changed all that. Get the grilled corn - you won't be disappointed! I had the enchiladas suizas and was just blown away.
(5)
Sandy C.
I came here mainly for the corn. I went, I ate, and I conquered. Corn is always delish and perfectly cooked. I crave for this corn! There is a wait however, good thing I went early right after work on a Friday. The place is really small and has small tables so it's not really good for parties of 5 or more. I got the cuban sandwich which was very authentic and yummy and my bf got the Roast pork which was good too. The corn was so good, we got an order to go. I'd come here again but I wouldn't be able to wait very long, especially with the aroma of the corn calling my name.
(4)
Charlynne C.
Just thinking about Cafe Habana makes my mouth water. A friend and I had a lunch date there a few Sundays ago, on that crazy blistering 90 degree weather day in April. Despite the heat, the cafe was packed! My friend had brunch, eggs scrambled w. veggies and other things that I cant remember now... I didn't try it but it looked really good. And she said it was "yum". I ordered the Diablo Chicken Sandwich. It was delicioso! It was a huge sandwich (I had to take half of it home). It came with fries and jalepenos. It was spicy but a yummy kind of spicy that makes you want to keep eating more. Oh man, what I'd do for a Diablo sandwich now... Habana- is worth the heat, the wait, the food and def the prices... what're you waiting for?! GO FOR IT.
(5)
Thomas C.
I think this restaurant should be retired from Yelp. It's not even worth reviewing. Habana is a serious New York institution that needs no explanation and is above a bunch of clowns discussing the pros and cons. Best time to go: disgustingly hot and humid nights of NYC summer. Con: closes at midnight.
(5)
Aghavni W.
I would move to New York just for this place! I went to Cafe Habana twice in my one-week stay, which says a lot considering how many amazing eateries I had to choose from. In LA, we have Porto's Bakery, which everyone loves and will sacrifice the drive to visit. But the food (can't speak for the pastries) pales in comparison to Cafe Habana. The mexican style grilled corn was so memorable that three weeks later I can still picture it in my mind and salivate at the thought of the perfectly golden nuggets sprinkled with parmesan and ground red pepper. The Cuban Sandwich blew my mind as well as the chicken with mole sauce sandwich. I had half in the subway while I was rushing back to pick up my luggage on my last day and the other half on the plane when we were stuck on the tarmac for 2 hours in JFK. My cousin texted me the other day saying, "Guess where I am?" I almost cried.
(5)
V H.
Great Mexican grilled corn although the size fluctuates pretty significantly. They top the corn with some delicious mix of cheese and spices. At about $2 each... a little pricey but definitely worth it. The cuban sandwich is also a great meal. So much meet and delicious bread. Go to the side to go bar for faster service.
(4)
Kelvin T.
Cuban sandwich - pork was moist but not enough pickles needed mustard to give it some kick. Chicken with tortilla and beans was overly spicy but not bad. Fries were good as was the corn. Not truly Cuban cuisine, but the ambiance and the cheerful service makes up for the cramped seating and long wait on the weekend. I prefer La Esquina lunchonette - for food and ambiance. If you want good Cuban go to Margons on 46 St.
(3)
Bryan S.
It's tiny. But worth the wait. The corn makes me happy.
(4)
Lauren N.
the corn is amazing! i didnt know this when i went in years ago and had an ok burrito....but get the corn. how it is limey and spicey and cheesy i dont know..but its so wonderful. just order it already!
(4)
Malachi C.
I had heard so much about this place I expected to be let down once I finally got there. To my pleasant surprise, I was not. The corn alone is worth the trip. When they provided table-side toothpicks it sealed the deal for me. One of the best restaurants in NYC.
(5)
B J.
All I can say is Corn, Corn and more Corn. It's the best grilled corn I have ever had. I am not sure what the seasonings consist of but I know there is cheese and lime. I had dreams of that corn for many nights after I had eaten there. I also recommend the Cuban Sandwhich and the Mango Margarita. The place is small, very small. I could literally reach into the plate of the person next to me without barely stretching out my arm. However, the food makes up for the lack of space. The place was packed but fortunately since my party was just my best friend and myself we were seated right away. I will always make a point to go to Cafe Habana anytime I am in New York.
(5)
Jennifer C.
The corn is AMAZING! I wish I had room in my stomach for an entree, but everything looked and smelled delicious. It was homey in a good way.
(4)
Dean L.
You just can't get corn like this in Canada....so fellow Canadians....if your going to New York.....You Must hit up Cafe Habana. I have no words to explain how delicious it is. The perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and citrusy, with an oh sooo creamy cheese topping. My Only regret is that I didn't get a chance to explore the menu further, but if the corn is that good, (see my pic) I'm sure the rest of the menu will be just as delicious. Trust me, Cafe Habana, is where its at. Do it. I ate at some really good restaurants while in New York, but now that I'm home, I've developed some withdrawal symptoms. That corn left a lasting impression, and I'm having intense cravings. I will be back. Mos Def.
(5)
Jessie M.
This is one of those restaurants that prove you don't need a super fancy or big to have an impact on a neighborhood. Yes the corn is good, but its the atmosphere, the music, and hell, the rest of the menu, that make this place what it is. I will say the server we had was kindddaaa a bitch. But she got better towards the end of our meal. I think it's just overwhelming to work in a small space that is constantly packed with people.
(4)
C W.
don't get me wrong, this place is good but because its so busy (service is okay at best), it isn't the best. its small, tight, and always packed! on a sunday night at 6pm, the wait for 4 was one hour. the corn is GOOD. a must have in my book. most of the entrees are good especially the enchiladas and pulled pork dish. the chicken entree i had (pollo mirador?) was NOT good - disappointing in fact. polish off the corn and entree with some fried bananas for dessert and you have a better than average dinner. beware - this place is literally a hole in the wall. if you don't pay attention, you can easily miss this place.
(3)
Gina C.
CRACK-ON-THE-COB. I've been holding off on writing this review because there are simply no words that can describe the goodness that is crack on the cob (see pics). This is one stick I don't mind putting into my mouth. Cafe Habana is one of the places I always hit up when I visit New York. It's in the upcoming/trendy Lower East Side on a little corner shop. It is always packed - go early, or wait. And if you're over 250 lbs, sorry, you probably just can't physically fit inside. This place is run pretty efficiently and has a diner-esque feel inside. The food itself is amazing - the beef, crushed nuts, yucca, rice, everything is succulent and full of flavors & spices. This was my first time trying a Michelada, and it became my new favorite drink (but hard to find places that'll make it). I give this place 4.5 stars just because the wait is ridiculous. But, you must try this place it - I demand you.
There are few places in NY where I would willingly go and wait upwards of 45 minutes or more for a table, Cafe Habana has got to be one of them. Everything about this place from the location, to the crowd, to the chill atmosphere to the goodness divine food they serve up has such character. It's been said over and over again, but saying it once more never hurt...the corn is simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I don't even like cheese, and this corn has me begging for more. Before Cafe Habana, corn was just corn to me. Now corn on the cob takes on a whole new meaning. Thank god they have a little take out shop next door so that I can just pop in time to time to get one on the go. And thank god they have an outpost out in Brooklyn too!!
(4)
Jay N.
Shocked to see the number of reviews on Yelp, so had to go check it out for dinner after shopping in the SoHo area. Around the time we got there, the steady drizzle turned into a TORRENTIAL downpour. Nonetheless, the waiting crowd spilled out into the street, huddled under umbrellas. Impressive. We were quoted a wait time of an hour, but in just over half that time, our group of five found ourselves tucked into the cozy back table of the (tiny, cramped) restaurant. We started with drinks (mojitos, large in size, decent but not anything special) and appetizers. Yes, the famous corn on the cob. Yes, it was quite good, and a warm comfort from the cold, rainy night outside. That said, is it heretical to suggest that the corn is "good, not great", and I'm surprised at the hundreds of worshipful reviews it has received? Instead, I fell hard for the "sincronizada toluca", which is something between a quesadilla and a Mexican pizza. With chorizo. This was terrific! I whiffed on the entree, though, going for the "Tlacoyo de Tres Marias", a corn shell stuffed with beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It was unfortunately too plain and lacked any flavor, and my attempts to remedy this by piling on the hot green sauce had my mouth on fire. My companions enjoyed their selections though, and in retrospect, I think I may have been much better off had I gone with the roast pork (the losing end of my 50-50 indecision when the waitress took our order) or the skirt steak. I tried my friend's pollo mirador, and that seemed tasty as well. I like Cafe Habana's location and the decor and vibe of the place. Good value for the price--entrees between $10 and $14. The staff are friendly and responsive despite the constant busyness. The food is generally good, though the menu has some misses. If you go, you'll have to find somewhere else to wait, because there's absolutely no room in the diner.
(3)
Jen O.
Getting relief from the surprise downpour by stepping into Cafe Habana heightened my impression of this restaurant much more than coming here on a clear, sunny day would have. Granted, the main reason my friends and I were even standing out in the rain in the first place was because we had to wait 45 minutes to get a table, but I digress... There were three of us, and we made sure to order the corn to see what all the fuss was about. Since each order only comes with two cobs, we got two of them. I loved how they were unabashedly SMOTHERED in butter, chile powder and parm. I took it in my best interest to unabashedly snag the remaining corn cob before the other two could get to it. The pollo mirador had sauteed chicken in roasted garlic sauce, rice and sauteed spinach. The chicken was amazingly tender. The enchiladas and halibut dish were also superb. I can definitely see why this place is crackin' in Nolita.
Awesome! This place is a tradition for us. Each time we visit a particular client we head to Cafe Habana for grilled corn, cuban sandwich or skirt steak and a healthy amount of mojitos! Con: it's small and the wait can be long but worth the wait!
(4)
AJ R.
Food was fantastic but service was beyond DISSAPOINTING. Was told to wait outside in the RAIN, while I waited for a table to open up, i was asked if I knew what I wanted before I was seated, I wasn't brought a glass of water until AFTER i finished my meal even though I asked twice.
(2)
Antonio C.
First time I have the cuban sandwich and its awesome!
(5)
Ana P.
I LOVE this place!!! The food is great and the prices are awesome! They have brunch and dinner menu which is good because you get a variety of choices depending on the time of day, but anything that you would like to eat its going to be amazing!!! The Mexican corn is the best! It is really good take this advice from an authentic Mexican. The mix of Mexican and Cuban dishes are a great combination, and the ambiance is great. This tiny place is decorated very cool and the staff is friendly and nice to the costumers. Everybody eating there is always in a good mood and all of the people seem to enjoy whatever they are doing (eating, cooking, bar tending, serving, taking orders, even waiting on line outside). The wait can be long (40 min sometimes) if you go on the weekends at peak hours, but there is the Habana to-go next door and you can enjoy a grilled corn while waiting to be seated. I recommend the "micheladas" if you like spicy or the mojitos! Another advice is if going with a large group of friends try to split so you will be seated faster.
(5)
Robert T.
By far the best grilled corn on the cob I've ever had. They coat it with a delicious creamy sauce and cheese. The steak sandwich and the cuban sandwich are HUGE. And the hibiscus tea is a winner as well. The only downside is the space is quite cramped, but the prices are super reasonable, so I understand why.
(4)
Justin H.
Stopped by this place after i ate at another restaurant to try the corn. The corn was really good, almost as good as the mexican corn you can get on the street in LA. I wish i would have visited this place on an empty stomach so that i could have tried another dish as well. I can co-sign the corn though, its really good.
(4)
Jose M.
I had tried to go before and couldn't bc it was PACKED...i made a second attempt and after waiting over an hour to be seated...i honestly don't understand what people see so special in this place...food is just ok...(sweet plantains NO...BAD...burnt and dry!)...if i could seat right away maybe i would go back some day...but def not waiting another hour to eat here...you don't feel comfortable even for a minute bc place is just tiny...and service (sorry to say...) kinda of rude, although i understand due to the khaos in the palce... to be fair the corn is good...but you won't see me there again...
(2)
Ms G.
The first time I tried to come here for brunch, the wait was ridiculously long. We had a party of four. I heard great things about this place (mostly from Yelp) and I so wanted to eat there that day but it was impossible. Second time's a charm... if you come on a Friday at 2pm with a party of 2. The wait was only 10-15 minutes. This place is SMALL. If you don't want to wait, they have take-out available behind the restaurant. There's like 2 servers at this place so service can get slow at times. I knew I should've ordered the Cuban sandwich but I wasn't in the mood for a sandwich that day so I ordered the fish tacos and my friend ordered steak and eggs. We had also ordered corn but it didn't come out until after our entrees. The corn was delicious! It was so good, we got another one after we had eaten eaten our main course. Sad to say that the only reason I would come back here is for the corn. The other food, cramped atmosphere, slow service isn't worth waiting around for. My fish tacos were bland and soggy while my friend's steak was chewy and tough even though it was medium rare. If it had been cooked further, it'd be inedible. The iced tea was also warm. I give them credit as the waitresses don't really have control over when food comes out of the kitchen and they were nice about seating us in a more spacious area as my friend was pregnant at the time, but I think I'll opt for take-out next time.
(3)
edrick w.
Just came here to try out the corn and it was worth the visit, if you want a quick snack to tie you over between lunch and dinner you have to come by to this place where it seems to be packed any time of day.
(4)
Tony B.
Just like everyone says, get the corn. I also had the chicken with mole/tomatillo sauce, and it was amazing.
(5)
Shoaib R.
There's something really homey and nice about this spot, and when I sit at the bar, I always feel uplifted when I see all the interesting people in this place. It's definitely an interesting scene. Everyone who works here is incredibly rushed due to the sheer number of people who wait to get in, but the service is great regardless. And the huevos rancheros I ordered were excellent, even though their method of preparing them is of a different kind than my preference (I prefer the kind with more of a chunky chopped up tomato and jalapeno salsa, whereas their's is made from more of a pureed, possibly cooked, salsa). The eggs were cooked to just the right combination of firmness in the egg whites and semi-liquidness in the yolks that I expect in this dish. I was looking at what all the other people ordered, and it all looked really good. I'm definitely going to be coming back to try the other things on the menu, such as the corn that people can't stop talking about. Edit: I've since been back, and I tried one of their enchilada dishes. I was extremely impressed. It beats some of the enchiladas I've had in California and Texas. I absolutely love this place now, and I'll be back as often as possible. And I love that they have guava flavored drinks! I tried the corn, too, and while it really was something quite great, I don't see why so many of the reviews focus solely on it. I mean... the rest of the menu is much, much more delicious...
(5)
krys s.
this place holds two intimate storefronts and both were mad crazy busy. but the service was fast and the hosts even had walkie talkies to organize seating and bus tables. fancy! they swore their ham and cheese cuban sandwiches are the best in NY, but it was pretty lack luster in my opinion. although the roasted pork and swiss cheese were great, the bread was way too tough and dense and there were hardly enough pickles and mustard. booooo.... ny, if you want a REAL cuban sandwich go to sol food or la taza de cafe in the bay area. their sandwiches are legit. and yes, it's worth the travel.
(2)
Xue T.
Shopping+Corn+Summer Heat+Frozen Mojito = Perfect. They take credit card by the way contrary to what someone else said on yelp! Two corn for $3.95
(4)
Carol Y.
Very small restaurant and cramped seating but offers delicious food with big flavors. Also, great customer service even when it's really busy! Must try their corn!! Who knew corn and cheese = good!
(4)
Christine N.
That corn on the cob is so good. There's no cute way to eat it so roll up your sleeves, put a napkin on your lap, and dive right in. Oh yeah, the Cuban sandwich was really good too.
(5)
Mell F.
If there are any doubters ...The afore and oft-mentioned corn on the cob is in the top ten things I have EVER eaten. It's that good. Don't go expecting a lot of elbow room or a nice quiet dinner. It's crowded. It's noisy. It's fantastic. There was a line out the door on a Friday evening, but it turns over pretty fast so it only took us 15 minutes to be seated. On our list when we return to NYC and we may both just eat corn until we've had enough. I'm guessing I can put away 5 ears, easy. Dinner for 2 with 3-4 adult beverages. Less than $50 including tip.
(4)
Shannon M.
Come here and order the grilled corn. It will blow your mind. The end.
(4)
Chris L.
This is the best corn (hands down) that I've ever tasted. The Mexican corn is $1.95 and is on a stick. The key is the grated white cheddar (or something like that) that they put on it with some hint of chili or hot pepper. It is SO good! The lines are usually out the door. The restaurant was packed so we got togo and ate on the bench outside next door. The corn is so delicious! So we came back two days later to try the Cuban sandwich and quesadillas. They were great! My frozen mojito was great too and we got two corns to go (total was $35). The restaurant is the size of a teeny, tiny diner but has a lively ambiance. It's kinda dark in there and it's super loud with music and chatter. Our waitress was very nice and lively as well. Service is pretty quick and everyone seemed happy with their meals. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone visiting NYC! Remember, CASH ONLY!
(5)
Sarah M.
Corn is one of my favorite veggies, especially when it's still attached to the cob. It brings back all sorts of childhood memories-picking it off the stalk (yes we grew our own in Montana, though our ears were usually puny and missing most of the kernels) and husking the ears on the porch with my brother, getting the silk everywhere. The corn at Cafe Habana is out of this world. Grilled, covered in all sorts of goodness-cheese, butter, spices-nothing like mama used to make. Order it, and you will be as happy as I was! static.px.yelp.com/photo… The quesadilla was also amazing, filled with smoked cheddar and chicken, tons of chicken. Worth the wait!
(5)
Devon W.
My friend asked me to bring him here as a birthday gift. I wasn't really in the mood for Cuban or Mexican food at the time, but the food at Cafe Habana changed my mind. Of course, we ordered the grilled corn. I didn't know corn on the cob could taste so good. The toppings (cotija cheese, mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime) sound like they may not work well together, but I was so wrong. I wish it never ended! I ordered the grilled shrimp tacos. Everything was perfectly seasoned, and it came with a healthy serving of rice and beans. I messily piled everything into the corn tacos and shamelessly stuffed my face until there was nothing left. Make sure you come as early as possible in the evening; otherwise, expect to wait at least 45 minutes. Still the best Cuban food I've had in the city.
(4)
David L.
Great find. Food was authentic and well made. Beer too! Chicken diablo was nice and my wife's Cubano sandwich was delicious. Best part was the roasted corn on the cob.
(5)
Sean S.
Cuban sandwich and Mexican corn live up to the hype. Don't want to wait? Go next door to their to-go spot. This place is a great value.
(4)
Charlotte C.
I love that at cafe habana you can choose between a more formal sit down meal or grabbing a quick bite next door. The two in one thing was a fun quirk. Though I'm not really a meat person, I decided to the give the cuban sandwich a go at a friend's urging and I'm glad I tried it, though no one should make any plans to ever eat a sandwich like that gracefully. Corn also yummy and also very messy--I prefer the corn done the same way off the cob at the place just down the street. But guys the flan---so so good. They were out of carmel so I tried coconut and it was delectable and in a cute little glass jar. I don't plan on racing back any time soon to look like an idiot trying to do battle with a sandwich (but that's mostly just me and my not liking meat in the first place)but if I do happen by, there's another coconut flan in their mini fridge with my name on it.
(3)
Louise R.
This place is amazing. If you have to wait, it's worth the wait. You must get the grilled corn. Try the tlaco and be sure to tip the hip servers. I've never had bad or bad food here. Love love love love it! I'm from California and frequently travel to NYC. This is always one of my first stops when I get into the city.
(5)
Terriann c.
The wait is not that bad. The space is tiny. The CORN IS A MUST! Delicious corn, great drinks, good music. Go there with someone you love. I love this PLACE!
(5)
Sophia T.
This place is stellar. Five for Five = Go Go Go. The atmosphere is authentic and the food is mouth watering! The corn on the cob with cotija chees, cayenne pepper & lime juice is my absolute favorite. For those who are calorie conscious, I would recommend to share an order as they butter the corn with mayo. Whenever I am in the Nolita neighborhood, I stop by for an order. Another obvious favorite is the cuban sandwish. It is large enough to share, but so delicious that I end up finishing it myself. If you plan to brunch here, the Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo is to die for. I have tried, on countless brunch outings, to order this dish at other Latin restaurants, and I must admit no one does cooks it better than Cafe Habana. The ratio of chicken to tortilla is perfect and the green tomatillo salsa is the perfect amount of spice. I usually add some salsa picante to pump up the volume. All dishes can be washed down with a tasty cafe con leche or margarita dependent on the activities planned post meal. Now I'll stop making you salivate and go into the logistics...the restaurant is on the smaller side so expect a line. Luckily, it's located on one of Nolita's nicest intersections Elizabeth & Prince. While you wait, you will have plenty of boutiques to pop your head in and shop around. The New Museum is also located a block away at Prince and Bowery. If you want to spend the day in Nolita. I highly recommend stopping by before (but make sure to put your name on the list first :D) or after eating.
(5)
Steve A.
Small tight space, but worth the wait. The roasted corn is a must. Brunch is warming and tasty.
(4)
Johnny C.
my FAVORITE SPOT!!!! this one and the one in Brooklyn! if you live in new york and haven't tried the cuban sandwich or the corn from this place, you are missing out!!
(5)
Elysse P.
Ok seriously, I'm obsessed with corn... corn chowder, corn soup, canned corn, corn milkshakes (I know, weird), corn pudding, corn salsa, corn salad, cornbread,... corn corn corn corn corn. Go to Habana, and seriously... get the damn corn. Yum.
(5)
Madison L.
Best corn ever !!!!!! You have been missing out if you've never tried the corn here. Every time I come here, I get the corn and cuban sandwich. Can't go wrong with it. I would give this place 5 stars just for their corn but I can't due to the size of the restaurant and service. It is so crowded in here. They will squeeze 4 people in a table thats meant to seat 2. It's so uncomfortable. You're literally eating on top of one another. Their service isn't the best either!!! My girls and I were waiting for a table of 4 and the lady said it will be about a half hour wait. We were outside waiting and all of a sudden another group of 4 people comes in and she seats them first. We looked at her and she had a guilty look on her face but didn't even bother to explain to us. We ended up leaving. They do have a take out store next door. Order the corn and sandwich there !
(3)
Howard W.
Ok this is a long overdue review of one of my favorite place in the city. First of all if you're a foodie, you would have to make a stop here in order to call yourself a foodie. Expected wait time 1-2 hours. But it is definitely worth the wait, though I do recommend coming early or on week nights to beat the crowd. First of all as most people have mentioned, their grilled corn is off the hook!!!! Once you tried it you're hooked for your life!!!!! Then there are the other not as delicious but still very delicious food on the menu, like the cuban sandwich and the usual stuff. But the corn is a definite must try if you're planning to come down here.
(5)
Ariel P.
I'm a fan of their corn and also their steak sandwich! Soooo yummmyyyyy! I just wish they'd put less butter on the corn sometimes. But it's one of those foods that is so good, even when it's bad.. It's still good! Some of the women at the take out counter can be rude. So minus a star for that. And because I once ordered shrimp tacos that were awful! They were grilled wayy too much and tasted like soot. The waiter recommended I get that too! She said it was her fav and swore by them. I didn't want to insult her so I didn't say anything. But when she saw that I didn't eat my food she didn't even bother to ask how it was!
(4)
Mike P.
great Mexican food, great drinks. Very tight space and always packed. Go on an off hour. I recommend sitting at the bar. The corn is a must! The fish tacos were great too.Very cheap eats
(4)
Sarah W.
I love this place and used to go there a lot years ago for brunch before it got so popular. It is small but cozy and excellent food. I love the grilled corns. my absolute favorite and such a deal - two corns under $4. I tried to make it myself but not the same. good cuban sandwich. Since the place is pretty small you need to wait until someone leaves and can hear next table's conversations but well, that's also a part of the fun(!??!!).
(4)
Ann M.
The corn appetizer was the best part. Second was the guava margarita.. amazing!
(3)
Elizabeth B.
go early and get the corn and the frozen mojitos.
(3)
Letitia L.
My husband and I had lunch here over the weekend and had two different views on it. He ordered the fish tacos and felt they didn't taste fresh and the portion was very small- he felt dissatisfied with his meal. I on the other hand ordered a pulled chicken and black bean dish off the brunch menu and loved it. It was mixed with a salsa verde sauce and tasted really good. I can probably attest to needing a bit of a bigger portion since I found myself eating his rice from his plate. We both definitely felt the place itself was a little crammed- we had the first table by the door and felt like people were hovering over us while waiting for a table. It definitely forced us to eat faster and rush out. The place itself is quite casual so you can dress down which is nice. Lastly, we didn't have any drinks but took note that the drinks were the same price as the food items (about $10 each). Overall, I really liked it and it's probably one of those places we can say we went to, but probably not have a need to return to.
(3)
Paul M.
Great place to duck into for brunch or lunch. It seems like the cuban sandwich is the star here, but don't miss out on the huevos rancheros-- best I've had in new york. Everything was a bit on the milder side to appeal to a larger group of people, so be ready to ask for a bottle of hot sauce if you have taste like mine! Very energetic atmosphere, gets crowded and sometimes too crowded.
(4)
Shannon C.
I definitely recommend this restaurant for a quick bite with friends. The food is really good (mostly known for the mexican corn). The cuban sandwich is tasty also! Not a large place so you'll more than likely be seated rather close to the patrons beside you. Fortunately, the wait staff are friendly.
(4)
Sana K.
Loved this place! Great music, lively atmosphere and solidly good food. The corn was delicious, but I felt that it could have been spicier- a little too safe for my grilled corn taste. I got the chicken mole plate and boyfriend got the fish tacos- both were really great. We especially loved the variety of hot sauces available for us to choose from and spice our food with. The rice and beans were good but I couldn't help but feel like the beans could have been tastier and a little less drab. That being said, we loved our experience overall and will definitely be back. We sat in the take-out section and though cramped, we loved how cozy and lively it still felt.
(4)
bing c.
This review is totally contrary to all the Yelp reviews and the word of mouth reviews I've gotten of this place. A friend of mine raved about this place so I made it a point to try it out, especially the corn. And, I really have no idea what happened. We must've gone on a very off day or something. I totally thought maybe we went to the wrong location, but it was the correct name, the correct address, and it did indeed serve "mexican corn". But I did hear this place was usually packed, and it was pretty empty when we went in. Of course it was raining, so that might explain the lack of lines. Another thing I'll have to admit is the three of us ordered various chicken dishes. Thinking back on it, it was dumb to order chicken dishes instead of pork or steak, but nonetheless, what we got was... highly disappointing. The chicken I got was completely tasteless and dry. My friends told me that their dishes were equally tasteless. I seriously think I can make better chicken dishes than the ones we had. As for the corn, it wasn't bad. It COULD'VE been good if it were hot or even quite warm. Instead all 3 corns came room temperature. Again, I can't explain it. We talked to other people that have all eaten there and they all have told us the food was good and that the corn comes hot, but all I know is the corn we got wasn't hot and the chicken was terrible. It seems like it was on off day, but who knows.
(2)
Matthew D.
You know the little ditty that goes "Jimmy cracked corn and I don't care?" I never understood it until my first trip to Cafe Habana a few years ago. Apparently, I misunderstood the lyrics as the song is clearly about this restaurant... You see, Jimmy wasn't cracking corn. He was addicted to "crack corn" from Cafe Habana. Like Jimmy, I too am addicted to Habana's "crack corn." I get a hit every single time I'm in New York and though the high is just as good at each visit, it's never enough to satisfy my bottomless craving for crack corn. While you are there, try a mojito and the Cuban sandwich - YUM!!!! BEWARE of the crack corn - it only takes one bite off the cob to get hooked for life.
(5)
Miriam W.
Elote, where have you been all my life? When you live in one of the world's most expensive cities you're likely to be even more impressed when you find a true bargain. Cafe Habana's grilled corn on the cob (elote, if you prefer) is one of those rare finds. At brunch this tasty treat, slathered with chili powder, lime and cheese, was just $3.75 for two cobs! Also, Michelada lovers take note: Cafe Habana serves 'em!
(4)
P. K.
I live in LA but crave cafe habana's corn all the time. I make a yearly trip to Manhattan and will make sure I stop by to grab a meal. Yes they are always packed, but it's totally worth the wait. The first time I went, about 4 years ago, I went with a friend who's in fashion designing and he recognized almost all the other patrons in the restaurant. They were all runway models!! We had so much fun eating and people (model) watching. The only downfall to this place is that it's really really tiny. No personal space whatsoever. Therefore, you cannot be fat to eat at cafe habana. You WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE. Hence the models... I guess...
(5)
Sue K.
i eat at cafe habana every single time i visit new york, twice on occasion. i even opt to take the fung wah from boston (and put my life at risk, mind you) so i can get to it quicker. i drag anyone i can here because their corn is an other-worldly wonder that must be shared. it makes believers out people who don't even like corn. there's always a wait in the restaurant and a line at the cafe but your patience will be well rewarded. it also doesn't hurt that you may spot a celebrity or two during your wait. other than the corn, i've enjoyed most of the dishes i've tried. the cuban sandwich was solid but didn't blow me away. i'm a huge fan of their rice and beans- simple yet so satisfying.
(5)
Navid T.
This place is great, it was crowded, friendly crowd, great food, even greater drinks (margaritas), everything was on point about this place. We had the corn (which is sooo good), we had the enchiladas and were pretty blown away. Highly recommend this place
(5)
Ailee F.
One of the best meals I had while we were in NYC. The corn was amazing, in addition we ordered the Cuban sandwich and the grilled skirt steak. Both were as amazing as the corn. Also ordered the ice blended Mojito but that was a little too sweet for my taste. Service was mediocre, but it was busy so can't complain. The place is pretty cramped too, but for the food, it was all worth it.
(5)
Agnes H.
We had the following: Grilled Corn Mexican Style, $4.25 Grilled Steak and Corn Salad, $13.50 Sloppy "Jose" BBQ pulled pork sandwich, $7.50 All of them are in very good size and yummy. The corn is very tasty and very popular. The steak is tender and perfectly grilled to medium rare. The pork sandwich is juicy and the bread is crunchy. The place is small but I care more about the food quality.
(5)
Dorian T.
Great Cuban food, best Cuban Sandwiches I've ever had. They get the bread from the amazing Parisi Bakery down the street, which you should also try. Tried other things on the menu which all have been amazing, but the Cuban in to die for.
(5)
Tala T.
On a Saturday morning in New York I found myself wondering the shop filled streets of the Soho district only to cross over in to Nolita. Walking through an outdoor arts market I saw ahead of me a crowd gathering on the corner. As I walked closer I realized it was the famous Cafe Habana restaurant which I had heard so much about. Of course I had to try it. So I put down my name, called a friend and 30 minutes later was joined by 3 friends. The hostess was not in the least way inviting or nice. But I guess that is to be expected when a restaurant is doing so well they don't really need to charm you with their service. We were told that they would not be able to accommodate a table of 4 and that we should try their take out service next door. We headed next door to a more casual, less hectic room where we could order from the same menu over the counter. There was a few tables inside and some seating outside. We ordered the famous Mexican grilled corn and the Cuban sandwich. A few minutes later our order was up. The corn was sprinkled with piles and piles of what looked like grated Parmesan, chili powder and lime juice. The result was fantastic. So good I could have had two (or maybe more). The Cuban sandwich is rated as the best in New York. I can't really attest to that and I think it would be hard to rate something as the best unless you have literally tasted all sandwiches and all restaurants in the New York. But, I can say this, it was the BEST I have yet had. The pork meat was full of flavour and juicy. The juice had seeped into the bread mixed with the cheese and pickles. It was amazing (see menu). After eating here, I understand the hype around it. I would wait in line all over again for a bite of that corn and cuban sandwich
(4)
Jessie S.
I'm sure you all have read the previous reviews about how amazing their mexican corn is & they are right! I am totally obsessed with elotes! You CANNOT leave Cafe Habana without trying their mexican grilled corn. Another favorite of mine is the tostones! The sauce it comes with is really good. I've also had the cuban sandwich which I wasn't crazy about. It's definitely a good sandwich to share with someone. Everytime I go, I always go to the take out one. It's good they have that since the sit down one is usually really crammed and crowded. Service is quick at the to-go one. Mmm. Can't stop thinking about the corn...
(5)
Lucy X.
Okay honestly just came here to try their corn hype and holy crap it is worth it. I'm not sure what they do with the cheese, chili powder combo, but it is seriously perfection and SO TASTY!!! If you don't want to wait the 15-20 min to dine-in at the main one (which I may add has no AC!!), just go next door for the take out/carry out, even delivery if I'm not mistaken?! Great for grabbing a quick bite, especially on a hot summer afternoon!
(4)
Martin L.
The lines are always long, the space is cramped. I personally go because of my obsession over their grilled corn, which is very good and cheap, and the rest of the stuff are just your basic Cuban breakfast type. My advice is to go to the pick up store next door, which is i believe the same kitchen, enjoy your corn, and skip all those queues (before it destroy ur lovely afternoon). You can still order and sit down in the limited seatings there as well, where the wait is a lot less (if you're lucky).
(4)
Bing S.
never go to the restaurant dinner time, it's always packed and i've had a few bitchy servers there during those times.. the place to go is around the corner to their take out area. you can pretty much get the same thing. i'd recommend the cuban sandwich, the steak sandwich, and the corn. this place is known affectionately in my circle as 'the corn place' with good reason. they are coated fresh corn coated with cheese, butter, lime juice, paprika, and cocaine. also the corn is larger on weekdays . numpang makes a sweeter version of the corn that has coconut flakes on it. that corn and this corn will have to duke it out sometime. i refuse to judge whose better on principle.
(4)
Chiara I.
I like. We went on a Saturday afternoon at around 3ish and the place was bumpin. We waited about 15 minutes for a table of two. The place is tiny and you are seated up close and personal to the people next to you. But, the servers are very personable (even when they have hoards of people waiting outside for a table). I got the Chilaquiles verdes con pollo with freshly brewed iced hibiscus tea and the bf got the quevos rancheros. The tea was completely what I wanted (on that hot humid summer day). The chilaquiles was yummy. It was not exactly what I expected, and the spiciness level was definitely higher than I can normally tolerate, but I still enjoyed it. The prices are pretty reasonable considering its a popular restaurant in soho. We also got a Grilled Corn Mexican Style to go. Omg, best corn I've ever had hands down. Get that. It's a must. It was grilled perfectly with jus the right amount of lime and cheese flavoring (I tried to avoid the chili part as much as possible since my mouth was already on fire from my main course).
(4)
Julie M.
So the Mexican Corn is like crack. After finishing one cob, I began to scratch myself and flash my eyes wildly around the restaurant aching for more and almost stealing one from the table next to us. Alas, I controlled myself and waited for my entree to arrive. I had the spicy shrimp--it was tasty but not as amazing as the corn. The margaritas were tasty as well but not especially strong. The main plaint I have about this place is the service was abysmal. The waitress was incredibly annoyed when I asked for more water. Seriously? I know the restaurant was full but I was waiting for another glass of water for a good 15 minutes. Ultimately, the food is very tasty and cheap. Come early or be prepared to wait.
(4)
Robyn C.
After stuffing our faces with MacBar's Mac 'Shroom, we walked to Cafe Habana (our original dinner destination) and did some damage. Specifially to the corn. Trust me when I say that visiting NYC from Miami, the last thing I ever wanted was Cuban food. FOR REAL, BRO?! I can get that shit any time. But more importantly, we were told to get the Cuban Corn. Really? I live in Miami for christsakes and never heard of such a thing. What is this "Cuban" corn of which you speak? But as skeptical as I was, we decided to try this "crack-like corn". Whatever that meant. Thoughts upon arriving: The rule of thumb is if it's packed, it's gotta be good. Thoughts upon leaving: I am now a believer, for this is no ordinary corn. It's a Mexican (not Cuban) Style Grilled Corn on a Stick that...holy-sweet-baby-jesus. Crack. - walk around the corner to the take-out portion of the restaurant. It's small but the service is usually quicker. - Not a place you want to have a first date, as you'll be getting down and dirty but definitely somewhere you need to go. - GOT THE MOTHER EFFING CORN. No questions asked and don't think twice.
(5)
Adam W.
As its been said before, corn is to die for. Save yourself the hassle and go next door for cafe habana to go, corn and friend plantains all day.
(4)
Jiahui L.
Get: ~corn (4.5 stars): roasted corn with queso and cayenne. Corn was sweet, balanced nicely by the crumbly cheese, ending with a kick from the cayenne. So glad it wasnt overhyped, but I love corn, so I might be a bit biased. $2 ~Cuban (4 stars): with fresh roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and chipotle mayo. I normally dislike Cuban sandwiches, but this was so exceptional! All the meats tasted fresh, without any of that briny supermarket or boars head taste. Chipotle mayo was delicious, and I only wished theyd put more pickles in it. $6.50 ~cafe con leche, iced (4 stars): a bit nutty, just strong enough, chilled me down on such a humid day and yet rejuvenating at the same time. Not too sweet, either. $3.50 Note: I went to the little "take out" one right next door. Its cheaper, and the wait is only for them to make the food!
(4)
Kristin N.
With open windows that catch the summer breeze and a "trendy-but-not-too-trendy" vibe, this cute corner restaurant in Soho is a good staple. Grilled corn may be a dime a dozen in NYC during the summertime, but Cafe Hanaba's inclusion of chili pepper and their easy hand on the mayo makes this grilled corn the most zesty, light and delicious grilled corn I've yet had -- SERIOUSLY, GET THE CORN. My dish, the Pollo Mirado, was a savory combo of their spicy spinach, Spanish rice, and garlic-grilled chicken. This, mixed together with their special green salsa, made for a perfect summer meal. It wasn't "pretty" (and nor is the interior decor of the restaurant, per say), but the flavors more than compensated for this. Another bonus? We didn't have to wait very long for a table at all, despite the little bubble of people outside, which is a huge positive. Admittedly, the bite of my friend's fish taco (...get your head out of the gutter) that I tried was sub-par, but everything else on the table was shockingly (or not-so-shockingly, as other Yelpers would have you believe) good.
(3)
Diamond S.
Had dinner here today with a friend. I do not get what the hype is all about the food was okay but nothing crazy. The service was not very good, the wait time was short which was good. We actually waited longer for the waitress to come and take our order. I ordered a pina colada and specifically asked for a only a Tony bit of alcohol bec i don't lile the taste. She said ok no problem. When i received the pina colada it tasted like it was mostly alcohol. When we told the waitress she said its already mixed in which was an outright lie. When they serve you the pina coladas the rum which is brown is layered over the white drink. I dont kno if this is indicative of all of the wait staff here but the waitress we had was not even making an effort and did not care if we were satisfied or not.
(2)
Eve B.
The food is really good and i live the vibe! Crowded but lively. One of my vegetarian friends accidentally ordered an appetizer with meat, and the waitress was kind enough to take it back, no questions asked, and didn't charge her for it. The only con is the wait time--almost an hour and a half for a table of three. I should have expected it (we got there at 7:30), but because it was a Tuesday night I thought we might be able to get lucky. Other than that, it's delicious--get the plantains!
(4)
Sally F.
We found this place through Yelp and it was a great place for people watching, good food and drinks at a reasonable price. The corn is a must. Our waitress, Ellie was friendly, helpful, and made the wait worthwhile. We loved it.
(5)
Brian A.
My experience might have been an anomaly but I think this place is totally over hyped and suffers from cool factor brain washing. The food was mediocre (except the corn, that was amazing), and thats fine, but my main problem was the wait staff. Not only did they have an i wish i wasn't here serving you right now attitude and rude. they were completely inattentive. got our order wrong 2x. and in the end never served what I originally ordered. This was a couple months ago, so hopefully the waitress no longer works there. my advice is, get the corn next door at Havana express and eat it on the side walk next to the tree.
(2)
Nicole M.
What can I possibly say in my review that the other thousand-plus people haven't? Nothing. I will say that I didn't get the corn and was scolded. We weren't that hungry! Next time, I promise. We loved sitting at the bar, enjoying our mojito and margarita, and our meal of sincronizada and tlacoyo de tres marias. And of course, plantains before we left. Happy tummies! The corn, next time, I swear!
(4)
nancy d.
Mexican Corn and an array of hot sauces! SLAMMIN'
(5)
Diana Z.
I first tried Mexican corn in Mexico (shocking, I know) and it has left a food memory that has been hard to forget. Though I have tried many attempts at "Mexican corn" in the states, from hole in the wall joints to fine dining establishments, I can say without a doubt that the corn at Cafe Habana comes closest to the delicious, savory sweet corn that I bought one fine day from a Mexican street vendor. Aside from the corn, which was clearly memorable, we ordered their famous Cuban as well as the Sloppy Jose. Both were delicious although the latter had a little too much bread for me and was a little hard (literally) to eat. I also love that they serve Jarrito's although they didn't have my favorite flavor (pineapple). The outpost is definitely the way to go when there's a line out the main restaurant. I don't know why the waitresses don't just tell you to head over there (we stumbled onto it by accident, looking for another restaurant with a shorter wait). As the sign outside says - it's the same food but a shorter line!
(4)
Elysia M.
So good! The corn was totally up to it's hype, and the rest of my meal was also awesome (shrimp tacos, cuban sandwich, jicama salad). There's a guaranteed wait, but it's worth it. Anddddd, now I'm hungry.
(5)
Yanil B.
The food is...AMAZING. Please don't miss getting the corn. It's a small place with a super quirky location. I love it. I've gone 3 times so far, and plan on going many more times. Vegetarian-friendly. Meat lovers will adore it. All types of yes.
(4)
Lowie T.
mmmm...crack-on-a-stick cheesy smokey corn on the cob!! Need i say more??
(5)
Nicole D.
This review is for the to-go Cafe Habana a few feet away from the restaurant on the corner. BUT HOLY MOLY am I hooked. I came here after hearing from my friends that this place has THEE best grilled corn. The to-go shop has about 6 bar stools and 8 chairs to sit on with a bench right outside the place so you can imagine its an extremely small place. I had the fish sandwich, which I thought wasn't bad, but I didn't think it was the greatest fish sandwich I've ever had. The grilled corn is is TO DIE FOR. YOU CANNOT LEAVE NEW YORK WITHOUT GETTING 2 COBS OF CORN WITH EXTRA CHILLI POWDER. Every time I visit New York, I always make it a point to stop by Nolita to grab some grilled corn from Cafe Habana. I promise you, its well worth the trip!!
(5)
William H.
Absolutely delicious - everything there. Really friendly staff but small interior. Definitely stop by!
(5)
Tom D.
This is a very popular place to go for the Cuban sandwich and there famous grilled corn (it has butter and parmesan cheese on it). yummmmm!!!! It gets very very very busy. I even noticed this restaurant in a movie I was watching the other day... The only negative is that it is a very small place and because it gets so packed you are eating very close to other people during their busy times.
(5)
Grace Z.
came here for lunch on a Thursday last week. it was pretty crowded so me and my friend decided to sit at the bar. no big deal because I sat next to the window and it was breezy. The atmosphere is great, they play spanish music in the backround. It felt really authentic. We ordered the famous corn of course like so many suggested, they are good as they said it would be.Fatty goodness haha, corn with mayo, chilipepper and lime. It was pretty spicy but a good kick For the main dish, i got the spicy pork sandwich, it was ok. My friend got the chicken quesadillas. The portions are big, I couldn't even finish. The next time I come back i want to try the cuban sandwich which they are known for and back for the corn :)
(3)
Daniel H.
had the corn, cuban sandwich, huevos rancheros. food was pretty mediocre. won't lose any sleep if I never had it again. def. did not live up to the hype. really cramped space/table made the whole eating experience not enjoyable.
(3)
Dee J.
Love it! the food is right and the atmosphere is real homey. I recommend this place to anyone with the desire for food and fun. You gotta have the corn and Cuban sandwich! Writing this is making me want to go there right now.
(4)
Osman J.
Was debating between 4 or 5 stars, decided to go with 5 and here's why: Was here for lunch just couple days ago and had the famous corn, cuban sandwich, and spicy pullpork sandwich; all were great but I guess the goodness didn't fully kick in until several days later...so about 10 minutes ago I just walked over there again at 11pm (glad they open until midnight!) and ordered the same thing again plus a steak and a chicken taco...all were bombs...especially the corns...I guess that makes this place good for breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner/midnight snack anytime! 5 STARS, period.
(5)
Sonya Z.
The Mexican corn deserves all the hype it gets. They could work on the other dishes a bit. We were a group of three around 12:30 PM on a Saturday, and we had to wait about 45 minutes, which I think is standard considering how cramped the place is and how few seats there are, and how it's kind of difficult/annoying to seat a three-top. The first thing I ordered was the Mexican corn, which was, of course, unbelievably scrumptious. I also love that it's impossible to eat it daintily and not get it all over your face. Messy is fun. My friend got the fresh-squeezed orange juice and we all agreed it tasted kinda funky.. I wasn't super hungry so I ordered the chicken and black beans dish because my friend wanted that and the chorizo tacos and couldn't decide which he would order, so I said I'd get the chicken so he could have both. I don't usually eat meat, but I tried the chicken and it was pretty bland and tasteless and came with a serving of plain black beans. The entree overall was a bit boring. To compensate, I ordered the cuban black bread (something that starts with an M, I can't remember the name of the dish right now!) which was just a huge slab of bread (not black) covered in a huge slab of cheese and some tomato on top.. I could have made it for less than a dollar and it kind of gave all of us indigestion from the massive overload of cheese (which wasn't even that good of cheese, not like the Cotija on the Mexican corn). In conclusion, the Mexican corn is amazing, and I'd come for that alone.
(4)
Great place to eat in NYC! The corn is amazing! Most definitely worth a visit! :)
(4)
Markay H.
I know, I know. This place does need another review. But I will carry on with the accolades ... YOU MUST GO HERE! Me and a girlfriend started with the infamous corn, and it DOES deliver as promised! We each got a margarita and by the main course I had to have another. I had the fish tacos which were huge. I had to take a taco home (oh shucks!). For two margaritas, a full stomach, and a take home container it hardly breaks the bank for an amazing meal in NYC.
(5)
hugo z.
Great food!! Corn is delicious,fish tacos outrageously good! Cuban sandwich is awesome rice and beans were perfect!! Prices were reasonable but the place is so tight and it was so hot inside. I mean sweating hot lol!! Not a very comfortable place to eat and enjoy the good food!! :(
(3)
Adrian A.
Yes, it's loud, cramped, hot and noisy. But that's what we love about it, right? I have been coming here since back when the neighborhood was still gritty and this place was truly Hip Central. For me, its a time capsule to those days. And it's still amazing, and the wait times have not changed. A perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday. Corn, yes obviously. But for me the real star here that doesn't seem to get its due is the blandly-named Avocado White Cheese Torta. I am not even a vegetarian and I dream of this sandwich. Epic epicness. Also love the next door Habana To Go for quick fixes and coffee while waiting for that table.
(5)
Neda B.
The best corn on the cob i have tasted in years!!!! The rice and beans were delicious as well as the sweet plantains. The rice and beans portions were on the small side though.
(4)
Emi H.
I remember 8 years ago, I stumbled upon Cafe Habana by accident while walking through Soho. I always remembered how amazing their cuban corn was and hopelessly wished that I could find it again. I didn't even remember what the restaurant was called but enter Yelp, and I was able to find my long lost Cuban friend! Nowadays Cafe Habana feels out of place amongst all the high end boutiques in Soho. It's a small diner that touts simple homestyle Cuban cooking and I love it! Completely unpretentious and casual with prices to match. It's tiny so you'll need to be prepared for your small table to be taken over by their large plates of Cuban comfort. Carnitas, plantains, and of course, Cuban grilled corn that's enveloped in grated cheese and chili powder. Our server was so sweet and had grown up in the neighborhood. She spun a tale about how run down it used to be and how everything has skyrocketed in price in a short span of time. Although Soho has changed so much in the last decade, I do hope Cafe Habana never does. Yelp 365 Challenge: # 277/365 (The Cuban Comfort )
(5)
Mark N.
Literally one of my favorite spots in the city. I have been here a lot and come specifically for the Shrimp Tacos and the corn. The rice is insanely good, as are the beans. But I am telling you, the corn and shrimp tacos cannot be topped... The price is too good to pass up. Just check it out!
(5)
BJ A.
Nacho Libre corn. Remember those. Yeah they delish. A nurse coworker of mine told me to check out this spot and to specifically get the corn if I do end up going. 100% correct on his part. The waitress even recommended some drink they made up instead of the mimosa and mojito that I ordered. She was correct also. So to sum it all up, the place comes correct!
(5)
Rachel A.
Wow. There's a lot of c - - - talk here and a lot of pictures of c - - -. Do we really need to mention it in another review? Should I upload another picture of c - - -? One word. OVERRATED. It was alright. I just expected it to be magical and it wasn't. Cafe Habana is not the comfiest spot to have dinner. Well it is if you like kissing your neighbors. The tables were pretty small. They were slightly bigger than an 8.5" x 11" notebook. Anyhows, I decided to give Cafe Habana 4 stars instead of 3 because it makes my friend really happy and when I have visitors from out of town, I want to make sure they have the best NY experience EVER! And now that I'm done hating on Cafe Habana, I will tell you what I liked about it. The dishes were very tasty with home cooked flavor. Nothing was really fancy. It was all just food squished on a plate but they piled it high and my grilled pork chop had about a whole basket of mushrooms on it. The gravy was amazing as well as my friend's spicy garlic shrimp. The sauces made the yellow rice even better. We got a side of plantains and drinks. My frozen mango margarita was refreshing and strong. It could have been mixed a little better (the mango part was thick and sat on the bottom of the glass) but I remedied that myself. The bathroom was decoupaged from head to toe. I liked how they disguised the hand dryer into the wall. Cafe Habana is a scene. The customers were cool. They looked like they stepped out of Nylon magazine. We sat only a few tables away from two model type gals who made a meal out of the c - - - and Coronas. They were eating it pretty daintily too. And if c - - - and Corona is all that you need to get you through the day, then Cafe Habana delivers.
(4)
Patricia G.
On my first trip to NYC, my cousin (a native city gal) took my sister and I here for dinner, seeing as it is one of her favorite places to eat. It was a Friday night in the middle of December. We had to wait for a table for almost an hour in the freezing cold, but once we got inside, I could see as to why she loves it so much. I don't even remember what we ordered -- the only food item I remember was the CORN!!!! She mentioned earlier that evening that they had amazing corn, and I thought she'd meant corn kernels. The corn alone is reason to come back!! Amazing... Can't wait to come back to New York and stop by this joint once again!
(4)
Christiana C.
This place is just adorable. When I asked one of my friends to just take me to lunch somewhere she was obsessed with, she brought me here. And I think I might owe her quite a debt of gratitude. We were pretty hangry (angry from being so hungry) by the time we got here, but the ambiance and community inside this restaurant helped soothe my hangry soul. We were seated by the bathroom, which is the first time I have not minded being seated by the bathroom (unrelated sidenote: this may be the smallest albeit very cute bathroom I've ever seen. Use it just to marvel). Our server was excellent and the food was really good. I had heard about the Cuban, so that's what I ended up getting. It was among the best Cubans I've ever eaten (and I don't say that lightly! I have eaten many a Cuban). And when eating the hand cut fries here, you'll realize just how wrong the "fries are fries" mentality is (hint: pretty wrong). I hope I see this place again on future trips. I have more of the menu to plow through!
(4)
Thuy L.
I have deeply intense pregnant woman-like cravings for the corn at this place. It is amazing! I was very skeptical when I first read the ingredients, but my friend said I had to try it. The chili, queso blanco, lime on the smoky char grilled corn is sweet, succulent, and zesty. I am literally drooling right now. For my entree I had the pulled pork with steamed spinach with squirts of lime. It tasted really light and refreshing. This was my first time having Cuban and it certainly will not be my last! Even though there's a line for this place that is probably only slightly larger than your bathroom, it is worth it. Next time I am in NYC I am hitting up this place!!
(5)
Mimi W.
There are a few things I don't eat in public because they are too delicious and I would eat it like a little piggie and get it all over my face. Cafe Habana's corn is one of those things. I'm getting it to go next time. The sandwiches (something vegetarian involving avocado and the Cuban sandwich) were good but paled in comparison to the corn. The mango juice was atrocious -- really, really awful, in case "atrocious" wasn't descriptive enough. I felt annoyed that it didn't come with a warning.
(4)
Joey R.
Let me get the few small downsides out of the way so we can relish on how awesome this place is. You are going to wait 30-45 minutes to sit down and eat so be ready. You will also sit at a table that won't fit your plates. It will feel like your eating with the two couples on either side of you but your not, so don't try stealing their food for samples. Order the Grilled Corn Mexican style. I don't care if you hate corn (like me) you will die for this stuff. I was talked into eating some and didn't regret one bite I took of this stuff. For my meal I scored a cuban sandwich that was spot on. New York isn't a place you expect to taste some delicious Cuban treats but they have it. Some other pluses here are they have the cutest and sweetest servers I have found anywhere in Soho. Along with all this place has to offer it has great value for it's price. If your in Soho with a craving this place is a MUST stop.
(5)
Tara F.
well...this was just delicious. I will make this very simple for you: CORN- YES, this is not a question. ORDER THE CORN. 9000 people didn't write about it for nothing. CUBAN SANDWHICH- YES. TACOS- EH....im sorry cafe habana! but they were eh. (pork and pineapple ones) SWEET PLANTAINS - YES. ENCHILADAS- YES This is basically all I can recommend, because this is what we ate. Its delicious, its fresh, margaritas are delish. Service is super nice, even though the place literally gets packed. Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.... WHERE ARE YOU!?!?!?!?
(4)
Nika B.
Came here on a Wednesday night with a friend after having a few drinks nearby. The place is tiny but we got lucky and were seated immediately. We started with the grilled corn as an appetizer - get the corn, you will not be sorry. For our meals I had the enchiladas suizas, which were probably the best I've had. The tomatillo sauce was just the right amount of spicy and cheesey and the enchiladas were stuffed with chunks of well seasoned grilled chicken. My friend got the camarones al ajillo - huge shrimp in creamy garlicy sauce served with rice and beans. The waitress was great, very friendly and attentive. She brought our drinks out quickly, which were also pretty great. Everything was scrumptious and I'm still thinking about that corn...I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Nancy Z.
I use to get their corn for delivery every week. It is addicting! The spice, the cheese...its just perfection. Both their brunch and dinner is fantastic. Their rice and beans hits the spot, and they have the best huevos rancheros in the city. Everything is delicious. Be sure to come early (for both brunch or dinner) bc this place usually have a LONG wait.
(5)
Jerry W.
Cuban sandwich was juicy and delicious. I'll definitely be back
(4)
Melissa D.
Wow, delicious!! This place was absolutely fantastic. I ordered the mexican corn (of course). It doesn't say this on the menu, but one order of corn comes with two ears so you can split it with a friend. So, basically it ends up being about $2.50 for an ear. I also had my first Cuban Sandwich! It was amazing. So delicious. For about $9.75, it was gigantic! I only ate half of it and I was literally stuffed. I would definitely recommend it. However, be prepared to wait a LONG time to be seated. It is literally the smallest restaurant I have ever seen. We waited about 40 minutes outside which, according to the other reviews, seems to be the standard.
(5)
Joyce L.
It would be a 3.5 stars if Yelp let me enter half scores. But I am a fan of rounding up. Their famous corn was really delicious. The smoky flavor combined with butter and spice is really satisfying. I ordered their grilled steak. It comes with rice and black beans. The steak looked small when it came out, but once you started eating it was actually quite a bit of food. Perhaps I should have ordered the spicy grilled steak. This place is very small and is really crowded so prepare to be a little squished. This also means that if you come during a busy time, there will be a wait. But I had a great time with friends. It was a laid back atmosphere and their waitresses were very attentive as well. I will definitely go back to try their brunch one of these days.
(4)
Maria C.
2.5 stars, that doesn't quite round up to a 3. Cafe Habana was a total disappointment. I had really been looking forward to eating here - heard so many good things about it - but it was really just mediocre and blah. Ok, but totally overrated. I did like the corn very much. But OF COURSE it tastes good. It was covered in butter, mayo, and cheese. If you are craving corn I would just get it at the to go place next door and hit the road jack.
(2)
christine h.
Nothing but love for cafe habana; even though the first time I ate here the whole place reeked of cheese or crap, I couldn't tell which. And it didn't even matter. it didn't even MATTER!
(4)
Renee C.
definitely cute, small but never too long of a wait. I love that it is solar powered. The bar tender is cute! The food is not bad especially the mexican corn! I saw Jared Leto sitting to my left the last time I was here :)
(4)
Kat T.
I grew up in an area where I was always seeing street vendors with their carts being pushed along, ringing their bells on the cart handle, selling corn on the cob with mayo and chili powder and cheese, etc. I never ever tried it before... I'm glad my first experience of that item came from here. It was THE best corn on the cob of my life. Thank You Robert Hsiao for bringing me here. You are my life saver. Life would be incomplete without the corn on the cob from Cafe Habana.
(5)
Blah B.
Why oh why? r u so far away from me?! I crave you in the am, at lunch and at night! I would do anything for one of your corn on the cobs right about now! Well almost anything! ;)
(5)
grace c.
It's been a while since I've been back but I often think about the roasted corn they serve and the Cuban sandwich. Food is good although the last time I was there, the waitresses were all in a joined effort to catch a runaway cockroach...but we're in NYC, it would be ridiculous to think that cockroaches didn't exist. What matters is that the food is good! The wait for this place is always long too so be prepared for at least a half hour to hour wait if you go after work hours.
(4)
Peter D.
I love Cafe Habana's brunch. I had the molletes: toasted Cuban bread, topped with black beans, melted cheese, tomatilla salsa and pico de gallo. You can also add chorizo for a nominal fee. Obviously I got the chorizo. Spicy and delicious. Her French toast was enormous and covered with fresh fruit. She was irrationally angry it was so big. And you know what? I'm actually angry as well. She didn't finish it, and because it was so tasty, I had to. Which is why I am sitting here uncomfortably full as I write this. Yes, we got the corn too. No, the Pete Test never fails. An Important Note: There will be a wait for brunch. The hostess will tell you it will be around a half hour, but this isn't necessarily accurate. It was only about 10 minutes before our name was called. If you aren't there when they call you, you will be crossed off the list. So don't go wandering off for 25 minutes, and expect your table to be ready when you get back. Don't say I didn't warn you.
(5)
Misa G.
Everyone's already said it, but I'll say it again: You MUST get the "Grilled Corn Mexican Style." Grilled corn on the cob covered in lime, cotija cheese and chili powder---it's pretty messy, but one of the best ways to eat corn I've ever come across, and a steal at 2 cobs for $3.95 (well, a steal by New York standards). I got the mollettes with chorizo ($7.50) but then sat there jealous of my friend's cuban sandwich ($6.95). The only downside is that it's super tiny, so if you happen to be seated near the narrow aisle you may find yourself being bumped by a waitress or a guest every couple minutes. Other than that, cute place with a lot of character and good food, plus they give you a pretty postcard to keep when they bring out the check. :)
(4)
Warren W.
Don't get me wrong. I like Cafe Habana. It's tasty enough, and the grilled corn is indeed good. But that's about the extent of my praise. I don't really understand the five star raves. Calm down, people. Seriously. If I'm in the area, and it's not packed like my mom's suitcase on a Carribean cruise (seriously mom, do you need 5 sweaters in the Bahamas?), I'm down to stop into Cafe Habana. Otherwise, there's many other tastier options in the area.
(3)
Constantine H.
Waited 1 hour for a sandwich in addition to receiving attitude from the waitress and then literally having the check THROWN on my table. This was the first time in 10+ years that I didn't leave a 20% tip at a restaurant. The food was ok but overall this place is extremely overrated. The corn on the cob you say? It's corn on the cob... with spices. Get over it. Spend your money somewhere else where they value your business.
(2)
food lover t.
i was at new york for vacation 3 weeks ago and didn't have time to write a review. My friend recommended me this place. Ordered cuban sandwich. It was freaking good and its big portion. I would recommend to share or save half for later. Friendly service.
(5)
Terry K.
Literally, all I had was the grilled corn and that's all I needed to know. It was out of this world, you MUST try it!! Its a bit of a scene, but that makes for good people watching. :)
(4)
Cindy L.
Drop what you're doing right now and go to Habana. Just do it bc the grilled corn is out of this world. It comes 2 per order and they are covered in cheese and chili pepper goodness -- I also think crack is involved bc I couldnt stop eating it. Once I took my first bite, it was pure ecstasy and I couldn't even hold a convo until the cob was completely clean. Sweet, crisp corn kernels along with warm slightly melted cheese & spicy kick. After the greatness that is their corn, I had the Cubano sandwich, fries were too soggy but the sandwich itself wasnt bad. I think I was too blown away by the corn to assess the Cubano. My bf however didn't like his tacos pastor too much. Humble and small location -- youll be sitting close to your neighbors but it'll be worth it.
(5)
Justine K.
I first had cafe habana grilled corn in 2010. Spent 2 years of my life after that thinking about it all the time. It is now 2012 and I just had it again this past week. HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH. I will spend the next however many months/years (hopefully months) thinking about that corn again, hoping and praying we can be reunited sooner than later. Service is nothing special. Even the pork tacos I got were just okay. You go here for the corn and to sit at their cute corner location to watch people walk by and realize how much you love your life. Or that's why I go here at least.
(5)
Anna K.
mexican style corn sloppy jose cuban sandwich 4 years ago, a brief encounter with vague memories of damn good mojitos and grilled corn got me wandering back for another chance. after back-to-back trips and phone calls later you could say we're on again.
(5)
Diana L.
The two things that I highly recommend: steak taquitos and of course, the corn. I think it's quite obvious from all the reviews that their corn is a must-try/must-get. If you're iffy about the cheese, don't be. If you're iffy about the spicy level, don't be. The ingredients work so well together, it's like an explosion of flavors! Party in your mouth. And sadly teeth too... but corn is like that. Now for the taquitos. To be honest, when the dish arrived I was a little disappointed because it was not fried...BUT when something is supposed to be fried but isn't and tastes good anyway? You know it's good. I wouldn't come here to sit down and eat. It's is way too cramped inside and if you skip out on the entrees, you're not missing much. I would just order the corn and the taquitos to go and enjoy them comfortably elsewhere.
(4)
Kathleen M.
Cute little hole in the wall with excellent drinks and delicious food. I got the Gin Mule which was sweet and gingery and delicious. For dinner I tried the grilled Mexican-style corn and the fish tacos with sweet plantains/ The corn was absolutely delicious. I could have eaten four. The fish tacos were very good and the plantains were awesome. The rice had an odd sweetness to it, which I didn't love, but it wasn't enough to deter me from returning again and again. The service was excellent. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful in deciding what to get. Definitely a great place to check out.
(4)
Candy M.
You must try the CORN... It's to die for!!! Def one of kind... They put mayo and cheese which has a kick to it... Luv luv luv it
(5)
Cindy T.
Brunch is awesome. Definitely try the grilled Mexican style corn! Do not come here when it was hot outside because this place does not have air conditioning (although I did notice an AC unit in the back of the place). This will not be an easy place to find because there isn't a large sign letting you know it's Cafe Habana and the only way you will know you found it is the line and the name on the door. Food - The corn was delicious and had a nice kick to it with the chile powder on it. The presentation of the food though was less than pretty. The chorizo tacos (chorizo con papas) just looked like a pile of lettuce and things on a plate and the chicken casserole (chilaquiles verdes con pollo) looked like a pile of green mush with beans. However, the food was delicious and very flavorful and the large portions were very filling. The iced coffee was also quite good and strong (definitely good for a hangover). Atmosphere - The place was packed when we went but to our luck, there was a table that just opened so we didn't have to wait. The tables were very small so brunch for three people was hard to maneuver with elbows and forks hitting each other. Again, it was very hot outside and with no AC, this place was not very comfortable although with the heat and ceiling fans, it did give the restaurant a very Miami feel to it. Service - The service was pretty fast but mainly because they were trying to get people in and out because there seems to always be a line out the door. The waitress seemed friendly enough and not too overly attentive but available when needed. Overall, I might go back in the spring or fall, but definitely not when it is hot outside. The heat really messed up my experience here and with so many good reviews, I am sad to say that I was too hot and sweaty to really enjoy the food here.
(3)
Sandycandy 1.
Amazing place love the food but still wish it was bigger..with the same rustic atmosphere..lol knock down one wall open outdoor then out be fantastic:)
(5)
Farnaz A.
It's a must go place. The Mexican style corn is a must have. Could have 10 of them. Loved it!
(5)
Tiffany C.
After hearing about this place through word of mouth, and reading the reviews on yelp, I found myself determined to try this place. Needless to say, the mexican corn did NOT disappoint!! I don't think I've ever had anything like it...there was a nice balance of grilled and spicy flavors. I opted to have the shrimp tacos as my entree while my sister had traditional tacos and my friend had the enchilada. None of us had any complaints and left with full stomachs and smiles from ear to ear. The one and only negative thing I can say about Cafe Habana is that it was incredibly hot inside. Granted, we went when it was 90 degrees outside, but my goodness! This place needs to find a better way to keep the space cool when the weather is unbearable outside.
(5)
Fancypants X.
Cafe Habana is *so* representative of how I imagined NYC restaurants almost 15 years ago (before I first set foot in my favorite city.) I envisioned tight spaces where you have to smile apologetically at your neighbor for your ass nearly knocking over their drink as you squeeze into your corner table...a dim, warm, inviting cocoon pulsating with music...a beaded curtain to separate the fine line between restaurant space & bathroom space... The only thing I didn't consider back then in my frequent NYC daydreams (you think I'm joking) was the 30-40 minute wait to be fed! The hostess, reminiscent of a 1950's pinup girl, was hella cool about moving our party to the top of the list after we'd missed our name being called the first time around. Oopps & thank you, ma'm. We ordered the grilled corn (~$4), two to an order, & smothered in mayo & butter with a sprinkling of cotija cheese & chili powder (don't forget to squeeze lime over it.) There's a reason every single table had multiple orders of this crack...I mean, corn. My camarones al ajillo (~$15) was delicious...large, plump shrimp in a buttery, spicy garlic sauce. I didn't try the black beans, but had a few bites of rice...it was off the hook combined with that buttery sauce. I highly recommend you try this. After years of eating my way through NYC, I found the restaurant that matched my expectations & image of what NYC dining would be like & I can't wait to experience it again. In this situation, reality turned out to be even more delicious than my fantasies.
(4)
Stephanie H.
If you are claustrophobic you might not like this place. As NY spaces go this place is tiny. If you can get passed that, then first order the corn. YUM!!! You might want to share because it turns out you get two corn on the cob for the price of 1. After that everything on the menu is pretty delicious. Cafe Habana was one of my favorite spots for brunch. The best time to go is a week day but if you have to choose a weekend it would be Saturday. On Sunday that place is a zoo. You get all the party goers for the night before craving the corn and their Cuban dishes. Also on a weekend expect to wait a bit, as your party gets bigger you'll be waiting longer. So be warned.
(4)
Kathleen A.
This place is delicious and well worth the wait. My friends and I started off with the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. Wow. Delicious. Grilled with chili powder, lime, and cheese. Does anyone know what kind of cheese that was!? It seems possible to make it at home, but I gotta know what that cheese was! Sooo good. For my main plate, I ordered the Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo. The waitress even complimented me for attempting to say it with the right accent! Awesome. This is my first time having this dish, and I loved it. It honestly looks like a pile of green mush, but don't let that fool you. It's really spicy, so watch out for that if you're not into spicy stuff. But I am, and it was great. Place is super tiny and cramped, but the good food and friendly people make up for that. If you know what type of cheese they use on the corn, do let me know! Thanks! =)
(4)
Formicas F.
AWESOME lunch spot. Small and crowded it is very worth the wait. Thankfully we only waited 15 minutes (arriving at 12:15). The corn is every bit as excellent as the rave reviews it gets. I had two pieces. It is served on a stick and has a creamy sauce and cheese and lime juice. WOW! The cuban sandwich was great too and they were happy to substitute lettuce for the fries :) A super location with great food- what more could you ask for.....
(4)
Connie W.
Don't leave without trying the Mexican Corn - so worth the sticky hands! It's topped with cheese and some flavorful seasoning for a mouth watering combination. I also like the platters, especially the Tres Marias, which is a very unique and excellent dish. Know that there is a to-go section of the restaurant next door if you want to avoid the long(er) waits. Great for an extended lunch pick up!
(4)
Ryan H.
cuban sandwich, cuban corn, cerveza....my mouth is watering as i think about it. this place is my favorite restaurant in the city. it's a hole in the wall, and has become a trendy place, but the food is still awesome. highly recommended.
(5)
Andrew S.
This is one of the places I have to go to when I'm in NYC. The food is great. I had the classic Cuban sandwich and frozen Mojito. Let me say that the Mojito machine is the best thing ever. The place was packed but well worth it. We sat at the counter and got pretty good service. The food took some time to come out but with a free Mojito all was forgiven. Get the corn also! Try it out and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Rob H.
Grilled Corn. Tostones with garlic sauce. Insane good.
(5)
Renita K.
Came here last night w/ my friend and found that the food was good but the service was meh (mostly just the hostess). Overall I don't think I'm in any rush to come back. And definitely NOT on a date! That corn is going to get in between every single tooth. I had the Cuban Sandwich - not the best cuban sandwich ever but it was good. My friend had the guacamole/portobello burger which was OK. Both came with fries that were like five guys... a thick cut and a little soggy... but some people like them that way.
(4)
Jin C.
I don't think I've ever seen a two-seater table that's the size of my nightstand. This place crammed as much seating space as it possibly could and everybody was pretty much trying to make way for someone else all the time. I don't what the deal with the corn is. I expected the corn to have way more mayo and cheese and sweetness and *kick*. It's is certainly not the best food I had on a stick. The food was kind of more diner-esque than I was expecting, so I was sort of let down. The chorizo side looked and tasted like canned meat sauce. My spicy eggs and beans brunch dish was okay, but yes, it didn't resemble anything worth waiting in line for.
(3)
Candace M.
Claudia, you're a doll!! Came with a friend who is a regular... She insisted we try this place instead of another on my list. So glad we came here. The place is adorable, cozy and fun. Claudia made us all feel right at home. The corn is a MUST! I should have just had 4 orders of those... but, I also had a quesadilla and some tacos. All the food was good and there were other things on the menu that I am still interested in trying as well. If you like Cuban food, come here.
(5)
Mirope F.
really good food (the best cuban sandwich I ever have I'm my life) the only thing is that the portion are not that big
(4)
Janice L.
cuban restaurants in chicago combined do not compare to this place. a major hole in the wall, superb service, homey/cozy atmosphere, i'm a sucker for amazing bathrooms (i totally brought my phone in there to take pictures of the sticker-filled walls). grilled corn (must order!), cuban sandwich with fries (amazing), shrimp tacos (my fave) with delicious rice & beans, fish tacos (great), plantains (yummy!!), and who knew lime jarritos with vodka would be so delish!
(5)
Thao N.
Although the restaurant is almost always crowded with a line, the food is awesome. Good things come to those who wait, right? ...Actually, you can opt for take out next door (I hear it's a bit cheaper too). Be sure to order the Mexican style grilled corn - it's delicious and sooo worth getting stuck in between your teeth!
(4)
Jennifer G.
there are 1200+ reviews for a reason. the food will change your life, the wait will make you a tiny bit sad. On to the food: The corn, the corn, the corn! You absolutely can't come here without at least a bite of the spicy corn. Never had anything here I haven't liked. Worth it regardless. Perhaps go when you are full and by the time you get a table you'll be hungry again!! Try for off hours as well :)
(4)
Real M.
We got here on a Friday night around 7 pm, and though it was really crowded, we only had to wait about 25 minutes for a party of 2. I did have to sit at the table in front of the doorway, so I'm sure I was in violation of something. I had the Cuban sandwich and my wife had an enchilada with chicken, and we got the grilled corn. The corn was drenched in butter and seasoning and cheese, which is a good or bad thing depending on who you are and what you want to do with your life right now. The Cuban was a bit dry at times. They do give you a lot of pulled pork, but some bites were a bit on the dry side. It was decent though. My wife liked her enchilada. My wife also got a Shirley Temple and we split a fruity strawberry frozen margarita. It was a decent meal. Note: They have a room next door so that you can order take out.
(4)
Cindy T.
Came here on a Saturday night with my friend, and we had a 20min wait. The waitress forgot about us and proceed to bring in a party that arrived after us to the table so I told her that we got here way before, and that should be our table. The waitress didn't even apologize and just instructed us to "oh, go take that table then". The food was decent, I wanted to try the corn but at $8 for one corn, no thanks. The space is small, I wouldn't recommend it for large parties. They try to seat people at the bar first before the tables too which I thought was weird.
(3)
B C.
Oh my god, the Mexican grilled corn!!! A must if you're in the neighborhood. I've never actually been to the restaurant, but I make it a point to stop by for quick lunch or dinner when I'm shopping in the neighborhood for some corn and cuban sandwich or tacos. I've always gone to the tiny takeout spot next to the restaurant, which is great and fast when you're by yourself or with one other person. Nothing fancy, just great food.
(5)
Maiko K.
I can't resist good eats, no matter how fat-laden it is, and Habana is no exception. This place makes THE BEST elote, or Mexican-style grilled corn. It's topped with mayo, chili powder, and cotija cheese, and is to die for. You can literally feel the chunks of lard sticking to your love handles but it is SO worth it. The insane wait and runway model-looking waitstaff may annoy you to death (clearly they do not eat the elote), but Habana is definitely worth the wait.
(4)
maria h.
This is the first bad review I have ever written. I only write reviews about restaurants I like, but this one was such a major exception. Where do I even begin? Firstly, this is NOT a Cuban restaurant. So, if you're looking for Cuban this is not the place for you. They do have pork and beans on the menu but that doesn't make it Cuban. Once I got over that, I ordered their famous corn and a mojito. The corn was warm. Almost cold, which is strange because it's "grilled" but there it was. The mojito was muddy. I ordered the pork with black beans and rice. There was absolutely NO flavor. Canned beans taste better. I couldn't believe it. There was a giant line and the spots inside were tight. I read the reviews and thought it was going to be great but was so disappointed. Save your money and go elsewhere. This place sucks.
(1)
I I.
I go there them so much, cheap and good, reception is fussy and rude but cheap spot. food is real good, love it
(4)
Jess D.
WHAT IS THE HYPE ABOUT???? It's barely Cuban, it's more Mexican than Cuban. The food is dry/flavorless, staff is just weird and its kind of hard for me to say that because I don't judge but one of my waitresses had like a long ass ring coming from inside her mouth to the outside of her mouth (creepy much) but at the end she was cool. Only thing to really rave about here is the corn and it's pretty good. Everything else is Doodoooooooo!!!!
(2)
John S.
The corn here is a life changer. I grew up loving corn on the cob, but these guys reinvented it. Maybe it's a traditional dish in South America, but it's new to me and is a staple light snack.
(5)
dan s.
This is a rare star-demotion for me. I still love Cafe Habana, in fact, I think it's one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The mojitos are amazing, and the place buzzes with energy and that cool Soho vibe you can only get in...well, Soho. I have to confess I wasn't blown away by the food this time. It was good, just not as amazing as I remember. Every restaurant has its off days, and perhaps this was one of them, but the disappointment of the food, plus with an unexcusable accidental lapse in service (after appetizers our silverware was cleared and the check placed on the table), merits a slight demotion. Perhaps they can earn the 5th star back on my next visit.
(4)
Amy W.
I've never had corn that was so amazing! I'm going to try (and probably fail) to replicate this, and end up having to fly all the way back out to New York just to get some more of this amazing grilled corn. Premises were a bit dingy, but in that charming sort of way; enjoyed the window seats and wall decor. LOVE!!
(5)
L B.
Love the grilled corn here! It's definitely a staple. And it's the cheapest Mexican-style grilled corn I've had in the city ($2). The Cuban sandwich and fish sandwich were really good too. My only complaint: customer service (and that is where the 1 star comes off of.) In both times I was here, the customer service wasn't exactly the best. First time being that I don't take cheese on my corn, and when I had told them, they rudely told me I couldn't change it. I understand that it is partially my fault for not mentioning it to begin with (as I didn't know there would be cheese on the corn because there was no description for it), but I feel a place with good customer service would always offer to remake another one, especially being that their grilled corn is so popular. The second time I was there, it was packed and I was waiting for a seat. When I finally got one, the table was really dirty and there was food everywhere because someone had just gotten up from that seat. I asked the two cashiers behind the counter if they could please wipe the table. I work in customer service myself, so when I see a dirty table, I am quick to wipe it immediately. Especially if a customer points it out before I get to it, I react sincerely and definitely go ahead and wipe it. ...Well, when I had told the two cashiers, they had given me a rag and told me to wipe it myself. 1) To have your customer wipe it for themselves is not okay. 2) No customer wants to touch your dirty rag, knowing that you've probably used it all day to wipe other things. I understand that you're working all day, and you're tired and you're probably sick of customers, therefore I only take 1 star off. But I feel if you work in customer service, especially for a place with such great food, you have the potential to make more effort.
(4)
Dave K.
Everyone talks about it. And yes it's good as it is. Grilled Mexican corn is a must here. Perfect blend of cheese and a spicy kick to the corn. Goes down very smooth. Please please please get the Cuban sandwich. The menu shows that it's the best in NYC. The description does not lie. The meat and the cheese and the sauce that they use all just melt in your mouth. I'm not even exaggerating. Each taste is so unique. It literally separates in your mouth. I sound like a high end eater but I am so not. It was that good. Best Cuban I ever had. Pork tacos were very bland. That was a big disappointment. Had to compensate the blandness with a lot of hot sauce and the salsa sauce that comes with the tacos. Nothing in the tacos. Plain. Just pork and onions? I don't even remember because it was so bland. But the Cuban made up for the tacos. I still give it 5 stars because next time I go, I know I won't be disappointed with the Cuban and the Grilled corn. Friendly waitresses and nice friendly outgoing interior.
(5)
Somin Y.
- Mexican grilled corn is a MUST EAT. only $2, but it is really amazing!! the combination of cheese/mayo with spicy powder is just perfect. - strongly recommend a frozen margarita!! - cuban sandwich was good, enchilada suizas was so-so.. I went there for
(4)
mary b.
the mojitos rock. There is always a long wait but it's worth it because of the delish Cuban fare....last time I went we split the OUTSTANDING roasted corn topped with spanish type cheese, Sopesitos (mini-corn cakes with black beans cheese and 3 different yummy salsas, and the Sincronzida (black bean and sun-dried tomato tortillas with cheese and avocado) all consistently delicious..... the only complaint I have is that service of food was so slow and we were sitting at the bar!! We watched the 2 chefs in back roast corn after corn and wondered when the hell they would start on our order, so we drank mojito after mojito and waited...I mean I understand there are onyl two cooks and the place was filled to capacity with about 30-40 people (it is super small) but the wait was kinda ridicuously long...However, I will be back because of its location in the heart of Soho and great views for people watchin gwith it's open windows....lotta character and lotta flavor.
(4)
Kristen P.
I was excited to try this place as it had 4 stars and 1600-odd reviews. We waited a while, which I don't usually mind for a yummy meal. However, sucks to wait and then be disappointed. Our rocks margarita's were sugary and tasted like cheap mix, and our "famous" cuban sandwich was dry and tasteless. The grilled corn and the nice waitstaff were the only pluses in my book! Skip it.
(2)
Nicolas R.
I had a pretty decent burger there... I know, it's stupid, I should have tried the corn! Will come again to try that...
(3)
Boris M.
Top notch place with consistently outstanding Cuban cuisine. Fish tacos nestle crisply battered white fish between a corn tortilla on a bed of pickled cabbage and a perfectly-spiced salsa. As everyone's already raved, the corn's outstanding (and on a stick). As with so many of the restaurants in SoHo the waitresses here are beautiful (and if you are so moved you can purchase a calendar of the beauties in various forms of undress). My only complaint has been with the black beans which can be WAY too salty at times. But the atmosphere is fun: packed, fast-paced, and raucous. One of New York's best lunch spots (if you can get in).
(5)
Deb L.
The place is really small but I LOVE THE CORN!!!!! YOU HAVE TO GET THE CORN~! They even provide toothpick for you. We also ordered the french toast, it was huge!!! The coffee was just okay, but the corn made up for it.
(5)
Michelle H.
It's been years since I've been here, but it's all about the corn!!! The cafe next door is the way to go. The restaurant always has a line!!! Ate in the to go area. Grilled chicken salad, sweet plantains, CORN, and homemade red velvet cupcake. Everything was fantastic, but the corn is a must. The guys sitting next to us said next time we have to try the pork with mole sauce. It looked delicious!! Can't be in a rush when you go here as the food takes forever to make and come out. They make everything fresh. If you're in the 'hood, def stop here for a meal or a snack. Also, prices are very reasonable for this area.
(4)
Jason O.
since moving just down the street from this place, this little haven of awesomeness has become our go-to spot anytime we don't feel like cooking/waiting for delivery/walking more than 50 yards for food. the grilled corn on the stick is pretty much the best thing ever. it's like $1.50 and is literally an ear of corn, on a stick, grilled and slathered with cheese, butter, paprika, and probably angel dust or something ridiculous like that (and by angel dust i mean the sprinklings of celestial beings of the heavens, not PCP you wastoids). i mean, i like the other stuff too, but we've actually never eaten there.. there's always a line, even when its 90 degrees and humid out, so we always get our stuff to go (it's usually ready in 15 minutes). we have this dream of one day just ordering a dozen grilled corns and making that the entire meal. i'm sure it will be awesome and my coronaries will scream bloody murder.
(4)
Ahmed B.
Amazing authentic food. The ambiance was great. The place is a little small. But the experience is something to take back. I am from San Francisco, but visited this place in August of 2007 and would definitely go back when I am visiting NYC again. The corn was excellent. Also I heard a Lenny Kravitz video was filmed here.
(4)
Heidi G.
I absolutely LOVE Cafe Habana for its: -veggie platter (rice, black beans, and garlicky spinach) -cheesy roasted corn -to-go shoppe -plantains -pretty good price This used to be a lunch staple for me when I worked in nearby-ish SoHo, and now if I go back to NYC with a friend I'll be sure to take them there.
(5)
Bin H.
MEXICAN CORN, FTW!!! Oh Mexican corn, how I missed you so much. Coming from LA, I know what a good Mexican corn can be. Cafe Habana definitely didn't disappoint me with their Mexican corn. I ended up having two, and I didn't feel guilty about it at all. A few girlfriends and I stopped by Cafe Habana on a weeknight, and it was packed. We waited about 45 minutes, but it was worth the wait. The tables are small, and we're a LOUD bunch, but the restaurant itself is quite loud, so it didn't really matter. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and it was quite delicious. Chunks of roasted pork & sliced ham were very flavorful, I can see why it was voted Best of NYC. The only thing I kind of missed were plaintain chips; instead, it comes with fries. Our waitress was very attentive & a charmer. The ambiance, music, and food were on point. I can't wait to return, especially when I'm craving Mexican corn!!
(4)
Maddi M.
The only reason this didn't get 5 stars was because of the space. If you come here when it is crowded, get ready for the tight squeeze, especially if you are in a group of 2. Regardless of the space, this food is great! The corn is a MUST and starts off the meal with a perfect tone. In one order you get two corns so its great to share! There is no point to come here if you do not get this! The rest of the food is good, nothing to report home about. The Cuban is as good as advertised and might be the best in NYC but maybe there isn't a tone of cuban food in NYC... The margarita was surprisingly delicious! The prices were cheap and made the experience even better! This is definitely a great place to try and you will leave satisfied with your meal. The meal is definitely worth the trip just for the corn. They also have a take out restaurant next door so if you are just looking for that, you can avoid the sit down meal. Just go, its something different in the city and tastes good!
(4)
Moses L.
CHOW DOWN BRAH. Great place to catch the itis. Corn is banging brah. The sausage, egg, rice and beans, str8 grub brah. Honestly, i only came to this place for one reason like everyone else; the corn cob sprinkled with crack. The crack consists of cheese and spices. I don't recommend anything else unless you are starving and you are not familiar with Hispanic dishes; the sasuage egg rice and beans will be an angelic bliss for that starving fat kid in you.
(5)
Jackie T.
Tiniest, most crowded place ever and you always have to wait for a table, especially on a weekend but its worth the wait and crowd! That Cuban sandwich alone makes it worth it! Best Cuban sandwich in NYC!
(5)
Stephanie M.
Cafe Habana is a great little Cuban Restaurant. Other yelpers would kill me, but I didn't try the corn! I went with a friend before going out and had mojitos. We ordered arepas to start and tacos. Make sure to order the fish tacos with beans and rice. Definitely coming back for the Cuban sandwiches and elote!
(4)
Cool on the outside, cool on the inside. The 30 minute wait was worth it.for the veggie taco with rice and beans and oh, the corn thing. On the cob. With spicy mayo. Delish. Its easy to pass by the wait time at bars nearby, for a Brazilian pina colada or three. I'll be heading back on my next mexican/cuban/spanish/bean craving day.
(4)
Barbie R.
On our way to the Tory Burch store my friend told me how people come here for the corn. I've never had cheese and lime on grilled corn before. I love grilled corn & cheese separately so I ordered one and it was the best corn I've ever had! And at only $2 I'm always going to come here whenever I go shopping.
(5)
Elizabeth M.
The grilled mexican corn is amazing but that's pretty much it. The Cuban was alright, nothing too exciting. The fish tacos SUCKED - soggy fried fish on stale tortilla. I'll prob head next door to their To Go spot just for the corn but the other food is NOT worth the long wait and EXTREMELY tight seating. Their tables for 2 are soo tiny. Balancing 2 entrees, 2 glasses of water and a beer on these tables was near impossible. Note: need to find another place to get a michelada - Corona, lime, salt, HOT SAUCE!
(2)
Ken N.
Based on what I tried, I regret making the journey all the way out here. I purposely came in between lunch and dinner to avoid the crowd. Not so busy when I arrived so I expected better service. Sad to say, the waitress seemed off in her own little world. Took our order and our money and never really said a word. The Cuban Sandwich was alright. The roast pork in it was very tender which was good. Perfect to split between 2 people if you just want a like snack. Now, on with the corn that everyone raves about. I had REALLY high expectations on this one. C'mon, I can grill better corn at home with lemon pepper and butter!! It wasn't horrible but it's definitely NOT something to have a foodgasm over. At least the SoHo area had plenty of stores to shop around to make up for this. Maybe I'll try the steak next time. Maybe not.
(3)
Nicole B.
Didn't mind waiting 20 minutes, hoping the food would be amazing. It's really small in there, which I didn't mind, but one has to squeeze by tables to reach the bathroom. Also, don't go there if you want to hear the person your with's conversation, because it can get really loud in there! The corn, yes was tasty. I had ordered the grilled skirt steak with rice and beans. It was good, yes. But, not amazing. I thought the skirt steak would be flavored with some delicious seasoning, but it wasn't. I swear there was only one waitress in there, taking the orders and serving the dinners. There were 2 other ladies floating around, but one was jotting names down and bringing waters. While the other lady was cleaning off dishes. Maybe I'll be back, but there are so many other restaurants I want to try.
(3)
Ish M.
Been coming here for 10years. Boy have things changed. The food is still worth it corn, tacos, rice and beans, blah blah blah (you get it). But what the EFF is up with the service and the full of s$## wait time. At least have the decency to be honest when you tell someone its going to be a 30min wait....not continue bs's them and saying whoops yea 5 more mins for over an hour. I'll take part of the blame for being an idiot and believing your crap.... Suggestion....get smarter door chicks...
(2)
Angela L.
Honestly I am rating this based on the grilled corn. The place is very small and compact like most places in NY. I'm usually big on having my personal space but we squeezed ourselves in between two other groups. No wait but took the last table and I can see that this place can have very long wait time. I ordered the grilled corn and vegetable quesadilla and my friend got the shrimp taco. Both entrees came with rice and bean. The corn was pretty amazing with all the cheese and lime I squeezed on there. I was too full to finish my entree but my quesadilla was good as well. Chunks of cheese and veggies. Not a rice and bean person but I remember shoving that in my face later that night too. If you dont order the corn, I'd say dont bother coming.
(5)
Andrew H.
Great food and cool crowd but they pack you in super tight. I'm a 6'1 guy so a small girl may not feel as cramped, but I think most would rather have a little more elbow room.
(4)
Shirley D.
five stars for their GRILLED CORN. hands down. You cannot leave without the grilled corn in your stomach. It's like my cousin's yelp quote " why go to a sushi place and not order any sushi"? why go to cafe habana IF YOURE NOT GOING TO ORDER THE GRILLED CORN! :D
(5)
BrElla4eva H.
A bit of a wait to get into this tiny place with small ass tables but it was well worth it...I never knew corn could taste sooo good until I ate here. Almost everyone orders the corn along with their main dish. It comes with two and what makes it stand out is the chili powder and cheese that they put on it. Makes me crave one just writing about it....For my main entree I chose the Cuban Style Roast Pork, which comes with rice and beans. It was pretty dam good, but not amazing or anything. The pork tasted like a Filipino dish called lechon paksiw...which is basically the leftover meat from the whole (lechon) pig with some kind of sauce added to it. Although the one that I ate here had all the leaner meat in it which I preferred. The hubby had the Grilled Skirt Steak..again which comes with rice and beans. I'm guessing that it must have been really good cus he cleaned his plate mighty fast. I did get a quick taste of it and it was very flavorful. My only complaint really are the tiny tables. There were 3 of us eating and I felt that while we were all diggin into our corn that I had to time when to take a bit as to not bump into the other person's head. Also, the bathroom was very, very small......I'm not really claustrophobic but I thought I might be when I was in there. But I guess you can't really expect much as the place itself is small. Don't get me wrong though...I will come back here on my next visit tot he Big Apple.....mainly for the corn....
(4)
Mark W.
The grilled corn is unreal. The only reason they don't get five stars is due to their inconsistent service. I have to say, even with less than five stars I think it's a must-go in Manhattan. Good food, beautiful people - it's one of the few things I feel homesick for from my stint in NYC. Recommended.
(4)
Eric S.
I dream of their food from the other side of the continent. It's not that they make complicated food good, it's that they make simple food amazing, and I'm not an easy diner to please (vegetarian and allergic to dairy- not an easy combo for a restaurant). The much mentioned corn is fantastic even without the cheese on it, and I would kill to find out what simple tricks the kitchen does to make the black beans & rice so perfect. I love them so much that even if I'm only in New York for a few days, I always manage to go here at least twice- but never for dinner. I don't have enough patience to wait for over an hour to eat.
(5)
Lisa Q.
Whhhaaat? I had brunch for 10 dollars today at Cafe Habana. Huevos rancheros smothered in red salsa, honestly the most FLAVORFUL BLACK BEANS of any nyc latin joint thus far. The wait was tremendous but absolutely obligatory. Whatevezzz, you can bond over your Cafe Habana wait with the rest of the solita, nolita, chihita--- whatever they're calling mah neighborhood these days. However, the service is just uggggh. No water, no check, missing orders, and a HUGE smile at the end with a big, 'THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!" Beggin' for tipz. Le sigh, and thus only four stars. Oh, everyone ordered the corn, if you don't then you're a big silly or a poor slob that's allergic to corn.
(4)
Hana C.
The wait is long (over an hour for us) and the five of us were packed into our table like sardines but the corn made everything ok....wonderful even. I have never tasted anything like it and am still thinking about it. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is as fun as it gets.
(5)
kevin M.
I love this place, good food, great corn on the cob which is cooked with Cheese, Butter, and a hint of heaven. The waitress staff are always fun, nice, and quick. As far as the food goes I usually stick to the meat, love the skirt steak, all the food is pretty good but to be honest I go for the Corn and the fact that this is a great part of town to hang out in. Things to be aware of: You will have a wait- Not bad at all if it is nice out Very crowded seating - The customers always seem friendly so this has never been an issue. I would not take a girl her on a first date because I think she may worry that I have no money. I would take her here on a night where we going out for a causal night and hit some bars or walk around the neighborhood.
(4)
William B.
I love this place like a fat kid loves cake. On saturday/sunday brunches this is most certainly my go to spot. The food here cures hangovers like woah and even if you aren't hung over its awesome. I love the fact that you can get brunch till 5pm. Another solid aspect of this place is you can still order breakfast type stuff after 5pm if you are so inclined. My personal favorites are the chicken diablo sandwhich and the huevos rancheros. If you're feeling hungry get the sweet plaintains or the corn as a side. It won't be on the menu but they are some of the staples of this wonderful place. Only downside is it can be impossible to get a table on saturday/sundays after 11:30am or so. My solution to this is to just sit outside and people watch as all the gorgeous models stroll through nolita. My cousin went recently and sat next to Russel Simmons, so you do get famous people strolling in, although it's nyc so its bound to happen semi-regularly. Also being that the place is a tad small, you better hope that you score one of the prized booths, otherwise you might be throwin bows' with the people sitting practically on top of your table.
(5)
Jack C.
Best corn in the world. Great cuban food. Fun atmosphere. Tremendous prices. Only bad thing is the location and the wait to get seated. Plus..... being in a Lenny Cravits video is never a bad thing
(5)
John C.
The best grilled corn in town.
(5)
Ibro B.
Awesome grub. If you have a large group, you may be waiting for a while to get a table.
(5)
Seong P.
My god the corn was so good. I don't even like corn, especially on the cob, because eating with my bare hands and ending up with stuff all stuck in my teeth = boo. But this corn was so well seasoned and had this tangy flavor that had some kind of addictive quality. I want it now. The wait at the full service restaurant was an hour so we went next door to the to go cafe where we found seating and watched less fortunate people eat their corn out on the benches. The pollo mirador was also fantastic but I like anything in a lemon and garlic sauce. The cuban sandwich was thick and meaty and also delicious the next day. Another restaurant with hearty portions resulting in leftovers. It's becoming a theme. And they're open until midnite. I think I'm going to get another corn on the cob now and gobble it down on the subway back. That's classy, right?
(5)
Roy C.
I don't really come to NY very often (maybe once or twice a year), but whenever I do, I always make a trip to Cafe Habana. Always crowded and always noisy, Cafe Habana is the place to go whenever you want a good pre-party dinner before you go out. All the reviews for this place are true: the grilled corn is damn delicious. Definitely one of the best grilled corn's I ever had -- it's covered in cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and probably crack (which probably explains why it's so addictive). I also really like the Cuban sandwich. Anyways, I love this place.
(4)
Juliet A.
Wow - my incredibly low expectations were blown away! A couple of friends insisted we go here to try the famous Mexican corn on the cob. Ooooo delicious. It's grilled with red pepper, topped with two types of white cheese, and then you squeeze some lime on top. Perfecto. Really cheap. I loved everything except for the wait; it's a real hot spot, I guess, so always crowded. I believe we waited for 1.5 hours before being seated, but the food was worth it. We each got TWO corn-on-the-cobs and shared a few appetizers. Oh - and the frozen drinks are great too. TRY IT!!!
(4)
Diane L.
I really can't add much more to what's been said about Cafe Habana's grilled corn on a stick. It truly is a damn good, super buttery, extremely cheesy, and abundant stick of juicy white corn. It's a must-have when coming to Cafe Habana. For our entrees, I had the Camarones al Ajillo (shrimp in spicy garlic sauce) and the SO had the Pollo Mirador (sauteed chicken in roasted garlic sauce). Both of our dishes were really good. We were a bit hesitant when the SO's chicken dish was brought out (bland-looking chicken fillets in a white sauce), but the dish was far from bland. The garlic sauce was delicious. My shrimp was perfectly spicy and I sopped up every grain of rice in the sauce. Our wait was surprisingly only 20 minutes long on a Monday night (around 8pm). But New Yorkers love to eat late, because when we left at around 9:30, the line was twice as long as when we arrived. The service is extremely friendly, despite the constant busyness and close quarters in the restaurant. I know I'd go crazy working there, but all 3 servers working that night had nothing but smiles on their faces. I couldn't have asked for a better Cuban dining experience!
(5)
christie v.
Yes - this place is a complete Euro/hipster scene. Plus you can spot a reality tv personality (I hesitate to say "star") - I saw Vanessa from Real World and one contestant from the America's Next Top Model. Yes, this place always has a line - no matter what time of day - so don't bother thinking that you won't stand in line by going at an oddball time. But most importantly, yes the food is good and dirt cheap. I love to sit at the bar area in restaurants, and this one takes no exception. Especially since the bartenders are so cute. The grilled corn is everything that everyone says - exceptional. You have to get it. The cheese makes it salty, they had a heat kick to it, and add the lime juice - and you're set. But make room for the entree! Brunch - no entree above $10. I had the huevos mexicana - so good. I love their home fries. Plus, their bloody marys - about 4. VERY VERY Good. But, pass on the flan. IT was very thick. I'm definitely coming back.
(4)
Kim C.
Holy Crap that was good corn! A friend recommended this place and boy am I glad we stopped in here. We even came back a few days later since it was sooo good! Minus one star for basically having to sit on the lap of the person sitting next to me.
(4)
Danielle K.
Frozen margaritas here are the bomb along with the corn and fish tacos. I went to Mexico a couple of weeks ago and I can honestly say that this place outdoes a lot of the places I went to over there. I originally gave Cafe Habana four stars but after going there a second time over this past weekend I have to downgrade it. First of all, the hostess that was working that night knows nothing about time. She told my boyfriend and I that it would take 45 minutes so we toured around the east village for 30 minutes. When we got back she told us that she had passed our names "a long time ago" and that she was already on the second page. Then when I asked her how long it would take again she said another 20 minutes... So after waiting 30 minutes I joked to my boyfriend that she probably didn't write our names down and just to make sure, he went back to ask and.. She didn't. Again we waited. I'm sorry but, even with the corn and the frozen margaritas and the fish tacos, as a hostess you really need to estimate time well or at least be able to write a name down.
(3)
Amy M.
I came to Cafe Habana about two weeks ago with my friend. She was raving about the corn just like everyone else on yelp...lol. But anyways, I got there first at like 7ish and there was already a line on a weeknight! So crazy! I put my name down and waited for my friend and it was 7:30pm and we got our seats. It is pretty small inside and the space is tight and the tables are small. It's not my kinda thing. I need spacious tables and space so everyone is not on top of us. I took off one star for that or else it would have been 4 stars. Of course, we ordered the corn as appetizer and yes, it was good! I ordered a drink, the mango cooler with rum. They bring a glass with ice and rum and a bottle of mango juice that they pour in and give you the rest of the bottle of mango juice. So awesome! :) For my entree, I ordered the grilled skirt steak with white rice and black beans. It was really good. It is a good ow key Spanish spot and I like that. It's not that expensive either from what I remember. I forgot what my friend ordered, but she wanted french fries so we got that too and they were good. We didn't order dessert here and went somewhere else for that. Anyways, it is a small and tight spot, but it is a good low key place to meet up with a friend and catch up.
(3)
Jess C.
Time Arrived: 6:45pm Tuesday Time Wait: No reservations, No wait Party: 2 People Atmosphere: Small, tables are super close, semi-loud Food/Drink: Two people recommended I come to this restaurant to try their grilled corn. I like corn, I do, but initially I just didn't understand what could be so outstanding about well, CORN. Anyways, the infamous grilled corn was definitely delicious! This restaurant is clearly doing something right for people to come here to JUST try it. Don't get me wrong, it was yummy! I loved the mayonnaise slathered with spices and a bit of lemon to top it all off. It's messy to eat (be aware 1st daters). Yes, this is a must try here! Also ordered the fried plantains, which came with this AMAZING garlic aioli sauce. Wow, THAT was seriously good. The plantains were great, but I couldn't put it down because I kept wanting to eat it with the sauce. Yes, the sauce was licked clean at the end. TMI? :) Service: Fast Overall: A great place for their corn, must try at least once!.....And garlic sauce, yum!
(4)
Patricia S.
I work right around here, so I'm always looking for a new lunch spot. My coworker and I decided to stop in here last week. I was thinking maybe La Esquina (also excellent) but we'd never eaten here before, so Cafe Habana it was! We went around 3 pm and even then, there was still a little wait. We split the corn as an appetizer -- we were NOT disappointed. So good. If you've never tried mexican corn before, you must. Your life will be changed. For an entree, I got the chicken sandwich, appropriately titled, "El Diablo." I dove in, and shortly after, my face was on fire. In a good way. Most restaurants simmer the spiciness way down, even when you specifically say, "Please make my curry EXTRA SPICY." I guess if you don't speak a foreign language they don't really take you seriously or something. Anyway, the sandwich was amazing. And I had leftovers. There is usually a wait here though, but you know what they say about lines -- Good things come to those who wait!
(5)
Chana E.
This is one of my favorite places in the city. Was recently there with an out-of-town friend and of course we both got the corn (I still don't know what's on it - spices, cheese, butter - but it's addictive like crack), mojitos (nice and strong), the plantains, and each got an entree. My Tiacoyo deTres Marias was fantastic and big enough to take the leftovers for lunch the next day. All of that, including 1 drink for me and 2 for her, was under $45, which is pretty good especially for NoLIta. We did have to wait for an hour to be seated, but the hostess was polite and kept checking in with us, and it was a really nice weekend night. Totally worth the wait.
(4)
Joshua V.
Awesome set up and really chill location. Gotta give lots of credit to the service; shuffling people in and out while providing pretty quick service, not bad ladies. W/O an RSVP, the wait was around 45 minutes for me and a lady friend (this was around prime dinner time, think 6:30-7:00); and yes, it's usually that packed. Definitely plan ahead, do some shopping, or go to free night at the New Museum a few blocks down (if you happen to go on a Thursday). Sadly, because of my aversion to cheese, I could not avail myself of the legendary corn provided by this establishment. I'm willing to bet that the corn warranted an star per review on many a review. Anyway, the lady got the vegetarian tacos and I got the puerco pimiento (with mushrooms). She loved her dish; this reviewer however, was not as enamored with the ordered dish. I loved the rice and beans on the side though. Looking around the restaurant at everyone else (and the dishes they ordered), I felt as if I was on the outside looking in. Great looking sandwiches and things of the like, while I had two pork chops swimming in a char-grilled saucy mess. Blame the reviewer here for selecting the wrong dish if you would like. I would definitely come back to check out the other dishes.
(3)
R M.
Went for the famous grilled corn and was NOT disappointed. It was awesome. $4 for 2 large ears of corn. Ill be coming back for that. The avocado quesadilla was very good too. Its a small place and unfortunately we were seated way too close to a loudmouth who was taking the edge off her hangover by lining up Coronas and Margaritas (@11AM) all while oversharing her life story over lunch. Yet, grilled corn beats hungover loudmouth.
(4)
Karen Y.
Finally got to try Cafe Habana after hearing all the hype from my friends who have gone. It was probably a mistake to go for bunch on a Saturday afternoon but I was only in NYC for a couple of days so I didn't have much of a choice. Not to mention it was a gorgeous day and there was a 45 min wait when we got there. It's in a pretty cramped space so we got seated in the back by the restrooms, but let's talk about the food! Mexican-style grilled corn ($3.75 for 2) - I died and went to grilled corn heaven...this was sooo mouth-watering and delicious! I'm not sure what kind of cheese was on it but that was my favorite part. The chili powder added some spice and the optional lime juice just made it perfect! I think we stopped talking altogether when the corn came. =P ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) chilaquiles verdes con pollo ($7.95) - This was my main dish since it seemed intriguing. It was a shredded tortilla and chicken casserole cooked in green salsa and topped with cheese. It also came with a side of beans which I wasn't expecting. One bite and I was hooked! The spiciness of the salsa, the mushiness of the tortilla, the flavor from the chicken and cheese just meshed together really well. I kept eating it even though I was full since it was so addicting. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) cuban sandwich ($8.95) - Apparently one of their renowned items, it disappointed a bit. It's just a roast pork and ham sandwich with cheese and pickles on a roll. I sampled this from my bf...the pork was a little dry and wasn't anything too exciting in terms of flavor. It was a pretty hefty-sized sandwich though. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) fried plantains ($2.95) - This wasn't on the brunch menu but you can still order it. It added some variety to our meal and tasted like how fried plantains should...browned and slightly crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside. I kept going back for more...yum! ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) Now, on to the service. This is where they lost a star from me. The hostess was running around being a waitress when she should have been greeting customers and taking names down at the door. It just ended up very chaotic and unorganized...I think we also waited longer for a table than we were supposed to. When we finally were seated, our waitress was in a bad mood since we got a bit of an attitude from her whenever we asked for something. At the same time, I could understand the hustle and bustle of working there. Either way, the food here is amazing and don't leave without getting some corn! It's not too expensive either and will keep you begging for more, like it did with me. P.S. There is the Habana To-Go takeout spot right next door if you don't need to sit down. Also, the Stoli screwdriver ($5.25) will get you tipsy for cheap!
(4)
Courtney M.
I went here a couple weeks ago with a friend for some late brunch. It was a Sunday so the place was pretty crowded. But we got a table in 10 minutes. We got a table near the window, and even though there was a breeze it was ridiculously hot! =[ But we had a really nice waitress and the food was great. I had Huevos a la Mexicana and it was absolutely perfect! Just the right about of spice for breakfast. My friend ordered the Chicken Diablo sandwich (she seemed to enjoy it too). I'm going to go back. The service was friendly and the food was delicious! PS I regret not ordering the corn, since everyone is raving about it!
(4)
Thu N.
This is closer to a 4.5 in my book =) 3 beers 3 orders of Corn (came in 2 mini ones) 5 main dishes 1 quesadilla type appetizer. ------------------------------------------ Total was about $45.00 per couple x 3. Definitely one of the cheapest dinners during our NY trip. I'll highlight only the dishes worth noting for better or worse: Grilled Corn Mexican Style - 5 ***** ---Having grown up in a neighborhood in Santa Ana, CA, there was no shortage of guys/gals pushing around their cart with the corn, and all the good complements that came with it --- Parmesian cheese, chili pepper, lime, hot butter, mayonnaise. The one in NY and the ones I had growing up are like twins separated by birth---one destined for a "richer" life being sold for $2 a pop in a nice cozy restaurant and the other destined for the "not so fortunate" life being sold for just $1 in the scorching hot Santa Ana conditions. The one in NY is just divine, while the one back home is just straight damn dirty good =) . I still had to try it, and it was definitely worth it. Pollo Mirador 5***** ---Definitely a well seasoned, moist chicken. The spinach was addicting! We all kept fighting for this dish since we were doing it family style. Enchilada Estilo Norteno (aka Grilled Steak Enchiladas) 4 **** ---Simple, well flavored, and well cooked dish. Not too dry or chewy. Culeta de Puerco a la Pimienta (aka Grilled Pork Chop) 3 *** ---This dish had wonderful flavor, looked good...but the pork chop was just too dry. I could've passed this one up. The service: 4**** ---They are just straight up, and tell it like it is (which could be good or bad, but in our case good since they basically ordered everything for us). Anyway, the table that we were waiting for was actually being occupied by Kal Penn (aka Kumar from Harold and Kumar---who btw is the nicest celeb I've met to date) and a couple of other actors that I can't name off the top of my head. After their table was done eating, they were chatting around for a bit, and the hostess basically told them "hey guys, you'll have to pay. There's another party waiting for this table". I thought that was awesome considering we're average people, and the people they were sort of "kicking out" were "cool people". You'll never see that sh*t happen in So Cal because they could be so lame sometimes. Anyway, this was probably our favorite sit-down establishment throughout our trip to NY that didn't cost us a whole lot.
(4)
Susan Y.
What ever you do..it's worth the line to eat at the restaurant unless you're getting the corn at the express cafe next door. I took my eager friend to try the Cuban sandwich and we were told to wait 30 minutes for two (Sunday 3:00). So we opted for the cafe next door and got corn and the Cuban sandwiches. I wish Cafe Habana can serve bigger corn cobs, those pumped with plant hormones. Last time I checked at the farmer's market, corn cobs were like 7 for a dollar. What is with these shrinking corn cobs I'm paying for here? Sigh.. but they're just so damn good! Also, the Cuban sandwich although tasty, would've tasted better when left on the press a little longer. While we opened our mouth wide and took a huge bite into the crispy bread... there was something wrong. The meat is juicy (that's why this place is so popular). But WTF? Why is our cheese cold and not melted?! ......... UGH. W totally took them back to the counter who was happy to make us another batch. One bad experience here! I think I rather opt for the restaurant because the head cook prob. is there and knows what he's doing!
(4)
Eileen Anne F.
I sooo wanted this place to wow me. I read about the corn and was ready to be in love. Unfortunately, the wait for this place was so insane, I lost my excitement after the first hour of waiting for a table for 3. Dared to be daring, I ordered the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta to spice up the marathon evening of the waiting game. The sauce was delicious, but was an ethnically, confused dish. As my friend noted, the sauce tasted more like zesty Italian than de Mexico---the description on the menu was au poivre. Also, the sweet plantains were more charred than sweet, and left a lot to be desired. Lesson learned, I will grab a corn on a stick to go (because to their credit, it is amazing), as I walk elsewhere to have dinner. If the hostess says your party of 3 will fit in a table for 2--don't believe her!
(2)
Kat F.
As soon as my Yelp pals caught wind of my impending trip to New York, the first words outta their mouths were, "make sure you go to Cafe Habana for lunch!", and it's no wonder it's in the top 10 most reviewed restos on NY Yelp, because it is OUTSTANDING. The place is tiny and you might be discouraged by the lineup and how packed the place is when you arrive, but don't fret: you'll be seated in just a few moments. We started our meal off with a frozen mojito - hellooooo...I love mojitos. But frozen like a smoothie? In a word, ridiculous. I want to be drinking one of these right effing now. Naturally I ordered the Mexican-style grilled corn on the cob (elote) sprinkled with chili powder, fresh lime and rolled in cotija cheese. I hoovered through it so quickly I didn't even have time to take breaks to answer my lunch date's questions. I just sat there and nodded and widened my eyes at the corn's awesomeness. And the server provides toothpicks for the inevitable consequence of eating corn on the cob. Next up was "Sincronizada", a small black bean and sundried tomato tortilla with mozzarella cheese and avocado that I busily devoured between sips of mojito. All in all a terrific meal for under $40 including alcohol - what a deal! SIDENOTE: All of the servers have outrageously long eyelashes that appear to be real (or maybe extensions, but they look real). So unfair.
(5)
Drew E.
Their corn is among the best things you will ever eat. Heavenly. I also like the pork in adobo sandwich. I recommend the to-go place over the sit-down, which is next door. The sit-down is consistently packed and you have to wait.
(4)
daniel g.
This place is TERRIBLE!! The yellow rice in the "vegetarian" burrito actually has chicken stock in it. When I tried substitute it with white rice I was give a serious attitude and informed that the chef would not allow it. So much for a "green" restuarunt...
(1)
brittany g.
LOVE this place. I go here every time I work in NYC. The shrimp dish is so good, the cuban corn is the bomb and the frozen mojitos are nice and strong!
(5)
Rita L.
lovee their corn!!! simply amazingg and cheap too, 2 for $4.50! the place is really small tho so it's best to go with just 1 friend, you'll get seats faster that way. It's packed most of the time and you'll notice you sit right next to a stranger while you're eating (you wont have much room to move around). Will definitely go back for their corn, plus a friend recommended their hangover soup so I'll be trying that next time I go!
(4)
Jim L.
You know how when you travel to places like New Orleans and you eat your boudin that melts in your mouth? It's so good you do not want anything to spoil it? Then you look in the alley at events you do not want to see? Cafe Habana has just a little bit of that. You have to look away at the fact that the tables are SO tiny and the space it SO wee. However, you are going to get the best breakfast in the city. Period. We started with Mexican grilled corn on the cob rife with cheese, chili powder, butter, and salt. Though corn is not really in season, and the firmness of the kernels showed it, the cafe serves up some seriously yummified corn. The Eggs Caribe is a dish you should try. Sauteed plantains within your scrambled eggs will not only make you fall in love with the waitress (Clarissa, by the way), but you will also swear off potatoes for the rest of your life. Topped with a perfectly spiced tomatillo sauce, this dish is a real winner.
(5)
Martina Z.
Habana To Go gives you the best steak sandwich in Manhattan. And the best Cuban sandwich ever, but pretend I didn't tell you this until the pig flu is defeated ...
(5)
Anne L.
The food is good but not worth the wait or crappy service--I'd recommend just picking up the corn (best thing anyway) next door and skip the attitude. My friends got here first and put their names down--they said it'd be an hour and a half wait. So they texted and told me and my friend not to come down yet. Thirty minutes later, our table was ready but we weren't there yet, and the hostess said it was fine and she'd seat us later when the first four-person table opened up. It took a while, which is understandable since the place is tiny...but when the first table of four opened up (a booth), they gave it to a different party and we were given a table at the back next to the bathroom (meaning people were constantly up against our table). When the table next to us opened up before we ordered, we asked (very nicely!) if we could switch--and the server said no because it would screw up their order. Which is fine and understandable, but she was SO RUDE about it, as if we had asked for a free meal or something outrageous like that. Also, when we tried to pay a portion of the bill with one credit card, she said brusquely, "We're not taking cards today, our machine's broken." First of all, there was no sign anywhere--what if no one had cash? Also, is it really necessary to be so RUDE about it? Sure, it probably sucks to wait tables in a tiny space but seriously, no need to take it out on other people.
(2)
SK K.
This place need sno introduction. As you stroll through SoHo, and are near Prince St, you will run into this great treasure of a place as you will notice a long line outside of people trying to get into this small crowded cuban restaurant. We were there around 6:30pm so only had like 7 people in front of us. The place is tiny, probably seats like 3 people, while most stand around and drink. We found a seat after 10 min of waiting towards the back of the restaurant. We had to order the corn, and man YES it is th e best corn on the cob i have ever had. Teh corn is very soft, you dont have to like bite into it and the red and whte spices they rub on it really brings out the flavor. The dish that i ordered, chcik enchilada with black beans, was pretty ordinary, but overall just for a crowded, "have to eat there', experience, this is a great place. Definitely get the corn, even two orders of it.
(4)
julie g.
This little restaurant serves up a delicious corn on the cob! A must have in this restaurant. It's heavily coated with cheese and spices, not overly buttery. As my entree, I had the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano, pretty good, but could have more depth to the plate. But for the price and the quantity, there is little to complain about the dish. Overall, I came out of this restaurant a happy diner. I would definitely come back for the corn.
(4)
Alison C.
Cafe Habana is a hipster Mexican eatery hidden away beneath the grime of an old corner diner. It is not unusual to have a celebrity sighting at this cool hangout, which was even featured in the Lenny Kravitz "Again" video. The small space is equipped with a few booths, several cramped tables, and an old-fashioned diner counter. Due to the limited space, there is often a line stuck in the entrance way vestibule or spilling onto the street. My co-worker and I stopped in for lunch the other day and waited only 5-10 minutes to snag a table. While we waited, we were disgusted to notice the waitress sweeping toothpicks, straw wrappers, and piles of crumbs right onto the floor! How unsanitary can you get?! However, once I sampled the food, I was able to ignore the mess under my feet. My Grilled Chicken and Corn Salad was a huge portion of mixed greens, expertly marinated chicken, sweet corn kernels, and tortilla strips. The house dressing was tangy and mustardy. It added a delicious seasoning to the dish. My colleague's Cuban Style Roast Pork was tender and juicy. Our side of Tostones were crisp and more moist than most; they were definitely the best I have ever tried. Lastly, we topped off the meal with my first (and certainly not my last!) Michelada - a Corona blended with lime juice and Tabasco. It was a tangy and refreshing treat. Cafe Habana serves up tasty, traditional Cuban food at affordable prices. However, consider yourself warned that your shoes might be sticking to the floor and your server might not be the friendliest.
(4)
Helena W.
This place is kind of small and can get pretty crowded. But if you manage to get a seat, it's definitely worth it. All the items I've tried were really good. But definitely get the corn! I know it's probably not the healthiest option - it's probably soaked in butter and then there's some kind of cheese coating and a layer of spice...mmm... just typing those words is making me salivate. C'mon you only get to live once.
(5)
Nicholas D.
Went back on Saturday night at 10pm for dinner with 3 friends and had an even better time. Bumping this to 5 stars for the incredible service and outstanding food. I'm not one of those people who likes to keep the best places for himself. Anyone who comes across this restaurant needs to go (even if there's a wait).
(5)
B K.
everyone loves the corn but pretty much everything ive had on the menu is great too. steak sandwich, steak & corn salad, huevos rancheros, roast pork, torta, cuban sandwich, im getting so hungry right now thinking about it. only thing i hate is the wait so i usually just eat at their to-go cafe. another one of those places that i wish was closer....
(5)
Jeff A.
Great corn. Great pulled pork. Great mojitos. Super hot hostess. Bad hangover.
(5)
Oski B.
One word...corn.
(4)
Tracy M.
2 words... Corn. YUMMO.
(4)
Liz C.
As I picked the remnants of butter-grilled, cotija-cheese-and-chili specked corn from my teeth last night, and moved onto my entree - pools of rice, beans and tomatillo sauce drenching chicken enchiladas - I considered reworking all my Yelp reviews on a recalibrated scale, with Cafe Habana setting the 5-star bar. Here's the rundown - The gullet: was ne'er more sated. From the aforementioned, flagship cobs, to a generous helping of green mango salad, to the savory roast pork (pulled from my friend's plate) basting in basins of juice and black beans, to the caramel flan finisher - the portions were intimidating and the flavors were affably simple and succulent. The wallet: The most satisfying dining trope is when hefty gain in paunch doesn't correlate strongly to a hefty deficit in pouch. Entree prices orbit $10. The habitat: . . . makes me nostalgic for memories I never had. Perfectly, charmingly divy. The aftermath: I monitored for probable Pepto-Bismal cause, but, fifteen hours later, have none. Huzzah!
(5)
nora c.
came to face long lines and abusive waitresses just for the corn... came with a friend last saturday night and as expected, the place was packed. the waitress wouldnt even take our names for another half hour so we wandered around trying to find an alternative. after some wine and light fare, our craving brought us back again... what we wouldnt endure for a bite of the savory cob. the mojitos were great too, and got two extra orders of corn to go!
(4)
Sabrina C.
Went here after work and gorged myself on corn and chuleta de puerco (pork chops). I'm usually hesitant about eating pork chops because it usually ends up dry and tough and I should've trusted my instincts. The pork chop was really dry, however the rest of the dish (goat cheese toast/grilled mushrooms with cream sauce, and the rice and beans) were AWESOME. (resulting in the 4 rather than 5 stars) The corn is as great as all of the other reviews say they are. The cheese is a close cousin to parmesan, but more mild and creamier. The order of corn comes with two so if you're dining in odd numbers, don't try to cut the corn in half. After one broken kebab stick and a glass of spilled water on the floor later i learned that the best way to split the corn is the old fashioned way by eating half and passing it on. The service was really casual and fun. After the waitress watched me spill a glass of water she came over, laughed at me and said it was great to watch it in slow motion and (jokingly) encouraged me to do it again. Her laid back attitude reflected to atmosphere of Cafe Habana, casual and fun. The restaurant itself is pretty small so I suggest you either get there between 5:30 and 6 or after 7:30 because otherwise there will be a wait. But even if there is a wait, it's entirely worth it.
(4)
Nelson W.
After years of staring at long lines every time I walk by and 500+ Yelp reviews later, I dined at Cafe Habana for the very first time. With a party of 5, we were seated close to the entrance and cramped around a table that should only fit 4. In my seat, I was kicked and elbowed by two patrons from a party of 7 that sat next to us. But despite the hot weather and claustrophobic seating arrangement, the food was absolutely fantastic. A couple I dined with enjoyed grilled corn as evidenced by the speed in which it was devoured. I ordered the Chuleta De Puerco a La Pimenton (grilled pork chop & goat cheese spread on toast), a dish of flavorful bliss thanks to the wild mushroom & chipotle au poirve sauce. The chuleta (2 pieces) came with a few scoops of rice and beans, yet the flavor of the sauce was so strong and tasty, the beans were completely drowned out. First-timers should only expect filling yet modest portions (unlike Sophie's). There were three lovely waitresses that served our party that were friendly, though with the amount of people waiting on a hot night, it was understandable that they pressured us to order and eat quickly. A great first-time experience thanks to the food and waitresses. Just make sure you come with a party of 4 or less!
(4)
Carol W.
Please order the corn. I don't like corn! But this was amazing! SOOOOO good. We waited about 20 minutes and was served promptly. I had the cuban sandwich was filling and the french fries were yummy too. My friend had the grilled chicken which he said was to die for! Cool scene!
(4)
Kara P.
This is one of my fav NYC restaurants of all time. I used to on Prince and Mulberry and ate lunch/ here all the time. Or got take-out next door. The food is so good. You can go heavy or light. You must get "the corn." I have tried to make it a few times but I don't have their touch. The cafe is so good - it will keep you awake for a month. Tight quarters. My parents, for example, didn't love that. But it's a great date place and esp good if you go late when the crowds have subsided.
(5)
Tony L.
The corn...the corn...the corn. You must get the corn! This tiny little Prince Street hole in the wall is perfect for the fare that they are serving. It is always crowded but people come and go quickly...especially at the bar. Start off with corn, no matter what time of day you go. After that, I strongly recommend the Cuban Sandwich and Huevos Rancheros. Both Dishes are sublime. For anytime of the day or year, I also strongly suggest the Mojitos...they are so unbelievably delicious....I could sit all day long at the bar with refill after refill. This place is perfect for brunch...but don't plan on more than 4 people in your group--you could end up waiting a long time for a table.
(5)
Erika G.
Cafe Habana is my absolute FAVORITE restaurant in this city. Everything is so flavorful and reasonably priced. And god, oh my GOD the grilled corn. Okay, there are some days when the corn is off (like undercooked or something), but the cotija & parmesan cheese, butter, chili powder & a couple spritzes of fresh lime.. it's an explosion of flavors in my mouth and my tongue just starts DANCING, you guys! I've sampled everything--tostones, pollo mirador, cheese quesadilla, and the tortas, just to name a few. And not in one sitting. The chicken is always so amazingly moist. The beans and rice complement the meat pretty well also. It's never too overpowering in flavor or too heavy & starchy. Oh man, it's seriously such a great combination. And the drinks! The mojitos are made with brown sugar. SO good on a hot, muggy summer day. Oh and bartender Mike.. you're a hottie. HAAY! It's a really small restaurant and there is almost always a wait, but it's so worth it. Service is alright but remember, they're incredibly busy so it'll be a bit slow at times. The place is almost ALWAYS packed. Tables are in close proximity of each other so be wary of the secrets and vulgar things you share with your food-mate.. If you can't be bothered with the wait, you can always stop by their to-go spot next door and order from there. They have most of the same things from the full menu.. and yes, they serve the corn there as well. OM NOM NOM NOM. So good.
(5)
Janel Y.
The bf's friend found this place on where else, but Yelp! The place looks very inconspicuous with the Cafe Habana on the door, but you know it has to be good because why else is the place packed and there are crowds of groups on the street corner? Once you get there, make sure you get the attention of one of the waitresses so they can put your name down. You're whole party has to be there to be seated. The place is small, about 13 tables and 8 bar stools. The ambiance is laid back, lots of Cuban paintings on the walls and the smell of darn, good food permeates the air. Here's the lo-down: -Grilled Corn Mexican Style ($3.95): 2 whole pieces of corn on the cob which was darn good! I've never had corn with cotija cheese and the chili powder and lime flavor added just the right kick. The corn was perfectly grilled and definitely not dry. I'd go and buy some just for a snack! -Roast Pork w/your choice of beans and rice ($10.50): Caribbean-style shredded pork which was okay. Moist but a bit bland so I added the limes and ate it with the rice or beans which helped. I tried the red beans (vs black) and yellow rice (vs white). My fave was the rice which had a nice taste of lime. -Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta ($12.75): pork chop was a bit dry but the chipotle au poivre sauce was definitely YUM! Creamy and full of flavor, especially with mushrooms soaking in its juices. -Cuban Sandwich ($8.75): the sandwich was PERFECTLY toasted which made it good. The pickles inside too added a nice fresh and crunchy texture to the soft roast pork. The fries were, eh. If you want to have a serious conversation or get to know your co-diner better, this isn't the place to go since the noise level is high, you'll practically be screaming out. But if you're willing to forgo talking for eating, this IS the place to grub! Note: next door is their to-go option. You can still enjoy their food without the sitting down experience.
(4)
Thomas A.
My co-worker suggested that we come here before stopping by some boutique shops around the area. After getting the name of him, I went straight to Yelp and looked up Cafe Habana. A NYC restaurant rated 4.5 stars with over 500 reviews? I had to check this place out. We arrived at Cafe Habana around 6pm. To my surprise, there were a handful of empty tables so we were seated immediately. (Warning #1: These seats and tables are TINY. If you order too much food at one time, you will run out of space on your table.) I ordered the grilled corn and the roast pork. The grilled corn, as stated by the other 500 reviews, was amazing. (Warning #2: Bring a toothpick and a mirror. You teeth will look like a mine field after you're done eating one of these bad boys.) The roast pork, despite having a bit of a funky smell, was very good. Would I eat here again? Claro que sÃ.
(5)
Gaurav P.
Great food! The corn is AMAZING! Make sure to order at least the corn. The rest of the food was as good if not better than what was described. It's a hidden gem and I've raved about it to all my friends. Coming from Texas, the food here competes and would probably be better than some I find at home. Go here and enjoy the food already!
(5)
Teresa Y.
Oh Cuban corn... how I miss thee. I still remember the sweet corn melting in my mouth. Cheap, filling, tasted amazing. I still dream of you. Trust me, eat here and you'll leave with a satisfying and goofy smile. I know I did.
(5)
Jasmin G.
Don't be fooled by the diner-esque feel of this little cuban/latin haven! Cafe Habana is latin/cuban/mexican food that satisfies. We of course got the corn topped with cojita cheese appetizer and lime - yumm - very good - i liked the combo of cojita, lime, and corn. For my meal, I ended up getting one of the appetizers which was comprised of 2 flavored (i think sundried tomato) tortillas filled with mozzarella cheese and avocados and topped with a drizzle of this interesting cheesy white sauce. It was quite good and very filling - the name on the menu is something in spanish, but basically this is a quesadilla with a bit of mole sauce and chopped tomatoes on top. I also got plantains as a side, but some of them were burned and i've had better plantains - but still, not bad. My other dining mates got dinner entrees which looked big and satisfying but I was happy with my order. The Strawberry Margarita and the Mojito looked good as well! The -1 is for the service and the plantains which were a tad burnt, which wasn't bad but wasn't as attentive as I enjoy. I don't like to have to ask to get water. Good place, flavorful food, but they don't take reservations and it gets PACKED so come early or just expect a wait. yum.
(4)
Janell Y.
OMG. They must sprinkle crack on their corn or something because that was the HOLY GRAIL of all grilled corn! SERIOUSLY. I am determined to find out what they put on it so I can make a similar creation since there is nothing like this place in SF. The service there was quick and sweet! Loved the girls behind the counter and how they genuinely smiled and called me honey. A really small place but if you're lucky to find a seat, you'd enjoy the atmosphere! I don't really like burritos but this place is pretty legit and if I could, I'd definitely come back. AND OMG, that CORN. O M G !
(5)
Angela L.
so 11 years ago, i stayed at my aunt's house in washington DC for three weeks. every night she cooked dinner, and every night there was a piece of corn on the cob on my plate. for the past 11 years i have refused to eat corn on the cob. until i went to cafe habana. the corn is sprinkled with butter, cotija cheese maybe? or some kind of mexican cheese.. and i dunno--fairy dust?-- grilled, and served with a little wedge of lime. and it is GODLY. i also ordered a yummy pork adobo torta, i think the sandwich and corn came out to about 9 bucks? the place is a serious hole in the wall but we found seats at the counter so we could people watch, and the girls at the register were friendly [they called me sweetheart.. except it's NY so it's like "here you go sweethaaaaat". awesome] FML, i wish they delivered........... to california.
(5)
Cory L.
I've been to Cafe Habana with a group--battling a long wait--as well as solo. It was worth it each time and is one of the few places that is perhaps trendy but still notable for the quality of its food. The ambiance is quaint, and memorable. But the close quarters wouldn't be worth it if the eats didn't measure up. Of course, the corn is fabulous. But so are many of the entrees we all tried, fried bananas, and many more items that I plan to try on my return to Gotham next month.
(4)
Danielle C.
I really wanted to like this place. I'd heard so many great things about it. But, the whole experience was disappointing. Two of my friends arrived at 6:30 pm on a Wednesday, there was no wait, so they waited for me and another friend. When they noticed it start to fill-up, they put our name on the list. They weren't told a time, but that there were four people ahead of us. We arrived around 6:45 pm. To make a long story short, we waited an hour an a half. Almost every single group that arrived while we were waiting was seated before us. As a former restaurant hostess myself, I understand that sometimes there is nothing you can do, but I don't think this was necessarily one of those times. However, they took care of our appetizer, which was very nice of them. The service was very slow, espeically for how few tables they have. As for the food, the corn was universally liked at our table, the rest (enchiladas, tacos al pastor, the cuban) got mixed reviews and the burger was so well done all you could taste was the char. In the end, we were extremely relieved to be out of there. The food was pretty good overall, but a few misses, slow service and a long wait will likely mean that we won't be back.
(2)
Jen O.
I loved the Cuban Sandwich and the Hibiscus Iced Tea! Price is very reasonable, big portions. The only reason I give them 4 stars instead of 5 is that the place is small and the tables are very close to each other. You do not have privacy in your conversation. Other than that, great. Love the posters!!
(4)
Sheree Y.
Mexican corn for $2?! And you don't have to put the toppings yourself?! WHY NOT! I HAD to get this more than once before I left NYC. The one in Malibu, CA doesn't compare..AND it's $4! Hands down, the BEST Mexican corn I have ever had! I don't think I even bothered to order anything else, but this definitely is a good snack after you walk SoHo! There is a To-Go right around the corner, which makes perfect for a quick snack!
(4)
J H.
The food was okay. There's a lot of reviews already so I'll make it easy. Just get the corn, like ten orders. Best thing on their menu.
(4)
Taurean B.
Oh my god! The best corn on the cob and Cuban sandwich I have ever eaten!
one of the best eating experiences for the price in NY. Corn!
(5)
tiffanie n.
I went here with my super cool sister b/c she said she wanted to get some corn. I was like...ok..whack..it's just corn, how good can it be? So she got one and I took a bite and I lovers it!!! Everyone must go and try it!!!
(4)
jenn b.
Oh that damn corn! It IS the BEST!!! Yummm! I never knew that you could make corn on the cob taste sooooo goooood. You can almost make a whole meal out of that corn. Don't forget to squeeze some lime on it. Your dreams will be filled with corn! The place gets overcrowded. So you may find yourself waiting for a seat outside. It's worth the wait.
(4)
Valerie B.
So good You must try the Cuban sandwich (amazing textures and combination of flavor) it's spicy, sweet and perfect to chew. The corn is pretty good. I live in San Diego --literally 5 minutes from the Mexican border & I was raised on elote, so I would still prefer the Tijuana style .. It's a bit more sweet and a better blend of flavor(chile, Limon, mayo, cheese). The one I tried here was great but just more lime-y and tart. It's like one of those places you can't eat with out getting messy. Yummy place to try. Small(hole in the wall) compact environment as if you're in a family owned and run restaurant - very homie. Next time I'm on NYC I will definitely be back for a Cuban sandwich !!
(4)
Kevin Y.
Came here for a casual dinner with two friends. Cafe Habana is a small, overcrowded and overrated restaurant. A claustrophobic person should not eat here. In terms of food most of the reviews rave about how the sweet chili corn is a must have. I have to disagree. It was good and tasted authentic yet I've had better corn at Smorgasburg. The corn was hard to eat since the kernels were so tiny that they kept getting stuck between your teeth. Who knew eating corn could be a mouth workout. The other well-known dish here is the Cuban Sandwich which is rated the best Cuban Sandwich in New York. It should be called a grilled pork sandwich. It was very juicy and filling on toasted bread. It wasn't bad yet not good enough to keep me coming back. The sandwich tasted like any other pork sandwich I've had before. Overall the waitress was nice and I don't have any complaints service-wise. The food is good here just not as good as people make it out to be. I've had better Spanish food before.
(3)
Laura D.
omg. their grilled corn was f-ing amazing!!! never had anything like it.
Amazing place! Only con is the ridiculous line! Obviously the corn is amazing, but if you just want the corn, just go next door to the takeout side. Much easier, and they have a couple of chairs and what not for you to enjoy your corn in peace. Other amazing factors include: a really cute bartender, awesome strong mojitos, and the food is good without being expensive.
(4)
Elizabeth N.
Like every other review....get the corn. This one item makes this place great. Every other dish is good too but I would say you can get similar items at other Cuban restaurants why wait in a long line but do it for the Corn.
(3)
Nick K.
The best!! Corn Corn Corn. or the cuban s/w
(5)
Sarah B.
On a recent visit my friend demanded that our group make a trip to Cafe Habana and I'm so glad that he did! He said, "One word: corn." He was right. I ordered the $2 Mexican-style grilled corn and was not sure what to expect. I ordered it to go but ended up eating inside the small but fun shop. I was the first to order and did was I was told: "One corn, please." When my corn was ready, I was hesitant. Cheese? Chili powder? Mayo? On a corn cob? What in the world .. Amazingness. The corn was grilled perfectly, the cheese was amazing, the chili powder provided just enough of a kick to make me crave a Mexican Coke, and the lime added just the right amount of acid. Will be back!
(4)
ellainne v.
My review is just for their grilled corn. WOOWWWW. Who'd have thought corn could taste THAT GOOD?! I'll make it short and sweet since everyone has basically reiterated how I feel about this dish. It's phenomenal and must try. The main restaurant is on the corner, but if you want take out, then you have to walk next door where you can order everything to go. They also have a few tables and some bar stools where you can enjoy your awesome grilled corn. Def a must if you're in the area. I should of bought more for the road!!! Heard about this because Tyler Florence raved about the corn. HE WAS NOT WRONG!!!
(5)
Jen H.
AHHHH!!! we came here for the grilled corn since this was my request. We taxi here just to buy corns! So worth it!!! It was cheap too! I think it was $2/corn, and this was probably one of the best corns I have ever had!!! If I am back in town, I would def stop by again!! Man, what is the white powdery stuff they smear all over the corn? It is SOOOOOO GOOOODDDD!!!
The corn here is super delicious. It was surprisingly spicy so watch out! Parts of my corn were a little burnt, which I didn't enjoy, but overall a really good tasting snack/appetizer. I also shared the Cuban sandwich with a friend (the thing is huge!!!) and that was good too, but not as good as the corn. The only downside is that this place is really noisy so it can be hard to hear whoever you are dining with.
(4)
Alyssa M.
I'll be the 1000th person to say it, but I don't care. CORN. Just get it. It's really that good. TIP::: If you want the food without the restaurant, go around the corner onto Elizabeth St. and they serve the food counter-style.
(4)
Teshia S.
I think my boyfriend put is best: "This place makes me feel like there's an Cuban woman in the kitchen cooking all these meals and bringing it out." I've been here more times than I can count. It's a small, cozy space that makes you feel like you're in someone's dining room about to be served dinner. The food is beyond amazing and reasonably priced. The best appetizer by far is the corn. It's grilled corn with spices on top and tastes as delicious as it sounds. I always get the enchiladas because they're cooked perfectly every single time. Habana also has a brunch menu filled with tons of delicious breakfast foods with a Cuban twist on them. The coconut flan for dessert hits the spot every time. Just the right amount of sweet at the end of a great meal. Highly highly recommend!
(5)
Shanny H.
best corn !!!
(5)
AJ Y.
Food is a four, cleanliness (or lack of) makes it a three. Food is solid, depending on what you get. The fish tacos were not good, the fish was in pieces and not cooked properly nor was it fresh. Sausage and eggs were good, until I saw the 1/4 c. of grease sitting on the bottom of my plate. Corn was good, and generally the steak is good. However, the steak is often cooked unevenly and the portion is teeny tiny. But the food is solid enough to go back when there is no wait. Seating is cramped and the floor and tables could use a mop.
(3)
Elaine C.
Give me the corn and screw everything else!!! LOL. Heard about this place years ago by the ever so famous Michelle Phan in one of her videos and ever since I have been dying to go here to try the grilled corn which has been a couple of years now... Got the steak with huevos rancheros along with the shirley temple. Both were very good! My friend got the shrimp one and a lemonade. Also very good! We finished our plates! Grilled corn was definitely the best! Make sure to bring floss!! Took off a star because the slow ass service and the tiny, smelly bathroom. Took forever to give us our menus, or dishes, and our check! C'mon now! We're in NY! It's all about HIGH SPEED. Loll
(4)
Annie C.
GREAT CORN! Came here on a late Monday night and was one of the last customers. I was very pleased that the waitress didn't try to rush us out.
(4)
Betty V.
I would say come here just to try the grilled corn! I ordered the Cuban sandwich, and it was eh. The sauce was good with the pulled pork, but it's not something amazing. The grilled corn is $2.50 and comes topped with mayo, parmesan cheese, chili powder, and a spritz of lime juice. I wish they would have put a little more chili powder on it, but it was quantity sufficient. Great to try if you've never had Mexican corn before! My favorite place to get it is at random carts in Santa Ana, CA, or at the swap meet.
(4)
Jack X.
Well I honestly dont think I need to write too much here since there are a thousand or so reviews of it.... what I can say is however that the grilled corn is amazing and it tastes just like it should. Brings me right back to Texas
(5)
Anna - Jess M.
Can't stop thinking about that grilled corn. That alone gives this place five stars. Awesome spot though! Pretty busy around the time I went -- which I expected anyways walking in asking for a seat around 7 PM on a Saturday night. It was a nice day outside though and found a spot around the corner on a bench so a friend and I just sat our little butts down and people watched around the probably 20-30 minute wait. Waitress was super CUTE and super sweet -- I'm pretty sure I still have a crush on her. She had this pin-up-y, retro vibe but edgy and badass with her tattoos and she was just so nice, I wish I remembered her name so I could shout her out. Also ordered the Huevos Rancheros a Caballo and a refreshing mojito. Both, I pretty much inhaled, but not as memorable as that grilled corn. I'M COMING BACK FOR YOU, CORN! ... And probably to try their famous Cuban too.
(5)
Yanill P.
This place has very authentic Cuban food. Definitely recommend trying this place. The only downside is the crowd here. The wait time is very long especially on a weekend, it is not a very large space either. I would suggest going on a weekday. P.S. All you corn-on-the-cob lovers, you must try this place!
(4)
Helen Y.
I came here after fellow Yelpers raved about the corn and fellow Yelpers were right. Grilled corn with the mayonnaise and chile powder and lime and cheese was nothing short of stupendous. The corn was so superior to the cactus tacos I had corn will be all I will order here. $4.25 gets you two huge ears. Trust me--you will say it is too much and then eat both and want more. The cactus tacos came two to a plate on freshly fried tortillas. The cactus was crunchy and tossed with onions but did not have any great punch. The small side of beans and rice was flavorful. This place is packed at the night so get here early lif you don't want a 30 minute wait for corn. Table space is tight so do the counter in a pinch. Oh a nice young man I chatted with told me the corn here is far better than the one at Habana Outpost on Brooklyn. CORN GETS 5 STARS!
(3)
Miss H K.
I was shopping in SOHO and decided to grab lunch here before I headed into Times Square. No problem getting a seat around noon on a Wednesday. Service here was friendly and my server made good conversation. I had the Cuban sandwich with sweet potato fries. Overall my dish was good, the sandwich was a bit greasy but was tasty overall and was a perfect portion for lunch. Prices here were pretty decent for the area, seems like a popular joint. Wouldn't mind returning if I'm shopping in SOHO but would definitely want to try other things on their menu next time.
(4)
Stephanie C.
I wouldn't say the food is the best but it's pretty good. I come here mostly for the atmosphere. The service was great when I came here before New Years and the waiter was polite, funny and we just had a great time.
(4)
Anderson H.
If you're in the area, don't you dare miss this place and don't you DARE miss that corn!
(5)
Allison P.
I told my dining companion that I wasn't sure what they put on their grilled corn, but I think it is a mixture of butter and crack. It's only been about 48 hours since I ate here and I am trying to figure out if I can get that corn shipped to Austin. Absolutely amazing. My only beef with this place is the constant wait to get a table. I thought it would be easier going late in the afternoon, but Cafe Habana was still packing them in. I was given the tip to skip the line for a table and go around to the corner and order from the to-go stand, and grab a spot on the sidewalk to eat your lunch. We did just that. It's a little bit of a cluster, but that corn has people addicted and I will gladly go through the hassle again.
(4)
Hong L.
Cafe habana is as popular as ever. We came on a Wednesday and waited over an hour. We were a party of four, which the restaurant surprisingly finds difficult to accommodate. If I could rate Habana just for the grilled mexican corn, I would probably give them 5 stars. It has a perfect balance of sweetness of the corn, citrus from the lime, spice from the cayenne, and saltiness from the cheese and mayo. Unfortunately, the entrees are another story. I ordered the fish tacos and my bf ordered the chuletas. The fish tacos were not very flavorful. The fish did not have much flavor to it, and the tortillas were rather dry. The chuleta was rather dry, and they tried to over compensate with a drenching of sauce. I would rate the entree maybe 2 stars.
(3)
Christine A.
Best place to get a tasty and cheap snack if you're in SoHo- Get the grilled corn. I went to the take out side of the Cafe Habana, which is convenient if you don't want to sit down or order a whole meal. Convenient, quick and so good!
(4)
Maggie B.
Service: The hostess was sweet and sat me right away. My server took a little while on everything. She was nice, but had to ask me twice what beer I got and then gave me the wrong one, even though the ticket was right when she dropped it off. So combo bartender/server issue. Food: I got the cuban with fries. The cuban was pretty delicious with shredded pork, pickles, cheese and a (i think) chipotle mayo. It was a little cold in the middle though. The fries were awful. Real potatoes, but a soggy mess. Who wants oil soaked, limp fries? Atmosphere: Cute interior, right on the corner with big windows. Not a bad place to sit. Won't be back.
(2)
Victor K.
If you come here for anything and you DON'T try the grilled corn then you're a FOOOOOLLLLL!!!!! All that grilled deliciousness topped with crumbled cheese with savory spicy goodness in aluminum foil will leave you drolling for more! But enough of my fanaticism, this place is a cozy spot near the Soho area. However, inside is anything but cozy since there's limited seating and the time I went on a cold Winter weekend there was a good 40 minute wait for my group of 5. We stuck it out and finally got seated in a corner. My sloppy Pepe was as sloppy as I expected but definitely wasn't too bad and I tried a bit of my cousin's tacos which wasn't stellar but not the worst I ever had. Overall I say the best thing of the meal is the cuban corn. Service was okay to begin with but dealing with a full restaurant with only 2 waitresses made it tough to get some attention especially when trying to pay the bill. Not the worst experience but might not warrant a second trip to sit down when I can easily order my favorite corn to go.
(3)
Elissa S.
I am a corn lover and I've got to say the grilled corn here is one of my favorites ever. We didn't have time to sit down, so we ordered from the to-go area next to the actual restaurant. The corn is grilled just right and topped with mayo, parm cheese, chili powder and lime. Just by looking at the food on other people's plates it looked amazing! Must try when I come back here.....
(5)
Kymberli C.
We walked in here and were seated right away. Took forever to get our orders taken. The table next to us, who were seated right after us got their order taken after us, they ordered the same thing. There was 3 of them and only 2 of us. We were given 2 cups of water... there were tiny particles floating on top of the water... GROSS. The table next to us were served their food before us. We waited 15 minutes and nothing for our table had come out yet. They were served the rest of their meal... Uhh?? We decided to just walk out and leave because we couldn't even get anyone's attention. The girl who helped us wouldn't make eye contact with either of us for the life of me... I felt like I was on a TV show or something. We ended up going to Habana-to-go next door... The service was way friendlier and the food came out fast and even though there is less seating in there, it doesn't feel as cramped.
(1)
Lars F.
Great place like everyone else wrote. The corn (two per order) was fantastic. Corn is not in season now, so the kernels were tiny, but still delicious. The fish tacos were the best of all the tacos we tried. Had a 35 minute wait at 7:30 on a Saturday night for two. This place is tiny, but friendly service. Looking forward to going back for the Cuban sandwich.
(4)
Anna P.
I have only tried their Cuban sandwich and grilled corn. The grilled corn is seriously ADDICTING! I had two at the place but still had to get two to go (with an excuse that those were for my boyfriend. But obviously I devoured them myself after getting home hehe) before I left, I didn't really care much for the Cuban sandwich though, it was really dry and didn't have any pop in your mouth flavors.
(4)
Hiep N.
Come here hungry and order the Cuban Sandwich. For about $8 bucks you'll get the city's best Cuban sandwich fresh grilled bread, ham, pulled pork, swiss cheese, and pickles. Service is great and the cashiers are friendly. The wait can be ridic so be patient and it will be well worth it.
(4)
Ron G.
May be a but futile reviewing a place with over 1500 reviews, but, I'm sure some reviews suck. Came on a friday night despite being warned about the crazy line that would be there. Indeed, crazy line was present, however, there was such brouhaha outside that I was not expecting. They were filming the SNL girl's intro promo. Getting into the shot and having the chance to be on TV every week made the 1 hr wait a bit more bearable. Unfortunately, right when the director was about to get the perfect shot, with my best angle forward, the hostess rudely tapped me on the shoulder and said she doesn't care about the shoot and come sit down or they will give up our table :( Had the caipirinha, don't get me wrong, I like a stiff drink as much as the next guy, but this puppy put me from relatively sober to selatively rober. Clearly, the bartender was staring at a hot girl while he was pouring the cachaca. Accordingly, my food review may be a bit tainted. One or two reviews I came across mentioned something about some corn, so I thought i'd go out on a limb and try it. It was...very good. I think its more a novelty thing because most places dont serve corn on the cob, and if they do, its a boiled nightmare. Being a fan of grilling corn in the summer with fresh toppings, its not the taste of their corn that blew me away, it was the fact that I was just eating grilled corn I think. Plus, adding mayo, cheese, and chilly powder likely makes many things taste good. If you're coming here, you may as well get it. I dont get people obsession with $4.50 for two ears of corn. Last time I checked, an ear of corn cost maybe a dime? I also had the fish tacos. Being a philly native, their is not ample opportunity to have a good fish taco. The fish tacos were very, very good. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, great filling. The rice served with the dish was a bit salty, but tasty. The beans were simple and satisfying. Sorry if this review doesn't help you out, but I guess if my caipirinha was made normally, you've just found a place that you can go in feeling okay and after just one drink leave feeling pretty happy.
(3)
Carissa L.
Hmph. You gotta take the good with the bad, as they say... There was a bit of a wait and we stayed by the counter. No big deal. Not until these two large gentlemen waited for about four seconds and decided to seat themselves. The waitress tried to deter them but they wouldn't make enough eye contact to notice that she was trying to prevent their douchbaggery from polluting this cute little eatery. Despite my desire to punch them in the face (I was starving and had a bad day at work) we chalked it up to karma. When we were finally seated we were at the world's smallest table. Probably for the better that those two DBs didn't try to sit there I guess. Anyway, we both ordered the corn and it was great. He ordered the cuban sandwich and I got the enchiladas suizas. He said his sandwich was awesome - he usually HATES pickles on a sandwich but these were worth leaving on. My dish was deceiving - way more food than it looked like it was. Not as life-changing as it seems some others on this page think it is, but yummy nonetheless. I'd go back - hopefully when it might not be so busy!
(3)
Nadia R.
It's good but a little too much hype and looong lines
(3)
John P.
This place is way overhyped. Based on some of the reviews you'd think this place serves the best meal of your life, or even the best mexican corn you'd ever tasted, but it actually doesn't. It's a decent meal, i just couldn't imagine waiting over half an hour for this. We came here on good friday hoping that there wouldn't be a wait, and there wasn't, so we crammed into our tiny space. The seating situation here is crazy small, almost makes it not worth it unless you can get a booth for 4. The menu is very random, there's no order to where the food is listed. They also don't have a lot of choices, and definitely don't have traditional food. We started with the tostones and corn. The corn was very good and i can see why people love it, but personally, i think dos caminos makes it way better. The tostones was definitely the best part of the meal, specifically the garlic sauce it comes with. Although i probably smelt like garlic all day, it was well worth it. I'd put that sauce on everything if i could. For entrees I had the roast pork with rice and beans and my girlfriend had the cuban sandwich. I was disappointed when i saw the yellow rice with my beans. Based on the name i thought this was more of a cuban restaurant, but it's clearly more mexican, no cuban restaurant would serve yellow rice with beans. The roast pork was ok, but didn't have much flavor, it's like they just roasted the pork without anything else on it. My girlfriends cuban was very good and she really enjoyed it. She thought the bread they use is the most authentic she's seen in the city. Overall, not a bad meal, but nothing about it really stood out.
(3)
Charle M.
There are three reasons to come here: The pulled pork, the rice/beans, the corn on the cob. Also if you, like me, live across the street. There is the added bonus of delivery (and delivery that accepts credit cards)- which I took advantage of yesterday for the simple reason that I was in a bad mood and it was Easter and I couldn't stand the idea of seeing happy peoples. So instead I forced a delivery man to walk across the street with the aforementioned three items. It added a whole new level to the term Lazy Sunday. The pulled pork comes apart easily and is, to sum it up concisely, perfect. The rice and beans are also perfect, although I'm not quite sure why. I hope it doesn't have anything to do with butter. The corn on the cob is spicy and cheesy, but less so when you scrape off the mayonaise that holds it all together. Not the healthiest of venues but a nice solid choice if you want something tasty, casual and are in the area. Plus there is take-out extension to the restaurant, it has tables and additional seating if you don't want to deal with the oft-crowded mess next door.
(4)
Vanessa O.
busy. cramped. tasty! yes, this place is a bit small, and they like to cram a bunch of people into small tables (i feel sorry for the person that has to sit RIGHT IN FRONT of the bathroom beaded curtain) but it was a nice experience. The wait staff were all super nice, and the food was basic but good. We didn't get the corn, cuz we didn't know this was what everyone ate (and we have had bad mayo experiences recently) but it did look good. I got the roast pork which is basically the same meat inside the cubana sandwich. There was a ton of meat in the pork plate, maybe a bit too much, but it was really tasty. With all the beans and rice, who knew I craved veggies? The cubana sandwich is a goodie, the portions are filling, and the restaurant is kinda cute. I was surprised to see such a huge group of people waiting outside. we definitely lucked out getting a table right away on a Saturday evening around 8pm.
(4)
Ana C.
Great Cuban food, really fun place, awesome crowd! Must try the corn with butter and cheese
(4)
Cindy K.
Came here a couple of times and due to it being a tiny shack the wait was 20-30 minutes each time. They also have a next door sit in version of the famous to go spot. I got their mexican corn and tried a few of their sandwiches. The corn was good and the sandwiches were okay. Nothing amazing. Honestly it's one of those places you go once as a New Yorker and don't really go out of your way for unless your in the area.
(4)
Shab A.
So every New Yorker has a to-do list for their visitors to. Mine definitely includes having corn at Cafe Habana. I haven't seen anyone leave disappointed. I myself don't like corn at all - just looking at corn makes me nauseous, but this corn is something else!! Definitely give it a try!!! If you don't feel like sitting down and ordering full course, they have a to-go shop next to the restaurant, where you can grab corn and enjoy it outside.
(5)
Sindy C.
I was told that the wait time for a party of 3 would be 15 mins . I waited more the. 1 hour for us to get seated . The server came out and told me several time that our table will be ready shortly. We were all eager to try this place out and wanted to stay. It was a mistake. After taking our order, the wait for the food took a extra hr. I'm not even exaggerating. I'm getting 2 stars because the food came out to be okay. I wouldn't come back again .
(2)
elizabeth l.
Finally a decent Mexican food-type restaurant. One thing I miss about California is their overflowing yummy mexican restaurants. NYC has its own vaunted cuisine but to have lived for the past decade having burritos, tacos, and or quesadillas once every week, I seriously miss everything all the authentic places. This place serves decent quality food. It is filling and yummy - since I devoured my entire plate. I tried the enchiladas because you can never ever ever go so wrong with enchiladas. oh and OF COURSE GET THE CORN!! it's a mmmmmmmmust!
My friends were worried about how I would rate Cafe Habana after the experience we had there last night, but I assured them I would be fair in explaining my evaluation. So, let's have at it, shall we? First, the food. Everyone raves about the corn, which is indeed good, though not as stellar, I think, as everyone says. The Cuban sandwich, the only actual meal I've gotten here, is the same way: good, but you can do so much better, and at a far cheaper price. Second, the interior of the restaurant is better suited to an actual cafe, not a restaurant. The tables are tiny and they, along with the chairs, are reminiscent of 24-hour diners. In fact, the whole place seems like a glorified diner, complete with single paper napkins, rounded silverware, plastic cups, and cushion booths. It'd be cute were it not for two things: the prices and the wait. Oh, God, that wait. Look, I get that in New York City, you have to wait for anything decent, and that the wait time at a restaurant isn't always a direct result of the establishment itself, but I can't be in love with a place when I have to sit outside it for what seems like forever in the vain hope that the hostess/waitress/busser/bartender decides to finally call my name. And what's worse, during my experience here last night, my friends and I were inexplicably bumped off the list; when we complained and asked why, the answer we got was illogical and nothing was done to rectify the situation. By the time we were seated, we had been waiting longer than expected, everyone on the list after us was long gone, and there wasn't anyone else waiting to grab a table. Despite that, the service here is ok, even if I was constantly fearing for our server's life as she tried to navigate her tiny frame through the even tinier spaces between tables and chairs. Unfortunately, even for a space this small, it seemed understaffed, leading her to overlook us at times, most noticeably when we obviously needed another chair (seriously, the tables are so small, you can barely fit two people, let alone three). In all, I'm very "meh" about this place, which explains the three stars. Would I come back again? Most likely, though this time with slightly lower expectations and perhaps a book to read during the wait. Bathroom Grade: 4/10. Well, at least after squeezing my way past all the tables, I had no trouble making use of this cramped facility.
(3)
Lacey G.
LOVE this place. I visit NY about five times a year, and make Cafe Habana a MUST everytime. The corn is amazing, and the entrees are all delish. Also, try a guava margarita - yum!
(5)
Kiran S.
A great spot for a fun dinner. I wasn't particularly impressed with the food. I would say it was quiet standard, but I did enjoy the corn. The sangria was way to sweet. The vegetarian tacos were not bad, I enjoyed the veggies and queso fresco. But overall the food just wan't as flavorful and bold as I expected. However, it was a good spot to start an evening NoLita. The wait staff is high energy, the music and decor is festive; it's a good set up for a fun night.
(4)
Lama B.
This place does not need another review. But but but...for me I need to document what I liked here lest I ever forget (which is highly unlikely, but hey you never know.) Nelly and I dropped by after the Joshua Radin concert, both slightly high on his insanely wonderful performance. Guacamole: yummy. Grilled corn: Shleukhp. Chicken in mole sauce: sigh how I love you. CUBAN SANDWICH: I want one. Right now. And no I dont want to share, I want to get fat, get your own. Drinks are strong, one and I was good to go:) Definitely coming back. ALL THE TIME.
(4)
Connie C.
Came here for an afternoon snack-- Mexican Grilled Corn. This corn is amazing...every time I've had it I've always wanted more. The restaurant itself was packed, so we walked slightly around the corner for a quick pick up. Delicious. Their cuban sandwich is also very famous here, however I didn't have a chance to try it this time. Guess that means I'll have to make another trip out to NYC. =)
(5)
Steven S.
Went for the first time with friends this past week. Didn't really know too much about this place but I'm a fan of Cuban food so I had high hopes. I ordered the ranchos heurvos and the famous corn and I really enjoyed my meal. The ranchos heurvos wasn't particularly special; it tasted like any other breakfast dish I'd get at a diner but that's a good thing since I love diner food. The corn was so good though. Never had anything like it but it seems so simple- grilled with some butter topped with mayo, some type of cheese, and chili pepper. Service was spotty. The wait staff were really friendly but they weren't very efficient. The restaurant is also small so it feels very cramped. I would recommend this place for anyone in the area.
(4)
john e.
grilled corn, with cheese, lime, and spice = the best $2 meal in NYC.
(4)
PC W.
The corn on the cob is all I could talk about yesterday after having it here as part of lunch. The blackened sweet corn is slathered in butter and parmesan cheese, and topped off with chili powder. Served with slices of lime for an additional layer of flavor. It's $3.75 for one here - here's a tip if you're miserly, yellow or both like me, there's Habana-To-Go around the corner which is Cafe Habana's quick service, take out sister restaurant. Pretty much the same exact menu but much cheaper. The corn on the cob there is only $1.95. Thuy L. did all the research to find this place and read great things about the Cuban. I've never had one before but I liked it. The bread tasted very similar to banh mi but put into a panini press. This diner is tiny so unless you like dining in close quarters at tables smaller than first grader's desks this place may not be for you. Our waitress had attitude which I liked. The service is spotty but they get the job done eventually.
(4)
Patricia S.
corn on the cob with parmesan cheese and some spice... a steak sandwich that did not skimp on the meat! all at a good price and lively ambiance. now that's good eats.
(5)
kitty c.
4 stars for the food, 2-3 stars for the service (maybe ordering togo's a better idea.) We went for lunch on a friday, there's a lot of people and we had to sit at this tiny table at this tiny corner. It's ok cuz we heard the food's good. Here's what we ordered: cuban sandwich, corns, coffee, mexican hot cocoa and flan. LOVE: the sandwich and corns are perfect! especially the corn, how can it taste so good with just butter, mayo, red pepper and cheese? NOT A FAN OF: the SERVICE SUCKS! no smile, no water, no thank you...basically you just eat and go, why i even bothered to tip them...why? i really doubt our tipping system! coffee & mexican hot cocoa's not as good/hot as i expected. the flan's rich but a little too sweet.
(3)
Lisa L.
One of my friends could not stop raving about the Cuban sandwich at Cafe Habana....as a recent transplant to New York, I decided to check it out. Unfortunately, with all the subway construction, my train was rerouted and I had to get off somewhere random. Totally starving, I navigated my way to Cafe Habana thanks to my trusty blackberry plus googlemaps. And yes, I think the Cuban was worth the journey. I have to admit that I was skeptical due to a bad experience with a cuban sandwich in my past. But this was delicious pulled pork goodness surrounded by ham and slathered with some sort of chipotle mayonaisse. Delicious. I also had the corn, thanks to the suggestions of other yelpers and it was sweet and covered in a delicious buttery sauce. Note that I got food from the To Go counter and it was fast although very cramped waiting. I am looking forward to returning and trying other things on the menu!
(4)
Irene D.
Get the roasted corn appetizer. It'll change your life. Mojitos are highly recommended, but not the reason I keep coming back. Pollo Mirador is my fave off the menu after the roasted corn, but you can't really go wrong with anything you get here. Expected really long wait at peak hours and don't go with a group larger than 4. The place is really tiny and that could make your wait unbearable. Haven't had a bad meal here yet. Service is inconsistent, but just deal with it. Get more corn.
(5)
Lindsay T.
Went here to try the Mexican Style Corn on the Cob after spotting this place on TVFoodMaps (.com). Great corn! The cactus tacos were good, but not the best. The portions were generous. If you go for lunch, go slightly before noon to catch a table.
(4)
Richard T.
Holy crap this place gets busy. Don't come here expecting to get seated right away, you'll be disappointed. There are quite a few bars nearby however so there is definitely a lot to do while you wait. Started off with Sangria, it was tasty, fresh and gone in about 5 minutes. And then we got the corn on the cob slathered in stuff that probably isn't all that healthy for you, but none of that mattered because it was so tasty. It's like eating a buttery dream where everything in the world is perfect. My friend Val, who has been here countless times ordered me the steak and eggs. It wasn't called that, but it's essentially what it was. Cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of rice and beans, ya'll this shiz was off the chain and gone in less than 10 minutes. Oh we also go plantains for the table. I had one, looked down and then they were all gone. I found love in a Cuban place --- COMING BACK FOR SURE.
(5)
Pamela L.
Their Mexican corn is THE BEST!! I would go shopping in Soho and stop by just for their Mexican corn. I've been here for brunch and for dinner. The only time you don't have to wait is if you come here at 11am, which I did for brunch, twice. It's well worth the wait though because the food is sooo amazing!
(5)
Jesse A.
The reviews are right: it's all about the corn. Yum. Yum. Gooey. Tasty. Yum. Mayo ALL OVER YOUR FACE. As for the other dishes, the serving sizes are large and it seemed like fairly normal Mexican / Cuban fare, not too boring but also not that amazing. Still, I can get really into plain old rice and beans when I'm in the mood. We really liked the busy, happy, crowded atmosphere.... and the mojitos.
(4)
Brittany A.
A Mexican diner with some Cuban flair. This place is a true gem in Nolita. There is limited seating and there is always a long wait to eat at this restaurant so I suggest you go at an off hour. I ordered the Vegetarian Cactus tacos and they were tasty. The beans and rice that come on the side are even tastier. Put some hot sauce on your meal! The hot sauce is spicy but has a wonderful flavor. The margaritas are also wonderful, but will run you back about $8. Your meal will cost around the same price as well. Definitely check this place out! I will definitely be back here to try the famous corn.
(4)
John C.
Mexican Corn, Mexican Corn, and Mexican corn! That's really all you need to be hooked on this place. Step into Cafe Habana and you're all of a sudden in another country. It's loud, it's cramped, looks aged, and it's all simply amazing. You'll probably be waiting for a while if it's around dinner time, but it's totally worth the wait. I typically order the pulled pork with rice and beans (with mexican corn to start), washed down with a cold modelo negro. I die. The pork is tender and succulent, and the rice and beans complement it perfectly. They certainly give you a lot of it, too. Despite the generous portions, you probably won't be taking any of it home. On occasion, I would get the cuban sandwich that uses the same pulled pork. It's still amazing and a good alternative if I'm in the mood for a sandwich. Just go.
(5)
Anna B.
Corn on the cob and steak sandwiches- AMAZING! I will visit cafe habana every time I come to new york!
(5)
omar b.
"I LIKE BIG BUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE!!!" sir mix-a-lot if you have a flat booty...then you come here and order some of their cuban grinds. everything is yummy, rich and loaded with the stuff that can fill up your J brand denim =) if you like booty...then you come here and buy yourself a chicas cabana calendar that highlights their staff that are(for the most part) of latina decent...nuff said if you don't like booty...then your are probably into booby and well you are in nolita, so you will see plenty of that here too. okay so i had the steak and eggs which was mighty fine, loved them home fries...washed it down with a michelada and of course tore up the grilled corn just like Seong, Tara, Gur E and arnold. WESTSIDE!!!!! they have a homemade sour creama that was perfect with their plantains!!! great service, tight squeeze, avg wait and yes, BABY GOT BACK!!!!!
(4)
R H.
Great cuban restaurant with wonderful food and an awesome atmosphere. The wait can be long, because they don't take reservations. Fortunately, when we went for a party of four, there were two other party of fours that ended up growing to a party of six and eight, respectively. So when the booth opened up, we slid right on in. 10 min wait - sweetness. Food was very good. The corn appetizer was delicious. We all ordered differently entrees and no one was disappointed.
(5)
Courtney p.
They have the best corn I have ever had. I went to NY in May 2008. I'm still telling people how wonderful the corn is at Cafe Habana. It has the best flavor. I went to a lot of places to eat while in NY, but this was by far my fav. I can't stop thinking about it. It's very yummy, and addictive.
(5)
Umesh P.
Cuban Sandwich and Corn, those are top shelf. Avoid the shrimp or fish tacos, nut much of flavor. The Enchiladas Suizas had a good sauce, although the chicken was average. The beans and rice had a better taste. Be prepared to wait for atleast 15-20 min on weekend nights. Would like to come by again to try out some other dishes... after a while though
(3)
darcey h.
At 1,300+ reviews I don't think Cafe Habana is going to suffer I don't post yet another "woot-woot" for it's corn and Cubano sandwich. But, when I crave the perfectly balanced indulgence of a really good Cubano sandwich I go out of my way to come to their little take-out outpost next to the over crowded restaurant and get my fix. Sophia's Cuban (NY popular lunch chain) makes a perfectly satisfying Cubano but Cafe Habana's blows the doors off Sophia. The bread is just as key as the juiciness of the pulled pork. Their bread is from Parisi bakery just down the street and is fresh and crunchy. They cook their sandwich in the traditional style; under a tinfoil wrapped brick. There are many other delights on the menu that i've had but i come back for this sandwich.
(4)
Derrick P.
Unfortunately, this place wasn't all that it was hyped up to be. But still a solid 4 star option. Once you get near this place, you can't miss it. It's super crowded and inside is a sort of open hole in the wall sort of feel. You can't go wrong with: grilled corn, cuban sandwhich, and fish tacos. Really they were all delicious. Mojitos are small, but strong...plenty of sugar and strong alcohol (stick with one). I have to comment on the music here. It was good! A lot of chill indie stuff that was perfect for this Cuban setting. Groups of 2-4 are most appropriate here. If you're looking for a top restaurant in New York to experience some of the best Cuban food of your life, then not so much. But if you want a great place to get some delicious Cuban food and drinks with friends, then this is definitely it.
(4)
Emily A.
Well....Just don't. Spare yourself. Where to begin. This place is ridiculous. We were told upon arrival that it would be a 25-minute wait. It wasn't. It was more like an hour. And, we spent that hour crammed next to 8..then 9...then 10 bags of the most foul-smelling trash ever. We were immediately charmed. When we were finally seated, we were literally in the front door with a crowd of hungry, vulture-like hipsters standing over us waiting for us to finish. I seriously considered giving one of them a tortilla just to fend them off. And be ready to be uncomfortably friendly with the other patrons. I can tell you intimate details about the person sitting next to me, including what the skin on his face felt like. The food was so-so, and not even close to being worth the wait. And the music was a real treat...and by treat, I of course mean nightmare. I felt like I was trapped in a bad theater production that I couldn't leave. It went from Caribbean bongos to Madonna. I think it actually made the food taste worse. Won't. Be. Back.
(1)
Renee M.
Ok so I heard a ton about the grilled corn at this place, and honestly wasn't as great and awesome as ppl told me it was. The french toast on the other hand was killer! Fresh cinnimon french toast with fresh assorted fruit and vermont maple syrup....it was perfectly made so the french toast wasn't too heavy just a perfect mix of light and airy.... The mohitoes were also extremely authentic, but to come here and wait for a smaller than a matchbox table to eat good not GREAT food was not something I personally would do again. The service is great though! Waitstaff is super attentive and super nice!
(3)
Megan C.
Long lines, super cramped interior when you are seated, and it's so jam-packed that it can be hard to get a waitress. That said, the food is decent, the corn with cheese is awesome, and if you're going for a scene you've found one.
(3)
Diana L.
they do corn right! drool-worthy, dream-worthy, starve-myself-for-lunch-worthy. i ate nothing else but corn that meal. why mess with a good thing?
(5)
J L.
i'm craving for some cheesy spicy corn so i'm heading over there now. actually, the corn is f*cking awesome and that's the only reason i'm going there. otherwise the place is small and cramped, service could be better and the food is only ok. but the corn!!! omg... drool. there's a take out section right behind the actual restaurant so skip the eat in and go for take out.
(4)
Keene W.
What to order: Shrimp Tacos(dine in only) Steak with rice and beans Corn What not to order: Sangria Cuban Sandwich Overall: Cafe Habana is a nice casual place to bring a small group. Usually very crowded so try to go during non peak hours. Since the place has so much traffic, the service and quality sometimes suffer. The Cuban sandwich is suppose to be renowned as the best in the city by many but is dry in my opinion.
3.5 stars, actually. First of all: best corn ever! I'm a huge fan of corn on the cob with queso blanco, but Cafe Habana clearly puts more effort (and spices) into their ears than any other downtown restaurant. Mine was super spicy this time around, but the afterburn was pleasant. Also, the Tres Marias was a great dish--a corn "bowl" filled with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, with a side of rice and beans. Delicious! My friend got the fish of the day special, which was striped sea bass in a caper sauce with white rice, and it was pretty bland. Just a whole lot of lemon and butter. Some cons? The service was pretty bad. Forget about refills of water or getting your change within 15 minutes after you ask for it. I can tell they're swamped, but wouldn't you want to rush people out the door if that's the case? All in all, I know I'll come back, but only when I'm really craving that sweet, cheesy, and spicy corn on the cob...
(3)
JJ S.
visited Thu evening 5/29/08 Pretty sure they don't need another great review, but I gotta support the lively atmosphere and the elote! Sweet yellow sloppy love on a stick! (The pork and ham cuban sandwich was most excellent also.) Plus bonus points for the waitress getting us out quickly after we told her we had a show to catch! By the way, we lucked out and got sat right away at a tiny two-top by the bar, near the windows. Great for people watching! Can't wait to go back and hang out a bit longer next time...
(4)
Melissa P.
All I have to say is YOU CANNOT LEAVE THIS PLACE WITHOUT TRYING THE CORN! Sad to say, I can't find a place like this in San Francisco (if any of you know of somewhere - please shoot me the info).
(4)
anita h.
EVERY TIME I go to NY I come here. It's basically a given. Good food, good prices, and ..the corn! unbeatable.
(5)
Dan B.
Short and sweet lets break it down. I'll preface my review with the following - My favorite places in the city for Cuban food. SHRIMP TACOS. POLLO MIRADOR - no questions asked just get it. Just trust me. The corn? I don't see what all the fuss is about however it's not bad. Drinks: Sweet but definitely not lacking in the alcohol department Service/Atmosphere: Casual, funky, low key, a bit divey, helpful - Claudia was a great waitress My recommendation: If you don't like Cuban food, still try it out - something new and interesting - it's a guarantee your taste bud's will be pleasantly surprised - 100 % guarantee.
The Baja Fish Tacos and fresh Limeade/w mango were really good. But, the sexy Dita Von Teese-esque waitress --sporting a gold grill-- put the evening over the top.
(4)
Marcelo L.
Amazing food. Laid back. The right kind of noisy.
(4)
Edward F.
H-Y-P-E....it's a word that can make or break a place. Luckily, Cafe Habana lives up to the hype and then some: - superb grilled corn on the cob - margaritas, micheladas, mojitos - while waiting for a table I've tried the trifecta of "M" cocktails and they are made to perfection. - rice and beans are fo'real.....authentic, flavorful and delish! If only it wasn't so damned crowded all the time...it would totally be 5-star worthy!
(4)
Gerald T.
I LOVE this place. Try the grilled corn. It's amazing. Also, the rest of the food isn't bad either. :)
(5)
Jeremy T.
I have to say that I was not overly impressed. I had the corn like everybody suggested and I must admit, the corn was pretty good. But... the wait was way too long and it was mighty uncomfortable due to lack of space... back to the food. Anyways I had the enchilada suiza and I felt that the meat was dry, the rice and beans were so-so as was the sauce. So overall, I thought it was decent but I probably would not recommend it to anyone.
(3)
Natalia V.
I love the corn just like everybody else! plus the fish tacos are delicious, the cuban sandwich its pretty good too! Nice place but always packed :/ I have tried the quesadillas from the Brooklyn location, they are delishhh!!!!!!!!
(4)
Vanessa N.
Came here today on a Wednesday afternoon and was glad to find that there was no wait for a table of two. The restaurant itself is painfully cramped but created the perfect atmosphere for what became a wonderful eating experience. The host/waitress was very friendly and always had a smile on her face. Of course, like everyone else there, I ordered the Mexican Grilled Corn and the Cuban sandwich. The wait for the food wasn't long at all, somewhere from 5-10 minutes. The corn came slathered in mayo, cheese and whatever else they added to make it so delicious. The slices of lime were a great addition and made the corn even better! It was honestly one of the most unique foods I have ever tried. My friend and I couldn't stop commenting on how we were so surprised that it was so great. The sandwich arrived soon after and was intimidating. It came with some fries, which were very good (maybe I was just hungry). The sandwich was large enough to share with another person. As soon as I picked it up, the oil/juices started running all over the place. Of course I don't mind a little grease as long as the food tastes great. Each bite somehow tastes better and better. We left 15 dollars poorer and with smiles on our faces. I will definitely be back for more!
(4)
Ekin G.
Food is great, corn is exceptional. Definitely have it. Fish tacos, skirt steak tacos are good as well.
(4)
Mely Y.
The food is always great but definitely ALWAYS busy anytime of the day of the week. Expect a crazy wait period to sit down at this ever so popular hipster spot since they don't take reservations. The place is quite small, and can only accommodate but so many people since every table is not nearly a foot away from one another. If you're hungry and down to wait, then it's worth the wait to grab some drinks n grubs with friends, BUT if not, head next door to it's to-go outpost.
(3)
Sophia S.
The first restaurant I visited on my last two trips to NYC. The corn is yummy and the mojitos good enough to have two or three...
(4)
Valarie A.
Once again, another fab visit to Cafe Habana:) Over the years, they have maintained their quality of Cuban food and continue to have be back time and time again. The tostadas with green and red chile were perfect as always. Their fish tacos were deep fried (not all greasy) with cabbage and fresh salsa. And of course, the corn was perfect. The Cafe Habana is most definitely my favorite way to start out a good vacation in the city! We walked in early for lunch (1130 am) and by the time we left at 1pm, there was at least 30 people waiting. Perfect timing for lunch and the food hit the spot!
(5)
Erin O.
Love you corn!! I did inhale the chili powder on the corn and coughed for five full minutes. But then i washed it down with a frozen mojito and everything was all better. The roast pork is sick, so good. I love salt though. If you don't, I might get something else because it was definitely so salty that I had to suck down a bunch of glasses of water.
(4)
Kathy P.
My satisfaction-meter wanted to give this place five stars. But my health-meter wanted to give this place one star. Everything was pretty yummy. The rice and veggies, sauteed spinach, plantains, mushroom and rice burrito with grill marks, (requested everything with NO CHEESE NO MAYO), as I am vegan. But then at about mid-meal I felt a bit taken. I realized that basically everything that I had ordered with NO CHEESE NO MAYO had been doused, grilled, slathered-in, brushed with, cooked in BUTTER. Maybe they should note that they cook a lot of their items in butter and not vegetable oil, because if I were allergic to dairy, I'd be in the ER right about now. I said NO DAIRY pretty loudly, but as I have noted before...a lot of restaurants don't include butter in that NO DAIRY protest. ...cheese, milk, and cream is usually cared for, but butter is like the dirty little secret. ...basically this felt like really really high quality, Cuban themed DINER FARE. Yeah I said the ""D""word. It was diner fare. People looooove this place because they get sometimes unhealthy food in big portions right in the middle of chic, trendy Nolita. So while my husbands blackened chicken burrito looked divine and pretty healthy for him...my 'vegan' meal with veggies cooked all in BUTTER, made me a bit annoyed. ...maybe I have to ask if they can cook their rice and veggies on a dairy-butter free grill, but i think they'd probably laugh. Any advice on this butter issue? Or am I just in the wrong diner...er uh I mean, hip queue worthy joint....
(3)
Rachel W.
Oh god, I walked into this place and saw the corn on the cob and it was over. Then I saw fried plantains on the menu and freaked. Who cares how small this place is because everything is crowded, small, and has a queue in New York anyways. If you're not used to it now, I not exactly sure how you're coping... I digress..... I had the pork in adobo sandwich with the corn, and it was money. Just spicy enough to keep it interesting, which is how I like.....unlike my Thai food where it's totally fine if I taste nothing but the fire in my mouth. If there was a place like this in DC, you can bet your sweet a** I would try braving South East for deliciousness like this (well....maybe only with some other large men in tow.)
(5)
Jennifer L.
What can I say, this place is absolutely one of my favorite places in the city. Pros - Delicious food, cheap prices, great location This isn't a super-fancy joint, but a place to go for food that is wholesomely good and tastes wonderful. Cons - Long long wait (but that is why there is Habana to-go around the corner) Cramped - ideal for two people, three-people groups are alright, anything else will be along wait and cramped conditions My meal: Michelada (corona served with chili sauce and lime juice) Mexican corn char-grilled and slathered with chili powder, shredded cheese, and lime juice Grilled Skirt Steak, done to perfection, with sides of beans and rice.
(5)
Rocky S.
Super yummy steak sandwiches. To be honest, that's all I've had but everything looked and smelled yummy. This is pretty close to work so I'll be back a few more times to report on the other dishes. Nice Cuban fusion with Mexican.
(5)
jill l.
The only two piece of advice I can give you- go EARLY- or expect to wait an hour or two. This place is packed- no matter time of day. Second piece of advice: get the grilled corn. There's not much I can say that others haven't so I'm going to keep this short & sweet.
(4)
Candice A.
Loved it. The waitresses are characters and the food converted me to rice and beans. We ordered enchiladas suize, roast pork, and grilled corn. Just to let you guys know, the take out section has 2 bucks of grilled corn, while the sit down area has 4 its because the sit down area gives two pieces. The food was so good. I'm sure you can order anything on the menu and it would be good. The grilled corn, I do agree with some people, has a bit too much cheese, but you can always scrape the extras off. It was 7pm on a friday evening and it took 30 mins for us to get the next seat. For those who are really hungry, they let us buy some grilled corn next door and eat it inside while waiting. We were awkwardly seated by the door. It was hard to get the attention of the waitresses since there is a huge wall of people standing in front of us. But they would remember to come check us once in a while. By the end, the people who worked there were really accommodating, friendly and funny. The food was amazing. The drinks looked delish (didnt get to order any. I ran out of money. but its a mental note). Definitely coming back!
(5)
Patty C.
One word..."CORN"...corn with cheese and paprika (i think) sprinkled all over it....what a tasty corn... I came here on a rare but very warm day in October...of course prime lunch time! The place was packed but seated quickly. Smushed next to what looked a business meeting and two casual hippies. It was definitley hot and could not steer away from the fact that I was slowly burning up and wasn't sure if a cuban dish would have made it better for me to cool down...but the corn was worth it. I got the quesadilla which was OK but my friend got the pork dish with rice and beans....let's just say I ended up picking at her food...the bean and rice was satisfying
(4)
Susanna W.
Yes, the grilled corn Mexican style is good. IMHO it could have been even better if it didn't have so much cheese and butter. But that's just cuz I'm not a huge fan of cheese and butter. Everyone else seems to go gaga over the stuff.
(3)
Diana B.
The mexican-style corn here is the standout, and frankly, i think the corn is better at the red hook ball fields. i thought the rest of their food was good but not great. the food is pretty cheap though. the restaurant is pretty popular - it was consistently full while i was there.
(3)
billy l.
Dang the wait for thing place is insane, so i choice the other alternative by ordering it to go from there next door location.... of course i ordered their famous grill corn and the grill skirt steak sandwiched both were mouth watering. I ate outside and sat next to a tree, while a couple was arguing in front of me and that didn't even disturb my eating festivities! Love this place, great food great prices.....a must if you ever visit new york
(5)
wendy s.
I went to the restaurant on prince street on a recent visit to NY and stopped in after raves from my sister. She said I had to order the corn with all the fixins' and it was so so worth it. I live in la and this type of corn is on every corner but this is somehow different. I also shared the Cuban sandwich and the skirt steak sandwich. Both were really great but the skirt steak was much better in my opinion. We went on a weekend and the wait time was insane and the small size of the restaurant was going to make me claustrophobic so we opted to go next door to the to go side and ate our food in the street sitting on the bench. Highly recommend this place to visit when you're in the city.
(4)
Sam H.
The corn rocks! I love the corn. Tasty, delicious, unforgettable..... Tight space but the flavours are memorable. Did I say try the corn??
(4)
Bessie H.
I visit every time I'm in New York. Cuban sandwich please! Corn please! Soup please! (I've only had it once, and it was great. forgot what kind...sorry.) I miss New York. wah.
(4)
Killa C.
We decided to come here for our first brunch in NYC (as visitors from California). The wait was long and cold for this place (which we expected), but I thought it was totally worth it. Everything is really crammed inside, but I didn't mind it. In fact, I thought it was kind of cozy. The service can be a little shady. My friend ordered steak and eggs, but the waitress only gave him the steak. When he asked about where his egg was, the waitress said that there were no eggs being served for lunch. We were kind of confused because the customers beside us were getting their eggs. She later came to our table and admitted to her mistake when writing down the order and offered him a free drink. So, I guess that made up for it? As for the food, Cafe Habana does not disappoint. Like everyone else and their mother, I thought the corn was amazing. I also got the Quesadilla de Pollo, which was also very delicious. I was surprised with the smoked cheese in the quesadilla; it made a typical quesadilla taste so different, so savory. Also, maybe it was because we hadn't eaten in 15 hours, but I don't think that I have ever had such good rice and beans until here. What do they put in that stuff?! And I'm not even a huge fan of beans, but this combination was life changing. I wish I could go back just for the rice and beans. My biggest regret about this place was not getting a Mojito. After we were done eating, I noticed everyone in the restaurant had one. They must be a hit? I'd definitely go back again for it all.
(4)
J T.
If you're going to leave with anything from this review, just do this: get the corn. P and I were PIGGIES on this trip to NYC. As they say, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Our meal:- Mexican Hot Chocolate Iced Cappuccino Grilled Corn Mexican Style (the infamous CRACK corn. Came with two!) Quesadilla de Pollo Huevos Rancheros and.... a Cuban Sandwich to-go for later! Notes: tables are small (couldn't hold all the food we ordered); they charge for extra salsa for the quesadilla (boo) ; and they don't make drinks virgin! Last day in NYC.... didn't want any more alcohol... : )
(4)
Rafael R.
For years, I have walked by Cafe Habana and wondered why so many people were waiting to eat there, I finally made the decision to have dinner at this little spot and now regret walking by all those years. What more can be said that has not already been discussed on Yelp. Great grilled corn, a la Mexico City street food, wonderful Cuban sandwiches and a great atmosphere. Don't walk by, walk in!
(5)
Bryan A.
Awesome small little spot. Very tasty. Wait was way too long. Space was way too crowded. Kitchen closes at 4, reopens at 5. Try the sloppy PePe!
(4)
Gigi W.
Best Cuban & steak sandwich ever, must try their grilled corn as well. Its one of the must try places in NYC.
(4)
Gracie-C Y.
A place like Cafe Habana is what I dearly love about NY. It's got an essence, an ambience, an aura that indescribable and cannot be duplicated. I would give valuable parts of my anatomy if a place like this opened in San Francisco... The exterior is worn but inviting. Our servers were crazy busy, but still very attentive and sweet. And the food is simple, but undeniably good. Mexican grilled corn... just order it and thank me later. I had the Cuban sandwich, an honest to goodness cubano. Tender and juicy roast pork shoulder on crispy crusty bread, flattened with a hot rock that Fidel himself would approve of. Throw in a side of salty tostones with a garlicky aoli and you've got yourself a great meal.
(4)
Candice B.
Cafe Habana was a fun surprise for my trip to NYC. We were looking for a place to eat near the New Museum of Contemporary Art and my boyfriend suddenly remembered a nice Cuban restaurant he has eaten at four years ago. There was still a line outside when we arrived around 9 on a Thursday night, but we were giddy to be in the city and felt like we had nothing but time to spare and wait. Tip: Just because you put your name down on that little pad of paper in the waitress' hand, it doesn't mean she will remember you. It helps to remind her you are still there. Be aggressive or you might be completely forgotten. We squeezed in between busy tables and ordered the roasted corn (of course! Everyone is eating them and I am salivating by now). Also a shredded pork dish and a jicama and mango salad. The corn was delicious! Right amount of creamy, spicy taste. The pork was good and came in large quantities. Salad dressing was a bit too creamy and stale for me, but I liked the fresh jicama a lot. It tasted almost kinda sweet. Price is very reasonable for a NY meal, about $30 for the corn, salad, main dish and two drinks. And we got to enjoy eavesdropping on fellow diners' juicy conversations: the all girls table discussing who is dating who and who is using who, the double date where the guy couldn't wait until the girl is gone to the bathroom to tell the other couple that he is proposing soon and that NYE will just be a great engagement party, and the hipsters trio bonding over who was a mathlete in high school. It was great. Service is fun and attentive. I kept on wondering if the Israeli girl with thick bangs and 80's heavily shoulder-padded jacket was wearing anything under her jacket. She had stockings but where was the skirt/pants/shorts/any bottom?
(4)
Joanna G.
CORN! The rumors are true, this is the best corn ever. The entrees are always surprisingly good too, considering I would come for the corn alone. The waitstaff is cute and nice. The place can get crowded and there can be a wait, but the mojitos and magaritas are tall and yummy.
(4)
Tony L.
The wait is long, the people that serve you are definitely at work, and you're served one of the tastiest meals in the world. I feel the burritos and other platters pale in comparison to the tortas, which are a fresh blend of soft-on-the-inside and crunchy outside, spread with chipotle mayo. And the grilled corn? Forgetaboutit. I say bring a friend, order two cobs of grilled corn and split a Cuban Sandwich and a Steak Sandwich. That's a combo fit for a champ.
(5)
k s.
we got here close to closing time, we ordered immediately and sat ourselves down on a corner table. waiting for the food took me back to my 7 th grade history class video documentaries with all the revolutionary music playin. we ordered the corn of course, fried plantains which were very yummy and done just right and the highlight of the night the CUBAN sandwich. mmmm i i dream about that sandwich, it was so good and fresh. we drank the mango juice BOING, which was refreshing. the decor was OK, the ambience was OK, the lady takin the order was a BITCH. -1 star for that (see pic, lady with the glasses takin the order) I have no word to describe her---KUTTIKAMINIHARAMZADI---, but it seemed she was very disgruntled. oh well the food made up for it. i DID NOT tip because of her and as it is it was counter service. I will go back, good place for a quick bite, it is kinda romantic. YO the HOT sauce was mad good, i almost jacked a couple bottles
(4)
Flora G.
Food: 3 stars Atmosphere: 4 stars I have wavering opinions about Cafe Habana, I think its a must try for everyone but I'm not really sure if you need to go more than once or twice. The best thing they really have going in this tiny restaurant is the scenester, hipster atmosphere. I love drinking Mexican beers, people watching here, grubbing on some appys, but in all honesty I'm just not really that impressed with their food. If you're really looking for good Cuban go to Sophie's, this place is fun and a good place to start a night off but that's about it.
(3)
Roger T.
Ah the corn...the corn on the cobb here is scrumptious! Corn on a stick covered in chili powder, cheese, butter and lime juice and grilled....ai carumba!! The only problem is getting corn out of your teeth sucks!!
(4)
Kevin N.
I'll come clean on something: I'm a sucker for eccentric sodas, and that's something that the Latins (and I'm speaking of course, of the Latin restaurants), tend to do very well. In fact, those extra nuances are one of the things that I really adore about Habana, and the coconut soda (not a lot of fence-sitters on that one) is one of my favorites. Couple that assertion with the fact that there are lots of little flavors happening in both the food, brews and cocktails here and there's lots to like. I devoured a healthy sized plate of the Ropa Viejo (literally Spanish for 'old clothes', go figure - ) and it was amazing. Warm, shredded pork served in a tomato sauce and pepper base. Perfect on a day when I needed a little something extra. And a bonus when you figure the penchant these guys have for building in a little extra flavor. That turned out to be just the kick I needed.
(4)
Jeannette A.
omg nom nom nom nom. we will be going to the one in brooklyn. stopped here after taking some family to little italy/chinatown. only gets 4 stars b/c of the long wait! i wish it was bigger. the grilled corn was, as promised, amazing. the sandwhiches were delicious. the bread was the best part. the chilaquiles that i had were ok, not enough cheese! the diablo chicken sandwich that my to-be sister in law had - nom nom nom. my boyfriend had a sandwich with avacado and cheese that was delicious, too. and the french fries. it was like we'd died and gone to ol school cuba. wait for it. eat here. it is delicious.
(4)
Janis A.
Tried this place once and fell in love. I will never see corn on the cob the same way again. If you're going to try anything... go for the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. Just from reading the reviews, people always mention the corn and if you check out the photos other yelpers have been adding, you'll see it's definitely a favorite! Ahh, I'm starting to yearn for it... but it's so far away... so far far away. Sorry couldn't make it 5 stars. Long wait and small, tight spot.
(4)
Erin L.
A little hole in the wall type place. Awesome grilled corn - really love the cheese and lime. The Cuban sandwich is not bad. It could use a little more flavor. I would definitely go back to try the corn and maybe some other meats :D ie grilled steak type of thing. If you ever go to seattle, go to this place called Paseo on Fremont Ave. It tastes sooooooo good!
(4)
Thanh N.
It is ridiculous how much business this place gets. It's also a ridiculous wait that I cannot understand sometimes even in bad weather. But it sure is good. Real good. Damn good. Delicious good. Crazy good. The kind of food I crave in a strange way. I think I could eat this breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More specifically, I can eat that Mexican Corn, Roasted Pork, and any of their Pollo dishes on any given day. I think I will come here tomorrow.
(5)
David B.
This place is so great that when I have to come down here for work, I schedule my day around it. They open at 11:30 and they have the best Cuban sandwiches yet! They also serve a Cuban Corn that has a spicy bit that is sure to make your mouth water. They also only serve the Cuban drinks that just make you wish you grew up drinking and eating this stuff. I would highly recommend all three... So if you ever on the Bowery just turn down Prince St. and it the first St. on the right. You can grab a seat inside or they have benches outside. There staff is so funny and they really are the best, always smiling and telling a joke. Pick up a free calendar you can leave a donation if you wish to help relief funds in Havana.
(5)
Ashley Q.
What's another visit to NYC without a visit to Cafe Habana? Incomplete! I guess I'm not very adventurous or maybe I just know what I like because I get the Cuban each and every time I come here... but it never disappoints and it keeps me coming back. I'm salivating just thinking about it. The corn looked mouth-watering good, so maybe I'll step outside of my little cuban box during my next visit. If it's packed get Cafe Habana -To-Go along with a grapefruit soda and head to one of the nearby parks or benches. Believe me, the food is just as satisfying.
(4)
Ki G.
Holy sh*t. I knew that this place was supposed to be good, but if a restaurant has me chowing down on rice*, there's something special happening. After a hard day of helping my brother clean out his new apartment, I decided there's no way I am going to even think about making dinner so he's like "how about cafe habana?" We had the Pollo Mirador, a side of yellow rice, tostones, avocado and white cheese burritos, grilled mexican corn (I LOVE CORN) and the tlacoyo con tres maria. Let me once again reiterate how abso-effin-lutely wonderful this food is. I am now happily full and contemplating my next visit to Cafe Habana. This is some of the better food I've had in a while. * I am not a fan of rice. Years of having it as a staple growing up has made me not particularly interested in having it if instead I can have bread or potatoes as a starch.
(5)
Mark L.
My faviorite time to visit is breakfast... again for the coffee.. Their Caffe Con Leche is fantastic...
(5)
Steve D.
You have to try the corn! I could have had 5 orders of just this and would have been totally satisfied to call that dinner. Their steak enchilada was very very good too. The plate came with 2 enchiladas, black beans, rice, and some lettuce. Combine all that with a plate of plantains and you will leave smiling, stuffed and satisfied.
(5)
jessica k.
all i have to say is... TRY THE CORN. it's worth the trip.
(4)
Matthew M.
I ordered a cuban w/fries for delivery. They have extremely polite and courteous staff. The delivery was fast. The food was hot and delicious! Hungry and its late...order from Cafe Habana!
(3)
Tiffany C.
the corn hit me like love at first sight. ever since that last bite, i have not been able to stop thinking about how HEAVENLY the experience of eating that corn was and how much i will have corn withdrawals here in the bay. an explosion of flavors in every bite: the sweetness of the kernels, the creaminess of the spread, the spiciness of the chili powder, the sourness of the lime juice, the saltiness of the cotija cheese. such a simple concept but seriously the best combo of ingredients ever! luckily you can get the corn at the to-go store next door just for that quick fix. also had the skirt steak with huevos rancheros. the meat was SO juicy and tender, well marinated, and the rancheros sauce with the egg were lip smackin! really enjoyed the rice and beans as well. portions were humongous! the only drawback was our 1.5 hour wait. the place is really small and just like any other place in NYC, it gets extremely crowded on a friday night! put your name down and walk around soho for a little bit. made time pass by a little faster! they have a cafe habana in malibu and im seriously thinking about catching the next flight down there to cop some corn :)
(4)
Sera C.
grilled corn - simply amazing roast pork - drool. IDK what they put in their rice but it must be crack. cuban sandwich - best I've ever had
(5)
Matt M.
I went here the other day to find it closed because some a$$hat cab driver plowed into some people standing out front. I always stand on the front stoop, with drink in hand, when waiting to sit down. Maybe they need to put a boxed tree in there or something because the fact that two people got mowed down here seriously scares me. Hopefully it reopens soon.
(4)
Barbara J.
Corn and Drinks - THAT'S ALL FOLKS!
(4)
Devin R.
I've been coming here even before I moved to NYC and I still love this place. Always satisfied when I leave here... always with a smile (and a full belly). Obviously the mexican corn is a must. Get your toothpics ready though! For entrees, I usually get the skirt steak with rice and beans or the pulled pork but everything on their menu is scrumptious. The place is really small though and the tables are sometimes too small to serve large appetites like mine but that's a little sacrifice for a worth-it meal! Certain times can be too crowded. I say go during the transition between lunch and dinner menus around 5-6pm. However, even if you have to wait, its well worth it!!!!!
(5)
Chris C.
Go there. Get a Cuban Sandwich. Get grilled corn. Wait. Eat. Done. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Amy L.
Everyone on Yelp has raved about the Mexican grilled corn and for a reason! YUM! I was a little skeptical when it arrived since it has a layer of mayo on it with some crumbly cheese that kind of looked like grated parmesan (but wasn't) some chili powder on top and served with a wedge of lime. So good!! I love grilled corn in general but all of those extras made it unique and sooo tasty! Would go back just for the corn... The entrees were ok. We ordered the grilled skirt steak and pulled roasted pork. Both were good, but nothing amazing. I've had better. I'd also pass on the limeade - it was a little too sweet and didn't taste like fresh lime. Boo. This place is TINY!!! Def not good for large crowds. Since it small, expect a wait and very intimate seating options. I felt so bad for the folks that got seated right next to the entrance/exit and the folks seated by the bathroom - that sucks!
(3)
David L.
Ive eaten at many a Cuban restaurant in my day, but this by far offered the best eating experience. This place is in fact small, and there will most definitely be a wait if you go at prime lunch/dinner hours. Its cramped at times, and can be a bit of a inconvenience, but its well worth it. The corn is a must, followed by the pulled pork - one of my favorites.
(5)
Will V.
The great: The corn was amazing but you don't need me to tell you that. Get the corn. Even better than the corn were the waitresses, it was eight on a Sat night, the place was jammin and these two chick rocked it. Friendly, attentive, helpful truly awesome service. One was even hostessing and serving, unbelievable! I was really impressed, I have been in the restaurant business for 10 years and let me tell you these chicks rocked. Nice job ladies! Still hurting from a beer tour the had a strawberry limeade which was great and non alcoholic. My girlfriend on the other and had a very alcoholic capreinia which was strong but really well made, a couple of them will put you on your ass. Next time, sign me up. The good: The Cuban was good too, not greasy pressed bread like you would expect, a bit thinker, fluffier but made a great sammich. The roast pork was good also, nice portion and cooked well. Not dry like I was expecting from other reviews. The bad/ugly: The fries sucked, didn't bother us anyway since we could afford to skip the fries after downing all the other great eats.
(5)
Kevin V.
Th Cuban sandwich was absolutely perfect. Crispy bread, tender pork, juicy meat and cheese. So great. Add some Mexican corn and you've got yourself way too much delicious food. Way too much than you should attempt to eat in one sitting. But you will, because it's just too damn good to save for later.
(5)
Paula E.
I've never actually eaten at this place. I always get take-out since it's right in my neighborhood and the place seems to be packed every time I walked by it. I'm obsessed with their cuban sandwich and their mexican fruity flavored sodas (not a fan of the french fries, too greasy and blah for my taste). I guess I'll have to actually eat here and order something other than their cuban sandwich which is one of the bests I've had in NYC, really it's that good. I'll update my review then to give a more well rounded rating of this place.
(4)
Cindy A.
Grilled Corn! All I think about when somebody mentions this place. Thanks to a friend's suggestion we decided to check out this corner hotspot and boy were we glad we did. The corner entrance is for the eat-ins while the middle entrance is for the take-outs. This is good to know because the place does get crowded and that delicious aroma flowing out from the open doors/windows in that tiny restaurant might just entice you to take it on the go. Fortunately for us it wasn't too busy so we were seated right away. They won't sit anybody unless the party is all there but there is plenty of spots to wait outside, on the benches or the tree boxes. We ordered 2 orders of the grilled corn covered with chili power and the yummy white stuff (I thought was salt originally but turns out to be cheese as later I found out) We also had a taste of the fish tacos, steak taquitos, and the Cuban sandwich. Everything was delish, the portions were filling and the prices were alright. The only thing I wasn't too crazy about was their hibiscus tea. Perhaps cause I've had it better elsewhere..I'm probably going to skip it next time I go back and try the Michelada instead
(4)
Jetlagged S.
Best roast corn outside of Central America! I'd come here for that alone (since there appears to be a quarter pound of butter and cheese on each ear) - yum! But also wonderful tacos - shrimp and fish - and friendly happy waitstaff from the hostess to the bartenders. Always a wait but the fashion show on the street is quite entertaining until you get your table. BTW the best seats are the three at the end of the bar by the window which are better than table seating. No one bumps into you there.
(5)
Rich M.
Favorite restaurant in my neighborhood. Love the Cuban, Pollo Mirador, Grilled Corn, and the Margaritas! ZZ is awesome so are all the other girls that work there.
(5)
Kent W.
I love the corn! Woooooooooo. This place is packing and the food is smacking! Remember how they say to follow the crowd? Yeah. They weren't wrong about this place. I like rubbing elbows with everybody, and I love cramping my six foot frame into the small seats. The pork entree? Pour some Tapatio hot sauce, and you are set. Epic. Entrees are served with yellow (best color) and beans (Beans Beans Good For Your Heart - The More You Eat - The More You Fart) * the chicken was a little on the dry side - pollo baby.
(4)
KT V.
Came here a few weeks ago with my friend, and overall, it was pretty good. The wait was about half an hour long, but I expected that since it was a small place that was quite popular. I decided to come here after reading reviews that they had shrimp tacos, and boy, it sure is hard to find in good tacos in the city. I'm from Cali, spoiled with some real Mexican food back home, and now that I live in NY, it's more than a journey to find a place that can give me a taste of home. I was a little disappointed that after we got seated, they told us that day was NOT the day for shrimp tacos D: In the end, I settled for fish tacos, which were still really good, and I was impressed. However, I was not too crazy about the corn on the cob even with everyone raving about it. The corn itself was not sweet or juicy, just normal with some toppings to give it flavor. We got flan for dessert and it was good, up to the standard. Even though it was a smaller place, it was constantly packed, and there was only ONE waitress, so it was quite difficult to get her attention for anything, and I didn't even really see a busboy either. I still had a pretty good time, so definitely would return to try the shrimp tacos on the day they do have it, and hopefully at a time when they're not so busy.
(3)
Wendy C.
Delicious! Had the grilled steak and added grilled onions on the side with black beans and rice and a side of sweet plantains. Yum yum yum! The grilled Mexican corn was also delicious. Interesting mix of Mexican / Cuban fusion.
(5)
Jobu B.
Honestly, I like eating at the take-out section at Cafe Habana instead. It feels more Scarface Miami street cafe than the cool people eating inside the dining area. You just order off the chalk board and instantly get your food right away ,and then eat on a stool by the window or benches outside Elizabeth St. I represent Eggs with Chorizo, Rice, Beans, a Grilled Steak Torta, and Mandarin Jarritos. Don't bother me when I'm eating mang! Can I get another Mandarin Jarritos mang? OKAAAAY! I RELOADED!!!
(4)
Rosemarie T.
Came here on a Tuesday afternoon, around 3pm, for a "snack." With everyone raving about the Mexican Corn, I gave it a try... And I must agree, it's the best I've ever had (and I LOVE Mexican corn!). If you don't plan on eating much, you can go next door to their To-Go spot, where you don't wait as long & get your food faster. The corn was grilled, topped with cheese and chili, and came with a slice of lime. Totally worth $2! *review was for April 2011 visit
(5)
Jeff S.
Can a restaurant really get 4... or even 5!!! stars due to a corn on the cob? Well, in my opinion no. But - it would be 2 if it wasn't for the corn in my book, so it is as good as advertised. Then again, put that much butter, lime, and spice on a nerf football and eat it and it's bound to taste nearly as good. This place is one of those "trendy" places where people like to say they've been... the food is neither Cuban or Mexican. It's not bad, and it's not expensive, but it's not great food either. The corn is delicious. If takeout didn't take 45 minutes, I would eat it more often. The cuban sandwiches are pretty good as well... and the plates not half bad. But, I just can't get over how painfully popular this place is when the food just isn't all that. There are places I am willing to wait to eat at... but this just isn't one of them. In any case, I'll give it a 3....and I'm going to take a nap now.
(3)
Share W.
Really crowded and small restaurant. It's endearing because they do make good food and drinks. Service is always done with a smile. The dishes, I can never finish. Something about rice and beans combined makes it heavy for me to digest. Every time I frequent here, I always order up grilled mexican corn w/cotijo cheese, chili powder and lime (i ask for more cuz I like it tart) and a mango & jicama salad. I then pick off of my friend's dish, which she always gets, grilled skirt steak w/rice and beans. Their cuban sandwich is not too shabby, but I've had better. It does taste very home styled, so I give props for that.
(3)
Winnie N.
Best corn of your LIFE! It used to be $2 but now it's $3.95 but it's so worth it. It's deliciously grilled, covered in a blanket of cheese and chilli powder. Mmmmm. You need to try it at least once. They have a small place where you can sit and enjoy your meal or a take out place around the corner. The place where you sit is really small and cramped but the food makes up for it. They have delicious pulled pulled pork and chorizo burritos. If you live in the neighborhood or want to avoid waiting in line they also deliver so definately visit this place. Mmmmmm....
(5)
anne s.
I LOVE this place. I LOVE the corn I LOVE the steak...but i don't love how the place is this small (). i say order to go!!! and bring me some corn while youre at it! =)
(4)
Monica T.
I can eat their CORN every single day!! it's amazingly addictive! Everything else on the menu is so-so...nothing wow
(4)
Ariel V.
Do you believe in love at first bite? Well, it happened to me when I ventured to this cozy Cuban diner. I stepped in and I was immediately transported to a tiny street corner in Havana; with Buena Vista Social Club playing on the dingy speakers, one of those 1940's era metallic ceiling fans providing a gentle breeze, beautiful waitresses that look they just came directly from el campo (the rural mountainous areas for those non-Spanish speakers), and a bar serving ice cold mojitos that make my mouth water upon first sight. I ordered the Mexican style corn and the Cuban sandwich, and once I took a bite from both of those in a fraction of a second I felt a bliss I haven't felt in a while, I was brought back to when I was a little kid when I used to eat Cuban sandwiches with my grandfather in some hole-in-the-wall cafe in Puerto Rico. At that very moment I fell in love at first bite. First you should definitely come here at all costs. Yes, the place is small and the wait is sometimes long, but trust me it's all worth. This is not just a restaurant, this is an experience that stirs all the senses. The Cuban sandwich, the grilled corn, and the mojitos are all must gets.
(5)
Sasha C.
two words: GET CORN. forget everything else on the menu. matter of fact, you won't even recall what you order aside from the corn anyway so why waste time! GET CORN. its so warm, buttery, creamy, perfectly seasoned sweetness from the corn goes so well together. just chow down on the corn. the place is super small and cramped so forget it if youre claustrophobic. they do take reservations but they arent always good honoring them. just GET CORN, and forget the entrees.
(4)
Annie E.
Came here with a group of four on a Saturday night and had to wait an hour for a table, but the huge Cuban sandwich, grilled corn, and interesting cocktails were more than worth the wait. The tiny cafe was absolutely packed (we had to wait on the street during most of our wait time), but by the time we sat down, the energy of the crowd just added to the fun of the evening. The only sub-par item on the table were the french fries that came alongside my sandwich (I should have followed the lead of my Miami-raised friend and substituted black beans for the fries). Other than that, the food was delicious, the vibe was fun and I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)
Prina B.
6 words: Mexican Style Corn on the Cob. This is the perfect snack while shopping in Soho.
(4)
Matt M.
Despite the hype on Yelp, I really thought this place was overrated. Granted, the grilled corn was really good, but the Cuban Sandwiches were really boring and had no real flavor. Admittedly, there may be other dishes that are better, but I feel that a place called Cafe Habana should have a great Cuban Sandwich. Since this place failed that test, I doubt I'll be back.
(2)
Kaitlyn L.
Popped in here on a recent visit to New York, and it was terrific! I got there at 11:45am on a Friday, and didn't have a wait to grab a seat at the bar. Not sure it's worth all the hype, but it was a wonderful meal that really hit the spot. I got the grilled corn and cuban sandwich. The grilled corn was unlike anything i've had before...the sammy was a great comfort sandwich, but nothing beats the cuban sandwich at Paseo in Seattle :)
(4)
Shah Q.
You want corn? This is the perfect place for you! The food is ok, not my favorite but the corn is the best thing on the menu!
(4)
Danny C.
I was really stoked about finding a Cuban place around this area, and my cousin had highly recommended the elote here. I found most of the food to be pretty bland. I had a Cubano, shared some of the pork sandwich, and had a couple bites of the tostones and elote. The elote was just not very flavorful, and the cubano turned out to be deli meats inside a partially grilled flat-bread sandwich. Sauce in there was scant, but there was some homemade pork. Not sure how this thing was voted best in NY, but it's supposed to be buttered on the outside, right? That didn't happen either. The pork sandwich was way better and looked like it took more time to make. The tostones was sadly the best part of the meal. Not sure what dipping sauce came along with it, but it was fantastic. You're probably not going to find a spot to sit in here at lunch, so go forth and enjoy your food as you walk the neighborhood.
(3)
Kimberly K.
I am a corn fanatic, and i have never had corn like this!!!! Cafe habana's grilled corn is covered in cheese and spiced goodness called heaven. Had their Cuban sandwich -the pork was melt in your mouth, but I think it started to dry out as time passed. Also had a chicken mole burrito which I thought was pretty darn good, too!! Thoroughly impressed by the flavors of this place, all at very decent prices ($2 for a corn, $6-7 for a sandwich/burrito)! I'm glad to say I did not have to experience the long lines that the rest of the reviews speak of, so my experience was probably a bit better than most others'.
(5)
Jamie L.
3 stars because their grilled corn is one of the best things i've ever eaten and the prices are great. we've been here multiple times and cycle through the same dishes - grilled shrimp taco, cuban sandwich, enchiladas de mole poblano - and all are good but not super impressive. again, the prices are great and you'll get hooked on the corn! if the wait is too long, just pop over next door to their to-go area. usually, the seats are open to sit and eat anyway.
(3)
Erica K.
Yum!! I came here with a friend who wanted me to try their corn because it was amazing! I thought, "corn, how great can corn taste?!" Well let me tell you, it can taste AMAZING! Place is small, service great. Gets busy and crowded during main dinner times.
(5)
Kimberly H.
I adore this place. Grilled corn is to die for. Full of flavors in every single bite. Honestly would recommend any dish. Everything I've had has been incredibly tasty. Atmosphere is fun, loud and cramped- like I just stepped onto real Cuban soil. Worth the visit!
(5)
Jessica H.
I wish i lived in manhattan for the sole reason of having immediate access to cafe habana whenever i want.. its heart breaking that i live so far away and there's not a worthy substitute on the west coast.. the grilled corn is the best thing to be invented by this restaurant.. a few years ago my cousin brought me here when my other cousins and i were visiting for christmas.. and that everyone is the start of my love for cafe habana and their grilled corn.. i've been to manhattan three times and every single time i make sure i eat here at least once.. not only is it the grilled corn, but the rest of their menu is quite delicious as well.. usually we order the cuban sandwich and that never disappoints.. but thats not why i'm here.. back to the corn.. ..whatever magic theyre stirring up in the kitchen is working because each time i order the corn its always the same delicious corn i remember.. grilled to perfection with their cheeses and spices... and it even comes with a small bed of greens, which actually complements the corn quite well in my opinion.. whenever my friends tell me theyre going to ny i make sure they go here and try the corn.. i always look forward to when i'll be in the city again so i can be reunited with this place
(5)
Liz M.
Been coming here since it opened, not much has changed. It's almost always crowded. If you don't mind sitting on top of people and having waitstaff lean over you all the time then you'll be fine. However, that's a big if. The food is good. I usually get the rice, beans, cheese, veggie plate. It's always been good. Also, their corn on the cob is to die for. However, sometimes I wonder why I keep going back when the waitstaff sometimes act as they are doing you a favor. Do waitress/waiters forget they are serving food for a living? They can act really snobby here at times, I don't know why. Having said that sometimes they are fine. It really depends. It's a tight spot but has good food, so I say go try it out and see if you can deal.
(3)
Tuan N.
One word of advice, get the fucking corn.
(5)
Julie L.
Well I think it's all about the atmosphere here. I was referred to this place by the lady in a nearby shoe store. She said it's a good place to people watch. It was a tiny little place that resembled a diner inside. It was sort of cute, but cramped. Some of the food looked wonderful, but my choice was probably not the best choice in a Cuban restaurant. I had a salad with grilled chicken and corn. It had tortilla strips in it, which I did not know about, and they pretty much consumed the entire salad. It took me about 20 minutes to pick them all out. They were in a pile on the side of my plate, and there wasn't much else to the salad. Very little chicken and a small amount of lettuce. Alot of people were ordering the grilled corn on the cob, which looked great, but I would not have eaten it since it was slathered with mayonaise and then sprinkled with grated cheese of some kind and then a line of some type of hot sauce. I did have a side of black beans. Those were good. Anyway, not really my cup of tea, but I think the locals like it.
(3)
Nida K.
I'm very sad to say that I wasn't impressed with their food. With Cafe Habana's positive reviews, I had high hopes and felt like I just wasted my money here. I went with the two fan favorites: Cuban Sandwich and Grilled Corn. My Cuban sandwich was dry or maybe that's just how Roast Pork is, but I simply wasn't a fan. As for the corn, I didn't know that it would come out smothered in mayo. Yuck! I'm not a fan of mayo due to the fact that it's unhealthy and especially since there was so much of it. I really wanted to like Cafe Habana especially since I got to two most popular things on the menu. I would've even overlooked the fact that people were in my personal space and rubbing up next to me if the food tasted as good as the hype.
(2)
Ashley M.
this place is awesome. all the food is great - gotta try the grilled corn
(5)
Yashar Y.
Ahhh, Cuban Sandwiches! The place is good for only two things in my mind, Their mexican corn that goes for 2 dollars! and their cuban sandwich. The place is super small so expect a bit of wait, however, u if u want to u can go right next to door and order and grab a seat wherever you can and eat. I would not want to take a date here, as the place is not that romantic, however if u wanna grab a fast and quick bite to eat this is the one to try. The sandwich is amazing and we have got their roast pork dish too in the past, which is also just as good.
(4)
David P.
I have to be honest I have never tried and real "food" here. However I have tried after hearing so much about, the grilled corn here. Let me tell ya, that grilled corn isn't a corn. It's a amazing awesomeness of flavor in your mouth in the shape of a corn. The Corn- It's grilled to perfection and it comes with melted cheese and some (lime? don't quote me on that one). It sounds really basic but the mixture of corn and the flavor of the cheese and somewhat zingy taste of a lime is just amazing. If you haven't tried it's a must! The price- It's very cheap! Only a couple of bucks for the corn. So make sure you buy two at least because after the first one, you are going to have a craving for another one!
(4)
Danielle W.
Honestly........ 5 stars for so many reasons. 1. Location 2. Price (oh yes...this is truly amazing) 3. Food is awesome 4. Did I say price? 5. Atmosphere The Location is a hot spot Nolita and near anything and everything you want to walk to. My friend even said she "wasn't cool enough for this area". We ordered the Mexican Style Corn (2 pieces) and the corn were incredible. Grilled to perfection with the right amount of toppings... Yum. I had the shrimp tacos- 2 tacos in the order w rice and beans. Heaven! YUM! I was satisfied, but the servings weren't too large or too small. Just right. My friend had the pork tacos- amazing as well. Our plates were cleaned!!! The atmosphere is kind of dive-ish / dinner-ish. Loved the feeling, the music, the bartender, the everything. Yum Cuban Food.
(5)
Marc K.
Got the corn and fish and shrimp taco, was good but not amazing. Place also.very loud
(3)
Leah L.
Breaking News: "Grilled corns are taking over Soho." I was tickled with joy to find Cafe Habana, cuban food with family vibrations and good music. Habana has the BEST corn on the cob in NYC (I have ever tried)! What makes it so cool, it that it stays true to its roots with its seasonings of chili powder, lime and cheese. We arrived on a weekend (caution! long lines), placed our name on the list, and waited for about 40 minutes for a table for 4 people. We wish they had a more up-to-date reservation system like OpenTable to make waiting a bit more bearable. It was worth the wait though! Once seated, we ordered the battered Catfish tacos with cabbage slaw and spicy crema . An order of the Pollo Mirador (sauteed chicken breasts with garlic spinach and yellow rice). The chicken is my favorite! I order it every time. The fish melted in our mouths, the chicken was buttery and tender, and all of the sauces complimented each dish. Drinks Section -- The cocktails are sweet and strong. Frozen margs and mojitos are very popular here. If you like sweet drinks, I think you will be satisfied. If you do not, I believe they have spicier concoctions as well. To close, I will just say that Cafe Habana caused some gastro-phoria uproar in my girl - clique; so, If you do not share -- I totally understand. Check it out and do not be shy to try something new:-)
(5)
Jake S.
a MUST go in the Nolita area - the grilled corn is to die for, just get an order for yourself because there is no way that you are going to share.. The cuban sandwich is amazing as well - a BBQ/grilled ham delicious concoction with savory pickles that is among the best i have ever had. There are a couple of goat cheese- corn based dishes that are really tasty as well. drinks are very reasonable price and definitely not weak! great dark and stormys and tequila/cherry-sunrise drinks! be prepared to wait a while though, as its pretty popular, but nolita is a cool area so you can pop around, grab a drink and hang out in the neighborhood. Also, as your group gets much bigger than 4, the wait time goes up exponentially - 8 or more, just skip it and find a new spot!
(5)
Nina N.
it was ok, the corn was the highlight of this place but the other food was just meh.......
(4)
Scott S.
Great food. Corn is fantastic. Be prepared to wait- but it is worth it!
(4)
Kenny C.
Good food, poor service. There were five of us, and a 20 minute wait (which was reasonable). When we were finally seated, they gave us two tables with chairs against the front window. The tables were probably the width of an open magazine. We asked the waitress if we could wait for a group to finish so we could have their booth, and she said yes; she'd just have to clean it up and wouldn't take our orders yet. So we waited probably 10 minutes, and then as soon as it's all cleared, she tells us we can't move there because someone else came in and had a smaller reservation. She definitely got the "under promise and over deliver" thing backwards. Anyway, we were stuck by a small table. There was a strong, cold breeze whenever anyone entered or exited the restaurant (which happened a lot, since there were a bunch of people asking how long the wait would be, and they had staff members moving takeout supplies and food between this place and the order-to-go place next door). We also had to get up to let people pass through to sit at the corner counter. Really annoying. Onto the food. The grilled corn was amazing, as others have attested to. It was the most delicious and most unhealthy corn I've ever had. If you don't like mayo, you may wanna stay away though! Two cobs per order. I also had the grilled pork chop, which was good, but not great. A little hard to cut but the mushroom sauce was creamy and made up for it. The yellow rice and black beans really filled me up as well. Now back to the poor service. They forgot one of my friend's orders completely. Not like it was taking longer cuz they started it late or ran out of rice. Our waitress literally told him that it would take another 20 minutes for his dish to come out as she was serving ours. Really unprofessional for a place with so few tables. But she did give us a free order of fried plantains to make up for it. They were mediocre. Worth coming here if you have the time and want to try the corn. I hear brunch here is nice, but I don't know if I could stomach the wait. See what I did there?
(3)
Brian C.
I go here for the grilled corn. The chili powder, the cheese, the lime... most delicious grilled corn. I often will grab an order or 2 of corn (they come 2 per order) and just stand out on the street gnawing away at the flavorful, spicy, tangy, smoky corn cob. The food here is decent, and you do get that sweaty, humid Cuban feel here (especially in the summer). The brunch is tasty too... but seriously... attention back to the corn...
(4)
Trevor F.
There's quite a bit of hype about this place. I gotta say for a crowded, somewhat small restaurant on the LSE chock full of hipsters with ironic t-shirts its actually a pretty nice, welcoming atmosphere. The service was good, I hunched over at the bar counter and a friendly dude dished me up some quasi-cuban treats. I asked him what the popular dishes are and told him I was thinking about the mole enchiladas and he actually said thats his least fav cuz its a non-chocolate mole (its specified on the menu as well). This was good to know since I was definitely wondering how the mole would be without the chocolate. He even went further to let me know the chef is a diabetic so thats why he cooks up a different preparation of it. I gotta say, anytime a server is actually honest with you and doesn't just try to push any dish you ask about, I'm impressed. And if you're a diabetic, rock on with the low sugar mole. I ordered the pulled pork dish. It seemed relatively authentic and everyone else seemed to be chowing down on it so i figured it might be the main deal here. Okay, so I wasn't blown away. I really wanted some sauce or something on the pulled pork...it looked and tasted very fresh but it was a little more on the bland side. On the upside, it wasn't too salty like a lot of carnitas dishes tend to be at shitty restaurants. The rice was seasoned fine and it also came with black beans. Overall, for over 10 bucks I expect more. I really wish I got the corn, since everyone has been raving about it, but I was definitely full by that point. I will also say I ordered a margarita on the rocks and he gave me a nice heavy pour in a big glass. Honestly this guy kinda earned it the extra star, otherwise I woulda given it 3. That drink was the best value at 7.50. But I will go back again and try the corn and see if I can get a carnitas burrito or the steak enchiladas since they're supposed to be good. As far as the ironic t-shirts, the bartender's was for a plumbing company...really dude? you work for a plumbing company? I thought you were the barten-- ohhh I see what you did there you clever dog.
(4)
Ashley T.
Cafe Habana is absolutely one of my favorite places in NYC. Get the grilled corn, even if you don't like corn. Its amazing. (and it comes two per order). I usually get the enchiladas suizas, which are also pretty good. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait 15 - 45 minutes. This location isn't huge either - its perfect for 2 - 4 people. They can't really accomodate any more unless they join tables, which means.. more waiting. All in all, definitely one of the places on my must-eat whenever I come back to NYC.
(5)
d l.
corn with chilli powder and cheese! yay!!
(5)
Ryna D.
I've been here for brunch before which is great but as for it being the best Cuban spot? You're kidding, right? This SoHo spot is popular because its been used as location for films and is consequently another scene spot. This is great diner food at best. For delicious home cooking style Cuban food head to Cafe Cortadito.
(3)
Wendy G.
I went there due to the words of mouth "best Cuban food in town". Sure, very noticeably, you get this attitude of "hey we are so popular, I don't care if you come back or not". The service here was slow, inefficient (while keeping a million ppl waiting), and essentially bad. The only thing they do was to fill your water. But honestly at such cheap price (~10bucks per entree), this place is of pretty good value. With that said, I got the grilled corn, which was very yummy (and fatty with lots of butter, a bit cheesy, and a bit spice at some portion). The grilled shrimp taco was amazing; the chicken enchiladas was a thorough letdown - avoid even if you are normally a fan of the dish like myself. We also got a side dish of plantain - pretty standard. Honestly whether you love or hate this place, it's basically equivalent to if you like to eat their SAUCE. The flavors all came from the generous portion of sauce. Don't get me wrong, after all it's a diner spot. You might as well set the expectation low...
Off the chain! I was lucky and arrived just before noon on a Tuesday while the place was still empty-ish. I went ahead and was seated while I waited for the rest of my party. Once my friend arrived, we immediately ordered the corn on the cob. You have to order this - it would sacrilegious to not! I don't even know how to explain this it was so good. Actually, I didn't realize that mayonaise and cheese on corn could be good until this magical day in my life:) After the corn, we ordered our entrees - my friend selected the Cuban sandwich and I selected the shrimp taco (which was 2 tacos and on the app menu). Both were outstanding. Service was quite shoddy as I only saw someone when food was being dropped off. I was out of a bev for a while and we waited for the ticket even though we had boxed up our food. However, all in all, great experience!
(4)
Cassaundra N.
The food was really good. I had the Cuban sandwich, tostones, Mexican corn app, and a strawberry limeade. I had been waiting to see if it was as good as it sounded and it lived up to it. Sadly, the service brought down the experience hard. We put our name in and were told it'd be a 30 minute wait. No big deal. We left and came back after 20 to see that not only were we no longer on their list, but we'd have to wait another hour to be seated! We decided not to leave again and stayed inside staring at them until they decided they'd have a table for us sooner than expected. We all knew what we wanted before we sat down, but no one seemed to care because no one came to help us for a good 15-20 minutes. Thankfully, our food came out fast after our order was taken. We ate, enjoyed, but we're dying of thirst because no one ever checked to see how we were and offer refills. We finally flagged someone down for refills and went back to enjoying. I really did love the food, but I think if I ever have the urge to go back I'll visit the to go Cafe Habana they have around the corner instead.
(3)
Jennifer G.
Lovely little spot in the SoHo neighborhood that's definitely worth checking out. I tried the corn on the cob and the cuban sandwich and they were pretty delicious. Being from Los Angeles I've had my fair share of Mexican style corn on the cob, and although Cafe Habana does a pretty good job there was WAY too much cheese on it, I mean it was smothered in cheese which kinda overpowered the taste of the barbecued corn. The cuban sandwich was perfect: warm, toasty, and full of flavor. 5 star for the sandwich! I'll definitely be back to try the avocado burrito. The atmosphere and setting of the place is also very cute.
(4)
Heather M.
If there was half stars this place would get 3 and a half, good service and good food, very small place where you end up waiting outside. The only real gripe with the place is for how small it is it seems so disorganized and takes a while to get drinks and place orders. I only ate off brunch menu but had good options and will prob return to check out dinner.
(3)
Alf O.
This place is overcrowded, and the food is not really worth the hassle. We were quoted 15-20 min wait, but ended up waiting almost 30 minutes. Once seated, I was starting to regret our visit. It was so tight that the guy on my left was poking me in the side with his elbow as he tried to cut his food, and the guy on my right kept accidentally rubbing his leg against mine. If you are over 6' or broad shouldered you might want to skip this place all together. To make things even more fun we were seated near the door and were blasted with cold as people swarmed in and out. The food is nothing worth noting. The menu seems much more Mexican that it does Cuban. It seems that I'm in the minority here, but think I have median tastes, and was not impressed. The service was fine, and the people working here seem nice.
(2)
Ike Phillip R.
My wife and I found Cafe Habana a couple years ago after a late night search for a spot to eat. We absolutely loved the place, being that we love finding little hidden gems throughout NYC. The wait is ALWAYS long, and we "used to see why, but after our dining experience tonight, we can no longer say that this spot is one of our faves. The service has gone from bad to worse, with the hostess making you feel as if she has forgotten about you. Once you get seated, it's a continuation of that same feeling of being forgotten. It's akin to the feeling when your parents forgot to pick you up from school because they were sooooo busy at work, only your parents are bouncing and dancing around to the soundtrack at work. The portion sizes and buzz effect of the drinks used to be this harmonious conjunction but now they are two estranged lovers looking to reunite with each other. I remember in the past getting a portion of food that left me full beyond my heart's content and a buzz from my drink that made me want to dance like a dervish. Now, I feel like I need to go home and have a late night snack and dip into my stash of the old hooch. Won't be in a rush to come back anytime soon because I've been severely let down. I think someone realized that they were giving people way too much food and people weren't buying enough drinks, so they decided to skimp people. Definitely not a good look, because we all know that in NYC, word spreads like a fire sale.
(2)
Anthony N.
One of my favorite Cuban restaurants. The lines here can get ridiculous so I advised going at off-peak hours. Otherwise the wait can be 30min- 75min, not TOO bad for NYC. The ambiance is not the greatest, cleanliness is blah, the service is okay, and also this place is pretty cramp so expect to be elbowing someone the whole time while you are eating. So because of how cramp this place is, I do not advise going during the summer when this place becomes an oven. The food here are very good and cheap for what you get, especially in NYC. Like all the other yelpers suggest, GET THE CORN! Overall: I highly advise everyone to come here during non-summer time and during off-hours like 4pm or 10pm and also GET THE CORN!
(4)
Gerald G.
Grilled corn!
(4)
Maryam H.
100% worth any wait time. NO LIES!!! Super tiny spot but the perfect little taste of Miami in Soho Although our service was a litttttttle shotty ill ignore it because of: - CORN ON THE COB: omg. OMG i don't even want to know the different kinds of unhealthy that went down on that corn but DAMN. real good you all, real. good. Didn't even mind having to pick it out of my teeth all night. DAMN. - CAMARONES: the shrimps..... if only there were 3 times the amount of food. My friend ordered this, and seriously i had one bite and was jealous i didn't order two meals. delicious!! -TLACOYOS: my meal. SPOT ON. corn boats stuffed with goat cheese, beans, and tomatos with rice on the side. perfect- absolutely. -DRINKS: my friends ordered multiple- 'nuff said. Can't wait to go back and try everything else all at once.
(5)
carol h.
DO Not GO HERE! My friends raved about this place. I was excited about trying it out. However, we never had a chance to eat here because the hostess was prejudiced, rude, and simply nasty. After a 10 minute wait ,the hostess called our name.. She offered the 3 of us the counter. I explained that we were celebrating a birthday and preferred to sit at a table ( the restaurant is very small). However, because we did not take the counter she now told us it was a 45 minute wait. Then preceded to seat people who came in after us.I asked to speak to the manager.(she was it). The hostess was angry that we did not take the counter and simply let everyone go ahead of us. This is bad business . too bad they don't understand the importance of word of mouth. POOR WAY TO TREAT CUSTOMERS.
(1)
Jen T.
Thank God Lindsay Lohan was leaving as I got there, because this place would've been 1000 times more packed than it already was. After 30 minutes waiting and almost having our table given away to people who came after us, I would say it was an OK experience. The food is good, but I've had better Cuban. And the corn... haven't you guys ever hit up those little carts that sell them for $1.00 ? Tastier, authentic, and practically the size of my forearm (and I'm no Oslen twin). I'll probably try the TO GO place next time.
(3)
J R.
CORN!?? Is that all people ever talk about here? Okay--you guys win. I love the corn, too. But I always eat it at Habana To Go (next door).
(5)
Scott B.
This place seems always to be hopping--lots of full tables, lots of hustle and bustle, a wait for tables during prime dining times, etc. But, to me, I haven't yet figured out what all the fuss is about. Why? Well, because my first experience was just okay. In fact, I went to Havana Cafe for an early lunch w/ my friend Kat (before the crowd got there), and the service was exceptional. However, the food was just OK, and that made the experience less enjoyable for me. I had the chicken quesadilla, which seemed like a safe bet, but the tortilla was a little burned tasting, and the ingredients inside the quesadilla were just okay tasting... and not very flavorful. I will say that the beans and rice that accompanied the dish were very tasty, so that was a plus. But, other than that, I wasn't very impressed. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing (or the chef had a bad day) because, based on the crowd, this place seems to have a following. Plus, I have read plenty of positive reviews for Havana Cafe praising their grilled "street" corn and other dishes... so maybe I will give them another shot and order something different. In regards to atmosphere, Havana Cafe has a diner look and feel (50s style tables, etc.). This was kinda cool and inviting, and I appreciate the aesthetic. And, with that said, I wasn't so turned off that I won't return. In fact, I hope to go back and try other things on their menu... and I'll be sure to update my review if I go back.
(3)
mi l.
I dragged the bf here since I was on an elotes (grilled corn) crave after having it for the first time at la esquina. The place is tiny, the tables were tiny, you'll be able to hear the conversation from the next tables over since you're practically sitting only inches apart. The wait was about 15 mins for 2 on a Tuesday night at 7:30pm. However, for this night none of it really bothered me. We ordered the grilled corn (a-duh). It was cheaper than la esquina. (here it was $4.25 for 2, la esquina charges $4 per corn.) But for some reason I think i enjoyed the ones at la esquina more. they were bigger, juicier, had a nicer grilled corn taste. Don't get me wrong these were still pretty good ! I would have liked for the spice to be lightly dusted all around instead of just concentrated on the top though. Shrimp Tacos (2 tacos plus rice & beans for about $13)- pretty pricey since im paying $13 for two tacos, im sure majority of people hardly touch the filler rice & beans. However, the BF did try the rice and he said it tasted like they added butter and that it was good. The grilled shrimp had that nice grilled flavor that i like, like it just came fresh off a grill. They were perfectly cooked and juicy too. BF ordered the chicken mole enchilada- i took a bite and it was ok. Ordered a limeade and it was wayyy sour. Didn't finish it. Should have gotten one of those yummy looking mojitos next time :( If I come back, I would order the corn again, mojitos, shrimp tacos, and maybe something new to try. Worth visiting.
(3)
Lili K.
I was pretty disappointed, since the corn really wasn't that good. I've had better. This corn did have some cheese and spices to it, but it wasn't hot at all (temperatures can do a lot for you), nor was it the nice, buttery type of corn I like to devour. I got the chicken sandwich and it didn't fare too well, either. Yes, it had some spice to it (not much) and was pressed into a slightly greasy way, but it wasn't savory enough.
(3)
M Amanda P.
The few times that I have been here --- I must say - I have never been disappointed! THE CORN---O.M.G. to die for! Who knew corn on the cob with mayo, cheese and chili powder would make such an addictive combo! I just cannot put into words how good it is - but it is definitely a must try! The ambiance is quaint, cozy and inviting. The food is exceptional and the service is awesome. Even during a packed lunch hour, they are able to accommodate patrons quickly and serve them promptly. I Usually get the grilled shrimp tacos and let me just say - HEAVENLY! Although this is a small space, they do make sure each experience is a good one!
(5)
Jimmy C.
I must agree with everyone. The corn here is awesome. The way they prepare the corn is unique - with powder cheese and chili. I have yet to duplicate it successfully. I have had corn grilled with satay sauce - a trick i learned in China, is also good. But this corn is great. Unfortunately, I don't remember too much about the other quesadillas or the carnitas. But I'm sure it was good, too. The join is a little small and crowded. The restroom was even smaller. But I didn't mind since the food was de-lish'!
(5)
Eileen C.
I didn't want to be here. It was crowded on a humid, sweltering day. It appeared to be poorly ventilated with only a few flimsy fans spinning in futile hope of achieving improved air circulation. The place resembled a beat down trailer home with 40 people packed tightly inside. Despite that, it was all well worth it. To reiterate practically every other review, it's all about the corn. For $3.75, you get two cobs smothered in cheese and chili powder. I suggest ordering one per person. You are going to want that second corn cob, and will soon be regretting your philanthropic decision to share. I got the Chilaquiles verdes con pollo, which were good but I'm never in the mood to be burping corn tortilla and green chili all day, which definitely has less to do with the food and more to do with my gastronomic technical difficulties. I should have gotten the Cuban sandwich. Another plus: Eye candy behind the counter!
(5)
Patrick N.
This place is great, I prefer the take-out spot because sometimes it's not as crowded. The corn is obviously great, and everything else on the the menu is solid if not terrific. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is because the service can be iffy, especially if you get delivery.
(4)
Alicia L.
I'm not gonna lie. I tried this place because I walked by one day and saw Ryan Gosling eating inside. I'm glad I tried it though. The corn is friggin awesome! Unfortunately there's not much else to rave about. I'd give this place 3 stars, but the corn alone bumps the rating to 4. There's usually a long wait, which is why I've only had dinner here once. My roommate got the pork chop (HUGE) and I got an enchilada (mediocre). It's best to skip the restaurant and order some corn from the To-Go place in the back and be on your merry way.
(4)
Billy L.
MMM the last time Goulet was in Cuba shooting cocktails with Mike Corleone a revolution broke out, much like everytime Goulet stops at Cafe Habana before tearing down the house at Carnegie Hall. Mo-Jito Anyone MMM? The picture perfect location in NoLita only adds to the charm of this restaurant, which can be overcrowded at times, but overcrowded in the wow I want to be here sort of way and not "Eww get me out of this guido's hair" sort of way. I'm a sucker for Cuban Sandwiches and really enjoyed grabbing one and eating outside moreso than sitting at a table, so that's what I've done everytime since the food is the same at both the restaurant and the side cafe. Plus, I love people watching, and the location is perfect for sitting back and finishing off a long day of work, shopping, or a day filled with everything even if you've done nothing.
(5)
Brian G.
This place is always packed and there is good reason for it! Go. Stop reading and go. Now. Get the grilled corn and share it with a friend. Get the yuca fries. Finish your meal off with a cafe con leche and ogle the beautiful women who dominate the staff. Go. Take a date, take a friend, go alone. Just go.
(5)
Sarah W.
Very good food! What is not to love? It's set on a cute corner and all the windows are open like your sitting outside. And the music played suits the atmosphere. The restaurant is usually packed but it is well worth the wait. I think we waited for 40 minutes. But you could see from what was on other peoples tables that it would be good. Plus my two other friends who brought me here tonight love it. First we ordered the corn on the cob which is amazing. Coated with cheese, chili, and lime is squeezed on top. Really spot on good! We all ordered enchiladas, I had ordered steak and they ordered chicken. I wish I ordered the chicken because I think the steak is a bit tough. But it tasted great with fresh cut avocados, rice (very good) and beans. Great restaurant, don't miss it!
(4)
Linda T.
If you see people standing around the corner of the street, you've found Cafe Habana. Its quite a small place and at times you may be sceptical about waiting for a table, but no fear there is a take out right next store, grab some of that yummy corn or one of those delish sandwich and have it on the bench or a park near by... trust me, you wouldn't regret it! It is taste bud heaven!
(5)
Yaahmee T.
I feel as though there's nothing more to be said other than the seats at the counter are the best seats there....hands down.
(5)
Megan L.
The friend I was visiting suggested going here. It seemed like a cute little spot, though we opted to eat outside because it was even hotter inside than it was outside - given the heat and humidity this weekend, that's saying a lot. Anyway, the menu looked good and there were a lot of people around so it seemed promising. I was getting annoyed, though, because my order was taking FOREVER. Like the people I was with (who ordered after me) were almost done eating by the time my sandwich was done. So I didn't have the best frame of mind when I started eating my steak sandwich but good grief it was worth the wait! Wonderfully flavorful! I will definitely be back next time I am in NYC.
(4)
Justin C.
I dream of the CORN here!!!! This place takes breakfast to another level!!!! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY..... All the servers are super hot!
(5)
Kat G.
Discovered this place whilst I was staying in a stunning loft apartment in Soho which I rented through Wimdu. Used to go here for breakfast, amazing huevos rancheros and bloody marys!!
(5)
Thompson L.
IF YOU ARE HERE FOR THE CORN...GO AROUND THE CORNER!! Please don't wait on the silly line for a table... you can just walk around the corner and there's an older Cafe Habana selling the same corn without a line. The Grilled Mexican Corn is a deal at $2 a pop. It delish and one of the most delicious things I've ever ate. Srsly.
(5)
Dima L.
OMG with all the reviews I saw on here I thought I was in for a treat :( the corn was the only good thing we had.. the enchiladas were sooo bad.. I couldnt even force my self to eat.. the service was really sweet I can tell they were trying to accommodate but place was tiny and a long wait on a weekday! def get the corn and eat it outside..not a treasure
(2)
Melissa T.
The grilled corn is SO good and a MUST TRY! I came here after hearing from friends and others how good the corn was. They were right!! I'm not even a huge fan of corn itself! The place is pretty small and cramped, so try not to bring a large group. I would definitely come back for the corn and to try the other dishes, which looked huge and scrumptious. I want to try the Cuban Sandwich next time!
(5)
Amie R.
let's put it this way. if the apocalypse came tomorrow and you had never tried the grilled corn from cafe habana... you really had never lived anyway.
(5)
Tomas R.
Not the most comfortable from a seating perspective, but the food is fantastic. I particularly recommend the grilled corn and Cuban sandwich. Fun people watching also.
(4)
Danny R.
My GF and I came here and loved in. Situated in a great area and amazing food. This is the best grilled corn in the city and I've tried a few places. You come here for the corn and then you don't have to worry about ordering it anywhere else. The cuban sandwich was pretty good too, I recommend it. Also great, it was a decent size lunch (not big, but not small either) for two of us and didn't hit me too hard in the wallet. This is some of the best Cuban food in the city and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
(5)
Joyce L.
I thought this is a great Cuban restaurant according to Yelp, but my husband told me this is actually a chain. Well, I'm not a fan of chains. I supposed to eat with a friend there about 2 months ago, but due to the arrival of the first heat wave of 2011, we decided not to make ourselves suffered by eating at a restaurant with no AC. Well, I didn't know that until I got to the restaurant the saw all the windows are wide open. I went there with another friend the following week. I ordered the roast pulled pork and beans. The roast pulled pork had some citrus flavour and it's quite good. My friend ordered some kinda shrimp with rice which was not that special! The portion of the food is quite small and the food wasn't hot enough! I'm not sure if we ordered the wrong thing or what...the restaurant really didn't impress me! Maybe I should have got cuban sandwich instead? The service is ok as it was really crowded and you kinda forced to leave as soon as you are finished...
(3)
Jon R.
Yelpers never lie. I salivated reading the reviews of the grilled corn, and my friends, Yelpers have not been over-hyping this treat. It is a delight and a must. I couldn't believe that corn could taste that good. So incredibly delicious. For my entree I ordered the Cuban sandwich, which did not disappoint. It was so incredibly hearty and filling that I only finished half, and had an amazing lunch the next day. As for the place, it is tiny and you will need to wait, and yes, you will probably sit next to strangers, but the food is out of this world and I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Yvonne C.
terrible line.. how dare you make yvonne chan wait? shes a princess. no one makes her wait.
(1)
Rachel P.
Came in from the snow to get a summer's taste of corn on the cob last night. The place was very tiny, but we didn't have to wait long to get seated. The turnover rate here is very good. Have you ever had something so good that you nearly started crying when you were 7/8ths of the way done with it? Because you just didn't want it to end? Is that a new low for me?(yes) Yeah, I felt that way with their grilled corn last night - grilled, smothered with mayo, chili powder, and Parmesan cheese. It was hands down one of the best things I've ever eaten. I also got the taquitos with guac. They were both really exceptional, but I just wished I had corn, and nothing but their corn for dinner. It was just such a hard act to follow.
(5)
M. N.
Delicious corn, great Caiprinha. Enjoyed my Sopesitos as well. Downsides were the extremely long wait to be seated, very limited seating, and long wait for the food to arrive.
(3)
Cher A.
It's really good and the corn is to-die-for. The rice dishes are really good and the Cuban sandwich was amazing. The shrimp taco was just okay though. The shrimp was burnt and it wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped. The tables are unbelievably tiny to the point that you have to put your drinks on the window sill because thats the only way to fit your plates on the baby tables. There is very little to none elbow room and there's barely a place to move around. Having said that- the food for the most part (with the exception of my last meal there)- is so good people come back time after time and wait a long time to eat.
(4)
Victoria C.
I would have only given them one star, because this review is based on a terrible dining EXPERIENCE, but the food and drink saved the meal.... and that really is the most important thing, isn't it? Honestly Cafe Habana is good, not the best, but better than average. I came here for my second visit last night, a Saturday evening around 630. The restaurant didn't seem absurdly busy or crowded at the time, but we put our name on the waiting list and were told there was a 30 mins wait. That was fine, and reasonable, so we told the server/hostess we would walk around the block and come back a little while later. When we came back (no longer than a half hour later) she recognized us and got us a table within 15mins, very reasonable given the small nature of the restaurant, and the fact that it was prime time Sat. night. This is when the dinner began to completely fall apart. First of all there were only two servers and one bartender (and one hostess that showed up while we were sat) supporting the entire restaurant. Our server didn't come over to greet us, or make any attempts at all to acknowledge us, for over 10 minutes. At that point she comes over and simply says, 'Hi, are you all ready to order?'. No apologies, no attempt to make us feel welcome or provide any information/offer any hospitality. At that point we were indeed ready to just get our order in and cooking. We ordered drinks, three alcoholic bevs and a soda, and three entrees all at once. After seeing no movement for awhile at the bar I finally saw the bartender get to work on our ticket. After he finished making the drinks I watched as they sat on the counter for close to ten mins. That was probably a 15 minute drink wait in total, and our food actually came out a mere 3 minutes later! That's terrible ticket timing. We asked for napkins and waters at that point and received them promptly, BUT god forbid we had any other requests or issues throughout the rest of our meal because our server NEVER came back to the table to check in. Once we were totally finished with our meal she cleared off the table and dropped the check without offering or asking if we wanted another drink round and/or desserts. Our waitress was extremely unprofessional, absent from the dining room many a times, and seemed to be actually just hanging out at the register area for no good reason. The table next to ours was loudly complaining about their experience as well. Andddd, the bathroom was pretty disgusting, wet with trash strewn about. I've been here before for dinner earlier in the summer, and I know it's an extremely high traffic spot, but they really just dropped the ball last night. Positives???? haha Food wise I absolutely recommend the shrimp tacos. The fish tacos are also good, but the tacos al pastor were dry and sort of bland, and you should try their 'claim to fame' grilled corn appetizer. Really good frozen flavored (mangooo) margaritas, and you can actually taste the alcohol in them! Obviously I really didn't even want to leave the waitress a tip, but since I'm in the industry I felt like I couldn't totally stiff her, and also because I plan to come back and give this place a last and final test before I banish it to the 'bad list'. I really would hate to do that because the prices are good for the quality of food and drink that you receive. Service just needs to step it up.
(2)
Megan C.
Worst service ever. Prices are reasonable for the area and the food is good. Service at this place just puts it on my banned restaurant list.
(2)
May P.
Amazing amazing amazing. We always go to the carry out around the corner, as the restaurant is always super full with a 45 minute wait. You must try the Cuban sandwiches with the grilled corn. Omg amazing! And they have Mexican coke too:)
(5)
Valerie M.
Esquites...as close to the real thing I've had in NYC!
(4)
Kris P.
Great! Got the Cuban sandwich at the express spot next door. Bread was crispy; pork was tender. Perfect!
(5)
Henry T.
Grilled corn is a MUST here! IMO, it is their selling point and main attraction. They sprinkle some parmesan cheese onto a grilled corn. You can choose to squeeze a slice of lime onto it or not--I did, and it was delicious. The cheese just melts in your mouth while the juices of the corn and lime takes over your taste buds. SO GOOD. You get two cobs of corn per order. For my entree, I ordered the skirt steak with huevos ranchero. The steak was good. It was tender, and was indeed medium rare as I requested, but it wasn't as exciting as I expected my steak to be. Maybe the standard was set so high since I had previously eaten at Chez Jacqueline's the night before (whose steak is amazing there!!!). The inside was still tender and juicy, though. The rice and eggs were amazng! I loved the spices and seasoning they added to the rice. I gobbled the rice up quick! You also get some black beans with your order. No comment on the beans...they're just beans. All in all, the place was nice. The actual environment is pretty loud and compact. But hey, it's New York...most cafes/diners are loud and compact as hell! TIP: Come early and put your name down (we had to wait 30 minutes) or tell a server you're here waiting for a table for ___. Then take a quick stroll around the area, maybe go to a bakery and have a cupcake. Once you come back the server will remember you (as she did me!) by name and bring you to your table if one is ready. :)
(4)
Nina I.
You must visit Cafe Habana and try their GRILLED CORN (5+ stars for the corn)! It's a must. Before visiting I asked my friends where the best eats in NYC are. The one place everyone had on their lists was the corn here. Grilled to perfection with some type of cheese (someone said cotija cheese), chili powder and lime. We were staying in the area so I actually came back here 3 days in a row for their corn. I was obsessed. Yummm! The Cuban sandwich was packed and pretty good...but I corn steals the show! The photos don't really do it justice. Big tip is that if the main restaurant is busy just go for the take-out line next door...by the time you get your order, a seat may open up! There are a few tables and counter seats. One other day we went quite early and got counter spot in the restaurant side right away. Be prepared for a wait if you're coming around lunchtime it's gonna be busy!
(4)
Crystal C.
A totally hidden gem. It definitely is cozy but the food is amazing and the staff is very friendly. You definitely feel like you are in Cuba. You must try the corn. It is roasted with mayo, Parmesan cheese, and spices. It sounds weird but it was yummy! I also had the roasted pork dish which included shredded pork, beans, and rice. It was delicious! Just add a little lime and it hits the spot.
(5)
Michael L.
Ate: Corn (was told that I had to try it) and the Cuban sandwich (voted best in NYC) Drank: Limeade - yeah! Liked: Cramped seating, loud atmosphere and great food made me imagine that I was really in Havana. Disliked: Cramped seating and loud atmosphere got tiring about 10 minutes in. Chicken: Plenty on the menu, but I opted for the Cuban. Would mom like it?: Mom would make some comment about how bread is for poor people as she's eating (and enjoying) the Cuban. Would I go back: Yes if not for the long ass wait. Recommend: Go early and be prepared to wait. There's takeout around the corner if you can't handle the wait.
(4)
Rachel T.
For all of the positive reviews I was surprised to come here and only give the place 3 stars. I really enjoyed the ambiance- it was extremely small but colorful and very helpful and nice service. Even though there was a line outside the door we were seated immediately and brought our menus and ordered in a timely manner. I ordered the avocado and cheese sandwich. The bread was great-however the rest of the sandwich was nothing too exciting. I enjoyed the plantanes as a side but as far as cuban food goes I have had better.
(3)
Ms V.
Don't go to this place without trying their GRILLED CORN! It's super delicious, and for less than $5 for 2, it's a pretty damn good deal. I had their Chicken Diablo Sandwich and it was the best sandwich I ever had. The chicken was moist and full of flavor, definitely drool-worthy and made me want more and more with each bite. The jalepenos served on the plate were a nice touch, allowing me to control how spicy I'd want my next bite to be. My friends ordered other sandwiches, but while they were good, I think mine was the best ;) As a tourist, it's definitely the restaurant to hit-up when visiting Soho in NYC. I will definitely come again!
(4)
Neenz R.
One word. Corn. I mean, there's other great food on the menu. I love the enchiladas suizas and the pollo mirador also, but the corn will have you jonesin' if you stay away from it too long. I always try to take friends from out of town here and unfortunately, the wait to be seated at this tiny tiny little restaurant can be long. Up to an hour for dinner on peak nights. But I just keep telling them to trust me. And they are never disappointed with the amazing corn. Ok. Lets go back to the pollo mirador. The chicken is smothered in a lemony garlic sauce that's fit for sopping up with bread. And the spinich that comes with is also sauteed in garlic and has whole small roasted garlic. Did I mention this is made with garlic? When I'm feeling like I want to be able to talk after a meal, I opt for the enchiladas suizas. Made with not so much garlic but with lots of love. How else could something be so incredible that it made one dining parter of mine groan. Oh yes he did. Skip desert here though. The flan was unremarkable. Just order a side of plantains instead. Did I tell you to get corn?
(5)
Chris R.
My friend insisted that we go here for lunch and warned me that we might have to wait at least an hour for a table. We got there and a crowd of about 10 were gathered outside on the sidewalk waiting just to be seated! We went in to put our name on the list and luckily there were two open seats at the bar! We sat down and ordered right away! Started out w/ the roasted corn. Delicious! I ordered the Molletes (Cuban bread w/ black beans, melted cheese and salsa. I added the chorizo too) It was SO good. I was full from the first half but since I didn't want to carry around the other half while shopping in SoHo I forced the rest of it down, knowing that I'd probably walk it off throughout the day...and because it was too good, I couldn't stop eating it! Love this place, will definitely go back and try their other dishes and of course the corn again!
(5)
Danvin R.
It is truly as good as everyone claims it is. A tiny, and I mean tiny little place on the corner where the atmosphere inside just screams CUBA! Its awesome. :) Yes, definitely get the corn... it truly is a thing of culinary delight. I personally think its that touch of lime in the end... mmm... I'm drooling. I had the Huevos Caribe. Plantain Omelet. I've never thought much about that combination of flavors before, but it is really GOOD. My buddy had the Chile Quies con Pollo. Also very delicious. The crowds may be packed in there but the tables move fast. The waitresses are super nice and really add to the caribbean atmosphere. So get here, put your name down with the nice waitress and let your taste buds be amazed.
(5)
Micaela L.
I love Cafe Habana. The grilled corn is amazing (seriously. AMAZING), the burritos are good (especially the mushroom one!) and the special lime-lemonade is the most refreshing summer drink I have ever tried. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it's a small price to pay for a delicious meal. The avocado & white cheese sandwich is also fantastic. The take-out area adjacent to the main restaurant is a great idea, but the wait time can be FOREVER. I waited almost an hour for two burritos at lunchtime on the first nice day of the spring -- it was brutal.
(4)
Jo K.
remember when you were watching nacho libre (admit it, you know you watched it) and you saw him eating the corn and thinking, damn i need to get me some of that!! well, heres the place to go to fulfill that need cause their corn is the BEST and it's soooo cheap! i also like the hanger steak, and they also have a great selection of hot sauces like my favorite- Tapatio! yeah, the wait sucks, but you have to expect that at any yummy hole in the wall place in NY...
(4)
Sau y.
The sanitation standards were a bit questionable, but the casher/ host/ bartender/ waiter/ do it all man behind the counter seemed too nice for me to say a word of complaint when he cleaned out the expresso filter holder with his FINGER (which he just used to give change on cash, ring up orders, pick up the phone, etc- you get the drift. The place was packed. The food was great. What else can I say? Huevos Ranchero... Cuban Sandwich... Corn. Next time, I'm in for the steak salad or steak sandwich (looked damn good) and a couple of orders of that delicious corn. YES GET THE CORN! Our drinks were standard... hibiscus tea and guava soda (it's the syrup stuff- what do you expect)? Nice guy at the bar though... and pretty fair/ solid prices.
(5)
Justin S.
Apparently, there are two spots right next to each other. The spot on the corner of Prince & Elizabeth is for dine-in while the one further north on Elizabeth is more for to-go orders. If you're shopping on Broadway, make it a point to stop here for a break! We only stopped by for a snack...the grilled corn Mexican style. Pretty damn good so get one for yourself and don't share! The cayenne pepper puts it all over the top.
Went here with some out of towners for dinner last weekend (2/27/15) and had a great time. We were having some great luck apparently because as soon as we walked in a table opened up and we got seated immediately which never happens lol. Waitress was nice but slow and not so attentive but nothing horrible since were not in a hurry but we did have to flag her down a few times. Food was OK, we of course got the corn which was amazing, also a taco pork appetizer of some sort that was delicious. For dinner two girls ordered the steak which they liked but not cooked great and being from the west they had to get some tortillas with it lol. I got the fish tacos which were good. not the best I've had but definitely not complaining. All in all we had a great time with some good food. Would def come back if in the area but not if its out of our way.
(4)
Liz L.
Cafe Habana just feels like summer to me. A tiny ass restaurant that is constantly packed, and for good reason. The amazing corn on the cob with mayo, cotija cheese, spices and lime is a must every time I go. The cuban sandwich is pretty good but it gets a little soggy. The enchiladas suizas are amazing. They also have orange Jarritos to accompany a tasty meal. The waitstaff is fairly amicable, but definitely good-looking. I guess this is pretty obvious, because last time I was there, there were photos on the walls of all the waitresses, which were apparently also part of a Cafe Habana calendar. Hmm, okay. Anyway...I'd say the only downfall of this place is that you'll almost always have to wait at least 30 mins. for a table and it's pretty much impossible to go with a group of more than 3 or 4 people. Still, it's one of my favorite restaurants in New York.
(4)
Emily K.
Let's get it out of the way first: definitely order the corn. I almost passed it up because I'm not really a corn fan to begin with (yes, I still wasn't planning on getting it even if it was the first thing out of people's mouths when I mentioned "Cafe Habana" to them). It's... pretty damn good. Buttery, coated with a nice serving of parmesan, topped off with a spicy little kick. The roast pork with rice and beans was a good enough portion that I could have boxed up half of it and brought it back home, although it did a pretty good job of keeping me warm and pleasantly stuffed for several hours after. Crowded, popular hot spot, so make sure you come early or are prepared to wait.
(4)
Amanda S.
Went here on a Saturday and had to wait for about an hour. It's small but the wait is worth it. The cuban corn is amazing. Very fun and trendy spot to take visitors but be prepared to wait.
(4)
Lelia T.
If you've never had a great sandwich, you must stop by Cafe Habana!! I went to Cafe Habana wanting to try their corn and famous sandwiches. I was expecting to dine in and receive waiter service but when i got there, I was so excited to see the "Cafe Habana" sign that I totally missed the main entrance and went through the takeout side. So it was really tiny and I was disappointed cause we couldn't eat in there comfortably. That was totally my mistake. Make sure you look twice if you're looking to dine in! There was already a line, but it didn't take too long for us to get our food. My boyfriend and I shared the Cuban sandwich and 2 corns. It. Was. So. Good!!!! The meat was tender and it had the right amount of every ingredient in it. It's more towards the expensive side for a sandwich, but trust me, it's worth it. And the sandwich is huge! We each only had half, but it was totally filling. The corn was just as everyone hyped it up to be. Don't ask/think about the calories and you will enjoy it. Will definitely come back (and go through the right way this time)!!
(5)
Norman W.
My friends and I come here for one thing only - Mexican corn - grilled buttery salted chili goodness. The place is extremely cramped and there's always a line, but definitely worth stopping by for a grab-n-go.
(3)
Daniel P.
Super crowded always, extremely small and narrow--if you don't like eating dinner with strangers, this place isn't really for you (or me). But the fish tacos are solid, service rapid, and when you're in the mood for loud, boisterous, and cheap, it's a reliable end-game.
(3)
Paul M.
Corn is lifechanging.
(5)
Pan R.
The corn deserves 5 stars. Where else can you find super unhealthy, cheesed up, spiced up, and toasty hot corn? :)
(5)
Matthew R.
It's not often that I find places in Soho/Nolita that I find to be both fun and a value, however Cafe Habana ticks both of those boxes. I stumbled upon this place while wandering the neighborhood in seach of some grub. Music and the sweet smell of delicious food poured out onto the street. We waited for 45+ minutes, but came without reservations on a busy night, so it was to be expected. The inside of the restaurant is kitchy, but a lot of fun. Atmosphere oozes out of every pore of this establishment. I had the Cuban sandwich and Mexican Corn. They were perfect, and my meal was well below my $20 cap for a cheap meal. A fantasic little place well worth the wait!
(4)
Eva L.
A must go every time I go to that area. The corn is absolutely my love. BEST corn in the world. Also tried the sloppy joe's sandwich the other day. Very Very spicy! but delicious!!! There's always a lot of people whenever you go. So prepare to wait a bit ;) It's worth it! There isn't a lot of tables in the restaurant. Many times I just wait outside (sometimes I eat my corn outside haha) there's a bench. So I would suggest to go there when it's not too cold... Also, pretty good price ;)
(5)
Mandi O.
Probably the best Cuban food I've had so far in NYC. And the other reviewers aren't lying about the corn.
(4)
Kyle S.
I had the chicken diablo torta and the grilled corn on the cob. I'd like to mention one theme I've seen to a lot of other reviews. I see people on here complaining about the size of this place. Now, it can be frustrating to be in a small shop, to not find a seat and to bump into people. But this is New York City, people. And this place is downtown, in Nolita. Places are going to be small, so you just roll with it. The people complaining on here must be newbies to the city because anyone who's lived here long enough (I've been here 4 1/2 years) learns to accept the cramped spaces, especially downtown. To the food: really, really good. I'm not as high on the corn as most others on here. I found the Mexican cheese to be a little too overpowering. There's too much of it, for one thing. I scraped off half of it. I'm not a 'cheese makes everything better' kind of person. I love pizza, mac and cheese and cheeseburgers, but I don't need it on my eggs and on corn and with chicken and all that. Don't get me wrong, the corn was still very good. But it's not an epic food like many on here would have you believe. The diablo was quite good, although a tad bland. I think much of that is because I ordered it without the chiptole mayo. (I can't stand mayo.) That would have added some spice that the two chicken cutlets, arugula, roasted red peppers and black bean paste didn't have. But this sandwich, especially that black bean paste, was awesome. I'm glad I got it as a torta rather than a burrito. The whole lunch was $10 and change. This is a must-try kind of place.
(4)
Liz E.
The lack of one star is for one reason: food and drink not brought unless asked twice, or simply not brought out at all. Due to the hectic nature of this restaurant, it may seem easy for a waitress to forget, but that is still no excuse. However, there are food, even excellent aspects of this corner...madhouse. First off, there's the atmosphere. Tables are about the size of sliced bread and are neatly stacked right next to each other, making it very difficult for bag ladies such as myself to sprawl out amongst the seating. Loud music, loud conversation, and a bustling sense of urgency all add to the aura of the place. Lunch began with the famous grilled corn cobs, squirted with lime juice, slathered in sweet butter and sprinkled with snowflakes of queso blanco and spicy pepper. The kernels were like chargrilled little gems, each one of them bursting with a rich flavor as they became nestled between the crevices of my teeth (toothpicks are provided). These were followed by two sandwiches. Mine consisted of a supremely soft, pure white cheese layered with avocado, black beans, lettuce, tomato, and a pleasingly spicy mayo. The bread was crusty and chewy, and the jalapenos were scattered on the side to be added at the eater's whim (I did this profusely). My friend had the baja fish tacos which I had a few bites of. The beer-battered fish was not at all greasy, and was tamed by the salsa and shredded cabbage. I wasn't big on the rice and beans, but after being lured in by sticky rice and adzuki beans, it's hard to appreciate anything else. The check came to 22 bucks, which was a good job for two appetizers, two sandwiches, and one drink, all served relatively quickly. While I would not go running back tomorrow, I think a good idea would be to consider brunch, considering the place opens at 9 in the morning. Beat the lunch rush and, though the atmosphere might not be the same, I bet the food surely will.
(4)
Karen S.
This was the very first place I ate at on my first visit to New York. It definitely whet my appetite for the great time I had there. The cuban sandwich was excellent! Never had cuban food before so I can't really compare but I continued to stuff my face even though I was full. The corn was crazy good. What is that white stuff? Cheese? Cocaine sprinkles, whatever it was still makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Cheap and fun little place. Not a lot of seating but the food is perfect to eat on the go.
(5)
J J.
I think I'm giving it so few stars because it was so raved about by everyone and I was pretty disappointed. There was a tolerable wait on a Saturday afternoon. Like many Manhattan eateries, the seating was a bit cramped. My chilaquiles were salty and not very delicious, and the black beans that came with my dish were also not very good. My friend's steak and eggs were so-so. I guess the upside is that it's cheap. I won't be going back.
(2)
Jamel O.
When I first ate at this place I said, hey its cramped and people are waiting outside after putting their names on an imaginary list, these people done lost their minds. Then I discovered the to go place next door. Mexican Corn? I was like, yo my man, is that mayo on that corn? wtf? Are you serious. Nah, no thanks. Then eventually I relented. Rite of Passage. Seriously. It is amazing. I sometimes drive to this place just to get the corn (dont do so during the week before 7 cause you will get an expensive ticket, take my word for it.) Steak sandwich has a sauce and is decent. Could use a little more steak, but hey. The place isnt expensive but for the amount of steak in the sandwich, it leaves you scratching your head. However, the real deal is the CORN!!! Go there, get the corn. Take a friend and get a couple. Dont let them wrap it in the foil cause u lose the cheese (yes i said cheese). take those ears and sit outside. enjoy the day and your corn. You will be glad you did!
(5)
Peter K.
A friend told me about this hole in the wall, and I was not disappointed. Everyone get its... Corn on the Cob. A little messy, but definitely worth it. My friend told me to try the Pork Chops, but I went before 5pm, so I didn't know there was a lunch and dinner menu. So for future reference, the Chops are at dinner. Therefore I had to settle for the Roasted Pork, which was alright. My other friend, told me for lunch to get the Steak Sandwich. And he's a pretty good source to trust, so I would try that. The service is good, they make the food real fast, and it gets pretty busy, so if you've got a big group, be prepared to wait. I would have given it 5 stars, but I wish I could have eaten more things they are known for.
(4)
Michelle C.
One of the things that I look forward to in the summer is going to Cafe Habana to have their cuban sandwich and the Mexican corn while watching beautiful people stroll by SoHo / Nolita (?) One of the things that I do not look forward to in the summer is the loooooooong queue at Cafe Habana and the flies that hover around you once you finally get a seat in the cramped restaurant.
(4)
Jimmy Y.
Just like the previous yelpers...this place is awesome. Ate at the to go part of the restaurant because it was quick and the weather was beautiful so eating out was perfect. Had the cuban and the corn and both was delicious. Price was fair, it was almost 10 bucks for the sandwich and corn, and it was well worth it. Def recommend if your anywhere around the neighborhood. Oh yeah and +1 for the really cute cashier.
(5)
Max B.
I came here after numerous reccomendations from people from LA to London (seriously). Maybe there was too much hype, but I just wasn't blown away by Cafe Habana. That's not to say it's not really good, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. Per the enthusiastic Yelp reviews I made sure to get the corn, which was pretty damn good, if not a little caliente for my pussy taste buds to handle. I also got this corn masa thing that was stuffed with cheese which was good but too too salty. The highlight for me was definitely the scrumptious margarita's served by a sexy ass bartender. I also really enjoyed the ambiance. I went alone to avoid any seating drama and sat at the bar. I actually felt like I stepped into 1940's Cuba. The vibe was busy and chatty but relaxed and casual. The crowd was incredibly diverse and super cool. The waitresses are friendly and gorgeous. The prices are extremely reasonable as well. There was also some guy filming some documentary about the place and he kept sticking his camera in my grill while I was trying to just devour some corn. I'm sorry, but me eating corn is not a pretty thing, and I would really appreciate if you would ask me before putting a camera up in my shit while I probably have an obscene amount of food in my teeth and on my face. All in all, it was a good dining experience, I just kinda wished I discovered it by myself and didn't go there with a million other rave reviews in my ear. I'm pretty sure my one tepid review will not deter anyone and it shouldn't because this place is definitely one to swing by.
(4)
Jimmy L.
Corn and Pork. Two of my favorite things and put together... you can't go wrong.
(4)
Rowena D.
I love this place. Everytime I visit NYC I stop by here for lunch or dinner. The Mexican Corn is awesome as everyone else has mentioned. My other favorites are the Cuban Sandwich and the Pollo Mirador. I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Em P.
This is the place where I take all my visitors, and you can never go wrong with whatever you get. The Mexican Corn is a must! Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner....Cafe Habana is the place to go! Oh, and you have to have the Mojitos!
(5)
John C.
Despite the long wait, this place is absolutely a gem in SOHO. The prices are amazing and the corn is SUPERB. $15 for dinner in NYC?? Yes, at Cafe Habana!
(5)
Scuba K.
Mmmmmmmmm. I can only rate on take-away services and Cafe Habana es muy delicioso! We ordered the cafe leche, shredded pork w. rice and beans, and shredded pork sandwich. Everything was done to perfection. From the perfectly spiced black beans and rice to the flavorful pork (though a little greasy), I could eat this all the time. And I don't even like eating carbs!!!
(5)
Jack L.
For those who think oh, there won't be a wait on Wednesday at 7:30, you're wrong! And for those that don't think that, you're obviously smarter than me. It wasn't that bad though, we went across the street to Jacques and had a couple beers sitting outside under the heat lamp. There are defiantly worse ways to spend your time waiting for seat. Anyway, yes, good corn, blah blah blah, I think everyone who's reviewed this place has said something about it so I won't. In general, the flavors of every dish was very good. Even the rice and beans were done very well. But don't come in here to be blown away by the inventiveness or execution. It's really all about flavors at an affordable price. Oh, and end your meal with the cheese flan, it's actually better than their caramel flan,
(4)
Jennifer H.
My friend who lives in NY recommended this place so since I'm from Cali, who am i to argue? First off, the place is TINY (like many restaurants in ny apparently...) It's like the size of my apartment back in LA...or actually, it is smaller....so of course, the wait was long. We waited 50 minutes for a table for 5 people. But besides that, the food was awesome. My friend said that we had to get the grilled corn. It was smothered in all this goodness (for my taste buds, not so much for my health)...there was lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. So delicious but a little hard to eat since we were smushed together on a table meant for 4 people...and sitting extremely close to a couple that was probably on a date. Sorry. For the entrees, i got the steak and grilled corn salad, the steak was really tender and the mustard dressing was fabulous. My friends got the steak enchiladas that came with rice and beans (which was quite scrumptious) and the Cuban sandwich with fries (i wasn't able to sneak a taste, boo). Everyone really liked their entree and we finished off everything (probably because we were so hungry after waiting for almost an hour). You should definitely make the trip here once in a while...I wouldn't want to wait this long for food every time, especially since gyro carts take all of 5 minutes and are found all over the place.
(4)
Thomas C.
Originally went to checked out the diner part of it and i asked the waitress if i could order to go, she said go around to the next door as i did and it was the same Cafe Habana literally right next door. What amazing was the price for the same food was even cheaper than the diner like portion of the restaurant but hey i can't complain. Ordered the Cuban Sandwich and Corn as i was informed by many the corn is cannot be passed on. Got back on the 6 train back to my hotel, and i'd have to say it was the best meal i had in NY this trip. This place is a def. must visit if you're in NY. I liked it so much i wanted to go back the very next day. Unfortunately my plan was saying otherwise.
(5)
Tam D.
This was also another hot spot that my roomie and I had to try when visiting NY. On man- and boy were we happy that we did! Of course the corn is to die for and it speaks for itself when you order 2, eat one there, eat the other immediately when you return back to your hotel and still rave how it was the best thing ever....3 years later! Hopefully I will return once again to partake in corn-gluttony!
(4)
Sarah H.
One star gets knocked off my rating for this place because it's so small and crowded. I recently came here at 10pm on a Tuesday night and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. But once the food came I forgot about having to wait (yeah, I know, 15 minutes isn't that long, but I was hungry!). I'm clearly not the first to have said this, but the corn on the cob is simply perfect. Spicy, sweet, cheesy, and limey - it tastes like summer. Amazing. The one vegetarian dish on the menu was quite good too. I can't even remember the name of it, but it was basically a fried corn tortilla-like pouch filled with goat cheese and sundried tomatoes, topped with two different hot sauces. The black beans & rice here are awesome too. YUMMMMM.
(4)
Julie R.
4 stars for the food, minus 1 star for the lame service. It's a Wednesday night around 8:30, and the place is hopping, and I'm about to order for delivery but I stick around since the hostess says the wait is only 15-20 min. Half an hour later, our name is called and we pack ourselves into the tiny, crammed aisle along the bar while waiting for the hostess to direct us to our table. She then ignores us and keeps us waiting inside for at least another 30 min and only after repeatedly hailing her, she responds, "I'm checking". When we finally get seated, it takes way too long to get menus, place the order, etc. And the waitress brought me the wrong drink, but I was too tired to complain at that point. Besides it would've taken another half an hour to correct the order. On the bright side, the corn is deliciously grilled and seasoned with chili powder, lightly smeared with mayo and dusted with cotija cheese. Mmmm! The grilled chicken salad has nice fresh greens in a light vinaigrette and some corn sprinkled in. The pork chops come with a creamy mushroom sauce that is super rich, so arteries beware.
(3)
Ryan C.
the corn here is the most amazing thing ever. it's grilled and slathered with cheese and chili, and you douse it with lime juice and eat. i could eat many orders of it--$3.75 for two pieces. this is one of those dishes that can change the way you see the world. the other dishes are very moderately priced and the atmosphere is great. come early to avoid the crowds.
(5)
Esther K.
I am so addicted to the corn here! what's so special you ask? its the combination of the sweet flavor of the corn that is drawn out as it is grilled. they also slather butter/mayo on the corn and sprinkle on cojita cheese. Add a dash of chili powder and squeeze your lime wedge over the corn and it becomes pure blissfulness in your mouth! i am proud to say that i have made addicts of at least 3 other people in the past couple of weeks! what about the other food you ask? sadly i've only tried two other items here. i've had the chicken diablo sandwich, which is pretty good. For brunch i've also tried the chilequilles here. It was a bit on the salty side. Actually it was quite salty, might want to ask them to take it easy on the salt or sauce. oh and if you like spicy, ask them for their hot sauce! TAPATIO, BABY! Being from LA, i know my mexican hot sauces... and this one is by far my favorite! They also have a take out restaurant right around the corner. i've tried the corn here twice and both times i had to say the corn here was not as tasty as the corn in the main restaurant. so i don't think i will go back there for the corn at the take out place anymore. But if you need a quick fix and don't want to wait i suppose it will do the trick! mmmm.. CORN!
(4)
Jen B.
This place is getting a four star for there amazing Mexican style corn! Its to die for! Took so many friends here and they all agree! Now the other things! Took my best friend here for dinner since she came to visit from Chicago. We went to the diner and did not wait long for a table. We were excited for the food. She ordered shrimp tacos and I ordered some chicks. Dish. The food was not good. We were disappointed. My food was a little soggy and she said her shrimp tacos weren't tasty. Ugh! But we did have two orders of the corn and it was the best thing ever! my only other complaint is the waitresses there have a nasty attitude and I was not havin it! They need to step it down a notch. Meow!
(4)
Alberto G.
I used to go here for one of my clients and this was my lunch place for 2-3 days a month, my client has moved so i will miss you so much Excellent tortas (sandwiches) love the meat and chicken, the elote (corn) is awesome
(5)
Ethan K.
THE CORN.. hoenstly, don't even come here if you don't eat THE CORN
(5)
Jade M.
I knew the place was small but I didn't get how tiny it was until we got there. It seemed to be a little chaotic because the place is so tiny and everyone is standing the front by the door trying to get on the list. Be prepared to get friendly with the person next to you because there is little to no elbow room. We each decided to get something from the usual so I ordered a Cuban sandwich with fries and my BFF ordered the baja fish tacos that came with rice and beans and sweet plantains. Cuban sandwich - ham pulled roasted pork and Swiss cheese and some kind of mayo and pickles. Ughh I won't be getting it again, I picked it up my sandwich was dripping, I wasn't feeling the ham I NEED more cheese please!! and the fries were so so I didn't even get through a quarter of them. Baja taco- fish was room temp and wasn't seasoned very much. She ate it because She was hungry lol rice and beans were good and she thought the plantains were slamming Mimosa- bitter I ordered a drink called the Mexican I can't remember the rest but it was tasty. Now the grand finale the corn- I was kind of excited to try the corn because all of the hype that surrounded it, did it live up to the hype hmmm not quite. The taste was interesting, a welcome twist on grilled corn, it was kind of spicy but I wish it wasn't grilled to the extent of almost being charred. I wasn't thrilled with my first visit but I'm game to try again.
(3)
ben A.
Started off with a dark and stormy which was good but a lil small for the 10 dollar price. The corn on the cob was awesome could eat it as a meal. Also had the sweet plantains which were really good. I ordered the enchilada mole.. i have had mole once and thought it was gross.but ten years later I ordered it here and it definitely has strong flavors not really of chocolate. But spices. After three bites it grew on me and i inhaled the entire plate. The Rican beans are very good to.
(4)
Olivia C.
Really fun atmosphere and the corn looked delicious, but my dish was bland (chicken with soggy taco) and the black beans were incredibly salty.
(3)
Jimi C.
I don't understand all the rave reviews. Seriously... The food is just okay. I don't see how people accept the fact they have to wait for up to an hour sometimes to get in and then you're squashed into teeny tiny tables next people you will more then likely detest by the end of your meal. I mean really ... We are paying customers and we deserve better treatment. The wait staff is too tragically hip and the food is mediocre. Okay ... The corn is good. BFD!!!!! If you want good corn go to Iowa. The trip may be quicker then waiting to get a seat in this place. Back in the day when "Nolita" was Little Italy Cafe Habana was a nice little neighborhood diner called, "Bella's." Damn.... Things sure changed in this neighborhood after Gotti got arrested. Cafe Habana really needs to get over itself. And seriously people ... I said it once and I'll say it again. We deserve to be treated better when we go out to eat mediocre food.
(1)
Bella W.
the place is so small.. everyone looked really cramped sitting in there which is why they lost a star servers were friendly and attentive bu the food was yummyy! came here with my friend whilst shopping in soho. ordered a cheese&avocado sandwich and he had the roast pork with rice&beans and a side order of plantains. the sandwich was awesomee! so big! definitely worth it. the roast pork entree wasnt exactly what i expected because im so use to the portions in the hood i guess hahaha. it was still a good portion for one person but the plantains definitely disappointed me. they were soggy and sliced too thin and on top of that they were WAY TOO OILY!
(4)
William T.
One order of corn is two pieces dine in. First timer so had the 'best Cuban in nyc' and probably won't be the last. Get dessert nearby at the cupcakes shop.
(5)
Rania A.
Loved the food here! I obviously had the corn everyone speaks about! It was delicious... I never enjoyed corn on the cob as much as I did here. The. I had a seafood plate- cant remember the name but it had shrimp in a sauce with rice. Also another full of flavor dish that enjoyed. I didn't give this place 5 stars bc of the seating area and waiting service. It took a few min to get the bar tenders attention to order drinks before we for seated- also we were seated by the door, and when I say by the door... I mean almost outside.. And it was winter- so the cold air coming in from everyone opening up the door every minute did get irritating. Also the tightness of the place, I knocked elbows with the girl sitting to my right. I would love if they would buy out an extra place next door and expand- but then again, the tight atmosphere did make it that much more of a cuter place! Deff would recommend!
(4)
Jenna J.
Really fun place to grab brunch. I'm not that big a fan of this kind of food, but it was really good. The corn is a must-have. The frozen drinks are refreshing after a night out and the coffee is strong! Downside: it is a little cramped. The servers must have banged into my chair at least 5 times.
(4)
Arie E.
I was really excited to try this restaurant simply because a blog I follow raved about it and the things they usually like, I like. Not this time. The wait time wasn't really an issue since I anticipated it'd be a long wait due to its location. What was an issue was where my friend and I were seated (right next to the bathroom. I mean, there shouldn't even be seating so close) It's also very cramped in the restaurant, so don't expect to have any sort of private conversation. Now on to the food. Not good at all. I ordered the Pollo Mirador which was too soggy for me and I didn't like the rice at all. Maybe I needed an acquired taste in order to eat that. Maybe I should've ordered the highly talked about corn. Unfortunately I'm not a fan of corn. Overall, I think this place is overrated and is only a hit for its one hit wonder.
(1)
Venus R.
i enjoy their food, i usually order huevos ranchero con tostones or fish tacos. friendly service and a great bar also.
(4)
Samriddhi M.
Best corn I've ever had. One of my favorite places to go in NY. I always take out of town guests here because everyone should try the corn! Great brunch/dinner spot. This place is small and ALWAYS crowded so be prepared to wait.
(4)
Jasmin F.
One of my favs. Only real downside (aside from my "what not to order" list below) is the wait time. Expect to wait at least 40 minutes on any regular night. To avoid the long wait times I suggest coming her in the early afternoon if you can. What to order: -Elotes (grilled corn with mayo, Cuban cheese, and lime spread for all you newbs ;)) -Slow cooked pulled pork with rice and black beans -Cuban sandwiches -Cafe con leche if you love it as much as I do What not to order -ANY of their cocktails if you are looking for something yummy/fruity to sip. HOWEVER, if you are looking to get straight trashed before 9 or 10PM, then by all means come to this place and purchase a drink! Their drinks are so strong I guarantee TKO by 12 ;).
(5)
Jen P.
Pros: -LOVE the corns, but you must use toothpick after eating them. - Great location! - Not authentic, but great dishes. Cons: - Small bathroom is inconvenient. - Little or almost no space in between tables. - Long waiting period. Etc: - Serves brunch until 4:30PM in the weekends.
(4)
Tina T.
I eat the corn and steak sandwich here on the regular! BOMB.com GO NOW!
(5)
Jeremy S.
I'll give it to you - the corn is great. But that's it. Everything else about Cafe Habana is 100% tourist trap. The waitstaff is way too cool for school, and their Cuban sandwich is the probably the least impressive I've had in NYC (Sample size = ~12). Apparently there's a takeout window - I'd consider hitting that up for an ear of corn some time, but I have no interest in actually dining there again. Crowded, bougey, completely filled with tourists, and completely full of itself. Skip it.
(2)
Jared K.
CORN is the thing here. Yes, you heard me, Corn. Well worth the long wait to get in, Cafe Habana does not let you down when you finally manage to squeeze into one of the precious few tables at this NoLiTa gem. Get started with some Mojitos and order the griled corn on the cob appetizer. Liberally sprinkled with crack (ok, well, house made chili powder, cheese, butter, and some kind of sweet goodness), the puppies are unbeatable. I could have made a meal out of 4-5 orders of the corn alone. Be sure to squeeze some fresh lime juice into the mix here and lick the cheese off the peel. Wouldn't want that goodness to go to waste! But wait! There is life after the grilled corn. I followed this up with some absolutely delicious "chocolate-free" mole enchiladas over-stuffed with some very tasty grilled chicken. The reasonably priced portions are massive and you're not going to leave this place hungry. I recommend waiting for your table outside or at a neighboring bar. Cafe Habana is quite small and gets really cramped unless you're sitting down. Despite spending their evenings squeezing in between hungry patrons while delivering plate after plate of cuban goodness, the staff here somehow manage to stay upbeat and friendly. For dessert, step out front and light up a fat Cohiba. C'mon, you know you want to. Viva Cuba!
(4)
Krystle M.
I love this place, and I live around the corner and go really often. I just wanted to to give a few quick scannable tips for anyone going. - you are going to be sitting literally on top of other people, the waitress station or the bathroom. thats just how it is. - go at an off time, for example, before noon on the weekend, for an early dinner etc - if there is a long wait and you are ok with not having alcohol, try the "take out" section around the corner on elizabeth, they have a few seats - and yes, you must get the corn.
(5)
Pomi B.
My girlfriend recommended this cute little restraunt in SoHo called CAFE HABANA and I'm glad I listened to her. =) You must try the roasted corn smothered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder. YumMmMmm~!!
(4)
Geri C.
get. the. corn. lots of it P.S. - If you just want the corn, go to the take out stand right next door.
(4)
Ramy S.
Had dinner here last night for the second time. It was even more delicious the second time around. It does get packed really quickly and it is not that big of the place. Be prepared to wait and have a beer at the bar across the street, while you wait. On Sunday night, the wait was not long nor was it packed, thankfully because I was starving. As everyone says...the corn is D-E-licious. Make sure to get it! most important part of the meal. As for the drinks, there bloody mary's are bloody delicious. Has an extra kick to it. The food is good, I tried the steak enchilada and the meet was savory and tender. I do recommend that you bring some cash with you, just in case, as their credit card machine was down. Cheers!
(5)
Jeremy C.
Great hang over food....even better hair of the dog bloody Mary's and hot servers that have their own calendar? Does it get any better? Oh, and Lenny Kravitz filmed one of his videos there. He wasn't there though.
(4)
John S.
Showed up one crowded Sunday morning for brunch and was surprised at how quickly we could get a table. Waitress told us 30+ minutes, but it was maybe only 15. Good selection of American and Latin brunch and lunch options. Everyone was getting the corn -- will have to that next time, but until then, my steak and eggs were good enough to merit four stars. It's very crowded at peak hours, so be prepared to rub shoulders with other customers and make room for the waitresses moving down the aisle. Several of them appear to have had body-enhancing optional surgeries, so watch out for unexpected curves whacking you in the head as you get up from your chair when they're passing by.
(4)
A B.
I've been twice and i can't wait to go again and bring more friends. Excellent spicy bloody marys and mouth watering Cuban sandwiches. The breakfast dishes are tasty as well, but the real draw is the world of Cafe Habana. Their own calendar with pin-up girls, imported bottle sodas, and even the cramped setting make this place a fun little destination. Don't forget to try the corn on the cob. A trip to Cafe Habana is not complete without it!
(5)
Wendy W.
THE CORN!!!! Everytime I think about it, I want to kill myself for not ordering two more. This experience was four years in the making as I've been waiting to share this place with this one g-friend. Was here on a Monday afternoon on Jan. 21 and it was packed, but not out-the-door - thank goodness. What was crazy was everyone in there was Asian!!!! No problem for since I'm Chinese, but I literally haven't been in such a small non-Asian joint with so many Asian people in it. It floored me, buy hey it's New York City and that's one place where anything can happen. I can't wait to return to have a meal!!!! Thank You LL
(5)
Becca S.
There are a handful of places in this city that are worth whatever you have to go through to eat there--the waits, the hipsters and fashionistas, the squeezing 4 friends around a table the size of a child's writing desk--but Cafe Habana is not one of them. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course it is! The corn!! The motherf@*#ing CORN!!!! Aren't 783,000 reviews enough? PS--am usually relatively cool when it comes to celebs, but sat next to a very pregnant Maggie Gyllenaal here once, and almost died from cuteness when she asked what kind of juice they had. Also, she had the corn. PPS--so that maybe you think this is useful, here is what you do: arrive at least an hour before when you want to eat, even if when you want to eat is 4 pm on a Tuesday. Put your name in, and then go have a drink somewhere nearby for an hour or however long they told you to wait, because it really will take that long, and hovering outside watching other people eat the crack--excuse me, corn--will drive you bananas. Then when you're finally squeezed into your eensy weensy table, um, get some corn.
(5)
Edward F.
Amazing authentic food. The waitresses were pretty attractive. The ambiance was great. The place is a little small. But the experience is something to take back. I am from San Francisco, but visited this place last August and would definitely go back when I am visiting NYC again. The corn was excellent.
(4)
Yibing Q.
I was here at 7pm on Monday. Was told that the wait would take approximately 35 minutes. Went shopping in SoHo to kill some time. As usual, the queues in the shops in SoHo were insanely long. Came back 10 minutes late, and missed out on my turn. But the waitress in charge of the waiting list was nice enough to give me the next available table for 2. Coincidentally bumped into two friends outside of the cafe who told us that we had to try its grilled corn and skirt steak! We ordered and shared the following: (1) Grilled corn (2 large corns per order) - These corns did not disappoint and definitely lived up to all the hype in them. You definitely have to order them to make the long wait worthwhile! 4 stars. (2) Skirt steak (came with rice and beans) - The steak (medium) was really juicy and tender. However, I was expecting a larger slab of steak. The rice was delicious but the beans were slightly bland and hard. 3 stars. (3) Guacamole side dish - Not good. I could not taste the avocado. Too sour, probably due to an excessive amount of lime squeezed into it. Would not recommend anyone to try the guacamole here. 2 stars. Really sweet service though. 4 stars. Expect to overhear everyone else's conversations. It is a really small and cramped deli.
(3)
Cathy L.
I've been wanting to try this place for a while, but it always has a super long wait! Came here during lunch time on a week day and I only had to wait 15 minutes! Pros: Super yummy corn. I can't tell what kind of cheese is on it, but it was delicious, and normally I don't like most cheeses! Also, the Cuban sandwich was really juicy! Cons: The chicken quesadilla was unfortunately not very good. It tasted like cancer in your mouth, over-cooked! Overall, yummy experience. I'd definitely come back for the corn and Cuban!
(4)
Jenny S.
PREPARE FOR A MASSIVE WAIT!! (unless you're lucky & get a seat right before the kitchen "opens" since the kitchen "closes" btwn lunch & dinner) i'm glad we didn't have to wait too long for a seat because the food was just okay, kinda overhyped and not as flavorful as cuban food i've had in the past ----grilled corn (2 per order): BEST PART OF THE MEAL (& the only exception) never had it served with mexican cheese before!! make sure to rub lots of lime on it!! ----enchiladas suizas: nice cream sauce, but nothing too memorable ----roast pork: okay, not super juicy (served w/ standard rice & beans) the restaurant is TINY which means two things: turnover may not be so fast PLUS get chummy with your dining neighbors!! NOTE: they've got a bar, where the restaurant looks like it used to be the counter of a diner, so you can get drinks here while you wait!
(3)
Gregory I.
Food: Cafe Habana is amazing on two fronts; its cheap and its delicious. The chicken and corn is probably one of the best cheap meals I've had in the city yet (Maybe Dos Toros near Bleecker St. is a bit better, I'm not sure). The chicken is tender and well cooked. The corn is also good (Apparently they make good corn on the cob, but I did not get to try that). The dish also has lettuce and these little fried almost noodle like things mixed in with the corn. The best part, though, is the dressing they mix into this corn compilation, which I can only describe as ethereal. Atmosphere:It is really packed tight in here. The seats near the door are especially cramped since they are so close to the counter stools. Still there is a pretty cool vibe about this place. It has a 50's swag to it and the Hispanic music adds something cool as well. Service: The service is polite pushiness. The servers get your orders quickly and get your food out fast. Given that the place is small and pretty crowded, tables need to move fast. Takeaway: If you can handle being packed in like a sardine, you should be able to enjoy this place.
(4)
Sara M.
The food was very well priced for its good quality and generous portions. It was very tasty. I ordered the quesidilla with vegetables, and it comes with a plateful of rice and corn. It's in a great location in Soho. The tables were a bit cramped and it was very loud and crowded. The staff was nice but I did feel a bit rushed as we were eating. The table was squished between the bar and the front door, so it was a bit awkward. Overall, I would recommend this place if you want hearty good food, however the atmosphere was greatly lacking.
(4)
Mallory C.
so. freaking. good. go here. seriously.
(5)
Angela D.
Came here with some girlfriends to celebrate a birthday and have been back several times since. Let's keep it short and sweet since everyone has nailed it on the head. Awesome corn, awesome plantains, but let's make sure to give the Cuban sandwich it's due. It's the BEST Cuban sandwich I've ever had. I compare every Cuban I eat to the one here. The meat was just so tender and flavorful, the bread nice and crunchy toasty, and the flavors just melded together so beautifully! Cafe Habana, you need to open a location in LA. Please, pretty please!
(4)
Abby S.
Took some out of towners here for lunch one day. It was the middle of the week so it wasnt as busy. The hostess was very very nice and accomodating. The inside is super duper tiny but has really cool decor. cuban posters and murals galore! Its usually packed here but worth the wait.. Now the food... That Mexican style corn is pure CRACK!!!!! Sweet jesus it was soooo damn good i still cant get over it! You get two corns per order and believe me you are not gonna wanna share that plate. Roasted to perfection, sweet corn smothered in paprika and spices, covered in cheese and then the kicker... a squeeze of lime. mmmmmmm heaven! I still cant stop thinking about it. And its fantastic that they give you all these toothpicks too, just so yo are not walking around with crazy corn stuck in your teeth. Very thoughtful of them. I was going to order one of the specialty coffees but opted for the regular drip. No regrets here, it was amazing. Im an avid coffee drinker and it was one of the best coffees i have ever had. And free refills! Ordered the steak sandwich, and it was delicious. The steak was nice and tender, the buns perfectly buttered and toasted, and the chipotle mayo was yummy. I was disappointed that they didnt have any plantains (what kind of cuban place have no plantains?!) or ropa vieja? Weird. Overall an amazing lunch, cute little place, great service from super friendly people in the heart of soho.
(4)
Mariana S.
Delicious! A friend introduced me to this place and now i take every out state guest there. Every New Yorker knows about this place. The place is tiny and always super busy but the food is worth the wait. It's my favorite place to go to in the summer. They have a sit down restaurant and a take out place next door. The wait for the restaurant is usually long but worth the wait, They will not seat you if your whole party is not there. The take out place next door has same and a few tables inside and benches outside. Even thought it is crazy busy you the staff never makes you feel that you have to rush. Back to the food: Always have the corn when you go! it's amazing! The Avocado and Cheese sandwich is to die for also. All of my friends seem to love the Cuban Sandwich.
(4)
Jennie R.
I ended up eating here the other day while stumbling around aimlessly looking for somewhere to eat dinner at 10pm on a Tuesday. I had been here before and remembered it being good which was the ultimate selling point. It's a tiny place and was surprisingly busy but luckily we were given a two top table that wasn't squeezed in between other diners. Myself and my boyfriend each had a cocktail from the list - him a margarita and me a Dia Del Amor - both were good. We ordered the corn and the Sopesitos as appetizers (both delicious). For entrees we split the shrimp tacos and the fish tacos. While the flavor seemed good, it was difficult to enjoy either of the tacos because of the temperature. The fish was lukewarm, the shrimp was COLD as was the rest of the dish. Rice and beans came with the meal and while I enjoyed the rice, the beans were a little strange tasting. Overall, I wasn't terribly impressed. The meal was OK but I've had much better Latin American food and the cold tacos were extremely disappointing.
(3)
Nicole D.
Love this place. One of my favorite spots in the area. The seating is VERY cramped. You can literally breathe on the next table's plates while butting in their conversation. I've always ordered the grilled skirt steak sandwich and friend plantains. Fantastic.
(4)
Doris S.
I went with a large group, and the majority of my friends DIDN'T really like the corn, including myself. We all felt it was just a very.. strange. A combination of corn + chunky cheese + red spice seasoning = "This tastes.. interesting..." I'm finding it really difficult to explain the way it tastes, but I guess I'd recommend the corn to people just because it's so unique. Oh, but I do remember thinking that the corn tasted more like popcorn instead of your regular corn on a cob. The Cuban sandwich was really good, though! It's a huge sandwich that everyone ended up splitting amongst one another. Was it incredibly unique? Nah. Would I care if I could never have it again? Nah.
(3)
Raul V.
I don't know why this place is getting such high reviews. If it's for the atmosphere then maybe. As someone born in Habana, Cuba, who grew up with Cuban food and culture, however, this restaurant just got it right in the name and decor. The food is more Mexican than Cuban and it's not that good. I had a fish taco that Yelpers gave a high rating (I don't know where these people eat at.) and it tasted like burnt deep fried batter. I couldn't taste the fish for the life of me. The Cuba Libre was good but nowhere close to what the drink should normally taste like. The Mexican Style Corn was awesome and my wife liked the margarita (but come on anyone can make a margarita) so they get a star for those two items. I was comp my Cuba Libre because the waitress asked if the shitty seating was worth it for the food and I said "Sorry but no." I was seated just outside the bathroom door. It was super nice of her and she recommended I give them another try and have the Cuban sandwich which is what they are known for. Truthfully the girl next to us had it and she didn't seem to have liked it with the amount of hot sauce she was putting on it. She looked like she was bored and making art with the sandwich. If you want Cuban food go to "Cafecito". If you want better Mexican than walk two blocks to "El Portal".
(2)
Nick J.
Ate here last night. Two words - GRILLED CORN. I can't believe what i've been missing out on the past 11 years i've been living in NYC. Absolutely delicious. Went here with my wife and a few friends and we shared 2 plates of the grilled corn as an app - 2 pieces come per order. I don't think anyone spoke after we took a bite. The combination of the lime, chili powder, mayo, and cheese is unbelievable. For dinner I had the pulled pork with rice and beans which was amazing as well. But I can't wait to go back to this place and get the corn. It was that good. Highly recommend this place!
(5)
Jessica S.
The corn is of course amazing. But be prepared to have some toothpicks on hand. Had the pork tacos this time and they were quite tasty. The shredded pork had both crispy parts from the skin and soft meat from the inside. The salsa they give with it is also quite tasty. The prices are decent considering how much (well-deserved) hype this place gets. And suprisingly, on a Monday night around 6:30PM there wasn't a line at all. Be prepared for tight seating arrangements though and if you are trying to have a private conversation you may want to rethink coming here.
(4)
Chelle N.
Great service but the food was wayyy over hyped. I ordered the Roast Pork, the Al Pastor Tacos, and Cubano sandwich and although it was good, it didn't wow me as much as I'd expect out of a restaurant with this many reviews. I'm a little spoiled though, growing up in LA where there is an abundance of amazing Cuban and Mexican food. I feel like this place was an Americanized fusion of the two genres. It captured the basis flavors but didn't really have the soul for me. It was just another trendy restaurant in New York that people go to just to say they did. For hearty Cuban food, I prefer Margon in the Theater District! The Cubano sandwich here was better but I liked the quality and flavors of the meat at Margon. TIPS: - Cute date place if you want Cuban food - There's always a fat line but the waitresses are very nice and accommodating - I heard this place is known for their corn!
(3)
Rachel K.
THE CORN IS OMG. We went three times on our trip to NY and it was JUST for the corn. It's like orgasmic in your mouth and just perfectly flavored with just enough pizazz and spices! party in my mouth! The servers are very friendly and sweet and they seem so lively. The decor and atmosphere feels very "Cuban" like my friend says, but personally, I like a little more space when I'm eating or using the restroom. The Cuban sandwich was delicious esp. with lime but the casserole thing with green salsa was aiite. The line sometimes is hard to deal with when you just want that dang corn but def. worth the wait
(4)
Yvette O.
If you eat at Cafe Habana, of course you gotta go for the CORN. I had SHRIMP and it was great too but the star of the show was the CORN for sure. O-M-G! I just saw that there is a Cafe Habana in Malibu. I wish I knew months ago! Can't wait to try to West Coast version.
(4)
Sylvia C.
Background on me and Cuban food...I've visited many places around the US and they've all been good...but just good. Not phenomenal, or great, or something that I'll crave all of a sudden. I've also been to Cuba, but mainly filled up on seafood because they're an island, it's fresh, and their lobster is inexpensive and delicious. Other than that, I ate street food, so the quality of ingredients were lacking compared to Cuban restaurants in the US that have hygiene and food quality requirements. That said, I had a foodgasm at Cafe Habana. The Cuban Sandwich is the best I've ever had. The pork was fresh, plentiful and flavorful. The bread was crispy and soft. The fish sandwich is also one of the best I've ever had. The jalapeno peppers did the trick. Oddly, they use catfish, which I expected at least Atlantic cod, but I was able to overlook that because of the taste. The fish was lightly battered and fried perfectly to lock in moisture and not greasy. The pinnacle of this already fabulous meal was the grilled corn. Oh...my....DELICIOUSNESS! Sprinkled with cheese and chili, it was the best corn I've ever had in my life....IN MY LIFE. Granted, this corn was more Mexican than Cuban, and I usually don't overlook issues of authenticity, but it complemented my meal so well, I can't complain about it. The corn is something I would crave on a regular basis.
(5)
Leese H.
Yes, it's the grilled corn that gets me coming back for more. The melted cheese, chili powder and lime can make my knees weak, but goddamn, I hate it when they fuck it up and overgrill it. I had many things here before, ranging from tacos to the sandwiches. Sometimes, the food is too spicy for me, but I somehow manage to pull it together. This is definitely a joint to have a small gathering with friends before heading out, or to just chill at the bar pounding drinks and downing good food.
(4)
Rose N.
Had a craving for those char-grilled mexican corns slathered with the cotija cheese and chili powder and lime. Took my boyfriend there during our nyc trip because he loves latin cuisine, esp al pastor. The wait for lunch was overwhelming, which is expected. 45 mins for a 2 top and when we were finally seated, it was a tiny table by the door where servers would have to reach over our table to cater the couple next to us. Fine by me, I just wanted my food. Mexican corn, tasted amazing just like last time. It was my 1st time trying any entrees so I was very excited. Bf order the al pastor tacos and I had the cuban sandwich. Entrees didn't live up to the standard that the mexi corn held. My sandwich barely had any swiss cheese, so little I asked the server who couldn't see any as well. She delivered my sandwich back with visible slices of melted cheese. The meat was on the dry side and I had to ask for some mustard for a contrast in flavors. Not the best cuban sandwich. (I've only had 1 cuban sandwich before this @garces trading company and it def was better). And I think the only reasn my bf didn't love his taco was bc he likes shredded pork whereas Habana had cubes. Food was good/ok. Worth the wait?? not so much, but for the mexican corn-yes, but we could've went to Habana to-go next door. Gauva maragaritas on the rocks, salted rim was delicious.
(3)
Luis D.
I was in town this past weekend for a wedding and came here with a friend who told me the corn on the cob was the best I had ever tasted, not only was it the best I had ever tasted, but was the best in existence. After all the hype I can agree it is that darn good. My only regret is only eating one. I also had their Cuban sandwich, which outside of Miami, is the best Cuban food I have ever had and I have had a lot of Cuban food. The seating is limited, but the servers try hard to get you seated quickly. Don't bother with the tea, I grabbed an Iced Tea and it was rubbish. Stick to water or sodas. I will remember this place fondly until I return.
(5)
Mike K.
Grilled corn is terrific! I've had grilled corn before but never with cheese and chili powder before. Wouldn't ever use butter again if I could have it the way Cafe Habana does it. I had the Cuban w/fries and my girl had the shrimp tacos. Both were very good, we both liked the Cuban a little better. The kitchen sent out fish tacos by mistake and the bartender had that fixed in a matter of minutes and left the fish tacos for us to nibble at as well at no charge. Also had two different flan dishes for desert (also taken care of by the bartender) cheese and caramel. The cheese is real good. Overall nice little place with very good food and a great staff. Will be making return trips.
(4)
Ginny L.
I read all the reviews and everyone rave about the corn...so i went with it...and i also had the cuban sandwitch. The little place was packed on a Weds afternoon. My gal pal and I shared a small table-the seatings were a bit uncomfortable, very cramped and small...=( The corn came in twos, and it wasnt bad, and the sandwitch was ok...i didnt fall in love with it. The bread was a little too hard, i had a hard time chewing it... The waitresses were nice and helpful, sweet place...but i just dunno if i would come back again...
(3)
Veronica M.
This review is for the grilled corn, which is simply out of the world. Paired with a mojito, which was probably one of the best mojitos I've had, it's a great mid-day snack. The corn is succulent and packed with so many different flavors in each bite, while the mojitos have a great mint flavor and are not watered down at all. I'm only giving 4 stars because the waitress who served us had such a bitchy attitude and kept ignoring us and chatting with her friends.
(4)
Tash F.
Love the corn, love the mango margaritas, love the cuban sandwich. The shrimp tacos are far better than the carnitas one. The tostones were fab too. Always enjoy the food when I am in town. Really hot in the summer though with little A/C.
(5)
Jorge M.
Disappointing, not cuban, bad service...
(1)
Fat T.
Always get the grilled corn when I'm in the area. Do yourself the favor and get two. There is separate entrance around the corner if you want to just grab and go. First time I was there, I waited in line until I was told about the second entrance.
(5)
Jessica T.
Simply DELISH! Ordered Cuban Sandwich, Grilled Corn and Pollo al Ajillo over Rice. Wow the portion of the Cuban Sandwich is so huge that I have to do take away. I have never tried anything like the grilled corn before and it was so good even though I wasn't sure what ingredients were on it. The Pollo al Ajillo over Rice was so so so good! The entire combination of the dish was superb. Definitely a must-try. Love the decor as well!
(4)
Erin L.
The first time I went here my friend took me and I still thank her! This gem is a place I love to share with other people. Not only is the food amazing but the drinks are too! Once you are seated it is almost like you aren't in NYC anymore. It is a dinning experience. My personal favorites there is the corn and the cubano sandwich. Sometimes there is a wait but the location is great for window shopping so I never mind it. It is definatly a must go place!
(4)
Nho H.
I wouldn't call this authentic Cuban but damn they do whatever they do really well. The Cuban Sandwich here is superb but the corn on the cob here is where they shine. I don't think I've had better corn anywhere else!!! Fo serious. Mexican style corn slightly grilled, cheese, mayo like sauce, lots of chilil powder and some lime. Go, try and you won't be disappointed. One thing to note: long lines and small restaurant. If you are starving and just want to try sandwiches/corn, walk down a door and there is their take out place. On a nice day, this is perfect.
(4)
Pamela s.
the third time i try to eat at this joint, i finally make it in. luckily it was a ten-fifteen minute wait. my friend and i sat at the bar, quickly ordered limeade with rum and their praised corn. it took us awhile to order our entrees, but i ended up ordering the shrimp tacos, which came with rice and beans. first let's cover the drink. limeade with rum on a hot summer day just hits the spot, nice and refreshing! second, the corn. it wasn't the most ah-mazing corn i've ever had. don't get me wrong, it was pretty good, but definitely not something praiseworthy, at least not in my book. the cheese, chili powder, and lime definitely add some good flavor to the grilled corn. but it was completely drenched, that you forget you have corn underneath. and i dunno if it's supposed to come out lukewarm, but i prefer my grilled corn hot. last but not least, i've had mexican corn, and this does not compare to the real deal. it's a nice rendition, but not what i am used to. being born in la and spending the last nine years in sd, you can't help but become a conossiuer for mexican eats. good mexican food is one of the meals i miss dearly since moving out to the big apple and i've come to terms with the fact that i just won't find it out here. this isn't to say that mexican food I've come across is horrible, just not the same. last but not least, the shrimp tacos. the tacos were delish! shrimp was a little overcooked, but the pico de gallo, guacamole, cabbage, white sauce, chipotle sauce on the side, and a squeeze of lime all over the business did make my taste buds have a little dance. overall, this place has decent food, but i just don't know that it's worth the long wait. if i have to wait more than 15-20 minutes, i will gladly move onto the next restaurant.
(3)
S. Z.
Hey I'm a fan, but prices were a bit high. Grilled corn - yum Fish tacos - yum Ambience - yum no a/c tho!
(3)
C. B. W.
I am disappointed about his place. Every time we are in nyc, we stop by this place. We always order take out. We've never sat inside. The first few times we've been here, my mind was blown away. The cuban sandwich was crunchy and great and the corn tasted fresh and perfectly cooked. The last time we were here, the sandwich was not even nearly crispy or crunchy, it looked liked it only stayed on the press for a short time. And that texture really adds a whole lot to the sandwich, so I was bummed out. Then I had the corn next and I can't even believe how over cooked the corn was. Also, it was in the middle of summer, how could the corn be tasteless, not even creamy or sweet, it was just disappointing. I hope they are not going downhill. I'm trying to open up my own business in Boston and I would hate to see a good business go down from consistency. They were awesome before, what happened to you now? I'm not sure we would be back though. With all the places we could try in nyc in a short time, I think I'd rather spend my money on something else from now on.
(3)
Natalie M.
When there's not a wait, this place is great. Love that corn with mayo and cheese. Loved the slushie mojito.
(4)
Daniel O.
Of course Cafe Habana has over 1300 reviews, it's a total gem and worth all the praise & accolades. Have been three times in the last year or so, while in NY to eat & shop. It's always on our list to hit. First things first, there is always a line. Just wait, go across the street to browse for men's clothes at Unis, or just hang out and people watch. Go-to items (no not skip these or you may never forgive yourself): Cuban Corn: look around you, it's on every table. It comes charred from the grill coated in butter (so much better), parmesan cheese (honestly I think it's the fake stuff from the can), spices & lime. It's freakin' spectacular. I wish I could eat it fortnightly. Fish Tacos with Rice & Beans: indescribable. Too delicious for words. Just order them. Mojitos: Super boozey, minty and limey. Two of these pretty much put me on the floor (and made me loose with my credit card while shopping, because what's better than drunk shopping?). Don't think, just go. And thank me later. NOTE: there is also an outpost in Brooklyn.
(5)
Mike P.
Good food, but this is not a Cuban restaurant. More like a Mexican restaurant with a caribean twist. But really, huevos rancheros?
(3)
A L.
My family and I went here this evening for dinner. I was pretty psyched in trying this place out after reading all the rave reviews. This place is pretty cramped. When we went in there, there was a booth for 4 people empty but we were brought to the back of the restaurant and were cramped into a small table for a party of 3. This table could barely fit all three of us and couldn't fit 3 entree dishes. I asked if we could have the booth and were told no because they wanted a party of 4 to sit there. Strike 1. Restrooms were cramped. But that wasn't the bad part. The stinky part was that the toilet tissues were all wet. Strike 2. The cramped corner table that we sat in were infested with flies. All through the dinner, flies were everywhere. Strike 3. We ordered the grilled corn, which was the highlight of our dinner. My daughter and I shared the Camarones al Ajillo and hubby had the fish tacos. My shrimp was overdone and not spicy. It was more buttery. The fish taco was over done and hard to chew. It tasted like it was burnt. That 4 person booth remained empty the whole time we were there. Maybe we caught the restaurant on an off day. I don't intend to go back there any time soon. The flies and wet toilet tissue papers turned me off. Also, their grade is pending.
(1)
Linh C.
Love love love cafe habana! Every time my friend and I visit new York this is one of our first stops! The first time I had cafe habana's corn I fell in love. I loved it so much that my friend and I went there for brunch and came back for dinner! I had 4 corns that day!! I've also had their huevos rancheros which was also very tasty and their Cuban coffee...mmmmm delish!
(5)
David L.
I seriously just started a yelp account to express how awful this place is. We were told by a hostess that we would be seated in a few seconds which turned into promises of twenty minutes and finally almost two hour wait. They had forgotten about us after we reminded them twice. They blamed one on a shift change with the hostess and never apologized. The hostess then proceeded to give us annoyed looks and rudely told us to stand near a cleaning table and out of her way Then it took forever to get our orders taken even after flagging down the waitress. Oh and the same hostess gave us another tables order. Classy. Food was just okay. I've had better Cuban sandwiches elsewhere. This place cares nothing about it's customers. Beware.
(1)
Semra E.
Where shall I begin?...from the very beginning I suppose, this amazing establishment makes heads turn....and I seriously mean that. Anyone that walked passed the window seeing me eat my food stopped what they were doing and then walked in themselves to place an order. Not only does it smell amazing once you step inside, but it also gives you something in return.. food that is simply unforgettable. My friend and I split a Cuban pulled pork / ham sandwich and got grilled corn with all the goods on top of it. Best and quickest meals I've had in awhile that satisfied me on all levels. Thanks Cafe Habana!!!!
(5)
DeMarco B.
My friends had hyped up this place to be really awesome and I usually like to trust their opinion. I guess I put cafe habana on a pedestal before knowing it was on tv or really hyped up. I've had better. We ordered the corn and it was pretty darn good. I didn't understand why the order comes with two cobs but it works out great for sharing. It's a must if you go there. I also went with a enchilada which included the steak. It was good and I love how the rice and beans looked authentic but I wished the enchiladas were bigger. They were more or less half filled tacos. I felt bad for my friends who didn't have as good of a meal as I had (chicken enchiladas were very bland and the pork roast was kinda boring as well). It seems like they really should only have 2 things on the menu. Corn and the Cuban.
(3)
Cindy C.
This was my third time at the restaurant and I definitely loved every single time I've been here. Usually we need to wait for a table for at least 30-45 minutes but we came at around 5:30 on a Friday and there was no wait. There was actually no wait even when we left at 6:30ish. We ordered the cuban sandwich and the huevos rancheros a caballo (which is huevos rancheros with a strip of grass fed steak). Both were delicious! The steak was perfectly medium rare. We did not need to wait long for the food at all. Can't wait to go for my next visit.
(5)
Casey W.
You have to get the Cuban corn. I had the pork tacos, they were good, full of flavor/cilantro & lime and even better with the tomatillo sauce. I thought the pork was a tiny bit too dry, however I'd go back weekly if I lived in NY. YUMYUMYUM. PS, apparently if you just want the corn you're supposed to go next door.
(4)
Tanya M.
I love this little place despite the wait and the atmosphere. When I sit here and look around I get a little sick because well it's filthy here but the food makes up for those dirty walls. The corn on the cob here is the best thing ever! The salads with the skirt steak are so satisfying. I also love the sopesitos appetizer. For my entree I love their enchiladas with a side of rice and beans! So bring a blind fold and enjoy some yummy food.
(5)
Josephine L.
So, the much-lauded corn didn't really impress me. I guess I was expecting melted cheese instead of crumbly, hard Parmesan-esque cheese. The mixture of spices was nice and lime juice is definitely a good topping for corn on the cob, but overall, I don't really know why this merited national TV coverage. Definitely wouldn't wait in line for an hour for this. Now, the Cuban sandwich on the other hand may be the greatest sandwich I've ever had. For serious. I do not like sandwiches by and large (I like hot, cooked food and dislike bread--yeah, I'm weird, I know) though there are a few that I've had that make me happy....e.g. Pot Belly's "The Wreck". I'm too tired right now to write a soliloquy on why Cafe Habana's Cuban sandwich makes my elite list of sandwiches to die for so I'll just use short, snappy phrases: Perfectly toasted bread. Melt-in-your-mouth pork. The pickle slice. The juice. Heat. Freshness. Size = huge. Oh, other things: Their rice was bland and flavorless, but the black beans were great. Now go get that sandwich.
(4)
Cindy L.
This was probably my favorite place in NY overall even though the wait was 30 minutes on one of the hottest day during the heatwave, and there was also no AC inside this restaurant. Back in Berkeley. I would always get the cold Cuban sandwich from GBC, so I knew the Cubano had to be my order here especially since it will be a hot sandwich! Everyone comes here for the corn which I also liked, but they put too much mayo on there for my liking. *I also recently had fresh roasted corn at SLO's farmer's market where I had the most succulent corn that didn't get stuck in my teeth and could put as much or as little cheese, mayo, chili on my corn, so Cafe Habana's just wasn't as good. Since SLO is nowhere near NY, roasted corn from Cafe Habana will satisfy my craving for it. The Cubano was amazing!! The bread was soo crispy and the roast pork was juicy. Every bite was delicious even with juices dripping all over my hands. My friend had the chorizo tacos and that was also really good. It was so good that the next day I ordered a spicy chorizo sandwich for brunch from Caliu because I was still thinking about how good the chorizo was. I also tried a bite of my friend's beer battered catfish tacos which was good too, but the cubano and chorizo tacos were definitely the best! Omelettes here are meh..pretty normal, so try something else for sure!
(5)
christina g.
Cafe Habana I love you and I am in NYC and I am coming to get some corn!! Seriously, I have been coming here for years and it's the thing I miss the most about not living in NYC anymore. I make sure to make it a stop when I am back and I always order exactly the same thing. Cafe con leche, omlette caribe and the famous grilled corn. YUM. The perfect start to a leisurely day in Soho.
(5)
Tara H.
I chowed down on the Cuban-style corn until the last kernel was gone, and didn't even notice my mouth was on fire until I was done. This, all during a New York summer, in a restaurant with not the greatest ventilation. All worth it. The restaurant came recommended from three separate people, so I couldn't wait to check it out. Cuban-style corn and a Cuban chicken sandwich more than did the trick until dinner. It's on a quiet street at the epicenter of Nolita, Little Italy proper and the little boutiques the city has become famous for, and it's cheap -- perhaps one of the best attributes a quality eatery can have in the pricey Big Apple.
(5)
Katrina J.
This is in my neighborhood, so I am completely biased, but it's a great corner cafe. I love eating breakfast here, huevos rancheros is my favorite. Another excellent dish? The fish sandwich. Order it with an extra side of spicy mayo. Oh, and fries. Generally good service in here, friendly waitstaff.
(3)
Vernon C.
The food is great, the atmosphere is fun but my infatuation is fading. We were told the wait was 20 minutes. After 30 minutes we were told that we should just accept a counter seat because we were still on the bottom of the list. How is that possible when 4 other groups had shown up in that time? Honesty goes a long way. Previous staff had no problem telling us it would be 40 minutes or more for a table, and we had no problem waiting. We love the food and the atmosphere, but it is quickly becoming an afterthought.
(3)
Mary C.
This place is pretty much packed all day long especially lunch, late lunch, dinner and late dinner! Every amazing thing you heard about this place is allllllllllllllll true! ! ! I tried... GRILLED CORN MEXICAN STYLE - addictive! Cuban Sandwich - your belly will thank you! Lime Lemonade - sweet and TART! I sat at the window inside the place and people outside could not stop staring at me eat!!! So what to do in this situation??? Look them straight in the eye while taking a big bite out of your food and say - MMMMM! That seemed to stop them from staring... kinda.
(5)
Gavin N.
Wow, this place is popular. We have a similar-ish place in Seattle called Paseo Carribbean. I must say I like the Cuban Sandwich in Seattle better cus it's warmer inside-out (cus they put it in a panini press). However, I will admit I think the pork in the Cuban sandwich at Cafe Habana is tastier, comes out faster, and still very delicious. Although again it's weird that their sandwich can seem cold inside even right when you get it (the pork is warm, but the ham and cheese might come straight from the fridge?). Their corn on the cobb though is delicious and extremely filling with the butter, cheese, and spices on it. You could almost just buy their corn on the cobb along with a soda and make that a lunch itself. The seating is EXTREMELY limited, so during lunch hours, I wouldn't recommend coming here if you want a place to sit and chat...the other customers waiting for a table will gently let you know "GET THE HELL OFF THE SEAT"...which is what I did to the people sitting at the same table earlier. Anyway delicious sandwiches, the burgers looked good too. Lastly, if you want your soda cold..ask for a cup of ice with your soda. ~G
(4)
Kemi K.
Ditsy/high/drunk our hostess. Scribbling names occasionally with golf pencil on a napkin to appease the throng of waiting diners who were ready to riot at the lack of organization and general chaos. She had nice bangs though kinda like a leftover Bengal. . . Walk like an egyptian (you'll have to if u wanna get into the bathroom). Bursting at the seams and not in a good way Cafe Habana is ok food w/ smallish portions. I mean for a ride to jackson heights and you'll get better tasting bigger portions of what is essentially mexican/cuban food. There is an AMAZING little old lady who grills these HUGE mexican corn with the cheese lime and chili powder by the 7 train and it is only a $1.00 and she handles her wait line better. That said, if u are downtown and u gotta try it, go. But be warned, be patient and think skinny. And whatever you do don't get out of whatever line you're in. **For those on budgets -- next door is the togo spot w/ a few random chairs and some bar stools and the prices are about 1/3 the restaurant prices. Its low on ambience but also wallet lite.
(3)
Mimi P.
Great hole-in-the-wall place for yummy food. The corn on the cob is a must have! I've been here many times now...it has become one of my favorite regular spots. Sometimes the food comes out bland...but overall it's good eats and it's always a fun and interesting experience. Every time I come here we spot a celebrity...Keanu Reeves, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton... On a side note...it is very small and the bathrooms are even smaller. They do not take reservations and they do not seat you until your whole party is there. After 6:30-ish...no matter what night of the week it is...expect long waits.
(4)
Will C.
Oh my the Cubano Grilled Corn was super good. They also have a Great Rib Eye Steak sandwich. This place is worth the time to swing by and get a snack or just dinner. Not a big place. Just buy and go. =)
(4)
Peter L.
4 words. DAMN THAT'S GOOD CORN! The corn here is downright amazing. Probably the best corn I've ever eaten in my life. I would definitely come back here just for the corn. The Cuban sandwich is also really good here. It's the perfect amount of juiciness and size. You definitely don't feel like they're skimping on the meat in the sandwich but at the same time it isn't so overstuffed that there's no way to possibly eat it cleanly. But there are downsides to this place and it's tragic because none of the downsides are food-related. The wait here is terrible. The place is pretty small and almost makes you feel like you're actually in Cuba. I'm sure that kind of atmosphere is great if you're actually in Cuba. But we're not. This is Manhattan and there are a lot of people here. Maybe it's better to come here with less people because I came with 6 other people and we had to split into two groups in order to get a seat. The people here are also not the greatest staff in the world. They all look like they love working here but they don't really seem to care enough about the customers. It kind of feels like the waitresses come here to hang out instead of coming here to work. But I just want to emphasize how amazing the food here is. The food is amazing and it's definitely worth going to at least once. I would definitely come back here...with maybe just one other friend.
(3)
Diana Y.
4 stars for food 2 stars for service. No meal at cafe habana is complete without the grilled mexican style corn [with chili powder, lime, & cotija cheese]. It is an anomaly that the place is "cuban" but they're serving "mexican" corn. No qualms here, its even better than the kind they sell at the OC fair~ It is delicious, but sometimes can come out slightly overcooked. Regardless, its still delish. Of course the cuban sandwich is outstanding, its filled with juicy roast pork, ham, swiss cheese in the soft crunchy bread that makes you want to eat the bread for days!! I've tried other dishes, but these two are the ones worth coming back for. I miss this place when I'm away, and when I'm here I am willing to sit in an non-air conditioned resto [during 110F heat waves]. The joint is small, uncomfortable to sit in, and has some of the worst service ever, but that will never stop me from the corn I so love~
(4)
Jennifer M.
My friend and I had a tasty dinner tonight--the corn was as awesome as everyone says, and I had cactus tacos that were delish--but some service issues were dealt with very poorly. I actually tried to email a manager about it, but their email address bounced back, so I'm posting here. First, the hostess made a mistake while seating people. After a long time of seeing people who arrived after us seated, we realized that we'd been passed over, that in the process of seating three and four-tops, she'd turned the page on her notes and basically passed us by. When we very politely inquired and pointed this out (our name was still on the preceding page, not crossed out), she immediately seated us, but with no apology, only some mumbling about how she'd called our names. She hadn't. We'd been standing by the door the whole time and heard every name. Both my friend and I have worked in restaurants and commented that this woman needs to learn how to apologize--mumbled lies really doesn't do it. Second, after we received our appetizers (which at first were mis-delivered to the table next to us that was seated after us (luckily, we had ordered the soup in addition to the corn), we had about enough time to take three bites before our main courses came out. When there wasn't enough room at the table, the waitress cleared the plates the corn was on, which meant we had to put the cobs on the table when we were done. Again, no apology. Third, and potentially the worst: I noticed something brown on my cactus taco plate and thought, Cool, a portabello mushroom. It wasn't. It was a piece of beef. When the waitress came back to clear everything, I let her know. She didn't say much but then proceeded to clear our water glasses (after we asked for more water). When we reminded her we wanted more water she said sorry--perhaps about the water? Perhaps about the beef on the vegetarian entree? Unclear, as it was a hasty, mumbled apology. If there is ever a time to comp a drink or do something substantial, that would be it. While I am luckily not a vegetarian, every dish I ordered was meat-free, so it would be reasonable to assume I was. Perhaps I needed to scream and be a bitch about all of these things to get even a real apology? Again, great food. But some seriously sub-par service.
(3)
Stephanie O.
My friends and i got to cafe habana when their kitchen was taking a little break. and we were starving! one of the waitresses took our drink orders while we waited for the kitchen to re-open. she was so sweet, she probably could tell we were starving- she gave us a flan on the house while we waited. YUM. i would have been happy if the flan was the only good thing. but behold, the pulled pork wand sweet plantains were "off the chain" fyi its hot in the summer and yours legs will stick to the booth
(5)
Sharon T.
I always like having breakfast at this place Cafe Habana. But the service is bad. They don't know what a Boing is but they sell it. The waitresses take forever even the place is almost empty and the worst is: Inspection Grade of Health Department is "Grade Pending". That means that they have cleanliness and much more issues with the Health Department. Usually a Restaurant should have a sign visible on the window with the blue grade "A". But not at Cafe Habana. Can't recommend it.
(1)
Yokes F.
Every time I go to NY, I have to make my Cafe Haban run. oh.... the grilled corn.... so... good... It's such a simple dish but AMAZING. If you come here, you HAVE TO HAVE TO order the corn. This place is crazy busy so sometimes it's better to just go next door and order to go. I had Huevos Rancheros for breakfast and I forgot what I had for dinner but everything was super super good. Although, I have to say, I enjoyed the brunch more. When I went to the To Go side, I tried the plantain chips with garlic sauce which was really yummy too. This place is just overall, really good. The only downside is the wait.
(5)
John V.
Dropped in for a visit while I was in the area. Loved the place. Small , packed, no room to sit ! Who cares, the food was very good, priced right and the drinks were amazing. Try the mexican style grilled corn, the camarones al ajillo , an order of tostones (fried plantans) and a mojito!
(4)
Oliver K.
We had lunch in this restaurant twice in our 7-day stay in NYC, that's something. After our first visit, my girlfriend just couldn't forget Cafe Habana's grilled corns and kept on nagging me to go back. You just have to try the grilled corns. They are sweet, juicy, slightly sour from the mayo, gooey from the cheese and mayo, and just extremely tasty. Its cuban sandwich and pulled pork sandwich were pretty good, too. Fries were soggy and greasy so were not my favorite, though. Drinks like Cuba Libre and Mojito were stiff and perfect for hot summer days.
(4)
Sandra L.
They have the best roasted corn!! It's grilled sweet ear slathered with salty Cotija cheese, spiked with hot chile powder and a tang from lime juice, this cob is a taste of heaven. My sister and I ended up going out of our way the next day for another ear of corn and a beef entree which comes with rice and beans. Black beans were cooked perfectly. It did not give me gas! LOL. Best item is the ROASTED CORN! Expect a line at peak hours and people walking up and down the street with cobs in hand. Since I do not live in New York, I will definitely be trying to make the same corn here on the west coast!
(5)
Richard D.
This is the review for takeout only. Food was okay, sandwich portion was pretty good for the price - $8. The chicken diablo was a bit on the too charred side, but wasn't as mind-blowing as the high number of 4 and 5 stars led me to believe. It was a bit on the slow side, but they were extremely busy and they get plenty of customers, so people do love them.
(3)
Alice K.
The corn is the best thing i have ever tasted in my life!
so my good friend...(who is now my go to girl when im looking for something different to) took me to this place. its about the size of my bathroom BUT the food is so good. Grilled corn is a MUST and get ready to feel the heat and get dirty. I have never thought of putting cheese and chili powder on corn....it works and they do it great. Just be careful because the corn on the cob is extra juicy and tend to splat on the next table when you take a bit.....i actually squirted my friend who took me there.... anyway......obviously the cuban sandwich is a must have.....it was great....juicy, flavorful and well cooked.... skirt steak is above avg but nothing to rave about....... hit this place up
(5)
J W.
Someone at this restaurant should have given us a medal of honor for the journey we took to get here before it closed. As clueless tourists, we wound up on an R that did not stop nearby, then on an express downtown 6 that took us all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge, then in a cab that managed to get us in 15 minutes before midnight. The place was completely packed (great sign!) and we gladly took a seat right next to the bathroom, and moved for every person trying to get in and out. Once it started clearing out, one of the servers let us move to a booth. We ordered the steak and the shrimp tacos, and at the last minute I caved and added the grilled corn. The food was fantastic. My only complaints -- when my boyfriend tried to order two beers before last call, she said he could order one and she'd bring him a second later. When he tried to order the second he was shut down by both the bartender and the other server. Also, after I observed that the frozen mojito kind of tasted like toothpaste, I couldn't shake the association. But those are totally BS complaints, solid 5 stars. I'm glad we found this place near the end of our vacation, otherwise I know my guy would have been dragging me there every other night.
(5)
Holly N.
Yum!! Over a holiday weekend we hit up Cafe Habana since it was closer than trekking to BK for Habana Outpost. We went for the corn (of course!) and it was heavenly (of course!).The other options were a little bit pricier and a little bit less heavenly. Not to mention, the tables were so close together that we literally bumped elbows with the girls sitting next to us and I think I might have squirted them with some juice from my succulent corn on the cob. I definitely think Habana Outpost is the better bet with a little more room and space to dine outdoors.
(3)
Alison B.
This place is unreal. I think I could eat off the menu every single day and still crave it. I came here around 8:15PM on a Monday night, and there was an hour wait. I decided to be patient and wait it out. I went and got a drinks elsewhere, came back 50 minutes later and was seated immediately. I had the fish tacos. They were standard and came with delicious rice and beans. The BF had the cuban and swears it was the best he has ever eaten (EVEN BETTER THAN IN MIAMI! - Andrew). Everything was very well priced - didn't notice anything over 10 bucks - ish. The drinks weren't terribly "authentic", aka juice/sugar added to the margaritas, but they did the trick. I enjoyed my strawberry marg. The highlight of the meal? THE CORN. HOLY SHIT, it was SO GOOD. Grilled and covered in cheese, just heavenly. Moral of the story? Go - Wait for a table - Order the corn
(5)
Katy L.
As everyone says, GET THE CORN! addicting stuff i must say. the cuban sandwich is either a hit or miss, depending on the day you go. sometimes the pork is juicy and cooked perfectly or else its dry and tough (lately its been very dry). it comes with fries but the fries i had were soggy and greasy, check next door at the take out place to see if they have seating so you can order just the sandwich. I also had the chicken diablo sandwich which was pretty good cept for the dry chicken breast but overall still tasty. The place itself is pretty small, tight and cramped especially if you go during busy hours, definitely not good for groups! Service is a hit or miss actually, sometimes they are attentive but most of the time they're so busy they forget to get stuff like the check. last time we waited 20 minutes to get the bill! Overall good place to check out, but if you want to avoid the table service go next door and get the food to go. its just as good!
(4)
Jasmine L.
i love everything about this place but the long line, but it's worth it. great food, fun atmosphere and awesome drinks... can you say mojitos? order the corn on the cob, and don't share, it's too good, i'm not a french frie kinda gal BUT i order these every time i go there, they are delicious
(4)
Thomas N.
Their sandwhiches and corn are the best.
(5)
Arnold W.
A friend recommended this place. The Cuban-style corn is a MUST. It is grilled corn to perfection, with some spice and creme, butter, and a touch a lemon? Not sure what the ingredients are, but it's good and has a little kick. It's only $1.90! I would highly recommend you to try it out at least once!
(5)
Rizwan A.
Two stars doesn't mean I think it's bad, it's just that there's better stuff out there. Here's how my experience went: 1. The wait- 1.5 hours on a Monday night around 7:30pm. --If you come to this place, never come with more than 1 other person. If your party is more than 2 people, you really risk waiting a LONG time. All together there are maybe 30 seats in this place and they will fill up fast. They don't take reservations. 2. Seating in this place overall is cramped. Other yelpers warned me of this. One yelper mentions being hit by an elbow in the back of the head from someone at the bar. I could totally see this happening. The entire layout of the restaurant is in a J shape and the curved part of the J follows the bar, so if you're seated in that section, keep an eye out for people who seem likely to get wasted and move around a lot. Even in a booth, it wasn't really roomy like a booth should be. The horizontal segment of the booth, eg the part your butt is on, is also somewhat short, making it hard for you to sit up straight (forget about leaning back). Instead, you end up sitting a bit leaned forward. (Which means you can eat less). 3. Ambiance- It's pretty cool inside. The music is good and overall it wasn't too loud, though you do have to yell a bit to be heard hear and there. Another yelper mentions that there is a slutty dressed waitress there. It took 2 seconds to identify her- note to other yelper: you were totally right. The decor is cool (if you care about that). 4. The service was borderline annoying. When I asked for a virgin drink, the waitress (the one who dresses slutty) looked confused and asked why I would want a virgin drink and then also asked how to make it. First time that's happened to me. I ordered a diet coke instead. She brought me a regular coke and I politely let her know. No diet coke returned until I reminded her (after two trips back to our table) that I could still go for a drink. She admitted that she forgot and apologized so I didn't really hold it against her, but it does tie in to the overall sloppy unprofessional attitude she was displaying. 5. THE FOOD: Simply put the food is really good. Drinks were cold and the food was hot. Everyone raves about the corn which was also good, but I didn't feel that this was something of such incredible quality that it was worth being known for. If I went back to this place, the corn is an added bonus, not my reason for being there. The best part about the corn- it's the cheapest appetizer on the menu. We also tried the Taquitos which were incredibly small and didn't taste that great, at least not for $7.50. The fish tacos are also good but again, for what you're paying (~$13.50), they really have no excuse not to be. The green tomatillo sauce chicken enchiladas were better than the steak enchiladas and made well. The rice and beans that comes with pretty much every dish were also good. The bottom line is that this place isn't anything out of the ordinary. Their food is on par with what authentic Cuban/Mexican South American food usually tastes like at a good taqueria (but it's usually cheaper at a taqueria, isn't it?) When you should go to this restaurant: *Not hot out (there is no AC) *Party of 2 or just solo *When you really want authentic cuban/mexican food and can't get it anywhere else *If you absolutely must have their corn which is really good (but probably not worth going there just for this, in my opinion). *Just to see what the hype is about? Would I eat here again? If I was in the area and there wasn't a Chipotle around, then maybe.
(2)
Mary W.
Although my friends weren't impressed with the corn, I thought my first bite was DELICIOUS. I will say though that it's difficult to get all the flavors in one bite (there's mayo, cheese, some sort of spice, lime etc.) so not ever bite will be as good. . .but I thought it was really good! The other brunch food however was just A-OK. I don't think this place is really worth the wait :(
(3)
Tarra G.
Absolutely one of my favorite brunch places. It is teeny tiny, but has so much character and fantastic food! Plus the staff are all really trendy and cool. Definitely worth checking out, but plan on waiting about an hour or so.
(5)
Sammy B.
The corn here is AMAZING! The food is fresh too, but not really that exception. THE CORN HERE IS AMAZING! I like the small feel of it & it is very lively.
(4)
Ryan H.
Just wanna write up a quickie on this place after my first visit recently. The restaurant itself was pretty cool. It gave me that old school ice cream parlor/shake shop kind of vibe, but with a cuban decor. The place was bustling (we had a 15 minute wait) and tables are packed tightly. But strangely I didnt feel like people were on top of me and i was able to have a normal conversation with my friend across the table. And there is A/C in the back so if you can get a table back there then I highly recommend it. The grilled corn was ridiculously tasty. And the sweet plantains were good. It really got my hopes up for an excellent entre. However I was a bit disappointed. We ordered tacos - the fish, and the marinated pork. The fish tacos werent too bad but Ive had better. The pork was not very good and dried out. It seemed like the pork had probably been sitting for awhile under a hot lamp or something. For drinks, she had the mojito which she says was decent. I had the mango and vodka (forget the name of it). It was ok but they give you way more mango juice than is needed for one drink and didnt ask me for a refill on the vodka shot. The service wasnt that great. We were never even asked to refill our drinks or if we needed anything else. Overall Id say it didnt live up to the hype I expected based on the Yelp rating. Im not sure if I would go back. Not because of the experience, more because I would probably like to try a different place instead. Id definitely return for the corn though!
(2)
Stan C.
Lost in SoHo! Help! ...mmm, Authentic Cuban food. I'm down. As an L.A. native (and almost as far away from Cuba-in terms of the 48 states-as one can be), I was seriously craving a Cuban sandwich from Cafe Habana because... seriously, we don't have great Cuban food here. As a Dexter fan (I've seen all the shows and read all the books::Nerd::), I was hungry for a Cuban, after all, it is Dexter's favorite meal. And oh, was this goood. The melty goodness, combined with the pulled pork and ham and tangyness of the pickles and the toastyness of the bread. Quite possibly the perfect meal at any where and any time. Aside from the crowded quarters, grumpy lady at the register, and the long line, the price was good and the food was exceptional = 5 stars. Thanks grumpy lady! You make my belly... not so grumpy
(5)
Kate H.
The best Cuban grilled corn ever! I wish the place is bigger so i don't have to wait so long.
(4)
Muhnad C.
Amazing Corn , all sandwiches are great ...
(5)
Jennifer H.
I might, just might, try this place again. This place is pretty tiny. We were seated next to the bathroom and I felt bad for my friend, since he's a big guy and always had to move a bit just so someone can pass to and from the bathroom...and the place was just too loud! I can barely hear anything that my friend was saying, but we didn't talk much...they could definitely tone the music way down. Anyways, we ordered the famous corn, he ordered the Cuban sandwich, and a sangria, and I ordered the Enchiladas Estilo Norteno and mojito. The corn was good, cheesy, and a tad spicy. Really messy to eat though. I think I tasted mayo, and I'm not really a fan of it, but the corn was quite good. You will definitely get corn stuck in your teeth and crumbs all over. I didn't try his sandwich, but he said it was good. According to Menupages, it's the best in NYC, so I wished I tried a bite. My enchiladas tasted good, but they charred parts of the steak, rendering those parts inedible. The beef had a nice smoky flavor, and the flavors were nice. However, I was disappointed at how they messed up the meat. The drinks were good, and my mojito was tasty. Overall, ok place. If it wasn't so loud and cramped, and my meat was done right, I will definitely come back here for sure.
(3)
Kent W.
and then there was Habana ... This spot is a wonderful change from the normal. Away from the everyday italian, chinese, tex-mex. Habana has something for everyone in your group. The culinary adventurous and non-adventurous alike will buy you drinks all night for taking them to this gem right below Houston. The wait is something of an issue, but well worth it. It's location allows for a lot of great window shopping while waiting for your table. In fact, i'm well convinced that several of those shops are in business solely based on the wait line from Cafe Habana. If you don't feel like waiting, right next door they have a great take away spot that has a few tables, and acts as a fast-food location for them. I often times prefer that since the sit down location menu is based on the time of day. The take away location has everything all day. The cuban sandwich is everything you've heard and the steak sandwich is an amazing alternative as well. The rice is thick and juicy and quite possibly the best i've ever had. And the corn .... oh the corn... Well you'll read about the corn in every other review. It's like a delicious buttery lollypop. The steak and eggs were great as well. I tried the whole ketchup on the steak thing which I usually thing is pretty crass, however I see the allure. The home fries are something to write home about as well. The potatoes swimming in mashed potatoes, wow.. And make sure you pick up a copy of "The girls of Habana" calendar for the office. Anyway .... get yourself there and don't bitch out on the wait. You stay classy Yelp!
(4)
Rob L.
Yummy yummy yummy I got spices in my tummy!! The corn - EXCELLENT The Chicken Diablo - SUPERB The atmosphere - quaint and cozy The hiccups - still didn't stop me from eating too fast
(4)
Katie K.
mouth watering grilled corn Mexican style served with chili powder lime & cheese! I need to come back to try other b/c the wait for a table was too long (1 hr for Friday lunch). You may order from their "to-go" counter next door.
(4)
Maria M.
The girls working there were not rude at all, as I thought they might be, given previous reviews. However, I can see the potential for this to happen. The place is teeny, but when I went last night, at around 6:30, it wasn't crowded save for the kids coming in to trick or treat (and there were a lot of little sweeties!) Yes, the corn is fabulous. I could only finish off one and a half, but I ate them like a machine, and to this, Downtown Julie K. can attest, as she had to wipe the corn juice dripping off my chin a couple times! For a Cuban place doing Mexican cuisine, the corn came very close to its Red Hook counterpart. Close, but no puro. The Cuban sandwich was so not what I expected. Having had my first Cuban (sandwich) at La Carreta in Little Havana, Miami, I think I've been spoiled. This sandwich had little, if anything, to do with the real thing. That's not to say it wasn't delicious, but after a few bites, I tired of the mix of flavors, opened up the sandwich and just ate the pulled pork. One thing that made me extremely happy: Coke in slim, glass bottles, hecho en Mexico! So it is the super-sweet, refreshing variety. Yay! 3.5 stars, really. I will definitely go back for the corn and to try the other kinds of sandwiches.
(4)
roderick A.
Fui a la seccin Sacar de la Cafetera Habana. All ped la mazorca de maz, que era deliciosa. Nunca he visto el queso en la mazorca de maz antes pero era grande. Estaba tan bien ahora digo el espaol, mal como es. Whoopsies, sorry. I enjoyed the food so much I started speaking Spanish all of a sudden. But that corn on the cob, with the cheese and I guess it was chili pepper, was truly out of this world. I say stick with the Take Out section, because even though its small and lacks in decor, it more than makes up for it with great food and the lack of ambience actually makes it feel homey.
(4)
Annie P.
What the hell is this? 199 reviews? Dear lawd. Anyways.. I had the Fish (catfish, that is) sandwich with a huge bottle of warm Pellegrino in a cup of ice with some of that habanero green hot sauce and it was delicioso. Rice&beans&corn tortillas were sort of gross and not worth to order. If you like red peppers, definitely order the steak sandwich... that is ridiculously good. We sat outside on the square tree box because it was too loud in the sitting area on the corner. They kept playing this tune that sounded like Sex and the city's theme song.. over and over again. Torture. The counter sitting bar thing looked like some island people chilling. Nice. Also the CORN is so worth the hype.. especially with the LIME. Use the Lime.
(4)
Katie C.
I do love Cafe Habana. The corn on the cob is delicious. I usually just get appetizers and they are filling, cheap and good. The mojitos are the best I've had in New York and they are strong. This place is delicious and cheap. Now the bad, it is small, it doesn't have air conditioning, the service is not the greatest and usually there is at least a half hour wait. BUT, plan accordingly. Go btw the hours of 4-6pm and NOT during a hot summer day and you will enjoy!
(4)
brett b.
Amazing cuban breakfast/lunch spot on the corner of Elizabeth and Prince in NYC. Very affordable... must try the corn! A destination spot for great cheap food.
(5)
melissa h.
My friend took us here and it was mighty tasty. It's been a little while since coming here, but my only complaint was that it was kind of a scene. Albeit tasty and comfy atmosphere it was kind of a scene. It's to be expected though in a trendy part of town, I get that all the time in the Mission in San Francisco. It's okay though I wouldn't let it stop you. There was this cute store I remember across the street with cowboy boots, I am hoping it's still there the next time I come to town I would like a pair. Oh apparently the corn is really good here, I don't know about it because well I don't like corn, but if you like corn read everyone elses reviews. I do like the black beans.
(5)
Eric E.
Loved this place - the ambience is urban and loud and the food is awesome . . .a great place to kick it with friends ready to have a good time.
(5)
Miles G.
This is one of our usual stops during our Manhattan jaunts. The grilled corn with cotija cheese is especially addicting. The last time we were there, we got seated immediately, 15 minutes tops. However, this was a Tuesday night. Try and avoid this place after Thursday if you don't want to wait for at least 30-60 minutes. I ordered the fish of the day (which was scallops in red sauce, so I guess it falls under seafood of the day) and hubby ordered the skirt steak. I didn't realize they also have fried plantains. That will be ordered next time, for sure. Worth a visit por las touristas.
(5)
Kathreen K.
Yumm so delicious!!! Get the corn, and either the Cuban sandwich or the sloppy jose (the latter has a bit of a kick to it). If you don't feel like waiting in line to be seated, go next door to the cafe area.
(5)
Stephen L.
"jimmy crack CORN, and I don't care" The corn here is out of this world and worth the wait. That is all....
(4)
Clint B.
The corn is unbelievable. Everything else is pretty good, but nothing spectacular. Oh... but the corn!
(3)
Jessica R.
Even on a Tuesday it was obscenely packed! Luckly we had the best seat in the house (the back corner booth), so we had minimal bumping and shoving. Food was OK--And being Cuban, it was definitely not authentic Cuban eats. They had lots of mexican dishes, ie, enchiladas, and mole....hello? How is that cuban?? The one thing i would come back for is their grilled corn...definitely the highlight for me.
(3)
Julie K.
It's all about the CORN! I prefer Red Hook corn, of course, than Habana one.. but I can stick with it until next year Red Hook season! more Red Pepper, please!
(4)
Camille R.
Good Cuban food is harder to find than a parking spot in Soho in this city!!! So when a friend mentioned one day that there was a REAL AUTHENTIC Cubano-grill, hole-in-the-wall, fresh, amazing place down on Elizabeth St. in Soho (one of my absolute FAVE neighborhoods), we had to check it out. I think I died and went to heaven. The crowd outside the door, and the smell of fresh cilantro and braised pork wafted through the small blue door opening into a small cafe not much bigger than my bedroom...With stools by the window, and a measly table, I knew that I was here for the food, not the ambiance... The homemade lime-ade is the perfect balance and sweet and tart, essential for a hot summer day, and the Cubano Sandwich, words cannot even explain. The crusty outside pressed to perfection along with pork and beef, stuffed alongside a sweet and spicy sauce that I'm pretty sure I've never EVER tasted before. Don't miss out on this place because of the intimidating line and seemingly small amount of employees, the service is fast and friendly, and what's a 5 minute-wait when your downtown, surrounded by the tree-lined streets, characters of all shapes, colors, and sizes, and good vibes allllll around.
(5)
Christopher M.
This place caught my eye when I saw everyone sitting right outside munching on corn that had this sauce on it that looked delicious. Being a huge fan of corn on the cob I decided to give it a try and I was not disappointed. I thought the corn was very good, not too mind-blowing. The flavors worked well together and that lime really helped add a zing. Would come back here for a quick snack to munch on. Also has a sit-down place right next door for those who want to sit down, have a beer, and enjoy a meal. Place looked really cool though and would suggest anyone to go try it. Great buy at 2 bucks!
(4)
Sara F.
We came here before a concert at the Bowery Ballroom. Based on all the great reviews from over 1,200 people, we were sure we'd have an amazing meal. Eh, not so much. Pros: corn on the cob appetizer and chicken enchiladas with creamy tomatillo sauce. Cons: Sopesitos appetizer, chicken enchiladas with mole poblano, and the cuban sandwich. The space was tight, which wasn't that big of a deal...but when they moved us in the middle of our meal to accommodate a larger party, that really sucked.
This place is busier than a Chinese restaurant in a Jewish neighborhood on Christmas day, but it's worth an occasional visit. I've been disappointed by some of their staples, including the Cuban sandwich, but their chicken diablo torta drips juicy goodness. The to-die-for item, of course, is the grilled corn with chili powder, cheese, and lime. Also try their eco-eatery in downtown Brooklyn - the patio is lovely in the summertime.
(3)
Emma M.
5 Stars for: Deliciousness.. plus, corn! I'm just in love with this corn. There's nothing else to it. Let me list some other lovely things about Cafe Habana: They do some incredible things with shredded meat. The prices are stupendous and the portions are huge! The wait staff are all gorgeous (and there is one aloof bartender who is particularly dreamy) and usually really friendly too. They have a killer brunch. Their mojitos are the best I've had anywhere (not frozen, lots of fresh whole mint leaves, not overly sweet - PERFECTION!) If you luck out and get a booth, it's really comfy and cozy. Lastly, by some trick of magic, your big delicious platters of food come out just moments after you order them! The only downside is that this place is extremely trendy and therefore has a line at nearly any time of day, any day of the week. BUT it's often not more than a 15 minute wait, and as I mentioned earlier, once you are seated it is no time at all before you get your food (and then it's so tasty that you wolf it down way fast). There is also a takeout place next door, so often when the wait is too dramatically long at the cafe you will see a crowd of people munching corn on the sidewalk because they didn't feel like waiting! I always wait, and it's always worth it!!
(5)
bryce t.
my parents live in cali, and this is the one place they go back to every time they visit. everyone knows how good the corn is, so i dont need to repeat that. other hidden gems on the menu: (1) steak taquitos (2) corn cakes with black beans and cheese (3) grilled chicken with yellow rice and beans (they only serve that next door at the takeout place) - throw on some tobasco and some worchestire sauce (which they have readily available) and you're good to go!
(4)
Darren W.
the grilled corn here is to die for. covered w/ chili powder, mayo, and a hint of citrus lemon, this place has got the ingredients to one of the tastiest corns i've had. their cuban sandwiches are good as well. but it's all about the C-O-R-N! *fluusshhh*
(4)
SP S.
The purpose of my vacation to New York was the corn! Yum!
(5)
Jonathan L.
Coming soon. FOOD: %%%%1/2 SERVICE: %%1/2 DECOR: %%1/2 VALUE: %%%%% ------------------------------ OVERALL: %%%% (out of %%%%%) %%%%% = Must Try! %%%% = Pretty Good %%% = Average %% = Not So Great % = Hall of Shame
(4)
Andrew D.
This place really doesn't need any more reviews, I'm sure folks are putting this in there just to keep this favorite on their list. Cafe Habana is certainly one of my favorites to eat in the city. A group for four is the max at this place, otherwise, the long wait will only be longer. If you're hungry early in the day, this might be good place to go. The corn is the die for. The roasted pork is my favorite.
(5)
Tim L.
Like everyone else has mentioned, one must definitely try the corn. With each bite you'll experience heaven in your mouth. Going at an off hour helps with the wait as it is a smaller establishment. Despite how perpetually busy this place seems to be, the waiting staff were all extremely polite and attentive to your needs with speed and accuracy in serving you. The Pollo Mirador was what I had and unlike what you might expect from a Cuban/Mexican establishment, it wasn't overloaded with flavor/spices. The chicken can be best described as cooked blander with purpose. As a result it tasted great paired up with the spinach and white rice. Where other restaurants may have bland tasting chicken due to poor cooking, Cafe Habana knows it is not necessary to have everything over-flavored / spiced.
(5)
K T.
This place has great CORN! it's really really good. OMG I almost ordered two! To be honest the rest of the food is just ok, but the corn. I have been here twice and that has never disappointed me. :D
(3)
alicia v.
Like everyone below me has been saying, YOU MUST TRY THE CORN HERE! Not only is it delicious, but at 2 for 3 bucks, it can be your entire lunch for chepaer than you can find food virtually anywhere in the city. A little warning though, after you eat here corn on the cob at bbq's will never be quite good enough for you again. Also, you're better off getting your food to go and eating at home or outside if it's nice out. The actual restuarant is usually very crowded. The only time I've been here when I didn't have to wait was late lunch/early dinner time.
(5)
Blake R.
I'll keep it simple: the corn is the single best side-dish/snack you could possibly ask for. My rational mind tells me this shouldn't be so - "it's just corn, right?" - while my taste buds unfailingly insist I leave rationale behind and get another order. You can't go wrong with any of their main dishes either (I especially like the skirt steak and the chicken enchiladas), and be sure to cap the meal off with a cafe con leche. Service can be slow in the restaurant, so if you're crunched for time, try the take-out storefront just around the corner on Elizabeth St., where you order at the counter but can elect to sit at one of a few small tables. But try the restaurant sometime...if you're eating in SoHo, you might as well take your time and soak it all in.
(5)
Sarah B.
Largely thanks to Lenny Kravitz who filmed a video here, this corner spot is always crowded, no matter the time of day or which day of the week...frequented by the hipster crowd, hanging out in front smoking cigarettes and, well, looking hip. The corn on the cob is the specialty, as you will notice by most reviews. I tried it and liked it, but still left craving more of the 'Habana' in the name.
(3)
Alma Z.
Yummy corn on the cob. Delicious sun dried tomatoes. Great atmosphere. Trendy location.
(3)
Abby L.
I would give this place a perfect score, but i haven't tasted everything on the menu yet so i wont. I LOVE this place. Being coming here for years, thought i'd join the review gang cause its 3 am and it was a crappy independence day, but i digress. Best Corn You will ever eat, dont' try to substitute it with the cheap corn stand infront of La Esquina, that shit don't stand a chance compared to Cafe Habana. I.Love.Corn....oh me now hungry. Damn it, why is it 3 am and i can't go out for corn, not that it matters any way, my wisdom tooth decided to grow and i can't even eat corn *tears* Ps. Fully aware this is a ridiculously retarded review...sorry for those who expected me to say something about the place, but if you can't tell by my obvious drooling over the corn, then let me spell it out. Go Just for the corn.
(4)
Frank L.
I don't quite understand why this place is so popular, apparently I should have tried the corn. When I went it was hot, very cramped, the service was poor, and my pork was dry and kind of bland. Nor were the plantains anything to write on yelp about. I did feel cool being there though. Also, try not to make a mess all over yourself (as I did) because there is little or no light in the bathroom to wash up in.
(3)
Johnny C.
Stop 3 of my food tour of NY. After grabbing some ice cream, we needed another snack where we traveled up from Chinatown up to SoHo for some grilled corn. We were kind of worried when we showed up to the main restaurant and the place was PACKED. Thankfully they said we could get a TO GO order next door at their more cafe like section. We walked over some twenty feet to find a crowd of people inside and out, but was easily able to find the counter to put in our order. After some 10/15 minutes we go to enjoy some corn and fries for a light snack outside on the bench. Quite tasty, but nothing to call home about personally. Maybe i got a smaller piece, or they don't spend the money on great corn, but i was disappointed with the size of the cob.
(3)
peter w.
Dear Cafe Habana, You made my boca very happy. love, pete
(5)
Michelle Q.
The grilled CORN is what makes you crave for Cafe Habana at any given moment and also withstand the wait. What my friends and I sometimes do during the wait is we order the grilled corn from the express/to-go next door and gobble on them as an appeteaser. Then we feast when we're seated. Most of the time I can go for a 2nd after my meal. The drinks are good. My faves are the grill steak and cuban sandwiches, and pork chops. The skirt steak is usually dry and kind of bland, unless you douse some hot sauce. Their flan is also good. The prices won't hurt your pockets, but I'm from Brooklyn so I know there are many places where I can get the same offerrings for dirt cheap or 2x bigger of a plate. Nonetheless, it's a good spot to go for Cuban, slight Mexican food, in SoHo.
(4)
Marjorie H.
Cafe Habana will defnitely be a stop every time I come to visit New York. I love the corn and have never had anything like it in California. The wait is a bit lengthy but I will still wait for the corn and some lemonade. YUMMY! FYI - If you don't want to wait for a table, there is take out next door.
(4)
Jen D.
150+ reviews and this place still keeps 4 1/2 stars. I thought to myself that this place must be pretty good so I gave it a shot. One word sums up my experience - DISAPPOINTMENT. I can take cramped space, noisy and even smelly. What I cannot take is dirty plates and utensils, rude staff and tasteless food. My friend had the skirt steak. Not sure how he felt about it as the man can eat anything and everything. I had the pulled, roast pork. It was dry and totally lacked any flavor or seasoning. The plates that were given were dirty and my glass had food stuck to it. The server barely paid attention and I kept having to flail my arms around in order to get her to see me so she would come over. I don't know about the brunch or lunch for this place. I went there for dinner on a Tuesday night. I'd hate to see this place on a Friday or Saturday. Definitely won't be a second visit for me.
(2)
Kathleen D.
Every time I come to New York this is a place I must visit. I always have to get the corn. Their breakfast menu is awesome and they make a great cappuccino!
(5)
Nicole L.
Wow. I feel like I'm being un-original by posting the 152nd review of Cafe Habana. BUT it was an memorable dining experience so here I go... A good friend was in town for his birthday weekend and he suggested we have brunch here. Apparently, he was told by someone else that it was a good place to eat. It was a butt freezing cold February morning and we arrived just before noon to a packed house. And I mean PACKED. There was barely enough room for us to squeeze inside the door, but hell if we were going to stand outside in the cold while waiting for our table. I guess everyone else had the same idea, because the waitress could barely get through to deliver the food. After about 45 minutes we finally got seated at the smallest table ever. It was probably about a foot and a half in diameter. We could barely fit all our food on it. Of course, we ordered the corn. Needless to say it was damn good. Then my friend pointed out that he could buy the exact same thing for $1 on the corner by his old house - and it tasted just as good, if not better. (We're from Southern California.) But since we were in NY, we couldn't complain too much. The rest of the food was okay, though not outstanding. He ordered some special of the day that was supposed to be breakfast, but tasted a whole lot like an enchilada. I just got the chorizo and eggs, which made me happy because I miss my greasy Mexican chorizo that looks non-edible but tastes great. The service was practically non-existent. Of course, that was probably because the waitress couldn't get to our table to see if we needed anything. It was a relief to finally walk out of there. I think that was the first time I ever felt claustrophobic inside a restaurant. I probably won't go back, though I would recommend it to others.
(4)
Suzy F.
Roasted corn and a black bean sandwich after a late night out. Hells Yeah! I have to stop at Cafe Habana when I'm in NYC. Try it! Now.
(4)
Leang E.
I keep on giving back to Yelp my reviews because of the great reviews I've read here as well, especially for this trip out to New York. This is on of those places that I'm definitely grateful for reading on Yelp. We waited only 15 minutes and got great seats at a booth. I love the decor here with the painted palm trees on the wall and the old fans blowing. It makes you feel like you're somewhere else. I thought the staff was very nice and the service was great. The bartender sure knows how to make her drinks. We started out with these corn pancakes that were yummy, and only making me want more! The margaritas are fabulous here! I had the guava and my friend had the mango and it was just wow. I had the pork chops, and the charred flavoring made it seemed grilled and homemade. Everything else my friends ordered also looked very good - the Cuban Sandwich, the skirt steak, and the shredded pork. The rice and beans were also very good. I don't even usually order beans, but I liked them alot here. I had the fried plaintains and the sweeter ones as well. Both were very good. I was pretty stuffed and couldn't have been happier!
(5)
Greg T.
This is place is great if you can get a table without having to wait, or if you're drunk and need to gorge yourself on corn. Otherwise, I'm not sure the wait is worth it. And over all, the food isn't particularly good. The steak was really overdone and dry. The corn, while loved by many is simply corn with a lot of stuff on it. If I slathered (fresher) corn in butter and duck fat, rubbed spices all over it, grilled it, and topped it off with pork cracklings, I bet it be a hit too.
(3)
Arnold G.
Need a quick snack for under $2? Then drop by Cafe Habana's take out stand for their signature Mexican corn. It's roasted corn on the cob slathered in mayonaise, cheese and cayenne pepper. I tried it "plain" at first and it was good, but once you squeeze some lime on it, it's absolutely delicious. We were dog tired when we got there, but there was plenty of seating outside by the trees to rest up a bit before we continued our eating tour of Manhattan.
(4)
Don P.
Eat the corn and chilaquiles (if they have them). I don't know what to say here except that when I hear that people are going to NYC, I tell them that they HAVE to try Cafe Habana. Very cool hole in the wall with great food. You won't forget the corn (I don't even LIKE corn... trust me)
(5)
Jando S.
Supposedly the original Cafe Habana opened in Mexico many years ago, earning a name for its homey vibe and quality Latin fare. The Soho version is similar, capitalizing on location, tasty food, and a following that makes it one of the most popular spots in NYC. Even the skinny models and fashion hipsters are lining up for a bite. The NY experience however is not completely without flaws. The place is hideously small to the point where privacy is an issue and your elbows are liable to hit your neighbor in the face if you don't move carefully enough. The line is depressing long to where 15 minutes is "fast" while the normal wait time is somewhere between 30-45 minutes per 3 person group. Prices are steadily going up but that has not slowed the place down one bit, but rather spawned a new business next door (express). The waitresses as down to earth as they are, will be courteous but fast paced. All the while wearing skimpy, braless clothing and probably going commando while at it. In spite of all of this, the food is fantastic. The grilled Mexican corn is clearly a winner and one of the most simple, yet sought after items on the menu. The cheese with just enough lime squeezed on the top makes the corn just absolutely scrumptious and most corn lovers will be on cloud 9 upon their first and many bites afterwards. The skirt steak, mole enchiladas, and cuban sandwiches are also excellent. Each are made to perfection as flavor easily surpasses its basic looking presentation. Also the popular house drinks is definitely the mojitos but while they're delicious some days, they're also fizzle worthy during the other ones (depending on the bartender).
(5)
Austin V.
This is the review for the To-Go eatery on Elizabeth. I'm sure there's some reason people come.. oh yeah it's the corn... true that, but today it was a little dryer than usual. Still a recommendation. Counter staff was up beat and friendly - someone must have gotten laid?! I kid, I kid... this place is great for a to-go spot, then sit out on the bench in the sun and have your food. I've sat in the restaurant and had a great time as the waitresses would dance while they worked. Just temper down your expectations and you'll have some good food and a good time. (I know of a spot on 46th that serves a better cuban sandwich though).
(4)
T B.
Calm yourself down. Authentic Cuban food exists in NYC, but this isn't it. I amazed by all of these lovely reviews. The food is decent but nothing to take the pen and paper and write home about. Sure everyone is young and lovely looking- including me thank you very much. Yes, the prices are cheap. However, the flavor is lacking. A way to measure any place specializing in Latin American cuisine is the rice. Rice is one of the most basic and fundamental necessities to the culture. Here it was bland and undercooked. I had chicken enchiladas that were spicy yet not complex. I was bored. The grilled corn was good and many were scraping their plate. I fear that this is the Magnolia Bakery of Cuban food (that's my ultimate put down). That is, to die for only if you are not in the know. Excellent service and wait-staff. Considering things could have been at lot worse, the location is great and I might come here again, I give this place three stars.
(3)
Mark D.
I wasn't expecting the food here to be as great as it was but after my first bite I already wanted to come back for more. The enchiladas with mole are outstanding and I am a big fan of their corn. The voluptuous waitresses are a lot prettier and friendly then the "Habana Girls" calendars on the wall suggest and my food was brought out promptly the last time I was there. The place was really crowded and I literally felt the ass or genitals of anybody walking past our table but I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)
Schelly Y.
This review is solely for the grilled corn. I have tried their other food and it did not excite me too much. The grilled corn is perfection. Make sure you eat it on site though as I took it to-go once and it just wasn't the same. Spicy with lime and cotija cheese...so good.
(4)
Jay M.
I'm not a fan of corn....but this corn is exceptional!! My friends all ordered different things and they were all delicious. I think I picked thte best one: Pork chops with a creamy mushroom sauce. I don't know what drug's in that sauce, but it's addictive! They provide hefty portions of it too. Our waiter was really friendly...but the other customers weren't. This place was crowded, even on an early Thursday night. Expect to find corn in your kaka...but this time with chili powder. Stings.
(5)
J C.
I've come here several times and have been fine with everything but the past few times things have definitely been going downhill. I came for breakfast and almost everyone in my party wasn't happy. One person ordered the steak and eggs and the steak was definitely undercooked (was ordered rare but came cool inside) and very tough. Breakfast homefries are generic diner type and they taste pretty bad. We ordered coffee and it never came. The staff kept saying it would be right out (so they knew about it) or that the bar was backed up. We eventually canceled it and got the check since we were done with our food and still no coffee. They didn't apologize about this at all. A burger was ordered medium and it came completely well done and burnt. The chorizo was just really oily and heavy and not good at all. The omelette came and the cheese wasn't even melted. we could dig out the slices of cheese! I don't think i've seen an omelette like that ever. They totally forgot our side of sausage. When we asked about it, the waitress apologized and said things were hectic but at the time there were still 3-4 tables and booths open and no one waiting. The ice for my drink had a big hair in it too which was really gross but I had already finished most of my drink and the If the management is reading this, please rectify these issues! I think for grilled corn and mango soda cravings I'll stick to Habana to go.
(1)
Albert H.
Cubano Pulled Pork Sandwich! YUM! Yes, the Grilled Steak is fantastic too, but I love me some pork. Absolutely fantastic, I love it. Prior to Cafe Habana, I had yet to experience truly good Cuban food. There are plenty of people who love Versailles in LA, but I just don't get it. No bueno por mi. But MMMmmmMM, Cafe Habana is goooOOOod! Split these two delicious sandwiches between 4 people and top it off with some great grilled corn. How can you argue with that? Go mid-day when there's no wait and plenty of open tables. Or eat outside on the benches like we did! Also fun: great cuban music and random celebrity sightings.
(5)
Gia S.
DEEELIICIOUS!!! The roasted corn with spices on it is to die for!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could just go there just for that. The place is very cramped & there's usually a wait thats why its down a star.... They also have a "to-go" next door thats just as good & much faster So you can take your pick...
(4)
Sloane R.
Come for the mexican-style corn. I have yet to eat anything else at this venue, but the corn is delicious. 5 stars. Hands down. So good, my friend patty had a sandwich and a corn, and went back for corn #2. If I hadn't had reservations for nobu later, I, too, would have went back for more. Looking back, maybe I should have anyway!!
(5)
Scott R.
As Mexican as it is Cuban, I found Cafe Habana to be bueno but not as magnifico as all the hype (and 200+ reviews as of this review) suggests. The grilled corn is definitely a 5-star item. The combo of butter, mayo, chili powder and lime go surprisingly well together (who'd have thought mayo?) I'd suggest asking for extra chili powder as mine came lightly sprinkled and the bites where I tasted it were much better. The mango & jicama salad is just okay. I liked the fruit - especially the surprise grapefruit slices - but I guess they were out of viniagrette b/c ours came with what tasted like creamy italian. Ugh. The pork torta is tasty. I liked the toasted bread and the pork had a nice balance of flavor and heat. Nothing really Cuban about it though - it reminded me most of taco or burrito filling (there was a menu option to get it as a burrito). The Tlacoyo con Tres Maria read better on the menu than it tasted. A plainish corn cake stuffed with an overpowering goat cheese and some other items. Unless you really love goat cheese, I don't recommend this. Did like the beans and rice on the side. As others have noted, there's a separate takeout spot around the corner. They do have some seats there so it's worth checking out if the wait is long for a table in the main part (which it usually is). Also makes it easy to pop in for a grilled corn fix. Definitely a place I'd want to visit again (perhaps for brunch) but, for now, I'd say this place is a little overhyped in my book...
(4)
Emanuel H.
I love corn. My friends know I love corn. I get irrationally excited and irate when I talk about corn to the point that I border on the schizophrenic. Having said that, I am aware that corn is evil. I mean that thing is in everything around us and the corn industry lobbies extremely hard to get subsidies to produce cheap corn so that evil corporations can maximize profits at the expense of creating nutritionally poor food products that cause childhood obesity and health issues. None of the above is relevant. Because the corn here at Cafe Habana is legendary , to the point where it will probably dominate discussions on "best corn places" for at least 10 years (until I come up with my own corn concoction - corncoction geddit?) So anyway, the corn here is roasted/grilled and very very fresh. There're spices and cheese and creamy sauce that drips all over and makes you look very infantile while eating it but it brings out that childlike enjoyment in you, I'm serious. You go back to the days when you used your hands to really eat, without worrying that people judge you because you're not refined enough for not using a spoon or fork or knife. The corn - 5 stars - Cheap and incredibly tasty Cuban Sandwich - 5 stars - decent price with amazing succulent juicy pulled pork that leaves you completely satiated Catfish Taco - 4 stars - Probably not used to the taste and texture of the fish but the rice is oh so yummy yummy Wait is pretty long (at least 30mins - 1 hr) so for that 3 stars. Space is pretty tight as well, you might have to squeeze, come prepared for the fact that this is not a Fine Dining place but a very very casual, chilled resto. Servers were so helpful and friendly. One girl just had a beautiful smile on her face perpetually and was genuinely helpful. Another had really long legs. Went there 3 times in a week because my friends were visiting from out of town. Good times.
(4)
Susan L.
DEEEEEEYUMMMMM I LOVE THE CORN HERE. Came here after a friend went on and on and on about how good the corn was and how good the Cuban sandwiches were and how good everything in general was. So yes, I loved the corn here. 3 stars because...I don't know, don't really feel like I'd give it 4 stars or more? Maybe I had high expectations going in but in general the space is small, and you have to wait if you want to eat at an actual meal time. I'm more keen on spacious, somewhat quiet places where you can take your time and places where there are ample waiters/waitresses to attend to you, and Cafe Habana wasn't really like that. But the decor was cute and I'm a fan of the Lower East Side...so...yeah. Sort of undecided now. Okay but the corn is a must-try. I'm just not sure I'd actually crave the food there/return anytime soon.
(3)
Teresa H.
Hmmmmm, not terrible, but not as amazing as I'd hoped for either. I was thinking it would be more along the lines of a place like Yuca... not quite. I liked my mojito, but the spicy beer thing.... not so much. The corn was good, but not as good as I'd imagined based on the reviews. A bit dry, if you ask me. I dunno, maybe it's the season? The entrees were ok. My boyfriend found his pork to be very fatty and the shrimp were rubbery and over-cooked. Very affordable, but you clearly pay for what you get. The real reason behind the two stars: the obscene wait. We were under quoted by about 30 minutes and hence forced to stand by the counter and wait. It was extremely tight, waitresses rolling their eyes and bumping into us every 15 seconds. If my friends hadn't been so intent to stay I wouldn't have stayed. At the end of the day this place is a glorified Cuban coffee shop.
(3)
Sascha M.
Cute, little neighborhood spot that feels relaxed and cozy. On my last dinner here I met up with a friend and we had some mojitos which are delish and share the corn. Omg, the corn here is awesome and you need to get it. I always need to get the cuban sandwich here because it's that good. It's huge and I always have half left over for lunch the next day. The fries are pretty solid too. My friend had the tacos which she liked a lot.
(4)
Cheryl C.
Sorry to be the voice of dissent to the 4.5-star, 200-review average. Oh, who am I kidding, I like being the voice of dissent.... I genuinely can't figure out where all the five-star reviews are coming from, though. Maybe it's a bandwagon effect, or maybe people are giving it a bonus for its hip address or the cool interior. (I ate at the to-go section next door to the main restaurant, which is decidedly lacking in ambiance. But the food is purportedly the same.) Anyway, about the food. The main thing recommending this place is the corn on the cob. This is actually a Mexican street food called elote, in which the corn is covered with mayo, chili powder and grated cheese. It sounds disgusting but is strangely addictive. I also sampled the mango-jicama salad. I expected this to be fruit on a bed of shredded jicama, but instead it was actual salad greens with cubes of mango, jicama and grapefruit. Bafflingly, it came with Italian dressing. Perdoname -- que diablos? For my entree I had the tlacoyo con tres maria, which was a corn cake filled with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, topped with sour cream and green chile sauce. Sounded great, not so much on the execution; the corn was flat and flavorless and you couldn't really detect much besides GOAT CHEESE and an excess of sour cream. On the plus side, the pinto beans and yellow rice were pretty tasty. Drinks (non-alcoholic) were disappointing. An enticing menu on the wall advertises a slew of jugos y aguas (juices and nectars) and a long list of licuados (smoothies/milkshakes). Turned out they only had three available aguas (including horchata and jamaica) and the juices were bottled and oversweetened. I had the agua de jamaica, which looked and tasted exactly like that hot-pink "tea" at Starbucks. Prices are reasonable, under $10. But, hipsters aside, I just couldn't see myself going out of my way to eat here again.
(3)
zoomcracker ..
mmm...corn. nothing really beats plain, fresh, sweet corn on the cob, but the grilled corn here is definitely close. apparently i lack skill in eating corn on the cob -- i don't line up my teeth in between the kernals when i bite. instead, i randomly sink my teeth in which makes the kernals squirt all over the place and gets pretty messy.
(4)
andy t.
Heaven is brunch at Cafe Habana starting with a hot Latina waitress and a cafe con leche. It also includes some of the best huevos rancheros I've had this side of Zihuatenejo, some of that chili-spiced corn and another cafe con leche. The only thing heaven doesn't include is the inevitable wait for a table, even at the takeout joint next door sometimes. That's why I'm not giving this place a perfect five, but it's still worth the wait.
(4)
Reyna A.
Love the vibe. Love the music. Love the hipsters. Love the corn on the cob. Love the price. Love it.
(5)
Jackie I.
Come during off hours. At peak times, the place is packed and the wait is ridunkulous. Take whatever seat comes your way. If you have to sit at the table near the bathroom, man just take it. God knows how long it'll take for something else to open up. But what you do next is order the grilled corn. Holy mother of God. What the hell do they do to that corn? Why does their's taste a million times better then when I try to grill corn at home? Seriously, the best in the history of grilling corn. I can't say that I've tried everything on the menu, but what I've had rocks the casbah. Tools of the trade here: bring some floss and I'm not talking about the Jennifer Lopez floss either.
(4)
Sabrina S.
The roasted corn is amazing. Get take out if you can't get a table. I was here celebrating my birthday and Luke Wilson was enjoying some cafe con leche at the next table. i don't know why but that made my day.
(4)
Dan B.
Is this a Cuban place or not? I was fully expecting a Cuban restaurant but the bottom of the menu clearly states the original restaurant is in Mexico. Well, whatever they serves is still good. I will agree with those who rave about the corn. The guava margarita are also really nice. But other than those two items, there was nothing really outstanding. We started off with Grilled Chicken and Corn Salad. I got the Pollo Mirador. The wife got the Roast Pork. And her cousin got the Enchiladas De Mole Poblano. Maybe I was just ordering the wrong things the whole night (see review on Veniero) because the wife's and cousin's food tasted a lot better than what I got. yelp.com/biz/venieros-pa… Lesson here: go with someone who knows or get a recommendation. exercise and a proper yelp are the keys to good health
(3)
Yasha M.
Grilled corn, Chicken Mole and no pictures of Che. Great!
(4)
Ro N.
Can we say GRILLED CORN topped with oodles of chili powder, mayo, salt and pepper, and a hint of citrus-lemon flavor! I think I ordered the taquitos there---I THINK (or was it some small tacos here)! But all I know is I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THE GRILLED CORN! Me want to holler at it everyday! The only con about eating these delicious lovelies----my grill looks crazy afterwards! (cuz me gots corn all up in my grills!) So don't try going here with any cute boys!!!!
(5)
Grace S.
One of my default places to take a friend visiting from town looking for some delish food! Also, they have a small outpost/takeout place around the corner if you don't want to wait in that ridiculous line-- pretty much the same stuff. My faves are listed below: | Drinks: Mango Margaritas and Mojitos | | Appetizer: the infamous Corn on the Cob - Reminds me White Cheddar popcorn.| | Entree: Steak or the Pork dishes - I try to stay "low-carb-y", but I make exceptions for their side of yellow rice and beans, since they make my fave version of rice and beans in the city. :-) ] |
(5)
vina t.
the corn on the cob really lives up to all the hype and raves. if you can get a table, it's totally worth it.
(5)
Dorim L.
I just had brunch here and it was soooo tasty. I had the eggs with chorizo and black beans; excellent! Normally I don't like black beans because they're not really tasty but they seasoned it just right. And boy, was I sorry for not ordering my own plate of corn. I'd kill to get one of those to eat again. I'm going tomorrow to get some corn for my family to enjoy.
(5)
Tina C.
i am not a big fan of Cuban food, but this place totally rocks. the grilled steak (with rice & beans) and the grilled corn are crazy delicious.. I say skip the wait , go to the take out next door, where the food is equally good and prices are cheaper!!!
(4)
Will S.
I hated this place. It was pumped up way too hard, and when I got there, the food was not that good. Service was slow also. I'd rather get some sushi at Oyama.
(1)
Amy L.
Cozy spot, great corn, strong drinks, bang for the buck, and would come again at an off-peak time. There is some conflicting corn-related information in the previous reviews here, but I'm certain mayo and chili powder are involved (and maybe cayenne pepper -- definitely a noticeable kick), the slathered mayo being crucial to all that cheese and chili powder and limeyness adhering to the ear. To add to the cheering section: good stuff! And, same price per ear as at the Red Hook Ball Fields, but ever so much more accessible to the slothful Manhattanite. (I followed prior Yelpers' advice about bringing floss. So key to be able to enjoy my corn unfettered by worries about future tooth obstruction!) We had about an hour wait on a Friday night at 8:30, which was tempered by a couple of very potent mojitos. Sopesitas (corn cakes), average. Pechuga de pollo al pipian (chicken in pumpkin and tomatillo mole) was really nicely and subtly flavored. Enchiladas de mole poblano (chicken, chocolate-less mole) was decent, but not too memorable. Entree portions were huge, though, and we rolled ourselves out of that place -- whereupon we paused for 7 minutes and then headed for pudding at Rice to Riches, coffee and aperitifs at Cafe Gitane, and drinks at Shebeen. Yeah boy.
(4)
Kenan F.
OMG, the corn. yes, you've heard it all before. The first time I tried the corn I thought the white stuff was mayo. I hate mayo. Turns out it's melted cheese. The second time I had the corn was almost life changing it was so good (I didn't scrape the cheese off). Brunch is excellent, food is always fresh and inventive. The eggs ranchero have a nice kick and the french toast is yummy. Much better than brunch at Cupping Room, Jane or Dos Caminos, and more reasonably priced too. Hipper neighborhood with fewer wannabes, this is good cuz brunch should be casual. Get there before 12:30pm on weekends, otherwise it's a mob scene. The tables/booths are small, so best to go with groups of 4 or less. For dinner, I like the garlic spinach and rice.
(4)
Dina L.
A little bewildered at all the hype..Not that the food is bad, but its definitely not good enough to wait for 30 minutes to an hour on an average weekend, and not much less on a weekday. Well, maybe only for their grilled corn- which IS outstanding. But everything else just lives of its glory. From the beef to chicken dishes, its all just OK. Not too much flavor, most of the time lacking salt.. The mojitos are weak and bland. Beans and rice? Average at best. For really good Cuban comfort food, Cafecito not too far away does a much better job at both food and drinks.
(3)
hong p.
Can't add much to what's already been said. We arrived at 8 on a sunday to a 45-1hr wait. We opted to go to the take out (you can still eat in--there are counters and several small tables--just no one to wait on you) part of the restaurant next door and was pleasantly surprised by the difference in prices... in general, it was about $2 more expensive to be in the sit down part of hte restaurant. The grilled corn was 1.95 (3.95) and the cuban sandwich 6.95 (8.95). We smothered our faces with the delicious corn and cuban sandwiches---what a great dining experience! Next time, forget the wait, save a lil dough and skip the restaurant and go for the take out. There's only a few of the seafood dishes that you can't order.
(4)
Amanda G.
5 stars for food, 3 stars for service. the waitresses are usually slow and act like they could care less about you. BUT it's worth it if the wait is less than an hour, cuz the food is incredible and the grilled corn is to die for.
(4)
Lauren H.
The corn is it; everyone should try it because you will like it. The space is tiny; everything seems to be miniature in there. The patrons are mostly too hip hipsters or celebrity types but you will find average people here too. The service is good and fast once you get seated. Getting a table is usually a wait, but well worth it. Obviously this place is something special my review is # 256.
(5)
matthew h.
Yes, the corn is amazing. The wait sucks and the place is tiny, but I love to go here anytime I'm in NYC. The garlic chicken is my favorite and they are open late!
(4)
Akiva L.
Get the corn - it is amazing. I also had the Chicken Diablo Torta which was great and full of chipotle mayo goodness. I will be back for sure...
(5)
Anthony N.
This place has almost become a tradition. I go here every time I visit New York. LOVE the decor. LOVE the corn. LOVE the waiters. It's the best place to have a lunch with a friend in New York in my opinion. Pure AWESOME.
(5)
Darius B.
Food is always good. But it's always packed. I love that corn! Go to the one in Brooklyn if u want to have more elbow room.
(4)
Yi H.
I've actually never tried the restaurant side because there's always a wait and it always seems so crowded. We usually just go to the take-out side right next to it. They have the best corn ever! The cuban sandwich and the "sloppy jose" bbq pork sandwich are bomb!! And they have the bottled Coke with real sugar. We live on UWS and would go all the way down there just to have lunch. Apparently there's a store in Malibu too. Wish we knew about it when we lived in Cali :(
(5)
Jean L.
One of the best cuban food places in US. Get the roast pork with yellow rice and black beans, cuban sandwich, and roast corn with spicy butter cream! p.s. i love their sangria soda!
(5)
Jen G.
It's all about the corns! I also love the music, the ambience, the food, but OMG, the corns were unbelivable! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I need to find one like this on the west coast!
(5)
Jennifer L.
Delicious and hearty cubanos - it's all I've ever ordered here (to go), but it's a very popular place, often with a bit of a line and people milling out in front munching on their food. The cubano is toasty and warm, filled with roast pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickles. And because it's a rather large sandwich, you could easily share this with a buddy (possibly with a side if you need more food).
(4)
Jenn S.
If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be the corn from here. I've searched high and low to find something that comes close to it but really there is nothing. Also try the mango margarita, super tasty on a hot night. The regular dinner items are great too but be prepared for a lot of food. Its always packed and you are basically sitting with the table next to you but once you try the food you won't care.
(5)
Aimee C.
this place is quick and delicious and so so cheap. i think i had a dream about their corn once. there is occasionally a wait, but that's easily dealt with in soho.
(5)
Christina S.
Had to wait for an hour, but at least they let you drink on the corner while you wait. Fabulous corn on the cob. Solid food. Very cool, lower east side vibe. I'm into it. Completely casual and laid back. No attitude. Loved it.
(4)
Casey W.
It's hip and loved by everyone, but I still believe these to be a damn good plate of platanos. great michelada, too.
(5)
Chris F.
Crowded, but oh my god the corn on the cob is amazing!
(5)
Javier M.
I came here for breakfast on Saturday on some Yelp-induced corn-state.... "Gotta have the corn, guhtta haavee the corrrrnnn...." It was replete of customers, and there wasn't one place where you could leisurely wait to be seated; so we found ourselves awkwardly moving around, trying not to block the counter/kitchen entrance.... we waited 15 min, and sat on the stools at the counter. Ok, time to eat right? Cafe Habana begs to differ. Service was terribly, terribly slow.... the bartender/countender was oblivious to our (and the ppl right next to us) presence, and just kept loitering around doing menial tasks... finally he turns and asks us what we are drinking. I especifically and clearly voiced the words: "Virgin Mary", my friend asks for coffee.... another 10 minutes later he comes back to hand me some BLOODY MARY leaden with Vodka; crass mistake. 1 star less for having to re-order. The mood changed as soon as the corn arrived; it was superb like everyone else attests to, coated with cheese and a very tasty red sauce. It was smaller than expected, but it was great. We both had the eggs with chorizo, and I was surprised to see that the chorizo (sausage) was actually already chopped and mixed with the rest of the scrambled eggs. It was good, but nothing extraordinary. In the meanwhile, my Virgin Mary was empty, and I needed to drink something fresh, but the water we had ordered three times already, hadn't had the dignity of showing up. It did finally, when the caramel flan arrived for dessert (which, btw, took another 5 minutes of signalling, waving and calling the bartender for him to get cracking) The flan was thick and full of gusto. A star on itself. Finally, after 1 hour + of waiting for everything, we also had to wait 10 minutes for the check, and 10 minutes for them to come back with the change. Cafe Habana deserves 0 star for ETERNITIES waited, sluggish service, and a bartender who was clearly on a quaalude suicidal spree. Only the food makes the three star mark, definitely a place NOT recommended for those who seek a relief breakfast experience after a night of drinks and a slight hangover. 2 and a half for inattentiveness.
(3)
Christine T.
Delicious corn and chicken something-or-other with green sauce. Very tasty snack or late lunch :) A bit crowded and by a bit, I mean very. The bathroom is the size of a small pantry and made for very skinny people, so anticipate difficulty using it. Overall, the food really hit the spot after a long afternoon shopping in Soho :)
(4)
Audrey W.
Okay, so their grilled corn is good. But so is Del Monte cream of corn soup. Cafe Habana is as authentic as you can get for that area but I think that real cuban food is definitely in its true form in Harlem. Their pulled pork sandwich is nothing to write home about and how could you afford to when they charge a good amount for their beans and rice. I guess they gotta pay the rent somehow, right?
(3)
Beatrice W.
whoa, I am impressed by so many reviews, but it is true that this little place is a winning option. The service is friendly enough, I love what they did with such small place and have special fondness for the bead curtains that separate the room from the bathrooms. And yes the Corn is amazing, and truly the real, authentic deal. The other dishes are quite tasty as well. Maybe a bit Americanized but for obvious reasons, I love any place that introduce anyone to the amazing food of Latin America.
(4)
Ayelet I.
My favorite place in New York to grab lunch. I am in love with their Diablo chicken sandwich with roasted peppers. Oh god, I miss Manhattan right now. The portion is so large I usually have enough to take home for later. The margaritas are tasty, sitting at the bar staring at the gorgeous bartender is entertaining, and it's less crowded midday than when it gets packed at night. But even then, it's totally worth the wait. The only downside is when I was there there was no air-conditioning-a big no no in the summertime.
(5)
Lorraine D.
I love Cuban food. I love Cafe Habana. They have the greatest food here. My favorite dishes here are hot and spicy. The spot is small but well worth the wait. This is everything you want in a restaurant - good food, small, and everyone excited about the food. Want more? The crowd usually looks really fab. The neighborhood is so cool. On a hot summer day, the mojito hits the spot. You're usually so excited to be there but once the food comes silence falls on your table because you're just consumed with these great flavors. You don't even look up once until your food is gone. And then you look at your dinner companions with that satisfied look. None of you knows what the other had, and the experience was just your own, but all of you know that you shared something special - a wonderful dinner at Cafe Habana.
(5)
Mariposa P.
Corn.
(5)
Bianca L.
the corn on the cob!!! freaken mouth heaven worthy!!!!!
(5)
Andrew C.
I kept hearing about the corn so I decided to take some out of towners on a Thursday night. We showed up at around 10 and got seated without a wait. The service was prompt and the food was great. Try the Enchiladas Suizas...you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Jonny Bobby G.
Corn on the cob. 'Nuff said. This place makes me want to fly across the country and go to NYC.
(4)
Sophie C.
Corn corn corn. Chant it three times and just like Beetlejuice, I wished it would appear. I absolutely love the grilled corn Mexican style with chili powder, lime and cheese. This is the one place I must go to everytime I am back in NY. The place is small and intimate. I prefer to come here with one friend because it is easier to get seating for a party of two whether it is at the bar or at a table. I think there is a break between 4-5PM where they stop serving food, but you can still enjoy a nice stiff mojito or a cafe con leche. This place is always fun and filled with energy. Other than the corn, the rest of the dishes are good, but I don't recall anything superb about them. The only thing that comes to my mind is the corn. I think it might be time for me to book a trip to NYC.
(5)
Charlie C.
I LOVE this place! Every time I go to NYC I have to eat here at least a couple of times. The challah french toast, the quesadillas made with lime infused tortillas, the pancakes and .... oh my god, the Mexican corn!!!! Holy crap it's so good! So worth getting it stuck in your teeth. My only gripe about the place is how small a venue it is. That's the only thing keeping this place from getting all stars from me. The waitstaff and bartenders are always smokin' and sweet! Oww! Always going back...love from SF!
(4)
DJ L.
The grilled corn is amazing! I don't even know what kind of cheese they put on it, but it was ssoooooo good! The Huevos con Chorizo could've had a little more zing to them, but I fixed that easily with some hot sauce.
(4)
Jonelle Y.
This is the first place I always go when I visit New York. The corn is cheap, delicious, and addictive. The definition of cheap NYC eats. Perfect for: Everything. Corn is the best food on earth. Cuban corn is the best food in the universe.
(5)
Emma K.
Good LORD this place is good. I received specific instructions from my boyfriend via a vegetarian friend of his in New York to absolutely eat here while I was visiting. I'm glad I went out of my way to fulfill these orders! There's corn, oh yes, the corn. And then there are several veggie dishes from which to choose, and all of their descriptions made my mouth water. I ended up going with a quesadilla-type thing with grilled veggies, but it could hardly be called a quesadilla by the standards to which I am accustomed. The cheese was more ricotta-like, and it was topped by both a creamy and a smokey sauce. The space was small but charming, and the waitresses were all extremely beautiful (did I just say that?) Holy moly, I think I'm going to move to New York.
(5)
Ann M.
Cafe Habana is one of the reasons I almost missed my flight back to LA! Just tasting their Lemon Chicken Breast with rice made me not wanna go back home... In fact I have looked for that same chicken here in LA, but no luck! =( You also have to definitely try their corn on the cob with cheese and chilli it's AMAZING! Plus they have coke in a bottle and a booth were you can gaze out the street and enjoy your meal. The service is fast and the surrounding area has some pretty cool shops!
(5)
Jack C.
The corn is as good as everyone says it is, but be prepared to wait. The lines are usually long and on several occasions the food's gotten cold by the time I take my first bite. One of the best things about Cafe Habana (aside from the corn) is that they have full-sized glass-bottled coca-cola. Not those whimpy 8oz. bottles, but the real-deal 12oz. ones from the old days! Delicious.
(4)
Farah M.
Yes the corn cobs were awesome but the fish tacos were not very good...had better taco from cart vendors...wait was almost 30 min just for a spot at the bar for 1...not sure if it was worth it...saw a lot of ppl with the sandwich but could not try cuz had pork in it... have to give it up for their drinks though...recommend trying their drinks.
(2)
Jenny T.
So freaking crowded here and the restaurant is tiny! If you can get a table, great. If not, just order from the take out area next door. The tables are a tight squeeze and it's uncomfortable. I literally was sitting on top of this poor guy next to me because so many people were waiting inside and crowding around the table. Prices are good for the portions! The corn is just so good though. It's a hint or spicy and there's mayo and cheese on it and you get to squeeze some lime. SO GOOD. I've had the fish tacos and steak during past visits but those weren't as memorable. Still a great meal though!
(3)
Nathan D.
When I came to Cafe Habana, it was packed and people were stuffing their faces with corn. They make it uniquely and although normally not my cup of tea, they made it stupidly delicious. They have great sandwiches and awesome names to boot
(5)
Michelle H.
Speedy, affordable, and delicious. I got the Cuban sandwich which ended up being just short of $10. It was toasted to a crispy perfection. The pickle added a satisfying crunch to the heap of shredded pork and ham and mustard.
(5)
Tara B.
The restaurant is small and cozy. The grilled Mexican corn and the tostones were excellent. I do wish the cheese and the chili pepper would have stuck to the corn and not the plate it was served on. The Baja fish tacos were lacking flavor and the rice and beans that came with the dish were just ok. The side of guacamole was good however the serving size was not equal to the price.
(2)
P P.
This place is always thronged on weekends. After 7 months and two attempts to get in on a weekend, I finally did get in last Saturday. I enjoyed my veg tacos -they were delicious and the portions were huge! I had the strawberry daiquiri and fell in love with it. It was smooth and just perfect. It was worth all the wait after all !! :) The waitress was super nice, the music was great, all in all, this was a winner!
(5)
Debora D.
The very best cuban sandwich in the entire world!!!!!! Get to this lunchspot if at all possible.
(5)
Jelissa D.
5 stars for the corn!!!!! Yup so worth the trip for that corn!! But everything else is okay...good, enjoyable but nothing to go crazy orver..except for the corn.......
(5)
M K ..
I find Cafe Habana to be my first stop in Soho when I am hungry. Not only is the grilled corn a definite item to order but its pretty cool for breakfast during the week. Its quite and the Huevos Rancheros or pancakes with the fruit cup rocks. its all good!
(5)
Kristina L.
A friend took me to Cafe Habana almost 4 years ago...the grilled corn made magical munching moments. So I made it a must grub place for our girls' trip last Labor day weekend. Needless to say, I made them fans of the place and the corn. I still dream of this magical corn...thinking bout moving to Manhattan so I can eat it everyday.
(5)
Claire Y.
OK, so after reading all these rave reviews about "THE CORN," being an extreme foodie, I was fully convinced that I must find and visit this place - just to try the corn. Did I like the corn? Yes - it was tasty. Did it match up to all the hype I'd read prior to my visit? Unfortunately, no, not so much. To me, it was like a regular good corn on the cob that you could find elsewhere. Then again, I'm not sure if it would've impressed me much more if I hadn't been aware of all the hype about it. I'd like to return for a sit-down meal. After all, thou must not judge a restaurant based on a take-out corn...
(3)
Ming L.
Excellent little Soho Spot, filled to the brim with hip-clad patrons and attractive servers. Reasonably priced and filled with atmosphere, I would recommend this for a small group of friends or for a second/third date. Be prepared to wait and enjoy a few drinks, all the while dodging customers and waitresses toting around simple yet delicious Cuban inspired food through the small cramped space. A word of caution for the heftier type, it is SMALL! Really SMALL! So unless you want to re-enact that scene from The Nutty Professeur, you may want to try something a bit larger, like ESPN Sportszone. As far as food goes, it is quite yummy and on the simple side. The corn is what it's known for, so bring your floss and munch up. See ya there for brunch!
(4)
Michelle P.
All I can say is fish tacos and corn. YUMMMMMMMMY. It's worth the long wait. . . .
(5)
Geralyn Y.
The fact that it is tucked away in a cute neighborhood and totes attractively fashion-savvy waitresses are two things may that initially draw you towards this joint despite misgivings. Good freaking corn. Kinda like the stuff you could get off a street cart, except you know that Habana's is legit. Order a Mojito and stir it up so the brown sugar at the bottom mixes with the already tasty drink. Oh yeah, the misgivings part. About 45 minutes for a table at peak hours and no space to be comfy and cozy while you wait. Every time I've gone there's always a line. Which means they're doing something right.
(5)
Michelle C.
This place is actually better than the hype around it. I've been hearing about it since I moved to New York, and I finally made my long over due visit to Cafe Habana before a show at the Bowery Ballroom. The woman who took our name could not have been more pleasant, and we only had to wait about 10 minutes. The mojitos were perfection and ginormous. The rice and beans were the best that I've tasted this side of the Mississippi. AND the corn. I could talk for years about the corn, but you just have to experience it for yourself. A great place for during the week when it's not as crowded. Just be careful not to stuff your face before going out. You'll be tempted!
(5)
Michelle R.
I'm pretty generous with my ratings, or I only remember the good ones. I'm giving it 3 stars because the only thing I find memorable about this hipster haven is the corn, yes, read everyone else's reviews... THE CORN. In fact, when I get a chance, I get the corn to go hop back on the train, slop it down, and happily pick my teeth in the comfort of my own tiny apartment.
(3)
Joshua S.
My wife and I stumbled on this hole in the wall while shopping boutiques in Nolita. Every trip since then (6 and counting), we have made a pit stop here. Picture a tight, old, not so neat, hectic space with minimal decor. You can see behind the bar, see down the hatch in the basement, etc. Now this sounds great no? The corn is the best plate of food out there. We would import this to Chicago if we could. We also like the cheesy bean sandwich, and the prices are great!
(5)
Philip F.
The Sincronizada Toluca was perfection, the tortillas were out of this world. Sangria rounded it out. Great vibe too, nice staff, and nice customers.
(5)
Alinda N.
The corn on a stick is sooooooo good. I have no idea what is on it, but it is crack. I can't give it a full 5 stars since I did not try their other cuisine. The place is so tiny.
(4)
Jessica P.
Quaint restaurant in Nolita. It's very small so be prepared for a wait, due to size and popularity. Decor is original, very bright colors inside. It took almost an hour to be sat. Not a problem, lots to see in this area. Once we were sat, the service was average. I think it's tough for them to go "above and beyond" given how busy they are. I had the Cuban sandwich per all the recommendations. It was yummy but I don't usually eat pork so not sure if I'd get it again. The highlight was the corn... Get it!! Don't deprive yourself. So delicious and its just as authentic as what I get in Texas outside of Hispanic grocery stores. This stuff is the real deal. I wish I'd tried more dishes for a more well rounded review, but that just means I have to go back!
(3)
Luna L.
The cashiers here are very rude. I ordered here a few times and the food here is good but I will not return because of the cashiers. They get short with you when you order. The place is very crowded and loud which makes it hard to hear. The lady cashier would roll their eyeballs and they have very hostile face like they hate their job. One time when I ordered the elote she gave me one when I paid for two. I told her nicely and she was flipping her hair and sucking her teeth. The Cuban sandwich is good. It has toasty bread and the right amount of filling. The elote which is grilled corn dipped in mayonnaise and tossed in seasoning is my favorite.
(3)
Joolie T.
the grilled corn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yes, it is true what everyone says about the corn. it's so good- i have dreams about it! they're perfectly spiced and seasoned with the butter, cheese, cayenne pepper, and... who else knows what it is- but people always come back for more. $3.25 for 2? oh my goodness, what a bargain! i'm not raving about this place because i know a few people who works for the Habana chain- (their fashion line, eco-friendly programs, events, eco-friendly cafe in BK, etc.) it's because the corn is like crack- and i'm just a helpless corn fiend. i will get 2 and not share with anyone. the cuban sandwhich is mouth-watering and so desirable... anywhere else i've tried the thing have all been boring and blah for me. they press theirs just right- until the cheese is perfectly melted ontop of the tender pork and other goodness in the sandwich. even the pickle is delicioso. the sopesitas (sp??), chicken enchilada, shrimp w/ mole, and those natural cut french fries are the best ont he menu. don't forget to order some mojitos. they're the best around town! i always get perfectly buzzed from a drink or two. i love the servers- they're hot and so very kind. a few of them model for the Habana fashion line, too. it's called, H.O.R.R.S. which has been making some ripples in the BK fashion scene. it's VERY SMALL in there and you're dining extremely close to everyone. but this is NY.... what were you expecting? haha. getting a table is stressful and it's so packed- there's nowhere to stand. so i suggest dining with a very small party- or going next door and ordering take out. yup.
(5)
Donna T.
I was thoroughly impressed with Cafe Habana. Despite the 30 minute wait time that turned into 45-50 minutes, it was worth it! I had the corn, the steak enchiladas, everyone loved their food, and their margaritas are the best! Made with fresh strawberries, they go right to your head. Definitely going back. It's my new favorite place.
(5)
Sandra G.
I'm here to talk about more than just "the corn" (so good though). The grilled steak, Cuban sandwich and pork sandwiches are excellent. The pollo mirador (sauteed chicken breast in a roast garlic lemon sauce served with white rice and spinach) and the ensalada Adela (goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, grilled portabello served over mesclun with a balsamic vinaigrette) are really good also. Good vibe, very crowded though. Definately worth trying if you haven't already.
(4)
Susannah R.
After all three roommates recommended Cafe Habana independently, I figured I had to go. I had the toasted Cuban bread with refried black beans, cheese, and salsa which was simple and delicious. We didn't know to order to the corn on the cob, but after watching everyone around us eat it, I know I'll have to go back to try it.
(4)
Faffy L.
This is definitely the only trendy place I would go out of my way to volunteer to go to. It's for real, THE CORN, THE CORN. Even if you can't bear to wait for a table at the restaurant, swing by the take out, get a cob and go! It's worth the standin' and eatin' in the cold. I've hyped this many time to my other newcomer New York friends many times and it never fails! Pass this on to all your friends, it's a kick ass arrival gift!! If you CAN get a table, try the guava margarita.. it's definitely a deeelight.
(5)
lisa p.
grilled cheesey spicy yummy finger-lickin CORN on a stick .... (a great snack that you can pick up at the adjacent to-go storefront on Elizabeth)
(5)
Trevor T.
Warning: Corn is not mustache friendly! Place is tiny and they really cramp you in, but that's part of the atmosphere. Food is good, can't go wrong w/ the pork chops. Also, a little known secret is that they have the best mojito's in nyc (arguably), b/c they stir them w/ a spoon instead of crushing the mint. Also, I've found that you can get away w/ drinking them on the sidewalk while waiting to be seated (usually 20+ mins). All in all, it's a bit overhyped, hence the long waits, but still a good spot.
(4)
Nina C.
The corn of the cob was good, but there's something to be said for getting good service as well. Beside the grilled corn, the food was nothing special. The hipster wait staff was either too bored to care or just attitudinal - whatever... I'll go back to Havana Central for my grilled corn - it's better there anyways.
(3)
stephanie i.
I like my corn on the cob. And I love the way they grill it up here. I also had a torta and it was pretty good too! Fresh bread and tastey grilled chicken (my pick though there are several options). It's definitely a great snacky poo in the middle of a shopping spree or anytime really. Make up any excuse to stop by! : )
(4)
Jeremy S.
Can you get anything good for $1.80 these days? Absolutely! Cafe Habana's Mexican Style Grilled Corn. One of the best snacks ever, who knew cayenne pepper would work so well on corn?!? Well it does, so go try it...now!
(4)
Jessica A.
Sometimes, when I am sleeping at night, I dream. Sometimes it is about corn. The corn is always from Cafe Habana. The first time I came here, my friend took me. She was like "we are having corn." I was like "Um, I don't want corn for dinner." Holy crap, was I wrong. This roasted corn is so drug-like, you will dream of it, too. Everything I have eaten from here is delicious- great Cuban sandwiches, great sauteed spinach. It is packed at times, but totally worth it. Just grab some corn at the take out portion if you don't have the time to deal. Oh, and you will dream
(5)
Brian D.
I tend to avoid trendy restaurants since they rarely live up to my expectations. I finally gave in and popped into Cafe Habana early on a Tuesday afternoon, when they weren't busy (read: when all the tables were full and the wait was only 10 minutes). I settled on the corn and the pork adobo. I thought about trying the tostones afterwards but I was stuffed. The corn was good, the best of its kind I've had (though I admit my grilled corn experience is limited to bbq joints and street fairs) but for me it wasn't the divine experience that everyone else seems to make it out to be. The cheese is a good idea but by the end it was just overload and I actually scraped a little off. The pork adobo I thoroughly enjoyed--- big pieces of roast pork cooked just right, mildly spicy, with black beans and crispy red onions all on a lightly toasted hero from Parisi's bakery across the street. I even surprised myself with the onions, since I'll usually pick most of them off a sandwich, but these weren't overpowering just crispy and a little sweet. The prices were right, the food was very good and I'll be back again if I'm ever in the mood for Cuban a la nyc.
(4)
Samantha S.
Give me the corn on a stick!!!! I've been here for brunch, lunch, and dinner all in one day I'm sure cuz I love it that much:) I have to be honest, the sound of cuban food was not that appealing to me but Cafe Habbana will convert you! I cant remember the name, but try their special spicy drink (you pour corona into it). Its perfect for a sunday brunch-buzz! Also, everytime I go there I see at least 2 celebs within a 5 minute time frame. If you dont have time to wait (loooooong wait) then go next door to get take out and walk with your YUMMY corn on a stick!:) mmmm, luv it
(5)
Robert R.
So good. The best entree at Havana is the vegetarian one - goat cheese stuffed inside a corn shell. If you expect the wait, you won't be surprised. The corn is good, but there are other things just as good to fill up on. I always have fried plantains as my dessert. Wash all that down with some Negro Modelos and then walk it all off around Soho.
(4)
Jen L.
This is my new fave place. I can't get over how this place has lived up to its hype. Yes, the grilled corn is that good. So juicy, cheesy, buttery. Also, although this place is cramped and tiny and the wait is forever, it's worth the wait, no matter how long. It's because of the amazing taste, cheap (CHEAP) prices and huge portion of food. My 3 favorite things. And also, added plus, the service was excellent. Just very friendly and helpful people. We also had the cuban sandwich which was heavenly. The bread was crisp and warm, the cheese was melted and the mayo was nice and spicy. I even liked the side salad and I hate salads. But, my biggest enjoyment was the challah french toast. 2 huge and juicy pieces of toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup for only $6.25 and it was one of the best french toast (if not the best) I have had. I will be coming back here again and again and again which means I may have a lot of waiting to do but it's worth the wait.
(5)
James C.
I swear it seems like such a random suggestion when one of your friends says "you have to try the corn at Cafe Habana." But it's so true. Once you bite into one of those corn on the cobs, you will forever be changed. It's like the movie The Ring... you have no choice but to pass it along and tell someone else about it.
(5)
Theda E.
MMMMM....corn! "It's just corn!", you say to yourself. I've tried to duplicate it, as simple as the ingredients are, but it's just not the same. Enjoy the shrimp with garlic sauce, too.
(4)
Gabby D.
I finally acquiesced and joined my roommate here for brunch this past weekend. And um, yes...the corn, the corn, the corn. It's BETTER that what people say it is. I'm not a huge "corn-on-the-cob" kinda girl (the whole food in your teeth, crowded environment, etc) so I sorta shyed away from getting my own order of the corn, but let me tell you--just by the look of it--you're drooling away. It comes drenched in goodness upon goodness. After one bite--you're completely sold!!! Everything else was really tasty and even though I wasn't, I'm glad that I got a "For the Hangover" morning cocktail which was strong and delicious. Yes, it's crowded because HELLO! It's the place to be (did I mention the corn?!?!). The tables turn over quickly enough so the wait definitely moves along. The staff is not just crazy-good looking (did you SEE the Lenny Kravitz video??) but they're super friendly and patient, which was comforting especially after I felt I asked far too many questions about the cocktail list and added cheese to this and got a side of that (p.s. everything was right too!). Great place to people watch as well because there were quite a few good-lookers that made for some yummy eye candy during the whole fabulous experience!
(5)
Katie Q.
I have never raved about a vegetable so much in my life but that corn...oh my god. Who goes out for corn? Apparently this girl because once I get that notion in my craw I will not hear of any other ideas. Corn. Who knew?
(5)
Tina S.
The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn.
(5)
Kenny L.
When a place is packed on a Tuesday night, you know they're doing something right. There was a mere ten minute wait for the three of us to eat at the bar, which is probably less cramped and more comfortable than sitting at a table. But, you know, I'd sit outside on the ground if I had to - the food is that good. The first bite of the famed Cafe Habana corn was actually incredibly disappointing. It had been hyped so highly in my mind that it could not possibly live up to the expectations that had been set. But then I took a few more bites and it got a little better. I had moved away from the slightly burnt edge part and moved into the various toppings and I really started to enjoy myself. A little spicy, a little buttery, a little cheesy, a lot delicious! And it just got better and better as new and exciting flavors joined the already wonderful medley in my mouth. Before I knew what had happened there was no more corn and only a slight tingling around my mouth remained. That and a happy happy memory that I look forward to recreating. You really have not eaten corn until you have eaten this corn. For all the people complaining about the "weak" drinks, it's probably because the bartender makes them correctly so that you can actually taste the drink ingredients as opposed to, say, just rum. I watched him making drinks all night and he's a damn good bartender.
(5)
Lori M.
Great spot downtown for lunch. Don't let the wait keep you from eating here. And the corn on the cobb is an absolute must!
(4)
ed y.
this is a sweet little spot because of the diner counter and chatting with the awesome girls who work behind it. Got some cool neighborhood folks strolling in like these guys who work as extras on the Sopranos. Prepare to wait if you come at peak hours. Cuban food is so heavy that it makes me comatose. Dig the coffee.
(4)
Helena H.
Important info: Bring floss! I'm a huge fan of the corn and chicken mole. It's a tiny place, but also great if you're walking in the area and want a snack... the corn is neatly packaged in foil for you to devour right when you walk out the door.
(4)
lisa S.
I find myself here at least once a week regardless of the perma-wait for a table (they have approximately 8 of them), and the not so wonderful service. The corn is spectacular and the margheritas are excellent, but for maximum enjoyment sit in one of the booths twards the front because the back tables are crowded and too close to the bathroom.
(3)
steven l.
This place is fantastic. The corn is a must have obviously but it's a great spot just to get some great pork sandwiches. It's a relatively chill spot with decent seating. I would say no more than 4 people or it's gonna be a long wait.
(4)
Arwen O.
I've never actually been to the restaurant part of Cafe Habana, because the To Go part is so charming and fast and GOOD. The corn on the cob makes you want to cry, and the Cuban Sandwich sets the standard in my book.
(5)
Andrea D.
This is actually the address for Cafe Habana To Go, located right next door to the little cafe part with the blue booths. I like the To Go part best, because it's faster and you can sit on the stools at the window while you eat (or on the benches outside in good weather) all the while eating the most fantastic food you can imagine. The Cuban Sandwich is terrific, the corn on the cob is divine (cheesy and spicy), the hot chocolate is wonderful (served south american style), and there's this onion/egg/bean sandwich that has kept me coming back for years.
(5)
Elena Z.
One of the best hidden no-name neighborhood places in Soho that locals absolutely love. Tiny, always crowded, Cafe Habana was even featured in Lenny Cravitz' music video (in "I'll never see you again") - and Lenny knows his stuff in good ethnic places (his favorite falafel place in Marais dist in Paris really does serve the best falafel in the world). Habana has the UNFORGETTABLE roasted corn on the cob ($3 for two) with Cuban cheese, you shouldn't go there unless you try it. I rest my case.
(4)
Vivian T.
Super cute, intimate, cozy, lively, fun atmosphere. It always seems to be a party in here- maybe it's because the space is small and people are always overflowing through the doors waiting. The hostess was very considerate and kept us posted throughout our wait and we really appreciated it. The drink menu is super fun and food is good. Everyone loves the grilled corn and I have seen people who just get a dish of 2 cobs for themselves. totally do- able and amazing but then there isn't much room for all the other yummy things on the menu. We got the corn and spit the Camarones Al Ajillo and cuban sandwich. The shrimp was amazing- it was in a sweet/tart/tangy tomato sauce flavored with garlic and we just could not get enough.
(4)
Edward C.
Dang, its my first taste of Cuban sandwiches and now I'm stuck with such high standards ever since. How am I supposed to eat any other Cuban sandwiches now?!
(5)
Jessica C.
Pamela S. is right - pack the DENTAL FLOSS and your TOOTH BRUSH cuz you're gonna have to dig for gold in your chompers. So yes, the corn, the undigestable vegetable with the cakey yummy cheese, is insane but let's talk about something other than cuban pork sandwiches: THE GRILLED STEAK SANDWICH. We used to order the stuff everyone orders, the corn, the cuban sandwich, beans, rice, etc. but do YOU KNOW ABOUT the STEAK SANDWICH? We got the heads up from Wilmer V.'s bud. Yes THE YO MOMMA Wilmer V. We're sitting at the To-Go place on our barstools snacking on our cuban, and had already waited a good 15 minutes to get the cubie, but the bud says to us, "You can get a cuban sandwich anywhere! You have to try the steak sandwich!" (Between the 2 of them they had about 6 plates on the table, mind you. They were grubbbin!) So we got back in line, wait another 15 minutes and got the steak sandwich. Boy were we 4 happy B-F-F girls. 4 girls snackin' away on 1 steak sandwich while walking down Prince St -- stankin' of grilled onions, peppers and HELLA GOOD sauce and crusty bread. Yall need to get on the Steak Sandwich truck and holllllllaaaa.
(5)
Pam S.
Word on Cafe Habana has spread like wildfire and the lines are incredibly long at any time of day...hungry, angsty New Yorkers and tourists alike wait to get into this cramped little cuban diner with it's indie-hipster waitresses... But it's well worth it the wait. Yummy soda pop, to-die-for starters, and main courses. Oh who am I kidding.... it's really ALL ABOUT THE CORN. This is the best grilled corn on the cob you'll EVER get.. from street fairs in Pasadena, CA to those on the UES of Manhattan.. nothing beats the corn at this place. Smothered in chili powder, some sort of magical creamy sauce, cheese, lime, coupled with the burnt smell of cooked corn goodness.. happiness on a stick. I recommend: - grapefruit soda - corn and more corn - cuban sandwich - dental floss
(4)
Brian H.
Unfortunately, corn seems to be the only thing Habana does exceptionally well. The rest is just very good. It would be nice if they had a few more signature dishes. Very promising.
(3)
David C.
The corn wit da melted queso and tasted like mayo was off da heezy. End o story on that. Typical tight cramp NYC restaurant. When the place gets really packed, just be careful when your moving your arms around. I saw some big tall dude accidentally shove the waitress when he was getting out of his chair and knock down two plates of food. I'm sure that isn't the first time its happened. You might want to take it go next door if you're someone that might take up 2 seats. Just being blunt and upfront, not trying to be mean. I thought the mojitos here were good, but not great. The best enchiladas I've had for surely. It was must've been the red sauce which had a little kick to it. The cuban sandwich I ordered was somewhat cold already when I got it, but still good. I wanted to complain about the sandwich being cold, but it was so hectic, I didn't bother. The service overall is below average, but I will come back because its good food at a reasonable price.
(3)
Sam P.
Ok, so clearly the 86th review here does not need to mention how delicious the corn is. It is, but to be honest, considering the corn-related hype, I was expecting orgasm worthy corn. Don't get me wrong, it's damn good, but not really more complex than roasted corn with butter, parmesan, and paprika. Good, but not rocket science. Anyway, a friend and I came here for brunch yesterday when the wait at "too-cool-for-you" Cafe Gitane was out of control. Surprisingly, here we got a table right away, but it was right by the door, so we had a nice fall breeze accompany our brunch. This warrants minus a star because I saw two tables in the back that were available, but when I asked about them, the hostess said, "no, they're taken." They clearly weren't, but whatever. I'm being nitpicky, as I usually am with popular places. The food is cuban basics done right and served with a smile - our watiress was beautiful and attentive. I had the Huevos con Chorizo and a Cafe con leche...mmm...just like I used to have in Miami. But really what knocks the socks off this place is the prices. It is cheap, reliable, good cuban food. Can't go wrong. I'd come back as long I could get a better table.
(4)
andre s.
Cheese covered corn (elote). 'nuf said.
(5)
vince g.
Look - I love cuban food, and I do like cafe habana. The food is undeniably tasty, but I have a few gripes: -- giant cockroaches running across our feet. -- undesirable wannabees 'hanging out' -- loooooong time it takes to make something as simple as a sandwich or salad. Now, if you can get passed this it is honestly great. Try the corn. It's unbelievable.
(3)
Rebecca L.
the grilled corn and mexican hot chocolate are delicioussssssssssssss. they are friendly, and have good service. go to the to-go, no wait.
(5)
Helen Y.
It's all about the corn. Yup, either wait for a table or go to the stand next door and get it to-go.
(5)
Yee C.
yes I love the corn here but I cannot wait on line for an hour for corn! I say, buy yourself some crema, cojita cheese, limes and chili powder and make it at home yourself.
(3)
Leah T.
The grilled corn of course is delish. I enjoyed the huevos rancheros. Everything is bursting with flavor. Make sure to bring water to hydrate after you eat because the food is very, very salty. Not that that's a bad thing. It just makes you thirsty. PS- I highly recommend eating in the take out place next door. You will still get sass from the girls behind the counter, but its cheaper and you will have more elbow room to eat. Plus no wait.
(4)
Abhay K.
I ate at this restaurant on Friday night and the food here is truly unbelievable. It gets crowded and cramped in there but who cares. I would avoid going here in a large group as you're going to be waiting a long time. Bring your party of two or three, put your name on the list, and go grab a drink around the corner.
(5)
Kirk A.
I'm giving Cafe Habana 4 stars but ONLY for the GRILLED CORN. The corn here is like Mexican grilled corn on the cob. The corn is first grilled then buttered and I believe they put a layer of mayonnaise (trust me, it works) on there. Last, they sprinkle it with grated cheese and cayenne pepper. A slice of lime is also served with it. The rest of the menu is average, nothing that stands out. I definitely do not think it's worth the 30 --- 45 minute wait for a table. The corn IS better in the restaurant but for a good/quick snack I would go to the Take Out part of the restaurant that is around the corner. If you do decide to wait and get a seat inside, you might be lucky and sit across from Mos Def or some other celebrity because this place/neighborhood seems to be swarming with them.
(4)
Esther H.
Words really can't explain how good the food is. My friend and I decided to grab lunch here. We started out with the grilled corn and a couple of frozen margaritas. I don't think there was a single corn kernel left on that ear. The butter, cheese and the chili powder was an awesome combination. The corn grilled just perfectly. And then out came the Cuban sandwiches. Also delicious. The meat was juicy....and not overbearingly meaty. This place is a definite must try.
(5)
Theresa X.
my favorite is the pork adobo sandwich and the corn. the chilli powder on it makes it sooo tasty. if you go on the take out side, i reccomend you have someone hold your seat while you're waiting on line.
(4)
Dee W.
Absolutely delicious. I'll tell you what got me - the grilled corn on the cob with lime juice/chipotle chili powder and parmesean cheese. I grill my corn on the cob with butter w/ chipotle chili powder and lime juice but never once thought to put cheese on top but I sure will now! The wait was told to be super long but we somehow got seated within ten minutes (when told that it'd be an hour) The frozen margaritas were yum and screwdrivers were strong! Other than that, the entrees for brunch were pretty yummy overall. But I'm telling you - the corn won my heart!
(4)
Sean G.
Go to the TO GO joint around the corner and.... Get. The. Grilled. Corn. I repeat. Get. The. Grilled. Corn. There are plenty of ways to eat cheap in NYC, but none better than this place. The lines *and sometime there are lines* are worth the wait, so you can GET. THE. GRILLED. CORN.
(5)
Heather S.
This is one of my all-time favorite places. The corn is out of this world (mayo, Mexican cheese, chile-yum!) and reminds me of the street vendors in Chicago that sell elotes. Tres Marias, a veggie plate, is good as well. And who doesn't like fried sweet plantains? It's easy to love a place that reminds you of home. Brunch is delish as well. Go for an early dinner and your chances of waiting for a table are slightly slimmer. Impatient? Go next door to their take out spot.
(4)
Nosniv X.
20 minute wait for a corn on the cob? Yes, and it was worth it. The cheese is crumbly and flavorful, and perfect with a squirt of lime. If they could only get the cobs marinated in the same flavor I could eat that too and get my daily allowance of fiber.
(4)
Graceypoo M.
Though I never really stepped foot in this place, my long lost friend/"guy-who-I-was-madly-in-love-with-for-Âthree-years" and I reunited for the first time in New York City by accident, and he decides to treat me to some "Mexican corn". I wasn't too hungry, but I said, SURE, I'd like some corn in my poop later..... ( ratemypoo.com ). The delivery was fast. Our friends, his sister, he and I all devoured the lovely roasted corn on the cob, smothered in mayo and powdered cheese. Squeeze that slice of lime on that baby, and it's heavenly. Their roast pork sandwich was good too, but it was all about the maize con queso y mayonesa. It was the perfect food to eat during a lazy, rainy Saturday afternoon, chillin' in a huge apartment with wooden floors, overlooking Little Italy.
(4)
Bart C.
God I love that corn!
(4)
Jennifer B.
AMAZING. I want to leave my husband and marry their Cuban sandwich.
(5)
jenn h.
Four of us feasted on the CORN, and no one cared that we were all squirting each other in the face as we chowed down. What kind of cheese do they use? And what is that red powder? I dunno, but I don't care either. YUM! Nobody can be upset while they've got these kernels on their taste buds. If everyone in New York walked around eating this corn all day, it would be a calm and love-filled city; I'm convinced of that. Corn poll: Do you prefer to eat it all the way across in a row, typewriter-style, or do you finish one end of the cob all the way around before moving on toward the middle? Just curious...
(5)
sean m.
I agree the corn is awesome.... Cuban sandwich very average. I am a Cuban sandwich aficianado and this one wouldn't make my top 10. Prices are very good and the wait was minimal on a Sunday evening. I was unimpressed with the cleanliness of the restaurant. I can forgive some aspects of service but have little leeway when it comes to health and sanitation. Is a great place to see beautiful women eat like sloppy linebackers.
(4)
Lala L.
A place I always have to go whenever in Manhattan...cuz I can't get enough of the grilled corn! It's dipped in butter and then rolled in this grated white cheese and sprinkled with chili powder..and comes with a wedge of lime you squeeze all over it. ooooooooooooh~ The cuban sandwich is also my fav. There's this other dish I tried but couldn't remember the name, but it had rice and beans and this crispy tortilla thing. gosh, I can't wait to go again!
(5)
camilla c.
What more can I say about Cafe Habana that all the Yelpers haven't written about?? One of my favorites places in the city... the grilled corn (with all that glorious cheese and spice) and the Cuban torta sandwich (don't bother with the other sandwiches on the menu) will always keep me coming back for more. They also make awesome cafe con leche and Jen L. tells me their french toast is a must. Always packed (usually at least 30-45 min wait) so opt for the To Go around the corner where you will have a better chance to snag a small table or space at the counter top... or do as most others do and just eat on the street outside of the restaurant.
(5)
Un L.
Tiny space and crowded. You will prolly have to wait half an hr to get a table. But delicious, pretty authentic Cuban food! Good service, pretty fast. Get a pitcher of sangria!
(4)
Sam O.
I have a love/ hate relationship with this place and it is my second time there. Sat at the bar which is great cause you get to see some action behind the counter. They are really fast and very busy on weekends so you could get a table within 20 minutes. The let down is that the food wasn't as memorable as my first time there and it was tasty but not enough for me to finish my plate (although i was hungry) dunno if i would be back.
(3)
Alex O.
Finally tried the famous Cuban Sandwich. Outstanding. I've been trying to grab one since watching Chef. Made them look incredible. If you don't know it's citrus marinate pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, on a butter grilled hero. Sort of like a Cuban Banh Mi! The restaurant is a bit small and could be hard to get a spot. Maybe don't go between 12-130. Really tasty stuff though. You gotta try this.
(5)
Tony H.
I've only been here for the corn but it keeps me coming back. They simply roast an ear of corn, coat it in mayo, grated cheese, and paprika and spices. It is amazing. The seating is vey limited and this is a small place in general, but it is worth swinging through and picking up an ear while walking around SOHO.
(5)
Hillary C.
I love this place. Although the wait can be long since its such a tourist area....THE CORN IS DEFINITELY THE BEST!! I have had the cuban also which is pretty good as well with ALOT of MEAT (very filling I can only eat half) but I ADORE THE CORN. While looking through the pictures I definitely want to try the GRILLED STEAK with the side of corn salad. The environment is very chill but cramped in homey way. I love Cafe Habana too bad its only in the city and they don't have more locations. Not a super cheap meal (cuz I'm a cheapo) but fairly priced.
(4)
Laura H.
Fantastic food, especially the huevos rancheros w/ steak (perfect medium rare) and the fried fish tacos! Also don't skip the plantains w/ guacamole. Best part of the night was our server Denia. Friendly, attentive, funny and smart - right there when we needed her but not hanging over us at all. Just the vibe you want when eating out. Only downside is that there was a wait for a table - but hard to fault the restaurant for that, when it's obviously a result of everything being SO good! Great experience! Will definitely be back.
(4)
Anis A.
Great great place. I've been here a couple times and the food has always been great. Now the wait, that's another situation. I have yet to come here and wait less than 15-20 mins, but its ok because it's worth it. The corn is a win, as well as the huevos ranchero. That skirt steak in the dish is cooked beautifully. Side orders of tostones and sweet plantains are a great choice. Go here now!!!!
(4)
toome b.
Ah, this place is great. Me and a buddy in NYC walking around to get breakfast on a cold Oct morning and came across a heavenly place call Cafe Habana. Not only do we get served by two lovely waitresses, but the food rawked. My buddy being vegetarian had an excellent option to partake in. Not only was the food great, but then another staff came in and it got ridiculous with the ladies hired to serve there. Obviously, I am going back not only for the food but the view too. Yay, very nice.
(4)
Amela W.
Came here to order takeout based off of Yelp reviews. It didn't disappoint. I ordered the mexican corn, cuban sandwich and steak sandwich. I wasn't crazy about the steak sandwich, but my boyfriend said the cuban sandwich was delicious. The corn was good too, but nothing crazy. I would come here again though.
(5)
Carol H.
Great food - the corn is a must try. I was skeptical at first since it sounded too creamy and cheesy, but it was the perfect combination. One order gets you 2 corn on the cob. The grilled steak and corn salad was really good. I'm not one to typically order salad at a restaurant but it was a very hearty meal. The steak alone was enough to call a meal. Medium rare steak was cooked perfectly - nothing worse than steak that is too overcooked.
(5)
Iman R.
The mexican grilled corn was unbelievably good even though it was really messy. A must have. I wasn't very impressed with the Cuban sandwich. This place gets pretty busy to seating is really tight.
(4)
Raven C.
CORN, CORN, CORN. When you go here, corn is an absolute must. This place is always packed (literally always), but for good reason. Make sure you're in a good mood cause it's going to be loud, and packed, and rowdy- FUN. I like to get a bunch of margaritas, a bunch of tacos to share, and a corn to myself. Never disappoints. GO!
(4)
Pauline C.
I absolutely love their corn and their sandwiches. Their Cuban sandwich is truly the best in New York City. The meat is so juicy and flavorful! If you want to get just corn, check out their take out window next door There always seems to be a wait here, so try to come at an off hour or early lunch.
(4)
Dennis C.
Corn is a must and their Cuban sandwich is good but plain.
(4)
Michelle S.
love those corns~
(4)
Tanya C.
I never leave NYC without my Cuban sandwich fix, which is why this place gets a 5 out of 5 from me. If I can go with a friend, I'll split the sandwich and also get their corn on the cob. They are both so yummy, and I have no problem chowing down without thinking about the calories. I prefer the little place around the corner rather than the sit down place on Prince. So if you go there, expect a line with the locals.
(5)
Jen O.
The corn is a delicacy, as you might have heard. The avocado and white cheese torta simply hits the spot. It's so simple yet so torta-licious. However, I'm not a fan of the take-out policy that requires you to wait in line, regardless of having placed an order a half hour ago. Unfortunately, my office is a few blocks outside of the delivery radius. I must admit that when I first heard about this place, I assumed it was of the Magnolia Bakery cult-following variety (ie, much hype about a mediocre product). If you have time to kill, the food is delicious and beyond filling.
(3)
Jake K.
Ok - is it me or was this place just a bit disappointing? I mean, seriously - we ordered the corn and a Cuban sandwich. Both of which were ok. Nothing beyond that. The corn was over-spiced and frankly the chili powder ended up killing the subtle cheese and butter flavors that should have accompanied it. The Cuban sandwich was dripping with cheese and easily fell apart - but the barbacoa was too little for the size of the bread. So was the ham. But hey - we can't have it all. Honestly, coming from mid-town, unless you're a die-hard tourist, I'd avoid the place unless you're already in Soho.
(3)
Sherra L.
I'm a big fan when it comes to corn and I was always dying to give this a try! So finally I did! I ordered the famous Mexican style grilled corn! I had to immediately take a bite out of it since it was fresh and hot! First thing I noticed was it had a big scent of cheese on it, which is heaven if you love cheese! On to of that, there were some chili pepper or something like that which had a a little spicy kick to it! As I had the first bite, i continued eating it and the taste became sweet, sour and spicy combo!! I liked it ,but didn't love it because i thought it was going to be more taste into it. But overall the corn was good but a bit over priced for $3 a corn. On the other hand, one of the female staff there was rude looking. I asked her for a plastic bag to go since I ordered multiple corns to go, she gave me a look, pulled a bag out for me and didn't even bother opening the bag for me to put everything in. But otherwise I was satisfied that I got to try it out.
(3)
Christine G.
Very casual place with great food! The pork in the Cuban sandwich was so juicy!! I added the meat to my breakfast plate and it was a 10!! Also had a mojito and taste the margarita. Margarita won! Highly recommend
(4)
Sarah Z.
Came here a few times. Great Cuban food. It gets pretty crowded. Came here for a late dinner at 10pm/11pm the night before my birthday one time and the place was still pretty packed. This place is known for their corn. The chili powder they put on their corn is the best part of the corn, in my opinion. Do not order their tacos. It has no taste. The good part was it came with fries. I ordered their shrimp with beans and rice the second time. It was really good. The price is okay here. Around $10-$18 per entree.
(4)
Ash L.
Pow! A burst of spicy sweet and sour corn in my mouth, kicking my taste buds into gear. This teeny restaurant reminded me that food needs to be enjoyed. I was lucky enough to order another great dish, the Cuban sandwich! Touchdown! There was some sort of spicy spread that was unique and distinctive. I regret not asking for the recipe...so someone could make it for me. Ha. I don't cook. My only complaint is the size of the restaurant. It's cramped as f*** and I prefer to enjoy eating my meal without worrying about what the creepy old man is thinking, as he stares at my friends and I. I hope you can fix that problem some day, Cafe Habana. Until then...
(4)
Sandra C.
Best corn on the cob ever. EVER! And the price for two servings of corn is $4. Can't beat that. You'll rave about it too. Other than that - this is a very low key establishment for some basic good latin eats at el cheap-o prices. In the winter the place was freakin' hot so I don't know what that means for the summer. Took a little while to get a table but worth the wait. Sit at the small bar if you have to! And order the corn, of course.
(4)
Misi P.
Elotes - check. Ropa vieja - check. Moros y Cristianos - check. Tostones - check. You know, the elotes were a nice surprise (I usually don't expect them in a Cuban joint, but definitely Mexican and even Puerto Rican at times) and the food was great. I love the 50s Havana posters that decorate the place, making you feel like you're actually in Cuba (although you're really in a cramped little diner in NYC). The food was delicious and the margaritas were fine. Perfect for a crapass rainy day like Saturday was.
(4)
Carl C.
Arrived at just the right moment (before the queue started outside) for a Saturday morning breakfast. Some tasty cuban food was found within, sure the place is cramped, sure the serving staff was overwhelmed by the crowds - but once I got my cafe con leche I didn't care. The eggs were good, the salsas by turns tangy and spicy, the chorizo ground and delicious. I really recommend trying it out some time, not sure if it would be worth a wait though, would depend on the day.
(4)
Joyce B.
very very good grilled corn! it's pretty amazing with all of the seasoning! they actually make it right on the spot, which makes it amazing! i also tried the sweet fried plantains. however, those were quite soggy and oily. did not really like those. overall, it's good, it's cheap, and it's worth a try!
(4)
Davey F.
the grilled corn is TWO DOLLARS. the best two bucks you'll ever spend.
(4)
Cici T.
If I may, (and I will), I'd like to share my new find - the GRILLED CORN. Yes yes, I'm late to jump on the band wagon, but you know what they say. Better late than never. I had my doubts, because it really is just corn. That's grilled. And I don't like cheese - mozzarella and cheddar being the only exceptions - so I wasn't too fond of trying "cotija" cheese. Wikipedia says it has a dry consistency much like feta cheese, and that it tastes and smells similar to the more familiar Italian Parmesan. My heart sank at that point as I despise parmesan cheese. I took the first bite, waiting for a negative reaction which never came. I took a second bite. I looked at my grub bud. "Do you like it?" Took another bite. "OMG it's delicious!" Another bite. "AGHH. What is this?! Why is this SO GOOD?" Chomp chomp. "It's salty!" This ensued until I finished the cob of corn. Cotija is a slightly salted cheese that isn't pungent like most cheeses. It is dry, but it's shredded in a way that's not reminiscent of feta cheese. It's presented in smaller, longer pieces, so it's much more palatable and pleasant to eat. The mayo with chili powder is such a power couple! That punch of heat with the chili plus the creaminess of the mayo.. oh my lordy. The corn is served up with slices of lime, so if you like some acidity, get on with the squeezing. I went with the huevos divorciados (twas brunch time), a soupy hot mess which was excellent! The tomatillo and red salsa had intense flavors of peppers and spices, and together with my medium soft scrambled eggs, was like a mini soup. The black beans were perfect for this dish, which I had requested in lieu of the potatoes, because I thought the homefries would get too soggy too fast for this watery fest. The "sloppy pepe" was an open faced cuban sandwich of BBQ pulled pork topped with 2 eggs and some pickled onions that came with a side of greens. It's an excellent choice if you want the savoriness of cuban pork but still crave the eggs in the morning. Cubano party indeed!
(5)
jt m.
Love the grilled corn (as does everyone else on yelp it seems). Mojitos are amazing. This place makes me want to go on vacation. I just hate the wait. And the table in the back corner by the bathroom that is really a 2 top but they always squeeze 4 people into it. And I somehow always end up with that table. And I've waited so long I'm just happy to be eating grilled corn and drinking Mojitos. I'd have more Mojitos if the waitress would please, PLEASE just come back to our table. I still heart you, Cafe Habana.
(3)
Tina L.
Even though the place is tiny and sometimes getting seated takes a while, I had to give this place the full 5 stars because I just love it so much. The MUST-HAVE item? Grilled Corn!!! It's corn with the most magical combination of ingredients: mayo + cheese + chile powder + lime. Sounds weird? WRONG. The only weird thing about it is the strange addiction feeling you get after you finish; no matter how much you eat, you will definitely want more. Staff is really nice and friendly, which is always a plus in my book, and it's just a fun place to be! LOVE. IT.
(5)
Broadway B.
Looking for breakfast in Soho? One of our favorite NYC downtown spots Cafe Habana has an Early Bird Breakfast special for $3.75 before 11:00am. That includes 2 eggs any style with their delicious homefries and toast. Good, cheap breakfast in a cool spot downtown is hard to find. Wait a couple of hours and you'll have to wait at least 45 minutes before you're seated! bwaybites.com/2012/01/ca…
(4)
JL K.
Prepare for a tight squeeze BUT be ready to feel at home, enjoy decent food & AMAZING DRINKS, especially their Frozen Margaritas & Caiparhinas (I Love all 3, especially Strawberry & Mango!) This is a jeans & tshirt joint so come relaxed & ready to get messy with their FRESH GRILLED ELOTE!!! The servers are attentive & quick, especially Rose. She's funny, sweet & congenial without being overbearing. Definitely an relaxed experience destination!
(4)
Ann P.
I have been there once. And when I realized that it was a set of friend with benefit scene. Yassssssss I crave their corn. Holy holy holy great one. I will back there for sure!!!! Service was really nice. :)
(5)
Diana H.
Cafe Habana have a seat in cafe or a self pick up at the counter right next to each other. On the same corner. Self pick-up have minimal seatings inside and out. We chose the more casual, no-tip necessary setting. With so many friends hype and recommendation, I've finally gotten a chance to try out this place. The food was pretty bangin'. But what I wanted to try was the corn. I was a little disappointed with the sizing of the corn because it was on a "skinnier" side... But asides from that, the flavoring was good. Will definitely be back the next sunny day for a late lunch.
(3)
Tanner E.
What a treat! I've come back the past two times while visiting since I discovered this place. The corn is as advertised AMAZING and the tres Maria's is fantastic for vegetarians... A NYC must.
(5)
Haena Y.
I'm not even a fan of Cuban sandwiches and it was the best one I had. The corn is always a must!
(5)
Judy C.
We came for a late lunch, and this place was quite packed! Well, the main eating area is pretty narrow. We sat at an area where elbows touched and BO could be smelled. Charming place but quite uncomfortable to sit. Service was mediocre. Our server was slow and not attentive whatsoever. Even though we were ordering, her eyes were looking elsewhere, and she appeared distracted. We ordered our drinks and food, and our drinks took a good 20 minutes before they arrived. I got the jicama salad, plantains, and a mojito. The jicama salad was quite good (comes with mangos and cranberries), and with a mojito, it was a refreshing meal for a hot humid day. The plantains were on par. My friend got the Tlacoyo de Tres Marias (corn shell stuffed with goat cheese, etc), and she liked it. I'd consider going again to give other dishes a try, but I'd probably go at a less busy time/sit elsewhere a tad more spacious (perhaps the bar area?).
(3)
Becki M.
It's a pretty good place full of atmosphere, massive portion sizes with cafe style Latino food. Great if you want a quick, satisfying bite. I liked it, I just wouldn't go out of my way to go back again. It's a little too squishy to relax to the Cuban music. And because of it's location it seems like it's more "the place to go" rather than bloody fantastic experience.
(3)
Andy N.
Awesome place, had the Cuban Sandwhich, it was so good, a must try if you go.
(4)
Frankie B.
Was bit of a wait but worth it. Combination of spot on service and great Cuban fare was worth it. Try the pulled pork and the enchiladas along with a Pacifico. The neighborhood and atmosphere of the place was in of itself a pleasure. The grilled corn was pretty much amazing I have to say...
(4)
Joey P K.
Wow. Definitely the biggest and best tasting Cuban Sandwich I've ever had in my life. Juicy meat, creamy sauce, crunchy pickles, on the perfect roll. And for a mere $2 the Grilled Corn was a perfect complement. They also have a delicious Grilled Chicken & Corn Salads too. I'm not sure what it is about the mustard vinaigrette dressing, but it goes so well w/ the corn and chicken. This is my go-to delivery lunch spot.
(5)
Echo W.
This is a very vibrant place with great food. The restaurant is a bit cozy and the wait can be a while. I had Enchilada Suizas and the creamy green sauce was amazing. Next time I will try the grilled corn that seem to be on every table.
(4)
Al L.
I have to say Thank you guys for bringing a decent Mexican food in the city.
(3)
Tracy W.
I cannot resist Cafe Habana. Oh your cuban sandwiches are so good...and large. Your corn...your corn!! Ok I'm drooling just thinking about it. Long wait time at the sit down serviced one, but you can always try the to-go store if you walk a few more feet where they have small tables.
(5)
Jeremy B.
I like it - good food. Fun place to go. It is more popular than it deserves to be though.
(3)
Ashley G.
I need to talk about the corn again. The corn and I got together last week actually. I ordered it twice in one meal. I ate one ear from the first order (and reluctantly gave the other to my man-friend) and then both ears from the second! OH MY GOD. Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. I want to eat this every day. I'm now going to upload a pic of me and the earth-shattering corn so that you might understand the magic...
(5)
Ali A.
Quite unique place. Atleast I haven't seen many Cuban places in the city. Their corn is the most famous and talked about item. My wife and daughter tried and loved it. I took the grille chicken sandwich. It was different and pleasantly surprising. It had some sort of sauce and red chilli peppers inside making the whole combination quite tasty. Their sauces on the side are must have. They are local alternatives to Tabasco etc. Overall, a very good discovery! There is a takeaway and a small restaurant on the same street side by side.
(4)
Alex R.
best Cuban sandwich I've ever had in NYC. Succulent and delicious. Will definitely return. Staff is super friendly too
(5)
Nina L.
I finally can say that I have tried the highly anticipated corn after waiting an hour for this place. I can also say that I tried the Tiacoyo De Tres Marias and the Cuban Sandwich because thats what 3 of the 4 people I was with ordered. And what do I say? It's all delicious! I love friends that don't eat!
(4)
Scott S.
First let me say this, I went to Cafe Habana twice while I was in New York. I had to go back! I would eat here several times per week if I live in NYC. The first time I went was on Saturday at brunch. I had my server (I sat at the counter) order for me. I got the Chilaquiles Verde con Pollo. A great twist... I added two fried eggs. A-MAZING! I went back the next day (also during brunch) with my daughter and her friend. (They insisted after I told them about my meal and showed them a pic. I wasn't about to argue!) This time I had the grilled corn Mexican style. In-credible! Actually, sitting here now two weeks later, I can't remember what I ordered in addition to the corn, but it doesn't really matter, lol. The corn is what stuck in my mind. (And in my teeth!) Go here. You will thank me later! You might ask... "Then why only 4 stars?" It's just really small and crowded. Great vibe, though. Ok, 4.5 stars. Side note: My phone needed a charge and the server plugged it in behind the counter. She gets a star for that! P.S. The place is TINY, and you can't get seated until your whole party arrives. Our table for three of us was MAYBE 24" square. Just added to the experience. lol
(4)
Jamie A.
Cafe Habana: I wish we had time and stomach space to try more here. We tried their street corn that came highly recommended, and it was one of the best things I ever put it my mouth with lots of Parmesan and red pepper or ground cayenne or paprika or something rolled all around the grilled corn on the cob. So very yummy and only $3.50. The Cuban sandwich was also currently voted the best in Manhattan, and as much as we wanted to sample it, we didn't get the chance. Next time. The tacos also looked pretty legit, which is saying something haling from southeast arizona near the Mexican border.
(5)
Rick And Jemmy B.
I love the food for its price. I went there a few times when I was living in New York, and after moving away for two years, I still came back to this place when I visited last months. My favourite dish of all time here is huevos rancheros, and the corn came very close second.
(4)
Ave Maria I.
I had to give it 5 stars because their corn is so delicious. But that's about it. I had such shitty service from the bartender I wanted to hit him with my corn after I was done eating.
(5)
Magan T.
So many reviews, so I'll keep it short. I had the Portobello and Goat Cheese Sandwich. AMAZING! Then I tried the corn, which I kept reading about. It was good, but a little spicy. I normally like spicy, but this was all over my lips as I tried to eat the corn and burned them. Worth it though!
(4)
Ben G.
BEST CORN EVER. So charming, you feel like you're in an island shack, and then when its over, you're right back in Manhattan.
(4)
Cari C.
No AC so you may want to avoid in the heat of the summer but this didn't keep us away from enjoying a great lunch. The corn is a must and the mojitos were pretty good. Not the best, but perfect for a hot day in the city.
(4)
Lisa W.
This is probably one of the best Cuban food I've tried, even better than Porto's in LA. The Cuban sandwich was nice and juicy, great pork meat, and the roasted pork again was nice and juicy. ONE BIG COMPLAINT: Okay, the waitress there need to get over themselves and not being able to make it as NY models and instead became servers for one of the hottest restaurants in NYC. We had the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER. So we ordered, Julieta (the horrible waitress) took our order and along with 3 other parties that were sitting next to us. We all ordered the same thing, and in sequence. The first table got their food, we didn't. the third got theirs. Then the recently sat down 4th table ordered and got it before us. SHE NEVER CAME BACK TO EVEN CHECK UP ON US. I mean, I understand that this restaurant is small (in space) but busy, but wouldn't a smaller restaurant have BETTER customer service? You have less to cater to. But no, these girls just "dance" to the music and just talked among themselves. Geez, please at least fill our damn waters. Get over yourself and do what your job entitles you, sorry you flunk out of model school and have to work for the best restaurants in NYC. Ohh, so we asked the other waitress, because our never came around and we saw her standing at the computer doing sh*t. Apparently our order had a mixed up aka they never input it. After that we got our food like 5 minutes later, we thought the pork took long to roast or something, but it was the lack of their customer service. We ate as fast as we could and asked the check. They gave it to us, but we needed change, it TOOK ANOTHER 10 minutes to break a freaking $20? How does it take that long to break a $20?! We asked the waitress who we gave it to, she said it was coming... 10 minutes later, NOTHING. We asked another waitress, she finally gave us change. We DID NOT TIP THEM because they suck and never served us. they served everyone else. I would never go back to eat in, unless I see MALE servers, I'll do take out from now on-thank you very much. get over yourselves.
(4)
Lynee L.
Been here several times & am never disapointed with the grilled corn. It's a must have! I would stick to the cuban dishes as they don't do mexican food that well. The drinks are good - had the mojito & limeade before. It's a tiny place so there may be a wait & it's not a place for a large party.
(4)
April D.
Great corn as previous reviews stated. Great spot for a quick bite before hitting the streets to shop! Got in before the lunch rush - even saw Jared Leto.
(4)
Kevin C.
nom nom nom that's the first thing that comes to mind when I think about the grilled corn @ Cafe Habana. It's so legit, best corn I've had in a while. a MUST HAVE if you visit this tiny neighborhood joint. This place gets crowded quick, so expect a wait, or come on an off time. I also recommend the steak and eggs, it was tender, tasty, scrumptious. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. The chefs here know what they doing! The only problem is getting a seat without being scrunched into a corner. Oh, the things we do for good food!
(4)
Dave S.
I recently saw the Bobby Flay Throwdown about Cubanos. The sandwich produced by the guy in Miami looked so good, I had to find a good one. I tried a few in Los Angeles and none looked like the ones on Throwdown until I had one today at Cafe Habana. The cafe has two store fronts. One is the restaurant with table service. The other is a To Go store which is more informal and I felt I was in a storefront in Cuba. The woman behind the counter had an accent and the guys working the grill made it feel legit Cuban. I don't know if they were Cuban, but it was more comfortable eating on the small tables in an informal setting. The sandwich is big. It has a lot of ham, shredded pork, pickles cut lengthwise and some swiss cheese. Just like the one on Throwdown. The only difference is the dressing. Throwdown had mayo and mustard. This one has a chipotele mayo which gave it a nice bit of heat. The bread was pressed nice and crispy. It was so perfectly crunchy, it was a challenge to bite through the crispy bread without having all the meat squeezing out between the bread. It is a 5 napkin sandwich which is a good thing.
(5)
Charlie C.
It's so strange that I come here, and I run into people that I know. People that come all the way from the Upper West to get the Mexican grilled corn. I guess I should be thankful that I only live a 15-min walk away. The Cuban sandwich was definitely one of the better ones I've ever had. One thing that people don't usually get is the frozen mojitos, which is like a slushy, because you can only get those in the sit-down restaurant. Some interesting things to note: * For 3 people, the wait was a ridiculous one hour on a Saturday night * Corn at the take-out is $2 per ear, $4.95 for two at the sit-down * Cuban sandwiches at the take-out are $7.50, $9.50 at the sit-down, but they come with fries * Frozen mojitos are only available at the sit-down restaurant
(5)
Ebony C.
1st and foremost I'm biased when it comes to any type of Hispanic food. BUT Cafe Habana is the best Lil spot of Cuban cuisine I've had in the past 2 weeks...LOL! I went here for my sister/friend & my bday brunch...we 2 Virgo's luv us some Cuban. We both got the steak & eggs b/c we are carnivores, the steak was seasoned just right... all I needed was my Lil bottle of my salsa lizano and it would've been PERFECT! We shared an order of the tastiest pancakes that I think they make it grease...the way its suppose to be made! The iced cafe con leche was on point w/ my Cuban granny's cafe bustelo. This place is really TIGHT but so worth it!!
(5)
Rhistina R.
The Cuban Sandwich was alright. There wasn't anything wrong with it. Just wasn't impressed is all. Same goes for the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Good but nothing special. The real star is the Grilled Corn. Delicious! The flavors of the charred kernels with the cheese! UGH. And the chili powder (or cayenne pepper?) with the zesty lime. YUMMMMM so good.
(3)
Angela N.
I only have one thing (beside the corn, see Habana To-Go post) to boast about here, the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta ($12.95) - two pieces of thick cut pork chops smothered by a mushroom wine reduction. It's a rich dish but it's so good; you can easily share this with a friend (or box half the food to go)! I'm holding onto the extra star because your experience can be hit or miss here 'cause it's dependent on the server you get that day(they can be awful, rude, friendly, scattered, indifferent, etc.). All in all, a game of roulette people should try at least once. It's a gamble but sometimes you do have to put in a little to get something...good to eat.
(4)
Rho T.
Oh my god the bomb dot com right here. I ordered the popular Cuban Sandwich. For $7.95 you get Roast Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese and Pickles on toasted bread, with fries. It was good. But you know what was better? My friend's Grilled Steak Sandwich. For $9.25 you get the Grilled steak, onions & peppers with chipotle mayonnaise. DIE. She made that face after she bit into it. So I proceeded to take a bite of her other half. I made the same face, even more exaggerated. Oh. My. God. Were we just hungry? Is that why we were jockin? No dude. HELLA good. Lastly the Grilled Corn, Mexican style for $4.25: served w/Chili powder, lime, and salty ass cotija cheese. How good was this? There was a 12 year old girl sitting diagonally across from me wearing braces and tearing this corn up. Are you even supposed to eat corn like that w/braces?? I was worried for her for a second. But after I bit into my corn, I was like, eat it, Sista, eat it. They didn't make floss threaders for nothin. It's a small joint, and there could be a wait, but you a foo if you'll let that stop you. Hello Grilled Steak Sandwich I love You.
(5)
Sourivone V.
Cafe Habana is the best Cuban Restaurant I've ever been to! It's bursting with flavor. It's a tad small and you'll feel claustrophobic. But if you don't mind food over matter, its definitely worth going! DELICIOUS!!!!! 1) Roasted Corn 2) Huveros Rancheros 3) Cuban Coffee
(5)
Joanna F.
My friend recently moved to NYC and on my trip to visit her for the first time there, she suggested we come here for dinner. I was ravenous by the time we got there around 8 pm. This place is tiny, but we only had about a 10 minute wait even though it was a Friday night. We were seated nches from two people, which made for some awkward moments, but it was fine. We got the corn cakes to start. A little dry, not super flavorful, but still fairly good. I got the pork combo for my dinner. Very flavorful pulled pork with rice and beans... delish. My friend got a stuffed pepper thing, since that was the only thing on the menu that was vegetarian, so this place is not super vegetarian friendly. She loved her meal either way. We also split a pitcher of sangria. Very tasty but not super strong, which we were actually pretty happy about. Overall a good, affordable meal. And apparently Matthew McConaughey eats here too... so that's worth a trip on it's own!
(4)
Michelle F.
I went here for dinner yesterday and it was a great experience! It's a really small place, but if you get there before the dinner crowd, it's not too bad of a wait (20 minutes). PROS: -good service! -food comes out fast -mango margarita was DELISH!!!!!!!!! -ordered the chicken with garlic sauce, spicy spinach and rice...excellent!!! I wasnt sure about ordering chicken bc it's usually dry and in chunks but this was thin and tender! LOVED the sauce..LOVED the rice! -bf ordered the fish tacos with rice and beans. ALL VERY GOOD. -ambiance is cute...music is a bit loud, but it goes with the whole vibe. -bathroom was clean too! CONS: - a bit small...you're really close to the person next to you. i'd definitely come again and recommend people to go :)
(4)
Briana H.
I returned to Cafe Habana last night after a lengthy hiatus. It had been so long since I had dined there that I forgot all about the food, save for the tasty Mexican-style corn on the cob. Since corn on the cob is really a summer treat for me, I instead went with the ensalada de jicama and the tlacoyas con tres marias. I don't think there's a tastier salad in the world than the ensalada de jicama. I couldn't stop eating it. I wanted to marry it, and briefly wondered while I was consuming it if Jimmy McMillan might conduct the ceremony now that he's not doing anything. The sweet mangoes, jicama, and dried cranberries contrasted beautifully with the slightly garlicky vinaigrette. It's the best thing I've eaten in a long time. The tlacoya con tres marias was a little less pleasing, mostly because the corn tortilla was rather crisply fried. Also, the chipotle salsa it's bathed in set my tongue aflame, and later my bowels. Still, it was tasty enough for me to eat most of it, and the goat cheese helped to soak up some of the spiciness. But I should've taken a Zantac beforehand. The hubs ordered the cuban sandwich and reported that it was "like no other sandwich" he had ever eaten. Normally he gets a takeout box and saves part of dinner for tomorrow's breakfast, but he pounded it down in one sitting. The fries were also very nicely done- crispy and fried in peanut oil. We started off with a cocktail that was called something like Dia del Amor. It had St. Germain, tequila, hot sauce, and lime juice, and was a wonderful, kicked-up take on a margarita. I am especially fond of St. Germain and plan to attempt it at home, but if you don't fancy yourself a mixologist, just go there and get one as soon as possible. With salt. Delicious. The only thing that Cafe Habana lacks is enough space to eat comfortably. It is usually always packed, so be prepared to encounter someone's elbow or get whacked by someone's purse at some point. That said, the food and beverages are good enough to put up with the lack of personal space. Just hang your purse or man-bag on your knee and dig in.
(4)
Eileen C.
Grilled Corn FTW - covered in delicious spices, cheese and other awesome ingredients. We were pleasantly surprised to get 2 cobs per order. Perfect for sharing! Roast Pork FTW - A very hearty meal. Roast pork was very tender... similar to a plate full of carnitas? Cuban Sandwich FTW - Perfect for those roast pork lovers who don't like the beans and want some fries The long long wait FTL - This place is super small. Expect to wait, even if you get there at 9pm.
(4)
Donna A.
I think this place is much more about the beautiful people than the delicious food, though I must agree that the grilled corn is sick! I don't even like spicy food but the chili and cheese is so complimentary. The Cuban sandwich was just ok. I needed a bit more substance and less bread. Wait staff is friendly and we had a good spot next to the window to enjoy a nice end of summer day in Nolita.
(3)
Meg N.
Best way to describe this place is a Cuban diner. Small, bustling, and packed in. Luckily we only had to wait 10 minutes before being tucked into a corner, practically on top of the table next to us. My friend had raved about the grilled corn (this being before I read the many reviews of it on here after) so I felt like I had to try it out- definitely the best part of the meal! Cheesy, salty, buttery goodness. I had split it with a friend but easily could have eaten both. And kudos to Cafe Habana for providing the toothpick after..smart! The Enchiladas Suizas were good, but not a stand out from ones I've had other places. I'm told the mojitos are good, but I'm not a big fan so I didn't try one. Relatively inexpensive and definitely tasty. Worth it if the wait isn't long... oh and yes, get the corn!
got there for a super late lunch but the place was still packed. we got a tiny table packed between a booth table and another small table next to us. there was literally about half a foot of space on each side. honestly, if i were to live in nyc, i think i'd develop claustrophobia with all the restaurants that insist on packing as many people in as small a space as possible and all the stores that are the size of a small walk-in closet. at the same time, i realized this was how we got seats as fast we did. pros and cons... as for the food, i think the this was not bad for manhattan. the corn appetizer was good, but i've had better in sf. i think there may have been too much sauce, and it needed a little more cheese and spice. the corn also was a bit hard. maybe i've spoiled with better produce in sf? that's what it seems like although the restaurants and chefs seem to be higher in quality in manhattan. i liked the fish tacos more than i expected. the fish was fried well, and the slaw gave the flavor a nice balance. the beans and rice were also delicious and tasted authentic. my bf really enjoyed his cuban sandwich and lemonade, which was pretty sour and tart. overall, the food is really good. the service is alright. and the prices are reasonable.
(4)
Morgan W.
That would be a 5-star if we didn't have to wait bloody 2 hours for a table, especially after the hostess seated a friend and her group ahead of us. She was nice about it, but we were a little put out. The food is great (gimme some corn!), but I would purposefully come at an off-hour, I am not a fan of long waits - luckily it was nice weather and I wasn't starving...yet.
(4)
Kim-van T.
If you decide to come here on a Saturday afternoon for lunch be prepared for a really.... really long wait. The wait was easily 30min to an hour long.... This guy outside started chatting us up and telling us how he used to come to Cafe Habana ALL the time but that he stopped because the wait was just getting more and more ridiculous. Once you step inside you'll realize why the wait is so long - the place is TINY. There aren't very many tables and even then they're all pretty close together. Well if you can get over the wait I must say that the food is pretty tasty. We of course had to have the grilled Mexican corn - the cheese gets everywhere, especially in your teeth! They include toothpicks with your order of corn =P. The bf decided to have the fish tacos and I had the Chicken Diablo sandwich. It takes forever to get seated but the food comes out with the quickness! The sandwich was pretty yums and I really liked the fries. The portions were pretty big - I only ended up eating half of my sandwich and I thought I was hungry! Our server was really sweet but the lady who was taking names at the door was not. I'll just leave it at that. It definitely was yummy but I don't feel the need to come back again.
(4)
Mary F.
The Bad - Cuban sandwich doesn't seem like its the best in nyc (maybe it's too meaty for me...needs more veggies) - Disappointed from corn....maybe because i had it cold The Good - Portobello and goat cheese (yummy!!) - Fish sandwich (this is better than the portobello one...nice and crispy and not that spicy) The Bottomline- Worth checking out. Get the fish sandwich..you can go wrong with it! Really crowded during lunch hours.
Got here around 6-7pm on a weekday, no line! Yay! Do come early! We ordered the grilled corn a must! Very delicious!! Grilled just right, just the right amount of cheese, chili powder, and mayo. Comes with a lime wedge but I didn't use that. Also had the Enchiladas Suizas, the creamy sauce was sour and it wasn't my cup of tea, rice and beans was very delicious. It got pretty crowded after half an hour when we were there, the waitresses were busting their ass and you'll have to wait a bit if you need an extra plate or something. But it's understandable, only 2 person covering the floor with so many customers in this tiny restaurant. I'll definitely try the sandwiches next time.
(3)
Bryan M.
One of my fav places in the city. Excellent affordable Cuban food!
(5)
katie j.
Five stars for corn, two for service and the tiniest bathrooms ever, three for most everything else. Corn tips the scale for a weighted average of... 4 stars! If you're like me, you're primarily reading yelp reviews because you love food and want to find the best possible eats available. So when hundreds of people mention the word "corn" in their Cafe Habana yelp reviews, you'd better order the corn. The reviews don't lie -- the corn is pretty darn amazing. They've raised the prices a bit over the years. It's now $4.25 for two pieces (still completely worth every penny). The grilling can be hit or miss, sometimes the corn ends up a bit too charred but 9 times out of 10 it's perfect. Smothered in mayo, chili powder, cheese and served with a lime wedge, it's the perfect combination for a latin party in your mouth. For dinner, I also like the cuban sandwiches,the roast pork/beans/rice and the enchiladas de mole poblano (though not all at the same time). It's been awhile since I've had breakfast here, but I remember liking the huevos rancheros. The restaurant is tiny. Don't even think about bringing a large group, it's hard enough to get a table for more than two. Also, I consistently hate the service. Can't blame them for their grumpiness seeing as how anyone would hate working in such a tight, loud space... but I've always encountered a host or waiter in a foul mood every time I've dined here. They're usually cordial at best. The Bottom Line: Come for the corn, it's worth the hype. Expect a wait!
(4)
Will L.
Fantastic grilled corn and sopesitos. We'll definitely be going back.
(5)
Anna L.
Ok, look. The food is good. Do not get me wrong. You won't be disappointed with that. But the service and the people that work there.....not good. Came in, was seated. No one gave us any water or anything. We asked for it, received some attitude, and our waitress then proceeded to never get us water and decided to just dance around the restaurant thinking she was really cool instead. When we asked her for it again, she acted like she had never heard us the first time. Also mind you, it was a cold, rainy day. And all of the windows were open. When asked if it was possible to close the windows, the woman basically said "I can try but I need ventilation in here" ok??? Apparently it WAS cold because soon after, the people working there put shirts on! Not to mention there are windows all around the place, she could have just closed ours and went on with her day. But again with the attitude. Lastly, as she took our plates away, she noticed I was still finishing my food and literally TOSSED the dipping sauce across the table at me. Oh, thanks a lot. For throwing that little cup at me. It really put a damper on the whole thing and it's too bad. What is it about the NoLita neighborhood that everyone is TOO COOL TO GIVE YOU SERVICE ??????????????? It's just annoying at this point. So if you're not a super cool hipster, you've been warned.
(3)
nancy f.
Wait was pretty long as the place is tiny and crowded, but it was definitely worth the wait just for the corn. There is a take-out restaurant right next door, but I opted to wait for a seat. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. Corn was only $2 each and I had the chilaquiles for $8. The chilaquiles were okay, but I think I've been spoiled by having homemade chilaquiles by a friend. The corn though, is so delectable...I could've just ordered more corn and passed on my main entree. Interested in trying other things on the menu, but the corn alone is enough to draw me back next time I'm in NY.
(4)
Jaci H.
Although small and usually a pain to get into - this place is truly tasty. I've been here twice and will certainly come back again. I would recommend going as early as possible to avoid the long wait. The food is worth it though. I recommend the corn - which everyone raves about for good reason. Bring floss!! I also recommend the shrimp in spicy garlic sauce. It was SO yummy I ate the whole thing!!! The rice and beans are really good too. Overall, a yummy place to eat but be prepared to wait.
(4)
Jeanette F.
This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in the city!! It's a tiny little place but the food is yummy! I usually get roast pork, rice and beans, a salad and mango margarita, yum! Not to mention the amazing delicious grilled corn as my app. OMG!!!! Place is cramped but so worth the wait!!! One time I saw the singer Sean Paul there, too funny.
(5)
Lawrence L.
Tight space and popularity makes this place perpetually crowded during lunch and dinner. I usually do take out from the resturant (vs. the actual take out area) because there are more options. The grilled corn is the best - heavy on cheese and butter, topped off with chili powder and at a great price.
(4)
Lisa L.
It's funny cause around the time I was totally craving this mexican corn thing, this lady who use to sell it out of a shopping cart by my mom's store was shut down by the cops =(. It was my 20th bday and my uncle's gf decided to take me on a mini soho food adventure.This place was like our dessert. The corn was good, but a little too much spice that I couldn't handle. Personally I feel the cart lady was better, but none the less still tasty!
(4)
Corinne M.
I love this place. Someone took me here on a date and I'm eternally grateful for the introduction. The atmosphere is fun and the music is loud in a fun and non disruptive way. The wait is annoying, but a hint is to go in a party with even numbers and go before 7 or after 10. They seat to maximize efficiency of the tiny cafe, so if there is a party of three amidst a sea of two and four tops, you are going to wait until all the four and two tops are seated. Anyway, the food is worth the wait. The corn is really good and the corn cake appetizers are amazing. The entrees and drinks are great. Best frozen margaritas I've had in a really long time. Try the strawberry mango or strawberry guava marg. I love this cafe. :)
(5)
Cecilia Z.
I have been coming to Cafe Habana for as long as I've lived in NYC... and what a beautiful 3 years it has been. The grilled mexican corn is, for the millionth time, something extraordinary. Most of the other menu options are delicious and filling as well. I especially like the huevos rancheros, sauteed spinach plate served with rice and black beans, jicama salad, veggie quesadilla, fish tacos and plantains. The black beans, although just a side, is insanely delicious. It's creamy yet still al dente, with just the right amount of lime to brighten it up. I swear you could throw some of those black beans on anything and I would be glad to eat it. And now that I eat meat, I'm pretty eager to try their cuban sandwich sometime. I wonder if it's really the "#1 in NYC" ? Cafe Habana is definitely worth all the hype. It's great to see a casual, affordable neighborhood joint like this put so much love into what they do.
(4)
Jenina S.
I was debating between a 3 and a 4 rating, but the service was so awful I had to knock it down. Waitress (who was both rude and slow) informed us that the fryer was down, so we didn't get to order the tostones. BUT we did get the corn, and if you don't get the corn, then you clearly did not read one review for this place because the corn is awesome!! I had the Huevos Rancheros and the sauce is delicious so I would recommend. Seating can be awkward since the place is super tiny, but considering it is NYC sitting on top of other people is acceptable. I would definitely give it a second chance. I think I'm biased because of the bad service, but definitely not worth a 5.
(3)
Mike B.
Meh. OK. Small place, cool, hip vibe, waitresses were really nice and friendly... but the food was OK. I think it deserves a 2nd shot, but El Vaquero in Columbus, Ohio still has the best mole dish. The drinks hit hard though and were really tasty. We need to go back and try the corn... that might bring it from a 3 to a 4.
(3)
Josh W.
I came by here for dinner and it was pretty packed. The place is small and they seem to cram people into the tiny seating area, but luckily I got a great table next to the window. I decided to split the mexican corn (Grilled, cotija cheese, mayo, cayenne), along with fish tacos, and the cuban sandwich. The Mexican corn was very good and I can see why its mentioned in most reviews. Its rich and just works very well, a delicious way to start off the meal. The fish tacos were very mediocre. They were lightly battered, but I wish they were a bit crispier and had a different sauce to go along with them. The chipotle salsa that came with it was very good, but I was left wishing there was something more with the dish. The cuban sandwich however, was very good. It was just a perfect sandwich. There was a good amount of pork and ham and it was just tasty. The sandwich was pressed well and so the bread was crunchy and fluffy. Overall a very good meal. I would stick with the Mexican corn and the Cuban next time and would recommend it to anyone looking for some good Cuban food.
(4)
Matt L.
Always a stop when I visit NY. The mojitos, cubans, and of course the grilled corn...damn, wish I was there now. Dark decor & SoHo cool. They opened one up in Malibu, Ca, but it doesn't have the same feel as the original. GREAT PLACE...can't wait to visit again.
(4)
Erin B.
Heard about this place from a friend and wow... If you're ever in NY and want the best corn in the world....COME HERE! I really wish that there was a way to describe it other than "mouth orgasm" but there isn't. Tried to replicate it when I got back to Cali, but it's just not the same. I swear I will come back and enjoy this time and time again (at least twice during my visit). I still dream of you....
(5)
Will C.
Get and got the Cubano, grilled corn, plantains, and homemade lime lemonade. Also tried the fish burrito and queso/tomato/avocado sandwich compliments of J&J. We ate it outside the togo area because the wait was 2+ hours. @Jenn, thanks sis for planning this one! & splitting the Cubano sandwich! @Wing, it tastes the same as Habana Outpost, except with more things. @Jimmy, where are the pictures? Enjoy karaoke! @Jennifer, tell Jimmy to send me the pics will ya? Thanks! @Sandy, wasn't it all yummy? Wolverine! @Karen & Dickson, what next? cheap drinks after dinner! Note to restaurant owners: When do you have deals on your $8 frozen mojitos???
Cafe Habana started my grilled corn fascination, ever since I had it a couple of months ago. I recently visited this small and cozy place again to coat my taste buds with the savory sweetness of the grilled corn, smoothness of the mayo, tanginess of the (cotija or queso fresco?) cheese, spicy chili powder, and the sour touch of a juicy lime. Amazing, as always. Although this visit had me a little disappointed because it didn't taste like it used to, but that could be due to me loving the grilled corn at Dos Segundos (Philly) lately. That aside, Cafe Habana still serves a mean grilled corn. Kudos to the amazing hand lettered menu on the wall.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Discovered this place on a fluke and had the best sandwich I ever had. Their Cuban sandwich is a revelation and cannot and will not disappoint. I was never so thrilled with two accidental consecutive decisions. Delicious.
(5)
Sarah G.
So I saw online that this place had an exercise bike you could ride to power a blender to make your own smoothie for $1 off which is what brought me here, but the second I walked in and saw no exercise bike I was a little sad.....Turns out their other location the "outpost" one has the bike....booooo Good thing that cuban/mexican corn they make here almost made up for the fact that I could power my own smoothie to be blended! You get two ears of corn grilled perfectly on skewers and then they are smothered in chili powder and cream and cotija cheese......mmmmmm If you want to see someone eat corn quickly, this is the place to go! I was sad once my ear of corn was finally empty!!! They definitely make a fair amount of profit on those pieces of corn considering two were $4.25 ha We also got their cuban sandwich which was full of awesome tasty pork and this cheese and pickles and it was so so good. Mainly because the bread on that sandwich was just the tastiest grilled bread ever! We got their chicken diablo sandwich also which was good, but nothing in comparison to that cuban sandwich. Our server was right to steer me toward ordering that cuban because it made Matt J. and I very happy Cuban eaters!!! Plus each sandwich came with fries and those were also really good! We thought part way into our sandwiches that we were way too full to carry on and finish the food we ordered, but like true Americans, we just sat and let our tummies rest and then powered through more food! I did cheat and take some of the bread off my diablo sandwich, but we definitely got our money's worth in this tiny little popular spot! Be prepared to wait a little bit on weekends! But that corn and that cuban sandwich make it so worth it! Oh and one of the servers (may be on the of the owners?) also may dance a little bit near your table when certain songs come on. It was awesome.
(4)
Christine Y.
I came here on a Friday night around 6 - about 30 min before the crazy dinner rush. I have to say, while the food was decent, the service was so bad that I'm tempted to demote it to 1 star. When we got there, we asked the hostess for a table for 2 - she replied "3-5 min". After waiting (with a few others) outside for a good 20 min, we realized customers that came after us were being seated before us. When we asked for clarification on how long our wait was, the hostess replied hostilely "You're not on my list!" When we tried to explain what we asked earlier, she just stared blankly at us and snottily retorted "Well did you even give me your name?" I'm sorry, but who's job is it to put customers on the list? She never even asked! Finally, she scribbles our name on top of the list and storms off. Another 10 min go by and the hostesses switch off - more people get seated. We followed up again, only to find the NEW hostess's list doesn't even have our name on it! She transcribed the waiting list to the new girl and left us out, yet again! We were so steamed. It had been nearly 40 min since we arrived (when it was practically empty) and still hadn't been seated. With a bit of irony, the obnoxious hostess turned out to be our waiter. FAIL. The food, on the other hand, was great. We ordered the grilled Mexican corn of course (a must-have, even for someone who's not really into cheese), which came 2 to an order. They were grilled to perfection, sweet, and topped with cotija cheese and chili powder. The sopesitos (corn cakes with 3 different salsa and beans) were good too. We ordered the grilled shrimp tacos and Cuban sandwich for entrees, and 2 hibiscus iced teas. The shrimp tacos were good but there was so much salsa inside that the tortillas were all soggy and falling apart on my plate. It was impossible to pick up and eat. The Cuban sandwich was devine though - toasted bread, pulled pork, ham, cheese, and pickles. The fries were just okay. The atmosphere is lively, but very, very small. You literally have your butt on the edge of someone else's table as you're squeezing your way into the booth seat. Your elbows are touching the person next to you the whole time and the tables are so tiny that your dishes are all precariously balanced. Overall, we were happily stuffed beyond recognition but it would take a lot for me to come back between the awful service and cramped atmosphere. I find it too stressful.
(3)
Megan C.
I knew the second I read all these fabulous reviews that I had to check out Cafe Habana. Believe the hype, amigos, this place is ridiculous. The space is tiny and cramped, but it's cute and bright, a little paradise on Prince. Yelp warned of long lines, but they kept things moving pretty fast and my man and I only waited maybe ten minutes. I started off fast with a strawberry mimosa (pulpy and delightful!) and an order of the corn. HOLY SHIT. I could eat seven ears of this corn and keep on going. Grilled and covered with butter, cheese, lime, and chili powder, this isn't your ordinary backyard corn on the cob. I got the huevos con chorizo, which didn't disappoint. Chorizo has such a smoky, distinctive flavors, and it was paired with some out-of-this-world black beans. The star of the show is definitely the corn, but you're guaranteed to enjoy the whole meal!
(5)
Iris M.
Nice stop after walking aimlessly through Chinatown at 9 o'clock in the morning. I ordered Rachel's breakfast which consisted of sunny side up eggs, beans, homefries. I was kind of bummed that you had to order extra tortillas. Tortillas should be a given with beans y huevos. The two ladies with me had a hamburger and the torta con queso y aguacate. They enjoyed their meals. Chiledas not made as good but acceptable. Frozen margarita is okay. What I love most about this place is the decor and neigborhood feel. You don't get the feel that tons of tourist are invading the space. I'll be sure to try the corn when I come back!
(3)
Jane J.
Dear Cafe Habana, Your corn is the crack to my addiction but......what on earth is going on with the cuban sandwiches? I've been yours truly for the past three months and haven't dared to find another......is it because I don't come in more than once a week to visit? I understand that you may be hot and cold at times, but you've been rubbing me the wrong way lately. It's either a hit or miss with you and although I probably will won't venture out to another for a cuban......I hope that we can work things out down the road in the near future so I can once again be a happy camper. You're either super duper delicious with a side of crispy fries or cold and yuckie with soggie day old fries...I don't think this is a healthy relationship for us. On another note...the waitresses seem angry and frigate like damn bitch this is your job, smile a little. I understand it's busy....but what did I ever do to you? I order...I smile...I say thank you...I wait patiently for my cold food when it's not busy and I tip you 18 percent and let you carry on with your day. If I dare to ask for a beer, or ask you for anything a matter of fact.........you shot me a look like I slapped your mama and that shit is not cool. Please bring the love back into this relationship. I believe it can happen... Yours Truly, Me
(3)
Carol F.
The last time I was here I was in high school. To me, the quality of their Cuban sandwich has declined. The pork and bread were yummy, but the pickles (my favorite part!) were thin, soggy cucumbers. They somewhat ruined the sandwich for me, as I was really looking forward to fatty pork with crunchy pickles. My sister and her fiance both had burgers and they were so dry they could hardly get it down their throats. My husband had the enchiladas which were mediocre at best. The wait here is also ridiculous. The hostess kept telling us "soon" and "a few more minutes" - we ended up waiting for 40 minutes. That is ridiculous for a place like this. The only reason there's a long wait is because its in the SoHo area and people there don't eat (haha, just kidding, not really). Some guy walking by actually stopped and asked me if it was *that* good. We told him we actually prefer Habana Outpost in Brooklyn. We won't be returning.
(2)
Robert M.
A really good place to eat. The cuban sandwich is very good, the corn cake with goat cheese and tomatoes was also great. Their famous corn is awesome...with a lot of spices, parmesan cheese, and a nice aioli on there. Atmosphere makes you feel like you are in Cuba too.
(4)
Gabriela R.
I went here with my cousins when I was visiting the East Coast. This place seems a little small and was pretty crowded but since my cousin said this place was THE bomb, I took his word for it! Surprisingly, the wait didn't take as long as I thought. My cousin told us that whatever we do, we need to get the corn. Coming from San Francisco, we have corn like this so I wasn't sure how this could be better... but DAMN, it was. I swear, I didn't know corn could be so good. It was a little spicy but still, so good! We got the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta based on my cousin's recommendation. We got the saute spinach w/ it. Good lord, that was freakin' delicious! I swear... every bite was better and better. My husband even said it was one of the best things he had ever eaten. The whole experience was just awesome! Being with good company and good food... there's nothing better!!!
(4)
Jane P.
Man, the grilled corn this time wasn't as great. It was kind of dry and not juicy like last time. Nevertheless the Baja Fish Tacos were delicious, as was my friend's fish dish (I forget what it's called.) Another 30 min. wait and impossible to converse but you really shouldn't need to talk - just enjoy the food.
(4)
Jon E.
I'm not going to add anything to the discussion. You know it and I know it, this place is freakin' awesome. Best. Cuban Sandwich. Ever. And the roasted corn thing? Isaygoddamn! The dinning room is tiny (you literally feel like you're sitting on top of other people at times), but if you're willing to select from a more limited menu, there's like an annex around the corner on Elizabeth. I know 900 people died in Jonestown, but 1200 people can't be wrong. Take a swig of that kool-aid and join us, it's that good.
(5)
Kevin J.
Best Cuban sandwich in the city, get the Mexican orange soda to compliment it. Awesomely authentic!
(5)
Patrick M.
I landed in New York and spent much of the afternoon walking around aimlessly in the big city, working up a great appetite in the process. My friend told me to go to Cafe Habana for lunch. I took his advice and stumbled on the small diner. It has a very authentic feel to it when you step in. Four tables with two chairs each and stool seating lining the windows. The place is not lit and has the essence that on a hot day only a small fan would cool the room. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich upon the server's recommendation and a Jarrito's Limon. It turned out to be $11. I was expecting a large sandwich and when it came out it was comparable to the size of Panera Bread's. I was disappointed at first glance but the sandwich was pretty good. The sauce and veggies were complementary to the fresh baguette it is served on. However, the biggest letdown was how much bang I got for my buck. By meal's end, my stomach was still growling. For a takeout lunch spot, $11 for a sandwich (no side) and drink is a little steep, especially when I'm left with more room in my stomach.
(3)
Amanda L.
Is delicious Mexican-style corn worth waiting almost two hours for because of poor service? Kind of. Maybe. In the end, not really. Upon arrival to Cafe Habana, a half an hour wait was actually not so bad. It built up my hunger and excitement since it has been a while since I have eaten here before. Once we finally got seated, we weren't able to order for about 15 minutes because our waitress was not around, talking to people outside. Then we were asked to move to a booth because a party of 3 was coming in and could only fit at our present table. We moved with drinks on the house, which was nice of them. When we finally ordered, that's when time started ticking. That party of 3 I mentioned that came after us? They had a table of food and drinks already. It was just us and our mojitos. After nearly an hour of being seated, one complaint finally got us our corn and a second complaint got us our food (only an appetizer and a sandwich). The waitress claimed there was a mistake made along the line and comp'd our entire meal. They handled it nicely but I am not sure if this poor service will be worth returning to, even though the corn is pretty damn awesome...At least there's always a take-out option!
(2)
R B.
I was very disappointed with cafe habana last night. I expected a wait, so the the 30 minutes standing outside to get a table wasn't that bad. However, upon finally being seated, and then being asked to move to another table, we had to wait 30 or so minutes to order our dinner. I Ordered the Cuban sandwich and my date ordered the corn. After 1 hour of waiting for our food and asking 3 times where it was, we finally got served. The server gave us free drinks and the meal was on the house. I appreciated this, but I still left the place in a foul mood. I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. Sad really, because their food is delicious.
(2)
Emiko T.
It's not even funny how serious the corn is. You'll never eat your veggies in the same way again unless they're smothered in cheese, chili powder and lime juice. I don't even want to write much about it, because descriptive words CANNOT do this corn justice. It's the most succulent thing your lips have ever encountered. You take a bite and your teeth just sink into the thick layers of corn. As your come up for air and your nose is covered in white powder like so many Wall St. execs, you'll start to taste each flavor, first with the roasted, buttery corn, then the cheese that is melting off of the teeth marks you just made. and finally the kick of lime accentuates each flavorful morsel. And the fact that you only spent $2 for each ear makes you justify wanting to buy eight more and call it a day. This corn is that piece of food you crave when you're hundreds of miles away from Cafe Habana, lying in bed at night, wondering why you ever left a city capable of turning out such exquisitely delicious and affordable food. No fuss, simple restaurant with a charm all of its own within the trendy Prince St area. If you're hungry, go crazy and get at least two pieces. This is a 10 star establishment all the way. But don't take my word for it--after all, I'm only going off of my melancholy memory of some addictive corn.
(5)
Brian L.
Meh, I have experienced better from here before. Went to the take out side, mostly because the dining room had a 45 minute wait. I'm not asking to be served like royalty, a great return customer, or even an average customer. I just ask that while you're working, you do it like you are somewhat enjoying it. Don't look like you want to shoot yourself each and every second you are taking orders. You are working in a service industry - provide it. The corn again was good, but then again, douse anything in sour cream and cheese, how bad could it be? The corn is succulent, tasty, and well priced though, at only $2 a pop. I of course ordered old faithful, the Cuban sandwich. Always a crowd pleaser. The woman got the fish sandwich, in burrito form. Let's say, you need a deep sea diving excursion team to find the amount of fish in there. Scant pieces, not sure why I paid $8.50 for rice, beans, and old lettuce. I guess with the wait, they can charge whatever. $2.25 for a can of Diet Coke also. I'll come back, when the urge for a Cuban sandwich comes again, but, not sure if I will explore the menu.
(2)
Jessica A.
YUM! YUM! YUM! My friend that I was with recommended this place. We came here on our first night in NYC. We arrived here pretty late, but luckily we got seated quickly. The place was packed though. A tad on the loud side, but that didn't bother me at all. It's a really cozy place. We ordered the Cuban Sandwich, which was DELICIOUS!! Pork, ham, & cheese w/ the special sauce = YUMMM! It's a definite MUST to try the Cuban Sandwich..you don't want to miss out. The Grilled Corn is a MUST too. I LOVE LOVE LOVE corn. But the way they make it is to die for! It's SOOOOO GOOOOD that we ordered 2 each. I took half of my Cuban Sandwich & 1 corn to-go. It's tasted just as good at leftovers.
(5)
Starry S.
Hidden Little Gem. There may be long waits but it is worth it for the corn!! Sandwiches are alright! But the Corn is deliciosa~
(4)
Trent C.
Want a cheap and quick snack? Grab the grilled corn in the takeaway store round the corner..so good I went back for another!
(5)
Emma l.
Corn is delicious but such a hit or miss. Their grilled corn is $2 each at their "To-Go" place next door. When its cooked right, its delicious. The other times, completely burned with little to no seasonings. During my 7 day trip to NY, my bf and I had their grilled corn 4 times. I strongly recommend you never get it to-go because all the buttery, cheesy goodness sticks to the aluminum foil and you just end up with corn. But out of those 4 visits (we went at different times each time, during the day and late at night) but half the time, our corn was burned. Sorry but no amount of flavor can mask burned corn. And I'm not just talking about "burned near the edges". I'm talking about almost every kernel was burned! My friend, a NY native, said the same. Its a very "hit or miss" type of place because they burn the corn THAT often. Very disappointing since there was nothing in that area to really make the trip worthwhile except for the corn. Their "lime lemonade" or whatever was awful and this is coming from a hue lemonade fan. The service sucks also. On one of my visits, I purchased 2 grilled corns at the To-Go place, they told me it was $4.35 total, I gave $5, got my change, and then they only gave me one corn! Then they acted as if I was trying to cheat them. The guy was at the register trying to find my transaction (even though there were only a few customers after me) but acted angry at the fact that he had to give me another grilled corn... a grilled corn I paid for! He sort of threw it on the counter and just turned around. The cheese and butter even got on the counter =\ On my last visit, the cashier looked like she hated life. All I ordered was one grilled corn since I was alone that day and she acted like I was annoying her by giving her service. The place wasn't even busy at all so I didn't understand it. You should have seen her face when I asked for a water! Corn, when its not burned, is a good 5 stars. Service, attitude, not giving you the right amount of food, and BURNED food, drops this down to a 2. Sorry but the risk of burned corn is not worth the bad service.
(2)
Anh V.
personally, i'd go to habana to-go...'cause why pay more? ok, well paying more means that you can enjoy a tasty margarita along with your meal and actually get a seat without someone leaning over you or chomping away on the street. with a raining day, i had a craving for some home style cuban food. ok, any day, i have a craving for cuban but go with me here. all i can say is corn, corn, corn! i wish they had a corn truck by me... but if you wanted some brekkie, the huevos rancheros isn't too bad.
(4)
Chris O.
Yes the corn is awesome. It's coated in chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. Everything else I've had here is awesome too. The sweet plantains are the best I've ever had. This place is so great and busy that they had to open a second store for take-out. The Tlacoyo Tres Marias is flavor explosion in your mouth: hand formed corn masa"boat" stuffed with goat cheese, black beans & sun dried tomatoes served with rice & beans. They also have great cocktails. Yes, I love this place.
(5)
Victoria D.
I went here at 9:30 on a Sunday morning after reading reviews and seeing how packed this place gets. We were seated right away although the overall service was really slow. However, there were a lot of customers compared to the number of servers. The place was hoppin' by 10:00AM! I had the Huevos Divorciados, which was a dish with sunny side up eggs covered in two different salsas. It also came with tasty home fries that had onions and peppers smashed in. The greatest part about it was the price - $11 total with tip, including a coffee I ordered. I think it i one of the cheapest brunch places in Manhattan, especially in Nolita. I will definitely be returning to try the Mexican corn!
(4)
Aaron J.
Few restaurants live up to the hype... This one did. My wife and her sisters rave about this place and I must say I was everything they said it was. The fact that this small restaurant inspired over 900 reviews on Yelp tells you something. Corn Chicken Salad, Grilled Corn & Cuban Sandwich - all were terrific. The only issue I had with this place is that you sit so close to other people you're part of their conversation and they are part of yours. The lady next to us lost control of her fork and a few black beans landed on our table. We had a good laugh and frankly, we will put up with the tight quarters any day to eat here.
(5)
Andreas S.
UHMMMMMM!!! Great food. The corn is simply amazing and so is the cuban sandwich. The staff are always simling and friendly despite they are very busy and hard working. Has a little take out around the corner.
(5)
Rabbit B.
My brother turned me on to this restaurant and I'm so glad he did. This one is the bomb. It's just a small little cafe that looks like it was probably just a breakfast and lunch diner back in the day. The vibe is great and the food is fantastic. We just had drinks and appetizers on our first visit but we got a look at what other diners were eating and everything looked fabulous. My sister had the corn cakes which were delicious and I had the grilled corn with cheese, lime and chili which was to die for. Our bartender was excellent and our drinks were made to perfection. The only drawback is it's so good there is often a line out the door so you need to take that into consideration. Fortunately for us we hit it just right and found two seats at the counter near the window which was great. All in all a wonderful experience and I would recommend Cafe Habana to anyone who loves good Cuban fare and a fun atmosphere.
(5)
Christopher S.
One of New York's finest establishments for roasted corn on the cob. Unusually tasty rice and beans, very acceptable bar tending, and tasty appetizers make for a good time. The one thing I wouldn't experience again.....the enchiladas. Stick to what Cafe Habana is known for + don't be a douche bag = good times. Word.
(4)
Ivan D.
Cuban Sandwich was huge. Enjoyed the variation of their sandwich with that spicy mayo type spread in it. Lemonade a little too sweet. Needed to water it down. Nice little place, I'd come back to try their other items.
(4)
danae c.
I'm not from NY, but I've been lucky enough to spend a good amount of time there for work. So whenever my local Californian buddies ask me for recommendations on what to eat in NYC, this is one of the places that's always on my places to go list. Like everyone else has said, it's all about the corn. You think, "It's just corn... how good can it be?" It will quite possibly be the BEST CORN YOU'LL EVER EAT. EVER. I mean, I don't even really like veggies all that much, and I dream and drool over this corn. The tasty toppings! The smoky flavor! The fresh juicyness! Oh, it's delectable! I've tried looking up recipes for how to make this myself, and the general consensus on the toppings seems to be a mixture of mayo or sour cream, a mexican cheese (cotija cheese seems to work well), a bit of chili pepper, and lime. I've tried it at home and it turns out pretty well, but it's never been as good as it is at Cafe Habana. We did order entrees here as well, and everything we ate was good... but I guess it's pretty telling that I couldn't tell you what I ate, but I vividly remember the corn. Oh the corn!
(5)
Tiffany L.
best corn ever. agreed. also quite possibly the best cuban sandwich. what makes it stand apart from the crowd is the oh-so-delectable pulled pork that they put in it. tender and juicy. :) next time i may ask for extra pickles. we always hit this place up when miss tina c. comes into town - she and the corn have a kismet connection.
(4)
Nancy K.
I LOVE the corn on the cob here....its like corn from the mexican guy strolling his corn cart in Santa Ana..but this isn't dipped in mayo like in cali...its just buttered with a bunch of seasoning, cheese and lime! so GOOD!! It comes out hot and the corn just falls of the cob once you take a bite...I really wanted to try the sammy but the wait for that was impossible.
(5)
johnny c.
i'v never been to this place when it wasn't packed.but it seems like it's always a busy time to be there. Despite this, the food is good, the atmosphere is great, which makes me tolerate the large crowds and elbow to elbow dining. my favorite is the cubano sandwich. I usually get it every time I go there. Never has it been made poorly or overcooked. I always leave satisfied and it's usually one of the first places I recommend to newcomers of the city to check out.
(4)
Serene F.
Every time friends from out of town visit, I use this place as an intro to NYC cheap eats. And boy does it keep them coming back for more! The food is PHENOMENAL--you pretty much can't go wrong with a hearty platter of roast pork or a classic cuban sandwich with a side of mouth watering grilled corn. Minus one star since its crowded and loud; definitely not the most romantic hole in the wall out there, but good enough for Blake Lively and Penn Badgley to endure the wait like the rest of us (they sat one table away from me!) Yes, this place is a celeb hotspot so don't choke on your tostones if you happen to bump into one. TIP: if you're pressed for time, go around the corner and get something from the Outpost (take-out) instead. They serve a lot of the same items and offer up some tasty burritos too!
(4)
Alice H.
Went here on a random night. We needed a table for two and thankfully it was quick to get a table compared to some of the reviews. Looked around to see what everyone was getting. Everyone was getting the corn. I already read and heard about the corn so the obvious appetizer was the corn. Corn was amazing. I would go back and just stuff myself with this corn. I got a skirt steak dish which was very nicely cooked. I wish there was a little bit more marinade but other than that, GREAT! My friend got a pork chop dish that came with some beans and rice. It was very nicely cooked and soft and juicy to the bite. I usually eat everything very spicy so I drenched the green sauce onto my plate thinking that I could handle it. BEWARE! that green spicy sauce is SPICY! It did kind of ruin my plate because I did it without caution but if I get a chance to go back, I wouldn't think twice about that much sauce on my dish again. Anyways, I would definitely recommend Cafe Habana for their main dishes as well as the CORN! Happy eating!
(4)
Steven C.
*mouth watering* I can still vividly remember the food here, even though its over 4 months since I ate here. -The elote (corn with the mayo/lime/cheese) was wonderful, best i've had hands down. - Tacos assorted, can't really remember, except they were good. -Friend had the skirt steak which I sampled, it was pretty awesome. - Pork chop I had was cooked just right came with beans and rice, nice! Now the bad: It was crowded...but what good place isn't? Anyhow, crowded intimate cafe with great cuban food!
(5)
Billy D.
This place is great, but always super busy (hour wait both times we stopped). The service is kind of spotty, but the food makes up for it. The Mexican corn, frozen mojito, and corn cake sampler cannot be missed. We tried lots more items but I can't remember what else :) - even the rice and beans were yummy. I will definitely go back if in the NOLITA area again - best Cuban food I've had. Time to go to Cuba.
(4)
Kortney E.
My family and I went to this restaurant as soon as we got to New York at 10pm after not having eaten a meal for 6 hours. Needless to say, we were QUITE hungry and grumpy. The last thing we wanted to do was wait for a table, but guess what. We did. The wait wasn't too bad though, only about 10 minutes. When we got inside, the music was loud (not good if you have a headache) and the tables were densely packed (not good if you're claustrophobic). It was clearly a trendy hangout place for cocktails and late night food. Most of the people there were 20-somethings or 30-somethings, so it was weird being there with my family. As out of place as we felt, though, we stayed for the good food. We ordered the grilled corn, cuban sandwich, and roast pork. the corn was LEGEND - wait for it...courtesy of barney stinson... - DARY! MAN was that corn good. I need to go home and figure out how to make it, because I want to eat it forever and ever. The corn was SO sweet, and it was covered with cheese, chili powder, and lime. Despite all the toppings, though, the corn's flavor still came through and was perfectly complemented by the toppings. The roast pork and cuban sandwich were also really tasty. The flavors were mild, but in a good way. This was my first occasion eating cuban food, so I can't comment on the authenticity of the food, but if this is legit cuban food, then I LIKE IT!
(4)
Nancy C.
Very casual, relaxed, environment, with decorations to bring you back to a sunny beach like place you happened to notice because the vibe inside was so great and you dont know anyone else on this exotic island and figured the staff looked welcoming and you decide "what the hey, lets try this place." (That or "What the hey, Mike said this place was good!") It aint the kind of place you go to have a romantic meal because you are about half an arm's length from the nearest spectator and waitresses will have to hip-swing maneuver delicately around your pizza-pie-sized table. Had one other with me and we waited about 30 minutes. After we were sat down, a very nice waitress brought our appetizers, corn fairly quickly. This corn is what I came for, because Mike said it was gooooood. And it was goooooood. Corn smothered in some kind of buttery mayo with a light crumbly cheese packed around it and sprinkled with a lil cayenne. Savored it! I wanted something light so I got the Molletes (I think I spelled that right) and it was perfect. Hot, fresh from the oven, cheese all melted with a fresh green salsa to accompany, which was also good. One problem was that they were slow to refill my water, but I hesitate to bash them too much on this one because it was a hot day and I was as thirsty as a horse.
(4)
Jessica C.
This place is terribly small. This is not the place to have any intimate conversations unless you luckily get a booth. The rest of the restaurant is like cramped and you're like 1 foot away from the table next to you. If you go at peak times, you better get ready for a long ass wait. I think I had to wait like 45 minutes once. But, it was all worth it. The food is pretty good. The first time I went there for dinner and I had the Enchiladas de Mold Poblano, which was delicious. It's a pretty big serving too, in my opinion. The second time, I had the Sincronizada for lunch and that was just mediocre. The service is great. The corn is TO DIE FOR. There is literally no point in going to this restaurant unless you get the grilled corn mexican style. I wish I could move back to New York because of the corn.
(5)
Joanna M.
This place is tops. If you don't mind waiting for a seat, you will be in for a real treat. Hey, that rhymes! As I'm sure many others have mentioned the grilled corn is heavenly. Seriously. They even give you toothpicks for afterward. Their cuban sandwiches are hearty, flavorful & delicious. The staff is busy but attentive. AND it's not too expensive. If you get in line now you might get a seat for next month!
(5)
Catherine H.
WOW WHAT A HUGE ASS WAIT on a semi peak hour, but totally worth it. Their claim to fame corn is all its cracked up to be and more. I could lick that layer of seasoning goodness off the corn day and night, but that would make me a big cow, but a big happy cow nonetheless. Their cuban sandwich was no disappointment either. It had juicy pulled pork layered with ham and melted swiss making it ultra moist at every bite. Even the girly chicken/corn salad was delicious with its mixture of red cabbage, lettuc, shreds of crispy tortilla, and grilled sweet corn.
(5)
Rebecca T.
+ so many different flavors in your mouth with the roasted corn. Smokey grilled juicy corn with grated cheese, dusting of hot spices, and a spritz of lime. - not a lot of seating available - I'm sad b/c I didn't get to try anything else on the menu as we
(4)
Margaret T.
I think the service at this place deserves 5 stars. The hostess and bartender were sweet, patient, and had a good sense of humor when dealing with the us. We teased Chicago about his cock tattoo while we drank Pacificos at the bar. The hostess, despite not being able to understand what the Irishman said (or maybe because of it), totally remembered us when we came back to claim our seats after a drink at a bar down the street. The food was pretty good! The much talked about corn was sweet, savory, and spicy and pretty juicy considering corn isn't really in season just yet. It reminded me of the Corn Lady with the Corn Horn that used to frequent my neighborhood in Santa Barbara with her wares in a baby carriage. I had the Roast Pork dish which was great with a squeeze of lime. I ate until I thought I was going to burst and there was still food left. My mom would be so disappointed that I am no longer president of the Clean Plate Club. /Someone/ ordered the Enchiladas estilo Norteno but I didn't actually see or taste them because I blinked and someone swallowed them whole like some sort of Irish anaconda...weird. I do wish the restaurant wasn't so crowded. I mean, how many times do I have to get bumped while eating a meal? I guess it adds to the ambiance, right? RIGHT??
(4)
Sarah Jane N.
i used to go to cafe habana when it was just the sandwich shop next door. i'm really glad they kept it just as rustic next door, as well as the addition. this visit, my friend and i ate at the corner spot. i had the vegetarian quesedilla with the habiscus iced tea. my friend has the sloppy joe with a side of guacamole. our meal was awesome and pretty filling. our server was very friendly. space was kinda crammed, but comfy for me. i'm sure others would have minded, but it's new york and it's not exactly fine dining. i was able to see what others were eating without staring too much *lol. the day was sunny with a cool breeze, so having all the windows open and the back door made for a perfect afternoon lunch. definitely a go to spot for lunch.
(4)
Diane S.
This place is cozy! I visited NYC for one of my monthly trips and met a friend here for a snack. We first opted to eat at the restaurant and then I was walking too slow and missed our turn. The cafe to go place was just as good same food, faster service. We got a table right away and ordered our pieces of corn. At $2 a piece it was a steal! It has a unique taste, and I'm a health/diet nut so I seriously don't want to find out what was inside of that white crack because I'm pretty sure it was mayo & cheese and for me that's a no no! definitely well worth it tho! I was kinda angry my grilled corn was not as warm as it could be since the girl who served my food did not call out my name and we were waiting a good 20 mins. She had just started shift and didn't know what was going on. I ordered for here got it to go so the presentation was not as nice. Free water yay! I only had the corn wanted something lite. I would recommend it for a snack, speaking only upon the corn.
(4)
Katie L.
On a scale of 1-5: Cuban sandwich: 5 Hibiscus tea: 4 Service: 3 Wait: 3, but well worth it Mexican corn: 7 I first tried this place on a road trip with friends several years ago. Now I go to Cafe Habana almost every time I'm in New York. Unfortunately this streak ended on my most recent 48-hour visit. I'm still bitter and am looking to rectify this wrong immediately. I'm a small-town girl and as such, not a fan of large numbers of people squished into infinitesimal spaces. However, I will traipse great distances to eat this corn in such confined quarters. I envy you, gentle reader that has yet to try Cafe Habana's Mexican corn. Few things will top the surprise and joy of your first ear here.
(4)
joanna u.
I hardly write reviews but I'll actually take time out to do so to share my experience not about the food, but the service. I had never been there before so needless to say I was pretty excited about going. I even dragged my friend (who I'm visiting with) to wait an hour. Long story short, the hostess/waitress (one with the long hair) was extremely rude! We had been waiting and I can already tell the girl didn't like me, when all I did was chsnge my party from 3-2. (I was extremely polite too) She proceeds to seat literally everyone waiting first and then puts us at a table pretty much in the doorway. When we asked if there were any other tables she said we can put our names down and wait again. Words were exchanged, but needless to say that hipster model wannabe didn't deserve our money. Btw honey, you had something in your teeth.
(1)
Grace C.
I would have to say that my first experience was hyped and i was disappointed. A one-hour wait for four people. The atmosphere is not friendly for more than 2, so I wouldn't go there unless you were with one other friend. The corn however, met its expectation. I'd recommend you to go next door for their to-go place.
(3)
Skipper Chong W.
This place is small -- no real surprise there -- so if you're hungry, best push on to any other NoLiTa eatery. Chances are good it's going to be crowded. But if you're patient, you will be rewarded. I can vouch for the shrimp tacos, the shrimp in garlic sauce and the cuban sandwich -- aces all. This is one of those places in NYC that understands the hot side of spicy -- and one that understands the difference between a michelada and a chilada. The french fries are great and the grilled corn-on-the-cob is a must -- though you should know that two ears come to an order. Two thumbs up, count on me to return. And I'm bringing re-enforcements.
(4)
Vina Y.
Fantastic service and excellent food. Don't miss out on the elote - Mexican corn. It's one of my favorite foods and Cafe Habana didn't disappoint! One order comes with two though, so come hungry or share! I also had a cuban which was really delicious - one of the best I've ever had - right proportions of everything, toasted bread, pork, cheese, pickles - delicioso! If you're in a rush, turn around the corner and there's Habana to Go for take out orders.
(5)
Brandy L.
Cafe Con Leche! Cant wait 2 try the cuban sandwich luv this place & it is close 2 my apt I will be a local here : )
On the "highlight section" someone said.."I am drooling just thinking about their grilled corn." I agree... don't think and Go.. the food is good the price is good but the only thing is.. the wait is long for dinner and you are practically salmon-ed in there. The tables are small and there's basically no walking room. I wouldn't recommend groups of more than 2.. I know.. any more your wait will be even longer. Must try the Grill Corn and Mojitos =)
(4)
Samo G.
if you're in a rush, just grab a corn to go. that is pretty much all that I order from here.
(4)
Lisa C.
Best.corn.ever. Seriously, this place has the best grilled corn in NY by FAR!!! I love it. Okay, so has gotten quite touristy these days and it is super tiny inside so it does feel pretty intimate but keep with it as the food is a definite pay-off. The brunch menu is superb (huevos rancheros are unbelievable) but the overall winner has to be the corn, washed down with a bottle or two of jaritos. WINNER!!!
(5)
Tonsies S.
I'm glad this is in our neighborhood. It's a solid spot for breakfast/lunch or dinner. Sure it's the elbow-to-elbow NYC dining experience, but it's delicious and worth the cramped quarters. Thanks Cafe Habana!
(4)
Jackie W.
Grilled corn Mexican style Grilled chicken/steak and corn salad Steak sandwich Cuban sandwich Pollo mirador Tiacoyos de tres Maria's Sweet plantains and tostones Challah french toast with season fruit Molletes with chorizo Huervos rancheros
(4)
Aaron G.
I live in the UES, but habano was worth the trip. The Mexican style corn was fantastic, and while messy, the fish tacos were great. I wasn't as big a fan of the Cuban sandwich (which we came to try) but it was still pretty good. Don't let the full restaurant deter you; it is fairly small but we had just thirty minutes to kill, spent shopping at the second hand clothing store next door.
(4)
Chandan N.
I am yet to try anything else from the Cuban sandwich - which is amazing by the way. There is limited seating - so grab a seat and then order!
(4)
Spring C.
Grilled corn and egg with chorizo are the best....
(5)
Rohit K.
Great little cuban restaurant with really good food. Best part is how cheap everything is! Two entrees cost me under $30 including tax & tip!
(4)
Sebastian K.
No wonder why it's the "voted best cuban sandwich in nyc". It's an amazing sandwich! The pork is so tender that it melts on your mouth. The cuban bread and cheese is superb. I always wanted to try something else but the Cuban and the corn is a must every time. Even the flan for dessert is ordered once I sit on the table. Best cuban place along with Floridita.
(5)
george l.
whats so Cuban about tacos and roasted corn on the cob? this place should be called Tijuana cafe.
(1)
Mila J.
I'm a big fan! The corn on the cob is by far one of the best I've had. Their pork is super tender and juicy. Prices are decent. Don't miss their little to-go shop around the corner!
(4)
Hugh J.
Good food and friendly people. I had the eggs with cohorizo. So much flavor. I'll be back soon. Cali to NY. Thank you.
(5)
Dan L.
I went here expecting a mind blowing Cuban experience, but found mostly Mexican dishes on their menu. That's why this is 4 stars instead of 5. Everything we ordered was done well. I had the Roasted Pork dish which was great, but if I go back I would like to try their Cuban sandwich and the Sopesitas. Also, I recommend the Dark and Stormy cocktail. Delicious!
(4)
Erica G.
The avocado and white cheese torta is awesome, but so is just about everything else on the menu. Definitely make it a point to eat here if you are in NoLIta.
(4)
Christina L.
Holy.... best Latin food ever!!!! The line for tables go out the door, which is a testament to how amazing this place is truly. I don't believe they take reservations, but that's okay because I wouldn't recommend this place to sit down and eat, unless you don't mind waiting over an hour in the cramped quarters. Anything on this menu is scrumptious. I usually go for the shredded mole chicken (best mole sauce ever and trust me I have tried plenty). The corn is delicious... the rice and beans. They have a separate take-out area next door which is always super-packed as well, but if you're by yourself, feel free to order up and eat at the small tables in there. Better than the restaurant wait next door.
(5)
Gurtej S.
Excellence! Get the corn and the Cuban before you try anything else on the menu- after that, you may not try anything else on the menu! The space is a bit cramped, and you may have to wait, but you can always go to their takeout location next door and stand and eat if you're in a hurry.
(5)
Mallory A.
ugh sooo good. always worth the wait.
(5)
Cynthia M.
O how I love this place. I used to live across the street, so I would eat here pretty often. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area now, but I try to stop by here every time I'm in New York. I came back last week, and everything was as good as I remember. I usually split an order of the corn, the Cuban, and the plantains with another person. This place is pretty crowded and has limited tables, so be prepared to wait if you go on the weekend. If you don't feel like waiting, you can go around the corner to the to-go location.
(5)
lora c.
The corn is as good as everyone claims. Grilled to perfection, it's topped with lots of cheese and spices that make it just about impossible to eat just one cob. I almost regretted ordering a cuban sandwich-- while delicious, I definitely would not have minded six more ears of corn! If the wait for a table is too long, grab takeout from the storefront next door and find a place to eat at a nearby park or stoop. Food is very portable and delicious! Summer days in the area always involved a lime or guava soda or a cold negro modelo-- perfect combinations.
(5)
suin k.
nothing special on the food. too many people ...I don't get why this place is so popular...Even though I live in neighborhood,I don't come here anymore. I just get corn sometimes. The food on116 east mexican halem food is much way better!
(2)
N H.
Love their corn! If it's crowded, as it always is, and you're in a rush, grab the corn at their take out counter next door (around the corner). Last time I was visiting NYC I went there 3 times in 5 days. Their website mentioned that they are opening a location in Malibu, CA. I can't wait!
(5)
Jeff M.
3.5 stars on a quick lunch--will definitely return one evening w/ spouse in tow to see if (as I suspect) there's more to this place.
(3)
Howie K.
Having lived on the block for 3 yrs, let me tell you that they've got it figured out. While the menus is not that huge, they manage to keep the quality up and serve tons of people on a daily basis. If you want to know about the food, see the other reviewers b/c I feel that they're pretty spot-on. I would like to applaud them for keeping the place and street clean! I used to walk my scavenger-y dog by here every day and they do a good job and are good neighbors by dutifully cleaning the sidewalk every day. It's a big deal b/c 1/2 of the people who eat there eat on the sidewalk. Keep on Keepin' on Cafe Habana!
(4)
Steven L.
THE CORN APPETIZER IS A MUST. I liked the skirt steak as well. A deal for the price ($12) in my opinion. But, my friends weren't fans. It gets busy here but service is fast. P.S. GET THE CORN.
(4)
Mel I.
I was excited to try this place after reading about it on YELP and even more excited after waiting an hour for a table...by the time we sat down, I was starving! So it was awesome to have the corn as an appetizer...because it was ABSOLUTELY DELISH!!! (ACTUALLY IT's LIKE CRACK...once you have it, you'll dream about it...I know I have!) But that's where the excitement ends...because I believed the hyped and ordered the Cuban Sandwich...listen I consider myself to be a Cuban Sandwich connoisseur...And to think that this Cuban was voted "the best in NYC" uhm yea okay!! By who's standards? I've had better cuban sandwiches served right out of papo's bodega in the Heights...smh. The fries that were served with the cuban were MUCH better than the sandwich itself. The problem? They used WAY too much mayo and they didn't use Swiss Cheese...how can this be a cuban without the swiss?!?! C'mon! Not to mention the cheese wasn't even melted (my heart melted though with sadness...lol) I am a Latina, so I have pretty high standards of what spanish food should taste like...and this didn't live up to my standards. I had their yellow rice too and it was probably the worse rice I've had (it tasted like it was made with Ramen Noodle chicken stock...no bueno!) not to mention it was sticky...(uhm, last time I checked, I wasn't at a Thai restaurant ordering sticky rice...so what's up with that??!!) If I go back, I'll JUST EAT THE CORN at their take out place right next door and skip the long wait at the restaurant...it was definitely not worth it.
(3)
Nikki T.
Weird because...this has to be one of my favorite places to eat in nyc. I recently did a trip to nyc for work and of course stopped here after I did some shopping at henri bendel. Whenever I travel, I like to try different things when I'm eating at places that I have eaten before. So I tried the rice, beans and spinach plate. I love garlic, and seeing as though I wasn't with my boyfriend, garlic spinach would be okay. I also would like to say that I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered it because Habana always gives you a good amount of rice. I had my double espresso (it was a LONG morning) which was exceptional. But the waitress took forever. I mean, I know I'm solo and all, but you still have to give me some attention. I'd still go back, but I'm more interested in trying the one in malibu, I think I will make a trip out there this weekend you guys and get back to you.
(3)
Mike G.
spicy, cheesy grilled corn? fish tacos, black bean & red rice? iced cafe con leche? window-side table? again? yes please.
(4)
matty c.
One of my best dining experience in New York! I heard really great things about this establishment and had to try it. I know everyone talks about the corn, which was AMAZING, but rest of the food we ordered were just as good. My sister got enchillada suiza but I pretty much finished it and licked the plate off. Very flavorful food and great ambiance. Great music and sangria, we had so much fun here. AND now they are open in LOS ANGELES!!!! I cannot wait to try the one in southern cali!!!
(5)
Simone G.
I don't see the point in reviewing a place with 900+ reviews, except that, I'm going to comment on something aside from the corn, which although orgasmic, is over-exposed. The food is divine. Shuffle through the hundreds of other reviews if you want details on the explosive menu. I opt for the fish tacos with rice and beans. It's just damn good. What rocks about this place is the vibe and the loyal Cuban flavor. The mango margaritas, the guava cocktails, and, my favorite, the rad red lit bathroom and plate of plantains. It's bloody hot in the Summer at the bar, so unless you want to peel your ass off a red vinyl stool, squeeze in the back, and I mean squeeze; or go with a group of four so you can score a booth.
(4)
kahee y.
the only thing cafe habana has going for them is their corn (more power to them). but ive been for brunch and dinner and was so disappointed. the best part of dinner is indeed just the rice and beans. AND last week for dinner, during the hottest july in ny history, they didnt have the ac on. twas an incredibly uncomfortable dinner
(2)
Katherine Z.
Really 3.5 stars. No AC (windows were open and fans blowing). Hot as hell. Tight, cramped space (had to move tables to get out of the booth, kept bumping into a table to get to bathroom). No reservations. But still a cool little spot. Tried the Mexican corn. It was pretty good. Split the Roast Pork, the Cuban sandwich and the spinach and apple salad. Not amazing but solid. There's a bar not too far that specializes in cachaca (bar bossa) that we drank at during our forty minute wait. Also, the meal was pretty inexpensive and if you just want to pick up some food to go there's a takeout counter next door.
(3)
Eric C.
i love the simple stuff from this place: the cuban sandwich, fries and the corn. If you get those 3 together for your meal, you will not regret it.
This place was AWESOME. Def a favorite spot that I must return to. We came for lunch at 2pm and it was still packed with a long line. By the time we left around 4pm...it was still packed. Tiny spot but the food is heavenly. The corn like all the reviews-you HAVE to try. Ive never ever ever tasted corn like this. And it was soooo delicious and flavorful. I wish I could eat it everyday. How do they make corn like this?!? I ordered the (forgot the name) shredded chicken with black bean...it was sooo delicious and light withe a hint of lime which I loved. My friend got the omelet with plantains. Everything was super flavorful, delicious...mmmm I want to go back.
(5)
Ryan M.
Because this establishment only serves about 30 people at a time, and I believe it is almost always full, the food is fresh and hot--and the surprising part is that it has always in my experience been very quick (once you are seated). I have eaten at Cuban restaurants in Miami and other destinations where the competition is stiff, but this restaurant is a gem for being so nonchalant. I've been several times now, and I believe because each of the three dishes I tried were successes, I can say that this place is a winner. The dishes in question are the Roast Pork, Enchiladas Mole, and the classic Cuban Sandwich. The mexican corn is also good, but I feel slighted when I pay $4 for the definition of 50 cent street food (but this is the virtue of NYC). Otherwise, the music and drink menu make for a very good conversation spot and where you can also be satisfied by the portion.
(4)
Terri Y.
tiny tiny little place so the wait is forever and a day. Food is very fresh and the corn is LOVE!!
(4)
Janet C.
My friend has been bugging me to go and try this place out for months! I finally did. I went on a Sunday night and only waited for 15mins to get in. Judging by all the previous reviews on Yelp, I had it easy. Simply put, the corn is absolutely the best corn I've ever had. That said, a corn is a corn. That said again, you HAVE TO order it if you're there. If you're a fan of spiciness and heat, then try it with the green hot sauce they have there. So much flavour and soooo HOT! Guaranteed to give you a kick and wake your senses! For main, we had the grilled steak and the grilled pork chop. Both were delicious and well made, but not really to-die-for. For dessert we shared a coconut flan. In a word, for the price, you really can't ask for anything better than this. I will definitely visit again on a night when there isn't a 30min+ wait.
(4)
Myra M.
We came here for their infamous corn. I luv the quaint vintage diner ambiance. It was a sunny, warm Fri... and yes there was a wait. It was not a big deal, since my friend waited for the table, allowing me to window shop around the nearby boutiques in SoHo:) So I admit the corn was delicious!
(4)
Susan A.
The corn, like everyone and ther mothers, uncles, aunts, and 4th cousins-in-laws by marriage have stated prior to my review, is good. (Jackson Heights is the BEST place to live BTW, as you can get the corn from the cart men/women for $1. Just saying. Gotta plug the JH.) And, if you want to make it at home, don't forget there is mayo, the glue which holds everything together. I ordered the fish tacos and they were good. Minus the fact I couldn't taste the fish. The dressing was a bit over powering, but without it, the taco was somewhat bland. OH cruelty. The rice and beans were AWESOME. PERFECT, even. The chicken with the eggs on top were good. Not divine, but good. Prices are on par with everything else in the area. Would I come back? Possibly. Would I deliberately make/organize a trip specifically for this restaurant. Methinks not. This place is solid eats.
(3)
Adriana L.
Really chill place that you can just grab a bite to eat at with friends. The corn is really delicious and so was the cuban sandwich! I especially liked the the crunchy cucumbers in it! I also go the lime lemonade , but it tasted like one of those green popsicles, sooo I won't be getting that next time.
(5)
Charity D.
This is one of my all-time favorite places to eat in NYC. The vibe is chilled and cozy, and the food is delish!!! The roasted corn, doused in mayo and cheese, is a sinfully wicked way to kick off your dinner. Top that off with one of Habana's margaritas or a carafe of sangria and mmm! I've tried everything from the mouthwatering Cuban steak sandwich to the steak enchiladas, steak dinner, shrimp, and chicken enchiladas. All is divine! The only dish I haven't been that crazy about is the pork chop dinner. Most of the dinners come with a heaping helping of rice and beans. The only problem? I have to unbutton my jeans every time I go there. Oh, and the place is tiny, which usually means long waits. They don't take reservations and getting a table for more than 5 people is tough.
(5)
Tiffany M.
What could be better than a Cafe Habana frozen mojito on a sweaty summer night? Honestly. This place has really earned its high ratings. Their cuban plates are perfectly savory w/ a hint of sweet. I enjoyed a nice little slab of steak, flavorful rice and perfectly prepared black beans. yum! The plantains that we decided to add rounded everything out perfectly. The only food item that had me a bit puzzled was their grilled corn. I think everyone just loves how much stuff is smothered on it (butter, parmesan & paprika), which I can understand, but my corn ended up being chewy, which left me unimpressed. Be aware that this place is SMALL, so expect to be squeezing (literally) yourself into your seat. Although the place is tiny, one thing I really did like, was the feel of the place. The interior of Cafe Habana really puts you in the mood- as though you're hanging out in a breezy cafe somewhere down South. Another plus to add is Cafe Habana's owner, Sean Meenan. I recently read that he is heavily involved in his community and that Cafe Habana's sister restaurant, Habana Outpost in Brooklyn, is actually NY's first solar-powered restaurant! Very impressive, Meenan. Get on over to Cafe Habana, slurp down a frozen mojito and fill up on a platter!
(4)
Dan S.
The billion other reviews cover it well. I suggested another latin resturant to my friend, and he asked "Is that the place with the corn" and it wasn't, but I knew this was, so we went here. The corn is mighty good. What surprised me this visit (my first non brunch trip) was the corona michelada. Yes I'm a wuss and don't look for beer at brunch, it's probably there two. Anyhow, the michelada was powerfully flavored, chili limey like what. Had the grilled steak it gets a solid good 3 stars. But I'm giving four stars because I'm a corn and michelada freak, would be three for the service (a bit slow and too cool for school) but all the servers are pretty beautiful so having to hang a around a bit longer isn't the end of the world.
(4)
stephanie p.
It would be absurd to go to Cafe Habana and not get the corn (SO GOOD) but don't overlook the other amazing things on the menu - like the sopesitos (corn cakes with black beans, cheese, and 3 kinds of salsas) or tlacoyo de tres maria, the corn masa "boat" stuffed with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, and black beans. I want more.
(5)
Divya A.
I absolutely loved the corn! I got the avocado and cheese sandwich as well--there was this tangy, sweet and spicy spread on the bread which made it really really good. The eggs are apparently delicious as well! Perfect portions, not too much food and not too little. It wasn't super expensive either. The only issue I had was that the wait was about an hour on a Saturday--but totally worth it.
(4)
Abby N.
I'm not from New York but everytime I come to town, I head to Cafe Habana for the corn and the pork plate. It's always worth the detour during my visits!
(4)
James L.
Amazing food! love the corn!!!
(4)
stefanie h.
yes, the corn is delicious. but i didn't really need to tell you that, did i? i think the 628 reviews below already established that. so, i'll focus on the food. unlike the corn, i wasn't as impressed with the chicken diablo sandwich. the chicken was a little too dry, and the overall sandwich not that flavorful.. the restaurant was packed when i was there, but the take-out post next door was not. i suggest that option if you can-- it's much more convenient and the menu is pretty extensive (not the whole menu offered next door, but i think a lot of the heavy hitters are included). plus, there's tables and chairs there as well. based on the corn alone-- five stars, no question. but adding the the chicken diablo sandwich into the mix brings my rating down to four stars.
(4)
john m.
Every time I'm in New York I go here at least for their Elotes (roasted corn, cheese, mayo) which i know everyone raves about, but seriously they're the best! The only downside is the enormous wait so if your not up for that I suggest just stopping by the walk up window in the afternoon and get a bite to eat curbside. Plus it's right down the block from the New Museum, that combo makes for the perfect afternoon in my book.
(5)
Alan S.
Amazing Corn on the Cob. I love the cuban sandwiches also.
(5)
Daniel F.
This is actually a 3.5 star review. This place is run like a restaurant outside the U.S. only with a friendly staff. You get the feeling that you could spend all night there talking to your friends, ordering more food, getting another drink, and ending with a cappuccino. If I could smoke inside, I'd think I were in another country. For all these reasons, though, it's also inefficient. Cafe Habana's popularity makes matters worse. If you're hungry, it'll drive you crazy watching the group of four huddled around a table for two slowly nibbling their corn while your stomach churns. The corn is very good and worth trying if you come, but a little over hyped. Would I wait an hour for it? I don't think so. Carnivals in California sell corn just like this sans lime wedges. I ordered the Pollo al Pepian as an entree, and it was very tasty. If you want a table, politely flag a server to get on the list. They double as hosts. If you're in a hurry, walk one business over to their take-out location and get something to go.
(4)
Eve G.
It's kind of funny how one bad experience can ruin the way you view a place. Our waitress today at Cafe Habana let me down. At first we could not get her attention. This was frustrating because we were seated next to the station where she picked up food and it is not exactly a big restaurant to begin with. But we figured it was crowded and she was busy. She eventually took our order with a lot of eye rolling and sighs. When our burgers were up she lobbed them onto the table then stood over us scratching her head and then walked away. It was weird and totally made me lose my appetite for food from Cafe Habana.
(1)
Cindy C.
Perhaps it's due to my lack of hipsterness, but I was not enamoured with Cafe Habana. Not terrible but definitely not great Mexican.
(2)
Haiyun Z.
OMG the corn. Everyone's said it, but it's worth saying again. OMG CORN. I'm always a little sad when I finish. Then I rally and go back to the counter for another. Because OMG THE CORN!!!!!!!!! I've never eaten at the actual restaurant, though...there's always like an hour wait. So I just shuffle down to the take-out place down the street. Minimum wait...not very much seating, but there's benches outside :) and OMG CORN!
(5)
The O.
Corn, its all about the damn grilled corn. Habana is a fun place to eat. The food is usually fantastic. Cramped, intimate spot that can always be counted on for a good meal. Expect a good wait at peak times. The service fluctuates between friendly and snobby. If you dont want to wait, get take out next door.
(4)
Joseph F.
Great french toast and cafe con leche...
(4)
Marie C.
I honestly can't say if I liked the food so much because I was absolutely famished or because it really was that good. DH and I were looking for a different place but when we got there they didn't have any customers, so we used yelp on the iphone for another place. DH found this one and off we went to walk there. I was getting in quite a grumpy mood especially since there was a different place to eat every few feet. DH really wanted to go to this place though, so we kept walking and walking and walking. I have lived in LA too long. A short walk felt like 5 miles. When we finally found it there was a small line outside which is usually a good sign unless you are in LA. While we were sitting there looking at the menu corn kept passing by me. It looked and smelled so good. It took every ounce of self control to not stand up and just grab one. Speaking of servers is it me or were there only 2 people working the entire place? The service was slow but wow they were really working hard. Crazy as it may sound we didn't get the corn because I am such a good wife and shared the corn cakes instead, which were pretty good. I ordered the steak enchiladas and DH ordered the mole enchiladas. The rice was really good. It tasted like their was cheese mixed in with it. Too bad I wasn't able to savor the food as I just scarffed it all down. I did get some odd looks and rolling of eyes. I think everyone was wondering how the skinny girl was able to eat everything and continue to scrape for more. I would def go back. The place had a cool vibe. I felt like I could hang out there a while with friends and just eat drink and be merry.
(4)
Cindy C.
Best Darn Grilled Corn ever!!!! and very good for brunch... I cant get enough of their Omelette Caribe... eggs, platains and salsa verde! sweet and savory all in one bite... yummmm for recipe TO MAKE THIS CORN AT HOME.... visit my blog.
(4)
Naerim K.
Everytime I have a visitor come, I insist on taking them here to try the corn. It's amazing!! Great local spot, but I suggest getting there early for dinner.
(4)
Dan T.
Eat the corn. Do whatever else you please. The food is pretty good all around, but for the sake of all that is good and decent in this world - Eat the corn.
(3)
Roxy C.
Caparinhas were yummy, gotta love the happy hour! And food was fun combination of cuban and american (chocolate cake was an icebox cakemmmmmm). My only complaint was...turn on the fan in the summer for the happy hour folks...wouldya? Suppose it really made me feel I was in Cuba though.
(4)
EatOutKid E.
Just finished eating here.... had the corn, cuban sandwich and pazola between two people..... Decent food, cute waitresses, tight sitting area, fair price for soho...
(3)
Kim Y.
Uh...WOW. this place by far serves up one of the best classic cuban sandwiches I have ever tasted. the meat was thick and tender. the bread was perfectly toasted with cheese oozing out after every bite. several ppl told me to come here and i'm so glad i did. i love little hole in the wall joints. they tend to be cheap, good and very satisfying.
(5)
Andrew C.
One of the best roasted corn I've had. And I love roasted corn. It was a little creamy, a little buttery, a little spicy. Went for brunch, menu wasn't that extensive, a few basic brunch items. The huevos rancheros was good. Not bad at all. Portions are okay, one entree and a few side items would make it a good lunch.
I have an aversion to foods that have been oft-referenced in dirty jokes: pizza sauce, tartar sauce, etc. So corn on the cob (with mayo and cheese at that) fell under that category - really, google "hot buttered corn joke" and you'll get a glimpse of stories with which we regaled each other in the cafeteria during 8th grade. We came here right before midnight on a Sunday night, and by then, with work looming over my head in a few hours, I was reticent already. There was no wait, and the waitress told us to order within 5 minutes because the kitchen was closing soon. After a few nibbles of my friend's grilled corn I was sold (ignore how gross that sounds). Minutes later, the whole group of us were laughing and exchanging funny and childish innuendos. So that's the lesson of the moment: Cafe Habana's corn can cure anxiety, frustration, social awkwardness, you name it.
(5)
Roya S.
Mmm...the food here is delectable. I have only been to the take-out area, (small space, with some tables/stools) which is next to the actual restaurant. If you want no-nonsense, delicious food- nothing fancy or overrated, then this is exactly the type of place you will love. The first time I came, I had the Chicken Diablo sandwich, which was so yummy- blackened chicken with black beans and...I don't quite remember, but it was very good. I also love the Chicken in Mole Sauce (on the entree section)--shredded chicken in delicious, slightly spicy mole sauce, served with good old (very good) rice and black beans- the combination of all three is perfect. Also, you HAVE to try the corn on the cob- as many others have recommended. It is delicious- cheese, lime, chili...it puts regular old corn on the cob to shame. There is an assortment of drinks and sodas to choose from- next time, it's Mexican coca-cola for me (mmm!). I had the lime-lemonade the last time I went and it was very fresh and delicious. I really don't think you could go wrong with anything on the menu. I am definitely going back soon, and am planning to check out the actual cafe/restaurant portion as well. This place serves Cuban comfort food.
(4)
Alberto D.
I can only speak for the take-out part of the eatery around the corner which is set-up for takeouts but has a handful of tables. The shredded pork with yellow rice and black beans is superb and the selection of Mexican sodas is excellent to wash it down. And let's not forget the terrific old Latin American songs that are piped in giving this postage-sized stamp culinary outlet some real class. The downside is the disappointing Cuban sandwich.
(4)
Irene H.
I had a rough week. On top of that the subway decided to skip my stop, so I got off the next stop which was a short skip and a hop to Cafe Habana. I got some things to go from the cafe, including the Pollo Mirador, which was fantastic, garlicy, and lemony. I think this might be the 'healthiest' thing you can find in the entree section? But, I really wanted the chuletas which is restaurant-only. So after I placed my order at the cafe, I called in a chuletas to-go at the restaurant (it was a bit crowded, didn't want to deal with it). Apparently some other girl had placed the same order a minute ahead of me. That order was ready in 10 minutes and I was able to pick that up, before the cafe order. Ha! I may sound crazy but I love my chuletas.
(5)
Kathy P.
This place is all about the corn! Our daughter who knows her way around NYC said that we had to try their corn on our visit. We were trying to fit a lot of things in that day so we didn't have a full meal - we only stopped in for the corn. And disappointed we were not! I would have taken another ear to go if I wouldn't have appeared to be a pig. I asked for the chili powder to be cut from mine, but hubby had it all the way. Little girl definitely knows what she is talking about - this is a must for anyone visiting NYC - I haven't found anything like it in Texas! I'm deducting one star because our table was about 24" square and we could hardly move without bumping into the other people around us. They really cram them in there - a little more space would be nice. But that certainly won't keep us away on our next visit - I can already taste it!
(4)
Chris L.
Corn. Unreal. Good local grub. Glad i stumbled onto it, really worth the cash. Great corn!!!
(4)
Paul D.
Let's cut to the chase ... this place doesn't belong in Soho ... this place should move to the Financial District, so that I can have firey smokey Chicken Diablo Sandwich juices dripping down my face every Sunday morning. The Soho crowd looked on at me like I was a starved mutant outsider, which technically I am - being a Resident Alien and all, but this is the closest slice of Cuba you will get without having to steal across the bay with a fake passport. If they had a bottle of my favorite Havana Club Añejo 7 Años stored under the counter for me, they would definitely get the 5th Star!
(4)
Elsa G.
This is a Cuban/Mexican food spot with the most amazing, if not really authentic, Cuban sandwiches. I've lived off Cuban sandwiches in Miami all my life and these are the much tastier version of a Cuban sandwich. Wow. I ordered the Mexican grilled corn, of course, and I was not disappointed. It's a tiny little place and lunch time seemed the appropriate time to go because I can't see where you could comfortably sit if there were more than a few people in there. Great food. I'll be thinking about this place for quite a while...
(5)
Whitney W.
Straight-up the best, most delicious, most affordable meal of Cuban food you can have in the northeast. I am fucking addicted to Cafe Habana. The wait can almost always be egregiously long, but who fucking cares? It's always worth it. Also, I've never had a bad service experience here, which is amazing considering that it is always jam-packed. You can literally order anything on the menu and it will be delicious. If Cafe Habana was a person, I would marry him or her.
(5)
Bonnie Z.
I know, I know...every other Yelper has probably echoed my same sentiments--THE GRILLED CORN IS THE BOMB! A giant ear of yellow corn smothered in a buttery sauce, cojita cheese melted into the kernels, a generous sprinkle of chili powder on top, and a squirt of lime juice to brighten up the overall flavor--it was the perfect mid-afternoon snack. If you're shopping in the area, I say stop by the To-Go section to grab a bite to eat and there's plenty of benches to sit outside. I was still full when my NY friends dragged me to this place during our SoHo shopping expedition, but I'm so glad I forked over $2 for the corn!
(5)
Brent R.
The Cuban corn is worth the trip here. It's a cramped restaurant, but great for a small party. Delicious beans, unbelievable corn. Very good service and tasty drinks, along with the corn.
I'll be honest here... I probably would've enjoyed this place even more if I was hungrier. The grilled corn is great! It gets stuck in your teeth and you have mayo and cheese all over your lips but it's fun licking that off anyways.... :) The decor is adorable, very cozy and great for a date except you probably will be sweating so..... it's that kind of a date.... And if you are tall or wide in any excess, you probably can't use the bathroom. We had the fish tacos which were one of the best examples of fried fish I've had. Still moist and flavorful without being soggy... delish! The steak salad was okay. The steak was spectacularly cooked with just the right amount of pink but the lettuce and accoutrements were lacking excitement. Overall, they do their meats well! Margarita was freezing therefore deliciously amazing in the hot weather. I'd like to go again when I'm hungrier and peruse the menu in depth.
(4)
Spanky D.
The grilled corn, as others have said, is phenomenal. YOu really feel like you are in Havana upon entering. From the sweltering stickiness of New York summer night, to the vintage fans churning in the corner, to the bohemian servers who always smile when smiled at. This is a really cool spot and the food is flavorful and reasonably priced. I think the best item here is the pork chop. It's $12 and comes lathered in a delicious ragu of flavorful goodness. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars are the side dishes. The black beans are so-so and they could serve some fresh salsas to complement their dishes. I'll be back here for sure. They don't take reservations and during prime hours you'll be waiting for an hour or more so be prepared to walk around the corner for a cocktail.
(4)
BrasilPo P.
Seriously --- the corn. You get 2 "cobs" for less than 4 bucks. The corn is roasted, dunked in spices and drizzled with cotija corn. You WON'T be disappointed. That said... get the PORK CHOPS. It's smothered in a creamy FRESH mushroom sauce and served with toasted bread topped off with melted goat cheese. So delicious! The prices are great for the amount of grub you get! The place is super crowded, so make sure you go during the OFF hours, as dinner and breakfast are swamped with foodies and not as much space to house them.
(4)
Alice T.
All the stars goes to their special grilled corn! This place is one of my b-friend's FAVORITE place! Every time I'm down in NYC, I have to stop by to get their corn to bring back to Cali for her. CH, have you ever thought of opening up a store in Nor Cal? It will make things so much easier for me! =)
(4)
Laura G.
I've gotten the steak sandwich (no words to describe this sandwich - steak melts in your mouth) and corn when I've gone - I'm not ready to explore any other menu items because these are so damn good. Definitely a tight fit inside the place, but so worth it. There's also the "to-go" next door which is the exactly same quality. :)
(5)
Ima D.
Yes.
(5)
Sky D.
The meatpacking district - the grimy, gruby, sewer-water-and-cow-blood-in-the-streets NYC neighborhood - is full of chic club-goers every night. From a mile away one can hear the thumping of house music, guys howling in their intoxication, and the pitter patter of women in their silk camisoles and Louboutin heels attempting to cross the mucky cobblestones as they club-hop. For some reason, it's the "cool" thing to hang out in one of the grossest neighborhoods of Manhattan. The gross seems to attract the trendy. In the same way, Cafe Habana, a grungy retro Cuban diner on Elizabeth street, is consistently filled with model-esque dames, artists, and everyone of the aviator and Ray-Ban wearing category. In likening it to the meatpacking district, I'm not insinuating that Cafe Habana is a gross establishment in any way. But, in its third-world-esque simplicity (there's no air conditioning, and the ceiling fans do little to alleviate your arms and legs from sticking to the plastic of the booths), Cafe Habana is somehow a "chic" institution. The line is siempre out the wazoo. So if you're in a rush, skip around the corner to the tiny take-out room and order your Cuban fare there. But if you're willing to wait in line so you can get the full in-house experience, do it. When your Cuban sandwich (Roast Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese and Pickles on toasted bread), $7.55, comes out piping hot and dripping with delicious oils that only roast pork can conjure, you'll know it's worth it. But there's a requirement. Go to this eatery and you MUST (and I repeat MUST) get the grilled corn. Dusted with chili powder and sprinkled with fresh cheese, crunch into it, close your eyes, and feel that you're in Cuba. The corn's so sweet and the cheese so cheesy, the chili adds a punch - a true foodgasm in your mouth. The Chicken Diablo ($6.95) is a bread-wrapped package of blackened chicken breast, roasted peppers, mesculin and tomato with a chipotle mayo. The Grilled Steak sandwich ($8.95) is filled with onions and peppers and chipotle mayo. The Torta di Queso Blanco and Aguacate ($7.55) is an avocado and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato, black beans, and that same delish chipotle mayo. The bread at Cafe Habana is impeccable: crusty and crunchy on the outside and so soft, sweet, and delicate on the inside. The chipotle mayo seeps right in. The ingredients are fresh and juicy, the meat prepared so that all the toothsome juices are retained, and the avocado is perfectly ripe (a hard feat to achieve). If you aren't in the mood for a sandwich, you could always do breakfast food. Get a classic Cuban breakfast with Huevos Rancheros and Mexican hot chocolate or cafe con leche. Or do the rice, beans, and spinach plate. But of COURSE, don't miss out on that authentic coconut Cuban flan. Oh so creamy. Oh so smooth. Oh so good.
(4)
Jorgen M.
Love this place, and is a must everytime we come to NYC. The cuban sandwich and grilled corn..oh so good.
(5)
J U.
love love love the skirt steak!! There rice and beans tastes amazing..I'm from California, so I tasted a lot of ELOTE from different food carts to trucks and restaurants but this place was just ok..it tastes great but i have had better..but overall the food is FAB! The only reason why I gave them a 3 star is because the dishes were not clean.. The cup was sticky and had stains on it..but the food is awesome.
(3)
Rolando T.
Best breakfast in NY so far in my life, not a fancy place but excellent food. Definitely coming back and say a good word of it. My mollete was Great!!
Pizza is a famous Italian dish savored around the world. The entire credit for the popularity of Pizza in the United States goes to the chain of pizzerias all over the country. While the base and the texture of Pizza remains same across the globe, it's the toppings that differs from country to country. In the United States, you will find the top pizzerias serving pizzas with the toppings of mainly beef, bacon, chicken, ham, and sausage for the non-vegetarians. Other than these famous meat options, Pizzas with veg toppings such as mushrooms, pepperonis, garlic, tomatoes, spinach, etc. are also famous in most restaurants in the United States.
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Italian Cuisine
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Nick M.
In Brooklyn for the afternoon when I decided to grab lunch. Whipped out my phone loaded up Yelp and sorted by most reviewed. This place was right at the top. I love Cubans so it wasn't really a hard decision sooo...without further ado to the food review I go. The place is small. Really small. Like a hallway small. But that's alright, I was by myself and wanted to eat the worlds best Cuban; not impress my non-existent date. I grabbed a stool at the bar and was promptly served a menu. To be honest so many things on the menu looked great (I have a problem with skirt steak) but I was here on a mission, "one Cuban please without delay!" I thought. Then proceeded to order the Mexican corn which I had heard was unreal, a Cuban, and Jarritos soda to wash it down. All at ridiculously reasonable prices. (12$ Cuban, $5 corn) Within minutes the plate arrives. First, the corn. It arrives, two on a plate covered in what seems to be butter, white cheddar, and chile powder. Roasted, the corn charred deliciously licked by an open flame. Laying in a bed of mixed greens with lime, presentation wasn't what this place was after, the plating and plate itself reminisce of a local diner. I took a bite. Simple, perfect, complex. The flavor profile was all there instantly. A squeeze of lime, the light heat of the chile powder, followed by a buttery sweetness of corn and cheese. It's was amazing, it was simple, and it was perfect. Next came the Cuban. It arrives, just as the corn, simple on a plate, no flash or glam. The pressed bread with grill marks looks fresh perfectly toasted. Sweet. Baby. Jesus. That's all I thought. If there is food that proves the existence of a higher being this would be it. Perfect in its simplicity yet mastery of every simple seasoning and flavor. It's unreal, needing to be ate to be understood. Citrus marinated pork filling the inside, wrapped in slices of perfectly prepared ham literally dripped down my arm as I ate. It was perfectly cooked and perfectly moist. Their sauce slightly spicy yet creamy, crunch after crunch in to masterfully prepared meat. It's the perfect sandwich, and you deserve to eat it. I can't emphasize how much this place blew my expectations out of the water. Make the pilgrimage and become a believer.
(5)Kim H.
I come here for grilled corn with my friends whenever I'm around. Never tried anything else but corn because I always went there looking for a snack. I just wish their corn is bigger but it taste so good I have no reason to complain.
(4)Gina L.
I'll even go sometimes just for the takeaway corn. Yum!
(4)William D.
Came here for dinner with a couple college friends. My friend from out of state chose the restaurant; she selected it by looking at it's yelp reviews. The food is very good here, but the space is too small to really enjoy the experience.. Cafe Habana is located in a popular area of lower Manhattan. The restaurant does not have a sign. We walked by it twice until I realized this was the place. The restaurant seems to be an old diner turned into this Cuban/Mexican restaurant. They do not take reservations, so make sure you are ready to wait if you want to eat here on a Saturday night. Because space is limited, they do not seat you until your whole party has arrived. My party orignally arrived at 7:15, but we had to wait for another person. Once that person arrived, then we were allowed to be on the line to sit. It took about 30 mins to sit us. That is not bad weight, but the restaurant is so cramped. It's a freezing cold day in January, so people are forced to wait inside the restaurant, which is already hard to maneuver in. My friend and I shared the grilled corn. It was very tasty, but it was pretty cold when it arrived at our table. It didn't take long to come, so they probably have a lot made, so it gets cold. I ordered the enchiladas suizas, which were very tasty. The sauce was very different from other sauces I've had on enchiladas. I thought the sauce tasted similar to chicken tikka masala, which, to me, is not a bad thing. I tasted the tostones, which were fried well. However, I did not truly enjoy my experience because of how cramped the place is. I like to focus on my food, and I really couldn't do that because I felt I had to watch out if someone would be bumping into my chair. I would go back to Cafe Habana at a less busy time so I can really enjoy the food. However, I would rather go to Jackson Heights and get really good Hispanic food than making the trek to the city.
(3)Cathy H.
Had the privilege of eating a ton of mexican corn at the Governor's Ball last year. Never have I had corn so good! Some crema, cotija cheese and cayenne. *drool* I will make a trip to the actual cafe sometime this year hopefully!
(5)Adeera T.
Its like getting a homemade Cuban dish. The food is pretty nice and the prices are pretty spot on. I think the corn is overrated, its a simple appetizer you can make at home. The place is extremely small and gets really crowded during the evenings. I don't think this is really a good place for conversation since it gets really loud.
(4)Ha R.
Great food. Must try! Love the corn and tacos. Excellent Mojitos. Return ? Yes Frequency ? Occasionally
(4)Rafael S.
I'm here visiting from Chicago and had to come here. The wait is totally worth it. Cuban name but great Mexican dishes. Next time I'm here I will be back. Good for a hangover meal with all of the drinks they offer. Before I forget the potatoes are delicious. I ordered them with the huevos rancheros.
(4)Salina S.
Amazing!!! Every time I visit New York I HAVE to come here! All the food is mouth watering! I'd highly suggest the cheladas, grilled Spanish corn & the chicken diablo sandwich! On point!!!!
(5)Marlene L.
simply amazing! corn. mole. tacos. try any of those and you won't be disappointed!!
(5)Moon S.
$9 margaritas and no happy hour. :(
(3)Samantha B.
Awesome brunch spot! Small space but great food!
(5)Danan R.
The corn is simply amazing! It's perfectly grilled and seasoned with just the right amount of cotija cheese. Pair it with a Cubano torta and you have a deliciously indulgent meal. The roast pork is juicy, fatty, and tender and perfectly complemented by the ham, melted swiss, and spicy mayo on a freshly toasted and pressed baguette. It's tiny and crowded so I have always gotten my food to go or delivered. Prices are very reasonable and a sandwich with an ear of grilled corn is usually less than $10, although I usually add on a side of the sweet, crispy plaintain chips at the very last minute (about $3).
(4)Raych D.
Yummy Yummy Yummy!!! Came here just for the corn...the restaurant next door is where you dine in and this one is mainly for the corn. Me and the bf got 2 roasted corn for about $5 and some change. The corn was a good size and it had this crusty cheese on it with some other spices and when melted the crusty cheese melted and it tasted like butter...totally melts in your mouth! It also goes great with fresh squeeze lime! Perfect for lunch or simply a snack. So inexpensive and delicious! And location is in the heart of SOHO.
(5)Chau M.
The corn the corn the corn!!!!!!! Crowded and tight but food is cheap and filling- did I say get the corn?
(4)Juan E.
2 stars for the food, 0 stars for the customer service. My wife and I had breakfast there on Sunday morning and experienced the worst customer service ever at a restaurant. The waitress was way more interested in talking to her friends than actually working. She also had a bad attitude whenever she decided to stop by out table. The food was average at best.
(1)Kathleen C.
I live in California now and still have dreams about the corn and steak enchiladas from this place... Anywhere where people are willing to wait an hour outside and then share a booth with strangers to eat has to be amazing!
(5)Carrie C.
Got the egg burrito to go. Flavorless. No cilantro or any other herbs for that matter. They've got the "retro mexican diner" look down, but no soul in the actual food. Pass.
(2)Gertrude X.
We ordered the grilled Mexican corn and the shrimp tacos. Both were excellent. If I ever come back to this place I will come prepared with some dental floss as the corn gets all stuck in your teeth and I had to walk around for the rest of the day with corn in my teeth, which was extremely uncomfortable (not to mention unsightly). The toothpicks they give you don't do the trick unless you have sizeable gaps between your gnashers.
(4)D L.
This is a tiny spot so be prepared to wait and sit very close with someone else like you're in the same party close. If you're sitting in one of the small tables be prepared to get up if someone needs to leave as well. It's also very noisy so you have to talk loud or be very close to someone to hear. But the wait staff is friendly and service is very quick. Of course after reading the reviews I had to try the corn which was sweet, nicely roasted and had the perfect saltiness from the cheese. Because so many people order the corn it's prepared ahead of time and comes out almost instantly. The fish tacos were fresh and tasty. Cuban sandwich was flavorful with the right amount of meat and crunchy on the outside. I enjoy the food but I would not go on a hot summer day or during peak hours.
(4)Olivia R.
Wow wa wee wa .... The place is small but the staff was really accommodating. The service was friendly and fast, just how I like my manicurists. The corn. Order the corn. It was unlike anything I've ever eaten. I just went for the classic Cuban Sandwich with a side of Tostones instead of fries, since after all, we're eating Cuban here broo. My mind was blown - the sandwich was the best cuban sandwich outside of Miami (since we aren't allowed in Cuba, Miami is the next best thang LOL). So flavorful and juicy and just what a Cuban sandwich should taste like. Heavenly grease with a slice of pickles. Also, the cocktails were fantastic. I had the Daiquiri Cubano with Guava Puree (twice) - delicioso!
(4)Jenny B.
Came here today hoping it wasn't packed, but it sure was. People were chowing down corn on the cobb in the streets with cotija cheese on their lips without a care in the world. I was not down for that, so I waited to be seated. Whats the big deal with their grilled corn? Well, it is grilled corn on the cob coated with a little layer of mayonnaise (I hate mayo, but this will be an exception), covered with cotija cheese, and dusted with chili powder. I took my bite and the first thing I tasted was how sweet and tender the corn was- the type that isn't so starchy. Then, I noticed the texture of the cojita cheese- almost like a grainy consistency to it. The cheese didn't overwhelm the sweetness of the corn, but that chili powder definitely gave it a kick. I can take a little heat, but I thought the corn was really spicy (remind me to build up my spice tolerance). I would have to say that the combination of everything was new and unique to me, but I rather eat my corn with a just a bit of butter. Then, I heard someone next to me order the corn with "nothing on it." Guess I wasn't the only one not feeling the toppings. I wouldn't say this was the best corn I had. This corn on the cob will run you $3. I also ordered the Cuban sandwich which was good, but could have been better with minor improvements. For $8.50, you'll get a big sandwich with roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, and ham pressed together. The roast pork was soaked in sauce which was good, but what wasn't good was the fact that half of the sandwich bread was soggy from soaking up all that juice. By the time I got to the 2nd half of the sandwich, I had to eat it with a fork because the bread literally could not hold its contents. The sandwich came out pretty quick. When I got it, the bread was hot, but the meat was only lukewarm and the cheese barely melted. Other than that, the sandwich was really good and I felt stuffed after eating it. Would I come back for their corn? Yes with nothing on it, but for $3, no. Would I come back for the Cuban sandwich? Yes, if my sandwich is hot when I get it. 3.5 stars, but not worth the bump up to 4.
(3)Matt S.
Went on a Friday night around 7 or so, got lucky and snatched a table relatively quickly. Definitely tight in here... kind of on top of everyone. Corn is a must. If I were a waitress here (in terms of job title/gender, this doesn't make sense because I'm a man, and I only saw attractive women serving during my dinner) I would make sure everyone is served the corn regardless if they actually ordered it. Other than that, the cuban sandwich was quite delicious. I have no memory what my girl had, which makes me think it was forgettable in both the literal and figurative sense. I'd stick with the corn and cuban, but I'm partial.
(4)Andrew D.
CAFE HABANA. On a weekday in SoHo after a great yoga session on St. Mark's I decided to grab something to eat. At first I had my mind up on Dinastia even though it was uptown and I live in southeast Brooklyn. Nevertheless, I saw a friend of mine Ubering and decided to chat for a few where I then realized it wasn't practical to head uptown when I wouldn't make it. Ironically enough I then pulled out my trusty Yelp app and looked around my area to see what my options were and POW! lo and behold Cafe Habana came up and listed they closed at 12a. I totally made an aggressive pulling down motion symbolizing when someone scores! I've been to Cafe Habana once or twice before (thanks to my girlfriend introducing me) but this time I'd be alone. I arrive and grab the seat closest to the entrance as I spotted an outlet to charge my iPhone. I was welcomed by a lovely lady with a smile by the name of (I forget). I peered at the menu and didn't recall what I had as an entree my first two visits there, but I did spot what they were famous for and that was the very appetizing appetizer of the corn on the cob. It's delicious, satiating and anyone who digresses knows as much as Jon Snow according to Ygritte; NOTHING. After my satiating corn, I then decided to choose my entree. I opted for the Huevos Rancheros a Caballo (grilled skirt steak and their famous huevos rancheros serves with rice and beans). In other words, grilled skirt steak w/ scrambled eggs, rice & beans. It was ehh... good. I wouldn't say great or as satiating as the corn, but it definitely did the trick nonetheless. The beans looked a bit dry as if they were microwaved and stayed out a bit before arriving to my table. My plate wasn't as hot as I thought it should've been, and it took a long time to get to me (perhaps it was because I ordered my steak medium-well). My server was very pleasant and as always I enjoyed the versatile choice of music playing I'm the background. We sparked a conversation on the ever so classic "Candy Rain" by Soul 4 Real ('94) playing at the time. She was dancing allover the place and then informed me that the song was special to her because she saw them live at the Apollo that year when she was a young girl. If you ask me, nothing beats a steak and a good story over dinner (NYC'ers aren't social enough). All in all I really like this place and I would recommend it to any and everyone who likes Latin food. There's a lot on the menu to choose from, yet the menu seems quite concise and not overwhelming like a lot of other places. The food is satiating and music is cool. The only issue is that it is a very very small place, yet even then the wait is never ridiculously long.
(4)Emily G.
Wish this place could get expand or move to a bigger place; I was seated right next to the dirty dishes tray area! Though I'm not a corn fan, I tried their infamous corn and it was amazing! Loved it because it was so savory with lots of cheese and mayonnaise on top of it.
(3)Stephanie W.
Best Cuban sandwich I have ever had and the elote is so freaking good! Also, I've had a pork and bean dish before that was delicious. They just do it right here. I haven't had a thing I didn't like! The flavors are incredible and authentic. The only complaint is that the space is small and crowded and there is always a wait. I wish they would open up another location!!
(5)Lori L.
I came to Cafe Habana after hearing from multiple channels that it was one of the best Cuban restaurants to be found in Manhattan. Cuban cuisine isn't one of my fortés, to say the least, but I had yet to find a cubano to rival Coppelia's [1] and was looking forward to trying another contender. My friend and I arrived on the early end of a summer evening, and a quick assessment of the venue (open windows and doors on a humid evening) did not make for a great initial impression. Thankfully, we were able to get a table further into the dining area, which had a lone A/C placed overhead. I'd already come prepared knowing what to order, but my friend noted the overwhelming number of Mexican, not Cuban, dishes on their menu. Regardless of their origin, the menu offers a handful of starters and salads, a lengthier list of entrées and plates, as well as a comprehensive dizzying cocktail and beverage list. Most prices are pretty reasonable, especially given the downtown location of the restaurant, so it's more than feasible to order a few dishes to try. We started off with a plate of the Eloté. It's typically more of a street food meant to be eaten on the go, featuring grilled corn with various condiments and spices. Cafe Habana's version is covered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder, and served with a wedge of lime. The corn kernels were surprisingly tough, an indication that the ears used were past their prime, and I was hoping for a more aggressive seasoning to help counter the creaminess of the cheese and mayonnaise. It was a solid starting appetizer, but lacked the punch of flavor I had been hoping for from one of their most lauded plates. For my main, I went with the Cuban Sandwich, which is served with a side of fries. It's generously portioned, consisting of marinated roast pork, ham slices, Swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, and pickles, all sandwiched between two slices of a toasted roll. It's a perfect combination of ingredients: the savoriness from the pork and ham, some creaminess and spice from the mayonnaise and cheese, as well as a touch of acidity from the pickles. The bread has just the right crisp exterior and thickness to support all the ingredients as well, and makes for a satisfying chew. My advice would be to come to Cafe Habana just for the Cubano. The eloté wasn't memorable at best, and my friend's pernil was dry and under-seasoned. It's not exactly the best place to go to in order to catch up with a friend as service is clearly rushed [2], but if you just want to dine and dash, it'll fit the bill. -- [1] yelp.com/biz/coppelia-ne… [2] Our entree plates first arrived before we'd even touched the corn. They were brought out again after I was halfway through mine.
(3)Adam B.
The good: The food. They offer options for those who can and cannot handle spice. The bad: Very tight space seating wise. I'm skinny and I felt cramped. And the wait can be long.
(4)Dee B.
I loved this restaurant. It was very casual, with fast service. And the food was EXCELLENT! I had the enchiladas de mole with a side of fried plantains and have been thinking about it all week. The space itself is pretty crammed, but then again, it is New York. I'll definitely return here next time I'm in town.
(5)Rachel E.
This is one of my favorite places in the city. It's authentic and fun whether you sit in the tiny restaurant or take out next door. The corn is a must try, as well as the plantains.
(5)Thorne K.
Came here last night around 6:30 for dinner with a girlfriend and my goodness is it small and crowded. Not only is this place the size of my closet but it's so loud because it's so tiny. I was screaming the whole night just to talk to my friend that was right next to me. Luckily we were seated immediately but on a two top by the bathroom. Literally my chair was right in front of the bathroom door so people kept hitting me as they walked by but I let that go since I was hungry and just wanted to try the food. We started off with drinks since that's the most important part of any meal. My friend ordered the margarita on the rocks and I didn't feel as adventurous so I just stuck with a beer. The drinks here are NOT watered down. Her margarita tasted like straight up margarita so you're definitely getting your money's worth. For appetizers, we ordered the corn on the cob. AMAZING. it's drizzled and covered in goodness and it comes out in two so my friend and I were both able to have one. For our entrees, my friend ordered the shrimp tacos and I ordered the cuban sandwich since it was apparently quoted as the best cuban sandwich in NY. I don't know about the BEST cuban sandwich but it's just okay for me. It was a sandwich. Nothing fancy or special about it. My friend seemed to enjoy the shrimp tacos but i wasn't too satisfied with my sandwich. The corn was a lot better. There service was great in the beginning but towards the end since there is limited seating, there was one server lady with the tattoos that kept rushing us and eyeing our plates to see if we were ready to leave when we clearly weren't even half way through our meal. I think she came by about 10 times to see if we were done yet and eventually she just came over with the check....okay? Overall, cute little place if you're in the mood for cuban place and don't mind the wait and the loud crowd. I say come here for the corn but if you want something else, then go somewhere else. You might wake up with a sore throat from all the screaming.
(2)joe m.
This place has delicious food and a cool vibe and its cheap. Its a great place to hit during the summer, you might have to wait but I think its worth it
(5)Carolyn L.
My experience here left me thinking this place was so over-hyped. I'm pretty sure I just got a bad batch of corn, but wow was it mediocre. My corn was so incredibly dry. There were no hints of sweetness or juiciness about it. I will say that the toppings--the salty cotija cheese, mayo, and lime-- added some flavor, but it was hard to enjoy under the incredibly dry kernels. I've had this type of corn at other restaurants so I definitely had some expectations. Unfortunately, Cafe Habana just didn't do it for me. And for the price tag of $7! Simply disappointing. I also got the roast pork dish. It is more appropriately priced and the pork and sides were decent. However, there was nothing about it that wow-ed me as I would have expected from such a famous restaurant. The place is also really cramped. We had no room to put our purses down on the booth, but our waitress was really nice and always pulled out the tables so you could get out.
(2)Dave H.
Why isn't all corn cooked like Cafe Habana's? Mexican-style corn on the cob is a flavorful work of art: corn grilled to the point where it's slightly seared, a squirt of lime, mayo, cheese, and chili powder for a tangy spicy finish. With all of this, a head-scratching question comes to mind: where does one hold it? By the inserted stick, of course. Thanks to Hideki K. for getting one to go for me!
(4)Katrina L.
Venue: Small and cramped. Don't be surprised if there's a line outside. Service: Mediocre Food: Flavorful and large in portions, but a bit pricey for what it is. Shrimp Taco - Shrimp is perfectly grilled, it comes with a large side of rice and beans. But where's the guac? I only spotted a little green sliver and tasted none of it. The taco is very delicate too and falls apart easily, so I had to eat it with a fork and knife. Everyone loves the grilled corn here, but I'm not a fan of mayo or shelling out $7 for corn on a stick.
(3)Oskar W.
Recommend a visit during a weekday breakfast. It is so quiet and a lovely. I had a delicious Huevos rancheros. It was good and very cheap. The best though was the extremely friendly service.
(5)Linh L.
The only thing i like abt this place is their cuban corns!!! So so good with that cheese, topped off with lime and hot sauce! I've tried their cuban sandwich which i wasnt very fond of becos it was filled w meats but dry meat. I also tried alittle of my bf's dish, believe he had steak w rice and beans (?) and it was alright.. Didnt really stand out for me. The service here was okay.. It gets busy and u do have to wait a long time to get seated, get food, get ur check. they have a take out section next door to their restaurant which is good for ppl in a rush. They have minimal seatings there.
(3)Sarah J.
This place gets super crowded really fast. Prices are decent, food is good, atmosphere is super casual. We had the Cuban sandwich and the fish tacos. Both were good, though not the best I've ever had. The Cuban was really juicy for some reason, but tasted good (like any other Cuban: pulled pork, ham, cheese, pickles) and was a decent size. We got the tostones too, and those were pretty amazing. They come with this yummy garlic aioli that pairs really well with them. Our waitress was really nice and outgoing, everyone seems pretty chill here. It's a really casual atmosphere, perfect for a night out with friends.
(4)Ashley D.
The atmosphere here is really nice (unless you're the unlucky couple who have to sit in the toilet entrance; luckily we weren't). Atmosphere aside, the food itself is pretty poor. We had the fish taco's and the chicken special (can't remember the name). The fish was almost tasteless but ok with a hunk of lime and the beans, but the chicken was so bad neither myself or my partner could eat it. We ended up leaving most of the dish and heading to Price Street Pizza instead. Only 2 stars; 1 for the atmosphere, and 1 for the effort (generous at best)
(2)Edward Alan B.
"Woohoo! As good as it gets!" --Yelp, 10/7/13, on Cafe Habana Yep, that pretty much sums it up. Can Cuban food get any better than this? Not in New York, at least. The wait: I've been here somewhere on the scale of a dozen times. The only time I didn't have to wait at least 15 minutes was when I went at 8 a.m. (They used to open that early; they probably saw I was the only one there and decided to move it back to 9 a.m.) TIP: if you want to get your meal on while in queue, you can hit up the Cafe Habana To Go right next-door and start with an appetizer of grilled corn, sans line. The seating: Probably the most cramped place I've ever been. When it's crowded (and it always is), you've really got to squeeze by people. Get a booth if you can, and try to avoid sitting against the wall leading up to the bathrooms, as these are the worst tables in the joint. Really, if you have the option, turn them down. You will get bumped and shoved in your seat as people swarm past; even worse, one of the tables is right near the discard bin for dirty plates, so you will probably get splashed, too. The food: So why put up with endless waits and cramped seating? Because the food is ridiculous. Their Cuban sandwich is the best I can imagine. The grilled corn is disgustingly delicious. I've had the roasted meats, the tacos, the enchiladas, the huevos, etc.--rest assured, it's all going to be awesome! If you want something vegetarian, consider the Tlacoyo de Tres Marias, which I ordered on a whim once and was awed by the rich and complex flavors of humble but great ingredients. The drinks are usually strong and tasty here, so get a Dark and Stormy or a Mojito. The service is also really on-point, and the servers are friendly, every time. I doubt you'll ever feel like you're just waiting for the food to come out. Cafe Habana is a fun, lively restaurant whose heavenly food more than justifies the long wait and cramped seating options.
(5)Parul G.
Amazing! Walking down the street my husband and me saw the big crowd outside this restaurant waiting for a table. So of course we had to see what all the fuss was about! Thankfully we didn't have to wait at all, we grabbed two seats at the bar and were on our way to a wonderful, delicious lunch! My husband and me both had the Diablo Chicken sandwich, which was delicious!! It took awhile for the order to come out, but boy was it worth it. The chicken and the bun and all the goodies inside it tasted so fresh! The french fries were crisp, tasty and not oily at all! I would come back just for this sandwich. We saw a couple eating the corn with mayo and other goodies on it and that is something we have got to come back and try. The service was EXCELLENT!! The people behind the bar were so busy but they took the time out to ask me if I needed more hot water for my tea or more milk or anything else like 10 times, which I appreciate mucho! The place is small, but it has a cozy feeling and the food plus service is excellent. We will definitely be stopping by here again!
(5)Xiaohui H.
the grilled corn is gorgeousssssssss
(4)Ed L.
I've been coming to Cafe Habana for over 12 years! It's been a few years since I've been, but I used to always take out of town guest to this Lower East Side cafe. Delicious food, cool downtown scene and awesome service. I just came for brunch today and had the same great food at a great price! I don't think the prices have changed in the past decade. You can't go wrong with the Cuban Sandwich or the Corn on the Cob. I also highly recommend Huevos Rancheros. The coffee is excellent, but I decided to go with a Dark and Stormy which hit the spot! Cafe Habana is a little on the small side, so seating can be a little cramped. If you can score a seat at the bar or one of the booths that would be ideal. Overall, if you've got out of town guests and you want to give them a Lower East Side brunch experience, you can't go wrong with Cafe Habana! Or if the weather's nice and you want to great brunch experience come on down!
(4)Ydnew L.
This place is tiny! I'm not a fan of corn but their corn was really good. Love the combi of chilli powder and cotija cheese! Awesome creation! I had the sandwich which was really delicious but not mind blowing. Portions were big. Service can be quite slow. Their coke taste weird.
(3)Woei G.
I came here for the rave about their corn. And it is by far the best corn I have ever eaten!!! My family and I went at night, but the wait was 2 hours. So we went in the morning around 10am. There was no waiting line... and the menu was the same. Extremely happy. If I were to visit NY in the future, I would stop by this place for their Corn. Super delicious.
(5)Ory B.
Great spot to grab a beer and good food with friends. It is busy, but not crowded. You can sit by the bar, or grab a table. Either way, the servers are cool, attentive, and hospitable. The space feels very cozy and lively. The food is GREAT. I got the corn, the Cuban sandwich, and a side of plantains. EVERYTHING was delicious. And to top it all off, it is all reasonably affordable. Go here.
(5)Monica S.
Best Cuban Sandwich in the City! A++++
(5)J. K.
It's cute inside. That's about it. And the corn is really, really good. But.... no. I had problems with the service, the space, and the food. The service: This was by far the worst part. I arrived alone, on a SUNDAY evening at 10:30, so when it was NOT crowded at all. I was waiting for a friend. I had to ask to be seated. The hostess kind of shrugged and just gestured to tables against the wall. I took one. She then dropped menus in front of me but didn't bother to come back to ask if she could get a drink started for me while I waited. And let me say, I had just gotten off of a ten-hour work day. I could have used a drink stat! When only when my friend arrived did she finally take our drink order. (They took forever to come out, BTW -- they didn't get there until after our main course had arrived.) We ordered an appetizer (corn-- it was super good). However, two minutes after the appetizer arrived, our main course did. We looked up as she held two huge plates, and she visibly acted annoyed that we hadn't finished our corn yet. I asked her if she could put our entrees on the empty table next to us, and she rolled her eyes and said, "I guess." What. The. Heck. And who brings appetizers, food, and drinks out all within three minutes? What was she expecting? And note: It was neither crowded nor close to closing, so why the rush?? The space: Way too small. The three-person table that we were at (and there were only two of us) was barely wider than my hips. NOW. I'm Mexican so my hips are on the bigger side, but STILL. No table should be that small. And as evidenced above, the table was too small to hold one appetizer and two plates. Hmm. The food: Luckily the portions were not Castro ration sized. I was really full afterward! But the food wasn't really that authentic or original. I really wanted ropa vieja but they didn't have even that. I ended up with strip steak. It was good. But how can you mess up rare steak? My friend got a Cuban sandwich. It was OK, but I can't judge because I don't particularly like Cuban sandwiches. The rice and beans served on the side of my steak were decent, but one of my good friends is Cuban and his are way better. So all in all, the next time I want Cuban food, I'll probably just raid my friend's fridge. He has bigger tables at his place, too. And he's nice to me.
(2)Robbie B.
Super super small joint. Great corn, decent Cuban sandwich, killer cocktails.
(3)Eric V.
Still one of the best Cuban place in Manhattan. Come earlier as it's always full.
(4)Chris M.
The corn on the cob is amazing....the line is a pain in the ass
(4)Sean Z.
The corn was delicious and is definitively the specialty of the place. I got the pulled chicken with mole. It was okay - the chicken was a bit dry - the rice was different and delicious and went well with the beans. Had a Bong, which is a mango drink which is off menu but is very delicious (a bit pricey being $5). The waiter was very nice and the place was packed - may be hard to find seating but I got lucky.
(3)Mardory V.
Seating is a little tight in this spot but I believe it adds to the cozy, charm. Didnt use the restrooms so I cannot comment on that but the overall look is quaint and a very tailored memory of what Cuba is supposed to look like... I came. I tried the corn. It was good--and I am not one to enjoy corn with mayo on it, but I digress. The grill marks were somehow smoky and sweet all at once. I've been swayed! Corn Tostones Cuban sandwich with some fiery concoction that was apparently good, if you like it hot Enchiladas mole with Mojito drink Enchiladas mole were good. My only gripe is that the tortillas were way too crumbly, yet, also chewy if that is even possible. Rice and beans were perfect and that is coming from a rice and beans expert: AHEM! My mojito was good and I'm glad for that. Food flavors overall were good but I was taken aback to find that their tostones were sweet. Like why? I didn't order platanos because I was looking for that salty component-- so that was a slight to my tastebuds! I would go back to get a better sense of the menu and to see if it lives up to expectations.
(3)Jessica B.
Absolutely delish! We didn't find the sit down restaurant so we ordered at the take our counter. But we will definitely come back and try the full service.
(5)Kelsi T.
Amazing! I have tried most things on the menu -and it has all been delish! My favorite is the corn! It is to die for!!! Most go if you are in the area!
(5)Lisa R.
Every time I come here I get something new and it never disappoints. Everything I get is delicious from drinks to food, best cuban sandwich I've had and best Mexican corn as well.
(5)Jonathan S.
There's a reason the Corn is featured most in the yelp photo's; it's damn good... The short, get the corn, expect the rest of the food to be good but don't go during peak times when there is a wait. Situated on the corner of Prince and Elizabeth, you might walk right by this unassuming mini diner looking restaurant. During peak times there is nearly always a crowd of people outside waiting by the door; make sure that you are around and listening for your name or they will move on to the next one. We ordered "light" going with the Corn, Enchiladas Suiza and Mole de Poblano. Corn as mentioned is legit, but the 2 styles of Enchiladas ended up being somewhere between OK and good. I WILL return as their Cuban is advertised as the "best in NY" and if its any bit better than my lunch a day spot Sophies, I'll kick up the rating to 4 stars.
(3)Susana F.
The Cuban sandwich here was absolutely amazing! There was a hint of chipotle I believe in the mayo and it added a really nice kick to the sandwich. Nothing I've ever had before in your typical Cuban. Tiny little spot but sometimes those are the best and most authentic places to try.
(5)Yara H.
A yummy but cold experince. I ordered the quesadilla de pollo with black beans and rice and my friend ordered the shrimp tacos. The portions were filling and the food was to our liking. Not the best Mexican food I've ever had, but it was satisfying. For the entrees I'd give this place 3 stars! After the meal we ordered the "oh-so-famous" corn and it was delightful. The dish came with two corn cobs and we couldnt get enough of the buttery cheesy goodness! Do not leave this place without trying the corn, I just added an entire star for one cob! Now the only con to this place is that its freezing which truly takes away from the experience. It was not well heated and when I asked if the heat could be turned on or increased the waiter told me that there's nothing she could do about it.. we was staring at that thermostat knob the entire time.
(4)Stace C.
Where else would people wait over 30 min in the miserable NY winter cold and subject themselves to tiny cramped tables where you can hear the conversation of the table next to you? Recently found out they have a brunch menu here along with some signature items from their dinner menu. Love their challah french toast.
(5)Dan B.
Came here twice within a two week time frame - yes! its that good. I got the Mexican cola (yum.. takes me back to mexico) along with the typical cheese corn on the cob and the authentic and classic Cuban sandwich. All are very good. Ive only been to the pick up side of the establishment. It takes literally 5 minutes for your sandwich to be made and delivered to you from the counter. I will be returning again within the next few days.
(5)David M.
I had been craving their food, especially the corn, but was rewarded with a 20% gratuity on a table for two. Do they do this to all their European diners?
(1)Alex W.
This place is really really really really good. Totally worth the 30 min wait. We had plantains and guac, THE CORN, steak enchiladas and the Cuban sandwich...ALL WAS AWESOME. Loved this place!
(5)Dewan A.
Amazing place to get Cuban Sandwich and Grilled Corn Mexican Style. They have several types of hot sauce which is great. This is the best place to get Cuban and Mexican cuisine at one stop shop.
(5)Kenley O.
Tried the famous grilled corn on the cob.. Did not disappoint! Most and charred to perfection. Had the steak entree-- way too tough, slightly dry and hard to cut into. Love the tiny atmosphere, gets crowded easily. Will be back to try their fish tacos!
(4)Victoria X.
I finally got to try this place after hearing good things about it for so long. I tried their Mexican grilled corn and it was absolutely addictive. I also had the Cuban sandwich and that was delicious as well. The restaurant itself is pretty small and, from the looks of it, always pretty busy/packed. What's good about this place is that they have a take-out storefront right next door for those on the go. At this point, I just want more of that corn!
(4)David L.
This place is always butthole packed. I always get the grilled corn, which is good. Everything else tastes alright, but portions are small, and prices are steep for what you get.
(3)Krithika H.
THE GRILLED CORN! Get it! If you're like me, you love corn on the cob, but it feels pointless to order it in a restaurant right? I mean, corn is pretty standard... what can you really do to it to justify charging 7 bucks for two cobs? Righttt?? WRONG. The corn at Cafe Habana is magical. It's grilled to perfection and seasoned Mexican style with tons of cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. Everything is just right, worth every dollar. We went for bunch and only had to wait about half an hour, which was well worth it for a super cute restaurant in the heart of Soho. I tried a couple different brunch dishes, the chilaquiles with salsa verde (delicious!) and the open-faced pulled pork sandwich with eggs (divine!) My brother got the Cuban Sandwich (claimed to be voted best in the city) and he was super disappointed by it. Nothing special, don't order it.
(4)Alexa M.
Amazing! Must gets: corn, Cuban sandwich and grilled shrimp tacos! Jalapeño margarita is amazing too! Very strong!
(5)Robert F.
I literally would run over an old lady to get to this corn. The place has an authenticity and a casualness that just makes it work. Now that they have an LA location, I wont have to wait so long till my next visit!
(5)Risca P.
I was excited to take out my friends here for dinner. It was my first time here, too but I felt confident that it would be a good time. Got there at 6:45pm and was told that there was an hour wait for a table for 4. Put my name down anyway. Tried looking elsewhere as a backup plan because I had nothing to eat all day (not joking) and I needed to EAT ASAP. Decided to wait instead. They didn't know how to pronounce my name. Whatever, it happens all the time. Got seated near the door - a bit tight in space but I liked that we sat near the windows. Minutes later, we were moved to a table with the blue couches. I heard the corn was to die for, but no one at my table wanted to order it, so we didn't. I got the Huevos Rancheros, to which the waitress said, "I feel really good about it," when asked what she thought of it. I told her I want my steak cooked medium and my eggs runny. She said, "Well, how we do the eggs here is sunny side up." I had to pause and think what the difference was between runny and sunny side up. Thought they meant the same thing. Whatever. My friends both got the Cuban Sandwich and my sister got the steak too without the eggs. Waited what felt like a turn of the century for our food to come. I think they may have forgotten it because I saw the waitresses chatting over our shoulders and pointing at our table. The food finally came. I scoured mine like a hungry hyena. Reaction: WTF is this? Steak too dry. I asked for medium, but what I got was something which a caveman burned and scrubbed too hard with charcoal. Mind you, by this point I was STARVING so I did not have extra time to spare to complain about my food. First, the long wait to get seated and additional wait to receive my food. It was overall a recipe for a stomachache, which I experienced. Aside from the belly pain, I tried using my palette to judge the quality of my dish. From scale 1 to 5, it was a 1. My friends liked their sandwiches so I was happy about that. If they didn't, I would have gone home in contempt. For the price and hype of this place, Cafe Habana delivered with a huge disappointment. Will I come back? NO. Not even for their sandwiches. If you want real and GOOD Spanish food (Cuban/Mexican/Colombian), go to where the real Cubans/Mexicans/Colombians go to. I have had better steak at Pollo a La Brasa Mario in Jackson Heights.
(2)Scooby R.
Love the food, and like most patrons, the grilled corn is amazing. The prices are great. Very cheap for NYC and portions are a generous size for the price. I came often when I lived in New York and go whenever I visit. The reason I can't give it 5 stars: Due to it's popularity, the place is overcrowded. By way of illustration, imagine the inside of the Manhattan bound A train on a winter day, an incoming blizzard, and JFK and LGA just closed. Yes, it can be that packed. Expect a 1-2 hour wait. The tables are small and packed next to each other in a very small restaurant (typical Manhattan sized apartment) and you are most likely to eat sitting ON strangers. Worth it? At least once. Don't be surprised if you're eating across a celebrity. I ate across from David Duchovny with family post-but-recent sex scandal. Awkward!
(4)Sally K.
Get the corn. They have a great group of workers. They're extremely friendly and sweet. I came on a scorchin' hot and busy day but only waited five minutes. The wait was short so the table we were seated at was kinda crappy but... the service was so good that I chose to overlook this. I definitely want to go back and try more things off their menu.
(4)Jess N.
I was really excited about this place because I love Cuban food but I was a bit disappointed. The drinks were great, I had a margarita with mango. My bf and I ordered the corn, roasted pork and cuban sandwich. The corn had great flavoring but I wish the kernels had been softer. The roasted pork was pretty expensive for what was basically carnitas. It was good but not great. The cuban was good but nothing out of this world. I would say the best thing on my plate was the rice and black beans. Would I come back again? Probably not because the place is also super tiny and the manager that night seemed quite agitated at the large crowd which I thought was expected. Overall, I don't think the cost of the food is worth it
(3)Bisi A.
I came here with my friend!! This place was sooo good. Small place but amazing food. YOU HAVE TO TRY THE CORN!! I cannot wait to go back. It is a perfect go to spot. The service was great and I do plan on going back to this place again!!
(5)Zach L.
A lot of hype for this place, and maybe I ordered the wrong dish. I had the corrizo con juevos w/ arroz and yes it was good, it wasn't a breath-taking experience like I had anticipated. My girlfriend had the corn on the cob dish which was delicious and something that I highly recommend. The prices of the dishes were fair and the atmosphere is cool and casual. However, I wasn't a fan of the service. We were seated right away, which was good, but then we didn't receive a menu or glass of water for the first 10 minutes we were sitting. Finally I called over a waitress (we didn't know which one was ours) and asked for menus and she brought waters shortly after. There appeared to be more than enough members on staff to handle the small restaurant but throughout our meal we would be looking around for help with a coffee refill, a water refill and any sauce requests. Not once, did someone come check-in with us, and that was a big dissapointment. I'll probably come back to check out a different dish, but certainly not for the service.
(3)Laurie W.
Hipster - yes Cuban and authentic - not so much Great little diner style place, gets super busy during lunch time (its not that bad) Menu is decent...got some range but not a lot Ordered the Mexican Corn and Cuban Sandwich Mexican Corn - its slathered in butter, mayo, chili powder and stuff....its grilled so it lost some of its juicyiness and it kinda sucked...but it wasnt bad Cuban sandwich -....MY GOD...how could i have not known about this?! It is delicious....salty cause of the meat but its not as bad cuz theres mayo and my god, its just delicious (not amazing but its a close race)....crunchy bread and melty cheese....just try it keeping it short and sweet...or savory
(4)Elena D.
Heard about this place from a few friends and decided what better day than to try it on cinco de mayo! I was a little disappointed with the cattiness of our server and the fact they had no specials for this holiday! We got frozen margaritas, not bad, and then had the Mexican style grilled corn. GET IT! It's really really good. And the tacos pastor was yummy as well. The service was really poor though and we were waiting a long time for even our waters. It's worth checking out on a day that isn't busy.
(3)Quoc L.
Did you know that hungry people tend to act impulsively and lash out verbally & physically? This is how I get when I don't get Cafe Habana. Blame science! Anyways, any day I make it to Cafe Habana is a day of love. Why? Because they have a drink called "Dia Del Amor." Don't read too much into things people, sometimes a chair is just a chair, & a drink is just a drink. Except this drink packs a smooth punch. Actually, it's more like a soothing curb stomping. Not a lot of cocktails can get you drunk but this one does the trick. Like a sandwich after sex. Speaking of sandwiches, get it! Find it on the menu and order it! I'm not entirely sure if the Cuban Sandwich is self proclaimed best in NYC or they actually have credible reviewers backing it up, but all I know is, it's as Cuban Sandwich as Cuban Sandwiches get (I've never been to Cuba, don't take my word for it)! Well, Cuban enough for the lady to ride her bike all the way from midtown and back to eat it; I'm pretty sure it's her favorite sandwich. She's into avocado & goat cheese, so if that tickles your fancy, the sandwich is a no-brainer. If you're more on the carnivorous side like I am, then I implore you to explore the Huevos Rancheros. I know your first instinct is going to be to try the Skirt Steak. Don't do it. Just... don't. The Huevos Rancheros is slightly cheaper but offers eggs and a cute little tortilla, so you can play with your food. If you find your steak a little drier than expected, you always have the option of slathering egg all over it. But let's say you're not too hungry. You're just here to chill out with your friends in an environment conducive for catching up (which it is), drinking cocktails, and perhaps munching on an appetizer or two. I give you-- the Shrimp Taco. It's introduced as an entree but let's be honest, 3 tacos is not an entree! It's a fucking appetizer and a slight insult to my manhood. Don't get me wrong, it's bangin'! It just won't fill you up. But let's say you don't like shrimp. Perhaps, somewhere in your past a shrimp killed someone you loved. Don't worry, I got you! If all else fails, get the Mexican-Styled Grilled Corn. It's laced with both Chili Powder & what I believe is to be cocaine. Under no circumstances underestimate how spicy it is. It burns so! good! I promise it can cure erectile dysfunction. But forget everything I just said! Because the real reason I ever come here (besides the lady dragging me to get her sandwich) is the Michelada. "My tongue says Sangria but my heart says Michelada." - Sterling Archer Cafe Habana has the best Michelada outside of Mexico. Give it to the Cubans to make a Mexican drink better than Mexican Restaurants. Come on Mexico, pick up the pace. I really go out of my way in search of the best Michelada & I can honestly say, I love their version more than I've loved most of my ex-girlfriends. But be weary, it all depends on who makes it for you. Much like the drink: the Dark & Stormy. If you find yourself at the bar alone... waiting... on a dark & stormy night for your ex, you'll find yourself immersed in the perfect drink. Unless they make it bad, then you're stuck with a bigger bill.
(4)Samuel R.
Loved the food, try the fish tacos, they were awesome. A great place for lunch, really want to come back and try more stuff on their menu!
(5)Agustin K.
They do live up to the hype. Get the corn, don't argue. Even when you're on a date. They give toothpicks to help with the stuck corn. Very helpful because that would have bothered me the rest of the evening. Their menu change every season. I was looking for the grilled pork with the mushroom sauce and they only have that winter time. They no longer have frozen mojito. I ordered mojito on the rocks but I think I could have made a better one on my own. Their Huevos rancheros is just like we expected. The steak is very juicy and tender. The chicken with garlic sauce is quite saucy which I like. I also enjoyed the spinach side dish. Overall solid food. Wait for Wednesday night is about 15 min (was told but ended up getting seated in 5 min). I heard the hostess sending people to the next door take out location so that can be a good option if you don't feel like waiting. Service was decent. Super young crowd.
(4)Jade B.
Cuban & grilled corn ! Must....get ! . I love this place ; the ambiance is so relaxed , kind of small and compact, but it gives the place a more home like feel.
(4)Amy N.
Corn? I love corn! Their grilled corn mexican style is the bomb! Sweet and savory goodness in every corn juice squirting bite! Pair that up with a michelda corona and you'll be good. They have quite a few drinks on the menu btw. Me and my bestie also got the baja fish taco and cuban sandwich, both are to die for! Catfish, fresh fish fried in a beer batter, sitting on a warm corn taco topped with dressed shredded cabbage...mm mmm MMM! Rice is nice and fluffy, beans seasoned well and creamy. The server actually recommended us the cuban sandwich, which is voted #1 in NYC. The citrusy pork and ham is smothered in a smokey chipotle mayo with melted swiss cheese in between a toasted bun, served with handcut fries, you will not be dissapointed! Almost forgot about their tostones. Perfect sweet and salty contrast, crispy on the outside, tender inside, dipped in a garlicky mojo sauce....yum! Wanted to try the cheese flan but they ran out :( Rainy night out wasn't so bad, afterall!
(4)Meredith M.
Wow. Thank you YELP for helping me find this little gem on Prince Street! We rolled in around 8:30 p.m. on a Saturday night with two toasty and rowdy guys in our group of four. The manager told us it would be a 20-30 min wait. We stood outside for a while and then squeezed in to the crowded restaurant to hold our place in line. The waitresses were quick and flipped the tables so we could have a seat and brought us waters right away. Everyone in my party ordered the Cuban sandwich and loved it. We also started with two orders of grilled corn. Wow. I will dream about that corn. It was perfectly cooked and the cheesey seasoning on top were incredible. I had the skirt steak and rice/ beans and was very happy with everything. I can't wait to bring friends and family here and share the goodness that is Cafe Habana.
(5)Kristina N.
We came here JUST for the grilled corn. We didn't realize this but if you just want food to go there's a smaller cafe Habana that takes care of short orders. The corn was bomb and well worth the special trip to try it. It has a BUNCH of cotija cheese on top so if that's not your thing i wouldn't recommend it.
(4)Danielle V.
The food is great, but the restaurant way too cramped. There is also usually a wait. However, the service was pretty good and the location is nice.
(3)Sarah A.
They don't take reservations and the wait was so long that I almost ended up leaving with my friends. I'm so glad that I didn't because the food was incredible. I definitely recommend the corn on the cob.
(4)Anthony S.
Had this place bookmarked for a while and finally had the chance to make it there tonight (5/24/14). It's a pretty small spot without much seating. We collectively decided to place an order to go and take advantage of the favorable weather and dine outside on a bench in front. Ordered a Cuban sandwich which was terrific........but i think the highlight was the roasted corn slathered in a mayo parmesean cheese chili powder concoction served with a slice of lime. That corn was outrageously good. Not sure of the proper name of it, and I know it may sound a little weird, but trust me......the combination works. I'll be back again someday.
(4)Andrew S.
Super delicious, but long waits in this tiny restaurant. The grilled corn with powdered cheese was the highlight. It kind of reminds me of the elotes you can buy on the street in Mexico.
(4)Jason L.
Came here on a wednesday night for dinner. Was told the wait for 2 people was 20 minutes but we waited about 10 minutes and got seated. The restaurant was really small and the seating was really tight which I didn't like. I was bumped into on so many occasions during our time there, that I lost count. We ordered: -Grilled corn: Was good and tasty. A little spicy. A order comes with 2 corns. Messy but they give you a toothpick to get the corn that is stuck on your teeth -Cuban Sandwich: Flavorful with a lot of meat. The fries it came with was good. But don't think this is the best cuban sandwich -Enchiladas estilo Norteno: The steak inside the enchilada was was not dry or too hard. The rice and beans was normal. Service at this place was ok. But when they gave me the enchilada, I was not given a fork. Had to flag down a waitress to get a fork. Besides that, service was ok and friendly
(3)Ian J.
How to weigh the good with the bad... Service isn't the best, and the space is extremely cramped and tiny, making for an uncomfortable meal... however, the food was fantastic. Really tasty, portion sizes were great compared to other restaurants that pile too much on. However it wasn't priced appropriately and ended up costing way too much for the experience, service and atmosphere. I would return during an off hour and get the tacos or enchiladas again because they were that good.
(3)Peter G.
I love the avocado sandwich here and the corn is great. It's not sophisticated but the food is very authentic.
(4)Erica T.
Cafe Habana, was my first stop when I arrived in New York! It was starving and could barely decide what I wanted. So my friend had recommended the Cuban Sandwich and Chili Corn to me and my boyfriend. FOOD VERDICT: The food came out extremely fast, and the Cuban sandwich was amazing. I liked the flavor that they had on the corn, However the corn was not sweet so it wasn't as good as I had expected it to be. ATMOSPHERE: Working in, it was very relaxed and chill. The waitresses all wore crop tops, It was actually pretty hilarious in my opinion. They also were all very kind. Very good for quick, and chillaxing food! I would recommend this place for everyone to try at least once.
(4)A L.
The line was long when I got there for take out, but it was worth the wait. The Cuban Sandwich and corn tasted delicious! I just wished the corn wasn't so expensive. Just remember to grab a lot of tissue when you order the Cuban Sandwich!
(4)Meat G.
Met a friend on a friday night and chose to go here based solely on the high score here on yelp. It seemed very busy with a crowd standing around the front, the hostess said it would be a 30 minute wait. It wound up only being about 5 minutes until we were huddled into a cramped table between three bro dudes getting drunk on Corona and the bathroom. It was so loud inside that we had to yell to each other all night sitting face to face just to have a normal conversation. All of this is pretty typical for a place like this on a friday night on the lower east side, so it has little effect on my review. I give it 1 star based on my experience with their food. I like cuban food and having lived in South Florida for 8 years, Ive had my fair share. The menu claims that their cuban sandwich was voted "Best in New York." This is actually the first Cuban restaurant I've been to in the city, but if this is the best New York has to offer I might have write off Cuban food til I return to Florida. First of all, someone needs to tell the chef at Cafe Habana that a cuban sandwich is supposed to be pressed. My friend and I both ordered the sandwich and they came out on a hard, flaky club roll that wasn't even warm, let alone hot pressed. The ham was cold and thickly cut. The cheese not melted. The one part that stood out was the pork, however. It was actually very good, and if they just knew how to craft a cuban sandwich it could actually be pretty good because this roast pork had some nice flavor. Sadly, it alone wasn't enough to make the sandwich appetizing. Paired with a handful of bland diner style french fries, I left hungry and disappointed.
(1)Cody S.
SPACE: 3.5 stars This is NYC at it's best. Overcrowded, loud, and windows so the people on the street can gawk at you. I love it. SERVICE: 3.5 stars Again, it's all NYC. Basically abrupt bordering on rude. Service is fast but they aren't looking to win you over with their personalities. Hey, it's the Lower East side, if you want service, go to the Upper East side. FOOD: 4 stars Basic flavors done exceptionally well. What ever you do, get the grilled corn...it's worth coming just for that. COCKTAILS: 3.5 stars Basic margaritas, etc mixed and shaken to order. Very fresh and they don't cheat you on the booze.
(4)Shantel P.
I'm not even going to.....try and describe how I need to marry the cook. The food here is REGAL. I mean......I'll never accept any of the other "stuff" I've been eating as Cuban food. You want Cuban food? You go here. Portion sizes are perfect. Not huge, but a little more than enough (be thankful for that because if it were any more you'd eat it all and lose your attractive physique lol). That corn on the cobb......listen. Ok? Drinks were....meh but the food totally makes that ok. And it is SUPER small, I mean TINY in this place. Don't come with a large crowd. I'd say limit it to 3 people, 4 is......the absolute max. I took off 1 star for the drinks and the size of this place. I'm not a fan of small spaces. Hate them. But the food is enough to keep me coming back.
(4)Joy O.
Occasion: Weekend Snack Time (A) Food (5 out of 5) On our way to another hot spot in the neighborhood of Nolita, we decided to check out Cafe Habana. Fighting our temptation to order beer, we went straight to this notoriously famous - grill corn!! It was super-sweet, juicy, sprinkled cheese on the cob was like heaven! I noticed also very interesting hot pepper powder, extremely hot but very addictive! (B) Ambience (4.0 out of 5): We got the corner seat along the windows (got a few shots taken by tourists taking a picture of this restaurant from outside ^^) Although this place is small and crowded, it has its own coziness and charm. (C) Service (3.0 out of 5): The hostess was ok - we asked for order-in twice but we got take-out. (It's ok though, it just meant no basket to hold our corns.) (D) Value (3.0 out of 5): (Maybe we're very frugal from NYC standard..) but honestly I thought $3 for one cob of corn was not great from value perspective.
(4)Ali C.
Just love this place. Davey at the bar makes it even better. Wonderful service. Great Cuban food
(5)Jonathan P.
food, libations and service were spot on. go.
(4)Wesley S.
So I love this place. I love it so much I am reluctant to write a review because I don't want anyone else to know about it but with the already 1000's of reviews it is probably too late for that! The things I have had (that I find to be amazing) were the following: corn appetizer (comes with two pieces), shrimp tacos, and the Cuban sandwich. I like to try different things when I go places than what is usually hyped about, but the Cuban sandwich is the best I have ever had in my life. You really have to try it to believe it. Sooo, in order to try other things I have elected to bring someone with me every time I come to get something different and we can share (this is just my method at this point) ! The shrimp taco's are now my second favorite dish. Just so you know the place is very small and generally very crowded. There is also often a line to get in so make sure you plan accordingly. Once you are seated, the staff is very friendly and accommodating and the food makes any discomfort you might have in seating well worth it. Thanks for reading and enjoy!
(5)Kristina C.
Always a popular soho spot, the mexicorn here is a thing of legend. I love the shrimp tacos with shredded cabbage, guacamole all wrapped in a corn tortilla. The drinks were a little lackluster and I may just grab a Pacifico next time. Be prepared for a wait...drop your name and hit the shops nearby.
(4)Yunji N.
A NYC must! I always get the elote and the shrimp tacos. The wait is totally worth it, so definitely wait it out if you must. It may seem a little cramped inside, but it definitely is an experience go eat elbow to elbow with a complete stranger :) a part of New York charm! The workers are a bit sensitive with the waiting list, so just be patient; your time will come.
(4)Angel O.
I have been on a quest to find the best cuban (my favorite sandwich) in NYC and till this day, no where else has yet to beat Cafe Habana. And dont forget to order the corn! Always my go to spot.
(5)Sashimi W.
I consider this more of a hole in the wall. It's totally good, just super small and cramped.
(4)Luis B.
Cafe Habana is in a great location wrapped around Elizabeth and Prince streets. It can get very cramped in here and expect them to assign you your seats. Had huevos rancheros. They were very runny and messy but pretty good. Service was not so good. Staff just hanging out talking about boyfriends and their nails etc. Staff a little indifferent and uninterested. Habana management: Since the place is so small we customers can hear every little thing your staff is talking about. Keep it professional. Overall B-. Don't really get all the hype... It's a'ight.
(3)Sereibot Y.
Came here on a cold Saturday evening to meet a friend for a quick bite and to satisfy a craving for some Cuban food. We walked in and noticed two spots at the bar area of this very small diner and decided to sit there rather than their few tables as it seemed very crowded and claustrophobic. Not much of a wait during prime dinner time considering how cold it was that day. After enjoying the Cuban decor and some Cuban music, I decided to go with a Cuban sandwich as the description pulled me in, "Best in New York". I can't pass on that! My friend ordered the roast pork after our bartender suggested it. Next to us was one of the waitresses/managers who was having a quick dinner before her shift started. She was very bubbly and was livening up the already vivacious atmosphere of the restaurant. She shared with us sweet plantains which were some of the best I've had. We had some Cuban coffee to end the dining experience and it was also very good. Very sweet, strong double espresso. Our food came quickly and I began scarfing down the best Cuban sandwich in New York. Yup, the pork, ham and everything else was delicious especially with the chipotle mayo. Next time I have to ask for more of the sauce, so good. I tried my friends dish and found his roasted pork to be very delicious also. There were many sauces on the counter that he tried with it. We didn't want to get too messy so we decided against ordered the grilled corn. In hindsight I regret it as it looked amazing when our neighbors ordered. Wish I had tried some of the cocktails also but was not in the mood at the time. Oh well, it gives me reason to come back!
(5)Burcu B.
Their corn is a must-try and it's delicious! I also liked their cuban sandwich. Small place, big portions, nice service. Even better if you can avoid tables next to the bathroom.
(4)Margot L.
First time in NYC and first time trying Cuban food. Both great experiences. My friend and I had to wait a while, but it was worth it. The food and atmosphere were amazing. The drinks were awesome too!!! Next time I visit NYC I will definitely come back.
(4)Claire U.
I am drooling just thinking about their grilled corn. The wait was pretty long (30-40 minutes, at 2 pm on a MONDAY! Shouldn't people be at work?!!), but the corn made it worth the wait. The prices are surprisingly cheap ($7 to $8 per entree? in NY? wow), and the portions are large. My friends and I had the grilled corn, sincronizada toluca (basically a chorizo quesadilla), chicken quesadilla, and roasted pork. My one gripe is that the cheese to my chicken quesadilla wasn't melted, but other than that, the food was great! I cannot WAIT to go back!
(4)Melissa D.
Awesome food and great ambience. Good service for a busy weekend night.
(4)Kitana Q.
Uhh.. what is all the fuss about? For the most part, this place is ok, but the quality has deteriorated over the years. 1. Food: The cotija cheese and the chili powder make for a happy grilled corn, but the mayo is just unnecessary and overpowering. Served on a stick, so easy to eat! Chicken and pork tacos - dry and tasteless. Cuban sandwich: unremarkable slices of dry overcooked meat put together. No zesty or flavorful condiments. Yes, the corn single-handedly propped up the two stars in this review. 2. Ambiance: Tiny and crowded. The bathroom doors have their own bouncer - a diner unfortunate enough to be seated in the doorway. Good music, young crowd. Nice diner feel with exposed tin / metallic walls and linings. 3. Service: Ranged from indifferent and perfunctory to pleasant and friendly.
(2)Be L.
Good food for the price. Great hole in the wall restaurant every time I'm in soho or little italy.
(4)Dan S.
Everyone speaks the truth - the corn is amazing. Some unique cocktails too, which I suggest you enjoy. Rest of the menu is just authentic, good food that tastes right. It's a great spot that is loud and sweaty on a hot summer night, but oh so worth the wait for a table (be prepared to get cozy with your neighbors!!)
(5)Matthew L.
Came to Cafe Habana this past weekend, and had the corn, the chicken/corn salad, and the torta. Of the items, I must say the corn is still the best item. Since my last review in 2011, the price of the corn has increased to $5.95 per 2 cobs. Still worth it because it's still uber delicious. The chicken/corn salad was decent, with a flavorful salad dressing but the chicken was somewhat over-grilled and dry. The torta (vegetarian) was decent as well, but had way too much cotija cheese for my liking. Now if you love cheese, then you'll love it. Don't get me wrong, I'm a cheese lover, but the amount they give you was pretty excessive. I've had the unfortunate chance of sitting in the very back of the restaurant by the bathroom on multiple occaisions. This place gets packed fast, so you can't be too choosey on where you're seated. But the table by the bathroom, in my opinion, is the worst place to be seated because the service there is the poorest. This is primarily due to the fact that the table (and its guests) are hidden coat hanger hooks (and if it's winter... big puffy winter jackets). So while you may get seated, the waiters/waitresses might not even realize you're there. So during my most recent dining experience a few days ago, I had to get out of my seat (after waiting 15 minutes) and flag down the waitress to let her know I still didn't have a menu yet. After that, the service improved steadily. So word of advice, if you have the choice, don't sit by the bathroom! Now if you're just going to get the corn, I would recommend just going to habana-to-go on the other side of the restaurant instead, as it will be easier and faster. Since my last review in 2011, Cafe Habana still has a 4 star rating in my books. The food is pretty solid (e.g. such as the seafood dishes) and the corn never fails to satiate my corn-cravings. Long live the elote!
(4)Vivian L.
THE CORN. I'm salivating after I just thought about it. It's a must try. I think I need to go and get some soon because it really tickles my heart and makes my day. The Cuban sandwich I've had better at other places but it's not bad. But definitely...did I say corn yet? Yes do it.
(5)Liz W.
I have been coming here regularly for about a year now, and my last visit the food was not great. The famous grilled Mexican corn was not evenly seasoned and seemed to have been thrown together. My fish tacos seemed a bit soggy, and worst of all the chicken in my husband's enchiladas suizas was totally dry (overcooked) and the enchiladas were folded like tacos (not enchiladas). I'm not sure if I'll go back.
(1)Su L.
Hell yes. Forever hell yes. I've never encountered Cuban cuisine before. But hot damn this place is fantastic! Whenever you walk it, you immediately get blown away by Cafe Habana's personality. Being in Nolita you definitely expect some Latino flair but you literally get smacked in the face with it here. And it's great. The waitresses and even some of the patrons are dancing around to Latino music and just having a good ole' time. You can't come here and expect to have a quiet meal. Oh no, not possible. Expect to have fun! Their corn is really tasty and completely covered in parmesan. For $6 you get two ears of corn so not bad at all. Then their Cuban sandwich... Oh sweet mother of Jesus. That was the tastiest thing I tasted during my entire trip to NYC. WHAT WAS THAT? The Cuban sandwich had pork and ham slathered on with a bunch of veggies on super crunchy toasted bread. With a heavy dose of hot sauce, I was in taste bud heaven. Beware you will get sauce and meat juices ALL OVER YOUR HANDS. But who cares? It's freaking delicious so get ready to get dirty, real dirty.
(5)Burgundy B.
Great food? Check. Ghetto fabulous? Check. Cramped seating?Check. No sign on the building saying the name of the restaurant? Check. Marc Anthony and Michael Jackson the same restaurant music playlist? Check. Then you must be at Cafe Habana! FOOD: Delicious. Nothing fancy or frills here. Small portions compared to other Latin restaurants. MEXICAN GRILLED CORN included mayo, finely shredded parmesan, spices, lime, and shredded lettuce. (Yummy. Slightly over charred.) BAJA FISH TACOS included fish tacos, taco dressing, black beans, and rice. (Fish tastes fresh but surprisingly flavorless. Latin food never lacks in flavor.) PORTOBELLO Y GUACAMOLE BURGER included portobello mushroom with guac, lettuce, tomato, onions, and steel cut fries. GRADE: B+ ATMOSPHERE: There is nothing kitschy, trendy, or modern about Cafe Habana. Its more like a no-name dinner you would find in Cuba. That you would only venture to if your friend was a local . It's a tiny, home-like place in Nolita, NYC. Chairs and tables resemble a dinner. Cramped. Cramped. Cramped. GRADE: C- CUSTOMER SERVICE: I never got my waitress's name. Don't expect customer service to be exceptional either. It's just friendly and sufficient enough to scrap by. You'll have a hard time flagging down your waitress. GRADE: C OVERAL GRADE: B It's great for a great no frills good bite to eat when you want yummy comfort food on the lower east side of Manhattan. Take your best friend, take your buddies, or your sweetheart.
(3)Sean W.
The Mexican corn alone is worth coming here! It's coated with butter, cheese, and some kind of amazing spice, all for a pretty reasonable price (2 for about $5). I also ordered the shrimp tacos, which is served with rice and beans. I wasn't as impressed with the tacos as I was with the corn, but it was pretty good. The place is pretty small, so be prepared to wait if you visit during busy hours.
(4)Armand L.
This review is for the to-go location next door, but was told they have the same food as the main restaurant. Ate here a year ago and it was great, went back last Saturday night and it was a horrific. The food was flavorless and bland. It tasted like a mouth full of plain rice. The fish tacos came out way too fast so they must have been microwaved, and tasted it; soggy, mushy and flavorless. No way they deep fried it for my order as would be expected. The steak plate was okay but the amount of steak was a joke. Not even enough for a sandwich, I kid you not. It was a thin slice of steak about 3 inches long, about enough for a taco, and it was an entree that cost $18, rice and beans extra. What? Yeah. Service was apathetic. The corn on the cob was excellent, as usual, but it was not hot. I suppose 1 star is a little harsh but I'd like them to fix whatever is wrong here.
(1)Yusuf A.
Almost went somewhere else because of the wait - glad we decided to stay. Friendly staff, great food, lots of energy in the place - although we found it way to cozy in the beginning, the overall layout kind of grew on me. The Corn is sensational: found myself eating the bed of salad the corn came on just to savor the sauce that the corn was smothered with. Shrimp Taco, Battered catfish tacos, and some chicken dish. solid, not outstanding but consistently good across the board. nolita and the les are packed with great options, but this place definitely stands out for both the quality of the food and the solid atmosphere.
(4)Eric N.
What is sad is that the Cuban sandwich here is way better than what you can get in South Florida. Then again, Miami just sucks in general anyways. Indeed, the best Cuban sandwich I've had pretty much anywhere. $9.50, the price of admission to what will is a symphony of pork, bread, ham, pickles, and a side of fries. The Mexican corn here is also quite good. $5 gets you two of these, which is funny because at El Chucho in DC for the same price you only get one. Was it better? Maybe its the two for $5 deal, but honestly I think so. The Cafe Con Leche is also great and much better than I've had in FL. $3.50 gets you a milkshake glass sized serving. Amazing. How I will miss the Cuban sandwich here on my way back to Washington DC tomorrow. It makes me sad.
(5)Nick N.
Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Cleanliness: 3/5 Decor & Style: 3/5 The corn is just what they say! If you have time to wait, then try it. I also had the Baja fish style tacos. Tacos were good, but I would say the only thing worth getting is the corn. Since we waited forever to get in, we became hungry and ordered other food anyway. Staff were friendly and so was the host who kept us updated throughout the 45 minutes of waiting. Very helpful. The place is so small so you'll be sitting next to someone (possible touching) else. Good place for a casual hangout.
(4)Stacey J.
They have really good corn and that is it!!! I ordered their veggie plate and all it was, was a plate of steamed frozen vegetables, canned beans and and rice. It had no flavor and it was disgusting. It was so bad that I did not even want to eat it so I told them that I did not want it. When I told them I did not want to eat it and that I wanted my money back the girl started to mock me saying that she should go to MacDonalds and order something and then take it back, and started saying other rude things to me, I just ignored her. But anyways the food is bad and the people are rude I do not recommend anyone to go there.
(1)Courtnie T.
This place was delicious. Great atmosphere. Although, if you are claustrophobic you will want to steer clear. I was told it was not a place for a group because it's loud. It also turns out that if there are more than four of you there is no where for you to sit together. The black beans are amazing. The grilled corn is a must!
(4)Annie R.
Ok so I can add some nonhipster insight to this joint. A lot of what people like about it is that it feels very "new york", sort of trendy/cramped, waitress's with weird hairdo's/stupid outfits (attempting to look like a poster girl for urban outfitters that whole shtick)..so you walk in and its like oh here we go with this nonsense. So let me discuss whats important here, the food. Honestly. It's fine. The corn is pretty good, the fish taco's are ok, the Cuban sandwich is probably the best thing on the menu, the side of rice/beans flavorless. I've spent a fair amount of time in Miami and honestly, this place wouldnt make the cut there. But alas its NYC....don't get me wrong, the food is fine. Just with the high reviews on yelp I was expecting a little more?
(3)Kathleen T.
My girl Alice and I came out here just to have their corn on the cob. It was very good. Seasoned and flavorful. I must say, I've had better corn at only 1 other place, and it was out of a truck at a flea market in Oakland. I'd like to see them head to head.
(4)Mimi N.
Everytime I'm in the area, Cafe Habana is always a stop for lunch. Their mexican grilled corn is DE-LI-CIOUS! Other menu items are great too. Don't get frighten by the long wait...it'll be worth it!!
(5)Jen B.
Eat here. Honestly just do it. Order any thing as long as you get the corn to go with it. The wait can be ridiculous at peak hours but the food is amazing you won't even remember having to wait. Don't plan on sitting down and having a long meal. It can get pretty crammed in there, as in you're literally rubbing elbows with the person sitting next to you. Service isn't the friendliest. One waitress even spilled food down my friends back. Luckily we found it more funny than anything else.
(5)Karen C.
Before coming here, you should know that Cafe Habana isn't a place to have a quiet conversation but rather a no frills, give you your food quickly kind of restaurant with elbow bumping seats. Like almost every other reviewer says, the grilled corn here is amazing with just the right amount of spice and cheese that melts into the cracks between each piece. I recommend the cuban sandwich, a popular choice, as well as the molletes, which is bread topped with refried beans, melted cheese, and bits of chorizo. The food here can be very heavy, so don't try to eat the whole dish if you can't, and walk it off by walking around soho. I felt our server wasn't really attentive and it was very cramped inside the restaurant, which is why I took a star off.
(4)john b.
We tried the cuban sandwich and corn. The sandwich was not 4-5 star quality and pricey at $8. The bread was not too bad and the roast pork was good (but lukewarm) and the ham and cheese were cold. I've experienced quite a few cuban sandwiches now and this was mediocre. The corn was pretty good as it had that smokey scorched flavor. There were three of us and we all just wanted to try 1 sandwich so I asked if they could cut the sandwich into 3 pieces which they flatly denied and said they could only half it. Obviously cutting a sandwich into thirds is too much labor! I feel this place is over-glorified.
(2)Alondra G.
Very delicious! Super cute and authentic Mexican food. I'm from California (where all the good Mexican food is but this place was BOMB!) best Mexican food in New York by far.
(5)Denisse G.
I've been craving Cuban food for a while now so I came on Yelp to check the reviews. Reading them had me so excited that I dragged by boyfriend for our date. Initially you'll walk in and think "Oh, ok its kind of an old place and there's a lot of history here" but at the same time it is way too small & I believe they should remodel or at least update the decor. I felt like I was in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights. So, we were greeted by this lovely waitress. She was very nice and we were brought to this little tiny table. We we're gonna use two because it was that small but we weren't allowed to. I still brushed it aside and I ordered the corn everyone has been raving about and the roast pork that came with rice and beans. THE CORN WAS NOT ALL THAT lol. I'm soo serious. I don't know if it wasn't hot enough, the mayo just didn't mesh well with me but it just wasn't such a big deal. I felt so bothered reading the hype and having my hopes up too high. I'm sure there are better appetizers. My boyfriend had some too and didn't care for it as much. The spice on the corn was the worst part. It's just bitter, no flavor. The roast pork was good, I feel like it could have been better and the rice and beans were just ok. I feel like for this place to be #2 Cuban spots in NYC is not cool. I had way better. My boyfriend really enjoyed his shrimp tacos. I didn't try them but they looked yummy. I don't think I'd go back unless I was in the area and wanted a good bargain. My plate was $12.95 and so was his.
(3)Heather M.
Just like everyone else, I love the damn Grilled Corn. Love it as much as I love my boyfriend. The tastes -- sweet corn, mild queso, lime, chili powder -- are magical together. The best I ever tasted.
(4)Amy K.
I've been hearing about this corn for the last several years. On this trip to NY, we had the corn twice. The 2nd time around we also ordered dinner. First , the corn... Best corn I've ever had in my life. It comes with cheese and chili powder and limes...I think I could have eaten four of them. For dinner, I ordered the camarones (shrimp) that came with some creamy garlic/spicy sauce, rice, and black beans. My husband ordered the beef enchilada. EVERYTHING was delicious. When we arrived for dinner (around 8:20), there was already a LONG wait, so we didn't get to eat until close to 9 pm, but I'd say that it was worth it. I'll definitely be back!
(5)Leland S.
Story: The legendary place where "Friends with Benefits" was filmed...Oh! And where there's Cuban food too! Exploring around Nolita, I took a break to check this hyped place out. The break was definitely worth it. Ambiance: The setup is really like a cafe/diner feel. Very compact and intimate. There are actually two rooms, one to eat and one to go. It probably can fit 20-30 people. With the decorations, music, and smell of the food you'll immediately feel like you're away from the concrete jungle but in some diner in Cuba. Food: Corn (Recommended) Freshly made corn with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. Served hot and juicy. Additional seasoning is provided. A great on the go meal Limeade (Recommended) Appropriately sour with every sip. I would just ask to easy up on the ice so I would have more to drink. Customer Service: The service was fairly fast. I guess they know how that their corn is pretty popular. Overall: I give this place 4.5 stars. The wait wasn't too long, the food was served fresh, and the feel was pleasant. A great place to take a quick break but my next visit, I hope to lunch in and try their entrees. Advice: -Beat the rush hours, this small place can get packed. -If it's on the go, go to their to-go site right next door.
(4)Connie W.
Service was okay. The lady didn't really give us water until the 3rd time we tried asking Corn was amazing. Everything else was okay. I had a portobello mushroom and avacado burger. It was alright. I usually love anything with portobello mushrooms or avacado. My friend didn't like her chicken salad. The chicken was too bland. I guess I should've ordered the Cuban sandwich. It was super small. You can barely walk in there.
(3)Chang Hoan K.
best corn! ever!
(5)Dayna L.
I was completely disappointed. The main dining area was full with a long wait, so my guest and I went next door to the to-go place that also had tables (confusing?) We asked if the food was the same and they confirmed it was, albeit a smaller menu. I ordered the fish tacos and my guest ordered the steak. It was ready in about three minutes which was WAY too fast. The steak was maybe 2 to 3 oz of meat...for 16.95. Absolutely disappointing. We were laughing at how tiny it was compared to the photos of the dish on yelp. It appeared he got a half portion or less. The fish tacos were soggy and mushy and tasteless. I have had them here before and enjoyed them so I knew that these were worthy of sending back, which I did. I gave an extra star for service because they allowed me to exchange my dish for the avocado and cheese burrito. However, the burrito was even worse than the tacos. It was bizarre. It had ZERO flavor. There was no salt, pepper, ANY flavor at all. I couldn't taste rice, beans, avocado, cheese. My guest tasted it and agreed it was the most bizarre burrito we had ever tasted. It was almost as if whoever prepped that evening had neglected to season a single thing. My shoe would have had more flavor. I took a few bites and tossed it. That was another 11.95 down the toilet. All in all for what we spent we could have gone to a super nice restaurant and had a satisfying meal. To the owner/manager - I highly suggest you keep an eye on the quality of the second half of your restaurant. I traveled across town to eat at your joint and ended up having to get food elsewhere afterwards! I will not be back and I will no longer recommend your restaurant to friends and guests of NYC.
(2)robert s.
Fantastic food, cozy ambiance, none flashy, tastiness... If you need white gloves and cushy chairs, don't seek Cuban. This is down and clean, small but satisfying portions.
(5)Winston R.
great food, strong drinks....mediocre service.
(4)Fareed T.
Could use a bit more seasoning but everything was very tasty. Wait staff was very friendly and welcoming. Try the huevos rancheros and fresh squeezed limeade.
(4)Jackie K.
The most important thing I can tell you is to get the grilled corn! It is amazing! The cuban sandwich is also incredible and highly recommended. The place is small so there is usually a wait but you can always go next door to their takeout area if you want a quick bite to eat. I definitely recommend this place if you want good food for a good price while in Soho.
(4)Jamie C.
Mexican grilled corn. One of the best I've had. There are people outside around the store just eating corn. It's a great place to grab a quick snack.
(4)Special K.
Went there last night with my girls to celebrate my birthday. We got there around 10:30/10:45pm and although the place is hella small, they were able to accommodate our party of 6 in under 15mins. The food came relatively quickly - 4 of us had the garlic shrimp with rice and 2 of us had the shrimp tacos. Everyone was super happy with their food; no one uttered a word for at least 20mins. We had both the red wine sangria and the white wine sangria. Needless to say, we were very happy. The waitress surprised me with what I think was either flan or tres leches. This, to me, was their only downfall. It was just not good. *le sigh* Anywho, to sum up, food and staff were great, price was very reasonable - $185 for 6 ppl, unknown dessert not so much. Really wish I could give .75 of the fifth star because the dessert was really the only not so great part.
(4)Amy M.
I'm not one to trash companies and I have loved this restaurant for years. This gives them 2 stars instead of 1. I'm posting my email, which received a response after 2 days claiming they would follow up to address my issue. Nothing. No apology, no acknowledgement they did anything wrong (probably for legal purposes), no justification that they would be careful with these things in the future (at the very least if not admitting fault). Anyone with allergies, BEWARE. -- I live in San Francisco and was visiting New York last week for work. I have been coming to Cafe Habana since 2005 and have always loved the food, decor and service. Last Friday seemed to be no different, but in the last year I developed a gluten allergy. I was served at the bar by Angela. I ordered the corn, which I shared with a patron next to me, and the Sincronizada Toluca. I asked Angela if the tortilla was made of flour or wheat, and she said no, it is made of corn. I asked if she was sure because I'm allergic and she said yes. A few minutes later, just to be sure, I asked if there was anything else on the dishes that had breading or batter because I'm allergic to gluten. She asked the cooks and she said no I'd be fine. So I got the food, and it was delicious. The tortilla did look more like flour than corn, but I trusted her word. Well, 30 minutes later as I was heading uptown, I started to break out in hives all over my head and neck. I took a few benadryl hoping it would go away, but it got much worse spreading further. The welts were exponentially bigger than past minor outbreaks, and then my lips and tongue started swelling. I ended having to go to the emergency room at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital where I spent the next 4-5 hours. Gluten free seems to be a popular diet these days, but there are many of us that have serious allergies. These questions should not be taken lightly and if you don't know whether it's safe or not, you need to err on the side of being safe. I would have just ordered something else. This meal cost me to miss an important work event, hundreds of dollars (not looking forward to the hospital bill), and most importantly a terrible experience since health is obviously the #1 concern. I was thankful to have a colleague nearby and was able to handle the situation in the best way possible, but I can't emphasize how seriously disappointed I am that this happened with Cafe Habana, one of my favorite NY eateries. I hope that no other patrons ever have this experience. Sadly, I'm not sure I ever want to go back again.
(2)kristine g.
Always busy and there's usually a wait, but the food is worth it. I love the pollo mirador. It's a limey garlicky chicken concoction served with yellow rice and spinach. The corn also never disappoints. My boyfriend loves the Cuban sandwich. Actually, the thought of how delicious the food is supercedes my need to hibernate during this frigid New York winter and motivates me to make the trek to Nolita. I am putting on shoes and puffy jacket to head down now!
(5)EJ A.
This little Cuban restaurant on the corner of Prince and Elizabeth is a must try. The food is affordable and plates come stacked with food. I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich or the corn. That being said almost everything that came out of the kitchen looked delicious.
(5)Joanna C.
Best Quesadilla I've ever had in my entire life. But poor service. Like the worst. The girls here are really rude. I accidentally left my mail on the table. When I came back 10 minutes later to retrieve it they looked at my like I was an idiot and wasting their time and said they threw it away. Whhhhaaaaa!?? Who just throws away mail??...obviously I accidentally left it. Just put it in the back until I come back, or wait till the end of the day to throw it out...common customer service and decency. They were so grossed out and rolled their eyes when I asked them to retrieve it from the trash. Uh, Duh. I need my mail ladies. So....rude girls. Amazeballs quesadilla.
(3)Monarch T.
This place is amazing. The interior is adorable, the food is amazing, the staff is so welcoming. We ordered plantain chips to dip in guacamole. Yummm. All of the drinks are great. Oh and their famous corn is almost worth a flight from California!
(5)Paige S.
Always so busy but the wait is worth it and the food is incredible. The corn is really good. I LOVE the guacamole, I can eat that any day. The margaritas are to die for, its just awesome. The atmosphere is so friendly and even though the place is so cramped, it still feels comfy and nice in there.
(5)Kwai L.
I heard about this place from a friend, she thought the world had ended when I misheard the name and told her it's been closed since she had left NY, turns out it was a place I've never heard of. She then raved about it while driving and salivating at the same time. I had to check this place out. We went around the corner since there was no sign of the name and went into the walk in pick up area where there were a few small tables. We were told after it was nearly impossible to get a seat for table service. The corn is amazing, cheesy and spicy without over doing it. The Cuban Sandwich was juicy and flavorful. The food seems like authentic Cuban food and doesn't dress up to be anything else. Definitely need to come back to try more menu items.
(4)Jan-Michael C.
This place is packed with hot girls. And the food is good and reasonably priced. There's a wait though.
(4)Sonia S.
While I didn't love the hour wait to get a table here (line out the door and a kindof scattered hostess who kept forgetting who was next on the list didn't make for a prompt seating), the corner booth in the way back made the experience worthwhile...that and the mouth-watering corn on the cob...sweet, buttery with a generous topping of cheese. Paired with a spicy bloody mary, you pretty much forget the annoying wait. I liked the overall ambiance--it's a fun place to have a bite, hangout with friends and maybe people watch if you care. The pork sandwich is a good choice, do it.
(4)Anna Y.
Went there on a Friday night and the place was super crowded. We sat in a cramped little spot by the door (and it was such a cold spot) and moved to the next table when they left. Like almost everyone there, we ordered the corn appetizer -- I have to say, nicely grilled and spiced. It's no wonder that that is their signature dish. Also ordered shrimp tacos, which were so delicious with the rice and beans on the side. I took off a star because the cramped space did make the meal a little uncomfortable and the waitresses were not very attentive. It took us a while to get their attention, especially at the end when we wanted to get our check. But I do recommend this place for the awesome food; it tasted very authentic and had a nice bar area, so it is a friendly place to be, even if you are eating alone.
(4)Rose W.
Corn on a cob...or shall I say CRACK on a cob?! It's definitely their signature. GET IT! It's always SO busy here, so you should almost always expect a wait! And the seats are TINY! If you're okay with being half an arm's length to the table besides you, then sure, come for dinner. Actually, the food really isn't all that bad, but the experience had been so RUSHED, it took the fun outta it.
(3)Robert A.
Food was great but a bit on the colder side and the woman taking orders wasn't too much on the friendly side. The soup of the day was mad good, Mexican corn is a must try and the Cuban sandwich is above par. Still a good place and service was fast.
(4)Esmi A.
Good little place. Very small. I got the soup of the day which was a tomato soup, it was very good! My husband got the Cuban sandwich which was pretty good but a bit dry. He also got the corn. Nothing special, I'm originally from Cali so I am use to having a guy sell them around my house for $1 and they are better than here. Very loud. And the cashier not so friendly.
(3)Renvie R.
I LOVE LOVE their steak and corn with rice and beans OMG it's to die for. It is small but I don't care, I'd wait for an hour just to get some steak. Man, I'm about to troop it out there.
(5)Blake S.
lets be honest, the corn is the best corn ever. and its actually the best thing there. the food is good, but it is completely over shadowed by the corn. i dont eat meat, so i get the corn meal goat cheese thing. its damn good, but it feels like dry humping after sex.
(5)Jennifer S.
We went there after lunch hours so there was no wait. YAY! They're known for the grilled corn, which was OK. We have the corn guys selling similar corn on a stick in the Union City, CA decoto area. I has the steak sandwich SO BOMB! Steak was juicy and yummy. My friends had the omelet MMMMMMM and huevo ranchero? That was also GOOD!! Must go if ever in the SoHo district for Breakfast/brunch.
(4)Steven N.
Tiny little place but Margaritas are fantastic and food is great. While I could see how things could get hectic, servers do a great job.
(5)Jacob M.
I came here for a birthday dinner with the boyfriend. The place was pretty crowded, but we managed to squeeze (literally) into a spot between two other very small tables. The ambience is an odd yellow mixture of dollar store, Cuba-themed paper cut-outs and 1950s grungey diner. The place runs rampant with hipsters. The food was pretty delicious. The boyfriend and I ordered the corn which (as everyone else is raving about) was fantastic. Beyond fantastic. I would probably be more amazed if I wasn't so close to a Latin grill that served the same thing at half the price. The Tlacoyo de Tres Marias which was also very good and VERY spicy. Me gusta. The reason for the two star deduction though is, along with the cramped seating, the pricing. For how little food we got with how much everything cost, I'm unsure it merits a second visit. If they would just give more food or lower the prices, I would happily return!
(3)David G.
Part of the reason why I like this place is because of the vibe. It doesn't hurt that the food is good too. I had the skirt steak w/ beans, and it was delicious. Others really like the corn (I don't eat it, since I hate mayo), and I mean really like it (as in, Virginians will ask their friends to bring it down to them, via car). It can get pretty packed though, so be patient, or go well before you get hungry.
(4)Jasmine C.
Three words: Mexican. Grilled. Corn. Straight up the best grilled corn I've ever had, totally irresistible with cheese, pepper, and lime. Makes the insanely long wait worth it each time, though my friends and I were lucky enough to slide into a four person booth almost immediately tonight. Portion sizes are pretty generous each time we go. Drinks are also very very decently priced - their margaritas are enough to make you feel (almost) transported back to the original Cafe Habana in Mexico City.
(4)Vinny C.
This is what NYC is about!! Hole in the wall GEM. Grilled corn is a must - 5 rice and beans - 4 go early or give your name and make other plans
(5)Eri Y.
CORN! Mmm... Came here twice, both with friends and their food is pretty darn good. I wanted to give a 3. Why? The service was not that great. Sure, it was fast but the waitress had an attitude both times and that tends to leave you with a bad feeling. So why did I give it a 4? Food is just so good, I can't not give it a 4. I've gotten the cuban, fish tacos, and the corn. The cuban is awesome and packed. What I really love though are the fish tacos. The fish tacos are so good and the sauce they give is the right amount of hot. Thinking about it is making my mouth water - so good! The corn is just amazing. Enough said. The only thing I dislike is the fact that it's small and cramped and you're elbow to elbow with a stranger. It's even worse in the summer when the body heat overpowers the AC and you're rubbing sweaty elbows - YUCK! Overall though, really good food. Corn, fish tacos, and the cuban. Yum!
(4)Melissa K.
The corn alone is enough to earn this place a five stars. It's so amazing. Whatever they put on that corn, it's more addictive than skag. Not that I've ever tried the latter. But I can only guess. Anyway, it's sooooo cute this place. I love it. The drinks are deliciouso. The food is excellent (not just corn). One of my favorite places in the city.
(5)Kimberly M.
The food was okay. Not phenomenal Cuban food by any means, but the servers and bartender were awesome!!! So much personality, and I liked the decorations.
(3)Marla G.
I have lived in New York for five years, and I can say with confidence that Cafe Habana is my favorite restaurant in the city. The wait is always pretty painful (expect to wait at least an hour and a half on any day after 7), but it's 100% worth it. The corn, of course, is a must. My favorite dish is the steak enchiladas, but I've tried a good amount of the menu, and everything is delicious. I also think there was a recent change in staff, which makes the restaurant that much better. Their old staff was rude and a tad obnoxious, but the new hostesses and waiters are very attentive and make sure that you are getting the best experience possible.
(5)Mandy S.
They do not lie about the grilled corn! It is delicious. Add it that to whatever you're planning to order and you won't be disappointed. I also ordered their iced tea but it was very normal. Nothing spectacular.
(5)Marty E.
This is as good a Mexican/Cuban restaurant as you're going to find in NYC. The grilled corn here is divine. It is a very popular place, so the seating is packed as close together as can be, and it is often packed to the gills, causing a long wait for a table, and not the most comfortable stay. The food makes it worthwhile, but I usually go to the far-less packed Habana To-Go next door, and just sit down there.
(4)Beth H.
My first thought when my friend said we were going all the way to the Lower East Side for corn on the cob was "I'm from the Midwest...I know all there is to know about corn." False. When it comes to TRULY MINDBLOWINGLY delicious corn...I knew nothing. My mouth was an amazing-corn virgin. Now my mouth is a corn slut that wants to go rampaging through entire fields of Cuban corn. Seriously...I've never wanted to shove an entire cob of corn in my mouth so badly. We went around 8pm on a Saturday and there wasn't a wait at all. We were able to grab one of the few seats inside. I definitely want to try the limeade next time -- the guy next to me had one and I wanted to swipe it. I probably would have if I weren't so distracted BY MY CORN! Waitress was really friendly. Prices were inexpensive. PS. did I mention the corn?! The cheese...the hot chile...the lime juice....omggggg...I have to stop, I'm starting to drool. My advice? GO! GO and eat the corn. Your life will never be the same.
(5)Dan L.
The cuban sandwich was SO GOOD. The meat was tender and the bread was super tasty. Not sure about anything else here but the food was awesome. Atmosphere was electric even though it was only 2 PM. Waitress was really friendly and gave me some advice on what to do around town. Will return next time I'm in the SoHo/LES area.
(5)Pooja S.
All in all - the corn was amazing. The only reason it didn't get more stars was because of the service. We came in expecting to have to wait, but we waited 45 min and then got bumped once for someone that arrived 40 min after us and knew one of the waitresses. A little maddening when your sitting outside starving at 10pm. Overall food was ok. The corn is definitely worth trying trying though, so would highly recommend it
(3)Alison W.
Wow this place is super tiny but practically packed to the brim. We came for a dinner about 8ish and still had to wait about 20 minutes. The tables are almost touching so I was basically like less than 3 feet away from my closest neighbor. It's not for the claustrophobic, those who need their personal space, or non-stick figure people. Anyways when we put our name down, they asked if we were there just for corn or a meal. I think if you come for a meal, there's a minimum charge. Wow, their corn is so popular that you can get just that. Anyways my friend got an order of the corn to share and an entrée each. It's two corns per order, which can make odd number of parties awkward. The corn comes out piping hot with mayonnaise, butter, cheese and red pepper. It sounds do simple but is so delicious. Corn is cooked perfectly and the toppings make it so flavorful. I wish it was all over the corn rather just on the top so I would get so full flavor all over. For my entrée, I had the fish tacos. I don't recommend the tacos. They didn't use a double tortilla to hold the taco. So with all the sauce and stuff in the taco, the more I tried to eat the taco, the more it fell apart from all the sogginess. It was a mess. I gave up about halfway and just used my utensils. The fish and flavor was decent but the trouble of trying to eat really turned me off from a great overall experience. I tried a bite of my friend's Cuban sandwich and I would've much rather had had that. Service was half and half - order taking and food came out quickly but then they forgot about us and took awhile to get our check at the end of the meal. The drinks - ie sangria looked good and I think I would like to try that next time and just come back for the corn.
(3)Kala j.
This place is WHACK under seasoned food. I had the roast pork it was too wet and the rice was mushy! Ain't nobody got time for that! I know good food and this was not it. Drinks were ok but nothing that would make me want to return.
(1)Tina C.
Grilled cuban corn....oh how my mouth waters every time I think about it. I must say of all the grilled corn out there, this is still my very favorite. This is one of my "must eats" whenever I visit NYC. I also recommend they're pork chop dish as well. Since the actual restaurant is small and wait time is usually 1 hr+ I recommend coming early like around 5pm on a week day. If you don't have time to wait but would still like grilled corn visiting Habana-to-go next door is a viable option to take your corn to go.
(5)Tatiana W.
Was ok. Proportions was extremely small at least for the breakfast. I got an omelette and was only allowed to choose two toppings with cheese being one of them without any additional charge. Strange. 8 bucks for an omelette that doesn't already come with cheese. So my two toppings was cheese and onions. Pretty boring but I was not willing to pay 1.50 for any additional toppings and I'm glad I didn't. I never put hot sauce on my omelette but for that place I had too. It was far too boring.
(2)Vincent L.
Cafe Habana is well know for their grilled Mexican corn and Cuban sandwich. The grilled Mexican corn is well seasoned which will melt in your mouth on the first bite. It's so good that you can eat a dozen of these grilled Mexican corns and call it a night. The grilled Mexican corn is a must have for your meal.If you never had this grilled Mexican corn before then your missing out big time.
(4)Carlos S.
I've been going there for 5 years!!! Amazing food and service a must go!!!!! Cafe con leche to die for!!
(5)N N.
This place is great, cozy but great. There is loud music and food is tasty (get the corn). It feels like you are in Miami. It's not nearly as cool as its Brooklynite Outpost.
(4)Debbie L.
food is great, but be careful if you use a credit card. They added a little something something to my bill.
(4)G C.
GRILLED CORN! GET IT! The restaurant is kinda small so don't go in big groups. Went on a Sat morning around 10AM and it was PACKED. You probably wanna try going either early when they open at 9AM or off peak hours/days. We got breakfast with the grilled corn. Good size portions for the price. Their cafe con leche is pretty good, and it's a good size. If you ever been to Spain, cafe con leche is usually served in a small coffee cup and here at Cafe Habana it's double the size. If you just want their corn, they have a to-go store front right next to the cafe. Mmm...corn...
(4)kris t.
the place is small but has a relaxed atmosphere. the wait was about 1 hour to seat 3 of us (place is small) just try the grilled corn. you dont have to wait to be seated. just order it and go. you're not missing out on anything else.
(2)Elda L.
Egg sandwich and corn on the cob. It's what's for breakfast.
(4)Alyssa A.
I went here on Friday for lunch. Dying to go back. Yes, this spot is a hole in the wall. Yes, it only seats a capacity of about, let's say 20 people. But it is so worth it. My friend and I ordered the grilled corn as an appetizer. Now, I'm not usually a big fan of corn on the cob because the corn gets stuck in my teeth so easily. But on that day, I didn't care. I devoured every BIT of it. It's that yummy. Best corn on the cob I've had. Definitely not that mess they serve at your aunt's barbecue. Next, I had the Cuban sandwich with fries. Yum yum YUM. I'm usually not a huge roast beef eater, but this sandwich I will eat all the time. Fries are crispy and delicious. Definitely order it! Also had the frozen margarita with mango. Lord. It was great. I was very pleased. My only dislike about this place (which didn't affect my review) is that the waitress I had before her shift was over completely forgot about my friend and I sitting at the table RIGHT BEHIND HER. We had to ask for menus and flag her down to get our orders taken! Ugh. It was such a bother. Overall, I will definitely be back here. I'm in SoHo all the time. This is my go-to food place for sure.
(5)Kayla B.
the corn is really good! cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili spices and lime juice hmm yummmyyyy .
(4)Keith P.
Another local spot to keep at the top of your must-try list. My girlfriend and I were brought here on a double date. I was a bit hesitant, as I am not the most adventurous, but Café Habana surprised me with great food and service. I am just shocked with the size of the line that formed around 7:30PM that they don't have the desire to expand! We started off sharing a few orders of Grilled Corn. The spices and cheese make this a requirement before judging Café Habana for yourself. I ended up ordering Enchiladas de Mole Pablano and can't wait to try the other dishes when I go back! Unfortunately they don't deliver north of 4th Street - so I have to try and beat the dinner rush!
(4)Allen L.
Really great. I just had takeout from here and felt compelled to write (rave) about it for you guys. The cuban sandwich is amazing. The corn - My friends have dubbed the corn "crack corn" for how good and addictive it is when you take your first bite. You will have little corn bits stuck in your teeth and not care cuz you will be high on it. I washed it down with the Tamarind soda which was good too. Enjoy!
(5)Doug M.
I make a pilgrimage to this place every time I'm in town. Love the food and the staff, I always end up stumbling out of that place after a few of the house margaritas The corn. Oh, the corn. I have dreams about the corn there. Chili powder with lime and some kind of cheese? Yes please! Steak and eggs is my chaser. I"ve learned not to go there anywhere near a popular time. The wait is epic, the place is crazy packed and small. I've eaten at a table once and the counter every other time and try to opt for the counter when I can. Make sure you go the bathroom before you go in there and trying to get out mid-meal is going to be a challenge. You wil be apologizing and saying "excuse me" a lot. And please people, leave all your shopping bags at home, there just isn't room. Always treated well there and love the food and drink, will keep this place in regular rotation on NYC trips.
(4)Alexsa S.
Had dinner here last weekend with my sisters and was very disappointed with the food and service. First off we arrived to the restaurant and was greeted by the nice hostess that told us it would be a 20 minute wait little did we know it would turn into an hour.the place is small but that didn't bother us.I ordered the roasted pork and white rice and beans the food was under seasoned and just blah I've had better lastly we were rushed out of the restaurant by the short haired hostess who was very rude. I'm sorry if it wasn't for our amazing waitress i would have given this place 1 star.
(2)Kelly P.
Roll up your sleeves and expect to get a little cheese on the corners of your mouth. This is definitely not food for the neat. Also, you WILL get corn stuck in between your teeth! It's just inevitable. But luckily, they got you covered with a surplus of toothpicks. Cafe Habana is well-known for their roasted corn. These are covered in mayo, topped with a kick of lime juice, cayenne pepper and rolled in cotijia cheese. Honestly, the messiness of finger- foods makes the experience more enjoyable. Service was great! The hostess as well as our server were both extremely friendly and accommodating. This is a small dinner-like atmosphere. Casual and definitely relaxed. Definitely a top place in my book to take tourists for a quick appetizer!
(4)Bandhini P.
The service here was the worst I have ever experienced than any other place I have ever been. The hostess had such a rude attitude towards us and did not accommodate when asked to be seated from the bar to the table. She was so discourteous and talked back to me without any reason. Because of her behavior, I had asked for a manager, she lied claiming it was herself and gave us more attitude. I would never go back there again nor recommend any of my NYC friends to.
(1)Grace S.
not a fan of their huevos rancheros, but their corn is so delicious! can't wait for the weather to be better so i can order and eat on the bench outside.
(4)Jeanna S.
AMAZING corn = MUST GET! cuban = good fries = good quesadilla = good can't really go wrong with anything on the menu drinks = disappointed my friend raved about the mojitos here but i thought they were just alright Only going to stick with the food whenever I go here p.s. the wait can be long so try to go on m-th or during non-peak hours
(5)Carlin Y.
The actual food was pretty good as well, but the CORN. Oh man, it's SO GOOD, but SO BAD. Really delicious, with whatever extra spice they put on it. It's probably faster to get the corn from the take-out window. Suggest going early or on a warm day so you can wait in the sun.
(4)Julie T.
I will always stretch my ways of eating here every time I'm in New York City. The grilled Mexican style corn, Cuban sandwiches, really strong espresso (I can go on and on about the menu but I'm pretty sure you get it). The restaurant is pretty compact itself (they shot a scene from Friends With Benefits starring Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis here, random fact) but there's a take-out area next door for those who wants a quick way to taste the amazingness coming out from this place. Do us all a favor and check this place out, you'll be going back for more, hands down.
(5)P C.
Came to Cafe Habana tonight to celebrate my girlfriend's successful job interview. It was more of a treat for me then for her though =D Congrats sweety! We ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style (otherwise known as Elote) for our appetizer. Each order comes with two ears of corn so it's great for sharing. I don't think I'd be able to eat anything else if I had to eat both. The corn here is slightly spicy which is different then I've had anywhere else before. It was delicious. For our entrees we ordered the Cuban Sandwich and the Huevos Rancheros A Caballo. The Cuban Sandwich had a note "voted best in NYC." While I thought it was good, I'm not too sure if I'd agree it's the best. It was also a bit messy to pick up and eat as the ingredients were off center and it was too saucy to try to slide back into place. The Huevos Rancheros A Caballo was a good combination in my opinion. It paired a traditional Mexican breakfast of eggs, tomato sauce, rice and bean with a seared strip of steak. At first the steak tasted great and was beautifully seared but as we got to the other end we realized it tasted more and more charred. By the time we got to the other end we noticed it was just completely burnt. Kind of a disappointment there. Everything else on the plate was okay, nothing to really write home about or leave Mexico for. The wait on this Thursday night wasn't bad. We waited about 20 minutes and were seat at the bar. The tiny place was packed. It was literally elbow to elbow. Surprisingly the bar seats were the roomiest. I wouldn't want to be here on the busy weekends. Maybe I'll just use the takeout window around the corner next time.
(4)Donald R.
This place is legit. I can't believe we stumbled upon this small restaurant on our trip to NY. Tucked away on a corner street surrounded by apartments, was this place. The decor had a comfort vibe to it, and the servers were really down to earth. They told us to get the Cuban sandwich and corn. Those were their 2 famous dishes that people always get. The Cuban was cooked to perfection, better than Porto's in LA, and the corn was melt in your mouth tasty. I can't believe the price as well. I noticed next door was their main restaurant that was a sit down. We were drunk and wanted something to eat asap so we took the quick route. I would come back for sure when I go back to NY. Thanks for being open late!
(5)James V.
Very good food. I liked it better when we ate in then when we had take out. Just tastes better fresh. The cuban sandwich and corn are awesome. Its one of those things you'll crave later on.
(5)Pragya S.
Corn is a must have. Waitress wouldn't customize simple order to vegetarian.
(3)David M.
where i take my kids to give them corn on the cob like their dead mother used to make. bon appetite cafe habana!
(5)Arielle S.
Was not really a fan of this spot. I had roast pork tacos that also had pineapple in it. the pork and pineapple tasted fine but they loaded it with other items (thinking it was cilantro), which overpowered the taste and then it was not so good anymore. The rice and beans were also very disappointing and taste better at the local tex mex place that my office orders lunch from. I dined with two friends. one had a cuban sandwich, which was described on the menu as voted one of the best in ny. she said it definitely was not one of the best. my other friend i think had an enchilada and barely ate her plate so that tells you something. the only thing we seemed to like was the side of tostones we had ordered. we also had a waitress with a major attitude----when she brought the change from our bill, she literally threw it on the table and coins went rolling. not sure what her problem was but it definitely deters me from coming back and trying additional menu items that might be better.
(2)Lily T.
The Mexican Corn and the Cubano. Best thing ever! I've only ever been to the take out part, never been in the sit in; restaurant area. It gets crowded on weekends and lunch/dinner on weekdays. Their lemonade and Mexican hot chocolate is pretty good too.
(5)Angela K.
This place is BOMB, enough said. Best cuban sandwich I've ever had. They are known for their corn, which comes roasted and coated with a layer of parmesan, mayo, and spices. If you come here you HAVE to get this. This spot is extremely small, but luckily a few patrons were just leaving as we stepped in. Plan to just grab the food to-go.
(5)Lauren J.
Tiny space, with teetering tables wedged EVERYWHERE (you're within elbow jabbing distance to your neighbors). The waitresses have a good attitude, though there were just two gals for the entire (packed) restaurant during our visit. I was not served what I ordered. It's a pretty popular place, but seemed full of tourists and chicks taking a breather from shopping. One of us kept getting whipped by the beaded curtain that separates the bathrooms from the restaurant (one table away, but hey! Still pretty much all up in your face). All of the above is enough to put me off Cafe Habana. You want to know about the food? The famous corn was doused with way too much cotija cheese. We love the idea of chili powder dusted on top of the cobs, but there was so much butter and cheese coating the kernels that we couldn't appreciate the taste. The accompanying lime slices were mad dry and were clearly fished out of the bartender's station (aka where citrus goes to die). Baja-style fish tacos were greasy. The Cuban sandwich was doused with way too much mayo. The "Mexican hot chocolate" was basically Nescafe. On the plus side, the New Museum is just two blocks away. Go recharge at their cafe instead.
(2)Anderson C.
Upon reading the infamous Jando's review AFTER already having sat through one of the WORST experience I've had at an establishment to date I will have to RESPECTFUL disagree my dude. PATRONS : There seems to be an influx of Asian customers today around 1pm sitting in for lunch at this place. DECOR : It is simple. I rather like it as it had several palm trees, yellowish painted walls, and a painting of a cabana boy trying to spit game to a lady on the beach as the centerpiece. The space itself I DID NOT like. It was cramped and VERY SMALL. I think they missed the difference between cozy and just plain eating on the subway during morning rush hour. This is NOT a dining experience that I expected from a dining establishment that didn't even have a visible sign of their restaurant name expect the logo on the front of the door to distinguish itself from just another hole in the wall venue. The seating was CRAMPED. The stools where we were had our backs to the window where foot traffic can see how nicely packed the diner is but nothing else. In fact, the tables in this place were so clusterf--ked that if someone had to use the lavatories we would had to disturbed a fellow patron to tuck in the seat what is already a tight niche space as it is. NOT COOL. The bar and the kitchen is connected with one just being as small as the latter. BONUS POINTS : you can see clearly into the TINY kitchen and that the cooks are wearing white vinyl gloves. So for sanitary purposes you get A+. SERVICE: 1) My party and I did NOT know there were reservations being taken when you walked through the door and the royal blue curtain draping which has an equal effect on blocking wind as doors open for new patrons as it did for BLOCKING the welcoming ambiance one would expect at ANY dining establishment. 2) Upon putting our name on the list for what seems to be only 2 parties ahead of us on the list we were given an estimate of 20 minutes wait time. This 20 minutes essentially lagged to 40 mins upon which added to the 20 ADDITIONAL minutes I waited previously for my party to arrive = 1hr. Already fuming I pray to the food GODS that the food was worthy of the wait. As you will read further, it was NOT. In fact, we were essentially SKIPPED ahead for a party of 4 that came AFTER US forcing us to have to take the bar stools in order to even get service. Fine, that is what we did. 3) The bartender was attentive but to his discredit it is hard NOT to be attentive when you are working in a space similarly to the l shape block in the game TETRIS. Not much you can do to avoid people really. FOOD: 1)The big PULL for this restaurant is their GRiLLED CORN MEXICAN STYLE (generous coating of cheese and chili powder served with lime wedges). I had a teeny bite of this and as a NON CHEESE FAN, this was not the dish for me. It was WAY too cheesy (good for all you LACTOSE TOLERANT folks) and the spiciness was OVERPOWERING. The corn itself was fine and the lime juice was a nice touch. 2) SLOPPY "JOSE" BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH (spicy bbq, jalapeno, chipotle mayo, lettuce, tomato) - Correct me if I'm wrong but it does say BBQ in the name? it DID NOT contained even the slightest hint of BBQ whether it be sauce or the smokiness that was to be EXPECTED. I will say this, they did stuff the MEAT and the bread was CRUNCHY hard which was good. The presentation was also good. 3) CUBAN SANDWICH - I am beside myself as to how a Cuban Establishment mess up a CUBAN sandwich. It would be like Asian people F--king up MAKING RICE! Ironically, on their online menu/dine-in menu it was voted BEST in NYC? Not quite sure which year this was but I've had MUCH better. The sandwich itself was BLAND. At the very least I would have been okay with it being salty which it wasn't neither. The bread again was the best part which was CRUNCHY and nicely presented but there were only so much bread one person can eat (Reference :Olive Garden). The one streak of sweet mustard was not enough to give the sandwich a good kick to the taste buds as it was only on one measly side of the sandwich. Once again they do PACK THE MEAT so there's that. PRICE: $9.75 + $7.50 + Tips = roughly $20 for my meal alone. Decent NYC price but not for what you have just read. Advice = I would try this establishment again but not in the near future. It could have been an off day for them but one can never REALLY tell.
(2)Melanie M.
Got the corn and yes it was good. At the same time, I've tried making this corn at home and it's not that hard to do and just as good. I also had the cuban sandwich and it was meh. I've had a better cuban sandwich from a food truck. Pork was on the dry side and quite salty. Service was rushed and I didn't feel welcome eating at this place.
(2)Eric Y.
If you don't mind waiting.....be ready for a wait. This little place has a high turn over rate and they do try to seat you as quickly as possible but if you are looking to eat during the main lunch rush...expect to wait about 30 minutes. This goes for a two some as well as big parties. Part of this is that many people eat here in big groups and it is not set up to handle them. Seating was cramped and uncomfortable. Felt like I was going to be bumping elbows with the guy next to me. I had the amazing corn on the cob and the Cuban sandwich. I for serious seconds for the corn on the cob.... I literally devoured that and wanted more :). It was Delicious! Cuban sandwich was decent but was a bit on the cold side when I got it. it lacked the right out of the oven goodness that I craved. Thankfully, they take credit card.... Didn't bring enough cash that day. Service was rushed.... Which was understandable because their were so many people waiting to be seated. I'll come back for the corn on the cob.
(4)Amanda M.
The food and service was both so excelent! Everyone from the hostess to our waitress (who was also the bartender) were so friendly and up-beat. I went with a friend from out of town for lunch and we were a little shocked at how small and crowded the place was, but the hostess definitley made up for this by being so friendly and assuring us she would seat us right away. I love Cuban food and this place was no exception! Delicious fried plaintains and I had the pork tacos which were amazing. I also ordered a side of spicy sauteed spinach, this was my only disappointment because they were pretty bland, I wouldn't reccomend them for $5.50. Definitley want to go back for dinner when I can test out their drinks! Just be prepared to be up-close and personal with your neighbors and to not be able to hear your partner speak as it is very loud; but mid-day I found this invigorating. I gave 4 stars instead of five though just because it was loud and crowded, and my pork was a little dry (they were still excellent and I would def reccomend them!)
(4)Arlene Y.
Theres two parts to this restaurant, a sit down place, and a "take out" place next door. Never made it to the sit down restaurant due to it being too crowded, so I usually go to the other part of the restaurant. I tried the cuban sandwich and it was mediocre but honestly this place is solely know for their Corn, and man oh man is this corn good. Seasoned perfectly with spices and lime and topped with queso fresco. Just eat some corn, drink some Mango Jarritos and you are good to go.
(4)Jonathan W.
I used to be a big fan of this place but the more popular it's becoming the more apparent is the decline in customer service. For the most part, there is always a wait for a seat so I usually sit at the bar/counter. I am not a huge fan of the food so I will normally just have cocktails, which I do in-fact enjoy. This particular visit I decided to sit at a table and have a bite. Not only was the waitress very curt and non-receptive, but she was in such a hurry to get the table next to me out the door that she spilled a drink on me. Fortunately, she was empathetic enough to take the drinks I had ordered off of the bill because of the accident on her behalf, but at that point her rudeness really struck a cord with my appetite and I was asking for the check and out the door soon after.
(2)Meridith G.
Maybe I built up this place in my head, or maybe it was the 97 degree weather mixed with no AC. But I just thought it was okay. I had the Mexican corn and the cuban. Both were fine. Nothing to rave about or send a friend to. Every thing was just fine, I expected fabulous
(3)Tj C.
Easily the best Cuban sandwich I've eaten!! It's a must try!!! I go to Miami & eat Cubans all the time but they don't taste like this. I think the shredded pork makes all the difference. I'll be back!!
(5)Thomas W.
We need more of these affordable Latino restaurants in NYC. I had the Huevos Rancheros. It was simply made with beans, sunny-side eggs and hash browns. The key was that the food was fresh, and made with care. I cannot wait to return!
(4)Jeremy P.
I love places like this. Unassuming restaurants that just offer quality ethnic food. They are not in the business of running a restaurant: they are in the business of making food. I had the tostones, the Cuban sandwich, and a lime Jarritos. The sandwich was superb, and was well-endowed with juicy pork. The tostones, which, if you are uninitiated to Central American and Caribbean food, are fried plantains. These were delicious, though I could only eat about half of them. The place is small and crowded, but it is endearing in a way. One of my favorite things about eating at small restaurants in New York is being able to sit at the window and watch people walking by while you eat. That's not creepy, is it?
(4)Alyssa V.
I come here all the time. I never have waited more then 45 mins at rush periods, which is pretty good for soho. I can't believe it took me this long to write a review for a staple in my life. Seriously the food is delicious. Also, I'm a vegetarian and their options are not many but the ones they have are the best!!
(5)Shelby S.
This place has a really charming ambiance about it. It's small, but when you walk in, you get to take a little break from Manhattan. However, that's because of the Latin flavor, not the lack of a crowd. There is often a wait- but it is well worth it. The food is really good and inexpensive. I had the shrimp tacos, which were excellent. I would definitely recommend this place, and I am definitely going back.
(4)Rebekah H.
Came here for breakfast with friends and thought the food was good. Service was good that morning too but we were also the only people there so that may account for it. The tables are ridiculously small and not friendly for more than one person at time, let alone a group. Also, I was not impressed by the cleanliness of this establishment, we were there right after they opened and it didn't seem to have been cleaned very well the night before. Not filthy but just not quite as clean as I would like it to be.
(3)Chieu L.
It was alright....I was expecting amazing but everything was sub par....definitely not worth the rave reviews... The corn was good. The plantains were bland. The chicken was dry and do was the steak. The mole and diablo were good. Definitely just ok. You're not missing anything if you don't try it and they messed up order...so whatever not going back.
(3)Kenia C.
Really good food!! I always get the corn, steak with white rice and black beans, fried sweet plantains, and nice alcoholic beverage! It's extremely small so you're sitting a foot away from the next person (if you're lucky, its probably less) . If it's your first date then it can be a bit awkward because it feels like people are listening in or looking at you. Service is a bit on the slow side so go if you have some time because every time i have gone it has been busy. There might be a half hour wait but it's worth it. Don't go with a large bag, or a ton of shopping bags! There is no room for it. NOW GO! treat your taste buds to a nice meal!
(4)Christine T.
Super tiny, but they have the best Cuban sandwich in town. Ask for green sauce, and get the corn too
(4)Wynona L.
Second time coming here just for their delicious $2 corn. Love it! My friends and I attempted to sit down and eat at the full-blown restaurant, but the wait was about an hour. You can expect as much on a Saturday night. There must be a reason for the crowds of people coming to this place.
(4)Roham U.
I am in love with Cafe Habana. I've been here twice, both times earlier in the week and at an early-ish time (6-7p) to beat the crowds. Neither time have I had trouble getting a table for four. The corn is amazing- two ears of corn cut into four pieces with chili powder, creme, cotija cheese and lime, and for $4. Not bad for NYC. I could go on and on about the corn, but I think enough has been said about it. The shrimp tacos that my friends got were not very flavorful, but what you must try is the Camarones Al Ajillo- shrimp in a spicy garlic sauce served with rice and beans. So, so scrumptuous. For this one dish alone, I came back to Cafe Habana, and will continue to go back for.
(5)Christine Joy G.
its a cute little corner spot.. limited space, long lines but the food is yum! the corn is everything other yelp reviews describe it as.. plus more!! i also had the grilled skirt steak which was cooked perfectly. i really enjoyed the food! and the service was quick and attentive. definitely will come back esp if i'm in the area!
(4)Maz T.
2 stars are only for the most delicious corn ever served, zero stars for the rudest costumer service! went there with a group of my friends early evening last Sunday, we were 7 and the only small tables free were far from each other meaning we wouldn't see each other over dinner. we decided to occupy the existing tables, order our food and wait for another table to open up and squeeze around two tables to enjoy the food together which i think is very normal for customers to ask for and a fairly straight forward thing to make happen for a server. Our server though, probably named Gina simply refused to help us and told us once you are seated you can not move! it didn't make sense, so we asked to talk to the manager which they said didn't exist! we talked to an ignorant blond girl sitting at the bar that seemed to be the supervisor of the other servers. she argued we never take more than 6 ppl! which they obviously did. anyways, after few minutes they decided to be a little nicer, she changed our server, let us move to the tables we wanted which proved to be even more convenient for them! we then had our fantastic corn and mediocre enchiladas on the smallest tables ever. wished they didn't treat ppl like they didn't need costumers.
(2)Charlie W.
This place was all living up to the hype. The corn was awesome and we had mushroom chicken dish. Had to wait 30 mins in line outside for a table, but turned out to be worth it. Lively atmosphere that makes u hungrier! Will be back!
(5)Cathia L.
The tacos are good, had dinner with a friend after work here because I was in the mood for tacos and I really enjoyed it here. I really wanted to try the grilled corn from looking around but I was already full. But there is always next time. The place is a bit of a tight fit, you would be much better off at the bar or in a booth. Also the waitress with the cute natural fro was a delight.
(3)Marie D.
Worst place and rudest place u will eat in NYC!! Go somewhere anywhere better! Not even worth one star!
(1)Darwin G.
I've heard the hype and I will say that for the corn at least, the hype is true. The setting is quite interesting, in the style of a "Cuban" diner. On a weekday, it can be a bit of a wait, but they seated us in 5 minutes. People in front of us had left pretty quickly after hearing there was a wait and put their name down. For the main dishes, my tacos were pretty boring. The rice was slightly overcooked and the pork was quite bland. My friend also did not care much for his Cubano. For half the price, taco trucks do food twice as good. On the plus side, the grilled corn is an absolute killer. My friend did not want any and I devoured the two ears by myself. It's charred slightly from the grill to add a smokey flavor. Then it's deliciously smothered with mayonnaise, salty and crumbly Mexican cheese, cayenne pepper, and fresh lime slices. The combination is sublime. It's not the best value, but definitely worth the try.
(3)Alex L.
Heard a lot about this place and was anxious to try it. It's small...not many tables...diner decor. Long wait times. The vegetarian tacos (w/ cactus) and tacos pastor (pork) were very average. The grilled corn is good but it's just as good at other places. A bit overrated. There's take-out next door.
(3)George L.
Went there last night. To my surprise the place looked like a diner. It was pretty packed so my buddy and I took the seats at the counter instead of waiting for a table. They do not have a well stocked bar but i'm sure if you order straight from the drink menu everything would be fine, but i ordered a gin and tonic, and they had only plymouth gin and no tonic. No bigger, just got some gin with some lemons and it was fine. My buddy and I shared the corn which was amazing! I went in with high expectations due to all the glowing reviews of the corn and I was not disappointed. I wanted to eat all the cheese off the plate but I think that would have bothered the people around me so I used some self control. Now on to the entree. I ordered the Huevos Ranchero de caballo (or something like that). Basically steak and eggs with beans and rice. I ordered medium rare and It was almost medium rare but close enough. The meat quality was not amazing but good. The flavor of the meal was delicious! My buddy ordered the Cuban Sammy. He enjoyed the cuban but he said it was a bit dry. Then again he did put that mayo based dressing on the side so it was not really as it was suppose to be (he isn't a fan of mayo). Anyway he probably should of got something else but like I said he still enjoyed it. Maybe next time I will try it. The service was good and pleasant and the crowd was mixed and the wait was short for a wed night at 7:30ish. All in all I will come again! Maybe a Margarita or Mojito next time.
(4)Ariane S.
Best Cuban food I've ever had in NYC...delicious corn and amazing taco appetizer. Very reasonably priced as well...not great for big groups but fun for 2-3 people.
(5)Sandy O.
it was summer when I walked in hungry from a night of drinking, no ac, but the fans, humidity, & ambiance made me feel like I was in Cuba, lol. I'm a Cuban sandwich lover and this was new for me. It was pressed like a panini but the first bite had the juices dripping from the side of my mouth like I've never eaten anything so sexy.
(5)Jocelyn L.
We stumbled in here after a popup store opening a few blocks away on Broadway. This place was packed at 10p on a Thursday night! Great staff, great service; they were very accommodating and got us seated right away at the bar. The 3 of us split an order of the Grilled Corn- Mexican style, Tacos Al Pastor and Cubano Sandwich. Grilled Corn: perfectly charred with mayo, cojita cheese and chili powder. Awesome Tacos Al Pastor: probably not the best tacos i've ever had, but it fulfilled our supper needs! Cubano Sandwich: juicy pork panini. yum! Very reasonable prices, yummy food, highly recommend
(4)Ganious M.
I miss this spot and everything about it. From the day it opened to the last time I visited. :( The only thing bad about it was that too many people felt like I did, so I never seemed to have it to myself!
(5)Rachel L.
Cuban sandwich. tacos. roast pork. plantains. all good but the best?? CORN. wowza. at one visit I think I had 5 corns and nothing else
(4)Francisco G.
I had no idea this was a Cuban+Mexican place. I hadn't checked Yelp before going so I was surprised by all the Mexican choices on the menu. Not a big deal, I like both cuisines, I was just not prepared for it. But now I know that the place is meant to be a mix of both. I'm Cuban and I was looking for a place with more Cuban options on the specific day I went. Anyways... Apart from that, the Roast Pork dish I had was melt in your mouth tender and flavored well. Portions were great, not too much like typical Cuban places and not too little. My Michelada was good. I didn't try the corn which everyone seems to be raving about. The crowd was pretty and trendy Soho like all the restaurants in that area (which I like). Would I go back? sure why not. Would I rave about this place? eh.. For pure Cuban I'd rather go down to Sophie's on Chambers St yelp.com/biz/sophies-cub… for Mexican I'd rather go just a few doors down to Tacombi. ( yelp.com/biz/tacombi-new… )
(3)Chloe K.
Cafe Habana is amazing, my absolute favourite. The corn is to die for and I always get the fish tacos. The rice and beans are the best I've ever had, I wish I could recreate them at home. The staff are lovely and the vibe is great. Totally recommend to everyone looking for a fun place with delicious Mexican food.
(5)Raymond L.
Amazing corn and definitely don't think about sharing the 2-cob order because you will want to eat them both. Excellent frozen margarita too. However, the main courses (I had steak & huevos rancheros. My friends had shrimp tacos and fish tacos) were mediocre. Not much seating either; We had a tiny table for the three of us and had to shovel our appetizers to our main plates to make room on the table. At least the wait staff is friendly!
(4)Allison Y.
sadly not as good as i thought it would be. the corn was extremely flavorful and delicious but i feel like the actual corn itself coulda been fresher. it was also lukewarm when we got it..sad. it has so much potential haha
(3)Lindsay S.
Probably the best cuban/mexican food that I've had in quite some time. Really amazing and such great prices. The only downside is the wait time--they dont take reservations. I waited for a table for 2 for about 45 min on a busy friday night around 830. regardless, the food made up for it. Total cost for 2 apps and 2 mains was $40. Definitely get the corn to start and I also ordered a tortilla app with chorizo, mozz, avocado which was fantastic. All the main dishes are well priced and give you a ton of food. To be honest, I was full after the appetizers and got to bring home some leftovers. Will 100% be back but maybe during a weeknight to cut down on the wait time.
(5)Christopher S.
BEST CORN ON EARTH!!!!!!! You have to try the corn here because it is breath taking and you will want more and more lol each serving comes with 2 so it's great!!! The drinks are good and the waitress is very good always paying attention to you and if you need anything they always available. Good lil spot for a little crew not a big crowd because its not so big so wait times are long. Overall 5 stars!
(5)Jennifer M.
When you're at this establishment, you must try: - Mexican Corn Perfect blend of spices & cheese on a cob of corn. Splash a dash of lime and it's heavenly!! - Cuban Sandwich For some reason, the restaurant tends to make it a lot tastier than the take out side of the restaurant. Maybe the one I had at the restaurant made sure the cheese was all melted & gooey before serving it to you whereas the take out side just slaps all the ingredients together as fast as they can. Pricing is actually pretty good for the quality!! I frequent this place a lot but sometimes the Cuban sandwich disappoints or the corn is just warm coming out... so for its inconsistent quality I can't give it the full 5*
(4)Michael L.
Omg, the corn is so mf'ing good I could eat like 5. I'll be honest, I haven't a clue what else they serve here. Eat corn. It's 5-star corn. Not sure what that means either but it's good.
(5)Karen C.
The corn.... it's not right... It just doesn't make sense. How does it taste the way it does? The grilled shrimp tacos and the shredded pork plate were both delicious. They came with black beans and rice on the side. I thought the rice was better than most similar restaurants. The extra side of plantains were as expected and a good portion to share. The side spinach was cooked similar to a Chinese restaurant's (sautéed wet with garlic). The service was great and the wait was about 40 minutes even at 9:30pm on a Thursday night.
(4)Tiffany B.
This place is awesome! I don't even like spicy food much, but the corn is soooo good. Adding it to my monthly food rotation.
(4)Amanda H.
Came here because my roommate and I were looking for some Mexican food that was, well, real and better than Chipotle haha. Ended up here and I got the Shirley Temple for a drink (very good) as well as the Tlacoyo des Tres Marias for an entree (very good, although I think in retrospect the rice and beans were the best part) and a side of plantains. Overall good experience with a good price - and yes, next time I'm going to try the corn!
(4)Monica T.
We came here on that super rainy Friday after trying to get into tacombi. But cafe habana is a good choice regardless. Friendly staff and food smells goos! A bunch of us ordered burgers, burrito, cuban sandwich, fries and beer. Their fries are really good! Cuban was solid big! Filled with ham and pulled pork. Only caveat that I didnt like was my pork was a little cold :( or else that is a mean cuban! Deliciousness
(4)Rob P.
After a week in NYC, I'd say Cafe Habana is one of the best meals we've had. And that includes 3 Restaurant Week meals for 4x the price! The grilled corn is off the charts, and I find myself craving it right now weeks after I've eaten it. Will definitely be back for that. Everything else we had was super flavorful, and it's super affordable. No wonder this place is packed around the clock.
(5)Avi S.
5 stars cuz it has the best verson of corn on the cob I've ever had in my life. The Grilled Mexican corn....this place could only serve that (with drinks of course) and I'd still give it 5 stars.....Only bad thing I could say is that it gets really packed and theres no room to walk.....but they got good corn so it all makes it better...
(5)Leonard S.
Great food and service.
(4)Ruddy C.
I'd fight wars over the grilled corn and cuban sandwich here .. unbelievable
(5)Charmaine L.
arrived at 10:45am so that we could try the grilled corn everyone raves about. the waitresses wouldn't let us order until 11am which is when they start serving the corn. so we sat around for 15 minutes before they would even serve us our mexican hot chocolate. when the corn arrived, it was nicely colored, smothered in butter and cheese, spreckled with cayenne, and served with limes and toothpicks. the corn was crisp, crunchy, sweet, and every cornel was delicious. it's fun eating corn that leaves butter all over your cheeks!
(4)Nidhi P.
My friends and I were really craving Mexican one night and actually asked a complete stranger on the NYC streets for his recommendation. He quickly recommended Cafe Habana and even though we were all the way in Midtown we decided to give it a shot after he went on and on about it. The wait was over 45 minutes on a Tuesday night in the summer, but we figured that we came so far so we had to try. The place is tiny and not luxurious but who cares when the food is great? We ordered the enchiladas and our waitress had no problem switching the meat out for plain beans, since we are vegetarians. It was SO good, I think it's one of the only places I can clear my plate. The second time I went was a cold Friday night in December. We were honestly expecting a wait cause it's tourist season during the holidays but were seated right away. This time, we started out with the corn which was HEAVEN. So amazing. As we were ordering the enchiladas this time, our waitress told us that we couldn't make any substitutions. We were pretty upset since 1) we've substituted before and 2) there are only 3 vegetarian entrees on the menu. We explained our situation and she went to ask the chef, who agreed to make them vegetarian. However, for the rest of the night she would periodically come over to our table and tell us that this would be a one-time thing and next time we wouldn't be able to make this request. That was kinda off-putting since my friends and I were obsessed with this place. I want to come back and probably will but I'm a little hesitant after having this experience.
(4)Shirley C.
So I came here today with a few friends because I've been craving the corn. The server took our order and we sat there waiting for our food. We ordered corn and cuban sandwiches and the food took forever to come. 30 minutes after the server took our order I thought to myself....okay maybe they are just taking a long time because there is a lot of people. After another 30 minutes, I noticed that the tables around me were seated after the server took my order, but they got their food already. I couldn't take it anymore and asked the server where our food was. Turns out the fryer was broken so our sandwiches and corn were left out in the cold waiting on the fries. So when we finally got our food, the corn and cuban sandwich was kind of cold and on top of that, I found a piece of aluminum foil in my sandwich. I don't know if the fries are supposed to taste like home fries because they were not crispy at all so I don't know why they needed the fryer in the first place.
(2)Denny S.
Woww...! Let me just say that it was most well spend $50 by far... I ordered 5 grilled corn and 4 cuban sandwich.. Man...till today i still can vividly picture the very moment when i took the first bite and the slow roasted pork falling out from the sandwich...the crusty bread...the pickles...the ham...everything is just so right! Highly recommend this place..my recommendation is to go on weekdays after lunch rush to avoid the craziness..! I will certainly go back to this place in the near future to stuff my face with some cuban sandwich!
(5)Kathy W.
I really want to give this restaurant a higher review given what others have said, but I have to be honest here -- this place is just average. Yes, I tried the corn. It was tasty, but what kind of food doused in mayo, cheese and chilli powder is not?? For entrees, we got the sloppy joe and chicken casserole. The sloppy joe was very savory, a little too much for brunch unless you're seriously hung over and craving a bucket of grease first thing in the morning. Only thing I was impressed by was the beans that came with the chicken casserole. Finally, as mentioned by others, the restaurant is always packed. We came fairly early on Saturday and the line was already out the door. We waited about 30 minutes for a table (others fared much worse). Given the wait and average food, I will not be returning.
(3)Angel S.
Cafe Habana's grilled mexican corn has to be one of the best things I've eaten in New York so far, along with Momofuku's pork buns, artichoke pizza from Basille's, and the Akamaru Modern from Ippudo. The corn had a smooth buttery flavor, and was perfectly complemented by melted cotija cheese. The chili powder added just the right amount of kick. Squeezed in some lime and, bam, I was floored. The slow roasted pork plate was not too shabby either, though the rice and beans were slightly bland. For a beautiful half hour, I had visions of Southern California and SF's Mission District. The total damage was a smidge over $12 and I had to walk all the way up to Grand Central just to burn it all off. Totally worth it.
(4)Anna O.
We got seated straight away (only because we arrived by 12.15pm), so that's obviously a plus at lunch. But then everything went downhill from there...we didn't get drinks for 10-15 minutes, and even then we had to ask. We didn't get our food for 40 minutes, which meant we had to eat fast. Our water never got refilled. And for that delightful experience, the food was very so-so; standard comfort food loaded with cheese, nothing new or crazy. Tasty but not exceptionally so. The layout of the menu is all over the place in terms of organization and pricing. Nothing was under $7.50 really (except the corn, which none of us wanted). Might come again if I have a 2 hour lunch break and have exhausted all other options in the area.
(2)Riki V.
LOVE THIS PLACE!!! Whenever I'm in town I have to stop here for some corn and a cuban. A MUST!!!
(4)Stanley M.
Ok, so the restaurant is somewhat misnamed, or at least the name is misleading. It is much more of a Californianized Mexican fare with a Cuban/Carribean flare. But the layout is pleasant, and the staff are extremely friendly, don't have the typical Malibu 'tude, and try their best to do their job right. Their corn on the cob, fish tacos, and carne asada are far more flavorful than in a typical Mexican restaurant, with some unique touches. Perhaps they could find something more original than chips and salsa to serve off the bat. But other than that, I think it is a welcome arrival in that part of Malibu, where the clientele are somewhat jaded, and quite demanding. I give it a thumbs up despite it being slightly over priced.
(5)Lotta A.
I am so glad I checked Yelp before ordering here, because I would be so disappointed if I had not ordered the corn! It was by far the best corn I have ever eaten, and I eat corn like it's going out of style every summer. An order of the corn and the Cuban sandwich is a perfect amount of food for two non-starving people, and is a fantastic deal. Those two items, a guava daiquiri, and a beer only set us back $30. While the service was not great, the food more than made up for it. Highly recommended!
(5)Kimberly B.
Warmer weather is blessing us as of late, and it's not too early for a foodie mission in search of the city's best elotes callejeros. Indeed, that is Spanish for grilled corn-on-on-the cob smothered with cream, spice and a squirt of caramelized lime. Undeterred by the large crowds nestled in front of Café Habana, it was here that I found what I consider to be corn's reigning kingdom (no kidding, every single patron was eating the grilled "crack-on-the-cob." But really, it's no surprise. The elotes callejeros from Café Habana is no doubt the single best way to spend $3.95 in New York City! One order gets you two delicious corn cobs smothered in a blend of spicy creamy goodness. Butter, mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder with a spritz of lime - what more can you ask for? Corn cob plus rich spread of condiments plus low-cost equals the ideal snack for anytime, anywhere. This rich, bold, salty dish is the perfect summer indulgence for everyone: vegetarians, kids, even picky eaters in general. If you aren't a corn-person, just give the ones at Café Habana a chance. Trust me, they'll change your outlook on corn cobs...and life has never tasted so good. Eat it Up! **Note: The Cafe Habana Outpost in Brooklyn is probably open for the season by now, and is so much fun (though the long lines travel all the way down to Soho)...but it too is worth the wait! Best Cuban in the city; hands down.
(4)Laura B.
This is one of those places that you never forget. You know when the nuances of the flavors in food are so precise yet mysterious at the same time? Yeah....both frustrating and AMAZING I've tried to mimic the Mexican Grilled Corn at home on multiple occasions to no avail. Like the guac at Dos Caminos...they'll give out the recipe, but that spice combination seems to be the key and is never really detailed. Alas I'll just have to keep returning time and time again for more. It is to die for. The steak sandwich is also one of the best things that I have ever eaten. There is some kind of sweet and spicy mayo that gets put on the bread that when combined with the grilled sweet onions (and I don't even like onions) and green bell peppers, is so unbelievably good. Add in some high quality grilled beef and you've got yourself a little piece of heaven. It doesn't get too much better than Cafe Habana.
(5)Vi N.
definitely a local favorite. always a wait, but worth it. the restaurant itself is all powered by solar energy. meals are priced fairly here, and the favorites are the grilled corn, it's basically the mexican style corn you get in California, but looks a lot more gourmet then the ones from Cali! You get 2 for about $3.50 or if you go next door to their takeout store, its $2 for one. the cubano sammich here is very tasty. best i've had in nyc.
(4)Robert G.
The food was delicious but the cafe was understaffed. The grilled corn did NOT disappoint and entree was tasty. It was a little expensive for the portion size but hey, it's NYC. I would definitely visit again, but I would hope to get a table that isn't next to restroom.
(4)Josh M.
Yum yum yum... this place is popular for a reason!
(5)alisa g.
not worth HALF of the price. I have been here before and understood there is usually a wait however last week it was a bit extreme. The hostess asked if my whole party was here - yes 4 ppl, and then said okay 20 minutes max 40. We ended up waiting 1 hour. I kept telling my friends the food was worth it but they just kept looking at Jaques across the street hoping i would stop being so persistent. FInally the wait was over and we were crammed into a tiny space where peoples asses were in our faces while we were trying to eat and have a good time. When the waitress came to place our table settings she gave us each a napkin in front of us and then threw the forks and knives onto the middle of the table. For the tiny table that it was this action seemed SO harsh and barbarian. Reminded me of what my mom would do when i was 8 years old and she was busy with other things, except with a spoon, never knives or forks. The food i kept raving about, in the end did not match my expectations, and failed to justify the wait. To add insult to injury the bill was heinous. To wait an hour for food, get terrible service, and feel rushed out with a crowd of ppl in this tiny restaurant all mashing their asses near our food was just a gross experience. In the end we all had to laugh that i am so terrible at picking restaurants and that i was never allowed to choose a place again. Oh and the drinks were weak. I had been here before and remembered the drinks being good but that was a huge contrast from before to now. My friend told something to the waitress about it possibly being made stronger and she said "its a standard recipe" Well the recipe sucks Cafe Habana. - and never will i be foolish enough to return. On top of all this in house disgrace, when i got home i threw up and i believe i got food poisoning from this place.
(1)Annie C.
I don't care what anyone else thinks or says, this place has the best grilled corn. Just make sure you don't go here for your first date :)
(4)Angela W.
Just picked up an ear of corn from the little hole next to the actual sit-down restaurant. This place was packed! It took over 20 minutes to get just 2 ears of corn. Despite the wait, I cannot hate corn so long as I shall live, so of course this perfectly grilled corn with plump and juicy kernels, doused in mayo, chili powder, cheese, and lime get 4 stars from me. Also being $2 was a big bonus, especially for NYC, and especially since those damn county fairs sell them for like $4 an ear or some other more ridiculous amount (though they are heavenly). Love it!
(4)Angie L.
The first time I heard of this place was from a facebook picture that a friend took. She had raved about the place so we made sure we checked it out next time we're in NYC and boy, has this place become the MUST to visit for us. We always order Fire roasted Mexican Corn: EXCELLENT! and Cuban Sandwich- really really good, although last visit, I did try the Fish tacos, which was really good too. Generous portion on the Cuban sandwich. Normally I will share with the Mr just so we can enjoy the corn too without being too full. The place is tiny and the wait can get crazy, but it's totally worth the wait. If you're not comfortable having people sit so close next to you, this may not be the place for you. When I said tiny, I meant really really tiny. You could hear what your neighbor is saying clearly. If you don't want to deal with this, take it to go! There's a to go area in the corner. Servers are attentive and nice enough. Food comes pretty quick. Definitely one of my favorite places to visit in NYC. Will be checking out the Malibu location soon enough, though I'm not sure it'll be the same. The OG is always better :)
(5)Mindy J.
Good steak. Amazing corn
(3)Molly T.
I came here with my boyfriend for dinner after a show at the New Museum. We were told there was a 30 minute wait, which turned out only to be about 15. Mojitos, mexican corn & veggie tacos! Everything was so yummy and the menu was much more interesting than similar places I've been to. I loved the ambiance of the busy restaurant and even though we were packed in (to the point of pulling out the table to get into the bench) I felt comfortable and had a really nice evening. Also: great for watching other people on dates! I was thrilled to finally check this place out & would love to go back.
(4)Ben M.
The grilled corn is some of the best i've ever had. It's incredible. Go for that reason if nothing else. The rest of the food is good. It's a little expensive, but good. I usually get take out from this place because it's so small inside..
(4)Ashley A.
CORN. Awesome. But, the rest of my meal was just ok. I'd definitely go back, and definitely recommend it to others but would also try something different next time. This place is tiny, kind of difficult to get around inside.
(4)Eric J.
I was rather disappointed with this place. Came here on a Monday afternoon to find a 30 minute wait. On a Monday afternoon?! They simply do not have enough space inside for the volume of customers they need to be seating. Upon being seated, the three of us were cramped into each other around a little square table that could not hold all of our dishes. We had to put one on the booth and another behind the booth on the window sill. GHETTO! On to the food, the Mexican corn was great! I ordered the cuban sandwich and was very disappointed. It was greasy, sloppy, and not fresh. I've had much better from West Village spot Cafe Havana.
(2)Kate C.
My friend got food poisoning here last week. Yuck. Not only is this place not worth the price or the overcrowding, but now you have to risk getting sick here.
(1)melissa b.
so, we finally made our way here and waited for an hour. the place is small, cramped, but still cute..now onto the food. the corn is a must! it is ridiculous, an explosion of flavors!! onto the main my boyfriend got the Cuban sandwich and i got the camarones al ajillo, both were pretty good, tasty but the corn is love at first bite!
(4)John H.
Pros: Amazing corn appetizer, still thinking about it 2 weeks later. Delicious Cuban Sandwich -- probably the best I've ever had. Cons: The place is small, and you might have to wait a while for a table, and when you get it you will be sitting on top of other people.
(4)Jihea P.
I personally dont think you come here for service. As mentioned many a times below, the hostess can be rude, the space is super cramped, there is no waiting room while the line can be long, they whisk your plate away as soon as you drop your spoon on the empty plate, and they assume your apps are done if there is little food left. BUT the food is GREAT, portions are BIG, and the price is CHEAP. Thus, I will definitely be back. Came on a saturday night at around 630pm with three pals. We ordered the yummie yummie corn, the crispy plaintains, corn cakes (forgot the cuban name), the grilled pork, shrimp tacos, 2 steak enchiladas, and 2 drinks. All were really fabulous and looked very tasty. Absolutely no complaints about the food whatsoever. We were starving having trekked from brooklyn and when we walked out, we were beyond full, having paid a lil over 23 bucks per person. You really can't beat that in Nolita.
(4)Ian Y.
The corn will change your life. If you're not in the mood to sit, or wait, you can go around the corner to their take out place. Everything on the menu is solid, but the corn is what sets the place apart.
(4)Jennifer Y.
Corn Corn Corn! So I've heard a lot of hype about the Mexican corn and decided to check it out one day. The corn was cheesy and chipotle mayo-ey but didn't taste spectacular.... at first. There's something about the corn that calls to you. I left feeling indifferent about the corn... but felt a strange craving for it 3 days later. I work nearby so it wasn't so hard to satisfy the craving, but I still have this tiny voice in my head that screams "Need. Mexican. Corn. Cafe. Habana. Now."
(4)sy w.
The hand pulled pork sandwich was out of this world! There was a line outside the eatery and did not go away even when a thunderstorming downpour rolled in! That should tell you how desperate the customers were... And great fast service!
(5)eriin w.
yum yum, corn on the cob. dont forget they shot the lenny kravitz video here too!
(4)Nam L.
I've been here a few times when I come to NYC to visit friends and the food definitely keeps me coming back. I would give it more stars, but I just wish they were bigger and the wait wasn't a minimum of 2 hours every time I come (I swear people must camp out overnight). I usually try to get there for brunch and the crowd is pretty much already 30 deep just before 11AM. I always think the New Yorkers must still be sleeping off last night's drinking binge, but they must just stroll over and wait before they even make it home. The place is small, like someone literally plopped a trailer at the street corner and turned it into a restaurant-small, so you better be ok with squeezing into tight corners to get to your seat and feeling like you're on a quadruple date. I think it gives the place a nice atmosphere as if you're actually eating at a little cafe in the middle of a bustling street in South America, but I know that's not everyone's cup of tea. Alternately, you can just order take out a door over if you can't wait or you don't want to squeeze into the place. Despite the wait and closed quarters the food is definitely delicious and the service is good too. All the waitresses are really nice and I do commend them for handling the (sometimes) unruly crowd so well. I highly recommend the corn. You really can't go wrong with fresh grilled corn on the cob with queso blanco, chili powder, and lime (YUM!). I also think they make one of the best cubanos I've ever had. The cubano has the perfect amount of meat pressed between delicious crisp bread. Wash it all down with an ice cold michelada and I the day is off to a damn good start!
(3)Natalie V.
Whenever people visit New York, I bring them here. This is my favorite restaurant in the city, and that's saying a lot! Although it is always a feat getting a table here, I think its small size and loud atmosphere make Cafe Habana a neighborhood gem. The corn=orgasmic, the mojitos=orgasmic, the plantains=orgasmic, the arroz con pollo=orgasmic......catch my drift? EVERYTHING HERE IS AMAZING! Seriously. If you're trying to go on a Saturday night, good luck! That's the only downside, it's just a tad too small to accommodate enough diners.
(5)Elizabeth H.
This is one of my favorite brunch places in NYC! One word: CORN. This is a must have, and, to me, the best thing on the menu. An order comes with two corns, and I like to have it all to myself (and I'm not alone). Everything else on the menu is solid brunch food, but nothing memorable in comparison. The place is small, so expect to be cozying it up with others. I don't mind it, but actually like how non-pretentious the place feels because of it. Also, depending on when you go, expect to stand in line. Saturdays and Sundays between 1-4pm are probably their busiest brunch hours (I've never gone for dinner), so expect to wait around 30 minutes, and possibly up to a hour. When food is involved, I usually do not mind the wait. :)
(4)Sophia L.
The grilled corn is tasty! Corn+butter+mexican spices+cheese= $2 well spent. The line is pretty long though....blame youtube guru Michelle Phan for advertising this place.
(4)Sue K.
B. An and I came here on a Saturday afternoon with some visitors and made it just in time for a really late brunch around 4:30. The place is really tiny but they somehow managed to squeeze the four of us into a tiny table in the back corner. I was staaarving so I ordered the Sloppy Pepe because it warns you in the menu that it's "not for the faint of heart"! Hmmm...maybe I misunderstood their description because I destroyed that sandwich in a heartbeat. And it was delicious. I wish this place was bigger though...I'll have to check out their location in Brooklyn. We didn't get to try their corn because the waitress forgot to put in our order and the kitchen had already closed by then. Boo :( BUT she was cool enough to offer us a beer on the house instead. Too bad we were wimps that day and declined the offer!!! Still wish we could have gotten that corn....and the beer!
(4)Christian R.
I came here for 2 different dates. And let me tell you, both times, a little bit of grease goes a very long way. Cafe Habana offers a thrilling experience. It feels like an eternal summer in a diner. First of all you have to deal with the fact that everyone around you is beautiful- stunning waitresses, attractive residents from around the block, so much so that you're checking yourself out in the bathroom mirror to make sure you fit in. The space is tight so make sure you're in a comfortable booth. The first time I came here it was like I was 6 years old, munching on a cobb of grilled buttery corn, all the while slipping out of my hand- my face a greasy, slobbery mess (wait, that sounded extremely dirty). Anyways, make sure you eat a bunch of those and a delicious Pork Sandwich, which will last you until lunch the next day. None of this is complete without a few jolting, spicy Michelada Coronas! Have a blast. And smile at your waitress.
(5)Nils H.
Cafe Habana is good, but not as great as the size of the crowd would lead you to believe. Three of us came late on a Friday night, and had to wait 45 minutes only to be seated practically in each others' laps (don't even think of coming here if you value personal space). There was a line of people out the door for the entire duration of our meal, too. This may be only a weekend dinner phenomenon? Everybody raves about the grilled corn. It's tasty, but not too far from something you could make by yourself at home. The other appetizers and entrees we ordered were scrumptious - vastly better quality than you'd expect for the price, but still cheap enough to make it feel like a casual evening out. Favorite was the seabass (which was the fish of the day). The staff was very friendly - especially given the chaos in the restaurant. While it was extremely difficult for us to access the bar amongst the bustle, we were pleased with our mojitos and margaritas once we finally were able to order them. I'll have to come back on a less crowded day.
(4)Carly H.
I love this place! First of all, I want to give a big shout-out to the lovely hostess! She is super sweet, found us the perfect table even with the long wait and even offered to comp our dessert. You can clearly see that all of the customers love her. Now on to the food - corn on the cob and fish tacos are so delicious. I've been craving it ever since. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Natalya R.
As you drive around in the city, and you had a busy day and then suddenly you're hungry. You wonder what you going to eat, and you whip out your android. You know you want something different; you are tired of sushi or thai and hey you see Cubans food on a menu and they have a 4 star. So guess what happened, we ended up eating here. The problem with this place it was small. Dont get me wrong, I love small places but this place you literally listen to people's conversations which made things for you uncomfortable. The corn is obviously a must try. The pork chops was ok and nothing special and cuban sandwich was good; just something different is what I needed.
(3)Nicole D.
This was my first time going I've always heard so much about this place ESP the corn and I was not disappointed!!! Small intimate setting the wait was only a few minutes. The food was amazing and fresh the staff super friendly, the drinks were amazing I can't say enough about this place I will definitely be back.
(5)Colt S.
Great food and atmosphere. Skirt steak and corn are excellent! Only reason for not giving it 5 stars is because the last two times I have visited the hostess was hard to deal with.
(4)Dee Dee X.
Great little spot for cuban food! The place is TINY though so you might have to wait quite some time for a seat! I had the classic cuban sandwich and it's fantastic! You can get the chipotle mayo for your fries (for an extra $1.50) to add a little more Cuban flavor! My friend stuck extra chipotle mayo in his sandwich too! If you don't want to wait for a seat, you can go next door to their little cafe/take out spot. I usually go there if I just want one of their delicious corns! It's a great snack to tide you over until dinner when you're famished after shopping in Soho! Great spot to take visitors too!
(4)David K.
Cafe Habana is located in the Nolita area, a little northeast of Chinatown (easiest way to get there is to take the N to Prince St and walk east several blocks). It's a small Cuban restaurant that has tight limited seating but a great ambiance, and the servers are upbeat and polite. We started out with some cheese corn, where they cover two corn cobs on a stick with Parmesan cheese and some sort of spice. If you've never had it before I would recommend trying it. It costs ~$7.50, so a little pricier than the $3 corn cobs that you can get at street tents during the summer all over NY, but then again it probably tastes better too. For the entree I got the carne asada (pork) tacos, they were fantastic. Just ask for and add some hot sauce to spice up the flavor. Comes with rice and beans as well.
(4)Tiffany F.
Food was good but its a very very tiny hot place.. When i say tiny i mean if your 2 people you'll sit cramped at a table the size of a basketball... But the food is good and thats really all that matters!! I can definitely recommend it here if you dont mind not much space!
(4)Maria A.
I ABSOLUTELY ADORE THIS PLACE!! I have been coming here since I was 15 years old. The corn is amazing, and their Camarones al Ajillo is outstanding! I would recommend this place to anyone!
(5)Ligia M.
The service was okay, it was a busy Saturday afternoon. I had the Cuban sandwich which was delicious & enough to share with someone. The mayo is some special mayo on the sandwich was delicious. I went to take out window & sat a table, fast service but not the friendliest.
(4)Jessica C.
I LOVE THIS PLACE! After leaving for college I make sure to hit this place up every time I'm home and bring anyone visiting the city. They have a sit down side and a takeout side. I've never been to the sit down side since I usually go to the takeout side which has limited seating as well. The corn! To die for. I'm not exactly sure if there's butter but there is definitely cheese and spices. My favorite corn ever! (FYI: This was on food networks 'the best thing I ever ate'!!) The Cuban sandwich. Packed with meat and the bread is toasted. The grilled chicken and corn salad - if you want to be on the healthier side but not miss out on any of the amazing flavor definitely get this!
(5)Cherry C.
This was like my fourth time there. As usual, I had the corn as the starter. The chili tasted reeeeeeally good! And the tacos were amazing too! I will definitely take friends there next time. hope they will expand the store.
(5)Lori K.
I am a fan of the food - especially the corn. So the 4 stars are for that. However I am definitely not a fan of the bathrooms. Seems like the priority here is the food and drink but no one is overseeing the condition of the bathrooms. The one I used was not clean, had no paper towel and the toilet paper that people used to dry their hands was piled up on top of the wastebasket. Not cool at all
(4)Tian X.
Waited for over 1.5 hours as the hostess seated several groups who were the same size as us and came after us. She even rolled her eyes at us when we asked if our table was ready. Didn't even get a chance to try the food because we were so fed up we just left and I don't think I'll give it another shot. Of course, this place is so popular they don't need decent service to attract new customers so they probably don't give a crap that I had a horrible time.
(1)Ramon L.
Great place, good food. The corn is awesome. The pulled pork was also very good. The staff were all friendly and upbeat.
(5)Ian R.
The best Cuban sandwich I've ever had; the best corn on the cob I've ever had; excellent fried sweet plaintains; very good tacos, beans and rice. Only downside is it's small and can sometimes be difficult getting a table and the waitresses are overwhelmed sometimes, but you can sit at the counter if there aren't any tables.
(5)Alison H.
Been back over 10 times. Still love it here. Love the frozen margaratias and the corn. I would cross the sahara for that corn!
(5)Jin C.
I come here for takeout never dined in yet. LOVE THE CUBAN! Everytime I have the cuban here I get sleepy and get food coma hahaha. The corn is really good here, the fish sandwich is ok I prefer the cuban over the fish sandwich.
(5)Jimmy Z.
LOVE this place. A friend took me here while I was in NY, tried the corn and LOVED it! You HAVE TO get the corn. I also had a fish taco which was good but nothing exceptional. Place is crowded during lunch time so try to come before or after 12:30.
(4)Sebastian C.
Grilled corn is a must! The food and ambiance are consistent with one another, and if it weren't for the sound of bustling city nearby, you'd think you were beachside on a small island cafe.
(4)Yue L.
Haven't had their Mexican corn in years and came back with some friends to reminiscence. Went to the side cafe for a quick order instead of going to the restaurant is always my way to go. The corn is $3 each and smaller than what I remembered. In the past I also remember them being more grilled. The cheese, cayenne and lime juice flavor is still yummy though and I think this is definitely a must try if you are in NY.
(4)Victoria T.
Although I've only tried their infamous corn, there is something about this place that makes me want to come back. Perhaps it was the dimmed lighting? Cuban music? Friendly service? Small and cozy seats? so it was 11:30pm and while lounging around in my hotel room..I remembered that Cafe Habana was on my list to eats. Due to the lack of time spent, I didn't have time to pencil it into my schedule. Since it was my last night in NYC...I decided to get a late night snack (the corn). Hailed a cab and rushed him because I was afraid they were going to close. In the midst of getting lost and only have 10 minutes left til 12..I got out of the cab and tried tracking this place down....and THERE was the little, dark restaurant in the corner on Prince St. The restaurant was very small, dark, intimate, and cozy. The decor and furniture was so cute! Everyone sort of knew everyone. I walked up to the counter and asked (with hope) if there was still time for me to order the corn. Surprisingly, he said yes! I guess the restaurant doesn't close at 12 because people kept on coming in and out. While waiting for my corn, the waiter offered me a glass of water..which was a nice gesture. The Cuban music was blasting through the speakers and couples were snuggling in the booths. Finally, my corn was ready and boy, was I excited to devour it! basically...the CORN was AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!! It was decked with chili powder, cheese and with a squeeze of lime! I think it was $2? The corn was a bit on the smaller side but nonetheless, amazing. My late night run to Cafe Habana was so worth it! I hope the next time I'm in the city, I can discover and try out the rest of the menu.
(4)Tamara V.
I have not eaten here yet but every time we go to eat here its either packed to capacity because its so small or the seats are smashed together. The last time I went there the waitress told me to go next door to Habana to go. I love that place now.
(2)Sara W.
Can't say I am a big fan of this place but it's alright. Ofcourse, the corn is the must.
(4)Suzanne L.
We stopped in here for a refreshment on a bitterly cold night walking in Soho and were lucky enough to score seats at the little bar. The flan was delicious; but the real memorable part was the hustle and bustle of the scene inside the restaurant. From the right vantage point, worth the trip.
(4)Shintaro H.
Cuban sandwich. Caipirinha. Wow. The food was fantastic. I didn't like the seating arrangements. It was unfortunate that we sat directly in a high traffic zone in front of the bathrooms. You should do your best to avoid that spot! I felt like the seats were too close together as well. If you want privacy, this may not be your go to.
(4)Tiffany T.
omg. their grilled mexican corn w/ mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime was amazing. definitely recommend this!!
(5)Danny L.
My friends kept posting pictures of the Elote from here (Grilled corn with salt, chili powder, butter, cheese, lemon juice, mayonnaise and sour cream), so I decided to it to my list. What is the hype!? After trying it, I just realize that San Jose, CA has the best Elote! I can definitely just go on the east side and find some and it'll taste 100x better! 2 for $6. This place is very small and cramped up, definitely not a atmosphere I wouldn't be in. 3 stars for the good service they provided. The question is, would I come back? Yes, just so I can try something else that's bomb and appealing, then maybe the stars will increase :)
(3)Evan W.
If I was on death row and about to be executed, their grilled corn would be my last meal.
(4)Stan Y.
If you're lucky enough to be one of the 20 some odd people to get a table/chair in the place, great, good for you, eat up. Although it's a bit tight, the food is worth it. It is a bit over hyped as people tend to crowd around. I only really recommend this place for their corn. Yea, get the corn. Here's a tip, walk 10 ft. and get it from the take out spot. I also like their cuban sandwiches, claimed to be the best, maybe it is. I don't know, it taste good in my mouth, and down in my stomach. Their pulled pork usually has me in the bathroom afterwards, but I take it as a sign that it was dirty, and filthy, just how it should be. Meaning it was good.
(4)Michelle L.
Since it's so difficult to find elote in New York, I was very excited to go to Café Habana (and it has such great reviews). But I was quickly disappointed. I ordered the elote (obviously), shrimp tacos, and the limeade with strawberry puree. I know there's no comparison to having elote in Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic, but I'd like to think I have an idea of what proper elote is and how it's supposed to taste and be made. Normally, elote is boiled then grilled, and slathered with the mayo, cotija cheese, etc. When corn is boiled then grilled, the kernels easily come off when eating it so it doesn't leave those annoying bits on the cob and nothing gets stuck in your teeth. I was sad to discover that the elote didn't effortlessly come off the cob, so I'm thinking either they don't boil it prior to grilling or it isn't boiled well. Elote is one of their main attraction dishes here, so I think they should make that stellar every time it's ordered . Next, shrimp tacos! It comes with your average toppings (guacamole, salsa, cabbage, etc.) On the plate, there's also black beans and seasoned rice. The shrimp itself, was fine, it was just very dry. I had a difficult time having more than two bites before needing water. The rice tasted a bit cheesy, I'm not sure if that's what they were going for. The limeade was bomb though, so that's +1 star.
(3)Davidson H.
Yes, this place is amazing! Everything is so good! It gets crowded, it probably needs more space buttt it is worth the wait. The Cuban is my favorite. The pulled pork and corn is good too. It is a fun lively place to be even during the weekdays.
(5)Diana S.
Hasn't changed a bit since the first time I came here... 6 years ago?? Something like that. I literally dream of the cuban sandwich here. It's so so so good. Also, always a fan of a no-fuss full bar. There is no attractive way to eat the corn here because it will be all over your face - but it's so good that it doesn't matter. I'd actually be offended if whoever I went to eat with didn't have corn and cotija cheese all over their face while simultaneously trying to maintain a conversation with me. Also, this is noteworthy. I think the food is so f-ing good here that HUNGOVER, I will subway/taxi/walk/ride a donkey to eat here.
(5)Elayne P.
I had a taste of the chicken mole, the corn and the Cuban sandwich at governor's ball. Even though the sandwiches had been sitting out for a while and warm instead of hot (due to musical festival setting), they were delicious and some of the best sandwiches I have ever eaten. I was skeptic to try the chicken mole because I am sensitive to spicy/hot flavors but I finished the entire thing! So delicious and satisfying. Definitely will visit their location and worth recommending to a friend!
(5)jayda i.
i live down the street, and come here about once a week. i always order take-out next to the restaurant, since the resto is always packed (and it's a small space). i always get the avocado+white cheese burrito (minus rice), since i'm not a huge meat eater. it's def solid, although the white cheese is overwhelming. it's a block of unidentifiable white cheese. grilled corn is always perfection (duh). enjoy.
(4)Katie N.
I went here with a friend after hearing all these great things about the corn and the food, etc, but I wasn't all too impressed. 1) I've had better corn at side street fairs. The corn served to us was warm, not hot and buttery the way I normally enjoy my corn. 2) The waitress was slow and inattentive even though the place wasn't super busy or anything. My friend and I didn't experience the long lines that we were expecting from other reviews. We got a table right away. We ordered 2 cokes and when we finally received them (after having to remind the waiter twice), the soda was completely flat. We were pretty disappointed given how hot the weather was that day.
(2)Dianne K.
Basically everything is good here. It's so cheap too.
(5)Jenn R.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. The place is extremely tiny, but it's hella good. Every time I visit NY, I have to go here. Anything and everything I've ordered never disappoints. My favorite must have: the cuban corn and the plantains!
(5)Tinylittleimpression S.
There is (almost) always a wait here. Fortunately, there's a cute, expensive-looking French place across the street with a bar. Habana staff will let you put your name down and go across the street, but check back halfway through the wait time; if you're not there when they call you, they seat someone else. The food is decent. The corn is the thing to come here for. It's as amazing as every reviewer below me has said. The margaritas are a let-down (especially since they are so good at Habana Outpost - the summertime-only, Brooklyn take on this joint).
(4)Tiffany K.
Since my first visit to Cafe Habana, I've been back twice and I still love it - it's always on my list of places to go back to each time I visit NYC. This time around, I got my usual Roast Pork entree and my cousin got the Pollo Mirador. As usual, I loved the Roast Pork, and also really enjoyed the Pollo MIrador. The chicken was very tasty and cooked well - the accompanying spinach and white rice was so delicious. Great experience, as always.
(5)hyo l.
grilled corn is very good.
(5)Keuris S.
Grate place to have lunch in because of the cool laid back atmosphere. The place isnt that big so one should expect a lil wait in the evenings. MUST TRY: Mojito, Corn on the cob Habana is one of my top spots.
(5)raj b.
This place gets crowded!!! But is totally worth it. Do not dine in, go around the corner to their to go location and order a Cuban Sandwich and their famous corn. Enjoy the food outside!! Awesome place to come and enjoy food outside. Cuban sandwich was amazing, right amount of spice and flavor and the corn, well its what they are famous for. Yes its a lot like your typical Mexican Corn, but being from California, Mexican corn in NYC is not easy to find so i enjoyed it from Cafe Habana. Price is decent not ridiculously expensive but worth it if you really want to enjoy something different and good.
(4)Rashmi G.
You pretty much know you're a tourist in the Big Apple when you've made a few bad Subway choices - getting on a subway that drops you off farther away than if you had taken a different subway, heading completely in the wrong direction, etc. WELL, good news was that for one of the first times, we made all the right decisions while heading to Cafe Habana! I'd say that we were already off to a good start! Located in a neighborhood, kind of in the middle of no where (coming from a perspective of someone who has never been to NY), Cafe Habana seems like a very popular place. When we went inside the restaurant, even though very small, we noticed that it was completely packed. We were lucky enough to get a seat to rest our achy feet immediately at the bar. After a glance at the menu, we got a couple of Shirley Temple drinks to start off with and the Chicken Mole enchiladas & the Cuban Sandwich for our meals. First, the Shirley Temples were interesting - not sweet like I expected them to be .. in fact, I can't even put my finger on what exactly they tasted like. We'd say that if we had to re-do our order, we wouldn't get them again. But it didn't matter as our food came out pretty quickly & we were able to get to eating right away. The Chicken Mole was good as was the Cuban Sandwich. Their mole sauce wasn't anything different than what I've had in the past, still tasty & delicious, but the beans that came with the meal were incredibly tasty! I'm glad I decided to get them because most times, I prefer to just get double rice. My date has had Cuban Sandwiches at other places before but none of them even came close to how good this one was. The atmosphere at Cafe Habana was very lively and the services was great. This is one of my top recommendations of places to dine in NY! -- I could even provide accurate directions to get there ... maybe! :)
(4)Magnus L.
I forever seeing their patrons eating that Mexican style corn. So I thought I'd come in and check out the Cuban Sandwich! And I must admit it is tasty and a welcomed change from the Chinese and Pizza joints you'll find on most every block.
(4)Prince P.
They say it's the best Cuban sandwich in nyc ! Ehhhhh i don't know about that and the corn the most popular is good but more hype then anything else. Overall the portion sizes, cost and overall decency of the food is what keeps you coming back. Service is basic I feel like I shouldn't tip the waitresses but rather the cooks. Servers don't do much and it's not really a sit down kind of place (I'm not cheap either so I wouldn't stiff anyone on a tip) but if I could take the food to go and sit somewhere I would. Unfortunately soho area isn't known for sitting areas. Would i come back ? Probably! Is it place that screams OMG I CANT WAIT TO GO BACK ? No I wouldn't go that far either.
(4)Brianna F.
This review is loooong overdue. I've been here three times, and each time has been a wonderful experience. Two words. FISH. TACOS. (And grilled corn. And Cuban sandwich. Basically everything is delicious.)
(5)G. Lue D.
Corn was delicious but Al Pastor tacos were dry.
(3)Eitav A.
We had the grilled corns, which were awesome! A lot of parmigiano cheese and spices made it delicious
(5)Marina S.
a gem. the true definition of a hole in the wall - in a good way! Service is good. place can get so packed ! 2 hours wait is not unusual. Corn on the cob to start. your mouth will thank you. skirt steak with beans and rice is delicious. shrimp tacos are very good. everyone I was with, praises the pork - in all forms. Heuvos rancheros great. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu, even if you tried. So go ahead and try.
(4)Samantha S.
anyone who chooses to wait online here is mentally ill. restaurant is so small you're packed inside with basically no room to breathe, worst part is you leave and smell like food... like its seeped into your whole body. go next door! the food is fast and easy. you have time to go out and enjoy the city instead of the company of your boring friends. better yet go to brooklyn to their outpost and enjoy the great food outside. OVERALL: rather go to brooklyn, or get it to go. food is whatevs. more hype than anything else.
(3)Ed C.
the highlight here is definitely the corn. cheese and mayo on grilled corn with lime juice? how can you go wrong. It gets messy, i wish i brought dental floss, the amount of stuck in my teeth, no amount of toothpicks would remove. pricey for corn, 7-8 bucks for just two ears. i had to try the cuban sandwich, which has apparently won awards. that was a disappointment. it was way to soggy and dripped everywhere. it was tough to chew through as well. the fries were also strangely not satisfying. i may have been too full from all the corn but i would not go back there for a cuban sandwich. i watched the movie chef not too long ago, maybe i was expecting something that looked like from the movie. it's NOT!
(3)Mathew W.
Came here on a weekend and had the cuban sandwich and the fish tacos... why did the sandwich go famous for 30 years? It's mighty dry!! The fish tacos were very fishy as well... I am not sure how this place gets such great reviews... The corn was the reason for 1 star that they get and the other star is for the service or else this place would get.... none.. sorry. Perhaps next time I'll be back to try more things? I have no idea honestly... what else to try?
(2)Scott H.
Get the Grilled Mexican Corn and you can thank me later. These are legit and by far the best I've ever had. These are sweet, salty, sour, smokey and the perfect amount of heat. Delicious! I come back for these every time i visit NYC.
(4)Crystine K.
It was an amazing place to eat at and their corn was so delicious. It was something that I have never tried before until I visited NY in July 2014. I was not disappointed by the service because of their kind and patient waitresses when I was indecisive of I want for dinner! This waitress, Jennifer, gave out these really good suggestions for the first timers. I wish I could remember what I had... but I have to say please go and try it yourself!
(5)Gina H.
A little overrated. The only thing that I thought was truly amazing is the corn, which you can get next door. They give you toothpicks, but it would be nice to have some floss on hand. If the wait is more then 30 min then I would move on; not really worth waiting for. It is really small so you're really really close to your neighbors. My friend had the Fish Tacos last time and said it was a little dry. I've tried the Cuban Sandwich, which I thought was nothing special. I had the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano, which was not appetizing at all. I could barely eat it. My friend had the pork tacos, which I would recommend ordering.
(3)Miranda W.
The food is always GREAT. Best Cuban I've had. Drinks are nice but a kinda weak. The service is TERRIBLE. Hostess is the worst but overall the entire staff is rude and not attentive. That being said, I am willing to give 4 stars and keep coming back time after time to eat focusing on the food and ignoring the attitude. Everything on the menu is great but of course, you have to try the corn.
(4)Claire F.
You've got to be kidding me. I lived around the corner for years and the overflow of hungry, hungry, hipsters making this corner impassable was enough to deter us from eating there, usually. But one late night, a foursome of us came in to grab some late night grub. The food=blech. I do not know what you people are talking about with that corn bidnezz. It was dry and nasty. And the plaintains were somehow both sticky and dry at the same time. About 10 minutes after we had gotten our food, they made us get up and move everything (ourselves) to the cafe tables in the back. I am not sure why this happened, or why we agreed to it, but we did. It was late and we'd all worked long days, so our resistance was low. The entire experience left a really bad taste in my mouth.
(1)Peter E.
The food was great here! I came with two of my friends tonight and we all loved it! It is extremely crowded and there is almost no room to move around but the food is really good. If you are in the mood for very traditional Cuban food, this is not the place. A lot of the dishes have a modern flare to them or are mixed with mexican dishes. The grilled corn is their most famous and is really good! We also had the sincronizada toluca as an appetizer and i definitely recommend it! The prices are cheap and the food is good! Go for it!
(4)Kingsley C.
DELICIOUS! I'm not generally a fan of small restaurants, and believe me this restaurant is SMALL, but I was delighted. Cafe Habana is definitely not a place for large groups. The restaurant is very small, probably cannot sit more than 50 people at a time (maybe even less). However the wait staff works tirelessly running around making sure customers get what they need. The prices are great for what you get. We had the Grilled Corn Mexican Style which was unbelievably delicious. I never expected it! I'm not a fan of corn on a cob usually, but this is the new exception. It has just the right amount of sweetness mixed with spice. Next, we had the Sweet Plantains. I've never tried plantains before because I always thought of them as cooked bananas, which never appealed to me. But these were so sweet and tasted wonderful! I couldn't stop eating them! Lastly we had the Cuban Sandwich which was perfect. It was a lot of food to chow down, but well worth it. Definitely get there early to get a seat. Otherwise, get it to go and find a place to eat on the awesome streets of NYC! YOU MUST GO!!!
(4)Christian J.
Wow, this place is just amazing. I thought I had my best pulled pork sandwich in Napa, but the Cuban Sandwich at Cafe Habana is the best I have ever had. Make sure you try the mexican style corn on the cob. Great prices, friendly staff, but can be very crowded. Try takeout too, even better prices!
(5)Craig G.
I can't even remember how I stumbled upon this gem on Prince st. over 4 years ago. What I can tell you is that I eat here every time I am in Manhattan. The food is so good, the wait staff is hot and brilliant and the atmosphere is quaintly hopin'. Inside it's like the best small cubanesque diner you'll ever find. 7/14/11 Appended: After reading some reviews you should stay away from the take out. Don't let the bad or mediocre reviews scare you. Most of them are having Burgers in a Cuban restaurant. I have had the take out and it wasn't as good as the wait for a table inside.
(5)Jose B.
Probably the best Cuban sandwich I've had in a while. Food was good and reasonably priced. The place is small and a bit cramped to dine in, but what place in the city isn't? The staff was polite and very attentive, they also have a takeout window which make pickups on the go quick and easy.
(4)Archi M.
Always a pleasure coming to this tiny little restaurant - good food + friendly people We ordered a chicken Diablo torta, avocado burrito, sweet plantain and corn on the cob. - Corn on the cob was just phenomenal - chicken Diablo - light and crispy - mmmm.. - sweet plantains - meh (I've had better) - avocado burrito was a bit disappointing - was like a burrito from chipotle; actually chipotle's burrito may have more flavor that what I had here. But an option for vegetarians like me Oh - we have also had caramel flan during one of our previous visits - it's the best I've ever had (hands down!!) - do try.. If you are in downtown nyc make sure to visit this tiny little place! It just might surprise you..
(4)Prerna M.
Great food, great drinks, good prices and nice ambience. There's often a wait but worth it. The corn appetizer is amazing - a must try!
(4)Rebecca B.
The food here was great..the later it gets the better the music. For a group of 6, the wait was about 30 minutes on a Saturday night. The wait for food isn't long, and it's delicious. I only wish the tables were bigger for larger groups. I don't know if I would come back here with a big group, but I would for w cute little date. I had the pork dish with yellow rice and beans (I ordered red beans but it came with black which was still good). One of my friends had the shrimp in a spicy sauce with yellow rice and beans, which was definitely a great dish. I wasn't a fan of the sautéed spicy spinach, but the guacamole was on point!
(4)Sung K.
Everything was great. Worst part was waiting since the place is tiny but man, everything else was super. Corn was awesome, best cuban sandwich as advertised and fish tacos weren't bad either. Great service as well!
(5)Albert V.
By far one of the best Cuban restaurants I've been to in many years. A very strong recommendation for anyone who is interested in tasting Cuban cuisines.
(5)Gina M.
Amazing!!!!! I loveeee this place! The corn is to die for! I have tried to make it my self but it's just not the same! Everything is realllly great!
(5)Phi N.
Note to self, when dining at a Cuban establishment, more often than not, pork is king. But then again, isn't it always anywhere? That was the case at Cafe Habana. We got the chicken mole plate, the Cuban sandwich, and the Mexican Corn. The Mexican corn was just like any other Mexican corn you can get except ours was a bit burnt. The chicken mole plate just reconfirmed why I prefer dark meat to white meat. The chicken was a bit dry and the portion could have been a bit more generous. The Cuban sandwich however was delicious and moist. A good amount of porky mayo was dripping down my hand. That's when you know you got a good Cuban.
(3)Molly L.
Yummy-Liscious! This little cafe is on a SoHo corner and packed with young hipster/artsy types....and i mean PACKED! Not a good place for claustrophobics. The menu is great! I went for lunch/brunch on a Saturday. I got the cuban sandwich with fries. The bread was awesome, the pork was moist and flavorful, and the fries were a true home-made delight! My boyfriend got the Molletes con Chorizo - an open face sub roll with black bean spread, cheese, and chopped chorizoish sauciness with salsa verde. We both devoured everything in sight and the bill didn't break $30. You can't beat that!! The only 'con' is that service is not the greatest because of tight quarters, high volume, and quick turn-over. I refuse to remove a star for this offense as I was not at all suprised or offended. I highly reccommend walking down the street to the Little Cupcake Bakeshop for a great follow-up dessert!
(5)Daniel A.
Awful cuban sandwich. The service is friendly enough and it's in a great location. I guess stick to the corn on the cob.
(2)Victoria K.
This Cuban/Mexican spot has been on my To Do list for quite some time now, and I finally managed to snag a table Friday night. The restaurant is tiny, and fortunately has a To Go outlet next door with more room for diners unwilling to wait for a table (and oh do they wait!). My friend and I were seated elbow-to-elbow with another couple of diners at the table next to us. To our other side, the door. Hoards of wannabe-diners filled in the gaps, waiting for tables to become free, far too cold to wait outside. They don't accept reservations, so if you come to Cafe Habana after 7pm, expect to wait. Period. Small, cramped tables are "cozy." That's fine. It's part of the charm. The walls feature painted palms, while the music is a loud eclectic mix containing everything from pop songs to rap (I squealed when Mo Money Mo Problems by the Notorious B.I.G. came on, reminding me of the random rap phase I went through in the mid-90's). It's definitely a loud and boisterous atmosphere. We started with a round of mojitos (duh) and the famous grilled Mexican-style corn. It was recently featured on Food Network's The Best Thing I Ever Ate (yeah yeah, you've heard it before). It's insanely popular. Of course going into it I thought, it's just corn. It's not even in season! Well, trust me when I tell you, this corn deserves its own food group, a pedestal on which to stand. It's everything corn on the cob should be. It's smoky, salty, sweet, and spicy, with a touch of acid. Hot grilled corn cobs are slathered with a mayo/sour cream mixture, then rolled in grated Cotija cheese, topped with hot chili powder, and finally a wedge of lime for a do-it-yourself final touch. It's gooey, cheesy, spicy, get-stuck-in-your-teeth awesome, served with a side of individually wrapped toothpicks. You'll need them! After noshing on the incredible corn, our entrées arrived. My friend decided to try the vegetarian tacos, which contained nopales (cactus), onion and queso fresco with a side of salsa verde to top with. The salsa was much needed to spice up the tacos, which were overall very enjoyable. The nopales almost reminded us of bell peppers in their texture and flavor. On the side were black beans, which were very flavorful, and rice which was unfortunately a bit bland. Definitely a lot of food for under $10! I had to get the Cuban sandwich, which was voted best in NYC (I'm not sure by whom, though). It was different than other Cubans in that instead of featuring sliced pork loin, it had roast pulled pork, which made the sandwich insanely juicy! It also had the traditional ham, Swiss cheese and pickles on pressed Parisi's bread (from Little Italy, right down the street), and was served with hand-cut French fries. Like I said, this sandwich was incredibly juicy because of the roast pulled pork, and the other components balanced out the sandwich well. Instead of the traditional mustard, it contained chipotle mayonnaise, giving it a more Mexican twist (the original Cafe Habana opened in 1952 in Mexico City and still exists). I thought the pickles were too mild, and far less acidic than I'd usually prefer. I expect to taste that pickle in each bite, and that layer of flavor was lacking for me, but then again this isn't an entirely traditional Cubano. The bread was crisp on the outside and chewy inside, a great vessel for this sandwich. Overall, I really enjoyed the sandwich and polished off the entire thing, but unfortunately there was one fairly large hunk of fat amidst the pulled pork chunks, which I had to remove myself. It may not have bothered other people, and I'm sure it was an oversight, but it definitely wasn't very pleasant to me. I don't like surprises like that in my sandwich, haha. Would I call this the best Cuban sandwich in NYC? I don't know, I haven't had other Cuban sandwiches in NYC, but I loved how juicy it was, unlike any other I've had before. It's definitely in a league of its own in that regard, and I give Cafe Habana huge props for making the juiciest Cuban sandwich I've ever had, albeit slightly untraditional :) I originally wanted to swap out my fries for the sweet plantains, but was told there would be an additional charge of $2 or so. Considering the plantains only cost $3.25 as a side order, that seemed like a ripoff. We decided to just get them to share, in addition to our meals. First of all, the fries that were included with my sandwich were actually really good! They had a great crunch on the outside and were piping hot and fluffy inside. Definitely not disappointing! I expected the sweet plantains to be fried, as most sides of plantains have been in my life, but when these arrived they were more charred around the edges and were not sitting a pool of residual oil. These babies were roasted! I really enjoyed not having that additional oil slick in my mouth with each bite of hot, sweet plantain (and the guilt too).
(4)george t.
As everyone else have already said, this place is a hole-in-the-wall, tiny, cramped, and very cheap and delicious. There are a couple tables but you really don't want to stay there for long after you finish your food because people literally fight for tables here. One flaw is that if you are hungry and can't wait till you get home to devour your food there isn't any sitting places around, you will have to eat your food while standing. Again the food is very good for the price point, corn is awesome, but its not something I will trek over Manhattan to get.
(4)Arvee S.
Cafe habana has the best grilled corn in NYC!!! They made it just perfect for my taste bud. On top of the grilled corn they have great sandwiches and accomodating staff. I will definitely bring my friends and families who are visiting in NYC.
(4)Jay Woo K.
Such great grilled corns. I've never powdered'em over red peppers and powdered cheese, and the combination of them with the sweetness from the cooked corn seeds just showed me to how the heaven would taste like, if that ever existed. Cuban sandwiches come with fries, and the pulled pork is also beyond words good. I have been also warmly welcomed by the people working there. Great energy~!
(5)Jen T.
Literally a cramped, tiny hole-in-the-wall place with some good food. We passed by it a couple times before we realized that it was where all the crowds were. It's also down the street from most of the shopping in SoHo, so it's a perfect meal if you go before a shopping trip. We came here mostly because I had tons of friends rave about their grilled corn. Got it, and unfortunately it was overhyped. ): Or maybe because it's not corn season in the middle of January. Either way, it's sweet and roasted and covered with parmesan cheese and mayonnaise. Good, but did not make my life like everyone else promised it would. We shared the entrees of catfish tacos, roasted/pulled pork, and enchiladas suizas. Hands down the enchiladas were amazinggg. The meat was a little dry but the sauce more than made up for it. There were definitely some audible "mmmmm"s as I ate my meal. The catfish tacos were hard to compare since I am a taco/burrito snob... they were ok. Pulled pork was pretty good too! However, be prepared to WAIT at peak times and expect to share elbow space with some strangers. You might get rushed along in your meal because of how popular yet small this place is. We were waiting for our credit cards to come back and the hostess thought we were just sitting around and basically told us that we should get going. She realized then later she'd made a mistake and apologized to us. Oh, and holy moly their waitresses are pretty and have beautiful accents. I totally had a girlcrush on ours by the end of our meal. Probably also why we weren't mad at the hostess.
(4)Jourdan D.
All of the positive reviews of this place are on point! My friend Susan and I tried this place on a random week night after she saw the number of rave reviews that it had received. We trudged through the snow to get there and the place was so packed that there was hardly room to get in and put our name on the list. The 30 minute wait almost made us reconsider but we decided to stick it out and went for a little winter stroll to kill some time. We got back and on our way in a girl that was leaving told us that it wasn't worth all of the hype and that it was not very authentic and that we shouldn't eat there, but we were seated right away after she left and we decided to see for ourselves. We were definitely not disappointed. That girl must be out of her mind! We ordered the Mexican corn, of course, and it was so delicious we couldn't even stop gnawing on our little cobs long enough to comment on how tasty they were! Ridiculously good! I will dream about that corn! I had the enchiladas suizas and Susan had the enchiladas estilo norteno and a guava flavored limeaide. We also got some tostones. I have to say everything that I tried was soooooooooooooo good! The sauces were very flavorful and everything was seasoned to perfection. Even the rice and beans were good. I was a bit disappointed that the tostones were not served with mojo though because the menu said that they are served with one and I think that would have made them perfect like everything else. I can't wait to go back to try the cuban sandwich! The ambiance was cute, palm leaves painted on the walls, cute little diner-like bar, dim lights, bustling staff and loud music. The service was very prompt but refills on drinks were not happening. The music kept getting louder and the staff was having fun with it dancing and singing to one of the songs. Overall this place has character and the food is amazing! I was so happy that we stuck it out and ignored the girl's advice. Believe me, believe the hype, and definitely GET THE CORN!
(5)Debra T.
The only thing I tried here was the Grilled Corn Mexican Style, which is INSANELY delicious. Really, probably the only thing you need. I could eat like 20 of them. I am not even joking. ADDICTED.
(5)Geekar L.
I stopped in here for lunch with a friend on a rainy day. It's really about the corn here. Yes, it can get messy, but totally worth it (they give you a wet nap and toothpick). I'm not a fan of mayo, but it goes great with the corn, cheese and chili powder. Quick and friendly service. Not really a place to chat, but great for a quick bite. They also have a to go location just next door, which is even better if you just want to grab some corn and a Mexican soda. My friend ordered the Cuban sandwich and liked it, didn't think it was amazing though. I ordered the steak and eggs, came with homestyle fries. Comfort food all the way! Space is small, so just be prepared to sit closely with strangers, which is totally fine by me. I will definitely come back, gotta love their corn, yum!
(4)John O.
More or less stumbled upon this place whilst wandering around Manhattan. Tiny venue/limited seating aside (to be fair we were at the take away side and not the dining area), this place was friggin fantastic. Employees weren't the most friendly, but o well, their food was more than enough reason to go back. Got a Cuban sandwich and the corn, and as good as the sandwich was, the corn is the talk of the town for a reason.To be blunt, it was amazing, better than that msg laced state-fair corn for sure and available year round to boot. TO ALL MY WESTCOAST PEOPLE: there is now a location in Malibu, do yourself a favor and make a road trip out of it.
(5)Yimei M.
Did I hear the best Cuban sandwich in NYC??? Why yes, cheers to that! The elote corn is also something to rave about for days after trying it. It was so good, I even tried to make it at home. (True story, but it wasn't as good...) The prices are also very moderate for such good food and in a Manhattan neighborhood like Soho! If you often eat tacos, rice & beans and such, you can't go wrong with anything on the menu! If you're new to Cuban cuisine or something similar, definitely get their elote corn and tacos w/ rice & beans on the side. I've been craving for Café Habana again, so I'll probably go again tonight after this review.
(5)Lauren C.
This is a review for the takeout portion of the restaurant only. Next time I will definitely try the sit in restaurant because the grilled corn I from the takeout section was not only dry but so terribly seasoned. Never again.
(2)Susing Y.
I came here on a Friday night with a friend and it was very busy. The food is delicious here, but the space is small and cramped. The tables are placed close to each other. I would recommend this place to others because the food is great, but if you are looking for a quiet and spacious place, then go somewhere else.
(4)Erin D.
So the good news is the food is pretty good, the bad news is the hostess is not client friendly, nor equipped to manage the simple task of seating people in the order which they arrive. Kudos on your food- but remember your business is based on people who can actually eat the food you serve.
(1)Trish S.
Totally dive and we loved it. When at a new restaurant we always ask "what are you known for?" we order the 3 items the waitress suggested -- fish taco, cuban sandwich and the corn. My husband and I split everything. More than enough food. Best sandwich we have ever had. Downside -- small and cramped. we ended up with a seat near the bathroom and my husband had to move his chair ever time someone needed to use the restroom. Other than that --- fantastic NYC spot.
(4)Kyri K.
Tiny cute little place. A little crowded but whatever. Their grilled corn is the shit. Not joking. You have to get it. Tlacoyos [sp?] were also good. I wanna go back right now.
(5)Stephanie B.
This resto gives me life!! Best grilled corn and shrimp tacos I've tried in all of NYC! Tight space + Amazing/affordable food = Long wait times. That being said, I usually visit during lunch hours to avoid massive crowds and to get slightly cheaper menu options. Check out a more in-depth review complete w yum pics & descriptions on my food blog below! eatabletreats.blogspot.c…
(5)Tiffany L.
i think i saw this place on tv once and i saw the corn and was like, yup, gotta try it. ok so this legendary corn was.....underwhelming. i don't know if i got a bad batch or what, but my corn, even though it had a bunch of crap on it, was under-seasoned and overcooked. i had high hopes because on paper, it sounds delicious. in my mouth, it didn't work. the cuban sandwich was also very mediocre, but i'm beginning to think i'm just not a fan of cuban sandwiches in general.
(2)Arnette R.
Went here last week with 4 others. Fluked out and got seated right away. Someone ordered salad, another ordered fish tacos, someone ordered a pork dish, I ordered grilled steak and a side of elote. It's as great as I remember. Yum. It was my first food pit stop once I arrived. Thank you. Heard there's one in Malibu but damn that's just so far west than I ever go in LA. Move eastbound (and down too) please.
(4)christine m.
thumbs up for corn and fish tacos! the frozen margarita and frozen mojitos are quite strong. its a great place to catch up with old friends over greate food.
(5)Philip B.
Wonderful place. Went on recommendation of our host where we stay for the week. She was right, you shoudn't miss the corn! Then enchillada and a couple of cocktails.... The best!
(4)Carmen L.
Came on a Friday night. Was seated at the bar because we didn't want to wait for a table. Ordered the Mexican style corn. The sauce on top was flavorful. They give you toothpick so no worries about the mess afterward. Cuban sandwich: bread was toasty. Just your regular ham and cheese sandwich. Side dish: fries Fish tacos: nothing special, fried fish with the reg onions tomatoes lettuces on top of a soft taco. Side dish: rice and beans Not enough heat inside the restaurant and wasn't given enough attention on food and services.
(3)Rawan K.
Great little place with so much character and awesome service! Sat up at the bar with my sister and ordered the most delicious Mexican-style corn on the cob, followed by fish tacos (which could've used some more seasoning, if you ask me), and yummy cocktails! I had a michelada and a caipirinha. It's a rather busy and small place, so I wouldn't recommend it to large groups, but definitely for 2-3!
(4)Luthfia S.
Service there was great! The two servers were amazing at making me feel good even with the crowd. Food was amazing! Elotes were delicious with lots of mayo! I ordered the shrimp tacos with tostones, they were not cheap on the guac and the shrimp was AMAZING! With a great pitcher of sangria, I'll be come back!
(5)Vittoria L.
Absolutely addicting. My friend and I decided on Cuban food for our catch up date. We both ordered the Cuban sandwich and elote. The sandwich, which is supposedly voted the best in NY, lives to the hype. It comprises of citrus marinated roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, chipotle mayo within a toasted roll. I'm not a big pickle fan, so I asked for mine in the side. Each bite was pure deliciousness that I craved for more when I was finished. But you know what's better than the sandwich? The grilled corn. Seriously. Their version is drenched with mayo, chili powder, and cotija cheese, served with a lime wedge. I could not get enough. I even ordered one to-go and ate it the following evening, and it was still good despite it being soggy. Also had their plaintains for dessert, and they were pretty decent! But not something I would get again. I highly recommend this place.. give it a try!
(5)Laura P.
4.5 stars. This review is only for the Torta de Queso Blanco y Aguacate. That tort is delicious. Vegetarian with white cheese, spiced avocado, chipotle mayo, black beans, red onions, lettuce, and tomatoes. Well toasted on torta bread with a side of fries. Side of fries is nothing to write home about. The sandwich is amazing, though. The flavors don't taste classically Mexican and just go so well together. Everything is very fresh, good quality, and the sandwich is light and healthy for a torta yet substantial. Each ingredient adds something to the sandwich and there is no filler. Super delicious. On a Sunday around 3 pm there was a 15 minute wait for a party of 2. It cleared out a little more by around 4 pm or so. The waitress was super cute and animated, but she didn't crowd you nor did she rush you at all. Fun vibe, casual, yet with personality. Loud music playing, lots of hustle and bustle. Vibrantly decorated.
(4)Maria C.
I really like the food here, but the service is just so bad sometimes that i don't think I'll be going back. The last time I was there, the waitress said she'd seat us once our whole party was there, which was fine. once we were all there I told her. one of my friends didn't hear me, so she also told her politely that we were all there. the waitress responded very rudely and had such an attitude that we decided to leave. as we were walking down the street she screamed out at us... I can't imagine what people eating in the restaurant were thinking when they saw their waitress open the door and actually scream at people down the block... she said something like 'oh you're just going to leave now?!" It's not like we did anything wrong, just decided to take our business elsewhere. We didn't owe them anything. Very bad service.
(2)Jennifer R.
Nothing has changed. Still great quality food and fun atmosphere. Get the grilled corn.
(5)Daniel C.
The citrus roast pork here is on point. Only downfall is the extremely tight seating that makes the experience less enjoyable
(4)Lin L.
The corn is tasty!!!! Sandwich was also good. Notice: it only offers Cuban sandwich after 11am
(5)Elsie W.
Get the corn and cuban sandwich. Mexican corn is so good, I can't go back to non-Mexican corns anymore. Cuban sandwich was filled with meat and the bread toasted. Thumbs up.
(4)Joyce K.
yes! yes! yes! the corn is as good as they say... if you like that los angeles mexican style dirty street corn with cheese and mayo and chili powder. pollo dish was very soft and sauce was good. spinach was good and garlicy.. nothing to rave about though... coconut flan very thick and tasty. yes! do it!
(4)Shiela E.
I love everything about this place! It's pretty small, but their service is super quick so I feel like we didn't have to wait long. The hostess/waitresses were so nice! My boyfriend and I ordered the cubano sandwich and the corn! The corn was sooo good! I wanted to order more, but I knew I had to save my appetite for my sandwich, which was great too! My boyfriend and I wished we shared one order, because half of the sandwich already filled us up. He also ordered the cafe con leche, which he said was good as well! Definitely recommend this place!
(4)Min Y.
It's amazing food. The corn is amazing, and the Baja Style Fish Tacos are it. If you like Tacos.. it's great and if you don't like fish.. you must try and then decide.. you will be pleasantly surprised. The interior is kinda small, especially towards the back where we were squished and the waitress had a little trouble taking plates away and bringing them out, but all in all.. I'm a fan.
(4)Junie C.
So far I've only tried their infamous grilled corn on a cob and it was SO good. I've never had such good corn coated with delicious sauce, cheese, and pepper. I wish they delivered to my work place. This place is conveniently located by Soho which makes it nice extra cozy spot for a quick meal. Maybe too cozy - less crowded seating would be nice. I'm not sure whether it was because I went on Christmas Eve, but staff could've been more much more attentive.
(4)Kailin H.
Had their Cuban Sandwich, which comes with a side of good fries. Now, the sandwich was good - loaded with juicy meats (tender and not overcooked). But not quite the perfect Cuban sandwich (Paseo's in Seattle is my reference here) because it was pretty much an all-meat sandwich. No vegetable or sweet peppers or fruits to provide a nice contrasting taste, and no distinct special sauce to tie it all together.
(3)Terrell G.
Randomly discovered this place and grateful that I did! Food was amazing and so was the service. Though there was a long wait to be seated, the hostess kept me updated on table availability which I appreciated. Once I was seated, the bar tender was extremely kind and knew the menu front and back. I definitely look forward to my next visit!
(5)J A Y.
The corn is a MUST!!! The entrees are ok- I recommend getting the corn- to die for.
(4)Misha T.
wow a thousand reviews? that's pretty wild considering this place isn't that big or anything. anyways my cuban sandwich was solid. decent bread, good pork, good ham, good cheese, and good pickles. The problem was that there wasn't nearly enough pickle in my sandwich, and to make it worse the pickles were really good which just made me miss them more... also they don't put the mustard in and a good torta cubana needs mustard so dont' forget to add it on your own. I didn't try the elote (mexican corn) but folks stop tripping, elote is mad easy to make and folks sell it on the street in california. I'm sure there's is good but if you have corn, mayo, lime, chilipowder, cumin, and cotija cheese you can do it yourself...
(4)David S.
Really generous portions and fairly tasty . I have to agree with the other reviewers that the grilled corn is the scene-stealer. It's buttery, sweet and salty with that delicious grilled taste. The frozen mojito was pretty good but didn't pack much of a punch. I downed two really quickly and didn't experience much of a buzz (brain freeze, yes!).
(3)Jay A.
Great great corn, Cuban food
(5)Vanessa H.
Of course everyone knows and loves Cafe Habana and its famous Mexican corn. But you really can't go wrong with anything here. Indulge in sweet or savory plantains or both! Imbibe in the refreshing margaritas! The staff are extremely friendly and accomodating. Another party knocked and spilled my friend's drink all over her and they were nice enough to apologize for the other party, waive the drinks from our bill, and brought us new beverages. Even if there's usually a long wait (no reservations), I usually just pop into Cafe Gitane around the corner for a drink. It's well worth the effort!
(5)Kyle W.
I am the great Cornholio as Beavis would say. I'm not going to say anything new that hasn't already been already said. Small place, but totally worth it. The Mexican corn is seriously a showstopper. If I could create a list of Top 100 individual menu items to get in NY. Cafe Habana's corn would be on the list.
(4)Robert S.
The "Grilled corn mexican style" steals the show. It reminds me of the tasty grilled corn that you can get at the San Diego County Fair. The cotija cheese is so finely grated that it makes the corn taste absolutely delicious!!!! 5 stars for the corn!! I also had the cuban sandwich and fries. My only gripe with the place is that the seating area is tiny. They squished so many people into the place that it's got to be a fire hazard. Unless you're seated in the booths, be prepared for a tight squeeze!
(4)Jennifer M.
God bless Cuba and the sandwiches they've spread to Café Habana. Likely to be a line, though if you're in a rush, hop next door to the to-go. Not sure why else you would come here except for the Cubans and corn (may or may not have judged the folks near me eating salads). First, the corn: perfectly roasted, sweet, and with all of Mexican mama's fixins on it - mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and of course dat lime. Comes in two, so if you come by yourself, double win. Cuban Sandwich - first off, one of my favorite types of hot sandwiches, and thus, have had much of my savings go towards this separate food group. Meaty fillings with roast pork and ham - you can taste a hint of citrus in the pork from the marinade. Tender and juicy. Swiss cheese, pickles, and chipotle mayo to go with the meat. All on a toasted roll, and served with fries. Only thing I would have done different is: mustard. But fear not, you can get it on the side. Also tried their plantains, as if the cuban, fries, and corn aren't enough - sweet with a taste of the grilled edges - comes on a big shareable platter for you plantain lovin' folks.
(5)Jason Y.
One of my favorite spots on my short visit to NYC. The hype was high and it was real. The cuban sandwiches is probably one of the best cuban sando's ive ever had. Perfect combination of ham wrapped in pulled pork and that aioli.. whoo whee that thing was good. Fries were amazing as well.. i grade my restaurants not on one item itself but the whole nine. My wife had the shrimp tacos.. amazing. and to top things off the Elotes (Mexican corn) were out of this world. I probably could have had 3-4 of them myself. The waitress was very nice, and on top of her ish, always came by asking if we needed anything and she always seemed so happy, and that is always a plus with service. The only thing is the wait, you can wait up for 45mins up to an hour or so if you have a bigger group, (4 + people). There were only 2 of us so we got lucky and got seated right away. Definitely worth a try and Im certain to go back when head back to the city.
(5)Jess A.
Whoa! I'm still eating as I write this but I couldn't wait. I was a little skeptical being that it's a Cuban name but food on menu seems mostly Mexican. I've never really liked Cuban sandwiches but I ordered it anyway bc it seemed like a decent price. And let me tell you, I'll never buy it anywhere else. The sandwich Cubano is amazing. The Maduros not so much - I prefer more sweet and ripe. They delivered really fast during dinner time (5pm).
(4)Yelena K.
Habana, you break my heart. Your Cuban is muy delicioso and so are numerous items on your menu (rice and beans, sweet plantains, pernil, shrimp tacos). At $10.95, you are a saving grace in Soho, but your service is so damn shitty, it makes me want to cry. Everyone who works here is terrible and rude. Your seating is so limited and (apparently) always reserved for more important white people who order shit like the "corn and chicken salad please, but with no corn, the dressing on the side, over lettuce and no rice tortillas." Still, I'll come here once in a while and indulge in your saucy sandwich and terrible waitresses.
(3)Reese S.
I've been wanting to try this place since forever since I've heard great things about it (4 stars on Yelp too!), but unfortunately it was a disappointing dinner. My friend and I split the grilled corn, and then we both got the cuban sandwich. The sandwich did not live up to the hype, meat was bland and tough, and it is not worthy of the title of "best" cuban sandwich in NYC. Very disappointing. Service was fine, not extremely attentive but just mediocre. Unsure if it was an off night, but I don't think I'll be raring to come back.
(2)Monica R.
Visiting from San Diego, California. I know Mexican food pretty darn well. I admit restaurant Mexican food in SD isn't always authentic but I do know some REALLY good eateries in So Cal from Hole in the Wall to family owned. Although my aunt's Mexican food is thee best and quite authentic. Needless to say, I KNOW really good Mexican food when I taste it. What Cafe Habana had to offer was not solely Mexican food. It had a Caribbean twist. In any case it was TASTY. And we wish we had been able to go back once more. The portions were good. We stopped in late night and were seated right away. :) Ensalada de Jicama = excellent Maduros = sweet! Roast Pork = Amazing Nothing is going to taste as good as your "mama or your nana's cooking" but the meal I had at Cafe Habana was delicious. The service was fast and the waitress danced a bit when a good song was played. Stop hatin' and appreciate what Cafe Habana has to offer. ENJOY.
(5)Ayb A.
Extremely poor service. We looked at the menu, were rushed by the waitress, and then basically ignored when we were ready.
(1)Rikin K.
I like cafe Habana a lot this is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant it's has the authentic Mexican taste minus the price of restaurants like dos CAMINOS! My favorite things are the jerk pulled chicken! The chicken burrito and of course the cafe Habana corn! Definitely should get the corn!!! Also check out prince at pizza one of the most famous eatery in east village!
(1)Nicole E.
**Disclaimer: I am a Miami native and have yet to find real , good cuban food in nyc.** Traipsing around Soho on a rainy day on a Saturday evening I was looking for some comfort food- cue finding a "Cuban" place to satiate that craving. The moniker suggests cuban food but alas, like every "cuban" place in nyc, it disappoints. The menu is overwhelmingly Mexican and that's totally fine, if they could really deliver! Limeade is freshly squeezed and refreshing. Not sugary. Solid choice. I ordered the Tacos al pastor- the tacos were tasty, good balance of pineapple, pork well seasoned and cooked, and a nice sauce that accompanies the tacos. However, the rice and black beans as a side, blah. The yellow rice is SO bland. How?? The Goya seasoning is supposed to take care of that for you! And the black beans, I believe they use rosemary, because thats the only flavor I had while eating those beans. I was starving so I finished the plate off but oh man this is definitely not cuban food and the rice & beans are just not that good. Side of fries were mediocre. The service really depends on who is there. The staff dressed in the crop tops and high waisted jeans, while very trendy and looked on point, they were not about the waitress life. Very cold and no personality. Fortunately we had a NON crop top + high waisted jean staff person take care of us and she was super helpful, efficient, and lovely. One thing though- I get that its a tight space and I was sitting at a table that lends itself to the casualties of people walking up and down the little walkway but the only person to bump into me the whole time I was there was a crop top + high waisted jean waitress that was brutally forcing the glass recyclables through the walkway and totally banged into my elbow and DID NOT CARE. Ouch! I did bring this up to the more attentive staff and they said they'd definitely take that into consideration. Id come back here if I was in Soho, tipsy, craving an elote (They looked alright) + limeade, and wanted to hear the pretty bomb music they play there. Otherwise, even though the prices are decent, Im just not a fan.
(2)Natalie C.
packed place in Nolita with great ambiance and delicious chilaquiles. Always a fan. I prefer to come during the week days when its not as hectic!
(4)Clara M.
Not sure why else you would come here except for the Cuban food and corn. Today my fiance and I went out to dinner after work, we were served by waitress Claudia. We felt uncomfortable with Claudia because he rushed us for our orders and was extremely Unprofessional. She hardly checked up on us, was talking to her co workers the entire time and gave us attitudes when we asked her questions. On a positive note, the food was great.
(2)Jami S.
I've been here several times and as always this time was no exception, I had to have the corn. I really think I could eat my weight in the corn. It's a little spicy, very savory/flavorful and a little sweet all at the same time. I usually get the Cuban but this time tried the fish tacos. They were great as well, next time I may try the pork tacos, mix it up a little!!
(5)D Z.
Excellent Cuban food. Everything tasted great and relatively cheap. Very crowded seating. Usually a wait. Relatively quick for 2 people. Longer for 4. Above 4, go somewhere else. I think counter seats also avaliable. Highly Recommended: grilled corn, grilled corn (yes, that good), fish tacos, pollo mirado
(5)David A.
Use to live in the city and visit here a lot. Since I moved I missed the amazing taste of the grilled corn I visited in the place and ordered my regular: Amazingly tasty grilled corn And the wonderful tastefully mad to perfection Cuban sandwich If you in the area don't miss it!!!
(5)Robin V.
Right off the bat, taking a star off mainly because I'm not a fan of eating on top of people...granted I came on a Saturday evening at 5PM on New Years day and was jammed to a table that literally had us nearly on top of the people next to us and blocking whoever was sitting behind us at the counter and sitting right where people come in and out of the restaurant. Other then that annoyance, I would definitely go back to Cafe Habana to eat (different day and time though). The much praised Grilled Corn was very pleasing to the taste buds. Literally melts in your mouth. OMG I can never look at grilled corn the same way again. Forget butter..the mayo/cheese/lime/pepper was incredible. The Spinach Salad with apples and spicy pumpkin seeds was sooooooooo good, The combination of sweet, spicy, tart (there was grapefruit in my salad) and lightly creamy (from the dressing) made it more then just another spinach salad. The Roast Pork was moist and flavorful. My boyfriend added some of the Picante sauce to it and mixed it with the black beans and rice. It made the dish even better. We got to the restaurant during the change of service, so it was hectic..but the servers were really nice and made you feel welcome even though it was crazy busy. Decent sized portions, reasonable prices, great food. I would defiantly brave the craziness again for the Grilled Corn. :)
(4)Damon A.
Grilled corn is a must have. They have dine in and take out. It gets pretty crowded and the waiting can get pretty crazy but totally worth it.
(5)Rocky C.
food - good, ask waiter for advice, they wont steer you wrong staff - friendly portions - decent menu - a lot of mexican (not cuban) food i would go back
(4)sally w.
I recently tried this place and I have to say the food was just alright. We got there a little bit before the kitchen opened and already the place was getting packed. It's an extremely small cafe with tiny tables. You definitely don't get a lot of personal space here. Like many yelpers, be prepared to wait...long. The grilled corn was amazing and probably the only thing I will eat here if I were to come back. It's their specialty and it's packed with flavor and a must try. I ordered their homemade ginger jalapeno soda and it tasted horrible. It was bland, not sweet, didn't have ginger taste at all and tasted more like plain club soda. I was disappointed. We then ordered the fish tacos, cuban sandwich and roast pork with rice. The fish tacos was lacking in flavor and the sauce that came with it was kind of bitter. Sad but I think Long John Silver's fish tacos are way better. The cuban sandwich (supposedly voted best in nyc) was good but the pickles were not bc it wasn't sour enough. The roast pork dish was delicious. I probably wouldn't come back here again except to eat the corn. The music that they were playing at first was a bit weird. Star wars music in a spanish restaurant? My advice, go early to grab a seat before the kitchen opens. I was told there's a small window where you can order take out but I didn't see it. If that's the case, just order the corn and go. Everything else isn't that special.
(2)PEGGY F.
Not one bad thing I could say about this little hole in the wall joint.. Always great, hot and fresh. Love this place. Had the pulled pork sandwich, no jalapenos, still very spicy and the bread was out of this world. Love it.
(5)Katie S.
corn corn corn corn CORN!!!!!!! If you come here and don't get the corn you are a FAIL. It looks like it's rubbed in crack and I wouldn't be surprised if there was actually some in there. Why.. so.. delicious... ?! I got the grilled steak as well which was also good, but next time I think i'm going for the cuban sandwich which according to their menu is the "best in NYC". If you want to be seated quicker definitely need to come here early, at an off hour, or with a small party because the restaurant is teeny tiny. I came around 5:45 PM on a Friday with one other person and we were seated right away. By the time we left, the restaurant was hoppin' and the line was out the door.
(4)Tes Y.
I just came here for the corn. $4.25 for a plate of 2 delicious corns is so worth it. Smoky from the bqq, smeared with mayo, coated with salty cotija cheese, sprinkled with some zingy red pepper and fresh lime juice, the corn was amazing! I really loved it! I wanted to try the Cuban sandwich, but I wasn't hungry enough! I'm taking a star off because of how cramp it was. They had to move the table out of the way in order to seat us. Eating the corn is messy business, and I felt bad when tiny fly -away crumbs of cheese fell onto the table to us! Also, the bathroom seems tinier than a airplane bathroom! The waitress was very nice.
(4)Catherine L.
yea yea yea... the corn is orgasmic. the truth is... everyone serves that corn (the taco trucks in red hook, The Corner - right around the corner, etc.). the cool thing about cafe habana is that you'll feel like you're in Cuba. straight up havana. everything is bright, multicolored caribbean colored, the floor is tiled, and there is retro-styled furniture from the diner booths to the metal-rimmed chunky stools. cramped. rickety. especially during the summer... with the coughing AC unit....you feel like raul castro is going to walk in. got seated by a stunning, amiable waitress whose ethnicity i could speculate dissertations on. she had a british accent. the food is great.
(4)Jonathan K.
A nice, cozy restaurant with amazing food. You have to get the corn. A vegetable never tasted so good. I didn't eat anything else but I looked at the dishes people were eating next to me and they looked pretty good. Definitely a nice brunch place on the weekend.
(4)Jessica M.
One of my favorite places in the city. Hopefully you don't mind waiting because this place gets busy and don't expect much privacy because they REALLY pack people in here! BUT the food.... worth it!!! The shrimp with rice and beans...... amazing flavor. The mexican corn!! Omg, the best that I've had in the city. The cuban sandwich was very delicious as well. I also had the mole enchiladas here before and I would definitely pass on that. Go somewhere else for enchiladas, go here for the corn and shrimp.
(5)Jeffrey M.
On my last trip to New York, this was definitely my favorite meal (aside from chicken and rice from the halal carts). We got the cuban pork sandwiches, grilled corn and some margaritas. The cuban pork sandwich was so juicy and tender. I took half of it home to eat later and was just as satisfied when I had it for dinner later that night. The corn was also really great. I'm not too big on corn on the cob because I always get chunks of corn in between my teeth, but I would make that sacrifice for the corn at Cafe Habana. The alcoholic drinks were a bit pricey and not that great. Skip the alcohol and just focus on the food. You won't regret it.
(5)Karen M.
They have the best corn I have ever had. That is all I had there because I knew it was their special. The place is very small and gets packed. There is a long wait at times.
(5)Christine K.
I first tried this place back in January on my first visit to NY and since I now go to school here I've been there 3 times since and everything I've tried is amazing! It tastes so authentic and their signature corn is to die for! The corn is what I live for.
(5)lysa p.
I always love this spot. Great cafe con leech to start. Clearly the corn is great if you like cream and cheese. The steak and corn salad is a must!
(5)Katherine F.
Like almost everyone else, I was also referred to this restaurant by a friend. I love corn. I love butter. I love cayenne pepper. I love mayo. I love parmesan cheese. Therefore I enjoyed the grilled Mexican corn, BUT the rest of the experience was just A-OK. We came here at around 3:30PM, so it wasn't a primetime eating hour. When we walked in, we were able to get a table right away, but even though there was plenty of space, the hostess/maybe owner, wouldn't let us take a booth that we wanted to share for more privacy. Since the restaurant is really small, all the 2 seater tables are really crammed together. Thankfully our waitress let us move after another couple left soon after we were seated into a more private area of the shared back booth. Of course we ordered the corn. It was good. Then we also shared the Cuban sandwich "voted best in NYC." To be honest I was pretty disappointed by the sandwich. It came out lukewarm and would have been a lot better had it been hot. The bread was petty much the only good thing about it. I honestly expected a lot more since it was given an award. It was definitely not deserving of the award for sandwiches in comparison to a lot of other great sandwich places out there. Overall the decor and ambiance were cool, the waitress was really nice, and the prices were reasonable. I probably wouldn't come here out of my way, except to maybe grab a corn on the cob to go.
(3)Laura S.
My friend recommended Cafe Habana to me. I took one look at the pictures of the grilled Mexican corn and knew I had to go. This place is TINY. We showed up fairly late on a weeknight and we still had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated. Crowded is an understatement for this place, but I guess that makes it cozy. We weren't too hungry so we just decided to split the grilled Mexican corn appetizer and roast pork entree. Okay...here's where I got a little disappointed. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area where we have a large Mexican population, and because of that, I've been able to eat my fair share of Mexican style corn. I'd have to say the corn that you get from the guy pushing the cart and making it on the spot for you was better. I found the corn here to be kind of dry and hard, which could be because it was grilled, though the grilling did lend a nice smokey charred flavor to the corn. The price was a bit unappealing too (2 for $4.25). On the other hand, the roast pork was really good! Moist, tender, succulent pulled pork with perfectly cooked black beans and rice. Generous portion for $10.75. This is the dish that makes me rate this place 4 stars because I think they hit the spot for taste, quality and value. I would definitely recommend it. Oh, we also got homemade guava and mango lemonades which were refreshing. Don't forget to take a look at their drinks, both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic selection sounded yummy.
(4)Chrysantha C.
"Jimmy crack corn and I don't care, Jimmy crack corn and I don't care, Jimmy crack corn and I don't care" Over the years people have debated and debated what the real meaning of this popular children's song is... but yesterday JULY 21, 2010 I found it's personal meaning for ME at least.... it was CAFE HABANA's ROASTED CORN. Goodness Gracious I felt like James Brown singing "I feel GOOOOD!" after each bite, because I KNEW THAT I WOULD after trying this corn! I watch Nacho Libre about once every month and the scenes where they're eating the street corn gets me EVERY SINGLE TIME! Jimmy cracked corn... yes he didn't care... it was this corn... this corn is CRACK... Sweet yellow corn roasted to perfection topped with mayo, grated cheese, butter, chille? HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLE GO WRONG... By the way.. On this special day I also happened to sign my contract for the perfect job here in NY that I've been praying for the last 6 months... I decided to celebrate by finally having lunch at Cafe Habana after my friend Ruby Anne first suggested it upon my move... I've been waiting and waiting for the perfect time... and I am glad that I did... I also ordered the Totones which I loved primarily because of the garlicky dipping sauce.. OMG, can I have more dip please so i can slather it on the CORN? Crack on Crack! It's a great hole in the wall spot.. I had seating upon arrival since everyone chose to sit on the red benches and plant boxes out front... Chic neighborhood, cool folks, great customer service, and the food was ready pretty quickly!
(5)R K.
This is always my first stop when visiting New York, I love the grilled corn and the Cuban pulled pork sandwich! Because of its popularity, I often find myself camped outside so I can eat while it's freshly served and hot!
(5)SukMon C.
When people say get the corn, get the effing corn. Honestly, it's one of the best dishes they have to offer, and that's not to say the rest of their food isn't good, because it's awesome. I've been here several times, and I can't do without the corn. When I first tried it, I felt somewhat hesitant because I'm not a big fan of cheese, and grill corn can get dry, so I worried about that as well. After you've taken your first bite, all your insecurities are put to rest. The corn is juicy, and the cheese makes you feel like all other corn pales in comparison. Other dishes you want to try are the Cuban Sandwich and the steak taquitos - I'm a fan of the tomatillo sauce the taquitos come with. Nothing worth mentioning about the entrees, except that they are decent, but not amazing. The only gripe I have about Cafe Habana is how uncomfortable the seats are - if you go in a group of four, you will be inevitably cramped, whether you sit at a booth, or at a table. It's very noisy so having a conversation feels like battling it out with the other diners. If that's the atmosphere you're looking for then great. If not, this may not be a place to go on a first date or whatever intimate quieter scenario you hope for. Regardless, come here sooner or later - you won't regret it!
(4)Allen A.
Don't come here without ordering the corn!! I'm sure you've heard this a million times by now from all the other users. Definitely the best corn I've ever eaten. Other noteworthy things: Delicious Cuban Sandwiches and mojitos. Love the small cafe layout, but can get crowded and cramped at times.
(4)Asmita J.
so you're thinking about going here and reading all the hype about those corn appetizers? well i might be the first to say....THEYRE NOT GOOD. why would i want my sweet, juicy corn smothered in sauce and cheese when it tastes perfect on its own? i definitely was not impressed. but as the most popular item on the menu, its worth trying at least once. though i can't rave about the corn, the chicken enchiladas in the creamy sauce are a whole other story. DELICIOUS. the sauce was amazing; the chicken was seasoned and cooked to perfection; the tortilla was sooo soft and goood!!! my mouth is literally watering! my friend ordered the fish tacos. i'm not the biggest fan of fish tacos, but we both argreed that they were the best we ever had. i also had the guava margarita which was strong and lacking the guava taste i was craving. oh well, the food made up for it. as for service, everyone was friendly and attentive. the place is small, and very crowded, but worth the wait.
(4)Jeanette Y.
ORDER THIS: mexican style corn, fish tacos, and a mojito on the rocks. It'll make your day! It made mine. :] Be prepared to wait in line though if you plan to dine in. Otherwise if you want their corn and only their corn, just skip over to their to-go cafe.
(5)Roberto A.
So overrated. I've really tried to like this place... I have eaten here three times and every time, the food is bland, dry, and mediocre. The corn is good, but nothing special. This place is super crowded on weekends, not worth the hour wait for the crap food. The place is tiny and you have to squeeze by to get to the tiny bathroom.
(1)Alexis S.
So I was checking out what restaurants were good in the area and came across this restaurant. It's a tiny restaurant with people practically sitting on top of each other which I didn't like, like can I get some elbow room??? Theres tables right outside the bathrooms which I found to be kind of disgusting, so I hope no one blows up the bathrooms while you're sitting there eating smh. I ordered the corn as the appetizer bc literally every table had it so I figured it was good, it definitely was good :-) Again I was looking around the restaurant and I seen half the restaurant was having the Cubano and the other half was eating fish tacos. I decided on the Cubano which came with fries and ordered the hibiscus tea. Ok so I didnt like my cubano, how could you mess up a cubano smh. The pork was lemon flavored and too watery, what was that about???? The mayo was flavored also, idk the sandwich just had a sour taste to it. Wasn't happy with the choice I made at all. Lastly the hibiscus tea was too watery. This place received 2 stars from me for the friendly service and the tasty corn.
(2)Nicole D.
The corn duh, is unreal!!! place gets packed and there's a good reason why. The food is unbelievable. I love NoLita and all it has to offer. NoLita is the new SoHo.
(5)Quyen V.
The cubanos here are really good! The bread is toasted just the right amount, and the pork is very flavorful and juicy. I don't usually finish my portion of sandwiches at restaurants, but I pretty much devoured this one. However, I'm giving this 3 stars because: -the corn is overhyped. Maybe it was just the day I went, but the corn itself was tough and not sweet. Loading it with delicious seasonings did not help unfortunately. I've had this dish in other places (even food carts and popup stands) that was better than this place. -the service was truly terrible. Might have just been a lazy Sunday but that really isn't an excuse. Our waitress was inattentive, and also our cubanos took more than 30 mins to come out. For sandwiches! Ridiculous.
(3)Amanda G.
I have been to café Habana several times since it was opened, but the last time my experience was not as good as it was before, by the time we got to the restaurant we had already eaten in another establishment and we went to Habana just for dessert and drinks. I came in with a friend and they sat us by the window. the bald guy who acted like he was a supervisor ,,,maybe he was...who cares....came to us and gave us the menu. I told miss baldy that we were there just for dessert and drinks and asked for the dessert/drinks menu. miss baldy continue to teach me menu/eating etiquette by telling me that the dessert is what I would have after/ at the end of the meal. I said to baldy that I understood that and we were there just for dessert. he continue babbling and my friend had to raise his tone of voice to let him know that at that time we only wanted to see the dessert menu. Baldy turned around and ordered someone else to give us the menu. we ordered our desserts, but while we were waiting for the food to come I heard them in the back by the bar baldy and some other queen yelling names in Spanish like " fucking witch" among others. little did they know that I spoke Spanish. hoping that they didn't spit on my drink, ate the dessert and try to have a decent conversation with my friend, although they were still carrying on and making fun of us. we are people that when we go to any restaurant we know how to behave whether it's a high class restaurant or a bodega looking restaurant like Café Habana. We left them a proper undeserved tip, left to never come back again. Some restaurants really need to rethink the hiring process before they hire whatever trash they find in the streets.
(1)Juan R.
Great food at decent prices. The black beans are the best I've had on the mainland. How they imported that true island sabor is a mystery. The roast pork was delicious, well seasoned, decently portioned (to fill you up enough while still having room for an appetizer), and came out in very short order while the place was packed. Don't worry about the wait. It's small but folks are good about sharing the love cooked up in this kitchen.
(5)evan d.
I dunno--I guess it's cool if you think the fact lenny kravitz shot a video there once is really cool--but to me it's just an pointlessly crowded clusterfuck of lameness. The food is severely sub par. I suppose if it was continually empty, it might be cute to pop into every once in awhile and get a drink but generally speaking you might as well just move to europe to hang out with the euro trash if you enjoy this place that much.
(2)Pam V.
the food is overrated except for the corn. the corn is good. hostess was a b. not cool.
(1)Scott L.
CORN -that's the only thing i've eaten here so far and i would go back just for the corn...2 bux for a full corn on the cob. it's topped with cheese red spice and lemon juice...mmm
(4)Amy H.
There is only one reason I'm writing this review: the corn. Of course. The corn is one of the most amazing things I've ever eaten. I'd give it ten stars if I could. However, I also ordered the blackened chicken, I believe that's what it's called. It was extremely bland! I was definitely taken aback because I ate the chicken right after the corn. I don't know about anything else on the menu, but if you're going to go here, just make sure you don't miss out on the corn. Anything else, I'm not too sure about.
(4)dawson c.
let me preface this review by saying that in exchange for moving my party of 4 to a smaller table, the server gave us the corn for free. how awesome is that? the corn was everything that it's hyped up to be, and more. it's just so f-ing delicious. i have no idea how to describe it. it's dripping with butter, cojita cheese, and chili powder. you squeeze some fresh lime on it and have at it. we didnt talk to each other until the experience was done. nobody should be disturbed during a divine eating experience, lets just leave it at that.
(5)Roll T.
3.25 stars. This place is well known for its elote which is basically a Mexican style corn on the cob slathered in butter, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder. It is probably best known for its photogenic clientele. Naturally, I cared far more about the former rather than the latter. And frankly, if this is best elote NYC has to offer, I'll be happy to enjoy mine at El Chucho and Nationals Park back home in DC. This isn't to say that Cafe Habana's version isn't delicious; in fact, it is quite tasty. However, there are a couple of minor issues I had. Namely, the cotija cheese layer was far too thick and basically presented like a dusty mound on top of the corn. The result was there were a few bites that were pretty much cheese, chili powder and mayo without any corn base. Perhaps that is pleasing to some palates, but I like the seasonings to add flavor as opposed to being the flavor. And maybe the corn itself could have been slightly juicier. And then there was the moderately long wait before we received our dishes. OK fine, perhaps I was just upset that no supermodels walked through that door as Kevin L. had led me to believe, but yes, regardless of all that, you can come here for elote and only be slightly disappointed if you visit when I did and unintentionally avoid the copious amounts of eye candy.
(3)Dallas H.
Love it. Great vibe, cool atmosphere. And world famous for their corn on the Cobb!
(5)Maggie L.
best grilled corn in nyc, enough said
(5)Jenn B.
Woo hoo! Reviewer # 900. Where's my prize? Not that my review will mean much at this point but this place is never disappointing. Can't ever go and not have the corn everyone raves about. Yes, it is that good. This place is always crowded and there's always a wait but with food that good and at a price that can't be beat who the hell cares. The fish tacos here are very flavorful and the mojitos are awesome. Wish I could make a comment about the sweet plantains but for some reason every time I order them they never come. Oh and by every time I mean the two times I've been there.
(4)Camille M.
I hate to "cheat" but I'm copying over the text from the menu. Here is what I enjoyed: Sincronizada... 6.50 Small flour tortillas with Mozzarella cheese, chorizo & avocado served with green tomatillo salsa With Chorizo please add 1.00 I thought the Sincronizada was pretty good but all I could taste was the avocado so I had to grab the hot sauce. It was just a little bland and "safe" to me. Next time I am going to try the Cuban sandwich. I also enjoyed the corn on the cob (Delish - two per order so you might want to share) and definitely have some floss on hand!... and of course - floss elsewhere. Ya neva know in NY....
(4)Batie H.
Amazing Cuban sandwich. Amazing.
(5)Kate R.
have you had the grilled corn? do yourself a favor and order it. as for the rest of the food there, it's so-so. but that might be because the grilled corn is SO banging that nothing can tantalize the taste buds after that. and seriously, as a veg, i know there's gonna be a very limited selection at a cuban place. service is meh, getting a spot inside (and if you do it's pretty packed) proves to be difficult but there is always the quick eats extension around the corner.
(4)Amanda C.
Wait on a Friday around 12:45pm was estimated to be 25 minutes. Actual wait was closer to 15 minutes. I had the fish tacos with rice and beans. Tacos were flavorless even with the salsa. Fish was dry. Rice and beans were okay but seemed overly buttery/oily to me. Had to try the corn based on yelp reviews. $5.95 for 2 corn on the cob with mayo, grated cheese, and chilli powder. Nothing special and overpriced.
(3)Shaniece M.
Love the famous corn the tacos not really a fan only because they fell apart before my first bite.the service ok it's so tight n there that you really can't move around without bumping someone or being bumped. Overall I would go back but just for the corn n maybe I'll try something different but no tacos for me.
(3)Jeffrey Y.
The ambiance inside is definitely reminiscent of a Cuban cafe. There are always waits outside this place but if you go an hour before closing, you should be able to get a seat without any problem. The menu is a mix of Latin specialties with a burger thrown in there for good measure, probably for those people too scared to venture out of their food comfort zone. Almost all the reviews mention the corn so that's where I'll start. It was perfectly grilled with just the right blend of spices and lime. I had the Pollo Mirador which was only ok. The chicken was cooked perfectly but the rice that came with the dish was too watery for my taste. The bf had the Enchiladas Suizas which he still hasn't stopped raving about. I ordered the frozen guava margarita and it was just the right blend of fruity with a kick of tequila.
(4)Jennifer L.
Cafe Habana (and their famous corn) were highly recommended to me by a friend. No doubt, the corn was amazing!
(4)Jonathan W.
everyone raves about the corn here - and i realize why. I'll leave it at that, a must try. fish tacos here were delicious. the cabbage salad and spicy cream over the tacos could not complement the fried crispy chunks of fish any better. the toppings on the taco really made it a very refreshing and light meal which you think otherwise with eating fried foods right? reasonable prices and great food suggest why the line to get in will run you up to an hour on a fri -sat night.
(4)Alisa K.
Great place for latin american food- especially if youre craving some cheesey corn and tacos :). The place is tiny and its usually packed with people, but the waitresses are nice. Be ready to sit closely with strangers in this tightly packed place with tiny tables. Food came out pretty fast. If youre on a run, there is a to go cafe with the same name right next door.
(4)Derek B.
Really cozy diner. I liked everything I ate, mostly because I walked 17 miles beforehand. Grilled and buttered cheesy corn was really good. I need a few more limes for my meal and stole them from my 3 other compatriots. I wish we had this eatery near me.
(5)Debbie G.
Had the Roast Pork Cuban .. IT was delicious. Ate in the take-out section. It was very dark and kind of dim. Other than that I would recommend.
(4)Bo L.
The corn... wow the corn. The spices, the strange buttery goop, the cheese (?). I ate that thing so fast thousands of little corn pieces were stuck between my teeth the entire night that no toothpick could get out. Ordered the fish tacos, will pass on that. It wasn't seasoned properly but the kicker was that I could taste a charred flavor the entire time, so I felt like I was eating a coal and shrimp taco. The yellow rice and beans that it was served with was good... and I usually dread eating those two sides when it comes with a meal, but I finished all of it. Rice was seasoned and beans had a great undertone of spices. Pollo mirador was amazing, roasted garlic sauce was divine and the chicken was succulent. Spinach paired well, that was gone pretty fast. Wait was annoying, crowded seating was annoying. Hipsters up the wazoo, thank god we were wearing our vintage frames and flea market finds that night or else we would have felt out of place. Joking. Fish tacos were disappointing. But get the corn, maybe two or three. Definitely don't share the corn.
(4)Julio G.
This place has great corn mexican style.
(5)Kristine C.
Still love this place. Nothing has really changed except I moved to Brooklyn and it's harder to get here but I still make the trek anyways. The location in Brooklyn isn't the same as the Soho spot. See the difference and food rundown here: theunitedstatesofk.wordp…
(5)Jaime F.
Simplemente el mejor sándwich cubano!! Simply the best cuban sandwich. The roasted pork/pernil is amazing!!! Catfish sandwich and Mexican style corn are amazing too. Can't get enough!!
(5)Ali B.
I am absolutely obsessed with this place!!! Their chicken Quesadilla is my go-to and I love their corn as well. This place is TINY and doesn't take reservations, so be prepared to wait at least 30 mins for a table at any given time. It's best for small groups of 2-4. I feel like I'm in a movie when I eat here, it has such heart. Definitely recommend this place!
(5)Nic B.
My friend and I sat on a bench with some magically grilled spicey cheesy (buttery? scratch that-mayonaisy) corn. Two Japanese tourists stopped in front of us, laughed, and took our picture. We smiled proudly revealing kernel pieces a plenty. You know, in our teeth. Don't come here on a first date. Come here with someone who won't judge you.
(5)GJ A.
Known for having the best Cuban Sandwich of New York. I've never had a Cuban sandwich before, but the one I had here was *excellent*, albeit messy (get a lot of napkins). Whoever invented the idea of putting marinated roast pork & ham together in a sandwich is a genius. Topped with Swiss cheese, pickle, chipotle mayo on hero bread. Cannot go wrong here. Again, just get a lot of napkins because the sandwich tends to leak. Mexican-Style Corn - Grilled corn sprinkled with cheese. They are famous for this. For some reason, it didn't work for me. The corn did not taste fresh, which was disappointing. Washed it down with tamarind soda. Jarritos, I believe. Wasn't a big fan of this either. I'd definitely come here again just for the Cuban.
(4)Mel B.
This is a small restaurant. I have been here a few times and have enjoyed their food. The last time I visited, I had the cuban sandwich and the grilled corn. Grilled corn was $6.95 for 2. It was served with mayo, contija cheese, chili powder and lime. The saltiness of the mayo and cheese blended well with the sweetness of the corn. The chili powder was a good kick to the corn. The cuban sandwich was $10.95 and had a good amount of roasted pork, ham, cheese, chipotle mayo and pickles. It was served on a lightly toasted roll. Sandwich was a good portion and was great. Definitely a spot to check out if you're in the area. Not only do they serve good food but service was on point as well.
(4)Travis P.
Not as good as BK location, but so damn good. A must stop for me everytime I'm in town.
(5)Ryan O.
Everything delivered as expected. Had the Cuban, grilled corn and tried some of the fish tacos. Worth the trip and the wait. Remember to try to get some extra sauce if you have any leftovers. The fries were on point too.
(5)Elizabeth O.
Everyone says try the corn and they are right! It's fantastic. I order it every time I eat here. Personally, I've never tried the Cuban sandwich but the way they turn them out whenever I'm there, I'm sure it's amazing. But my review is for the unsung hero, the catfish sandwich. I can't begin to described to you just how good this sandwich is but it won't stop me from trying. The sandwich comes with fried catfish (duh) black beans, chipotle mayo, jalapeño peppers, lettuce, tomato and red onions. As if that isn't enough, for $1 extra I add Swiss cheese. Simply divine!!! All of these ingredients by itself makes for an awesome time but the deal sealer is truly the bread. What I like about Habana is they order locally. The bread comes from, in my opinion the best damn bakery in NYC, none other than Parisi's bakery just a few blocks over. That bread is THE game changer! And if you don't believe me try the sandwich at their Brooklyn location after having it here and tell me if you wouldn't run across the Williamsburg bridge for the real deal. Trust me, I do and I live in Brooklyn, lol! I had to give them 4 stars because you can never get a place to sit and eat which is a good problem to have from a business perspective. I'm actually writing this review in my car parked across the street from the location. Solves parking and seating in one shot! So after you have followed the crowd and had the "amazing" Cuban sandwich, come back for the catfish. You won't be disappointed!
(4)Jess C.
I'm torn between a three and a four. A four would be for the service, ambiance, and the drinks. But the food was only okay this time. Everyone is going nuts for the elote. While I'm sure if you've never had it fresh from a crappy vendor in East Los Angeles, it's very good, but I've had it fresh from a crappy vendor in East Los Angeles. The sopesitos were hard and not too tasty. I am still giving them a four because we slid in at the end of the night and that could account for the discrepancy from all the fantastic things I've heard from my friends. On another note... damn that daiquiri is strong and delicious! Major plus points!
(4)Mandy L.
Yes, their corn is the best yummy mess you can ever eat! And their cuban sandwich really is the best there is in NYC. But what else I really like? Their imported sodas! Try the guava or the tamarind.
(4)Scott G.
Not all it's cracked up to be if you're expecting authentic Cuban cuisine criollo style However the corn is to die for and they make a DAMN good cuban sandwhich
(3)Jasmine L.
i really do gotta give cafe habana five stars JUST for their corn. the rest of their food selection is a three. there's nothing impressive about their entrees but because the corn is above all others and beyond, it compensates the experience. but the corn ... is just too good. each bite is filled with a perfect combination of cheese, warmth, and crisp that keeps you going back for more and more. there is a take out option right next to the restaurant if you don't want to wait an hour to be seated!
(5)Ashwin T.
Cafe Habana seems to be in a battle with Ippudo for the most ridiculously high number of reviews. The nerd in me would guess that with so many reviews, the confidence interval around Cafe Habana's published rating of 4* should be pretty narrow, and I think the yelpers got it spot on. A fun restaurant in a great location with pretty solid food (but not groundbreaking - hence no 5*). The highlights for me were: -the corn, which has been reviewed ad nauseum on these pages, so no need to go further into that -Camarones al Ajillo: spicy and delicious -The cocktails - of which too many to name were consumed around the table On my visit (Sunday at 9PM) I was fortunate enough to be seated without a wait, but it does appear like this is the exception rather than the rule. I hope to have similar fortunes on my inevitable return visit!
(4)Max S.
Loved Cafe Habana. Great food, drinks and prices. Started off with the corn it's really delicious. Then we had the pork tacos & the Cuban sandwich. The Cuban is rated the best in NYC and we saw why! It was really a great sandwich, the bread was a bit hard but still an amazing sandwich. They have a awesome drink menu and the mojitos are the best I've had in a while. All of this for great prices you cant go wrong with Cafe Habana.
(4)Amanda L.
Brunch is amazing here! boy took me here for sunday brunch and we quickly got seated at the bar. Def def try the frozen margarita. They have a big selection of alcoholic drinks and sodas! I had the cuban sandwich, and it was amazing! Pickles, ham, pork and tasty sauce on toasted bread. Very very good! You can actually share this sandwich because it's pretty big and comes with a small salad and small fries. Boy had the chilaquiles verdes con pollo, very good and filling with a kick of spicyness!
(5)Rachel K.
Great food!!! The corn app is so heavenly you can't leave this place without having it. Seriously so good. It comes w two corn cobs. I had the pork tacos w pineapple which was great, but small portions. My bf got the Cuban sandwich which I'll def be getting next time. Also we had the mojitos on the rocks- very very good. And I tried the la something mar or la amor... also good but very spicy!! Expect to wait at least about 30 mins on the weekends
(5)Ashley K.
MEXICAN CORN for those of you who grew up in LA like me, this will be a taste of home. 2 fire roasted corn covered with cotija cheese and chili powder. Squeeze a little lime and get ready to consume the best afternoon snack. So if you are shopping in SOHO, and you get the hunger pains. Stop by Nolita and grab some corn on a stick and silence the stomach growls. After which point you can resume life and get your shop on.
(5)Nate B.
Cute little place. Their Cuban sandwich is really a sloppy banh mi in disguise. While not bad, it's neither here nor there.
(3)Dan L.
Overrated, except for the corn. Went here with some friends for dinner. We waited for about an hour, so I was really excited for the food. The corn. Delicious. If you are coming here, you better order it. If you are not coming here for the corn, don't come. There are plenty of better latin american food joints all over New York. I had the cuban sandwich. It was good, but I have had better. Also tried some tacos and they were very average/below average. The plaintains were soggy, not crispy on the outside (need I say more?).
(3)Kelly D.
Clean your plate good. My cuban was amazing! The tacos al pastor are bomb! They come with a side of yellow rice and black beans. Pretty tasty. My only con about this place are the drinks. My caipirinha was terrible and my date got the corona in lime juice that was also terrible. Our waitress sent back my dates drink with no fuss. Considering the food was so good I'll deal with the mediocre drinks.
(4)Ximena B.
Space wise, this place is pretty tight. But it did satisfy our craving for corn and some mexicanish food. The corn was delicious, it was grilled then topped with mayo, cheese, lime, and chile. The fact that it was grilled eliminated the sweetness that yellow corn typically has, so for once I was happy with yellow corn. We had pork, can't remember the plates names but the carnitas type plate was delicious. The carnitas were marinated perfectly, which came with red rice and black beans. The rice was good, would definitely recommend this place to someone moving from Los Angeles to New York in case they're really hungry for some tasty food.
(4)Christopher A.
I've been here a number of times but haven't gotten anything other than the corn. Figured I'd write a review since I've tried something new, and plan to try some more. Their corn is off the hook. No other way to say it. It has butter, cojita cheese and some chili powder spice on it, topped off with lime. 3 bucks. Cmon. Authentic Mexican style corn. Just get it. I usually get 2. I recently tried their chicken with guacamole burrito. I'd say it's one of the freshest burritos I've eaten. Nothing tastes artificial/fake, the chicken was great, the guac perfectly made. I love it because it has no beans. I usually don't order beans anyway, so it's real easy to eat with just chicken, white cheese, guac, pick de gallo, sour cream and lettuce. No rice though which is a bit of a downer. It's a bit on the pricier side, $11, but cmon not that pricy. Make sure you get a Jarritos, Mexican soda. Bomb diggity. In regards to ambience, etc. it's a hole in the wall. It's Soho. However, still enough room to order and if you do get a seat, that's great. There is some seating outside if you're comfortable with that. I need to try their chicken Diablo and Cuban sandwiches, so I'll update this review when I do. Moreover, you should definitely come here. I have come here numerous times just for the corn, and will continue to come back.
(4)Anna G.
My boyfriend and I split a Cuban just to try the place. Small awesome environment. Quick service. Delicious food.
(5)Jasmine C.
Been here for the first time only a few days ago. My friend had to be craving this on one of the colder days of this winter and which we ate at the non heated togo spot because she forgot about the restaurant right next door. Wasnt too bad, had a very traditional spanish deli feeling to it. I got myself a hot mint tea and my friend an iced lemonade which tasted pretty good; refreshing with a subtle unique taste. We ordered and shared the 'it' items on the menu; the corn on the cob and cuban sandwich. Fell in love with it cuban, it was just so good and juicy. The corn was really good too, but just didn't like the fact corn gets stuck in between teeth. Def will come back to try other things on the menu.
(4)Jamie F.
Corn, $2? In a word: perfecto Came here for a little pickmeup snack after shopping around Prince Street. And a perfect snack it was. You can't go wrong with corn and cheese!
(5)Diana B.
trekked here from soho on a rainy day for our last meal before heading to the airport. we were in a rush and unfortunately, their credit card machine broke so i only had enough cash to order the huevos rancheros, which tasted so good, and not the corn on the cob that the table next to us had which looked very good, too. now that i've read all the reviews raving about the corn, i regret that i didn't run out in the rain to the atm machine. sigh. can i find anything comparable in sf?
(4)Cole P.
Points for the adorably wacky serving staff. Also for the moist plantain chips and tasty vegetarian things and frozen margaritas. Worth the waiting for a table.
(4)Charline F.
I just love it! I am not a big fan of mexican restaurant but this one is great. Good prices, delicious cocktails and the food is good! I also love the atmosphere and people are very friendly. Nice place for brunch, lunch, and evening!
(4)Linda W.
I am flying back to New York from the West Coast JUST to eat this corn again. That. Is. How. Good. It. Is.
(5)Nisha G.
The corn = LOVE The margarita = LOVE The price = LOVE Tiny space = not so much Pretty solid choice. Minus one star for that table that is seated so oddly right in front of the bathroom!
(4)Naveen S.
The food is amazing. You are going to be full. You are going to be happy. Great crowd. Loud -- but that only adds to the atmosphere. Almost always a wait outside and you may end up waiting as long as 90 minutes on really really busy nights. Totally worth it to wait for a table. I suggest grabbing a drink or two at nearby Chibi's Bar or at Vig.
(5)Chase L.
Not so clean place with awesome service and mediocre food. I ordered cuban corn and shrimp tacos. It was nothing I couldn't find elsewhere for cheaper. The corn lacked dressing, and the tacos had no flavor. The taco plate came with two small sized tacos, a ton of beans, and rice; all for $15. Over priced. Hmmm. I really wanted to like this place.
(3)Jackie O.
I had the grilled corn, Cuban sandwich, and Caipirinha to drink - everything was so delicious and I would definitely go back to try the rest of the menu. Service was great - I didn't catch her name but the girl with the awesome black hairstyle was wonderful!
(5)Stephen T.
As a local of Manhattan and born in raised in Chinatown, the food variety is abundant. Cafe Habana has been one of my favorite places for lunch and dinner. Their steak sandwiches and cuban's are top of the line in my opinion. Don't skip the cuban corn!!! Overall the food is great- I only give 4 stars because they aren't consistent with service (whether it be takeout or dining in). Nonetheless it's a must try.
(4)Tracy K.
First off, the corn. I never thought I would like something like that, but I'm addicted. I'll probably be going back to this place just for that. But if you're looking for something more substantial than corn, I really enjoyed the roast pork as well. The main downside to this place is the long wait and the super cramped seating, other than that - delicious!
(4)Youna S.
Grilled corn Mexican styleeeeee. Love it, and it's cheap for what you get. Only downside of this is that little pieces of corn and the spices can get stuck between your teeth but oh wells!
(4)Soyoung H.
hands down, the best cuban sandwich i've ever had. and i've taken several friends here and they always agree. a few friends and i found this place because we were suddenly craving cuban sandwiches, and we'd just moved to nyc so we spent forever trying to find a place and landed on cafe habana. definitely the right call. wish it weren't so crowded at dinner time, but actually we've never had to wait too long. that might be more a function of luck than anything though. one star off not for food but just for the space. it's hard to just sit and savor when it's always just packed, you can see the poor souls milling around outside waiting to hawk on your table to enjoy what you're enjoying, and it's loud as sin, probably because everyone's just going like 'oh my gosh this sandwich is so good, do you think this sandwich is so good? 'i do think it's so good, what about you?' 'totally, i also think it's so good' etc etc etc there's really nothing more to say. i'm sure the other things are tasty too, but i can't not get the cuban sandwich.
(4)R Y J.
So I've been craving really good Cuban food because I'm from Miami, and I'm really picky when it comes to Cuban food in the city. Everyone told me this place had amazing corn and that I had to go to try it. Verdict: It was just okay. I could make it. I mean, yeah, good, but not something I would keep going back for. And the Cuban sandwich was voted "the best in NYC" as it said on the menu, but I don't know... It was a good sandwich, but definitely not the kind of Cuban sandwich I know, made by real Cubans who had come straight from Cuba like three days ago - THOSE were AMAZING. Overall, good food, but I wouldn't go here often for amazing Cuban food.
(3)Susan P.
I went to Cafe Habana solely for their popular grilled corn on the cob and it did not disappoint... I find myself daydreaming about it every now and then! ; ) I highly recommend it to everyone!
(5)Allison K.
This review is for cafe habana in soho. My boyfriend and I went on a Sunday afternoon for brunch, which conveniently lasts till 4:30PM. We only waited about ten minutes for a table, but I wouldn't be surprised if the wait is generally longer. This is a small place but the ambience is great. Here is what we ordered. A frozen guava margarita, challah French toast, roasted corn and eggs with French fries. Everything was absolutely delicious. If you come, which you should, do yourself a favor and try the roasted corn. The prices are very reasonable. Service was great as well with very friendly staff. The bathrooms were small and dimly lit, but I wouldn't let that change my opinion. Another bonus; this is a great area to walk around. This place is a must!
(5)Elaine K.
My husband said that the chilaquiles here was one of the best things he's ever put in his mouth. It was really, really that amazing. We came on a Sunday around the brunch time so there was a little bit of a wait. The tables are very close together, even for NYC. But the food was worth the discomfort of being pretty much in the middle of the conversation of the people sitting on either side of you. As already mentioned the chilaquiles was a must have. The chicken was so tender and the verde sauce was out of this world. He didn't get it with the eggs but I bet that would have also been amazing. It would also be good with fresh tortillas... I had the famous Cuban sandwich was another excellent choice. The meat was tender and juicy. We also had the corn (how could you not after all the reviews here??) and it was just as amazing as everyone says. Get these three items and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Anthony R.
Food is good but certainly not cuban cuisine more like Mexican.
(3)P H.
Best grilled corn ever! Add some hot sauce for that extra kick. There's an order to-go/fast orders on the right side of the restaurant. Super convenient!
(4)Sal A.
Love their chorizo sandwich.. very flavorful!
(5)Daniel L.
Lovely little place. Can get a little warm inside because they didn't have AC, but the people who run this restaurant are so heart-warming and kind and very hospitable. We were in for brunch, so our table had the cuban sandwich, the open faced sloppy joe, the Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo and their infamous corn. I ordered the chilaquiles and didn't expect the best because I heard their roast pork was amazing, but I thought I ordered the best dish. The chicken was so goooood. Their corn was pretty amazing as well, although one of the corn(it comes with 2 corns) wasn't as plump as the other one. Nevertheless it was really good. I had a hard time with the corn though because of my braces...but well worth the trouble.
(5)Jillian O.
At this point I think we all know just how good the Mexican corn is, but the other menu items I've had here were equally delicious. I was surprised to find Cuban food in this area and was more than skeptical to try it, but by the end of my meal I was pleasantly surprised by the quality ingredients and high-impact flavors. The space here is very small, and due to its popularity it does get crowded easily. There are a few places to sit inside but don't count on being able to grab a seat to eat. The burgers & sanwiches are delicious (next on my list to try is the chicken mole). This place is very far out of my way but it's definitely worth a try for anyone in the area.
(4)Jack K.
With nearly 2K reviews, what more can I say that has not already been said. Well, I'll say this again simply because it's so delicious! The Grilled Mexican Corn is a must-try!
(4)Charlene I.
Real good food! Especially the famous corn/elote and the meat+rice+bean dishes! I also really enjoyed their tostones that came with a really delicious dipping sauce. I do have to say though...this restaurant needs just a little more space...lol...it can turn you claustrophobic! haha The restaurant is close to soho so you can work off all them calories while shopping there! :)
(4)Rico R.
The grilled corn was delicious! I had 3 on our first visit. The tacos were OK. We are transplants from LA so our benchmark for tacos is pretty high. We ail need to try other items on the menu (an excuse to have more corn) The place is always packed so I can understand that the staf may be stressed out, but crunch time is when good staff should shine!
(4)Jonathan Z.
corn & cuban sandwich to go plz nice snack to walk around soho with. also one in brooklyn. i don't know why, but i just feel cool when i eat this. it makes me feel like i'm in cuba, just chillin and eatin.
(4)Chris D.
Food was delicious. Had the grilled corn and Cuban sandwich. One of the best I've ever had.
(5)Lauren D.
Cafe Habana is my first thought when I wake up on a Saturday (afternoon). I only eat there via delivery considering it is a tiny little place and people overflow onto Elizabeth Street the entire weekend. The cafe con leche and the mexican hot chocolate screams my name as soon as my eyes open. Sure thing is the Cuban Sandwich (get extra spicy mayo on the side), their salads are fab and fresh, and my personal favorite is the mole chicken burrito. Get some jarritos to mix (lime is the best) with Saturday afternoon cocktails and you've got yourself a classic Habana Saturday!
(3)Christina L.
I would give this restaurant more stars if I could. Honestly im not sure if there really was any miss at our table because everything we ordered not only complemented our tastebuds but totally satisfied my tummy. We started with the famous corn on a cob which comes with 2 per order and it was amaze balls. I didn't realize corn on a cob could create such party in your mouth. The roasted corn with flavors bursting in all directions was definitely orgasmic. This is one of the foods you have to try before you die because it totally made my mouth and life complete! (Its the little things in life you should be thankful about heh) The grilled shrimp tacos another hit! These shrimps aren't your small sized shrimp but they are jumbo shrimps and the sauce that accompanies the taco is not only full of flavor but it leaves you with a little room for you to accent it with habanero sauce. The fish tacos were good too but compared to the shrimp tacos i personally felt it lacked flavor. The rice and beans that come with your order is sweet and salty to help complement the tacos. Honestly i would have just ordered rice and beans on their own. Overall 5 stars does not do enough justice...tastebud wise money wise it is totally worth it in all aspects.
(5)Helen W.
I came here because my friends has been here and is always talking about it. I was in the mood for Spanish food, so why not come here. The food was ok. There wasnt much to choose from. Maybe it could have been what I ordered. My friends sure enjoyed what they ordered. I just got the simple plain taco. If I ever go back again I'll order something different. The service there was pretty good. Our waitress was nice. But the place was really small. And there was barely any room to walk around.
(3)Steff D.
While it's fun to do touristy things from time to time, I've personally always found traveling much more rewarding when I've seen it and experienced it through the eyes of a local. When I visited SoHo the lovely Jane K. was my guide. When she asked me where I wanted to eat for dinner one night I told her, "Where would YOU go with friends? What's authentically SoHo?" When her first option wasn't opened, we wound up at Café Habana... I can't imagine Option #1 could have been any better than this little place! And by little, I do mean tiny. The place doesn't seat that many (or, maybe it does, and my Mainer-sense of wide open spaces can't wrap itself around such intimate, close seating among strangers; that's something we just don't do!), and the wait was out the door. And while that may have turned me off most places in northern New England, in NYC: small locale + long wait = no prob. We were eventually seated at the bar, and I asked our server what she would get if she were vegetarian because I was torn between two things: the vegetarian tacos or Tlacoyos Tres Marias. "Well, some folks just don't like cactus. Personally, I'd go with the Tlacoyos Tres Marias. I mean, it's fried - how can you go wrong with that, right?" Side note: if your server is cool, and you're cool, and you connect - ALWAYS ASK THEIR OPINION. Usually, they won't try and up-sell you something they themselves wouldn't eat. So, I ordered the Tlacoyos Tres Marias (which I still can't pronounce or properly spell; #thankyoucopypastebutton) and the grilled corn. How could I not? Just about everyone in the room was eating one or had just finished destroying one and was contentedly picking at their teeth. When it arrived, two big ears of corn positively covered in cotija cheese (which I had never had before) and chili powder. After sprinkling some lime on it, I took a big awkward bite (because how can eating corn in public be anything but awkward; it is NOT a food in which you can eat gracefully). And then suddenly I realized I had taken many, many bites because I just.... couldn't... stop.... EATING IT. It was unlike anything I had ever eaten before. It was spicier than I expected, and the cheese - OHHHHH THE CHEESE - was distinct tasting and was perfectly complimented with the chili powder. I can see why they give you two! (Jane K. - you're lucky I shared, because I could have definitely eaten that second one!). My Tlacoyos Tres Marias came and visually it was exactly what I was expecting: a scoop of rice, a scoop of beans, and a partially fried corn mesa wrap topped with some sauces. The rice and beans are nothing extraordinary; I didn't finish them because they taste like rice and beans I've had before/could have anywhere. The actual goat cheese-sun dried tomato-black bean filled corn mesa, though, was DELISH. Each bite was a different blend of flavors - a little tang of goat cheese here, a little crunch from the fried corn mesa there. Very, very good. So, what did I learn from this experience? A) If you're not from NYC, don't be afraid of sitting on top of/talking over each other - it's totally normal here; and, B) GET. THE. CORN. Come here JUST FOR the corn. It will easily become "one of those foods" you remember for years and years to come.
(4)Men On Food X.
TWO SNAPS UP! Cannot take my eyes off the drool-worthy staff. Everyone is fabulously beautiful, a true American Apparel ad come to life with adorable servers I can smell and touch. The food is DELISH and the chic setting only emanates gorgeous people. Love nibbling on my corn while making mesmerizing eye contact with their oh so hot bartenders!
(5)Peter K.
The corn here was tasty. I wanted to try the Cuban sandwich but was not hungry enough. My friend ended up getting it. From the bite I had of his sandwich, it was also good. There is nothing mind-blowing about this place, mind you. It was simply above average food at below average prices for the city. We went to the to-go part of the restaurant because the actual sit down portion was packed with a line out the door. I guess that's what happens when you sell decent food at reasonable prices in New York. I would like to come back some time when it is less busy and actually sit down and try other items on the menu. Funny story. My friend got into a fight with the cashier over some change when she was paying for her food. It was something like a couple pennies or a nickel, some entirely negligible amount. They were both quite angry. Women are hilarious.
(4)Amy K.
I only tried their Cuban sandwich since it was "voted best in NYC" and had really high expectations of it. However, it wasn't as great as I thought it would be and I was kind of disappointed. This place was kind of missable, even though it was on the corner. There wasn't any big signs and I didn't see it, until my friend pointed it out for me. This place gets crowded most of the time and they had no fans/AC. They leave the door open, but I guess the heat was bearable? I might come again, just for the famous Mexican Corn. However, their menu is decently priced especially around this area in the city.
(3)Michelle M.
Besides the small tables and likelihood of a wait, which is no surprise in NYC, there is nothing bad to say about this joint. Order any of the authentic dishes on the menu, just BE SURE to get the Grilled Corn Mexican Style, too!!!!!!
(5)Jean B.
Try their Grilled Mexican Corn.
(4)Khanh T.
Absolutely love the service and food! It's small and there is limited seatings available, so be prepared to wait. I recommend going in the Fall/Spring, because there's no AC in the restaurant. Must try the corn!
(5)Helena W.
I don't know what took me so long to come here. Maybe because of the horrific line I see every time I pass by. Now I understand what the fuss is about. If you are going to try one thing from this joint, you must have their GRILLED MEXICAN CORN! It's like making the perfect pasta dish al dente well, they do it with the corn. The grilled steak sandwich was too chewy for me but the chicken diablo burrito was delish.
(5)p.c. m.
Blackened chicken sandwhich- to die for. Ambiance and location- unbeatable. Save room for a cupcake from the little cupcake shops across the street!
(5)Doris T.
Two things you MUST try when coming to Cafe Habana: GRILLED CORN and CUBAN SANDWICH! The grilled corn is amazing and it's the only place that's change my mind about grilled corn on the cob. It's got smokey grill marks, wiped down with mayo/sour cream/mexican crema, covered in cotija cheese, and dusted with chili poweder for that spicy kick. It messy to eat and you're gonna get that stuff all over your face but it's well worth it - get your mind out of the gutter! ha! The cuban sandwich is my favorite dish to get here. They've actually won awards for this sandwich so you know it's going to be good. The pork has some nice slow-cooked flavor.The bread is nice and crusty, and it's served with the cuban sandwich classics - ham, swiss cheese, and pickles. They also have a chipotle mayo in it, and serve it with a side of fries. The sandwich is big and it can fill me up for two meals. The enchiladas are very good as well. I've also tried the chicken quesadillas and the fish tacos, but they just don't satisfy me flavor-wise, they're a bit bland for me. I've ordered the fish tacos twice and it's really messy to eat, the tacos just fall apart and I expected bolder flavors. The drinks here are pretty strong too! The establishment is pretty small, and it's usually packed with people, waiting on line. Try going during off-peak hours. I think Cafe Habana is truly great if you want true authentic cuban food.
(4)Jame A.
Delicious! really good, one of my favorite restaurants in the neighborhood. i have never been disappointed here. The food is phenominal. Def get the grilled corn! I also had the Pollo Mirador which i basically licked the plate it was so good, and the Enchiladas Suizas was also great. The meal is worth the wait
(5)Katharina K.
I was not sure whether to give this place 3 or 4 stars, 3.5 would probably be the best. First - it was crowded! And they really try to squeeze as many people in as they can. The table we were seated was TINY for two people, we really had a hard time balancing our drinks and food there, which made eating kind of uncomfortable. The atmosphere is nice though. Food in general was mediocre, especially as you can get the same food for a much lower price (i had the roasted pork and my bf some enchiladas). What was really, really good though was the corn. I can definitely recommend this! I will return to try their cuban sandwiches for which they are supposedly famous for, and then I can probably update my review to 4 stars ;)
(3)Grant M.
Bomb
(4)Travis D.
The grilled corn-YUMMM!! This place is smaller, but it does not disappoint! I went while I was visiting NY, with a friend whom had found it on Yelp and we were both very satisfied! The pulled pork is also a must-have! Prices are great and you get a great street view of SoHo! Love it!!
(5)Lelly L.
always a spot I hit up when in NYC. like everyone says.. corn and cuban sandwich. if you are smart, get one to-go for later on...esp. if you're taking a flight out. you'll regret it while you're eating your panda express in the aiport food court.
(4)ethan r.
Always happening, always buzzing. A taste of Cuba for foodie and hipsters alike in the center of Nolita.
(3)Jason H.
Just to be candid, we were ready to walk out of this SoHo place immediately after being seated. We waited over 30 minutes to seat a party of four. We were eventually seated at what consisted of two small cocktail tables pushed together. It was so near the restrooms that my wife had to sit perpendicular to the rest of us so people could get by. We were constantly being bumped as other customers had to squeeze behind us to get into and out of the bathrooms. When we first sat down, two booths were also empty, and we asked if we could switch. The hostess and waitress unceremoniously said "No!" Those are for big parties and we were a party of four. They then sat two parties of four in the booths. We asked if we could change with them (we were there for a family celebration) and we were in line before them. They again said "No! The hostess makes the final seating arrangements." The only reason that we didn't leave is that we were starving and it was getting late. Now, the reason that they I am not giving them a one star review: the food was very good and the waitress that served us was nice and friendly. We took Yelp's advice and ordered the corn. It was spicy and cheesy and amazing. We also got the fried plantains, which were not too greasy and cut fairly thick. The Huevos Rancheros with steak were awesome, and the corn maza boat stuffed with feta and beans was the dish of the night. Don't get me wrong. This place is EXTREMELY noisy and packed. At one point, 1980's Axel-F dance music was blaring so loud that we had to stop talking for a few minutes. My son felt his braces coming loose from the vibrations! Its like they are a wanna be Dance Club or something? However, the food is really great. We aren't sure if we will be going back, but the horrible seating arrangement was surpassed by the corn and maza.
(3)Abnous V.
Came here with boyfriend and a friend. Immediately seated! Had a few amazing margaritas! Our waitress was a doll and suggested a few things. We ordered the skirt steak( awesome) the chorizo quesadillas (amazing) and the pulled pork sandwhich- sooo good!!! The corn on the cob is a MUST have! Small place, but great atmosphere! The food is really delicious ( the spicy spinach was on the salty side)- any wait is definitely worth it. Will be back very soon!
(5)Andrew C.
Stop checking these reviews and just go!
(5)Kate B.
All I can say is WOW! Totally worth the wait and you can not leave without getting the grilled corn! Orgasm in your mouth.. The shrimp tacos were also fabulous. Side of quac to top it all off. So fresh!!
(5)Alice L.
Cafe habana is one of the good cuban joints I know in the city. I always get the corn with the cheese. It comes with two full cobs of corn with lots of cheese. Ask for lime or lemon sauce to put on top ! Other than the sandwiches and corn.. I wouldn't really recommend anything else. I have tried their salads and was not impressed. The vegetables weren't fresh and it was really dry. Although the food is great, the service is not. I did not receive my menu for a while and wasn't given water or asked for a drink until after my food was served to me. I had ask numerous servers for water throughout my stay there.
(4)erika n.
Don't talk; just listen. GET THE MEXICAN GRILLED CORN. You will not be disappointed. Grilled, cotija cheese, mayo, cayenne?? I don't know exactly what all is on the corn but I DO know that it makes for merriment in your mouth. I LOVE THIS CORN.
(5)Funkatron F.
Only tried one thing here so I may come back and revise this later. I had one of their Cuban sandwiches and they are pretty tasty. Very big sandwiches too (which they ought to be for the price) I didn't even need to order anything else. One sandwich filled me up. I will definitely go back and try some other things though, especially the corn.
(4)Amy-Ni N.
PLEASE...just go here and order 2 orders of the Mexican Corn for yourself. You'll thank me later. Don't share.TRUST ME!!!! Haha.
(5)Kristin M.
I've been going there for years so the food is obviously good, but I'm getting increasingly turned off by the poor service and waitresses/hostesses with horrible attitudes. Last time I was there, we didn't get menus/waters for the first 25 mins we were seated. I kept making eye contact with the waitress and looking over my shoulder at her as she walked by and when she was chatting near her station with another waitress... She looked right at me and proceeded to stand around and do nothing. Ridiculous! A table near us was experiencing the same thing and got up and left about 15 mins in, and then she had the nerve to get angry about it for the following 10 mins (asking the table next to them what happened, complaining to the other waitress, etc.) She was rude to us when she finally did come by and serve us (I shared an entree with my mom but we ordered a bunch of appetizers and drinks, and she seemed pissed we were sharing an entree.... How much food can two people eat?!) About a year and a half ago is when I first noticed the service going downhill...There is always a wait and so you give your name to the hostess and definitely expect to stand around for at least 20 mins. Well after 35 mins of waiting and many people who came AFTER us being seated BEFORE us, my boyfriend and I and another couple who was experiencing the same thing looked at each other like, WTF!? she clearly forgot about us?! Each time we (us or the other couple) approached her to remind her we were waiting, she looked at us like she'd never seen us before and said something nonsensical..She was quite literally cracked out. I don't know why they hire such incompetent/idiotic staff who think they the Sh** and therefore do not need to do their jobs properly... I mean come on, the food is good.. but it's not THAT good!
(2)Davy S.
Best corn I've ever had. Best cuban sandwich I've ever had. SO RIDICULOUSLY GOOD! Didn't have to wait at all on a Sunday evening for 2.
(5)Amy C.
While I was walking in Soho, I came across this restaurant. It was very crowded and the wait was 40mins for 2. The hostess was really nice. So I decided to wait. It was great. Its small and cozy. The food was great. I am a fan of fish tacos and had to try them here. They were absolutely delish. Of course, I couldn't go without trying the grilled corn. Amazing. I also had guacamole and fried plantains. Delicious. The service was nice and they were friendly. Definitely try it.
(4)Glenn M.
We had to wait 40 minutes, but as soon as I tasted the corn appetizer I knew that the 40 minutes were SO worth it. Good music, feels very homestyle, and the food here is fantastic. My self-described "very very very picky 13 year old", loved every single thing she ate here!
(4)clb k.
The corn is the absolutely awesome here, but it tends to attract your usual naive tourists. The flavor and consistency is a gooey conglomerate of goodness. We came here with a pretty large group and it was horrible since Cafe Habana is not suited to accommodate us comfortably. I ordered the pork chops from here and the portion size was enormous. My co-worker who showed up late actually had my second chop since the first one filled me up. On the plus side, they have Jarritos drinks which are pretty good. I would come back here for the corn itself, in which you may use their express take-out line. Yummmm...
(3)Sokokyu K.
Was very pleased with the food here. You're silly if you don't order the Mexican Grilled Corn. The cuban is a safe choice. Their whole menu was decent. It can get really busy and space is tight inside.
(4)Johnny G.
I used to like this place...service is now going down hill and I believe a server took cash off my table... unfortunately it wasn't for the bill so a good $20 meal for $100 with bad service...amazing... Ultimately the food is good but there are a million other restaurants in soho, that you'll get great service...Maybe this was a one time occurrence but it's enough for me to never go again.
(2)Erica Jade L.
Yeah yeah, the corn is awesome. But the best reason to go here is to watch everyone else wipe the cheese/butter off the side of their faces (or better yet, not realizing that it's there in the first place) and then subtly yet pathetically attempt to pick the corn from their teeth. Balenciaga doesn't make dental floss? What a shame.
(5)Craig I.
ya gotta go here just to try the corn on the cob. serious grinds.
(5)Brent G.
One of the few places for brunch that I have been to where the lunch side may be better than the breakfast side. With that said, make sure you order the corn, unless you are prejudice against corn. I ordered the cuban bread and had previously had the huevos con chorizo. The cuban bread was really good. The chorizo on top made it nice and spicy. The Huevos was decent but the portion wasn't that much and it wasn't unique, so I can't really distinguish it from other places. If you come to this place though, I recommend coming early as it does fill up pretty quickly. The staff is extremely helpful and attentive and the food comes out quickly.
(4)Ryan D.
I've been incredibly lucky in that the 3 times I've come here, there's never been a wait. Be it mid-week late-night snack or during a thunderstorm, perhaps i just choose the times when no one else should be out for dinner. That said, last night I went and I left with my eyes wide open. Usually I just get the corn and a plate, either pork or chicken. Last night I got the pollo mirador, and it was delicious. The garlic spinach that accompanied it was fantastic. The corn of course was great. We sat at the bar, and the bartender was super friendly, and made good drinks. But that was all normal. My girlfriend got the Cuban, which I'd never had here. After eating everything else, I ate half of her sandwich. GOODNESS. I may have been a few drinks in, but I don't think I've ever had that good of a sandwich before. I can't even begin to describe it enough to do it justice. The bread was just crispy enough. The ham was wrapped around a nice hunk of cheese. Everything just flowed like a river of wonderful, each bite had a delicious crunch followed by 20 second of bliss. Remind me next time to not ignore the Cuban sandwich. I've had Porto's in LA and that holds nothing to this one.
(5)Cailin C.
I can't believe I can actually move right now. This place is absolutely great! I'm not gonna lie -- my friend and I both missed the restaurant and walked straight up to the to-go bar -- that's never going to happen again! Anyways, since my friend and I were waiting for our other friend, we were asked to sit and wait at the bar. The bartender is extremely nice! We didn't order anything at the bar, but the bartender kept checking up on us and making sure if we needed anything or not. Once our friend came, we immediately ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. YUM! I don't even like cheese, which was put on the corn with the chili powder, and it was still amazing. There are two corn that come with each order!! Overall, I had a GREAT experience! The waitresses were nice, but as other people have mentioned, the restaurant is a bit tight -- however, the bathroom is not as dark as everyone is saying it is. It's like a club bathroom - enough to do what you need to do and get out. Aside from that, it's a cute place around SoHo and a good place to relax after a full day of shopping! Your first time? I got you covered. Cailin's Recommendations - Appetizer: THE CORN!!!! AND/OR Ensalada de Espanica y Manzana: slices of apples and grapefruit on top of spinach -- I didn't order this, but I saw this woman next to me eat it and it looked tasty!! ($8.25) Cuban Sandwich: Citrus pork/Ham combo sandwich -- apparently voted #1 in NYC ($9.25) OR Grilled Shrimp Tacos - these 2 tacos look so small, but they are so filling!!! ($11.95) PS: order the white sangria -- SO GOOD. You're welcome, you're welcome, you're welcome!
(5)Molly E.
Ate here for the first time today. It was WONDERFUL. I'm a girl originally from San Antonio, Texas... so any type of Mexican-esque food...I'm usually hard to please. BUT, this place was great. Not only was the food absolutely spot on.. the service was great as well. All the people working there were incredibly happy and seemed to enjoy working there. I had the jimaca salad... WOW is all I can say. It's one of the best things I've ever eaten. SO GOOD.
(4)Carol B.
Had the cuban sandwich and fire roasted corn for lunch. Maybe the corn wasn't such a good choice, because a bunch of it got stuck in my teeth. The cojita cheese made it nice and yummy though. Mmmmm, cheese. The cuban sandwich was also good. I wonder what kind of ham they use. Could have use more cheese on the sandwich. God I love cheese. Anywho, it was really busy here around lunch time. Obviously they're popular with the kids. They take credit cards, which surprised me. Don't bank on having a table to sit at. Maybe they're a little bit overpriced. I don't know. You decide. If you really like cuban sandwiches, you'll probably like this place.
(3)Jerome Y.
Solid but lacks a kick I think
(3)Adrienne C.
Ooey cheesy creamy corn. SO GOOD. Their Cuban sandwich is super good as well. Other than that, the menu seemed more Mexican than Cuban...not that I'm complaining. Everything was super good and affordable. It's a pretty small spot do not recommend a group larger than 3-4 unless you're coming at an off time.
(4)Varada G.
Grilled corn with cotija cheese and red chili powder: A+! I went out of my way to find this little gem that I'd heard so much about, and it was completely worth it. It's so famous that they ask you at the door if you're just here for corn, and then direct you to a smaller cafe room behind the restaurant. For under $6 I got two cobs of grilled corn and a lime Jarritos (delicious combination), and it was the most delicious and not-overhyped-at-all snack I'd had in the city. Definitely coming back, definitely recommending to everyone I know visiting the area. Until then I will attempt to make some myself.
(5)Omar Q.
Corn on the cob with mayo, cheese and chili powder is the most amazing thing I've ever eaten. Their sandwiches are all amazing. I got the steak one it was amazing!!
(5)Brenda L.
Of all the supposed best cuban sandwiches i ate in the city - this one takes the cake - they really do deserve the title of "best cuban sandwich in the city". Between the chipotle mayo sauce and the tender juicy shredded pork - they've somehow found the right combo to the perfect cuban sandwich. I also tried the famous roasted corn on the cob which was really good but a bit too heavy for me. The corn was buttered/mayo'd and coated with generous portion of cotija cheese dusted with chili powder. Great for a few bites or to share. The restaurant itself is extremely tiny - probably can fit 30 ppl max - there's usually a wait as well - for those that want to skip this hassle - there's a take-out section of the store right next door that serves all the same food but with no wait - win win =)
(4)Thanh T.
All I had was the corn. 5 stars. Just for the corn. It deserves it. That corn was amazing! I wish I could take it with me back to San Diego! Our cashier was also really sweet. Although I didn't try anything else this place is still awesome!
(5)Neha C.
The best corn in the entire world. Love this place.
(5)Lisa H.
Ordered the Mexican corn to go several times ever since. Let's just say, long story short, the corn got worse and worse. The last time I went the cheese was lacking and it seemed like most of the ingredients got stuck to the aluminum foil. I spent more time licking the aluminum foil than eating the corn.
(3)Evelyn T.
A must if you're on a NYC food tour like I often am. Go in and out and get just the corn...sit at the flower box right in front for the best 10 minutes of the day, and finish it before you're skip along your way. =)
(5)Dan F.
We won't speak of the corn as it's been discussed by about 1250 other reviews. Outside of that well executed vegetable the experience was just above average. About average for the service and exceeds for the food. The standard Cuban sandwich is where it's at. The big negative for me was simply how hot it was. Yes the food was awesome, yes the service was ok, but sitting in your own sweat drippings kinda took away from it.
(3)Tara P.
I want to offer a correction on one of the reviews below in regards to the corn: The corn is covered in cotija cheese and some kind of creme. some places do use mayo or Mexican Crema or mayo or yogurt, not just mayo. it's got garlic, cayenne, lime...I am not sure how someone who wants to review food couldn't figure that out especially after eating it, but it's not fair to Cafe Habana to publish that incorrect info. They don't serve corn covered in mayo. I really love this place. A few misses, but as much as I've eaten there, it sometimes happens. Overall, they always more than deliver on the taste. It's fun, casual, and packed. Good vibes and yummy!
(5)Catherine D.
Two words: Grilled Corn. I actually prefer the to-go location to the restaurant, which is always way too crowded (and too long of a wait) imo. Ordering food is breeze, and there are usually seats available near the window that offer prime vantage points for people-watching. Great Latin fruit drinks and sodas, but I'm always a sucker for Classic Coca-cola in a glass bottle. Charming place for an afternoon snack after a day of shopping in SoHo and Nolita.
(5)Angry D.
I was shocked to find a layer of cheese caked onto the corn cob. That's just nasty. They should just rub butter on it instead and then dust it with salt and either chili or pepper. My Cuban sandwich was so average. The cheese was there to make it feel buttery ... it had hardly any flavor on its own; same goes for the almost unnoticeable pickle; and the amount of meat on this thing was pathetically small. The Cuban sandwich from my elementary school days was better than this in terms of size, flavor, and feeling. Gosh it would be hard to make a sandwich as bland as this. The lime-lemonade was so average too. I don't understand this place's popularity; I'm guessing nostalgia for diner decor or some strange satisfaction that the seat you're sitting on might have been sat on by someone famous. Bleh. The fried plaintains were good enough to go back but actually Whole Foods has better roasted plaintains. My friend said the black beans were good too. But I guess that's it.
(2)David K.
The grilled corn! Must. Eat. The corn is borderline addictive, and if I lived or worked closer, I'd probably get the corn 3-4 times/week. The corn is THE reason to come here. And while I had the Cuban here (it was quite good), the corn was clearly the standout. And if you can't get inside and sit down at Cafe Habana, go next door for the takeout.
(4)Sheldon S.
I checked out Café Habana after loving the Brooklyn location, Habana Outpost. With no questions asked, I got the Mexican Corn. ...ridiculously good! I also thought it was funny the appetizer comes with like three toothpicks. Yes it's just grilled corn with mayo and cheese, but someone hit a homerun when they thought to put the three together. It's like spaghetti, apple sauce, and cinnamon rolls. I also had the pollo mirador. It was solid, could have been better, but still solid. No worries though, no matter what I though of the rest of the food I was already going back for the corn. The place is a bit small. However the tight feel makes the food enjoyable nonetheless. It adds to the vibe and intimacy of the place. So get your dental floss handy and go get some corn!
(4)Munchie N.
Watch out for the 20% gratuity they add to your bill - even if you have a party less than 6 people. The corn is really good but other food items are ok at best. Not worth the wait. Go next door and get the corn
(3)Ken W.
Elote (roasted corn with cheese, chilli, and all the good stuff), and fish tacos (with even more of the good stuff) are what we got here and we ate, casually, after the sun had set, but the heat had not sunk fully into the earth, on the bench outside the takeout, admiring the yellow labs and golden retrievers, eyeing the slouching hipsters and jagged packs of primped-up folks out for a night on the town, resting on our yoga mats and stepping out of the river that is the LES, onto this island of a bench where the sun was shining in some part of Habana, And glorious it was.
(4)James C.
The corn here is amazing. Like nothing I ever had. I ordered the Cuban sandwich. Not the best I've had and a bit too dry for my liking. The shrimp tacos were great. This place is small and space is very tight. You are literally sitting on top of each other. However, the food is great and the prices are nice.
(3)Thomas F.
I wish I could say more than the other reviews have given this place, but let me reiterate. The corn on the cob is an absolute must try for this place. It is delicious and savory. It is the best corn on the cob I have ever tried. They had Jarritos here, and I am a big fan of trying new sodas, especially exotic ones. I have only found jarritos in Miami so I was pleasantly surprised they offered it here. I also had their Cuban Sandwich. It was also flavorful. I wish I had tried these two on separate occasions because the corn overshadowed the sandwich. The service was good here and I did not have to wait too long to get a table for 5.
(4)Michael L.
Yes corn. I didn't understand how it could be so delicious, but there it was. Two nicely sized pieces for $5.95. I wanted to make a bed out of it, but then I'd be covered in cotija and mayo. Had the rice and beans and spinach platter, delicious, filling and (hopefully nutritious) and at $8.95, why not?? The potatoes that come with the breakfast things are AMAZING. I'm not the hugest fan of breakfast potatoes, but they are SO. GOOD.
(4)Melissa M.
One of my friends was in town from AZ and we were in Soho wanting a snack. It was a jillion degrees outside and we were both starving and thristy. She remembered that she had heard wonderful things about corn in a cuban place. Next steps involved texts, yelp, and google maps to direct us here. I'm not one for corn - in that I will pass it up 99% of the time, but if a place is "known" for someting I need to try it and weigh in. We arrive and I was really really really really hoping for AC. Haha no such luck. It was also a jillion degrees in there. MI continued to sweat bullets. My heart goes out to the staff. They had the windows open and it kind of added to the cuban ambiance (or what I think cuban ambiance is) but still WAY TOO HOT. The place is super small and has a diner atmosphere. We were able to grab a seat at the counter as people were leaving. All the tables were taken. We had to wait it bit for service - we ordered 2 red sangrias and a a dish of corn. Note that 1 dish has 2 ears. It took a while to get our drinks, but they were well worth it! Sangria was delish! Waited a bit longer and out came our corn. Again - not a corn person, but it was AMAZING! Perfect amount of spice and seasoning. Love the mayo! Also very affordable! Will definately be coming back with the husband - he really likes corn. But - I will wait until winter - the heat was just way too much! If you cant tolerate the heat, wait until the temp drops.
(4)Jeanette L.
Very good food. Great corner location, tight squeeze. The takeout counter is probably a better bet than waiting for a table. Just remember to make time for a nap after eating here.
(4)Liliana L.
So this review is going to be for their costumer service at the location where they make the corns, which is next to the restaurant located at the corner this is how I posted as my FB statues so enjoy it. --Funny how you're in a Mexican Restaurant and you clearly observe that the workers are from hispanic background, so I as a good Colombian, I go and speak with the cashier about my order in Español, then she looks at me like she doesn't understand a bit, therefore I proceed to translate my order in English, then she replies to me in English and she turns around to speak in Español with her coworkers, how funny & ridiculous. -- this was really rude-- in addition to this my friend wanted to ask for a lemonade she went to the cashier and the workers were talking nonstop among them, they saw my friend standing there wanting to ordr something they didnt even bother to ask if she needed help, seriously I dont even know how come they have so many workers in that small place doing nothing.
(1)Jessica D.
Roasted corn on the cob and Cuban Sandwich. Do it. This place was delicious. The spot was a little crowded (even at 11:30pm on a weekday), but the service was still fast and the food was great. Their drinks are also good - I'd recommend the mojito. If you get a frozen margarita, get it with the guava puree!
(5)Sanga P.
it's all about the corn on the cob. everything else is good, the other food, the vibe, but don't make me say it again. yeah it's always crowded. welcome to ny.
(5)Alain H.
Was there in 2013, probably the best sandwich I ever ate. Going back to NYC this month and will immediately head there for lunch.
(5)Briceyda L.
I visited this place per a coworkers suggestion during a business trip and I've been back another time since then. The drinks and food were great. The corn is memorable and a must get for sure. Common was having dinner there when we went the first time so that was exciting. This past time I went I also tried the shrimp tacos and they were yummy. Both times I left feeling super full. I will definitely return when I'm back in NYC.
(4)Raquel Y.
I remember this place being a little bit trashy, crowded, and tiny, but CORN WAS AMAZING! So much flavor, creamy, cheesy. Drunk food for sure, and best snack ever.
(4)Jerry D.
Sat at counter. Guys behind it were great. Know how to make a cocktail. Food awesome. Get corn on stick.
(4)Gabby B.
Delicious!! The roasted cuban pork, the corn and platanos are musts. It's a cute, tiny, huge emphasis on tiny, place. There's like ten tables. The margaritas are splendid, especially the spicy one. No reservations are taken, so you have to kind of take a leap of faith and hope there are tables available when you go. Our food came out fast though and they don't rush you out of the place even though it's small. That's always nice. It's an NYC cuban staple and the food is pretty amazing, so go.
(4)Nikita K.
I LOVE cuban food and Cafe Habana did not disappoint. While it's slightly ironic that most Americans can't vouch for the authenticity of Cafe Habana's Cuban food, but the restaurant is amazing. Its quite small, be prepared to wait. But its reasonably priced and offers something for everyone (vegetarians and meat-eaters alike) I tried the grilled Mexican-style corn on the cob which was nice and juicy with great seasoning. (Side note: I will be adding lime juice to any future corn on the cob I make). Following this up with the Cuban sandwich. The roasted pork and ham were nicely seasoned and moist and the portions were generous. I brought half the sandwich home. My friends had the huevos rancheros and heuvos divorciados which are basically the same dish, but the later has two types of salsa and beans. They also have a 'to-go' shop around the corner, which I plan to stop by in the summer to grab the corn on the cob to go and not to be missed Cuban Coffee!
(4)Bang T.
Have you recently Seen Friends With Benefits, and you're wondering where is that cute little restaurant Justin and Mila ate at was? also what is that corn they were eating so happily?!! Yes, the Mexican Corn on the cob is wildly addicting and a must get. I usually have the grilled streak entree which comes with rice and black beans DELICIOUS. I love this place and always come whenever i have a chance... Update more later!!!!
(5)Hana S.
Got here just before 6 on a weekday so there was no wait (thankfully)! It's a super small tight space and some of the seats are very close to another but can't expect more in this area. Got the street corn and the roast pork to share. Street corn met my expectations and I'm not a huge corn-on-the-cob person. The flavors of all the toppings were great on the corn, even better accentuated by sprinkling some line on it. Yellow rice and black beans came with the pork and it was pretty standard, I love yellow rice so much I could (probably) eat it everyday. Roast pork was also good, a few fatty pieces of shredded pork but mostly tasty Caribbean-style meat. Pretty sure this is one of the more accurately Cuban dishes on the menu but I could be wrong! Not sure if I would come back here especially when I consider how every time I've passed by it's packed and has people waiting. But I would most definitely go next door to pick up some of that street corn, yum yum.
(4)Erika F.
Rename this place. The menu is primarily Mexican. The cuban sandwich, camarones enchilados, and the maduros and tostones are all that is Cuban about this place. That being said- those tostones were DAMN GOOD. I also tried the famous grilled corn everyone raves about and although the toppings were tasty, I found the corn a bit dry. The sincronizado seemed interesting and was really tasty. This is a really great (and large) app! For a Friday night and a small cafe, I was happy to see only a 20 min wait. Everyone was also really friendly. I'd definitely head back to try some of the more cuban items on the menu.
(3)Gordon Y.
We tried the Cuban sandwich. It is the best sandwich I've ever had in My life So far. Only 4 stars is given because of the small place.
(4)Samir K.
Good food but not really worth the price. This is a small place with extravagant prices unfortunately. I loved the corn on the cob but would have prefered the corn to be warm/hot to make it even better. Worth a try!
(3)Arturo G.
A busy, but very bright spot. Sat at the bar where we got to see the bartender at work making delicious cocktails and beverages. The smell of squeezed lime, mint, brown sugar were a delight. I had very tasty hibiscus tea. Started with the illustrious mexican-style corn. Having grown up with the stuff, I had pretty high expectations that were largely met. The cotija cheese combined with mayo and lime was excellent. The corn was not sweet (which is crucial and often missed at American establishments). I can't say it's perfect, but it is very solid. For the main, I had the Tlacoyo (a masa pie filled with goat cheese, sundried tomato, and black bean). Pretty delicious though I would have liked a little more sundried tomato to boost the flavor. Served with rice and beans, it was definitely enough food. Overall, I liked the open-air cafe atmosphere. The neighborhood is top-notch, the staff were all quite pleasant and cool. Definitely will go back. Strongly recommend.
(4)Stavros G.
I 've been here a couple of times and the experiences were a bit different each time. The first time I had a famous sandwich, I cannot recall the name, which I liked but not loved. The place was greatly recommended so I decided to give it another shot. And boy was I right. The second time we went there for dinner and we started with the best corn I've ever had, along with a neat mojito. A delicious steak with fried eggs followed, with another mojito, and by the time we finished and were heading back I knew that cafe Habana had make a new fan.
(4)River O.
Wow! The best cuban in the city for sure. The fried plantains are amazing too.
(5)Reesie R.
I'm from FL - so I know a good Cuban sandwich. Not quite up to par. Keep trying. The corn on the cob is unique, but not out of this world. Not really worth waiting in line for an hour to be crammed in a small joint to eat subpar cuban food. Nice try.
(3)Joanne K.
great guava margaritas! also the corn is the best. the food here is really good which is why they opened a take out place next door. i'm not a fan of yuca but their fried yuca and garlic sauce is so good.
(4)Marti M.
Service sucks but the food is pretty good (must get the corn and the tostones w/ the sauce!). Would go back again, just not a day/time that's so busy (Friday 6 pm). *Also, no AC in the summer :/
(4)Mario V.
I really like the location, decor, and variety of sandwiches. Usually I end up getting the sloppy jose, but last weekend ending up trying their corn on the cob, which was unique and delicious with I think parmesan cheese and a dash of paprika. The seating inside is limited, but there are makeshift planter benches and a trashcan outside too.
(4)Monica B.
JB got a sandwich here and wasn't overly impressed. I got the corn, however, and was sitting pretty. Stop by the take out next door, and save yourself the wait.
(3)Tonton T.
- Good for Brunch in Summer with Friends -
(4)Vincent R.
Uber Cool Plus Good Food makes for a great Combo. Awesome Vibe with Good Music, Food, Ambiance and Hip Crowd. Try The Grilled Corn w/Cheese, "It's Off The Chain" !!!
(4)Shekina C.
Restaurant was very clean but the space is very tight. Glad I got there right at dinner time (6pm no wait), because once it got to full capacity I couldn't wait to get out of there so I could breathe. Come later than 6:30pm during the week, expect to wait for a table. The corn on the cob appetizer was good, but my meal was just ok. I had the special of the day which was fried fish, white rice and mixed veggies. I really don't need to go to this spot again. Been there done that!
(2)Edi R.
Saturday night after a day at the US Open and we were starvevd! Locals highly recommended Cafe Habana and it was quite a trek from the upper west side but we hopped in a cab - and were glad we did. The corn was recommended and is delicious - it does come 2 full ears to an order so be careful and don't over eat.... save room because the dinner is worth it! I had grilled shrimp tacos and they were happy to change the rice and beans to a small green salad. You'd be surprised how often that is an issue. My firend had the Baja Fish and love it! I wanted to order the plantains and forgot.... but we didn't have room anyway so we will have to make another trip back. The staff was attentive and knowledgeable, the drink specials were delicious! Reasonably proced and fabulous, fun food!!
(4)Rohan S.
I got the chilaquiles which were unbelievable. My brothers and father weren't as excited about their meals however. Also, very cool little spot.
(5)Marissa P.
I didn't understand all the hype honestly. The food was good, for sure, but the space was mad tight. The service was alright. Nothing blew my mind though, and I was under the impression it would.
(3)Neelum K.
Everything they serve is so YUMMY! Of course the corn on the cob is the mainstay and to die for. However the brunch menu is a wondeful surprise. Huevos Divorciados has 2 salsas, ranchero and verde -- never tasted like this before. You wish you could lick the plate so not to lose any of the flavor. Super tiny tables and always packed, I would recommend before 10 am otherwise don't bother. If the wait is too long, take Habana to go next door and find a bench. The table size isn't much bigger anyway.
(4)Mr F G And Ms M S.
We were here around 4pm on a Friday & the place was busy but we were seated immediately. The place is small. It's definitely not comfortable. It is definitely a place where you eat & go. We got the grilled corn & the Cuban sandwich. They were really good especially the Cuban sandwich. The sandwich is packed full of tender juicy meat & cheese! Absolutely delicious! The Cuban sandwich comes with fries on the side. It may not look big at first but it's definitely filling. Our waitress, she was polite. Overall, the service was good. The food came pretty quickly. Good food! Good service! Definitely a fan!
(4)Jenn R.
The Mexican corn is delicousss!! I don't like ham so I get the Cuban sandwich without ham and it's perfect. The only thing I hate is how small and crowded it gets but the food is so worth it.
(5)Joann R.
Their piña coladas were strong and Cuban sandwich flavorful, I would only come back for those two combinations. What is a bathroom? In this restaurant it's more of a tiny closet which happens to have a toilet and miniature sink.
(3)Leo C.
+ corn was great...a must have here + Steak salad was good - Cuban was OK - usually a wait...waited 30 mins - very tight seating area
(3)Jessica T.
I really enjoyed my first time at Cafe Habana. The waitress was really friendly, and service was quick. I got the fish tacos, which were nice and crispy and generously portioned. My friend and I also split an order of the grilled corn, which was amazing. The wipes and toothpick they brought were appreciated, because the corn was messy. Margarita was average. I would definitely go back for the corn and great service.
(4)Ryan S.
This is a great place to get grilled corn (oh god is it delicious). You'll know it when you walk within a block of here and start seeing the crowd of people outside, nibbling their ears. I also really enjoy their pork dishes so get that too if you're not just planning on strolling with your cornies. The place has kind of a weird setup where there's a restaurant on the corner and then takeout nextdoor but you'll figure it out. Neat stuff in this neighborhood includes the Macaroni and Cheese Bar down the street and I believe the Earth Room ain't too far either.
(4)Joanna C.
Corn corn corn corn corn!!!!! So delicious, oh so fresh, just perfectly grilled, and perfect for a post shopping snack. Confession: I don't actually love the cheese or mayo, but it somehow works with the corn!! Yum! I'll have to come back and try some of their other food (the tortas look and sound delicious), but for now, I'm content grabbing a corn on the cob and chowing down under the little trees outside.
(4)Karin R.
I liked Habana...a lot...but I'm not in love. I had fish tacos and I have to say, I've had better fish tacos ::GASP:: I know!!! But it's true. These were tasty, don't get me wrong...but maybe my hopes were way high because of how hyped up this spot is...it just didn't blow me away like I was expecting it too. It's easy to make me happy at a taco spot...guac...fish tacos...margaritas are a nice addition...of course mexican corn...and this place had most of everything I wanted...I guess I was just expecting something extra that my other fav taco spots don't have...but I didn't find that. All this being said...go...try it for yourself...I'm just glad I went when they were slower and didn't have to wait because I really don't think it's worth an hour wait.
(4)Jamie S.
Can I just say I love this place? I'm a big sucker for atmosphere, and I just love sitting at the bar and sipping on a margarita while watching everyone come in and out. It's such a small place, but it doesn't feel like it because of the windows at the entrance. The waiters and staff are all so friendly and, well, sunny! I was so comfortable I just wanted to keep buying drinks to sit there and enjoy it more. I've been there a few times now and have had both the Cuban sandwich and the Tacos al Pastor. Both are very good and reasonably priced. I highly recommend going here. If there's a line (there probably will be), just put your name in and hop into one of the many bars right beside the restaurant and have a beer! It makes waiting a lot more enjoyable.
(5)S C.
Love this place. The best huevos rancheros. Only wish there were more seating. But yeah it's the city.
(5)Erica H.
Your first time here you must get the Cuban sandwich and corn. We also got the plantains which were delish and the portion is enough for 3-4 people. The servers are really nice and so are the prices.
(5)Lizzer R.
Recently back in NYC on business. I always hit this place up. Expect tight quarters, good margaritas and AMAZING food. I wouldn't suggest going with a group but check it out with a friend and fall in love. The corn? Please.. it's just... outstanding.
(5)Josephine L.
While I find the food here mediocre, I too, am addicted to their Mexican corn. You just can't go wrong with sweet grilled corn smothered in mayo, chilli powder, cheese, and lime. Until I figure out how to replicate this at home, I will keep coming back. While you're there for the corn, I recommend the Cuban sandwich. Pretty decent. Don't get the fish tacos. It was majorly lacking in salt and flavor.
(3)Michael J.
Cool ambiance and tasty food.
(3)leslie w.
I miss Cafe Habana. I miss the flaky yet sturdy bread enveloping the thick slices of sirloin. I miss the juices that freely run from your hand why you take that too big bite. I miss washing it all down with the homemade lime-lemonade concoction. And I miss nibbling on the roasted corn pebbles. I just miss it all. I actually dreamt about the steak sandwich the other night. That's how bad it is.
(5)Xiu L.
I just wanted corn on the cob here, and I ended up eating here. I had the steak and it was yummmmmmmmyyyyyy. I seat at the counter because I was by myself. I didn't mind it at all with such a cute bartender (Mike) for my amusement. Don't tell him I said this.
(5)Sophie C.
I just got their famous corn on the cob! When my friend told me she wanted corn from cafe habana, I was thinking...how special can corn be?! I'm glad to say I was pleasantly surprised with a well-seasoned corn, covered with delicious, cheesey, slightly spicy, cream and crumbs. If you want to see it for yourself, feel free to watch my video! :) The only thing I think they could improve is getting the coating a bit more even and thicker! :D
(4)Shaji K.
What the hell happened to my mouth? Oh that's right - some damn good food. Small place, fast service, some of the best food in the city. Corn on the cob, cuban sandwich, avocado/cheese sandwich. All of it. Get it all. It's worth whatever wait they say it's going to be. Oh and their mango margarita is on point. (Did they squeeze the damn mango in there? Christ.)
(5)Stephanie D.
This place was OFF THE HOOK! The food was phenomenal, the staff was great, the music on point, and atmosphere was really really awesome. My boyfriend and I had just gotten into New York and we wanted to grab some lunch. I went ahead and yelped the closest restaurants in the area and saw that a small cuban place was near by. We got in and immediatly the smell of the food hits you right in the face. The smell of rice beans, chicken, & corn on the cob lingering in the air ready for you to devour anything that comes your way. There was salsa in the background. Small place but totally worth the squeeze. I ordered a breakfast plate that had eggs, beans, tortillas, and i'm sorry a mojito on the side (which was really good - & i'm a tough mojito critic!). We left very pleased with the place that we came back for dinner with some friends later that day! We will be back the next time we're in NY!
(5)Amelia W.
This place is so cute and little. The corn was amaZing, but wish they had healthier options on the menu. Would definitely go back though.
(4)Percila Z.
MEH. Dinner was on the pricey side, and going from the other reviews, I expected a lot more. The place was SO CRAMPED, the tables were small, and I heard everything the people next to us were saying. I felt like a freakin' sardine. We were seated at a table by the bathroom, so people kept banging into me and my chair as they walked past. If you are very sensitive to heat, please beware. It was 80-85 degrees that day, and the restaurant didn't have AC. The bathroom had VERY dim lighting (maybe to cover up the filth?) and it was tiny as well. I ordered the taco al pastor and my boyfriend ordered the fish tacos. Both were eh. I've had a lot better for the same price. The white sangria was good, though a little on the sour side. Also, the guacamole does not come with chips. That's too bad, because I was really craving guacamole. This place is known for their corn on the cob, and everyone in the place was eating it, so we gave it a try. It was good, but by no means was it mind-blowing. Would I ever come back here just for the corn? No. Was the food worth the price? No. Granted, I only tried the tacos, so the other things on the menu could be the 4 stars that Yelp says it is. Our waitress was very nice though. Over-hyped. Skip.
(2)Marianne M.
Be prepared for a wait time when coming in for dinner, but know that it is worth it! Whenever a friend is in town, I always want them to try my favorite Cuban restaurant. I love the grilled corn appetizer--the creaminess and spices have made it a must-have every time I go. I've tried the fish tacos--sweet mix of battered catfish and cabbage--and enchiladas de mole poblano--the green sauce not being too heavy, but light and refreshing. Both dishes come with sides of black beans and yellow rice. You can never go wrong with the sweet plantains as a side to all of this!
(4)L. E. S.
This is really nice, cheap simple Cuban food - I just want the armies of hipsters and tourists to disappear so I can enjoy it more. Every time I go here, they seem to have added another table - yet the size of the restaurant has not changed! Most recently I was seated so close to the toilet I almost didn't even have to stand up and go anywhere to use it! And the service by the bored D-list actors who work here gets worse and worse. The side of avocado was not served with salt, and when requested, it was flung at us. Though it was accompanied by a pepper shaker and my eggs were grateful for that! Overall - I would suggest take-out only - it's seriously one of the worst in-restaurant dining experiences in the city.
(3)David P.
Good restaurant. The corn appetizer that they are known for is very good, but not incredible. Everyone's entrees we're very good, but were all served cold, as if they had been sitting for some time. We could say "well, they were busy that day," but Cafe Habana is busy every day, all the time, so there should be a way to serve the food hot. The waitstaff was very friendly and great. Would be 5 stars if any of the food (appetizers and entrees included) had been served hot.
(4)Anand P.
Great Cuban restaurant - for any time of the day. My favorite dishes are the rice with shrimp and the Cuban sandwich. The rice here is cooked perfectly and the sauce on the shrimp is to die for. The Cuban sandwich is top notch. The pork will melt in your mouth.
(4)Brittany L.
So this was kind of a fail - I saw that there's a to-go and the regular restaurant and because we came down the other side of the street I got so excited when I saw it that we just jumped right in and ordered. ATMOSPHERE: SO SMALL lol but that's because we went to the to go one, with three plastic type chair and tables and a counter. I was like how could they have filmed friends with benefits here...it doesn't look like the picture at all until later we realized it wasnt the right place. FOOD: Cuban sandwich - very good, crunchy bread...moist and juicy pork, tender...flavorful...mm.. Corn - not as good as I thought it was going to be. The cotja cheese just coated the whole thing as a thick layer and it was sweeter than I was imagining. Don't get me wrong, it still tasted good but nothing I'd rave about. Hence, the 3 stars, it really was just good. Still can't believe we ate at the to go instead of the real place...but I'm guessing the wait was shorter, just sucked because all the plates and water cups were plastic and cheap.
(3)Ciji J.
Listen - I dont remember what I ate because it was 2 weekends ago. but!! this food was great - the server was a sweetie and helped us with drinks. Decently priced - great crowd - great food.. " I LOVE NYC" sums it up!
(5)Danny P.
Café Habana has authentic Cuban food. They only serve for dinner and the food is pretty awesome. I had their corn with cheese and spices on top, and it was AMAZING. It was like a taste of magic in my mouth. Their entrees were good, I went with friends and tried their dishes: pork chop, shrimp, burrito- it was all really good. Their alcoholic drinks are decent. The restaurant is very small and clustered, but who cares, the food is awesome!
(5)Jake B.
I have a hard time coming to Manhattan without stopping in Cafe` Habana.. Love the atmosphere and love the food. The corn is worth coming every time!
(5)Eric D.
Great service and awesome food. Pretty fair prices as well
(5)Su S.
Definitely get corn. I love that they bring toothpick with the corn. I had pulled pork with rice and beans. Delicious and reasonable pricing.
(4)Margaret C.
The place itself is really crowded, but I don't really mind. The bathroom is really small and the lighting is really dark. The waitresses don't pay much attention to you, most of the time you have to raise your hand to get their attention, they never come back to refill your drink or anything. Now the food itself, Of course you have to come to try the corn and so I did. The corn doesn't take that long to come which is good(actually all of the foods we ordered didn't take a LONG time to come). What they put on top of the corn is actually really good, it's really soft and flavorful and it just melts in your mouth. The corn itself isn't anything special LOL.. it just taste like regular corn, it's sweet though. Moving on, I did try the Cuban sandwich that I was not a fan of. It was really salty in my opinion but this is also the first Cuban sandwich I had.. ever, so I'm not sure if it was suppose to taste like that. It comes with a side of fries which was good. It also came with tomato and cucumber.. but I wasn't sure how to put it in the sandwich so I felt like it was just for presentation. I also tried the taco.. (forgot the name) the proportion is small, it's two small soft wrapped tacos. But it does taste better than the cuban sandwich! It comes with a side of yellow rice and black beans which I thought we were really bad. But for the price, it was pretty good (two orders of corn = 4 pc of corn, a cuban sandwich and tacos came out to be less than 40$!!)
(3)Wei-Hsiang H.
The most famous meal in Cafe Habana is "Grilled Corn Mexican Style". Habana to go bar is right next to its restaurant. For people who just stop by for grilled corns is really convenient. I had a Cuban sandwich and a grilled corn to go this afternoon. Goat cheese on grilled corn makes this cultural cuisine so tasty!
(4)Anne H.
Mexican Firing Squad and the Corn. All you need to know and have!! But please, if you have a large group this place is not for you. Teeny tiny!
(4)Queena T.
I ordered the quesadilla thinking it was your typical cheese/chicken sandwiched between a tortilla, but I was met with three fried potsticker-like things that looked nothing like the type of quesadillas I was used to eating all my life. Not to mention I ordered to-go, so when I opened up the box and saw three little potsticker-like dumplings starring at me, I thought "WTH they got my order wrong". But before I marched over there like an asshole, I decided to google and do some research. Apparently they are called Masa Quesadillas which are the more authentic mexican quesadilla, none of this american mexican quesadilla ish. So I dug in to see what these little Masa Quesadillas were...and they were delicious! The cheese is not like the typical stringy cheese in an american quesadilla, they were little chunks of mozzerella-like cheese which was quite yummy. There was also corn inside...who doesn't like corn. My taste buds were pleasantly surprised. The only knock I had was that 3 wasn't enough (they were literally potsticker sized) and they were a bit pricey ($12). Though they were listed under appetizers so that's my own fault. Anyway the place has a cool vibe and based on my limited experience the food is good so I would come back to try something else
(4)Mel T.
For all of you skeptics saying, "It's just overpriced corn and cheese. How good could it possibly be?", just give it a chance! It's as good as everyone says it is! It deffo is a tad overpriced (2 for $6.95) but it was worth every penny. It does get messy, and you will get corn stuck in your teeth, so don't say I didn't warn you. For my entree, I ordered the Cuban sammie (citrus marinated roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise and pickle, on toasted roll). I didn't taste any citrus notes but it was still really good. The bread was toasted to perfection (think of a REALLY good panini). The only thing is - you have to eat it fast. The juices from the pork, mixed with the chipotle mayo will make the bread from your second half a little soggy. The fries were kind of soggy too, but not for the same reason. It just tasted like they weren't completely fried. But other than that, I really liked Cafe Habana. I was really expecting it to be over-hyped, but it wasn't. Would deffo come back and I would order the same exact meal. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
(4)Eva Z.
First off, this restaurant is extremely small and cramped. You literally have to pull out the table in order to get to your seat. They have a to-go place around the corner that has seating too, but even that place is small and cramped. The corn is probably the best thing here. I got the fish tacos platter and it was okay at best. The rice and beans on the side were really bland. The rice had no taste to it and the beans were really watery. The fish inside the fish tacos were a little overcooked. I would also suggest putting the salsa that comes with this dish over the tacos unless you want really bland tacos. I probably wont return unless im craving the corn.
(3)Miao C.
One word : corn!!! Come here for the corn! Enough said. Everything else is just okay. The real star of this place is the corn. It's sooo delicious. Just writing about this corn makes me wish I had some in front of me.
(4)Leanne I.
My friend and I were food hopping today and past by this place. The wait was 20 mins to sit down and we only wanted to try their "famous" corn so we went to the togo part next door and each had the corn. It was so good with the toppings they put on it!. Totally worth my $2.
(4)Nick C.
I've had this place bookmarked for awhile, after seeing it's Mexican Grilled Corn on TV. Came here for dinner around 9pm. It was small, unassuming, and packed, which is a good sign. We had to wait about 10 minutes for a table The menu was relatively small, and it also claimed to have what was voted the best Cuban sandwich in NYC. My brother and I split orders of fish tacos, the Cuban sandwich, and grilled corn. The corn comes with two ears per order, and it was very good, though I feel like they could have seasoned it more heavily. The fish tacos were excellent, not too greasy and stuffed with catfish. The Cuban sandwich was also very good. I'm not sure it's the best though. Mustard does not come on it by default, but they do offer grey poupon if you ask. I wasn't disappointed.
(4)Martin C.
Came here on a rainy sunday afternoon craving cuban sandiwches. Decided to order their mexican corn and WOW I was caught off guard. Couldn't get enough. The cuban sandwich is very good as well, but the side of fries could have been done without. All in all a solid place to get a good cuban, but their mexican corn definitely stood out the most. Service was good, but the place does get very cramped...
(4)Annie W.
This is one of my go to places in Soho when I'm stopping for a quick bite. My favorite is the corn on the cob and the chicken diablo torta. Soooo delicious, i crave it every time! The corn has just the right amount of cheese and butter with a hint of cayenne pepper which brings the spice. Love it!! They have a dine in restaurant and also a side with take out. It can get pretty crowded, but I always seem to catch a empty seat or two at the take out end. Definitely love coming here in the summer time and will be back to try some other options on their menu!
(5)Umami Y.
If I could trade porn for Cafe Habana's corn, I would. It's that good. Less than impressed by the other food, but the corn. Oh my, the corn.
(5)Liz C.
hipster joint in nolita. this place is tiny and always super crowded. we waited for 2 hours for a table, one hour outside in the cold, and i would still go back. that is a huge compliment. the corn is amazing! the mojitos are weak and expensive, so stick to beer.
(4)J A.
That corn should be illegal its that good. Heaven on a stick. What are the secret ingredients??? Mmmmmmmmm
(5)Bruno B.
A quick and solo dinner at the bar. The food is good but I rather prefer Mexican one (this is a personal taste). Drinks are OK but the margarita is machine made which is not great. Do not try to have a conversation as it is very loud especially with the music screaming in such small place. In summary good for a snack but you do not want to spend too much time inside.
(3)Sonal S.
Loved the corn on Cobb. It's full of cheese so very difficult not to like it. The portbello burger was awesome too. Good service and friendly waitress.
(4)Juan J.
Get the corn or you are stupid. Don't remember anything else, but I remember eating two corns. Corns rule!!!
(5)Nitya D.
The corn! Rolled in yummy cotija cheese and sprinkled with chili spices and lime juice. Delicious if eaten there or even on the go. Can't even handle how delicious it is (i.e. currently salivating...at 9 am..at my desk at work..).
(4)Dawon H.
3.5 stars Came here for dinner on a Wednesday with two of my friends (around 7pm). We put our name down, then waited for about 35 minutes before we were seated inside. The restaurant has a very authentic interior decorations. There's a booth area you can sit at or the tables. The only thing I'll say is that the space is a little cramped, but that didn't bother me that much. We got the famous Mexican grilled styled corns as a group. To be honest I expected something AMAZING, but maybe I set myself up to be disappointed because the corn to be honest was just good. Not complaining though, because it was delicious nonetheless (the fact that I was starving might contribute). I got the roasted pork dish, which comes with your choice of rice and beans. The portions, I'd say, are decent for the price (I believe my dish was about 13 dollars). The food was nice and warm and the services we received were quick and attentive. The only reason why I didn't give 4 stars is because neither the food nor the ambiance of the place intrigued me, or stay with me. It was a nice choice to go for dinner, and it's definitely a place worth checking out to see what the hype might be about.
(3)Shawn G.
Always great for a quick sammich and butter-soaked corn on the cob
(4)Winnie L.
The grilled corn and Cuban sandwich is legit! I have tried to sway away and order other entrees on the menu but I always go back to the amazing Cuban. I like their shrimp tacos too, if only they served 3/4 tacos instead of rice and beans. Only setback was my friend's chicken salad was dry. Service could be better. Fortunately there was no wait for us but we never got water to our table. I know the tables are small and every inch of space gets fill up quickly but c'mon guys. Basic table service requirement is to serve your patrons water once seated!
(3)Gordon M.
If you are going to this restaurant be prepared to wait. Believe me, it is worth the wait. I have had the Cuban Sandwich and also burritos here. Everything that I have ordered here has been perfect. I wish I lived in SoHo. If I did I would eat here once a week without fail. PS: Have a margarita.
(5)Suz A.
Heard so much about the corn. Would have been good if it was in season. Extremely loud for a Sunday. Very hip and reasonably priced. Is everybody going deaf? Why blast music when you are trying to eat and have conversation? Even the waiter couldn't hear our choices.
(3)g c.
The corn is great ... Steak is awesome! Great food.
(5)Marta P.
Great place. Excellent value for money. A bit too hot in summer. Always very crowded so it is better to go in off-peak hours.
(4)Laura A.
i should change my last meal on yelp to be "anything from cafe habana", because if i was hit by a crazy cab driver and killed after walking out of this joint i would die happy. the corn, of course, is phenomenal. i can't say enough about that. i had the tostones recently and they are great - almost as good as my beloved orinoco in the south end in boston. the drinks are also great and make up for the annoying as hell wait. i've gone there are varying times of the day and i have always always always had to wait. the service can be a little iffy too, mostly because the waitresses are too busy looking beautiful to actually hustle your food out of the kitchen.
(5)Szu L.
Cafe Habana is one of the best places I've had breakfast in NY. Located in Nolita in a hidden area, the egg with chorizo is so oh delicious!! Their grilled corn is their specialty and it melts in your mouth!! The menu has a great assortment of Cuban and Mexican that will make decisions difficult when ordering. The service is also super friendly!! Check it out!!!!
(5)Irene S.
Oh-Kayee. Lesss git down to the nitty gritty. It is all about the egg with chorizo entree (ground chorizo scrambled into the eggs and browned to perfection; entrees served with a side of amazing yellow rice and black beans) and, as other Yelpies have reported, the grilled CORN a la none other than Nacho Libre style! The messier you get that upper lip dusted with cheese and mayo, the better. I highly recommend it.
(5)Li M.
Not much else to say- only to confirm that the corn on the cob is the most amazing corn you will ever taste. Try it if you haven't yet and you'll see what all the hype's about.
(4)Anthro Food E.
eh, i dont see what all the hype is about this place...i had a veg quesadilla and was not satisfied...come on people...how hard is it to grill some veggies, stick some cheese on there and put it btwn two tortillas then heat? not hard at all... the corn on the cob was average, nothing too exciting...
(3)Martina C.
I finally managed to go to Habana few evenings ago. We were a party of 3, and we got to wait about 10 minutes on a lovely red bench outside. As everyone said, no reservation, few seating spot. Just arm yourself with some patience. I had the famous corn. Delicious! ..but definitely not a meal to share with a date. Corn's fibers got stuck in your teeth pretty easily; and it's pretty hilarious seeing people having trouble with it. The portion has two corns, so it's easy to share! After that, I got maybe more delicious shrimp tacos, with a side of rice and beens, accompanied with a frozen Mojito. My friends tasted the famous Cuban sandwich, which looks great, taste amazingly as well, but it's a huge meal. Tasty dinner, a little bit rush as the waiters want to seat everyone, but it's definitely worthier - wait and rush service. About $25 dinner with alcoholic drink!
(4)LeAnn L.
Zero frills. Fresh everything. Huge Flavor. Highly recommend the catfish tacos and of course, the Cuban sandwich. Wash it down with a jalapeno margarita (or two). I'm sad I opted out of the corn when I came, but alas, a reason to return. GOOD TO KNOW: If the wait is too long, just go down the street to Habana To-Go and order/eat there.
(3)Jackie d.
I never heard of this place until I went to the grub street food festival on Hester & Essex. I tried the Cuban sandwich and it was amazing. The pork was so juicy & the bread was nice & crispy. I can't wait to go to the restaurant so I can satisfy my cravings....yummy.
(5)Surbi V.
So so soooo delicious! The yummiest sandwiches ever(, even for the vegetarian!) And the portions, generous. Located in a hip and chic area, the space is limited. But the service is prompt and the food is finger-lickin good. Totally worth it. (Yea, I can't stop raving!!!) The corn is a little over-rated though. It's alright. What's cool about it is simply the rarity of corn, in general, in this part of the world.
(5)Anastasia W.
Wow! Ordered the chilaquiles and the veggie Cuban sandwich - everything was amazing! I cannot recommend the grilled corn enough! I could've had two orders of it and would not have complained. We sat in the part of the restaurant that has tables stacked on top of one another. It makes you feel like you're in another country! We didn't realize they had a second place next door that looked newer. Service was a bit slow, but once we were able to order the food came up quick. Reasonable prices for the city! Great spot for brunch with a few friends who you don't mind sitting very very close to (^_^)
(4)Will R.
This place is pretty good!! Grilled corn with chili powder was interesting, food, bread all fresh.
(4)Amanda F.
When I arrived at Cafe Habana, there was a 30 minute wait, but the wait was worth it. The food and service was excellent. My friends and I tried the corn and it tasted amazing!!!! I had the steak with rice and beans. The steak was smaller than expected but it tasted delicious. Because the meal was small, I ordered extra rice and beans. The rice and beans were delicious. They were seasoned very well. I would definitely go back if I was visiting NYC again.
(5)Jack L.
The wait might be long at times, but def worth waiting, grill corn is a must. Tacos are great. Will come back and try more food
(5)Wilkie J.
Another establishment proved me wrong, so I am writing this review based on their poor customer service. I have decided to re-visit this establishment because I spoke so highly about the place, but it got tarnished by one waitress. When I asked the waitress, "what would you recommend to order," do not act like you are being bothered, because honestly I could have gone to other restaurants instead. To make matters worst, the waitress messed up my order, when I clearly request no pickles in my sandwich. What was in my sandwich? You guess it, pickles! When I have addressed it to her, she acted like it is a normal thing. MISS, if I was allergic to pickles, what would your answer be?! What I noticed, she enjoys talking behind customers back. Yes, Miss, I called you out! Bi$@&! Wait until I leave the place before you start talking Sh$&@, so now this review is dedicated to you. Why the change of heart: - If you have a bad day, do not come to work. Stay home! - You have messed up someone order, what should you have done?! Say sorry and get the order swapped out. You clearly messed up my order and you think is cool. - After you realized you messed up. You tried to insult customers (us) behind their backs... We have noticed it from far away. That is why your co-worker had to do your job correctly. One star! Good night!
(1)Nick M.
Great cubano sandwich and the corn is delicious! If you are in nolita you have go give this tiny place a shot! The staff is attentive and i feel like you could be sitting next to someone famous and you wouldn"t even realize it! This place has charm and character and if you want a reasonably cheap and delicious meal then come here!
(5)Maribeth G.
I was excited to try this place after hearing good things, but it was a downer. The Mexican-style corn was the highlight of the meal. Besides that I ordered the grilled shrimp tacos and my man friend ordered the enchiladas. Grilled shrimp tacos: The rice and beans it came with were good and so was the corn shell, but the grilled shrimp left something to be desired. It wasn't flavorful. I'm glad atleast they were generous with the guacamole. Steak enchiladas: The sauce on the enchilada sauce reminded me more of spaghetti sauce than salsa especially in texture. Again, the rice and beans were good, but the steak was needed a lot of chewing. I'd come back to this place just to get the mexican-style corn to go, but besides that there are plenty of other great places to grab a taco from. Also I noticed a lot of other tables around us dining on burgers. I found this to really say something about the place.
(2)Tim M.
ok so i read about this place for months, saw the review on time out ny on demand, heard all my friends talk about the cornication there. so i went on a friday night at about 9pm and waited over an hour outside for this corn. ok...the corn is amazing, but the rest of the menu isn't that tasty. i'd probably come back but only during the afternoon and only for the corn. it's cornicopia baby!
(3)Kim N.
I adore their grilled corn! That for sure is the best thing on the menu, as everyone else has stated on Yelp. Their cuban sandwiches are really good too--crispy crust, melty cheese, flavorful meats.
(4)ko i.
Everyone knows Habana for the roasted corn on the cob, but it doesn't stop there. If you are a fan of Cubano's (Cuban Sandwich) they serve them up the right way. Almost everything on the menu will leave you wanting more, which is probably the reason this place is such a hit, especially with neighbourhood hipsters and young celebrities. The restaurant has also been featured in a Lenny Kravitz video and in the film Basquiat by Julian Schnabel. Try not to freak out if you are having lunch next to the newest "It" girl or boy.
(5)Aleth C.
When we got there, we could see it was very busy... lots of people waiting outside to be seated. It's a small spot... but there was only 2 of us -- so we got seated fairly quickly. I have to say it was kind of tight in there... I was trying to dodge people as they were passing by. That was really uncomfortable. I couldn't fully enjoy my meal. I have no complaints about the service. Our waitress was very attentive and very nice. Obviously, i had to have the corn everyone is raving about. i loved it... but could live without it LOL... and i also had the huevos con chorizo -- it was just ok. I would say just get the food to go at the other entrance.
(3)Stephen C.
Grilled corn is the rave. Cuban sandwich? Not my fave. Skip crowd. Eat on bench.
(3)Chelsey S.
Anyone that has been here knows the atmosphere can't be beat! Beautiful & bubbly staff that are always a pleasure! The drinks and the food are delicious! The corn is to die for.. Do not come here without getting the corn, you will see other guests around you eating it and surely regret it! One of my favorite favorite spots in the city! Love this gem!!
(5)Tiffany J.
The food here is awesome, and the wait is sucky (but standard), but what I'm really here to talk about is the SERVICE. Does anyone else here think the waitresses are total babes who seem too cool to talk to you and yet, despite all odds, DO?? I mean, never mind that they are technically here to work and take your order and bring your food and refill your drink. They are too dang hip to be chatting with awkward dorks like me. I would come back here if only to up my street cred.
(4)Alan L.
I don't know what authentic Cuban food tastes like, but if it tastes anything like Habana, then I am one happy camper. Past by this place and thought to myself lets try it. A great idea by yours truly. FYI: I suggest taking out since the place is quite small. I ordered the two most popular dishes on the menu. I got the Cuban Sandwich and the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. The Grilled Corn Mexican Style- served with mayonnaise, chili powder, cotija cheese and lime. That quite possibly is one of the better tasting corn I have tasted. It was cheesy, creamy, and very tasty. I almost wish I had another one. Something I think you can get addicted too. Cuban Sandwich- citrus marinated roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise, and a pickle on a toasted roll. Voted as the best sandwich in NYC, I can see why. The Cuban sandwich was toasty, cheesy, the layers of meat were very juicy and tender. It was a very delicious sandwich. I can see why this place is very popular. A great choice to grab some lunch or even dinner.
(5)Kathy L.
I've lived in NY all my life and I can't believe I've never been to Cafe Habana. Ok I lied, I've been to the one next door with a limited menu but not the real Cafe Habana The place lives up to its reputation. We came on a Friday night, there was a line but the wait was only 20 minutes. Of course we started with the Grilled Mexican Corn and its JUST as good as everyone says. Then we shared the Cuban sandwich and the Enchilada Suizas. The sandwich wasn't bad but maybe a bit overhyped or just not my think but the Enchilada Suiza was delicious! The green sauce is perfectly flavored, I wish I could put it on everything
(4)Samantha N.
Café Habana is one of the busiest restaurants I've seen in the area. They have both an eat-in and take-out area so but it's always so crowded in the eat-in part of CH. So my thoughts on CH? The corn is amazing. They put cheese and a little bit of spice on top but, remember to add the lime! (I didn't at first so my friend then had to remind me) I very much enjoyed the Jarritos and Cuban sandwich I had. I thought a meat on meat combo sandwich like the Cuban sandwich would be a little too much but the pickle and Panini bread that they use and put adds a good crunch and extra taste. The only thing about the Cuban sandwich was that the pork was kind of dry for maybe 1/4 of each half of the sandwich.... but no matter. I enjoyed it very much! CH is a little pricey for my taste but in all its worth the wait and money! I will definitely be coming back soon.
(5)Katie D.
Mediocre food, terrible service. I've been here three times, the third was my last. The food was mediocre the first two times and the third time I never even had a chance to order. I ended up being seated towards the back in a really crowded space, which was not ideal in the first place. Then to make matters worse the manager made a scene about our table being in the way. We ended up leaving before we even ordered. I wasn't disappointed because the food isn't great and there are so many amazing places right around the corner. We had a great dinner at Cafe Gitane instead!
(1)Christina F.
Extremely crowded. Corn was pretty good but not as amazing as I had hoped. Had the shrimp w/ rice and beans which were good but again, not amazing.
(3)Jay T.
The best Mexican Grill Corn. Its a must order. The grill skirt steak is cook to your liking. The fish sandwich is amazing. One of the best cuban sandwich. I love the food here. The wait to be seated is long. I just go to the take outside. Its not a full menu the only downside.
(4)Danny S.
Fan-freaking-tastic! I had the pleasure of eating here when I was out in Manhattan last June. My friend out there took us to Cafe Habana and ranted and raved about it and it did not disappoint at all. We already knew this place was going to be good by the number of people waiting outside to get a seat. The wait is well worth it. I had the corn which was amazing (as good as the corn guys here in LA, if you're from LA/OC, y'all know what I'm talking about) and the steak enchiladas. Man oh man, it was grreeat. My friends and I left this place wanting more. Def deserving of the 5 star rating. Enjoy!
(5)Stranger D.
There's a reason there was only one review below four stars on the first page. Expect a line. If you're with a group, send someone to the Outpost next door to get some corn to spell your wait.
(5)Ikeb I.
GET THE ROASTED CORN. It just cant be replicated! Eveything else is decent, if you must order more. But I get 3 orders of corn, and I'm a happy little (ok, big) oinker. Even happier because then i'll order more to take back home with me to California! OH, added plus. SEXY HOT WAITERS! Word to the wise, get there early as there can be quite a wait (and they dont take reservations) or hit up the 'TO-GO' next door to the main restaurant/cafe.
(5)Erin D.
There's always a wait at this hipster haunt, which is why I usually grab something from the to-go place next door, although if you don't mind cooling your heels you can usually spy some eye candy...in fact, it's so crowded you'll practically be sitting on their lap. The cojita-slathered corn on the cob is my favorite, with the goat cheese torta a close second.
(4)janet t.
Corn on the cob is what keeps me coming back to this place. The mango salad is very good. The rest of the food is fresh but not memorable. Love the neighbourhood atmosphere.
(5)T T W.
What you need to do is go on a Tuesday at like 2.30 in the afternoon. It's actually sort of empty at this time, and you can order as many cheese-encrusted corn on the cobs as you desire, all in less than 20 minutes!
(4)Gourmet G.
As someone who prefers to keep the spectacle of handling food a private affair, I always avoid ordering anything that requires the use of fingers when eating out - but I have been known to come here simply for the corn on the cob. It's a messy and amazing meal unto itself. The only drawback is finding a dark corner or an empty alley where I can discreetly pick the kernels out of my teeth afterwards. Who ever thought I'd give five stars to an ear of corn?
(5)Annie L.
I will warn you, the line is long but definitely worth the wait. Be prepared to be packed, but hey, you can always make friends with your neighbors :) Grilled corn with cojita cheese is an absolute must. Good, authentic food in a cozy and charming atmosphere. Price: A+ Food: A- Atmosphere: A Wait: C+ (but like I said, worth the wait)
(5)Eddie K.
Cafe Habana is a small and crowded restaurant whose late hours cater to those looking to satisfy their drunchee urge. Came here and shared a couple of different dishes that weren't too impressive. Then we got to the grilled corn... IT WAS THE BEST CORN I'VE EVER HAD IN MY ENTIRE LIFE. Creamy, cheesy, and delicious; this corn is on point but be warn as it'll get into every nook and cranny between your teeth. Overall: Corn was outstanding but everything else was just-OK.
(3)Kathleen T.
When anybody asks me what my favorite restaurant in NYC is, it's this place and YES it may indeed be all about the corn! It's out of this world, that just one is never enough!! It can get crowded very quickly so be prepared for a possible wait time and if you're claustrophobic you're going to have to get over it because I promise you Cafe Habana is well worth the wait! Don't just take my word for it go try it!!
(5)Ja'Crispy C.
I'm sure you've read the same thing over and over again in all the other reviews, but the grilled corn is reason enough to go down to Cafe Habana. Go there, and find out for yourself!
(5)Nitza B.
Grilled steak torta + grilled corn mexican style hit the spot after walking all morning. It's small so try to visit off hours or you'll find yourself in a line out the door. Make sure you know what you want when you get to the front of the line...they are not very friendly and do NOT mess with the cuban.
(4)Mercy A.
So we went for the corn due to all of the Yelper suggestions. Yes, it was good. Not to die for, but good. Mine was a little dried out- maybe grilled too long? It was all down hill from there. Service: Almost non-existent? Unfriendly and slow. Food: Their famous Cuban Sandwich was average- not sure I like that ham they use. Pulled pork was very dry and there was more bread than anything else. Space: OMG. Be prepared to be best friends with those around you. Not enough room on table, either. Won't be back- not worth the tude!
(2)Brad P.
This was one of those, I'm-in-a-random-spot-in-Manhattan and am hungry and this place looks decent sort of moments. So, I popped in for a late breakfast, sat at the counter, and had me some huevos ala mexicana which set me up for a great day. This is a warm and cozy spot, with a menu with a lot of attractive options at good prices, too. There was a nice local feel to the clientele, who seemed to know each other and enjoyed seeing each other. I watched them cooking up a mountain of corn on their grill as they got ready for the rest of the day, and now that I read the other Yelp reviews, I now see the light. Next time!
(4)Meryl C.
Yes, it's crowded at night. Yes, the corn on the cob rocks. But, the best thing about Cafe Habana (aside from the gorgeous staff and cool, laid back decor) is the cheap breakfast. Go for the eggs, toast, potatoes and coffee for under six bucks.
(4)Sovi P.
Love this place. There's always a line but its definitely worth it. Always go for the Cuban sandwich and the Grilled Corn. Service is good and they aren't pushy even with being so small an busy! I've been going here for years and years.. Food is always great! If you don't want to wait try going for early lunch!
(4)Kara N.
I will preface my review by saying that I absolutely LOVE Habana... on Fort Greene. Cafe Habana is so small that it should be illegal, and the service is so bad that it should be illegal. Okay, I'm lying, the service isn't that bad but its not good either. Nope, not good at all. I don't remember how crappy it was because I was there a while ago, and it was probably alleviated by how delicious the food was. Come to think of it, the food here wasn't as good as Habana Outpost.. DISAPPOINTING ALL AROUND :(
(1)Jasmine M.
Cheers again for that amazing crack corn. Sopecitos were good, but I really loved the tres marias with black beans, cheese, and sundried tomatoes! yum! and hey i think the waitresses are really friendly here...they put up with my friends and i with our drinking fest for two hours.
(5)Jess K.
I don't think I have ever reviewed a place with this many reviews already. Whoa. Never before have I felt so insignificant (I couldn't vote in the 2000 election or that would take the cake). So anyway, I went here because my Sister-in-Law told me that I HAD to go and try the grilled mexican corn. And so I did. It's awesome that it comes with two pieces but there was no way I could have myself eaten two pieces of corn so I split the appetizer with a friend. I liked the corn...a lot....but I wouldn't say OMFG that's the best thing I have ever eaten. I think it's because I don't love spicy foods and it had a whole lot of kick to it. Also I ordered this dish that they say is like a calzone and I see the resemblance. The beans and rice were also delicious. Most of us devoured our food in no time at all. I shared a bottle of red wine with a friend and it was really great. I would definitely go back here and try some more menu options.
(5)Rae F.
Working in soho/nolita for 7yrs, i've seen the neighborhood transform. And this place seems to get harder and harder to get into for a meal during peak hours. It doesnt help that it is the size of a shoebox either. However, the only thing that doesnt change is the tasty food (corn, sauteed spinach, cuban sammiches) and the gorgeous people that frequent this place. I mean, the people that eat here, look like they belong in an abercrombie ad...wait....THAT GUY IS IN THE ABERCROMBIE AD!! So if you want to eat some great cuban, scope out some gorgeous people, this is the place to be. MEOW.
(5)Alex T.
As everyone else had mention..try the corn!! Great food and service...love the corn
(4)Julie T.
So one of my girlfriends has been raving about cuban corn ever since she moved to NYC!! So after many trips to the Big Apple I finally made my way over. We ordered our corns and took a seat!! let's just say it was ok untill her boyfriend came around and told me to try it with the lime!! Man that's what i was missing adding the tangyness of the lime to the corn sure made a huge difference it was soooo yummy!! Thanks boyfriend saver you made this 2 star place into a 4 star place by telling me to use my lime :)
(4)Corinne M.
The "Sloppy Jose" pulled pork sandwich is amazing!!! Really nice flavors, and extremely messy. Must order with a Mexican coke. Downside is, they can sometimes take forever with deliveries.
(4)Emely J.
For starters I feel this place was a little too hyped for me. I've tried better Cuban sandwiches... But Nothing beats the corn! Place was way too small and the ac wasn't working. But I would order again, prob for take-out or drinks.
(3)Scott J.
This place stands up to the hype. I've had the Cuban and the grilled corn on multiple occasions. We had to get it to go, as the sit down part of the restaurant is constantly packed.
(4)Michelle s.
Delicious food, eco-friendly, and cool atmosphere. The Michelada is delicious and unlike anything I have ever tasted before. The wait is horrendous... however, several cool nearby bars offer a cool place to forget about your hunger until your name is called.
(4)Diana C.
i love corn, therefore i love cafe habana.
(3)Cathy N.
If you want to taste the best Mexican corn ever, this is the spot! SO GOOD. Corn on the cob - grilled just right, rolled in some yummy grated white cheese, and then sprinkled with a mildly spicy chili blend. Squeeze some fresh lime over it and voila! BEST CORN EVER! My mouth waters just thinking about it.
(5)Daniel S.
+ Highlight item - Corn with Cajun spices, powdered cheese, and a piece of lime. + Quick service (3min. wait for corn) - 12 seats in the restaurant. Ate the corn standing up. - Door does not properly shut allowing cold air to seep in the store in the wint
(3)Kaitlyn Y.
Come here for the corn and Cuban sandwich. I was suggested a iced coffee and it had no taste. Crowded as always but very nice place to have lunch with a friend or two
(4)Pierre F.
another great little hole in the wall !!! love the bfast here ! highly recomemded !!!
(5)S A.
The first time I went here, I made the mistake of ordering things with the grilled corn. The actual food was sub-par at best. But the corn...OMG. It is to die for. I could eat 10 of these. Now all I have when we go there is the grilled corn and the limeade. The strawberry limeade is the best and the mango is not bad either. But if anything, the corn is the highlight of their menu.
(5)Brooke S.
Brunch at Cafe Habana is so yummy. My friend and I ate at the bar and enjoyed bloody marys and screwdrivers along with the chilaquiles and the cuban sandwich, both with sides of rice and beans. Delish! Loved everything about our experience here. The only tiny shocker (which actually I should expect by now living in NYC) is the price tag when drinks are ordered...but the awesome bartender actually gave us a round on the house, which lightened the blow a bit. Very pleased with Cafe Habana.
(5)Asiyat T.
I'm writing the review while eating my Cuban sandwich! This place is absolute heaven! First time when I'm satisfied with Cuban sandwich and grilled corn! The way they serve corn....it's a poem! Their sandwich is to die/kill for! So good!! People are so fun and friendly. Portions are huge! Wish I wasn't sick, so I could try cocktails too! Wish I could kidnap the whole place with people working here and take back to SF with me!!! Cafe Habana, I'm singing you my love song!
(5)Mel L.
It can get super cramped in here and it seems like there's always a line! But I think the wait is worth it when you're really feeling like mexican food. It's probably not the best place you can find around in terms of food but its very satisfying. Also, sometimes you just crave some well made elotes and you don't care how long it'll take to get one. Have some drinks while you wait, they are pretty good as well.
(4)Linda W.
While killing time waiting for a salon appointment, Hub and I wander around in the neighborhood. I've been wanting to try Elote Mexican corn at Habana forever. Finally, we stopped here for lunch. We had the following: Cuban sandwich, Pork Tacos, Elote Mexican Corn, and Mango juice at the take-out cafe next door. It was apparently packed at the main one. The food was Soooo good! Hence, the long wait! We later learned that the take out cafe is just as good as the main one and cheaper. The staff was not exactly friendly but we came for the food. The take-out cafe is meant to eat and go. Even the regulars just eat quick and get up when they're done. Def look forward to trying the other specialties on our next visit!!
(5)Larry F.
Oh man oh man oh man cafe habana doesn't disappoint, what is this crazy Mexican/Cuban on the corner?! Cafe habana is the name and it's the real deal when it comes down to good and filling food. Order that special Cuban sandwich today and boy oh boy was that sandwich good,you got the juices from the sandwich dripping down as you hit hat crunchy bread slice. Wow what a sandwich and not to mention the atmosphere of the place, you got Spanish music blast through making you get the feels like it's straight from the villas. This little corner delight does not disappoint and I walk out that joint with a fat belly.
(4)Jade B.
Cafe Habanas Ambience Is Amazing, Small, But Full Of Energy. Bartenders Were Super Friendly And The Cuban Was To Die For.
(4)Camille W.
I love this place! Small but with lots of character. Their elote is a must have: it is the best I have ever had. Their Cuban sandwich is also to die for! Also, margaritas are delicious and super strong.
(5)Jimmy M.
What else should one try first but the cuban sandwich? Good ham, cheese and bread. French fries were crispy and hot. Service was super fast at lunchtime.
(4)Clara L.
I love this place! Best cuban food! I´m always eat at this restaurant when I'm In NYC.
(5)Zach W.
You know how most restaurants, when you order the corn, just act like they don't have corn on the menu? Well, Cafe Habana doesn't do that at all, and their corn is delicious. You know how if you go to an Italian restaurant and order and Italiano they look at you funny? Or a Chinese restaurant and order a Chineseo? Well, finally a breath of fresh air - these guys not only had a Cubano, but it was a really, really good sandwich! I forget what the other thing we ordered was, both because it was pretty average and unremarkable but ALSO because there was a margarita on the table and that thing was strong. Like one margarita, two people buzzed strong. Anyway it's definitely a solid meal, four stars.
(4)Laura F.
The corn with cheese thing is so good!! I'm reading the other reviews and see that people had issues with the cashiers as well. You would think that's a sign to fire them? Lmao First of all, I got two small white napkins with the corn, and the thing is messy so you need like 10! I go in and ask do you have any napkins? She points to where they are so I grab them and leave. As I'm leaving, she yells you're welcome.. lol! I always tell people thank you, but it was so loud in there I couldn't even hear myself think. Also, next time give us a bunch of napkins with dishes that are messy. Common sense.
(2)Eric C.
After reading all the rave reviews about the corn I had to order it, and I can now confirm that it is delicious. As an entree I had the Cuban, which was quite good. The pork was juicy and flavorful, though there was a lot of bread which was a bit chewy. The restaurant itself is quite small and more than a bit cramped. You may well be essentially sharing a table with the party next to you. Service was very friendly and quick. Overall a great option if you're in the area!
(4)Carolina V.
Great spot! The food was great. The atmosphere was just what you would expect for a small Cuban diner, music is great. Some salsa some top 40 some alternative.. Def. will return. . I sat at the bar with my book and enjoyed my Cuban sandwich.
(5)Carlos B.
Needed to find some food, yelp food and came up this little spot on the corner for authentic Cuban food and we are there! Great drinks,cheesy quesadilla an awesome Cuban sandwich and great service . Our waiter Claudia was super cool, a homeless man passed by and she stopped him to give him money and I gave her some money too to hand him. Do good so others can follow. God is good!
(5)Janus C.
I always come for their Mexican corn, even though I know it's overpriced for something so simple to be made. Yet I just keep coming back. And back. And back. What is it that makes me come back for more - the mayo, the cotija cheese, the lime, the chili powder, the smokiness of the corn? I just always feel like I could make it at home, but I never can be bothered. The Cuban sandwich is amazing though! Toasted well, and the meat is super flavorful. Highly recommend it.
(4)Lynn J.
Probably my favorite meal in my recent trip to NYC! Not like this place needs another great review, but I couldn't help it! It was that good! This place is soooo good that I overlooked that we were sitting at a table with total strangers so we could eat. Their corn on the cob is unbelievable!!! I got the chicken quesadilla and my husband got the Cuban sandwich...UNBELIEVABLE! This place is reasonably priced, I think bc its a few blocks off the main streets in SoHo, but you will not be disappointed...I am anxiously awaiting the opening of the one in Malibu!
(5)Katie M.
Of course, immensely enjoyed the corn. That's a given. Yummers. But, I think the real winner was the steak enchiladas. The beans are perfectly cooked and seasoned. Really didn't mind the cramped eating situation because of the deliciousness of the food. Our server was amazing, policing the sidewalk waiting peeps and remembering orders, faces and names. I think I would order from the takeout at the next meal.
(5)Genuine N.
Saw 1000+ reviews for this in yelp so had to try it out. So I tried the cuban sandwich and some grilled corn, both were awesome! The ciabata bread of the sandwich had a nice crisp to it.... the mustard added just the right amount of tanginess to its overall taste.... the roast beef and ham were nice and moist..... the combination of the chili powder and cotija cheese on the corn was incredible. Good amount of food and it definite hit the spot. For those that don't feel like waiting the 45+ minutes that Ive waited, theres a take out next door. The bad things: Too loud atmosphere (to the point the waitress misheard my order), very small tables
(4)ally h.
omg I love their grilled corn! its spicy cheesy sweet and so delicious. Their eggs with choizo with rice and beans is super yummy. I like their chicken and corn salad with the mustard dressing too.
(5)Tillie K.
I gave up on dining in here. it's so small and tight. the service isn't friendly either. I feel like a rush eating here. Maybe I will try back on a lunch time of a weekday. Otherwise, I would go next door to their "take-out" only order. There are some stools inside the take out area and there is also 2 benches outside so you can eat it here or just take it to go to where ever you are heading to. Their grilled corn is a must and their cuban sandwich and skirt steak sandwich is both really good. Their corn is something you would really crave for. GO TRY IT OUT!
(3)Bryan F.
Great food, just a little cramped. The corn makes up for that tenfold though.
(5)DineGirl K.
Nolita landmark. The wait is very long (45min ++) during peak times, but the food is solid, atmosphere is lively and the price points are very affordable. The corn is a must. Menu is surprisingly extensive - I tend to gravitate towards enchilladas suiza or the cuban sandwich but there's something on the menu for everyone. Drinks are fun and the frozen margaritas are amazing. Trendy vibe but always friendly and inviting. It's very cramped seating but that's part of the charm. Go during non-peak hours and it's much more relaxing. Great spot and always popular among both locals and tourists.
(4)Daisy M.
Great food. Expect to wait for 20min for lunch but it's worth it.
(5)Michael H.
TERRIBLE service. Food was decent. Did I mention horrible service?
(3)Vineet S.
As a big admirer of Cuban food, I was really excited to try this place for lunch. The spot itself is not huge but has decent dining and bar area seating. When we walked during lunch there was a wait of 20 mins for the table so decided to sit at the bar. I ordered the Chicken quesdilla and my friend had the veggis tacos. Both the dishes come with rice and beans. I had the red beans and yellow rice. My dish had 3 quesdilla's, though were OK but were not exceptional but quantity wise it was a good amount of food. The lunch was $10 bucks.Since so much has been said about the food at this place I would keep it short , my lunch was good but not great hence the 3 stars.
(3)Rachel G.
First time in my life I've ever been excited to eat an ear of corn in a restaurant--and you should be too. Slathered in a pile of cheesemayospice, the corn is messy and grilled and insanely good. We enjoyed as well their mojitos and a tasty cuban.
(4)Janani S.
i visited new york city last month and was fortunate enough to have my friend take me here for lunch. i dream of that corn. dreammmm of it. soo good. i also ordered the diablo burrito and it was only mediocre. but that corn. oh man. we also got the plantains, which were okay but nothing extraordinary. FOUR stars for the corn. minus one star for mediocre food, overcrowding and high prices. i want corn.
(4)Loretta C.
Do get: the grilled corn; it speaks for itself. The only complaint I have about this place is that the line gets longer and longer everytime I go. It's tiny and a little cramped (not your setting if you're claustrophobic), but the dishes are plentiful and the prices are very reasonable. After the corn, try their salads and sandwiches--you won't find anything too imaginitive, but the cooking is definitely consistent. Service is good, too. PS: this is also the site of my Johnny Knoxville sighting.
(5)grace l.
I've always been a huge fan of Habana Outpost...and recently, I've "tried" Cafe Habana. Looooove the food! Everything is delciious...you can't go wrong! WEIRD thing: My friend ordered a Cuban sandwich & on the menu, it said it comes with fries. So we asked & verified. They said it we had to order next door. We got ping-pong-ed back and forth a few times (over the cuban sandwich to come with fries, mind you)... That was a smidgette ridonk, but it worked out in the end, and quite possibly worth the back & forth since the food is DELICIOUS!
(4)Aditya D.
Oh what a horrible experience !! The hostess/server Jennifer who we met at the front door was the worst server/ restaurant employee I have ever met in my life. She had such a horrible attitude. After waiting for almost an hour, when our turn finally came to sit, she seated someone else in front of us. We went ahead and grabbed a seat at the bar which seemed to make her angry at us for some reason. When a table opened up again, we requested her to shift us there from the bar and she absolutely refused saying she was keeping it open for dinner service. No apology or even an explanation, just NO. Whatever food we had sitting at the bar, was so ordinary. The service at the bar was also so poor. Never got any utensils or water. Had to ask for everything. The staff seemed more interested in gossiping about their lives which everyone at the bar could hear. This experience completely ruined our day I would strongly advise not to go to this place. All you get is horrible attitude, poor service and ordinary food.
(1)Yiwen S.
finally was able to make a trip here because we figured out the formula for how to get a table without any wait on a weekend. - arrive between 11pm and midnight (closing time) - come after a snowstorm, when it's more than a few degrees below freezing - come in a group of 2-4 you'll be guaranteed immediate seating, and we only waited about 5 mins between ordering and getting our food. that being said, the tables of 2 are VERY close to each other. you might as well make friends with the table next to you. but it's nice and cozy - something about the atmosphere and the friendly service makes for great ambiance. ROAST PORK: the menu described it as "caribbean style citrus marinated pulled pork" and for some reason i thought the pork would come heavily marinated. but the citrus marinade was very light, you could barely taste it - so all you're left with is the natural flavoring of the pork. and it was really, really tender. just the best. i'm a big fan of their yellow rice, but the beans are just whatevers. GRILLED CORN: cheesy, fatty goodness. what else needs to be said? get it!! CUBAN SANDWICH: perfectly crispy pressed baguette bread. ooey gooey melted cheese. layers and layers of tender roast pork. add a couple pickles for that sour kick. mm-MMM. A.MAZE.BALLS.
(4)Lauren M.
The vibe of this place is awesome... especially in the middle of winter. The food is so good. I recommend this to anyone visiting or living in the city and the corn is a must have! Just go here!
(5)Wuhoo S.
the corn is amazing. they slather this special mayonnaise and parmesan cheese after its roasted. my friend and i got the shrimp tacos and they were okay. the shrimp was fresh but there honestly was nothing special about this dish. i feel like you could get similar shrimp tacos at rubios (in california this is a classier fast food mexican chain). the space is small. you can barely get in or out. there is too much hype for what you get. i would just get the corn to go at the to go stand for cafe habana next door. definitely not worth the wait (for an entree). who knows, i should really explore the rest of the menu, so wait for an updated review.
(3)Denean P.
Oh the Elote was out of this world! The enchiladas were amazing. And the vibe was super cute! I'll be going back here.
(5)Kelley B.
Everybody says the corn here really is to die for -- yes it is. The service wasn't horrible. They seated my friend and I at a table that would have allowed for three, and then asked us to move but gave us free drinks as a thank you! That was a classy move.
(4)J L.
The corn is to die for here! I've had Mexican corn at other restaurants, but this one is definitely the best I've had.
(5)Amy C.
*Must Try: Grilled Corn on the Cob. Served with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime. *Pollo Mirador: sauteed Chicken breasts with roasted garlic sauce and spicy spinach. Juicy and delicious! *Flan is good, but comes in a very tiny jar.
(4)Jerome T.
Cuban? Really? That's like calling McDonald's Mexican cuz they have breakfast burritos. This place is 84.67% Mexican. And I'm not talking about the guys in the kitchen. The menu is MEXICAN! Whatever. I'm not into corn. Which is ironic, because I'm a corny mofo. But, if you throw enough stuff on it that it doesn't taste like corn, I'm in. These people throw everything but the kitchen sink to mask the corn. It's all I remember really from last night. I think I had fish tacos, too. Whatever. It's all about the corn. I've been to both the restaurant and the take out joint next door. If you can smell the breathe of the person at the table next to you, it ain't for me. I only want to eat here on odd days at odd hours. Which is normal for me. The tacos are good. Not memorable. The space, vibe and people are the best thing about this joint. Oh and the corn. The end.
(3)Daya A.
Well hello there Miami! I mean Café Habana, the epitome of Miami away from home. Seriously the style of this restaurant along with the décor has me feeling like a South Beach tourist. They have Cuban coffee, along with rice plates, margaritas, grilled corn with crema, cheese, chile, lemon, e.t.c too many delicious items to name but you get the drill. The style of the restaurant is lovely along with it's menu and it's totally worth a stop especially with those in love with quaint little Cuban eateries that hold them close to the heart.
(4)Cindy B.
Wow. We totally just stumbled upon Cafe Habana from Yelp. Signage is non existent, and we actually past it twice (saying, "wow, that place must be good, because it's swarming with people!"), without knowing it was what we were looking for. Very small, but surprisingly efficient, short wait, and the staff was very friendly. We tried the corn. The corn, the corn, the corn. If you eat nothing else, eat the corn. So delicious! (And it comes with toothpicks! :) ) Next we had the Sopesitos- little crisp corn cakes with black beans and a sampler of three salsas. Yum! The Ensalada de Espinaca y Manzana was beyond delicious, with chunks of crisp apple, spicy pumpkin seeds, spinach, grapefruit, and a fantastic orange tequila vinaigrette. Will definitely have that again! Shrimp tacos were different and delicious, with a terrific sauce on the side. (Only complaint would be that the tacos were so stuffed, and only had one tortilla- would have been easier to eat with 2 tortillas.) Finished with the Cheese Flan, and it didn't disappoint either! LOVE this place! Worth the wait (because there will be one!)
(5)Dimitrius J.
I remember I ate here three years ago with two hot girls and a friend of mine man the food was really good that was the first night I tried habanero sauce whew it was spicy I had like 3 cups of water lol but anyway went really well with the food I ordered I had a chicken salad I think it was good i would definitely go back here
(4)Winnie M.
My friend recommend to come here. We try Cuban Sandwich and grilled corn, there are excellent ! I definitely will come back to try more ,of cause I love it so much.
(4)Stephan H.
The corn is indeed good
(4)Ania B.
It's been about 2 or 3 years since I last came to Cafe Habana, so I was a bit apprehensive that I may have oversold how great it is to a friend of mine. We went for dinner last night, and it did not disappoint. Good food, good drinks, and good prices. After a while, well after we had finished eating and were just enjoying our drinks, the waitress very very nicely asked if we could move a table over so they could accommodate a (very) large party in the back. I wouldn't have really minded this in the first place, as we finished our plates anyway, but they still threw in a free round of drinks as a thank you for moving which obviously wins some bonus points! Yes, it's a super small space so if you absolutely hate that, then don't waste your time, but overall this place is a favorite of mine, and I will continue to recommend it.
(5)ML V.
I don't even remember what entree I ordered, but holy #%^*.. The corn. It's a definite must. This place has ruined my taste for grilled/crazy corn from now on. I would go out of my way the next time I'm in New York to have that corn. It's essentially grilled corn coated with mayo and spices that give it the perfect amount of kick. It doesn't sound spectacular, but I guarantee you that it is all that and much more. The place is pretty small and gets crowded easily, but it's worth it. You won't be disappointed.
(5)Steven T.
Love, love, LOVE the corn here! Whenever I stop by, I usually grab one. Delicious.
(4)Versace J.
Nice Laid back vibe on prince street . Drinks are good . The enchilada was burnt due to the charcoaling .
(4)Z B.
The food is good. The service and noise level annoying. You're better off ordering at their to-go window.
(4)Joshua P.
I've eaten dinner three times here and each time my entree has been mediocre to gross. I travel to Mexico City often, and the food here just isn't up to snuff. BUT, the street corn makes it worth the trip. Just get the corn and a Jarrito cooler before going on to dinner elsewhere.
(3)Daniel B.
Cuban sandwich was great. We also ordered a chicken burrito, which was super flavorless and dry. Our request for some mayo was met with disdain and a lecture about their mayo policy. After returning to the counter a second time they finally relented and gave us some sauce, though not without reminding us that they were doing us a biiiig favor. All's well that ends well, but it would have been nice if they seemed to care a tad more about the satisfaction of their customers.
(3)Ian C.
Holy delicious. This is exactly the kind of paper plate, just-like-Mom-made-it cuisine I don't see nearly enough of in Manhattan. I had the Tlacoyo de Tres Marias, and would've ordered a second serving if I hadn't already decided to try their popular corn on the cob. The restaurant felt like it had been pulled straight out of Havana (and I say that in the best way possible). Laid back, friendly, and a much-need retreat from superficial SoHo. The prices are great, too (under $15 for my whole meal, including tip and tax). The Tlacoyo plate had some of the best Chipotle sauce I've ever had, and is a good dish to try if you enjoy Tex-Mex. Be prepared to get a little messy if you're ordering a corn on the cob: it's piled high with shredded cheese and butter. So, so good. Follow-up: the margaritas are awesome!
(5)Louise F.
the corn is amazing . Something I had never tried before and didn't expect to taste so great. Fish tacos are great too as are the margaritas. Would be great if they could sell singular tacos instead of having to buy the whole plate with rice and beans. Also the staff aren't the friendliest hence the 4 stars.
(4)Andy L.
Café Havana has some of the best corn I have ever had. Corn on the cob served with melted butter, sprinkled with chili pepper and grated cheese and squeezed lime, it was a combination of sharp spices and sweet flavor. I also tried their praised Cuban sandwich which was pulled pork on top of ham. The double stack of meat was well complemented by crisp bread, melted Swiss and pickles. 110% recommended, just be prepared to have a long wait due to a small venue.
(5)Daniele L.
I think this place is way over valued , they have an amazing branding , and a young vibe , location on the corner and good corns - That's it ! Everything else is really whatever , cheeseburger is really tasteless a , low quality - the steak sandwich is good although they do not put enough steak in it . Overall the place is really not what it looks like . Once again brand wins , but if you are looking for a nice lunch , just go somewhere else
(1)Tiffany M.
Sitting on the corner far from the busy streets of the people and shops on Broadway is this gem of a restaurant. My friend and I decided to share some Mexican for lunch and found our way through here thanks to Yelp. When we arrived, the restaurant was already a little busy but tables were clearing up so we were seated within 5 minutes. My friend and I started off with the grilled corn. I chose the shrimp tacos as my entree. I'm not a fan of corn usually but seeing the recognition it gets in the restaurant and in the reviews did not hesitate me to give it a try- AND OH MY, was it delicious! So savory, sweet, yet salty (not too salty). Writing this is making my mouth water as I type! Our entrees came within minutes of our corn and we had to do a bit of rearranging to our table since the tables are SO tiny (if you're seated at a two-person table). Most entrees come with yellow rice and black beans. The whole entree was fantastic. The second fish taco ended up drooping a bit so I finished that one off with a fork. It got a little messy! Overall, service was nothing exceptional but the food was fantastic. I highly recommend this place.
(4)Anna W.
Corn! I came to the take-out location to avoid waiting in line for a table, and got my ear of corn and Cuban sandwich in about 3 minutes. The corn is delicious, grilled to perfection and sprinkled with cheese and lime. Yum. The Cuban sandwich was very filling, I could only finish half, but quite good. My only gripe would be that it was also quite oily. Great place for a late night snack!
(4)Nicole M.
Damn...the corn!!! I'm really not a big fan of corn, but their corn is WOW!!! I think everything on their menu here is really good. Ate here with my gfs who like to try everything---from the tacos to the sandwiches, everything was tasty! If I'm feeling for Cuban food, def will be coming back here!
(4)Angus B.
That corn! It's so good, like nothing I've had before. If your in nyc it is a must. Staff couldn't be more friendly and genuine (not just looking for that tip). Tacos the best I've had, so authentic and delicious. 100% try this place!
(5)Vincent H.
This place is muy delicioso. Seriously good! Fun and relaxed atmosphere! Corn was beyond good. Guacamole was fresh and tasty and went great with the fresh plantains. Price is right! I'll be back for sure!
(5)Ivy T.
The Cuban corn is definitely worth trying! Deliciously sweet with a punch of cheese and lime. The other menu items were also pretty good. I ordered the garlic chicken: not bad, but it was a bit sour. The huevos rancheros are a good choice. Staff was nice and upbeat, however It was fairly loud and crowded. If you like a busy, loud atmosphere, this is the place to go!
(4)Jen B.
I'm in love with cafe Havanas Cuban sandwich.... More so than the corn they are infamously known for! I mean don't get me wrong, the corn is good, but it's not the best I've ever had for elotes corn! Back to the Cuban sandwich, they pack it with delicious tender, juicy meat... and melted cheese! Seriously the best ever!! I would definitely come back for their Cuban sandwich. I also got the fish tacos.... They were just "ok" Mind you, this place is small and you will practically be sitting on other peoples laps if you're not seated at the bar.
(4)Rokha H.
What happened to your corn, Habana?! There was absolutely no kick, no flavor to it!!! I used to recommend you to every visitor to NY and I am not sure if I can anymore. Were you having an off day or did the tourist traffic do you in?! Also, that brunch menu is really lacking!!!! If I wanted eggs done 101 ways, there are gazillions of options in NYC!
(2)Tiffany M.
This rating is only for the Corn. Heard a lot of rave about the mexican street corn so I decided to give it a go. Honestly, I don't see what the fuss is all about. I love corn but this was not what I was expecting at all. The corn was not that warm and had too much grated cheese on it, in my opinion. I'll stick to the corn on the Lexington Street Fairs.
(2)Michael S.
Unbelievable Cuban sandwich that is worth the trip alone. Went here on late on a Sunday night so there was no wait which I guess is sometimes an issue with the area being what it is. Service was quick and portion to price ratio was very good. Would definitely come back.
(4)Heawon K.
This place is not that good. Why does it have four stars? I don't know. Maybe it's the flock of tourists that find themselves at cafe habana after a day of shopping in soho that contribute to the 4 stars? Or maybe it is the terrible fish tacos and subpar service that scores this place 4 stars? Just kidding. I have been here two times. The second time I came here, I was dragged by a friend who was craving Mexican food. To be honest, we would have been better off at a taqueria. Oh well. The only good thing about this place is the corn. The tacos are just ehh. The fish in the fish taco had breading which took away from the texture and flavor of the fish. The rice and beans that accompany the tacos, taste straight out of goya cans- completely flavorless. The service is mediocre. You can read the expression on the server's faces and none of them seem to be having it. If you're craving authentic mexican food, do NOT make your way over here.
(2)John C.
Best corn on the cob. Cheesy, fragrant, juicy, buttery. Nothing more you need for this. Service is decent even for a crowded restaurant. For manhattan this is very affordable place to eat or to hang out at.
(3)Eli G.
Talk about hitting the spot! After a drive down from Boston and a few hours spent crate digging in the lower east side in freezing weather with frigid wind chill I was ready for something to warm my belly. Lucky my NYC buddy Abby K. hooked it up by bringing me to this tiny diner style Cuban jump off. It's packed and you probably will have to wait awhile but once you get seated the food is not only top notch, its also reasonably priced. The corn with cheese app is like Smart Food times a million and the wide selection of entrees covers a variety of Cuban styles, spicy and flavorful all around. I'll def be going back next time I'm in the city.
(5)Justine L.
My review is only for the corn since that's the only thing I get when I come here. It is delicious and you should try it. Fresh grilled corn, covered in crumbled cotija cheese, served with a lime wedge. Simple perfection. Note that there is a sit down restaurant and a smaller "to-go" place next door.
(5)Deb E.
The grilled corn was fabulous. Messy too. Seating is WAY limited so take plenty of napkins and eat your corn in the street. Ask for extra lime wedge - 1 is not enough.
(4)Lana L.
Omg Mexican grilled corn is so amazing!! I don't even like mayonnaise and now I want to recreate this food at home. I got the vegetarian tacos as my main, they were good, but the thought of grilled corn haunted me throughout the meal, even to this day... The place is small and somewhat cramped, but after a near half hour wait in high 30's, it worked. Well worth the wait, as there are bars and a cutesy bakery nearby to pass the time. I would recommend this place to anyone in the area.
(4)Carlos A.
Their grilled corn (elote) is excellent. I also liked their eggs and chorizo. I LOVED the cuban sandwich. This place is very affordable with most items being less than $7. It is a small space so don't come here with a large group (more than 5 or 6) but otherwise I highly recommend it.
(5)Mei C.
Lovely staff and the food was good. The corn - yes, it's a must have. Everything was ok except for the space. It's so small and they try to cramp so many people in that tiny space. I got a little claustrophobic.
(4)Noah N.
Taste bomb. Try the Pollo Mirador - chicken in light sauce with some spinach and some rice. Wham. I love spinach.
(4)Chris L.
Always a favorite, despite the wait - the corn here is fantastic! grilled and sprinkled with cheese and cayenne pepper and garnished with a fresh lime - I can't go to Cafe Habana and not eat it! These days I'll pop in at Cafe Habana To Go next door to beat the crowd and eat my corn!! The rest of the menu is also good, but nothing beats the corn!! Try the various enchiladas and quesadillas, but skip the Cuban sandwich, which can often be a little dry. Drinks are good too, and usually pretty strong - and brunch is super tasty - try the scrambled eggs w/ chorizo or the green chicken dish. Have tried attempts at the corn at Dos Caminos and others but nothing compares to the Cafe Habana corn!
(4)Nona C.
Cuban was decent...and the corn, well I understand how it can be do delicious but honestly, there were areas that were burnt to a crisp. The plantains were also meh. Place is small and the seating areas are so cramped, you must be skinny to be able to navigate between chairs without knocking someone's head while you're passing. Not sure if I'd be back.
(3)Brig A.
I got here at 2 o'clock on a Saturday and apparently that is brunch time. That was fine. I was expecting more rice with the dishes, but Cafe Habana doesn't do rice for brunch. I ended up getting the grilled corn and the chorizo tacos. Both of these selections were excellent. The corn was especially good. I have grilled corn myself many times and never had anything nearly as good as what Cafe Habana makes. The reason that it isn't five stars is because the service was so-so at best. Quite frankly they have very limited space to work with, but that is no excuse. Our table was right next to the bathroom, which was annoying as well as it was a very small hall and we had to stand up every time someone went to the bathroom. I suppose that is part of the charm of this place.
(4)Erin A.
Come for the corn! End of story! A friend recommended I come here for the corn and also to try the Cuban sandwich. The food is decently priced and well worth it! There is limited seating so be sure to go when mid day when there's less of a crowd. The employees are friendly and quick to serve! Enjoy!
(5)Lor B.
Order the Cuban Sammy - a cup of soup and corn on the cob and u'll be happy. Little tiny joint that is jammed packed with good grub. Other notable bites include the jicama salad, chicken mole & portobello Sammie's all really amazing. Top it off with a negra modelo and fried plantains. Who needs an embargo when u have Havana right in the city. I will definitely be back!
(4)Jess N.
So I love this place. I love the corn. I'll probably come back just for the corn... as I always do. Not really excited or mindblown about anything else... except for the corn. Which is the reason this place is 3 stars and NOT 5 ... even 4 stars. On that note... Who the hell hires any of these waitresses? I get lucky like once every 3 times or whatever, but the last time I immediately thought to myself, "WOW THAT WAITRESS WAS SUCH A DICK I'M GOING TO YELP THIS." And so yeah, Cafe Habana... Get your Human Resources together or some shit. That girl couldn't give less than zero fucks about us, anyone else, or her job. 5 minute wait, nobody's in line, and yet, you let two separate sets of random walk-ins right after us take a seat before us? I had to waive you down twice just to order. I ask for an EXTRA FORK... and you go straight to one of the dudes behind the bar because you just HAD to continue your conversation. You come back after 12 minutes and say, "Oh, sorry for the wait!" Really? Why did I have to ask you for my check TWICE? CoOOooOMe OonNNnNNnn.
(3)Mindy M.
the corn was amazing!!! omg. cuban sandwich was also delicious. my mouth is watering just writing this review. quick, casual service. my boyfriend and i went in the late afternoon and didn't have to wait for a table, although i can imagine when it's busier this is a problem. the drinks were also really yummy (guava margarita and mojito). i cant wait to go back!
(5)Cristina L.
As usual, the mexican corn is everyone's favorite. It was juicy. The entree is the same as other places. I would definitely go to the take out next time if i was craving for the mexican corn and cuban sandwich.
(4)Lola B.
This rest is overrated. I'm Hispanic and know real Hispanic food. Been here several times bc my bf likes corn. I'm now going to start cooking that for him bc I'm done with this place. The skirt stake is burnt, has no flavor other than charcoal, the sweet plaintains the same. Portions are tiny. The limeade with tequila has a bad flavor. I think the okay things (2 stars) is the corn and the moijitos.
(2)Benjamin C.
I actually accidentally found this place while waiting for friends and I was hungry. I was pleasantly surprised when I found out it was a small affiliate of Habana Outpost in BK. I loved the outpost but this joint fell short. I just got the classic Cuban sandwich. The cheese was not melted at all and the sandwich dripping too much. I'mm all for juicy meat but it was making the sandwich soggy. Maybe I just went on an off night but I wish I got some of their signature corn.
(3)Linda L.
Grilled corn and mojitos = love. This may be the very best way to eat corn. bring a buddy because 1 order yields 2 on a cob unless you want them all to yourself, and no one can blame you for your gluttony.
(5)Brian Y.
Hesitant initially because Cafe Habana appears really small and cramped on the outside. Arrived around 6:30 on a Friday after work, waited about 30-45 minutes for a table for three. Grabbed a few beers at the bar area while we waited to keep us occupied. Ultimately, WELL worth the wait! The staff was very charming despite being flustered by the prime time dinner rush and limited seating. I was very impressed by the food. Good prices considering the area and probably the most perfectly cooked skirt steak I've ever had (despite being slightly underseasoned). Skirt steak dries easily because of its low fat content...but man...this cheap cut of steak was cooked better than many of the quality cuts I've had. Sampled my friend's shrimp tacos....which were also phenomenal because of the unique marinade they use. The Cuban and grilled corn everyone raves about...absolutely lived up to the hype and was worth trying. Highly recommended spot to visit. The only reason I'm not giving it a perfect score is because the bathroom is located awkwardly behind two tables and it's tricky to avoid bumping into seated customers. Will definitely return!
(4)Juan T.
i like this Mexican Joint, Yes Its mexican. not cuban. The original location is in Mexico City and i have been to that location also. The corn is good, i had better on the street but this is good for the area that is in. The corn comes with mayo, cheese and chili powder on top but it was bit dry/hard maybe not as young as it should have been. Ordered the roast pork and it came with yellow mexican rice and beans. My friend ordered the Cubano which was actually good. The place is so tiny that u cant have the food and apps on the same table. Beers were super warm and i had to ask for ice and a cup. Prices are moderate for mexican food. AC was not very good that day, it was barely comfortable + warm beers= no bueno. Maybe if the Ac worked and beers were cold and tables a bit bigger, this would have been a very good mexican restaurant The entire menu has maybe 3 cuban items. Maybe. the rest is all mexican
(3)Alex W.
I can understand the long wait, but I'm not quite sure I myself would do it. Don't get me wrong, I thought the cuban sandwich was delicious and certainly worth a re-order on a return trip. It's meaty, salty, tasty, filling. Everything you want out of a sandwich. The moscow mule was refreshing and delicious, as well. It's worthy of 4 stars on food alone. But, the space is way too cozy for comfort (as in patrons are packed in like sardines) and it gets ridiculously warm since there's no A/C. Servers walk around like bumper cars and can't get you out of there fast enough to keep up with the line outside. I mean, the restaurant itself has it's own charm to it, with almost kitschy decor. But it's certainly not a relaxing meal by any means. If by chance it's empty on off-hours, it's worth a stop for the cuban sandwich and a drink.
(3)Grant W.
Usually come here for breakfast. No complaints, bang for the buck is there... Had the corn and cuban for lunch (first of probably many upcoming lunches). Best lunch I've had in NYC. Full of flavor and the corn spice was dead on. The best part is that they give you 2 ice cubes in your water you don't run out. Will definitely be back. It actually said on the menu that the Cuban sandwich is voted best in the city. Neither of us are lying. The corn is in friends with benefits. Delicious. Just go!
(5)Noheli H.
The place is small but the food is really tasty. I had the chicken taquitos and cuban sandwich which were both very good! We sat at the bar and were well attended. Our server was attentive and service was quick! I would definitely come back :)
(5)Alaina W.
So apparently the corn is really good here, huh? I was served the perfect dark&stormy on the dark and stormy night before Hurricane Irene, and I would have died happy had this been my last meal. There was only a short wait (because of NYC's impending hurricane doom, most likely), and we were quickly seated. The place is a teensy bit cramped -- the waitress tripped over me twice -- but after a couple of drinks, I was perfectly willing to overlook that. Good drinks, good food. Oh, and just in case you didn't hear, order the effing corn.
(4)Priscilla K.
their grilled mexican corn is out of this world. my friends and i have made it a few times, but it would've been better if we'd had cotija cheese handy. while that is the most notable item on their menu, i also really like their skirt steak, enchiladas estilo norteno and their huevos rancheros a caballo. their mango limeade and margaritas are also choice. go get ze corn.
(5)Mike O.
Okay, this review is based on a brief respite I made to grog some suds so as to requisition the use of the lavatory, but even in that brief time I was impressed so that I want badly to return. Soon. The atmosphere felt breezy and open-air, cozy yet not cramped. The food made me feel ravenousss. The extra g's are for the kids who use that style in their texts to add emphasisss. Those extra s's are just intentionally annoying. Yes I used grog as a verb. Why not?
(4)Amanda J.
The best corn on a cob in NYC or anywhere in the world! The other stuff is mah... Expect a 15-30 minutes wait.
(5)Christine C.
I have only been to Cafe Habana's Take-out next door. I love the take-out place because you don't have to wait for a table and most importantly, you can avoid the horribly cramped seating and general pretentiousness. Plus, it's how I like my food...fast, no hassles and cooked right in front of me. On that note, I must say that the food is quite delicious. I always order the egg with chorizo served with a side of beans (black/red, your choice) and yellow rice. The grilled corn definitely lives up to all the hype.
(5)Ryan H.
Denia is the bomb. Can't beat a Sincronizada Toluca at the bar on a sunny weekday. Best in SoHo.
(5)Bing R.
I think the steak is a better choice than my chorizo tacos - where's the chorizo? It's mostly potatoes
(3)Carina C.
I love the spicy corn. I definitely like the food. The service absolutely sucks. The waitress refused to sit us at the booth and was rude about it. It was supposedly "reserved" for 4 people. Your "Oh no! God forbid 3 people sit there" attitude sucks.
(3)Almando p.
I thought it was good. I know it's is a tourist spot but I have been meaning to go for awhile. I loved the tostones and roast pork. Margarita was good and the corn had a distinct taste it was cold but I never had corn like this so it was nice to experience a new taste. I would go again to this place maybe for a pickup. It is a little too cramped for me when you sit in the two seaters. It is like clostrophobic syndrome feeling.
(4)Henry T.
This was my second visit here in about a year. I had the diablo chicken platter with rice and beans,Mexican corn and mango Jarritos. The main reason why I came here was for the corn. It was because of the good first impression,and the excellent reviews that I have encountered. The service was mediocre. The lady at the counter seemed like she was in a rush to end her shift. (I went at 6pm on a Friday evening) Nevertheless, my order arrived in a matter of minutes. The platter was a bit bland, so I drenched my dish in hot sauce. It later turned out too salty but I ended up finishing the whole plate. The corn definitely was up to my expectations, as it was creamy, sweet and buttery. Overall, I would come back again and I would recommend this place to my fiends.
(4)Christopher C.
Just Great....Service/Food/Everything Came here tonight to get the pulled pork and the bartender immediately remember he messed up my to go order two weeks ago and took care of me. Remembered what I ate and drank and plain and simple just great service...Food is always good but with service like that you get five stars Thank You other venues should learn from u
(5)max s.
I can't believe it, but after coming here for well over a decade, the place has still got it! Came in over the weekend for a nostalgic ear of their famous corn, honestly was not expecting much as they have always been super crowded, etc. But luckily, my expectations were met and exceeded. Even with people waiting outside, our wait for a table was only 10 minutes. Every single member of the staff was super friendly and of course, the corn, the media noche and the fish tacos were top notch. The only draw back - I kept getting bumped in the head whenever the waiters tried to get a menu from the menu holder behind me. Great to see that this place is still booming!!!
(4)Quay X.
Yummy food, great atmosphere and service, and the grilled corn is wonderful indeed. This place avoids a higher rating because of the weak ass mojito I got. It tasted like a rum and sprite--with way too much sprite. Mojitos should have mulled sugar and mint. If you're using simple sugar syrup, YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG.
(3)John Paul N.
When searching Chowhound for the best brunches in NYC, Abby found a little note about how Cafe Habana serves the best Huevos Rancheros in the city. A bold statement, and one that we had to decide for ourselves. I asked one of my sisters, who used to live in NYC, if she's ever been to Cafe Habana and she said, "GET THE CORN!" So apparently the corn is the way to go here. Other reviews online also remarked about the corn and how hard it was to get a seat. Well, we arrived at 1 or so and put our name in for a table for four and we waited outside for our friends to arrive. While waiting, we saw the little take out spot next door and stacks as high as me of corn being brought down to the prep kitchen. I guess the corn really is a popular item. Cafe Habana is a very tiny spot, with a bar/counter area for about 5 people and tables lined against the windows along with a booth or two. Waiting inside for your table means literally hovering over other customers as they eat. Plus, with the weather being as cold as it was, having people waiting with the door open made the heavy drapes used to keep the breeze out basically useless. (After we were seated, people would just stand in the doorway with the doors open causing everyone in the restaurant to freeze. Our hostess immediately ran to the front, asked the people to please wait outside and closed the big drapes up.) Abby and I both got the huevos rancheros and an order of the corn. Our friends...I forgot what they ordered other than one got the Mexican chocolate which turned out to not be as thick as we all imagined it would be. The corn was just as advertised. You really do have to get the corn if you come to Cafe Habana. The only issue I had was that I immediately had to floss after I finished my corn, but that's a personal issue not one for the restaurant. The huevos rancheros were a bit watery overall, but that did not affect the taste. The beans were quite delicious and the rancheros sauce had a nice tang and heat to it to make it stand out for other huevos rancheros I've had in the past. Bottom line, Cafe Habana is a great spot for brunch from the service to the food, everything was a big hit. There might be long lines and it's a tight fit, but if I lived in NYC I'd come back often for the corn. I give Cafe Habana a 4 out of 5.
(4)Angie C.
I want to give this place 4.5 stars with most of the credit going to their AMAZING CORN. I've never seen corn on the cob prepared this way but it is unbelievably amazing. And relatively cheap too. $4.25 for two ears of butter, cheese, and spice-smothered corn. My friend had this dish with bread and it had chorizo sausages and cheese on it, I wish I could remember the intricate Spanish name for it. That was pretty good and I believe was only $7. I had the Chilaquiles Verdes after seeing my neighbor order it and I'd say it was pretty good. Not extraordinarily memorable but pretty decent. Though when I asked for corn tortillas to go with the casserole, it didn't arrive until I had like two bites of my dish left... I think I'd like to try one of their sandwiches next time. The cafe is pretty cramped; I was practically sitting on the lap of the person next to me but I didn't really mind. Go for the corn!
(4)Jorge M.
Great place for different food with some vegetarian options. Beware that the brunch menu (served on holidays and weekends) has less favorable vegetarian options: - tarta de queso blanco (sandwich with avocado and cheese) - mulletas (bread with mozzarella and black beans) - grilled Mexican corn The place has great atmosphere with Cuban music and decoration. Very small with waiting lines.
(3)Kathrina T.
Best Corn Ever! Fish taco was awesome. Was disappointed with their burger. Guess it was my mistake to order a burger in a Mexican place. Place gets packed even on weekdays so be prepared to wait. No time to sit around and hang, they will kick you out coz there's too many people waiting.
(3)WooJung Y.
Their corn was delicious, would definitely recommend! I also ordered the Cuban sandwich, which was magnificent too.
(4)Helga N.
ok yup the lines are long the place is cramped and doesn't even have a great decor... what is so special about this place?... its got swag and that restaurant charm that makes you feel great every time you come with friends. they have great food too, very affordable and its just a trendy area where you can people watch as you wait... mmm mexican corn!
(4)Stuart C.
I stopped in for a take-out order on a friends recommendation. The Cuban was wonderful and the grilled corn in out of this world. I am looking forward to going back and trying other items on the menu. If you haven't already... give this place some love!
(4)Maia D.
I can't wait to try the Cuban here - which is apparently one of the best in NYC, however there is nothing that turns me off more than really rude service. Even though we waited for 30 minutes AND were seated, our hostess was so incredibly rude and started us off on the wrong foot - that we just left. I'll go back when I am certain that she is not working.
(1)Brooke F.
Where do I start? Small things definitely come in huge packages. This place is tiny but the food was oh so good. I ordered the famous grilled corn and yes it is "all of that" (two snaps). I also ordered the Cuban sandwich which I shared half with my friend. The portions are large and I have no complaints except I should have worn lose clothing!
(5)Aria H.
The food here is interesting and also tastes good. And what's more, it's not expensive at all!
(4)Jocelyn K.
Wow this place is so amazing. I heard this place usually has a long wait, but we went at 11am on a Saturday morning so we had no wait at all. I ordered the Huevos Divorciados. The salsa verde and salsa rancheros tasted so good with the sunny-side up eggs. My favorite though was the home fries. They were cooked with some kind of salsa as well and together with the onions it was really savory. We also ordered the famous Mexican corn. From now on I want all my corn to be grilled and covered with cotija cheese and lime. The place is small but service and food was great.
(5)Chenrui Y.
Small and crowded, no reservations, but it is so worth to wait! Everything we ordered was perfect. The corn is soooooooooo good that we almost wanted to order another, but we decided to save room for other dishes. Will definitely come back! Nice place to go before/after you get lost in soho during a weekend shopping.
(4)Tash R.
Would go back here for the corn and the mojitos. The enchiladas and the pulled pork were also okay. Great vibe about the place!
(3)Jean L.
I was walking through Nolita yesterday, bummed that the store I was trying to get to was closed down, when as I was passing the window of this place, out of the corner of my eye, a part of me sensed my proximity to a special something. Was that guy holding what I think he was? I do the double-take and bingo, I spot one of those things that makes my heart beat faster--grilled Mexican corn. For $2, I get a grilled cob of corn, coated all over in what I suspect is a blend of mayo, cotija, and spices + 2 lime wedges. Now, I should tell you I love corn. Corn soup, corn on the cob, pop corn--all of it. But when it is grilled, the flash of heat caramelizes the sugars and makes it even sweeter. Like I said, special. I ate it all up and left--toothpick in hand and a smile on my face. Not even caring that the store had closed down anymore. BTW, dear readers, is it rude to pick your teeth on the go? Or is it something you should do in the privacy of a privy?
(4)Honey D.
Get use to long line. Since it was our last day, we had plenty of time to wait. The place is tiny and super crowded, since food is amazing people don't seem to mind. Recommendation: Cuban sandwich with a side of Mexican corn (mexican corn=cheese&spice. You get 2 corns, so share =)
(5)Diana L.
Oh! The long waits, diner on top of diner seating, rushed service, and suspicious red light in the restroom! Yet all so worth it to get to this delicious, succulent Mexican corn that has also been ordered by literally every single other table. The slightly melted mayo and cotija cheese. The char. That last bite of the most heavily chili powered portion, with an extra squirt of lime juice. Ignore the rest of the menu. It's alright. You should know who the star is by now. Oh, and get more than one order. Your friends who wanted to try out the entrees will be eyeballing that corn and steal one at the first opportunity.
(4)Stephanie H.
One word: corn. Two words: Cubano sandwich. Is it bad to say that I didn't think that corn was that divine without a hearty dousing of Tapatio? And that sandwich: I think I still dream about it. Love the vibe; get it to go and hang out on the sidewalk with your friends. Summer's ending soon, so get on that kids!
(4)Chao L.
Although every time i come here and eat, i always get different sandwiches and drink! The corn stays with me!! I do not think is a complete meal in this place without the corn. If you don't get the corn then might as well not eat here, THAT'S IT!! Came after today and it never disappoints.
(5)Bryan M.
I don't understand the buzz. The place is extremely small, looking like half of one of those old railroad car diners you see on TV. Unless you get one of the booths, you will be crammed into a table literally bumping elbows with other diners. And if you sit near the (single) restroom, prepare to be bumped by people going in or coming out. The restroom itself is about the size of a phone booth. The decor is absolutely nothing to write home about. In fact, I'm not sure if the decor is deliberate or just sort of happened. It is certainly a dive-style restaurant. The corn, which everyone raves about, is good but no better than any other restaurant that serves corn with mayonnaise and cheese. Ours came out and was already getting cold. One of the people in our party had been here before and said the corn they had last time was better. Maybe an off night. Still, not a good sign for their signature appetizer. We each had a different entree, and it all three were OK, but nothing special. At Cafe Habana, the only reason to go is flavor - the decor, the service, the vibe, the presentation are all straight out of a working class diner. And unfortunately, the flavor was OK but not outstanding. One of the people in our party had the tostones, and she thought they were great. Service was a bit on the impersonal side, even for NY. I don't know if the place was having an off night, or what, but it was mediocre at best. You can get the same quality food at much nicer restaurants, or much better food at other local cuban joints. I wouldn't go out of my way to return.
(2)Molly T.
Love love love this Cuban/ Mexican style food. The staff at this place are friendly, always on their toes and up for a chat - the funky electric vibe is awesome. I ALWAYS recommend this place to any friends travelling through NY as it's situated in a fab area. The corn is a must to start with to get those juices going :) you'll even get tooth picks so don't be shy. Have had many awesome main options, although only once have I had a serve of dry meat. Staff had no issue swapping my order. Can't wait to return when I'm back in America!!
(5)Carmen M.
This place probably doesn't need a review from me... But I just wanted to say that the Cuban sandwich is delicious! Enchiladas are yummy too. I'm not a big fan of the beans and rice they serve dinner with though, I feel that it always lacks flavor. The magical corn! Its sooo good. All sorts of textures and flavors.. sweet, spicy, creamy. I don't recommend getting it from the take-out next door however.. it seems to taste better in the restaurant itself.
(4)Sandy C.
Swung by here the other night after work with other Yelpers to grab dinner. Upon returning, I know I want to get the corn again, which of course I did. However, this time the corn wasn't as good as the first time I've tried it. Maybe it was just me, but it's still pretty good. I also ordered a Hibiscus iced tea, which was refreshing and not too sweet - just the way I liked it. I got the Cuban sandwich, which is voted best in NYC, a fresh roast pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickle on hero bread with chipotle mayo. This sandwich was so tasty in so many ways. The roast pork was so tender and juicy that I was making a mess everywhere, which in result a great fertilizer for the tree outside. The sandwich was pretty big for me, that I saved the other half for next day's lunch. I love it when that happens because it means I can save money on lunch when I have leftovers from dinner =) Thanks Jenn L for setting this up. It is always great hanging out with you lovely people, you know who you guys are! =)
(4)mong linh n.
i loveeeee corn! i especially loveeeeee mexican corn! i think this place is a little overrated. the corn on the cob is good, but not that great. its like a teaser to me. more on the healthier side from what i have had in cali! its missing more slabs of mayo and more of that fatty goodness. i could say ive had better. but im sure if its your first experience, youd loveee it.
(3)Michelle W.
This review is strictly for the sweet plantains. I really hope the order I got was a fluke and not normally this bad, but the sweet plantains weren't even sweet! Besides that, some of them were either not cooked fully, or too over cooked to the point where it was super hard. I was really disappointed as I expected so much more from Cafe Habana. I've made my own sweet plantains that came out 100% better than the ones I had. Like I said, I hope and think this was just a fluke, but you can never be too sure. I'll be sticking with the corn which is perfect each and every time.
(2)Brooke S.
5 stars for food, 1 star for everything else. The food is SO good. Great affordable prices, decent portions, EVERYTHING IS DELICIOUS I WISH I COULD EAT THIS EVERYDAY. Garlic sauteed spinach, corn, mojo steak, I have never had a bad meal here. Now the dining experience itself is absolutely horrible. The place is almost always PACKED at all hours, the wait for a table is always a lifetime, the space is small so once you get seated, it is still uncomfortable because you're squashed between all these tables and people, the tables are very small so your plates might start overlapping after awhile, and the wait for your food to be served can sometimes take FOREVER. There were a couple of times when the wait for the food took so long we were offered cocktails on the house. I prefer to go around the corner to the take out window and get it to go regardless of the limited menu.
(5)Ivan V.
The setup is really like a cafe/diner feel. Very compact and intimate. There are actually two rooms, one to eat and one to go. It probably can fit 20-30 people. With the decorations, music, and smell of the food you'll immediately feel like you're away from the concrete jungle but in some diner in Cuba. Anyone that has been here knows the atmosphere can't be beat! Beautiful & bubbly staff that are always a pleasure I recommend the cuban sandwich, a popular choice, as well as the molletes, which is bread topped with refried beans, melted cheese, and bits of chorizo. The food here can be very heavy, so don't try to eat the whole dish if you can't, and walk it off by walking around Soho. In short: Small place, big portions, nice service. Even better if you can avoid tables next to the bathroom. You will leave satisfied!
(3)Tugba A.
If I was forced to review this place in one word it would be "CORN" Luckily for us yelp doesn't have a limit, or I have never written enough to know if there is one. It was my first time at Cafe Habana so I asked my waitress what the customers "top picks" on the menu were and she failed to mention the corn.**GASP** But doing my extensive research on yelp I knew to order it and it was shockingly delicious. I had ordered the fish tacos and unfortunately I cant say the same for those. The 2 two waitresses that were on the floor were very friendly and one was quite the singer. You will see me there again, even if its only for the corn.
(3)Shalen O.
Grilled corn! Come on this is why everyone comes here. Okay okay okay, I know this can be made at home, and I've tried, but it doesn't taste quite the same. It must be the 3 tablespoons of overcrowding, 1 teaspoon of tourists, and 1/4 cup of hours of waiting that I did not add to my recipe that must not make my corn taste quite as good. Oh well, better luck next time. Every time I go, I wait, cursing under my breath, because of the confined space, the long lines, and the people that come from all over the world to say they tried this place because some celebrity was there. Does it deter me? Heck no! I'll keep coming back, wait, curse under my breath, and forget it all once I bite into that corn. And the other food is pretty damn good too. The best part: The food is sooo damn cheap for NYC which gives this place an automatic 5 stars.
(5)Martin K.
Over 2000 reviews speak for themselves. Make sure to have the corn when you go there and also make sure not to sit next to a window when you're there in winter, because it feels like sitting right outside. Cozy and tiny place with more than great food and courteous waiters.
(5)Ryan M.
Huevos Rancheros. Perfect serving size. Perfect everything.
(5)amanda c.
The food and drinks were okay my first time here so I keep coming back, but everyone who works here sucks. Also sadly the food and drinks aren't good at all anymore. The platanos are not ripe and the tacos are greasy and not flavorful. The drinks are also not good. Sad decline.
(2)Helen O.
the corn on the cob is a must try! I've been disappointed with Cuban sandwiches just about everywhere I've gone (even in Miami) but this place was delicious! The roast pork actually had seasoning and it was done very very well!
(5)Elizabeth M.
Honestly the appeal of this place is 10% culinary and 90% atmosphere. It's always bustling with customers and employees alike who look like they are just straight up having a good time. I like any place where you're greeted with smile and can sit back with a cerveza and that Mexican street vendor-style corn and chat with friends or even a sassy waitress. It's popular for a reason: it's laid-back, friendly, and consistently tasty. And if you can get your hands on some cotija cheese (not queso blanco, as one person said), chili powder, and lime, you too can create the famous grilled corn.
(4)Busra A.
I saw four stars, 2089 reviews, and 2 dollar signs... And thought I was in for a foodgasm! And to my disappointment there was no 'gasm of any kind. So according to yelp, 3 stars means "A-ok" and that's exactly what this place deserves. It seems as if everyone rating this place was actually just rating the corn. So I'll go ahead and say it aswell. The corn is amazing! And it deserves all 5 stars. It's a quick lunch spot with decent food. I will come back and try other things only bc 2089 people can't be wrong. Right?
(3)Danielle T.
I have heard great things about the food. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to even eat because of the HORRIBLE excuse of a hostess they had. She said her name was Jennifer. Incase she was lying, she was a petite rude Hispanic with a sock bun. She took our name, said it would be a half hour for a table for 3. I was confused because she didn't write our name down but I stood there anyway. 5 minutes later a man comes and asks how long for a wait for 3? She says a half hour but if this reservation doesn't show up in 2 minutes they can sit in 5 mins. Ummm excuse me we were here first. So she rudely gets in my face and continues to tell me how she's gonna "go by her list" (which she never even put me on) and how that man was here before me, but how would I have heard their conversation if I wasn't standing there waiting...? My mom asked for a manager and she claimed she was in charge, right after the bartender told her there was no one currently there in charge. My sweet mother tried to reason with sock bun but she was quick to interrupt her. ATTITUDE.
(1)Alexandria R.
I found this place to be very cute, but not quite authentic. Food overall was alright and the drinks were ok as well. I don't think I'll be coming back to this establishment.
(3)Anhnold N.
The best mexican style corn ever!
(5)Cranky C.
Slowest service ever. Brutally slow. Water in 10 minutes. Food in 40 minutes. Table after table came in and waited. Everyone we saw had to ask for water, ask for a menu, ask to order, ask for the check. Painful. Tiny little water glasses means they have to keep coming back to fill it up. Well not in their world. It means you go without water even after lighting yourself on fire to get their attention. We considered leaving twice because we had become invisible. The corn cob things we're tasty but what wouldn't be tasty if its covered in cajun spice, cheese and butter? The chic quesadilla was like one I would make at home. Super average. The place is charming looking but crazy small. Very difficult to relax. Downside? Cheap food. Sweaty, uncaring, over burdened staff. Slowest service in all of the universe. Upside? You save a ton on tips.
(1)Cathy H.
The best joint! Incredible corn on the cob, pulled pork and guava margaritta (not on the menu but is made to order!). Only get to NYC every few years and we only had 4 days this trip. But we wouldn't miss having a meal at Cafe Habana even though there are tons of other great choices!
(5)H T.
i had heard so much about the corn on the cob here that i had to come here during my trip. how good can corn be? i was wrong. the corn on the cob was delicious and the perfect snack after shopping all afternoon in soho. it was probably the perfect time to go also, b/c i heard the place gets packed. i also tried my friend's fried plantains which were delicious. to round things out, i had a mexican hot chocolate to warm up since it was so rainy out.
(5)Jerome Espinosa B.
my dear friend treated me to a birthday dinner here, & i came a bit earlier than usual. i asked for reservation under my friend's name, and was told, they "don't accept reservations." i then decided to get a seat on the bar as i waited for my friend. i have to note that everyone among the waiting staff here are very helpful and would like to make sure you're seated and enjoying yourselves. my friend came & we opted to just stay in the bar----and in a few minutes, a deluge of customers showed up, patiently waiting in line---it must have been the cold weather outside that night that must have prompted a lot of people to join others in dining out. well, i totally enjoyed it. the food actually reminds me of some dishes back in the Philippines, & they're reasonably priced. the grilled buttered corn's a must! & i had fun having beers i haven't had before in other places here in NYC....
(4)David L.
This was my favorite place with the corn that was a must eat, but the last time it was just so so, and the cuban sandwich that was just okay.
(3)Fred L.
I usually take all my friends here, JUST for the corn, and actually never stepped foot into the restaurant till pretty recently, I gotta say the food is just as good, I had the chicken diablo sandwich, The chicken was good, it wasn't dry like most places, but it was really juicy, I highly recommend it. but seriously. at least just for the corn, do it for the corn!!!
(4)TX B.
Easily, very easily, hands down the best corn on the cob I have ever had. I won't give it away (even though the other reviews probably will), but just order it as an appetizer and you're set for one great meal. The Cuban sandwich here is city-wide famous for being better than your average. It was. Cuban sandwichos are usually dry, so dry that you need to ooze it with green sauce. Not the case here; I used the sauce for my french fries and ate the Cuban by itself! It's a great sandwich - I'll try some more places before I update my review to say its the best in the city, but it was pretty damn good. The wait (Thursday, around 5pm) was only 15 minutes, which is not bad considering the place is rather small and is well known. They don't try to rip you off either. It was a good sandwich experience and my other two friends (one is half Cuban and knows her sandwiches!) definitely agreed - awesome corn and awesome sang-wich.
(4)Marc S.
Finally made my way here with my girlfriend and ordered two Cuban sandwiches and two roasted/seasoned ears of corn. I heard that this place was kind of a big deal so I expected the price to be a little more than it should be, but I was pleasantly surprised to hear that this only came to $20. The sandwich was by far one of the better Cuban's I have had despite the fact that the roll was a bit thick and not pressed like I'm used to seeing, but this is certainly their take on the Cuban and it works! Also, the corn was fantastic (considering I only discovered the joys of grilled corn on the cob last year). It is coated in a powered/ground cheese with some grilled red pepper. The perfect blend of sweet, cheesy and spicy all in one! Considering that that places is not huge, it was still pretty easy to find seating. This was a meal I'll gladly revisit.
(4)Jason J.
There isn't a whole lot to say about a place with 800 reviews other than that I enjoyed it. The grilled corn was sweet, spicy, and had a lot of cheese on it. Wonderful. I had a vegetarian dish with goat cheese. Though this was definitely a mistake, given the focus of the place, it was still a good dish. The tostones that I also got were very delicious. Even the michelada was fresh and flavorful. This isn't the most descriptive review I've ever written, but I'm just throwing my thoughts out there: even though some might not like that this place isn't 100% authentic, it's the best you're going to get in the area and the value is just right, too. Recommended.
(4)Alex R.
Corn: sooo good, but it's honestly hard to screw up corn, butter and cheese. Guava margarita, blended: perfect for my pallate. Not too stiff but definitely holds its little tequila kick. Guava puree is not too sweet. Other food: pretty good but definitely see this place as more of a hype than anything else. I can find similar food with similar if not better quality elsewhere. Service: sub-par to say the least. Semi- curt waitress in a wayyy too crowded area. Worth a 15 minute wait, MAX.
(3)Clarence L.
Staff was courteous, inviting and hellpful. Short wait was worth the wonderful experience. Tables are small but ample for multiple dishes for sharing. Interesting mojito recipe (bitters?) but refreshing. Mexican corn is a star and must have. Cuban sandwich was as advertised - great. Sincronizada Toluca app stole the show - oozy, spicy and tasty. Tacos Pastor were solid choice. will add Cafe Habana to my NYC list. The vibe is exhilirTING.
(4)Liza A.
Food is good but the pitcher of sangria was more ice than sangria. Also it tasted like orange juice rather than sangria so definitely not worth it. Also the space is really small, we got lucky and were seated right away but it was kind of cramped and really hot bc of lack of ventilation
(3)Matt M.
In NY for the first time and met up a friend for lunch on a Monday. It was not busy at all and we got seated right away. After checking out some recommendations on Yelp, we split the grilled corn (comes in two so perfect for sharing), and I ordered the Grilled Steak Sandwich. The French Fries were excellent! The steak was very tender and well seasoned accompanied with sautéed onions and grilled peppers. I would definitely go to Cafe Habana again when I am in the area, definitely recommend for lunch on a non-busy day!
(5)Chris C.
Get the corn! The corn is sooooooo good here. Super flavorful. It is a small joint and I am sure during lunch/dinner time this place gets busy. I went in between meal times and so it wasn't too busy. But there is limited seating.
(4)Jen S.
The only time I'll eat corn on a cob in public is here. Forget about looking like a mad dog and flossing, the corn is SO good.
(5)Noel P.
The food was awesome, had a skirt steak dish and it had so much flavor. The grilled cord with spices on it was the bomb. I will definitely visit again the next time I'm in the city.
(4)Shirley Y.
This place has gone downhill since the last time I visited. My two friends and I went on a Tuesday night around 6pm. I was surprise to find that there was no wait for once (bad sign). The snobby waiter squeezed us into a 2ft by 2ft table meant for 2 people after we waited by the door for 5mins. There was barely any space for us to eat comfortably. I attempted to take the table next to us where no one sat in the whole time, but the waiter push it back over right away. We wait about 15mins before we got water. I was midway eating my dry corn and she decide to take our appetizer plate away and bring the tacos. The three entree plates barely fitted on our table so I left my cup of water on the table next to us. The waiter came over and attempted to take it away. She made me move it to behind the seat (who does that?). Not to mention our taco was not even warm and she was trying to rush us out of there. The waitress is really unbelievable and made uncomfortable during the whole so we ate quickly and left. You are better off just ordering your food to go next door.
(1)Laura S.
SO GOOD. I'ev been coming here for almost three years and never getting sick of their menus! But don't go here for breakfasts or lunch menus.... Strangely, in the morning I guess the cooks are not feeling energetic or something, but the menu they serve in the earlier time were usually not that great
(4)Ameer N.
I didn't sit down, we hit the next door takeout portion of this spot. The corn is grilled to perfection and smothered with deliciousness. I'm not huge on corn, but I enjoyed what I had.
(4)Andy K.
This. Place. Is. Amazing. I visited NY from LA 2 years ago and my friend who was living in the area showed me this place. Its very (almost too) cozy, but the food here is amazing. I've only had their breakfast food, but only because I love it so much I don't want anything else. I don't think I need to tell you about the corn, but man...the corn. THE MOTHERFREAKIN' CORN IN THIS MOTHERFREAKIN' RESTAURANT! Its so good. As a matter of fact, when I found out that I was going to be living 30 minutes from Manhattan last year for four months, one of the first things I said was "I GET TO GO TO CAFE HABANA WHENEVER I WANT NOW!!!!" The end.
(5)Jimmy L.
Did I come on a bad day? lol. First time dining in this place, usually just grab the corn to go. Had the cuban sandwich which was alright. Bread was crispy but really tough, meat was falling out of the sandwich as I tried to press the bread together. Had the fish tacos which were bland. Also, could be the fact that the door is always open but there were several flies zipping around my dishes. This place is definitely better for takeout considering sanitation is good but it is hot in the summer time. The ambiance is semi authentic but it is right by Soho so not really. 2/5
(2)Michael B.
Great brunch menu at this bustling Cuban/Mexican spot. Quarters are tight and seating is cramped, but the food and drinks make that easier to take, as does the friendly staff. Try the grilled corn on the cob covered in grated cheese; the huevos con chorizo is also a tasty brunch offering. Good, bargain prices, too!
(3)Franklyn O.
This is one of favorite restaurants in Manhattan. I've been going here for years. The grilled corn is spectacular. Love love the eclectic vibe whenever I go. If you go when its beautiful weather, be prepared to wait. Its small however the food is very tasty. Hit the take out spot next door if you just want grilled corn.
(5)cait l.
Great food. Service was a bit slow but the waitresses are lovely... As every reviewer has mentioned, order the corn - it is smothered in butter, cheese and deliciousness. I also thought the vegetarian options were good - but I would pick one of the tacos over the mushroom burger, which is a bit small. My drink was very strong... at least it made the $9 seem reasonable. For the best experience, do not go with more than 3 other people and go on the early side of lunch or dinner - otherwise the lines can be hellish. Now, enjoy!
(4)Angela C.
We lucked out and got seated immediately in this tiny tiny place. Cafe Habana is known for its corn, but what impressed me the most was the Cuban Sandwich! Let's discuss both. The corn is topped with mayo, rolled in Mexican Cotija cheese, and chili powder. Squeeze some of the side limes onto your corn, and add additional hot sauce if you wish (but it's not necessary). The combination of flavors are delish and you can't go wrong. Wish the corn was more "piping hot" though. Also, I thought the corn was on the small side. I'm always wary of Cuban Sandwiches because I've had my fair share, and they've mostly led to disappointment. Not here!! They claim that it was voted BEST CUBAN SANDWICH IN NYC, and I believe it! The bread is what makes the sandwich, but the fork tender pulled pork, chipotle sauce, cucumbers, and ham all work together to make this a stellar sandwich. By the way, I'm from California, and they JUST opened a Cafe Habana in Malibu - wooohooo!
(4)K L.
i call it CRACK CORN!!! It's that good.
(4)Carlie C.
the mexcian corn lives up its hype. i probably could have eaten a whole order to myself. *note to self: wash down with mojitos.
(5)ryan c.
Very scrumptious. Yummy!!! I was hungry for something light and this definitely hit the right spot for a quick lunch. Cuban sandwich was better than what I had in MIA (and I was just there last weekend). Very inexpensive and small place though. I didn't get a chance to try the corn because I did want to eat light but everything was gettin down on it. Maybe next time when I'm back in town in a few weeks.
(4)Olivia B.
Food here is just fantastic! So so yummy. Their fish tacos are delightful: nice and lightweight, not greasy at all. Rachel's Breakfast is also very good. Their plantain chips are simply delicious! And when they say they have fresh squeezed orange juice, you better believe it is. It is so very good. The only reason why I don't give 5 stars is that it is very small and almost always crowded and the staff can be rude sometimes. I went in once to get a table and stood there for a while. A waitress came up and started letting in the people behind me without even addressing me. I calk it up to it being a busy place though. Otherwise, totally worth going. I go every time I am in the city now.
(4)Susan X.
Grilled corn Mexican style-good. Fresh and juicy corn cob. Salty cheddar cheese and hot chili powder balance well with sweet corn. A little burnt.
(4)Parth S.
Highly recommend their corn. Extremely well cooked - not too crispy and not to soft. Well seasoned too! Def recommend it
(4)Siva S.
Best corn on the cob I ever had! Make sure to order that with your meal. This place is known to be crowded so expect to wait for a bit but believe me it is well worth the long wait.
(5)Robi F.
We were so excited about our order after reading the reviews....what a joke.....if our fish sandwich had fish on it, we must have missed it! $50. later!
(1)Nicole R.
My mouth salivates as I write this post, which is long overdue as it has been three years since I first tried their Cuban sandwich and grilled corn. Since that first encounter, I have been back to NYC two more times and each time, Cafe Habana is a must, if not the first stop! I am not a big fan of ham nor cucumber, but somehow these ingredients sneak their way into my mouth with every bite of the Cuban sandwich. The special sauce is what makes this sandwich--a blend of tangy and spicy--it totally complements the pork, ham, and cheese all stuffed inside a warm, toasty bread. The best partner to this sandwich is the grilled corn, topped with what seems to be mayo, cheese, and chili powder. I've glanced at the other items on the menu, but not dare pass up a visit without having the "usual." It's enough. More than enough that every time I go home, I spend my last day making a stop here to load up on at least two meals worth of the "usual" to fly back home to San Jose. And yes, after 5+ hours of travel, it's still THAT good once reheated/toasted.
(5)Linda L.
LOCATION: smack in the middle of Soho. We com back here each time we go to NY. SERVICE: Quick and easy. Staff is fast and very easy going. The restaurant is always hustling and bustling---which leaves for a very fun eating experience. FOOD: Small menu, but thats okay because we love everything on it! SUGGESTION: Their freshly grilled corn is a MUST even if you're stuffed and have to order it as takeout to eat later. Cuban sandwich is also to die for. PRICE: Cheap. $4-7
(5)Jessie D.
This is one of very few places in Manhattan, where food is so good and affordable that you feel like they should win a novel prize or something.
(4)Pancake C.
Cuban sandwich is the best ever! Must try along with (of course) the grilled corn on the cob! They are so delicious!
(5)Zachary A.
This restaurant was REALLY good! The atmosphere is really chill too! So we went in not really knowing what to expect..but it was crowded so we knew they must have been doing something right. The wait was about 30 mins on a Tuesday night so be prepared to wait a little b/c the restaurant is small. -The waitresses are really friendly and will dance w/you -The playlist was really good & other people were dancing while they ate -The margarita looked good but was kinda pricey...$8 -The Cuban Sandwich was AWESOME and for the price was well worth it -The corn was amazing Zach Austin, TX
(5)Michael A.
I guess, I've been coming here for the last 7 - 8 years, before they opened the next door restaurant. Cafe Habana has been consistent with the quality of their sandwiches. My personal preference: the Cuban Sandwich and the Grilled Corn, a match made in heaven. Par this with a cold corona on a sunny day and you are ready for a nice siesta :) Cafe Habana, keep up the good work! Cheers
(5)Charolette O.
The food is outstanding here, They offer authentic dishes and variety of fare. Great place to people watch, the crowd is on the trendy side so theres plenty of hipsters to chat with. Worth checking out!!
(5)Maria A.
I was once told that corn and porn are possibly the two industries some fear are destroying America. (insert scary movie scream) So when I heard we were going to this place specifically to eat corn I was surprised and underwhelmed. I live in Miami aka Cuban capital of America and had never known of Cuban corn. Pero ok meng, ya tu sabes, you gotta try everything once !La cosa esta tremenda! pero primero new.music.yahoo.com/rene… The corn at Café Habana is amazing. This isn't some regular elote this is grilled corn, butter, parmesan cheese, chilli pepper, and lime. Next time I'm asking for a whole lime. This corn is fantastic, I brought friends the next day to sample the simple, satisfying dish. They both have Carib roots and both loved it as much as I do. I also had the Chicken Diablo sandwich which was huge and tasty. The accompanying fries are just ok. But this sandwich could easily feed two so just be aware when ordering. The frozen mojito was sadly a slushy, sloppy mess that I quickly wanted to hand off to someone else to keep. Next time I'd order a regular mojito then again as previously mentioned I'm a Miami native which pretty much makes me a mojito snob. I'm going to argue the corn here isn't part of traditional Cuban cuisine but who cares it's delicious and I'd love to see restaurants in Miami carry it. Now on to the other hot thing about Café Habana, some of the best people watching. Talk about a beautiful crowd, staff, patrons, those waiting in line (and there is always a wait, and it is worth it, so hush). When I was in there a Victoria's Secret Angel was sitting behind me and later a trio of blondes fresh out of Vogue's pages stepped inside. So in summary: amazing corn and beautiful people. Maybe corn and porn aren't really ruining America.
(5)Laura N.
This is my happy place. No seriously, I instantly reverted to a 5-year-old-at-a-Rainbow-Brite-themed-birthday-Âparty mentality (or a Neanderthal experiencing flavorful food for the first time, you choose...) and the pure and utter glory that filled my body was practically illegal. Gnawing down on corn like it's my very first cob, piling black beans and yellow rice into my mouth like there's a famine coming on, sipping frozen versions of classic tequila and rum based cocktails, and taking waaaaay too much physical pleasure out of a veggie quesadilla... Just throw a frigging cinnamon-bear-filled piñata into the mix and I could have died right there as life would have reached it's pinnacle of perfection and could only have gone down from there. I definitely didn't eat food anywhere near this good in Cuba... or anywhere else on the planet, for that matter.
(5)Rachel W.
I can't gush enough over this place. Everything about it is right. Food, vibe, decor, crowd. The sweet plantains and chicken tacos were heavenly. It's a tiny venue but 100% worth every cramped minute. The servers are on it. Everyone seemed happy and stoked to be eating terrific food and listening to great jams. Also, the margaritas were deliciously potent. Laid back and super cool.
(4)Marcus L.
This little corner hole-in-the-wall restaurant is a perfect little get away from the bustling city. We came here on a Tuesday morning and had a very quick lunch before shopping in SoHo. The grilled corn was delicious and seasoned with Mexican cheese, mayo and chili powder and a side of lime for you to squeeze over. Just diving in on the ear of corn made the trip to NYC worth it. It was grilled perfectly and season well. Nothing was too overpowering and you can really taste the sweetness of the corn. We also ordered the Cuban sandwich. This Cuban was a little different from others I've had. They used pulled pork instead of slice pork which is even better since slice pork tends to be really dry. The pulled pork was very juicy and the bread was crunchy yet soft in the middle. This was one of the cheapest meals we had, so if you are on a budget, come to Cafe Habana for some cheap and delicious eats.
(5)Yoonah L.
The 5 stars is simply due to the grilled corn & sangria. Went with a group of girlfriends. Waited almost 2 hours ( anger level was high). The pitcher of sangria we ordered took all of that anger away. It was one of the best sangrias I've ever had!! The grilled corn also was SOO delicious. To be honest, I don't remmeber anything about any of our entrees. I think they were good as well, but definitely the sangria and corn took the spotlight in our tummies.
(5)Kevin L.
There are beautiful people here. No, really. In the booth behind us, a supermodel was seated. Ask Kat F - she knows these things. Beyond the supermodel, there were some ultra-cute boys at another table. And the servers are notably easy on the eyes, as well. Clearly, this joint flourishes based on the traffic it does... not on the prices they charge. Considering that lunch entrees run in the $8-10 range, it's shocking that plates come fully loaded and the similarly-priced alcoholic beverages are neither small, nor light on the sauce. As plenty of other yelpers have already noted, the grilled Mexican corn is a must-have, although I'd recommend sharing a plate, since each comes with two cobs. And I was full after wolfing down the first half of my Cuban sandwich, although I utterly annihilated the other half... along with my side of fries... and someone else's leftover Cuban roast pork... and another person's else's leftover rice and beans... What? I couldn't help myself - it was too delicious! Ugh. How do supermodels stay so skinny if they're dining here? Oh. I suppose it works in their favor, since cramming five people into a booth is -not- so comfortable. Well, unless you're supermodel-skinny...
(4)Wei K.
I had one of my best meals here on my recent NYC trip. The grilled corn is amazing, definitely a must when dining here. We an order each of the beef and pork tacos for appetizers and they were good as well. My entree, the skirt steak, was cooked to perfection, tender and juicy. The only downside is that the restaurant is tiny. We shared a tiny table for three people that would have probably only seated one person comfortably. But the uncomfortable seating arrangement was quickly forgotten when for the phenomenal food was brought to the table.
(5)Brittany H.
their grilled corn is amazing. comes in a pair, drizzled with cheese, spices & a lime wedge which adds a nice citrus-y touch. if i were to come back, it'd be for the corn alone.... the food here is mediocre. had the grilled steak salad and my friend had their fish tacos. neither dish strike as being fresh, which made the food so-so and our inability to finish the meal in it's entirety. and if i were to come back, I'd opt for something else on the menu. or rather...stop by their express next door just to pick up some corn to go. i'd be solely content with this snacking to go. this place reminds me of a deli/diner style.... with an out of the country feel. where tables meet head to toe and we all might as well be squished as sardines. in an odd sense, it felt kind of nice (esp. with the a/c on...otherwise, my opinion would have changed).
(3)Kathy T.
If you are not a regular, forget getting a table for dinner in under an hour. No reservations means, wait outside while we seat the regulars, even though you've been waiting. We heard great things but were sorely disappointed. The corn was great, I had the special fish of the evening that had a guacamole sauce that had turned brown and watery. The fish was cooked perfectly, but the sauce ruined it. The waitstaff and hostess was RUDE and it was overpriced and over hyped! We were seated next to the bathroom which was busy and SMELLY. Of all the wonderful places to eat in that area, I feel robbed! I do recommend the takeout part of the restaurant next door. The dining experience does not ruin the food.
(2)Victoria H.
I ate here back in December... in fact, I ate here twice in the week I was in NYC. I don't think this place needs another 5-star review, if you hadn't noticed everyone loves the corn. The food is awesome too. But whyyyy?! is the new location in Malibu, CA so crappy? Did you guys not train the chef there? I just ate at the one in Malibu tonight and my experience just made me feel the need to jump in Yelp and b*tch about it. Which I did, and now I am here to give the NYC location the props it deserves. Can't wait to go back to the Big Apple.
(5)Emeterio H.
Grilled Corn with the cheese, lime, butter and chili flakes. This is great stuff for around $2. Five Stars for the corn. I am not a big corn person...but I do dream about this corn sometimes...lucky for me that I live near by now. Have had the steak burrito there as well and it is a bit above average. Hence the overall 4 stars for now. I look forward to eating at the restuarant again and trying echiladas or the steak sandwhich. The restuarant itself is always busy at night with people waiting outside. They do have a little to go shop around the corner. Easy way to just get the grilled corn if that is all you are after. Highly reccomended. See my current top NY restaurants at newyorkcityreviews.wordp…
(4)John C.
Really well prepared Cuban food and really inexpensive. Not sure what i can add that the other 800 reviews have not already been through. The mojitos are great, as is the mexican corn and the fish tacos. Actually really good rice and beans, great flavor as opposed to most places that leave these staple latin sides bland. The only dish that was missing a little something-something was the corn cakes appy. But nevertheless cool little tight spot and will def. be back.
(4)Alre H.
Eat It OR Beat It? **EAT IT!!** My first visit to Cafe Habana NYC is what made me decide my love from Asian food would now turn to Cuban food. I remember coming back home to OC raving and craving about this place! Simply amazing! Grilled Corn "Mexican Style" (2 for $4.25): The BEST corn you will ever put in your mouth, hands down. Juicy, rich in flavor from the spices and cheeses... mmm! Fish Tacos ($8-9): Very succulent and full of flavor. Not fishy at all, and the rice and beans complement the fish tacos perfectly! Pulled Pork ($8-9): JUICY and tastes great! The pork is cooked very tenderly and just pulls apart beautifully! Cuban Sandwich ($8-9): WOW. By far the BEST Cuban sandwich I've eaten anywhere! The meat and cheeses of the sandwich just come together perfectly and what makes the biggest difference compared to other restaurants is the bread and how perfectly it's pressed and cooked! MMM! CONCLUSION: Unfortunately, the location in Malibu absolutely sucks.I just ranted and bitched about them in my review on their page. However, it was just their third day opening, so I'll cut them some slack, but I'll be back again in the near future. For now, the TRUE and ORIGINAL Cafe Habana NYC rocks!
(5)Angela T.
Wow this CORN IS AMAZING. I also had the cuban sandwich which was just mediocre I thought, I liked the fries that came with it more than the sandwich. Man, I am so glad I went here. I crave this corn all the time! That was the only good part about this cafe, service could be better and it could be a little bigger!
(5)claudia y.
we came for lunch on a friday afternoon. a rather late lunch, 1:30, and the wait was 45minutes! it turned out to be about 30 minutes but still. i heard the wait was even longer on weekends. i didnt really think that the food was so out of the world that it warranted such a wait. my favorites were definitely the corn and the cuban sandwich. we also tried the fish tacos and i thought they were a tad fishy. also the chicken quesadilla didnt blow my mind. we also had some sauteed spinach. the vibe is definitely a must experience though. all the people who work here are girls. scantily-clad girls at that. sweaty, scantily clad girls with the fan blowing in their hair. haha ...
(3)Samantha L.
This place was great! It was a little bit of a wait for such a small restaurant, but worth it. The food was delicious. Definitely get the corn! (The only thing that takes away a star is the pulled pork was good, but not amazing. Other food I've had there has been great.) The atmosphere might have been my favorite part. I went with a group of friends and we were singing along with the music and having a great time, and the waitress would often join in. Another time I went with my mom and sister. Not the same music, but still the same fun, friendly environment.
(4)Nina D.
Insanely overrated. I sat at the bar and was served by the bartender. The girl never stopped moving, I have to give her props. The Mexican Firing Squad she made me was okay. Not sure there was any "homemade grenadine" in it and I'm pretty certain she put hot sauce in there instead of orange bitters, but whatever, it was drinkable. Got the corn, which is covered in mayo (ew), cheese and chili powder. When the chili powder and greens on the bottom of the plate are the redeeming factors, you know it's not very impressive. Also, I could see the chefs grilling the corn and they grill it, and then throw it into a huge bin, so no wonder my corn was lukewarm when I got it. Also, there are 2 cobs in an order, surprise! I also had the roast pork, black beans and yellow rice. The roast pork was insanely juicy, but lacked much flavor. The yellow rice was good. I had to douse it all with hot sauce to give it a taste. The service was good. The bartender let me charge my phone and all of the servers were pleasant. This place has been on my list of must-gos for so long now and I am pretty bummed it didn't live up to expectations. I mean, mayo on corn...what the fuck was I thinking?
(2)Michelle Y.
I came here to have a date with myself after having Cafe Habana on my to do list for about 4 years. I walked in and really felt like I was in a cute Cuban cafe. There was 1 spot left at the bar and I snatched it up. I ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style served with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. This might be one of the best things I ever ate. Roasted corn with a bit of spiciness and creaminess. The other came with 2 sticks of corn and you bet I finished both. Veggie candy. I also had the infamous Cuban Sandwich. It was fresh and had the perfect ham/pork/cheese ratio. It came with fries too, but they were nothing special compared to the rest of the meal. Cheap and delicious meal? Count me in.
(4)Elizabeth J.
Grilled corn: yum yum yum Cuban Sandwich: Amazing pork, tender ham, tasty cheese, and incredible bread with a soft crunch. Hot sauce everywhere. Oh baby!!! The spot is a hole in the wall w/like 3 tables, but they serve beer and amazing food!!
(5)Kevin W.
4.5 stars for the corn (num pang corn is better), 2 stars for their steak torta (I've had better at a corner deli, I've made better myself). Do yourself a favor and stick to the corn and a Cuban sandwich here.
(3)Anna L.
I invited my friend and her boyfriend to come meet me + mon ami. She arrived there at 5 vs. later in the evening so the wait wasn't immense (for a Friday) but it was still...intense. Intense in that the group in front of her started a fight with another group over who had their whole party there. Curse words flew out and one party left in a huff. I guess people really like the corn to fight for it. My friend surprisingly had no trouble and she was seated in a 4 person booth with her bf. When we arrived, they were sipping frozen moritas (mojitos + margaritas). We quickly put in our order: 2 orders of the corn of course, 3 moreeee moritas, 1 margarita, steak enchiladas, chicken enchiladas (mine with cream, friend had mole), cuban sandwich. I thought the morita was quite good (not super sweet + strong) but I mainly liked the mojito part of it so next time I think I will just get the mojito. It melts pretty fast so all the more reason to chug and get another! They don't have happy hour there so it's $8.50 all the time. However my bf preferred the margarita over the mojito so it all depends. Corn was aWweesommmeeeeee. We all had a cob and loved it. The only thing was....man i wish we had toothpicks!! or at least floss in the bathroom - _ - But I do agree, it seems so simple...butter, lime, parmesan cheese, etcetc. I need to make this at home on my secret indoor grill. The rest of the meal was excellent. Loved the cuban sandwich, very juicy ham and the pork was not dry which is a plus. My enchiladas were tasty (chicken was grilled and cut up vs. pulled!) and I added a bunch of hot sauce. Definitely good choices. Love the venue. It kinda looks dingier in the pics than it really is. I was afraid it was going to be a dirty place but I love the bluegreen tables, booths, and the bar. Relaxing, chill environment. The bill ended up being 123.50 (got another margarita) for the four of us sooo 35$ each. woweee but we did get a lot of drinks. Overall the meal was fantastic and I definitely would go here again with friends. Why the star off? Service was good in the beginning and then at the end she kinda got mean and spilled water on my bf (accidentally but she could have been apologetic...). soooo you're not our friend anymore ms. waitress.
(4)Kat C.
We waited maybe.. 45 to an hour for a table. It was certainly tasty, very tasty, but you have to decide if waiting is in your personality. Prices seem fitting for the area/the city but I generally don't like paying $9 for any drink but I guess I'll make the exception for the guava margarita here. Great Cuban-American cuisine; I guess I'm saying that after studying in Havana for 3 months in 2009 and the food at Cafe Habana is extravagant, deluxe, decadent, compared to anything you can find in Cuba. And from what I experienced, they actually don't like using garlic in anything, and my dish was laced with it! Delish cuban-american cuisine, worth the wait--definitely try once if you hate waiting.
(4)Christopher M.
I came here after the folks at Fluevog recommended it STRONGLY to me. My first trip I ordered a cuban sammich. . hold the pickles. Un fuckin real. It was advertised as the best in NY and while I was sure it was good, I somehow doubted that was the case. Well, I haven't tasted all the cubans in NY. . .actually I've only tasted this one, but I could very very very easily see it being the best cuban sandwich anywhere. In fact, I was so elated that my brain released sufficient endorphins to cause me to leave my bag behind. my bag with my return ticket and keys and such. After an hour running frantically around trying to figure out where I left it (and a call to the wrong Cafe Habana location), I made my way back to find some awesome citizen and returned it, mostly unfondled (though he had looked through my bag to find some contact info), and on my second trip bought. Ready for this? MEXICAN COKE. ZOMG if you have't had it put down that horrendous thing inthe plasitc bottle and go here and buy mexican coke. This is what coke is supposed to taste like. The powers that be at coke headuarters are lying to you that HFCS tastes the same as cane sugar. Oh, yeah and please follow my lead and tip them well for being so awesome. I'm tempted to return just for this place. Five stars.
(5)Daniel C.
Okay... so a little story first. When I was in high school, my dad owned a video store in Echo Park, CA. Completely Hispanic. The corn vendor was always outside and illegal since they didn't have a permit. Whenever the police came by, my dad would harbor these "criminals" and they would just give us some free corn. I never thought I was taste that wonderful fragrant, buttery, fresh, sorry, my drool is coming down.. corn. With that cheese and sauce... and years later, I find it again at Cafe Habana. There is a GOD!!! Of course, it only cost me a dollar at Echo Park, (if not free). Cafe Habana is still missing something. Maybe it's the consistency of the corn. I dunno. I'm pretty sure it's not just my memory. Something lemony... Whatever, they come the closest. But folks, if you ever go down to Echo Park, look for a family with their shopping cart of corn and how they make it right in front of you. Nothing like it. Oh.. on another note, get the Corona or Negro Modela Michelada here too. Never had a Michelada?? What's wrong with you!!! Go get one now!! Not that michelada style crap. The rest of their food? I like it enough.
(4)T L.
Every bite was a burst of flavor. I walk by this place frequently and it is always so crowded. Today it was quiet and what I mean by quiet is that there wasn't a huge line outside but it was full inside. Now about the food: Order the corn!- I just got sent to heaven when I bit into it. Had an insane craving for eggs so I ordered the Huevos e.t.c. dish. The rice and beans ::twirl twirl, faint:: the rice and beans really made the dish. The eggs and steak was tasty but ...did I mention the rice and beans? The coconut flan was intense. Sugar-high alert! I will be back and I will try everything.
(4)Nascha J.
Loved the food and will be back! This review covers the small lunch counter, not the official restaurant. Had my first Cuban here and also a bowl of carrot soup. Soho and Nolita are two of my favorite neighborhoods in the City and so I couldn't resist stopping in this place during my lunch hour. Loved the Cuban sandwich and the unexpectedly perfectly-not-so-sweet carrot soup. I will definitely be back and will probably dine in next time.
(5)Sean T.
Two things you must try here. 1. The corn 2. The diablo chicken sandwich
(4)Nick E.
The quick-and-dirty: * Great people watching at this joint. Many mustache sightings. * Fairly cheap dinner for two - if I wouldn't have gotten two $8 Mojitos we probably could have gotten out of there for about $35. * They also have a couple of other entrees and appetizers that appear to be gluten-free and vegetarian (Sopesitos and a masa boat stuffed with goat cheese, beans, and sun-dried tomatoes) * Get here early if you don't want to wait. * My recommendation = get a Mojito and some corn and move on for dinner.
(3)Alice Y.
It took us absolutely forever to get seated! Hungry and tired from shopping all day in SoHo, we were famished and eager to get seated into the tight quarters of the restaurant (which by the way, reminds you of a cuba with the translucent ceiling light panels and the old-school fans twirling). Boy, was it worth the wait! My friends and I started off with a pitcher of sangria. O-M-G! What was in this concoction to make it so delicious? I don't get it! From the first sip, all of us at the table were hooked on this delightfully refreshing and perfectly sweet drink. Whatever it was, it really started the meal on the right foot. By suggestion of our fabulous waitress, I ordered the enchiladas suizas and a friend and I shared an order of the habana corn. DELISH! The enchiladas were perfectly seasoned and the chicken was moist and tender. As for the CORN... oh the corn! It was perfect! The corn was grilled perfectly with flecks of parmesan cheese and cayenne pepper perfected with a squeeze of lime. This stuff is heaven! I would come here just for the corn! SO DELICIOUS. Overall, this was by far my favorite place throughout my week-long stay in New York. Come here and come often!
(5)Katya K.
This is the place for CORN. Sometimes I even dream of corn from Cafe Habana. It is the most delicious corn of this 'style' you can get. If someone knows any better - send me a message with the name of that place and you'll make me even happier than I already am. But corn is not the only thing for which I love Cafe Habana. Cocktails, food and atmosphere make me come back to this place. I am sure I'm not the only one who adores Cuban sandwich there. If you never tried it then you missed something real big in your food life. I only wish they had more space.
(5)Sami C.
While I have become a veteran at queuing at a restaurant for 1+ hours, I have yet to understand why I'm doing it. Not so, with Cafe Habana, which we visited on recommendation from a good friend. It was cold, wet and miserable, but the moment we were served our corn on the cob, it was all better! I'm not sure what they put on it, but its a bit creamy, very sweet and has just a hint of a kick (some sort of spice, I imagine). We also had the fish tacos, which also tasted great! I'm not sure I would queue that long again, but I think I'll just have to work out the best timing to get there early and avoid the queues, next time. Either that or just attempt to get the corn to take out!
(4)Gennadiy R.
Amazing food, pretty waitresses and quick service - even worth the hour wait to be seated. I recommend the corn for an appetizer, and pulled pork for the entree. Only thing I would improve is a tad more sangria per pitcher, felt like getting glasses wouldve been worth it more.
(5)Lisa K.
I walk in a put my name down and midway through the waitress snaps at the table next to her "Can't you see I'm talking?! I'll be right with you!" I thought about it and decided not to be deterred. There had to be a good explanation for the 4 star rating on Yelp. We of course ordered their famous corn. It was good but not unique. You could easily walk a few blocks and get this type of corn at La Esquina. The cafe con leche was huge but really satisfying. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and the bf ordered Enchiladas Suizas (so Cuban, I know...its a training process that I'm slowing losing.) The Sandwich was tasty but not at all authentic. It had this mayo sauce on it that I could have done without. The pork was excellent though and the reason why I decided to bump this review up to 3 stars. I can't say that enchiladas were bad either. The chicken was tasty, however the sauce was a little thick. Rice and beans were good but then again not authentic. I don't at all think that Cafe Habana deserves the long wait or the high reviews, although I wouldn't be opposed to coming back if I didn't have to wait.
(3)Nick M.
Like most people, I came here because I needed to find out why everyone was raving about the corn... Fire roasted corn on the cob, butter, mayo, parmesan, and lime. Sounds good right? Well if your shaking knees can handle it, try adding a few generous splashes of tapatio! The people have spoken, and the people were right!
(4)Jo. P.
Five criterias, one star each... 1/ Food / Drinks: full star!! Loved the caipirinha , loved the food! 2/ Crowd: Excellent vibe with great mix of people. Cute girls and unpretentious clients. 3/ Service: I was at the bar and just loved it. 4/ Decoration / Concept: Mexican food for a Cuban name... hum why not but loved the place... so full star again :-) 5/ Starway to heaven?: Sure... let's go for it Had a great time, went there to grab quick food and ended up spending a qualitative time there!
(5)Lisa O.
Awesome cuban food, roasted corn and cafe con leche. My favorite Cuban spot anywhere. The take out area is much easier to navigate and eat, theres about 15 seats.
(4)Tracy X.
IF you do not try the grilled corn here, you will not die a happy camper! I mean, I know it's just corn here, but whatever it is that they mix into their secret spice and cheese, it is like crack. I know I had a full meal here too, but can't seem to remember what it was...it was definitely good though. But, nothing compares to their grilled corn, as this will be the first time I'm giving five stars to a restaurant purely for a vegetable! oh yes, and it's always always jam packed here...and the wait can be insane...but it's all worth it.
(5)Kathleen D.
Hell yes, Cafe Habana, I love you. From the super amazing corn appy, (which I have tried, unsuccessfully, to recreate) to your delish fish tacos, to the super yummy, knock-you-on-your-ass mojitos, no amount of waiting on a streetcorner for a table could dissuade me of your amazingness. My only gripe about this place is that it's located on the other side of the country. When i'm back in October, you can bet where i'll be headed first.
(5)Lena H.
i came here after katz deli so i wasnt hungry. i made sure to save some room for the corn, though. we came in and sat down at the table for 4 near the door. we werent sure whether we were supposed to seat ourselves but in the end everything worked out. we ordered 4 orders of corn, fried plantains, and i got a guava margarita. the corn was good but i was not blown away by it. again.. i wasnt that hungry so im positive that if i had a bigger appetite i would be writing a different review. the guava margarita was soooooo yummy! the plantains were sooo blagh... they were not sweet. i thought they were going to be the sweet glazed kind but it was really just... pan fried. very plain jane.. service was friendly even though we sat ourselves, ordered to go at the bar, and ate there. lol..
(3)Neha S.
The first time I went to Cafe Habana, I got the grilled corn to go which was out of this world! So I had to go back for dinner, but was disappointed. The grilled corn tasted pretty bland, and the the entree was very bland. Perhaps it's because I'm vegetarian and it's not the most popular entree on the menu. The best thing at dinner was the rice/beans :(
(3)A. M.
Located around the corner from the New Museum, Cafe Habana is located on the corner of Elizabeth street. There is a sit down restaurant which serves hard liquor and a small eat in/ take out next door with the same menu with the exception of the booze. I have eaten in both and they are just phenomenal. You must order their corn which has butter and some sweet powder sprinkled over it- it's truly amazing. Also order their Cuban sandwich made with the simplest and finest ingredients. if there's a wait for the restaurant, it's well worth it.
(4)Mari Y.
Oh Cafe Habana. When I dream of Cuban food, I dream of Cafe Habana. This place was THE place when I lived here. I would wait in line for however long it took for a bite of its corn, chilaquiles, huevos rancheros. I also wouldn't overlook the iced coffee because it is delicioso! During my last visit, I ordered the huevos ranchers and substituted the home fries for yellow rice. I also ordered the sweet plantains on the side. The sauce wasn't as spicy as I've had in the past, which I liked. I love this place, love it, love it, love it.
(5)Edgar S.
This place is literally a hole in the wall. Don't believe me? They seated me practically in the bathroom....I am not lying. Regardless of the bathroom seating, the drinks! the food! oh and the CORN! OMG......I felt leaving here like a fat man wanting a bed. Guess what I did when I got home? I went to sleep with a fully, happy belly!
(4)Saara H.
I understand that Café Habana has become somewhat of a NYC institution. The rave must be all about the corn on the cob which, unfortunately, I didn't try. I suppose my Midwest roots pushed me away from spending more than $4 on a piece of corn. Apart from the corn, it's fairly impossible to understand why people will wait for so long outside of such a tiny restaurant for truly mediocre Cuban food. Neither the enchiladas nor the shrimp delivered on taste. I kept wondering where the flavor and seasoning were. Even the rice and beans were disappointing! If you go, make sure you a) try the corn b) set low expectations for the rest of the menu.
(3)Sarah L.
Went again, tried the chicken eschiladas and famous cuban sandwich. Goodness, both were fantabulous and far exceeded my expectations. Easily one of my favorite grubs in the city, can't wait to go back and try the rest of their dishes!
(5)Ryan D.
dear cafe cabana...please open a location in boston! The corn the corn the corn...It is all about the corn here people. I got my first order...ordered another one...then another one...and then another one....yea thats right 4 orders of grilled corn.....oh yea did i mention i was with 2 other people. anyways yelp brought me here on my last day visiting ny. I was in the mood for moofungo which they didn't have : ( . but the 700+ reviews won me over. This place is a gem. The restaurant is divided into 2 sides...A take out shop and a sit down restaurant. When i walked in i thought i had latin fever... ay dios mio.... the girls that work here are gorgeous. more the sit down part then the take out shop...sorry if i offended anyone. enough about girls more about food We got the braised pork and rice, a steak style cuban sandwich and fish tacos. I also wanted some burritos which they only do at the takeout shop. I decided to walk outside and go next door to the takeout shop all for a chicken mole burrito. it was worth it!! all of it. Im not a expert of cuban cuisine but i do know good quality food when i eat it. it was fresh and wasn't over seasoned. just a little lime did the trick. The only down side to this was i really wanted fried pork skin and moofungo!!! Next time im in ny...this will be my first meal. ps. does anyone know if they will mail me corn?
(4)Dri S.
The infamous Mexican corn joint. I'm so craving this right now. My first time eating Mexican corn but well worthwhile at $3 a pop. I never had the other Cuban food but judging from the bustling customers, they seem to know what they're doing!
(5)Andrew W.
Great atmosphere -- food is good but atmosphere is the draw. The corn and Cuban is great. Good fish tacos. Ha the sloppy pepe which is ok wouldn't order again.
(3)Jason C.
I'll let you know now that the place is tiny & really cramped, plus it's totally no-frills, but don't let that put you off. It was around 8 at night, but luckily it didn't take us long to get a booth which was lucky as there is normally a really long wait. Obviously, we went right in & ordered Mango Margaritas (which I think are among the best in the city). Not sure how they make these things, but they're great! The other staple here is the Grilled Corn Mexican Style: it's basically flame-grilled corn sprinkled with chili powder & cotija cheese (hard cow's milk cheese from Mexico). It's served with lime & is skewered. Most people eat it with their hands, but I recommend shaving it off of the skewer & asking for extra lime. I think it's a lot better this way, but give it a try & see how you feel about it. Still hungry, we ordered another round of drinks & 3 appetizers: Sopesitos (corn cake sampler), Sincronizada (tortillas with mozzarella & avocado) & Taquitos Caseros (home style tacos with meat fillings). All 3 were really good, but I must admit that I really liked the corn cakes. A great snack/meal. There is an extensive entree menu that we didn't get into, but I really enjoyed myself there. If you don't mind dealing with crowds & slightly tight spaces, you'll really enjoy Cafe Habana!
(3)Sarah C.
Normally I'd skip adding a 758th review, but in this case, I have something to add other than "OMG CORN NOMZ," so I'll make an exception. That being said, yes, the corn is quite tasty. My theory is that anything you eat off a stick is automatically more fun and therefore more delicious. However, I think the secret is that this cheesy corn hits three of the five tastes, at once salty, sweet and spicy, plus a squirt of acidic lime juice. Also, it doesn't hurt that it only costs $2, which is almost unheard of in this city-- it's no wonder that everyone is gaga for Habana corn. In fact, all the prices were super reasonable, as $21.75 got us two tasty Cuban sandwiches, the corn, and some fries. The sandwich was particularly delicious considering the cheese wasn't actually melted enough. The yummy blend of flavors more than up for the lack of total meltiness, and I especially appreciated the understated subtlety of the pickles, which I normally dislike, but here perfectly complemented the rest of the sandwich. What's worth mentioning aside from the corn and the obvious cheapness is that if you find the restaurant too cramped and the wait too long, you can get the same food at the take-out store front next door. There's even a few seats if you want to sit and eat, although with this frigid weather I would recommend sitting to the left of the door to avoid as much of the draft as possible. Considering how busy and crowded the official restaurant looks, I'd definitely recommend sticking to the faster, cheaper and less chaotic take-out counter and avoiding the dining room. Prices are a dollar or two less, and you don't have waiter service so that also saves a few bucks. It was such a nice, easy, no frills meal, and Boyfriend and I couldn't stop exclaiming over how perfectly it hit the spot!
(4)Eric G.
I've been craving a Cuban sandwich for a while since I had my first taste of one in Miami, so it was fitting that I ordered it at one of the city's best Cuban-inspired restaurants. Big and delicious, I was only able to eat half of it at the book-sized table I shared with two co-workers (it's not a big place). I plan on ordering their world-famous corn on the cob at my next visit.
(4)Byron W.
This is a great gem. They don't have much space but this is the place I was introduced to THE CORN. You can't go there an not eat it. It's a must have. I had the fish tacos recently and they were just as fresh & good as any place on the west coast. The Hibuscus tea is purple and refreshing. Definitely recommend others to try this spot!
(4)Gina N.
If you want awesome hearty wholesome cuban food, this is your joint. Undeniably the best Cuban food I've ever tasted (granted i've never been to Cuba!). But don't take my word for it...the 700+ other reviews speaks for itself. Definite must try...and believe the hype! The grilled corn is TO-DIE-FOR!!!! For all you non-locals, they have 2 locations right next to each other...one is more low-key, good for take-out, and if you don't want to wait for a table at the other spot. We made the mistake of discovering the low-key "take out" spot before we even saw the "restaurant" and was so hungry at this point, we didn't realize it until after we finished our food, that the "restaurant" was next door. The only dissapointment I had about the meal was not being able to sip on some sangria while enjoying the lovely meal as they only serve alcohol at the "restaurant." Definitely won't be making that mistake again.
(5)Jason A.
Corn is okay. It's grilled with Parmesan cheese. That's it. I ordered the roast pork with yellow rice and blk beans to go. Pork had medium to light flavor but it was juicy. Beans tasted sweet. I'm cuban myself so I enjoy a bit more salt on my pork but for people who don't your in luck. Grilled steak is made with filet minion. Thick and juicy.. Ask for well done! Medium was a horror to eat on the run since fork is plastic and meat is xtra thick. I guess I would come back... Not a instant favorite tho.
(2)Irene K.
So I found this place on yelp since i was visiting New york for the first time. It was crazy to me that people were so CRAZY about the corn. When i got there it was packed since it is pretty small. I was dying to try the Corn since i have never heard of corn being such a popular item. I had the corn and it was everything and more! The waitresses were really nice and i loved the corn. Definitely a 5 star
(5)William K.
The Skinny - home style and authentic, unpretentious, flavor-filled, affordable, fun and vibrant, Cuban diner/restaurant. The Details - came here on a weekday afternoon to grab a bite. The restaurant was much smaller than what I expected but that was fine by me as we didn't have to wait long for a table. But this place is pretty jam-packed at all times; hopefully they expand or open a second spot. It's a fun little restaurant with Cuban music blasting overhead and the waitresses shaking their hips to the beat. I ordered the fish tacos and shared the grilled corn (must try this). The order took a lot longer than I expected, and was somewhat annoyed when the group that came after us got their dishes first. The grilled corn is definitely worth trying and filled with a bunch of great flavors, from the chili powder to the cheese. The fish tacos were pretty solid too. All in all, great meal at an affordable price. The Major Pros - Great tasting food, packed with juicy flavors - Fun ambiance and vibe The Major Cons - A bit too crowded and tight-spaced for me The Verdict - If you're in the area, definitely go check it out, if for nothing else than to try their grilled corns, which are monumental. Oh, and I'd try to avoid the usual lunch and dinner rush time, I can see this place having super long lines during those hours.
(4)Laur T.
I'm not sure if the corn is all that different from what I'd get in a street fair (for less too!) but I like it! Everytime I see huevos rancheros on a menu, I'm immediately transported to the times when we were in Acapulco over Spring break, with housekeepers and cooks whipping up lovely huevos rancheros for us.... and almost always feel torn about ordering it there and then! However, I decided to be adventurous and went with the chilaquiles verdes con pollo. It was good but really, not my most desired dish - if I could choose again, I would most likely opt for something different. Overall, I feel like Cafe Habana is way overhyped. Yes the food is good but I don't see why and how it's way up there compared to other cuban or latino joints in the city! I guess the prices are cheap so probably good value for money (not the corn though! hehe)
(4)Debi N.
This place was small and crowded but the waitress was able to stick us somewhere. We didn't wait long luckily, about 7 minutes. The waitress seemed stressed and tried to rush us to sit down quickly but was pleasant once we were seated. Since we just came from Rays and weren't too hungry. I only wanted to try to famous corn. I felt bad so I ordered another entree which my boyfriend and I split. We initially ordered one order of the grilled corn which came with two heads but it was absolutely amazing we had to order another. The corn was grilled to perfection. Didn't taste burnt at all. Definitely full of flavor thanks to the chili powder, lime and cotija cheese it was smothered with. We also ordered the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano. I wasn't a huge fan of it. Probably because I haven't developed a taste for the mole poblano sauce. Nonetheless I will be back next time I'm in NYC, just for the grilled corn.
(4)Margaret P.
I used to love this place, but I must say , in the past year quality had really taken a dive. I ate there yesterday for a late lunch, only to find that the menu was different (ie not as good). My hub ordered the pulled pork and raved about how good it was. I, however, ordered quite possibly THE most disgusting quesedilla I've ever had. It was full of dried chicken and giant hunks of semi melted smoked "cheddar" (more like velveeta) and squirted with some disgusting mayo sauce. It ate two bites of it and didn't finish. Gross... I won't be back, not for lunch at least.
(2)Jayne L.
I live nearby and everytime I pass by I just need to get the corns. It's irresistable. It is a little difficult to dine in here tho as the cafe is extremely crowded.. and small. But I guess the good food would make it up.
(4)Veronica B.
45 minute wait for a table of 2? People on top of me as I drink my $25/liter Sangria? Table the size of my seat? Tripping over another table on the way to the bathroom? Table falling over every time some shifts their seats? Yet it was SO worth it. We ordered the Red Wine Sangria for $25/liter, that's a little on the pricier side considering I've never paid more then $20/pitcher in any other restaurant. They only put apples for fruit yet the sweetness&wine were perfectly balanced, squeezed about 4 glasses out of it. Got both of us a little tipsy which is always a plus. Next, ordered the Mexican Grilled Corn and Tostones for appetizers. Tostones were hot & crispy on the outside with a mayo/vinegar dipping sauce. The corn is unexplainable, sweet/spicy/tangy all perfectly moshed together. It should be a mandatory order every time a customer sits down. I could have had the sangria and corn all night long! For entrees, we had the Grilled Steak and Chuleta Pork Chop. The Grilled Steak came with rice & black beans, the steak is the reason why I love this place. For the first time in my life, a restaurant actually cooked my steak how I asked, rare. Which I know is especially hard considering it's a skirt steak, but they accomplished it. The pork chop came with mushrooms and smothered in this creamy sauce which tasted amazing. I would highly recommend the pork, though it does take a bit to cook you can munch on more corn :) I would definitely come back again for the drinks that all looked amazing. They had frozen/on the rocks mojitos/margaritas ($8) they all looked really good. Corn & alcohol is highly recommended!
(5)Tony T.
Went last night around 8 pm and the wait took 45 minutes. Since there are no reservations, just put your name down and then go find a bar or someplace around to sit down, relax, have a drink, and go back at the appropriate time. You have to start with the corn. Not sure why a Cuban restaurant serves Mexican corn or Mexican Jarritos, but regardless, the corn was spectacular. Since there were 4 of us, we got 4 different dishes, the roast pork, fish tacos, pollo mirador, and the cuban sandwich. We also got the tostones, which were very good. They were crunchy on the outside (not soggy like some places), and had enough salt to give it flavor but not overwhelm the taste of the plantains. My favorite dish was the cuban sandwich. I don't think I have had a better cuban sandwich anywhere else. The cheese was melted, the pork was tender, and the sandwich was grilled to perfection. It would be hard to find a better sandwich anywhere. You can tell the roast pork was cooked for a long time and it fell apart easily as I ate it, almost like a pork version of ropa vieja. The black beans and spanish rice were good but the white rice that came with the pollo mirador was better. The chicken was tasty and had cloves of garlic in the sauce, which I thought were mushrooms (until I bit into it). The fish tacos were my second favorite dish, battered catfish stuffed into a taco, how can you go wrong? The reason why there are 4 stars and not 5 is because of the lack of ambiance, which is almost intentional. I got some pollo mirador sauce spilled onto my sweater, people kept bumping into me with their bags and body parts, and I was hoping for more Cuban dishes. There is a take out counter around the corner, which would be great if you lived in the area. All in all, a great meal if you don't mind being in a crowded place.
(4)Priscilla N.
Like the yelpers below me, I would avoid writing a 2482039840th review for this place, but I feel that I need to express my slight disappointment. I went here on a random Tuesday night, and although I had read all the previous reviews warning me about how small the place is so there is going to be a long wait, I didn't think it was going to be that bad since it was a Tuesday and when I had gotten there there were empty tables. However, my friends and I ended up having to wait about 1.5 hours because the a-holes at the table that we were supposed to get were just sitting there chatting and drinking beers, NOT ordering food, essentially hogging the table when there is a BAR that they could have been drinking at! Needless to say, I was very angry (didn't help that I had a couple drinks at the bar while waiting so I was getting belligerent haha). When we finally sat down, it was very loud and we could barely hear each other across the table and had to shout at the top of our lungs. That being said, the food was quite delicious. I ordered the cuban sandwich, which was good, but I've never had a cuban sandwich before so I can't really compare and say if it was the best cuban sandwich I've ever had. My friends got the pork platter thing, and that was delicious as well. And of course, we got the corn, which was good but I was expecting it to be phenomenal so I was a little disappointed. If I could give 3.5 stars, I would do that because the food is good, but I wasn't too much a fan of the long wait/not being able to hear my friends :(
(3)Derek B.
So much has been said here I'm not certain at all that I'm adding to it, but I did want to give a shout out to literally everything on the menu, but in particular the "Sloppy Pepe's" open-faced sandwich. Beautifully cooked pulled pork and pico de gallo to die for. A great choice no matter what the meal and a strong recommendation.
(5)Kristina A.
This place is a must try. It's a very tiny space and can get very very crowded, however. So be aware. There seemed to be only about 2 or 3 waiters and they were constantly running around so be prepared to wait longer than you'd like for the check or seating. However, I think it kind of goes with the ambiance. You feel like your in Havana in a tiny Cuban cafe, sweating it out with other locals (you're practically sitting on top of each other). BUT dear LORD the food is tasty. Like everyone says you cannot leave without trying the CORN. HEAVEN. I also had the Diablo sandwich which is so yummy!! I really enjoyed this place while visiting NYC and I'm excited to see they are opening a cafe in MALIBU, CA early 2010.
(4)Scott L.
I went here last week for a late dinner, and had the best enchiladas that I've had so far in NYC. As for the decor/resaturant, the place is fairly small and the tables are very close together. We were sat literally right next to the door, and there was another couple 2 feet away from us. If you want your own space, this restaurant is not for you. That being said, the wait staff does a good job getting you in/out. Apparently they don't take reservations either, so be prepared to wait, especially if you have a group of more than 2. The prices were pretty reasonable, and with a laid back atmosphere, you can have a few drinks with friends while you wait for your food, or after you scarf down your plate (portion size is good too).
(5)Karen W.
You walk in and there's the option to eat at the bar, huge comfy booths, or tiny tiny tables. Every time I've been here this place was jam packed and had to wait for whatever seat freed up. That's right, it's that good. I've had the grilled steak (YUM), and the pulled pork (more than a handful of times) - both highly recommended. The portions are filling - I've even ordered 1 entree to share if I wanted a quick bite. The meat, rice, beans - always perfect. Now, I feel the urge to rave about this corn they have. First time I saw this one menu, I said to myself, "really? corn?". Little did I know I would eat my words (and some corn). It was delicious. It had the perfect combination for me to nosh on while waiting for my entree. Highly recommended. Only cons (which I can't really even hold them accountable for): small tables / limited seating. I want to bring all my friends here, but I guess I'll have to do it one at a time.
(5)Rob L.
Very very good. Of course the corn is incredible, and the Cuban Sandwich was awesome. I wasn't a fan of my girlfriends steak salad, but I put the blame squarely on her for ordering that here. I'll be back again!
(4)chavo d.
kings of that buttery parmesan corn, they've never failed with some tasty mexi-cubano treats. add to that some of the cutest latina servers east of the mississippi, and you've got a hit! the only draw back is that this place packs asses and elbows deep, like a nightclub. interesting crowds though, but still, no one likes tostones with a pair of ass cheeks floating too close for comfort.
(4)Marta P.
Not that this place needs any more reviews. I think if I had to pick my last meal on earth it would be here. I do not live in New York, but come here every single time I am in the city. Try to get there during the week because I think the brunch menu is what they offer on the weekends. This still includes the corn, but not as many of the other dishes which are phenomenal!
(5)Andrew K.
A crowded little place for festive Cuban dining. The must is the grilled corn, which is delicious if you happen to snag the right piece. Crispy and well-seasoned, with a bit of juiciness in the kernels. Their sangria is wonderful. My entree, when I dined there, was the Enchiladas Suizas: "Grilled chicken enchiladas served in a creamy tomatillo sauce w/ rice & beans". Absolutely fantastic. You will most definitely wait a bit for a table if your group is bigger than 2. But the servers/hostesses do a good job of providing swift service and you'll get your table before you know it.
(3)Heather H.
Go for the corn. It is a nice blend of parm cheese, chili powder, lime and a bit of mayo. There were actually two models in the restaurant when we were there, they ordered the corn, and then shared a small plain dry spinach salad, no joke! So the corn must be good :-) I had the smoked cheddar and chicken quesadilla, it was really good. The rice was really tasty as well, I'm sure lots and lots of butter goes into it. Go by and give it a try, even if its just for the corn!
(4)Kevin W.
I order the grill chicken and black bean to go...The food is very fresh, healthy and taste wonderfull. The only problem I have with Cafe Habana, is the rough customer service...perhaps there busy or arrogant...not sure...
(4)Adam S.
Super cramped little spot (i almost ate off the plate of the woman next to us because i thought it was on our table) but fresh, hearty offerings. The cuban sandwhich had great flavors, smokey pork, crisp pickles. I am used to cubanos being slightly more pressed, with the cheese nice and melted, but this was still delicious. The real money item was the grilled corn, slathered in spice and cheese, a must have.
(4)Theresa C.
MMMM I LOOVE THEIR CORN!!! Whenever I am in Soho/Nolita area, I think of this place!! I've never actually sat down inside simply because the wait is ridiculous, especially for someone, like myself, who just wants some corn!! Oooo and with the lime.. squueeeze the lime!! But this place is genius for adding the take out area even if it is cramped like a mother! I've also tried their steak sandwich, which was pretty good as well. It's huge and by the time you are done, it's all over you. The steak is cut into long and thick pieces, which kind of made it hard to keep the sandwich in one piece. Other than that, I can't wait to go back and try their cuban sandwich!... and maybe get a few corns to go! =D
(4)Steve M.
If you're lucky enough to get a table towards the front of Cafe Habana on a hot summer evening, when all the windows facing Prince & Elizabeth are open, get a margarita, some corn, some pork, and you will love New York City and you will love life. Cafe Habana is a perfect spot for a fourth or fifth date, it has this great, almost exotic, romantic feel to it, the food is outstanding and demands that you eat it with some gusto and often, with your hands; the drinks are great, and like I said, those front tables are gold - perfect for people-watching but also because it's nice and cool up there. The Roast Pork entree is a safe bet, but the real star is the Chuleta de Puerca a la Pimienta, a grilled pork chop served with the house special "mushroom au poivre sauce," and a piece of bread with some goat cheese. Cafe Habana is not good for a first date, a party of 5 or more (even 4 is pushing it), or someone finicky about food. Unless you arrive off-hours, expect to wait about 30 minutes; check often with the hostess to make sure your name is moving up the list!
(5)Marina G.
There's nothing really Cuban about this place. It's Cuban food for white people which is fine...I don't want to pretend it's anything else. I've had the Cubano...dry pork, good ham, not enough pickles, wrong bread...it's decent but I'm not coming back for it. Roast pork entree is just dry...how you can make it that dry I don't know. space is cramped, service is meh...it's a place to socialize not to have great cuba fare. On the cheap side though nothing above $14 on the menu
(2)Sally C.
This place is trendy and always packed but the food is not extraordinary. I ordered their steak and eggs for brunch once and the steak came out tough and charred - nearly half of it was inedible. The service is absolutely horrible and the venue is always loud and cramped. On one occasion I went there with a few friends and I put down my name with the hostess to wait for a table. After about 45 mins the hostess seated us after the group ahead of us didn't answer when she called out their name. A waitress proceeded to bring water to our table and just as I was about to take a sip out of my glass, she said the group that had been ahead of us showed up and we had to leave our table for them. I was livid and had a mind to just leave, but we had waited so long already, we figured we might as well just stick around. There's a great mexican place called La Esquina down the street and I have abandoned Cafe Habana for much better quality food, service, and prices. However, I would come to this place if I was entertaining some friends from out-of-town who wanted to experience what snooty NYC dining is like.
(2)Tuyen M.
I recently checked out this place on my first trip to NYC. My bff kept ranting about it so I wanted to see what the hype was all about. I had the mexican corn for the appetizer and pulled pork as the main entree. The mexican corn was good but not out of this world. Growing up in Santa Ana, or SoCal, we're spoiled by street vendors who sell the same stuff for $1.50 on the street. I'd say if you never had it, you're going to really like it. If you've had it from Socal already, you're gonna think, "eh okay, more sophistication" but it's not like you're gonna get a food-gasm from it. The pulled pork was really gooooood. It was served with black beans and rice. The rice was probably cooked with some chicken broth but super delish!
(4)Thuy P.
I stopped here for a Soho shopping break with two friends. The three of us had the OHH-EMM-GEE, the corn, the corn. Yeah, I had that so called famous crack corn. Since we made a pit stop for just the corn, we plopped our three little tooshies onto the street curb to devour our cuban corn. Since I only had the corn that everyone raves about, this review is simply on that, THE CORN. Can I even say... umm, yuck?! As I type this, I'm looking around and behind my back because I'm afraid loyal patrons will find a way to hunt me down and torture me until I take it back. Maybe it was an off day for Cafe Habana? My corn was dry, completely dry actually, over charred, barely any cheese sprinkled on top, and dang it, even my little lime wedge was dry... I couldn't squirt any juice out of it. So, yes, I said it! YUCK. I thought it was just my corn but when I looked over to my two friends, their corns looked exactly like mine. Dry and unappetizing. I do give places a benefit of a doubt each time but seriously, why on earth would you serve something so unappetizing to your customers? If it's not up to par, do NOT serve it. I'm still debating if I should give this place one more shot but still I can not get the first impression out of my mind. I always think back, WOW, this is the famous corn everyone raves about. Sorry, not for me. NEXT!
(2)Wendy L.
As Bubba would say " corn, corn cakes, corn on the cob, corn tortilla, corn salsa, corn salad...corn, corn, corn!" I love it! Came here while I was traveling for business. It was recommended by my cousin and if was for something you CANNOT miss. They are known for their corn which is a must order, but everything else on the menu I tried was SUPER DELICIOUS. Enchiladas de Mole Poblano ... 11.95 Chicken enchiladas in our homemade mole poblano served w/ rice & beans AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME! Sopesitos ~ A sampler of corn cakes topped with black beans, cotija cheese and 3 different salsas ... 6.95 YUM YUM YUM! Grilled Corn Mexican Style ~ 2 pieces served with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese ... 4.25 YES YES YES! Can't wait to go again! Note: Please go for a run before you go. It's a tight fit...
(5)Vivian H.
I don't know what to say, I am just not on the bandwagon of 4 or 5 stars for this place. But, from the looks of it, this place is a success and because of that success, they now also run a take-out right next door. The first 2 times we tried to eat here were aborted missions. Too many people, too long a wait. Finally, this past Saturday we decided we were gonna have some Habana food. Do or die! The line was horrendous and out the door, and the wait for the food was at least 15 - 20 minutes. Luckily, the weather was nice, and since this is a hotspot, the people watching wasn't bad either! Since the wait was so long, we figured, the food must be good right? Wrong We did not order the crack corn, which seems to be everyone's favorite, and opted instead for an avocado and white cheese torta and also a homemade lime-lemonade. The total came to $12. In any case, after the LONG wait, we finally got to sink our teeth into the torta. The torta is a good size, easily able to feed 2 people. But that is where the excitement ends. The sandwich was pretty bland, and the cheese had no taste. In an attempt to liven up the torta, I put some hot sauce on it, which helped. But the thing is, it shouldn't cover up the original flavor, or try to mask it, hot sauce should only be an enhancer, not the main attraction! I wish that I could have given this place a better review, but the food speaks for itself... Footnote: After eating the torta with hot sauce, my belly god was angry with me and I had heartburn ;-(
(2)Ronald T.
ORDER THE CORN! It's sweet, it's spicy, it's cheesy, and with a squeeze of fresh lime, it's absolutely delicious! Although the dish comes with two pieces of corn, it would've been better if they choose bigger corn so that each kernel packs a greater punch. We also ordered the Cuban Sandwiches. The menu claims it to be best voted in NYC, and I believe it! The pork was super juicy, the ham provided the perfect saltiness, the swiss added a nice "glue" to the sandwich, the pickles were thinly sliced and perfectly crunchy, and the bread seemed very fresh. I could've sworn cubans usually come with mustard, but this one didn't. No one ever talks about the fries on this dish, but the fries were AMAZING. Finally, we ordered a pitcher of Sangria (only $25! and makes for 4-5 glasses) which was a GREAT compliment to the meal! 4 stars because the place is TINY
(4)Lan H.
Of course, order the corn. Hell, order two for yourself. It is THAT good. The limeade is so REFRESHING. The sandwiches are to die for. The black bean spread is heaven sent. Perfect place for a pit stop when you're out walking around the city. Two thumbs and a big toe up!!
(5)Riley B.
Although I would never go there if I were in a hurry (because of the wait and the hit-or-miss service), the food never disappoints. Very few dishes in the city can top the grilled corn followed by the Tlacoyo Tres Marias, a corn masa boat filled with goat cheese, black beans, and sundried tomatoes, covered with red and green chile sauces, and drizzled with crema. Rice and beans on the side that actually add to the dish, rather than simply fill space on the plate, make this one of those dishes that you ain't shaking from your memory anytime soon.
(4)Nancy C.
After all that shopping and walking in Soho I needed a snack and of course I headed here for corn. I'm sure the locals would thank me, but it was just a-ok to me. Don't get me wrong, the corn (comes in a set of two cobbs perfect for sharing) is delish. BUT, I could reciprocate this at home and not have to sit in a cramped space with horrible service. I was seated next to the bathroom so constantly the bf had to scoot. We had to ask for water 4 times and don't get me started on how long it took to get the check. Mango limeade was fresh but too sugary for my taste.
(3)Jason A.
Proper Cuban food is hard to find in the Bay Area, so outside of the occasional Cuban Sandwich, I didn't know what to expect. Recommendations echoed the "Order the corn", but what most fail to mention is their properly done Roasted Pork. It is slightly fatty, juicy, and well flavored. When paired with one of the better tasting black beans and seasoned rice, the holy trinity is complete. The Cuban sandwich filled with the same roasted pork, is big enough to satisfy most hungry needs and is filled with all the cheesy, pickle, ham, aioli, on hoagie-goodness. Yes, you must get their amazing corn on the cob! In fact, get an order to go. Just try not to limit yourself here because you'll regret it! Great service and food, makes this Cafe one of my "Must Eats" in New York.
(5)Paul S.
The food was just super! Based on Yelp, we had the famous bbq corn, "Enchiladas estilo Norteño" which is "Grilled Steak enchiladas w/ spicy red ranchero sauce w/ rice & beans", and my son had the "Pollo Mirador" which is "Sautéed chicken breast served in a roasted garlic sauce, served w/ spicy spinach & white rice" (all quoted from menu). My dish was about $12 and my son's was about $13. Outstandng! Five stars for the food. The place is only four star for facilities, however. It's very, very crowded and sacrifices comfort because of it. That may seem wimpy to some of you, but I thought it was worth noting that our table was so close to the door we had to stay well tucked into the table all the time to keep from being bumped and that the cold made its way directly onto us and our food. Not a killer deal, but that is the only reason it's not five stars to me. The service, the food, the pricing, are all just great otherwise. We had to wait about 30 minutes, which is what was committed by the hostess. I mention this because many places don't tell you the truth, but she hit it right on with a zillion people queuing up. Hostesses are very nice and the waitstaff is great too. We're back here the next time we come to the City.
(4)Jaime D.
i was visiting in NY and yelped for some food and this placed seemed good so i checked it out. when we got there it was crowded and the place is small. Positives: Food is AMAZING The prices are great Negatives: the place is small so not much room to stay and eat Now i don't know if its because i'm mexican and i have had grilled corn but the corn here isn't that amazing, its ok. so i guess if you have had it before somewhere else chances are you won't see anything special, but if you have never had it you will love it The only other thing i didn't like was the girl taking our order was rude and not nice at all. she seemed bothered by anything we would ask. but i get set that aside because the food is amazing i got the diablo chicken sandwich. BOMB my girl got the cuban torda or w/e and it was BOMB Great food good prices just don't expect to be able to sit because its small, and just expect rude service.
(4)Latoya G.
i have to come back and order more from the menu to really feel like i can rate it BUT.. i did have the tostones and the mexican hot chocolate which were both nice and tasty. my friend had the cuban sandwich and she gave it a thumbs up as well. i saw the mexican corn and will def try that next time after reading such rave reviews. in addition, i have to add that i have read and totally understand the reviews about whether its mexican or cuban... but, in the grand scheme of things.. the food is good.
(4)Christine A.
Cafe Habana was my first experience with Cuban food, and it was absolutely amazing. It's located in a quiet corner Nolita, but it's anything but quiet inside - the place is jam packed, and because it's so popular, the wait can be quite a while. We ordered the Grilled Corn Mexican Style (~$5), just as everyone recommended, and WOW it was unbelievably tasty. It's prepared with sprinkles of cotija cheese, chili powder, with a slice of lime for you to spritz on the corn. Yummyyy. For the entree, I ordered the Cuban sandwich (~$10), which was voted as the best in New York City - it had roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles with french fries. The roast pork was so tender and juicy, and everything put together was just a perfect combination. The portion was huge though, so be prepared! We also shared a pitcher of red Sangria ($25), which was suuuper refreshing and good. It's not too strong, but it goes so well with the food. The margaritas came in strawberry, mango, and guava, and they all looked reallyyy good too. Service was great - the waitresses were very friendly, and the food came fast. I wish they had a Cafe Habana in California! If I ever come back to NYC though, I'm definitely paying this place another visit. :)
(5)Rin Z.
I've been coming to this Cuban hot spot for years, it's still one of my favorites to go to. Their corn is to DIE for, i usually have two for myself =P - it's sweet, spicy, and salty all at the same time i, it's like having a fiesta in my mouth lol . Their entrees are also delicious, I usually order the chicken enchiladas or the fish tacos and it's mouth watering each and every time. The only thing I dread about going there is the long wait and lack of space. However, if you cant wait they have a take out restaurant right next door which tastes just the same and comes twice as fast and the plus side is that everything they serve is at a affordable price esp for Manhattan. I recommend this place for anyone who wants good mexican/cuban food.
(5)Jonathan J.
Swagger and hipster chic' flood this East Side Cuban "hole in the wall". Once you step inside you're hit with an amazing aroma of spice and pork, all while a boombastic Cuban soundtrack wails in the background. The space is extremely small and littered with numerous Havana posters that builds an ambiance that adds to the experience. I came here with a friend and loved the food, the corn appetizer was fantastic. It had a tasty mix of sweet and spicy all at once. The enchilada mole was decent, but the rice and beans were incredible. The sangria was tasty and definitely made with perfection. It's definitely a spot I am going to frequent. It packs in tight real quick and you may have to wait a while to get a seat, but it's definitely worth it. A few doors down they opened up an express location for those who want to eat on the fly.
(4)Tamara O.
this is one of those "insiders secrets" that all the outsiders get to learn about, because it is just SO GOOD! Decor: nothing too fancy, "cuban" style interior with little cute tables. But as it has a high "authenticity" factor you're not expecting it to be very orderly and neat. Food: the food here is absolutely delicioso. I tried taking some photographs for Yelp, but as with good home cooked food, the yummie taste just doesn't portray well on photo's :-) The cuban corn is definitely a must, but the shredded chicken is something I usually have to have as well. Drinks: When you thought that the food was good, try the bloody mary's after a night of drinking... its the best thing that could have happened to you during a hang-over. I personally love the frozen strawberry margarita as well, coz it has real fruit in it. If you are not up for alcohol in the middle of the day, the lime lemonade will give you all the vitamin C you need. Price: The prices are super reasonable for new york. Corn is about 4-5$, an entree between 6-10$ and drinks are between 2-5 non alcoholic, to 7-14 for alcoholic beverages. The yummie margarita's are 9$. Line: there is always a wait when you get here, but usually you get a table pretty fast 10-20 minutes. Trust me its worth it. :-) Enjoy, for a minute you'll forget you're in New York.
(5)lisa b.
Why write yet another rave review for this place, and particularly about the corn? Because when a place is this consistently good, it deserves the praise. You don't have to worry about it getting too crowded due to reviews, because that happened a long time ago. Expect to hang and wait to be seated, and consider it all part of the experience. You could get lucky like I usually do and meet some cool people while you're waiting. Now about that corn: it is sweet, spicy, salty and creamy all at once. The charred flavor combined with the natural sweetness and the cheese is unbeatable, as is the price. Consider the Cuban sandwich, the plantains, the jicama salad, even the fish tacos. But don't expect a very good margarita, in fact stick with the sangria (or beer). It is strong and perfect with the food.
(4)C F.
I'm afraid I have to agree with the previous poster who said that it's going downhill but I would like to hope that it was just a down night. First, the corn they gave us was midget sized, like 4 inches, and half of the corn stalk was shriveled and inedible. It was like baby corn. I've been here numerous times and this is the first time they totally cheaped out on corn, which if you consider that they can get 3 for $1 in the grocery, they already score huge profit margins. If you have a piece of corn that's half inedible, scape off the edible parts and use it in another dish, don't give me half a piece of corn and charge me full price. Second, they forgot my drink order. Third, I asked for no jalapenos and the person taking my order made a point of saying that they would put a note in about no jalapenos. Guess what I got on my pulled pork? Jalapenos. Also they got rid of horchata at the take out place, which is a big downer. I'm going to give this place one more shot but if it continues to go downhill, there are tens of thousands of other restaurants in NYC. And if I have to grill corn myself and slather cheese on it I can.
(2)Shirley N.
We ate here twice during a recent visit to the big apple. Expect to wait about 20 to 30 minutes for a table. The restaurant itself sits on a corner in the Nolita neighborhood, and the seating is very tight inside. If you're lucky, you can grab a seat at the counter. The grilled corn is a must when dining here. It's served as corn on the cob. The flavor is unbelievable. Lighlty dusted with cheese and chili powder. The fish tacos and the pulled pork sandwich are other highlights of Cafe Habana.
(4)J W.
I remember when Cafe Habana first opened. I can't begin to describe the many wonderful mornings I spent eating breakfast there. Do they still have the fresh grilled corn smothered in butter and parm.
(4)N C.
I know there are more than enough reviews for this place, but seriously the grilled corn and tostones are soooo money. I now actually make the former item fairly regularly whenever we BBQ at my place, because it's just corn coated in parmesan/mayo and sprinkled paprika/cayenne. But Habana does it so well that I still end up going back.
(5)Caroline L.
Delightful cuban sandwiches. Corn of Heaven. Ice cold beer and margaritas. What more do you need?
(4)Bethany P.
I wasn't going to write a review for Habana seeing as how there are already over 700 but I gave in because I LOVE this place. The food is phenomenal. I took one star away because it's teeny tiny and everytime I've gone the wait has been over an hour (more likely 2 on the weekends). The good thing about the wait is that the drinks are strong and you can sip away while you stare enviously at other peoples' plates going by. Their 'wranglers' as I prefer to call them (the girls who keep you from freaking out while you wait) are great too. It was interesting just to watch them coax people into staying and waiting it was somewhat like watching a mother soothe a fidgity toddler, "Juuust sit down and have a niiiice drink, that's right, there you go." The grilled corn is addictive. I dream about this stuff. I have no idea what is on it but it's honestly one of the best things I've ever tasted and I don't really even like corn! It's worth the awkward moments spent picking kernals out of your teeth with the complimentary toothpicks when it's all eaten and done. (Maybe not a great date spot w/ that little bit noted, ha ha). Once you've had your strong drinks and corn you may think it can't get any better but the entrees are just as flavorful and delicious. Just go, go go go go.
(4)Cupcake C.
I fell inlove w/this spot. The food was yummy. The atmoshpere low key and happy. Try the corn!
(4)Bobo R.
Great food. Terrible service. I like the corn on the cob.
(4)B ..
"Eat your veggies". Ahh, that infamous line that Ma used to say when we had no choice but to clear our plates. At Cafe Habana, you will have little difficulty clearing your corn on a cob dish that is slathered with some mysterious goodness. My guess of what's in it: Chili powder, mayo, salt, pepper. Someone please tell me the secret recipe! I also had the pulled pork w/rice and black beans on the side. It was delicious! I had a few nibbles from my friend's steak dish and that was REALLY good! Portions are perfect for this type of heavy food...it doesn't leave you feeling bloated or like you have over eaten. I didn't say anything about any alleviation from the passing gas part. :p
(4)Judy C.
The Grilled Mexican Corn is utterly amazing, we even took some home to go for later on. The cuban sandwich was delicious but they need to use deli style pickles, not kosher ones...overall very tasty. The waitresses were awesome and attentive.
(4)Laura T.
My favorite 'discovered whole in the wall'. The food here is good, but the corn makes this place 4*. The Mexican corn is hands down one of my favorite foods in NYC. If you're visiting NYC, this is a MUST go. If there is a long line, they have a take out restaurant next door which is very convenient. I actually prefer sitting on the high stools at the counter eating my corn and cuban sandwich. You can't go wrong with this place.
(4)Kari P.
the CORN! really we don't need to talk about much else, except that it makes the rest of your meal seem pointless. i did not want my ordinary huevos rancheros (which were good btw) after that corn. the service is friendly. the tables are tiny. best bruch in nyc! ooh and the potatoes are good too.
(4)Jason P.
I like to call this place, Cuban food porn at its finest. It doesn't get much better than this. There are two establishments at this location, the diner-like atmosphere located on the corner, and the takeout (To-Go) area adjacent to the diner on Elizabeth St. We decided to eat at the takeout area, which is small in comparison to the diner. If your lucky enough to grab a seat in the cramped area, there are 3-4 small tables with folding chairs, and several high-chairs running across the bar countertop along the two windows. After you order, give your name, and pay, then move aside so the maddening crowd behind you can order. Wait patiently until your name is called and grab your food. There are a variety of hot sauces available on a shelf to the right of the cashier, along with paper napkins and plastic utensils. I've been to Habana Outpost during the warmer weather, but have never had the chance to check out Cafe Habana. It's winter and I needed my Cuban fix so it was the perfect opportunity. We ordered our usual: - Cuban Sandwich ($7.50) - fresh roast pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickle slices on Cuban bread with chipotle mayonnaise. Oh man, this mouth-watering sandwich was KILLER, as I'd have to claim that this was the best Cuban Sandwich I've had (even better than their sister location in Brooklyn). Everything about this sandwich was perfect, each ingredient complimenting the other, tender shredded pork, not too salty ham, fresh swiss cheese, and absolutely divine chipotle mayo. - Steak Sandwich ($9.25) - tender slices of grilled steak with caramelized onions, red & green sweet peppers, and their kick-ass chipotle mayo served on a crispy hero. - Sweet Plantains ($3.25) - This dish was a bit disappointing in presentation, maybe since 8-10 slices were served on a larger paper plate. I know they tout environmental awareness (take a look at their paper napkins which try to persuade you to use your sleeves), but the paper plate was just too gigantic for ~10 slices of plantains. Nevertheless, the fresh plantains were slightly caramelized, with the right level of sweetness. - Grilled Corn Mexican Style ($2.00) - A classic item that you must try, if you ask anyone who has been here. This is definitely an item to not miss out on. The corn is covered in Parmesan cheese and spices (paprika/cumin?) and complimented with a slice of lime. Don't forget to squeeze the lime juice on. I don't need to explain it, just TRY IT!! You won't regret it! What are you still doing reading this review?! Go already!!! I'm drooling just thinking about it!!
(5)Yui W.
It's difficult to determine what really makes something the best. In trying out Cafe Habana's famous Mexican Grilled Corn, I was expecting an explosive taste. Call me old fashioned, but I personally enjoy more the typical grilled corn with butter and salt. However, to review on a fair basis, I'd have to say, they offer one of the most original and tasteful grilled corns (aka Elote) I've ever had, but from my understanding, it is also a commonly served street food in Mexico. For only $4, you get two corn on the cobs topped with a mix of cayenne pepper, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and a dash of lime. Definitely not good for groups. Expect lines and a small venue, but just as most of us in Asia know, it's small establishments like these that offer something truly special.
(5)Corinne L.
If you're a virgin (not by choice) and you want an exhilarating experience, then eating the corn at Cafe Habana will probably be more exciting than your first time anyway. My experience on a busy Wednesday night with the bff went something like this... 1. OMG, CORN!!! 2. **squeezing of the limes** accompanied with giggling 3. First bite. Corn juice gushed into my left nostril, but I didn't care. 4. Chewing. Pre-jizzing in my mind. Omagah, omagah, must have more. 5. NOM. 6. NOM NOM. 7. NOM NOM NOM!!!!!! 8. Bff takes a huge hit of the chili powder. It hurts so good! 9. I'm wearing the corn on my lips, chin, nose &I don't stop to wipe my face. 10. Whaaat, I only have one turn left!? 11. MORE PLEASE! I wish we only ordered one cuban sandwich to share. I honestly would've eaten 3 more ears of that glorious corn. I will definitely be back. Take someone you love, laugh about all the shit in your teeth, enjoy the hot music, and go home to make Cafe Habana babiessss!!!
(5)ross c.
BEST CORN ON THE COB EVER!!!! this place is great! Drinks are solid and get u wasted. Cute gilrs all around most of the time. I like to go during the week when it is not so crowded.
(5)Mina D.
Trying their Corn is a must!! Try not to go there with a big group or odd number of people! First time I went there with two of my friends and we waited 30min, second time it was four of us and we waited 20 mins. But I could see being there only with another person could be a lot faster! The food in this place is amazing! Specially their corn and Cuban Sandwich. If you don't have time to wait, you can order the Corn for to go and go eat some where else, but if you are in NYC you have to try the corn. The service is very friendly but they are very busy so you might have to wait on the waitress longer than usual.
(5)Susy C.
DO NOT COME HERE WITH A BIG GROUP. IF YOU'RE IN A LARGE GROUP, GO AWAY!!!! ... that way, I can ensure that I have a seat for myself, muhahahaha. I LOVE THEIR CORN!! Generally, food on a stick is good. I love corn, and it comes on a stick!? EVEN BETTER! 1 order comes with 2 pieces of corn and believe me - you will not want to share the 2nd piece. Make the other person get their own order! I also loooove their Sloppy Pepe open faced Hangover sandwich. It's bbq pulled pork hash topped with 2 eggs and a habanero salsa or onions? I didn't get the full description. I got my eggs over easy and had my creamy yolks jizz all over that delicious pulled meat. MMM MM MMM sooo good. Even better is when you slather it with some hot sauce. This place is tiny, so go away!! GO FAR FAR AWAY! DO NOT COME HERE SO THERE'S MORE SPACE FOR MEEEEEEEEEEE
(4)Dan D.
I went to Cafe Habana a week ago after 2 of my friends in the city wanted to meet up for dinner. They had frequenct this place a few times and were in the mood for it, and seeing as how I've never had cuban inspired and flavor food, I was game! We got into the place around 9 PM. The restaurant itself is pretty small in size but we didn't have to wait, most likely due to the late time. I love the look and feel of the place, it's very dim lit and has a nice atmosphere. Our waiter was extremely nice and fun to talk to. We start off with corn for appitizers and if you like corn then you must try their corn! Each order comes with only 2 pieces so we had 2 orders. The corn is seasoned in butter and some sort of chilli spice and the combination between the two is fantastic! I loved it so much that I took the extra piece for myself! For dinner, I ordered their steak with black beans and yellow rice. Dinner came out in a promptly manner and the appearance of the dish looked great. The steak itself was pretty good, I had ordered it medium rare and it came out pretty well. The black beans were good, but for me what stole the show was the yellow rice. I had never had yellow rice before, but I will be having more yellow rice in the future after having it here. The yellow rice is so flavorful and has a lot of taste to it. I highly recommend this place and hope that I get a chance to return.
(5)LuCy t.
Cuban Sandwhich & Roasted Corn. I still dream of you.... My quest for a west-coast equivalent will continue until I can find something comparable!
(5)desiree s.
Came Here on a chilly afternoon and was told we have to try the mexican Corn. Well Being that my Boyfriend is from mexico and having had the real thing out in LA. I was excited to see how it tasted. Everything they put onto the corn including the cotija cheese was perfect... except for the corn! The corn was a bit dry and wasn't good at all. I guess Im used to the corn out in la where they are sweet and juicy and DELICIOUS but it just didnt compare. But I still give this place a solid three stars cause there coffee was really good and so was their burrito with chorizo with egg. They used good quality chorizo and the perfect amount of cheese. The place is a little tiny but what isn't in NY. If Im ever back in New York maybe Ill try something else. But as for the corn im better off getting it here.
(3)Wing C.
My bestie and I decided to take advantage of $15 credit courtesy of Tabbedout. It was our first attempt to use the app (and assuming same went for our server) - it took a bit of trial and error (best style of learning) - but as a team, we figured it out! We came for an early dinner and were able to have the whole back room to ourselves - nevertheless we still had to place our condiments and glasses of water to adjacent tables - just to have space for our entrees! Honestly, we couldn't imagine coming during peak hours. We stuck to what they are famous for -Mexican corns and Cubano with fries. I am envious of those who were able to enjoy those corns when they were less than $2! Beautifully charred, sweet corns smothered in generous slabs of mayo, cheese, and chili powder. You kno what I will be grilling this weekend! I'd actually never eaten a Cubano before so I have nothing to compare Cafe Habana's to. The pulled pork was juicy but a little too fatty. Ham is ham - never crazy about processed meat. The bread was toasty for most the most part but got a bit soggy after soaking the meat juice. With a little dap of hot sauce, the sandwich was fine. Good but nothing to write home about. We shared their coconut flan to finish. $5 was not a bad deal! However it was a little too sweet for our taste. I would recommend finishing off with more corns. Overall, decent foods and service. However certainly not worth waiting in line for.
(3)Anthony W.
Really good food! The pollo mirador is excellent!! And the corn is to die for :D highly recommended!!!! Five stars!!!!!!
(5)Anisa H.
Not sure what all the fuss is about, corn is great but quesadilla and burger nothing extraordinary. Guacamole lacking heat big time. Overall this place for me is not worth the wait. I prefer La esquina by mile.
(2)Michael L.
I dont really get the hype. The place was crowded, the service slow. I have definitely experienced better and yes the corn is good but my wife makes it so much better. Overpriced if you ask me. oh, just a tangential note: It was raining cats and dogs that day and someone took our umbrella, pretty elegant.
(2)Emily O.
Love this place. Service can be spotty but the last time I went the server was so nice. Hibiscus tea, YUM! Tostones, PERFECT! Jicama Salad, MY FAVE (maybe a tad too much cheese) Coconut Flan, AYE PAPI! Gracias, Cafe Habana!
(4)Kelly L.
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! A friend took me here... she said the corn was amazing! It was... I could have easily downed four ears... but I had Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo(Corn tortilla & shredded chicken casserole cooked in green tomatillo salsa and topped w/ crema and cotija cheese) on the way. It was sooo delicious!!! It's very small inside.. but worth the wait... (we only waited 20 minutes for a table on a sunday afternoon). They also have a take out place right next door... They have some type of corona with hot sauce drink... and margarita salt around the glass... (forget the name) I think its a chelada corona? Very Good... If I had more time I would have ordered another. If you are in the area... I highly recommend stopping by. Very nice, no fuss, in-expensive good food!
(5)Chelle Y.
While waiting for our table at Lombardi's, we contemplated making a quick run to Cafe Habana for the infamous corn. After very little debate, we made a mad dash and picked up a few ears and started munching only to find out our table was ready. We snuck the corn in and snuck bites under the table. Hot corn juice dribbling down our chins and cheesy, spicy, stolen bites of the most awesome corn EVER - totally worth the scolding we got for bringing 'outside food.' Just a few days after, we went back for more corny goodness and a shared platter of roasted pork, beans and rice. YUM YUM YUM YUM -- the only thing that could've made it better are the added dramatics of breaking the rules and eating it in another food joint. NYC and Cafe Habana-- I'm coming back soon...and I'm definitely coming back for your CORN!!!
(4)Eunice C.
I. Love. Their. Corn. Get their corn for appetizer and you're pretty much set. I personally like their steak sandwich, but it's a little bit greasy. The cuban sandwich is also another great option. I've tried their pozole for dinner, which was pretty good but a little unfulfilling. If you want something sweet to go along with everything, their side of sweet plantains is a nice touch. Be warned, Cafe Habana is really small. Like, really small. I have a hard enough time getting to my table from the bathroom. Also, the waitresses can be a little...absent. However, I am a fan of their shirts!
(4)sha m.
what would i do without Cafe Habana in my life?! i trek out from CA to new york every year and this is one of my favorite spots. expect to wait 30min - 1 hour....it's a tiny place, but well worth it! corn. steak enchiladas. mojitos & beer. that's all you need to know.....go indulge and enjoy!!!
(5)Melissa B.
Went to Cafe Habana for the first time today. The food was delicious. Although the waitresses were pleasant, service was a bit slow. It took a few minutes to get menus and we had to ask for water. However, once we placed our order the food came quickly and it was worth the wait.
(4)Mick B.
Don't get the hype. The corn was good, but it's not worth waiting 30 minutes for a lukewarm mound of rice and clod of re-fried beans.
(2)Greg C.
The corn was very good. Even better though was the roast pork with a side of yellow rice and red beans. Amazing flavor!
(4)Preeti S.
Ugh... Mexican restaurants in New York continue to disappoint me. I came here with a whole lotta expectations and a very hungry tummy. After waiting for about 30 mins on a weeknight, we got seated at the bar. Obviously we had to order the grilled corn...and it was as DELICIOUS as they say. Probably the best corn I've ever had! But then, I got the tilapia tacos...which is where the disappointment began. Pretty bland, tastless, and overstuffed. The rice and beans had too much salt as well. My dinner buddy ordered the vegetarian tacos...and it was the worst tasting, foul smelling piece of taco I've ever had. It had uncooked okra in it...which gave it a horrible texture as well as taste. A restaurant can't just ride on the success of one appetizer. Unless they add some zing to their insipid entrees, I'm probably never coming back.
(2)Dominique G.
Well, everyone has told me about this place, and I finally made it there. I went there for a first date, actually. We sat at the counter on a Thursday night, and it was PACKED and LOUD. The corn was fantastic - everything people say is true. I had the fish tacos, which were fresh but could have used a little more zip, some salt, something. The bartendress was sweet, attentive, and seemed to like checking in on how the date was going. The drinks were pretty good, and she kept them coming. By the end of the night the hostess was dancing salsa in the middle of the floor, people were clapping, and the date was going really well. We'll come back again, I'm sure.
(4)Andy H.
First come, first serve. I was at first told that there was no reservation, next thing I know, I see someone taking names down. Not cool. So this place is small. I MEAN SUPER SMALL. We ended up sitting next to another 2 person table. So close that I felt we were practically the same group. Unfortunately, I had the seat next to the door so not only did I get the cold breezes but people's butts hitting my shoulder. There's nothing like enjoying a conversation and the next thing you know there's a butt practically in your face if your head turns. So aside from that, to start we have the corn and like what everyone has said... IT WAS SOO DANG GOOD! Also we had the Sopesitos... It was cooked to perfection. I enjoyed it very much! For the main course, I had the Roast Pork... mmmm mmm good. Very moist. A MUST. My bro had the huevos rancheros. It was decent. Eggs sat ontop a steak and he gave me his black beans since he doesnt like them. Aside from those little blips, the food was fantastico! A recommendation when you're in Soho/Nolita.
(4)Annie T.
wow what a cute little place! Music, decor, staff were perfect. Doors were about to close so we didn't have to chance for a relaxed dinner. The Grilled corn was super awesome, much better than Habana Outpost's. Our entrees, which i fail to remember now, were also pretty good. Would go back in a heartbeat
(4)Claire M.
You guys. YOU GUYS. I know it's been said a million times, but the roasted corn at Cafe Habana is really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, really, realllllllllllly good. My sixth-grade English teacher hated that sentence, but she hasn't had the corn at Cafe Habana, so I wouldn't expect her to understand. It's charred JUST the right amount - so that the kernels crunch sweet and juicy when you bite into them, but with a hint of smoky-charcoal-roast that immediately evokes feelings of summer. It's covered with cotija cheese, chile powder, and lime juice - which might be the most winning combination of ingredients EVER. Each order has two ears of corn and if I didn't like my date a whole lot, I might have punched him out and grabbed the other ear. Seriously, I saw people at the bar who just ordered a drink and an order of the corn, and I was a little surprised UNTIL I tried it myself. It's definitely going on my list of Favorite Things to Eat Ever. The rest of the classic Cuban fare - the Cuban sandwich, the enchiladas, the maduros - are tasty, but the corn is what you'll write home about. Cafe Habana on the whole is adorable and small. Very very small. Get there early or expect to wait. Best to leave any large bags or purses at home. And if you can grab a seat at the bar while you wait, go for it. The bartender recommended the Dia Del Amor cocktail (St. Germain, tequila, lime juice, & hot sauce) and it was fantastic.
(4)Heather L.
This place has great, inexpensive cuban food. The corn is amazing. I also like the cool, laid back atmosphere here.
(4)Nikki L.
I really like grilled corn so naturally, I've had the corn here. I don't remember it too well except that there was a layer of granulated cheese sprinkled on top with some red chili spice. I liked the chili but wasn't partial to the cheese. It was fun to hold the corn and gnaw on it. I can't remember if it was sweet or not. I'll have to come back one day.
(4)Kate N.
Came for the corn. Should've stick to just the corn since the other dishes weren't as great. But definitely great corn! Tiny tiny place. But I will still recommend to go for the corn :D
(4)Char Y.
delicious cuban!!! the pork was juicy and tender, bread crunchy. yum!
(4)Ava R.
Wow, this place is T I N Y. To the point where I think my booty brushed someones Sloppy Pepe as I wiggled my way to the bathroom. Don't come here with more than 4 people in your party. Even as 5, we were crushed. The servers are friendly and attentive and the food was good, definitely better than Habana Outpost. Huevos Rancheros, steak and eggs, corn, chicken diablo sandwich, and Sloppy Pepe were all consumed and the consensus was that there just wasn't enough food on the plates. We all left feeling just a tinge of hunger. Luckily, the prices weren't too exorbitant and I wouldn't feel bad coming here again at a totally random time when it was much less crowded, but only if I was already in the area and really craving Latin American food.
(3)Ben C.
I tried this place twice and both times I had a mediocre experience with the food (not to mention it's super crowded..a very tight squeeze even for a slim person..but it's something I can overlook for now). Had brunch and dinner here and although everybody's else's food looked and smelled amazing, I wasn't thrilled. The corn is super tiny here and dry (perhaps corn is not in season in December?) not to mention burnt in certain areas. Their enchiladas leaves much to be desired, but I must say the rice and beans is good enough to serve as an entire meal alone. Huevos rancheros which is usually a sure thing at Latin places for brunch was a miss here. However, since I am such a huge fan of Habana Outpost, I am willing to give them a third try. Next time I will definitely order the Cuban sandwich and if it is still as mediocre as their other dishes (I can't imagine how that can be possible since their Cubans get rave reviews), I will just have to wait until April for their BK location to re-open.
(3)Amador A.
5 Stars for the grilled corn. Must be the best corn I've ever had. After its grilled the rub it with spices and some kind of cheese. Soooo good!!! 3 Stars for everything else, I didn't mind that the place is the size of a bathroom and the bathroom is the size of a shower. I actually love places like that. I had the Pulled pork entree which was good, nothing different from any corner bodega I've been to. It came with rice and a side of black beans. Service was good. I asked if we can have the food rushed cuz I had to catch a show. Our waiter was very understanding and we got our food in no time. After thwe finished eating she even showed concern and asked if we will make it on time. I don't think I would come back for an entree but I would definitely go back for their grilled corn.
(3)Anthony M.
simple, wonderful, awesome cuban food... affordable too. definitely try it, you'll love it
(4)Lauren K.
THIS PLACE IS A-HMAHZZZING!!! Went here with a few friends super early on a Saturday (6pm) & there was a 40min wait (bummer) but it was soooo worth the wait! Everything we had was awesome, whether it be a cuban sandwich, fish tacos or just a chicken salad. Definitely get some corn & plantains as well! This will be a keeper & also it was super cheap!! 10$ entrees... almost unheard of in the city. I will be back.
(5)Elle P.
I love Cafe Habana. I may not be able to go to Cuba, but I can have their food here in the city. I brought some out of town friends here who were overwhelmed by NY and kept on requesting a really good restaurant that was reasonably priced, large and spacious, and with no wait. I told them that it was like real estate, pick two and forget about the rest. And because we didn't have reservations for anyplace on a weekend night at prime dining hour (8 - 9 pm), they could also forget about no wait. Once they tasted the amazing grilled corn and digging into the food, all their cares and feelings of exhaustion floated away. Their faces brightened up and began seeing NY for what it was -- an amazing city with great secrets and delights tucked away in every corner just waiting for the right person to come along and discover them.
(5)Marian C.
this place does not need another review but everyone wants to throw in their 2 cents and wants their VOICE HEARD! so yeah, heard many many many great things about this place. CORN.. did not know that 1 order comes with 2 corns on the cobs. oopsie. oh well. it was good! is this really how the mexicans eat their corn? how come it seems like it's not served anywhere else? although i enjoyed eating the caked parmesan cheese, i prefer my corn nekked. the cheese hindered me from enjoying the taste of maize. didn't mind the claustrophobic bathroom. cute decor. will be back
(4)Jen V.
I ate here enough times to notice when they switched the bread on me. Steak Sandwich + Corn is the only route to go. I have tried the other dishes, but they just aren't up to par for this Californification gal (where we get the best Mex/Cuban food). I am not a fan of the Ciabatta they used once on the steak sandwich. It's typically served on a baguette. Maybe they ran out? Way too much bread, not enough meat. The corn is hit or miss. Sometimes there is more chili than sauce. Sometimes way too much sauce and not enough chilly. I'm afraid the more popular this place gets, the less quality the food is becoming. Nonetheless, you get some bang for your buck. (especially in a pricey area) Though I've been disappointed not once, but twice...I still have faith in this quaint spicy little joint. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. ¡Ay, caramba!
(4)Nick A.
I'm not going to rehash the obvious here about the grilled corn and Cuban sandwich. This, though, is the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had. It's a personal favorite of mine and after the dozens I've tried, they do an incredible job. The pork is tender and moist and the center of the sandwich seems almost steamed as the bread is soft but crunchy. I split a sandwich and two orders of Mexican corn and it was just enough. Though I would have housed it all myself easily :) I've had the fish tacos here before and while they were good and fresh, I prefer them grilled as opposed to fried. Cafe Habana will be seeing much more of me in the near future!
(4)C J.
I didn't realize this was a sort of chain restaurant (I've been to the Outpost in the BK). Personally, I think it's kind of overrated. The food was ok (I only ordered sides), and my sangria was way too strong--then again I was drinking at noon so maybe that makes me an alkie and therefore irrelevant:-) The service was "ehh"; our waitress seemed clueless and took someone else's order before ours even though we had been there 5 minutes already. Not a place I'll be dying to go again (same way I feel about the Outpost).
(2)Cyrus J.
Always crowded but for a reason. Food is great and the ambiance is chill. Even though it's in a super trendy and posh neighborhood you wouldn't think or feel it hanging out in the old Cuban style decor. Their corn is always on point and the new fish tacos are actually pretty good.
(4)Joe C.
Ridiculous. Riduclously good that is. Corn..amazing tasty corn..corn that all my visitors swear they will fly across the country just to eat. Corn that will be my last meal before I die. That kind of corn that..must be laced with some sort of illegal barbituate. OH yea..the Chuleta de Pimiento is pretty darn good too! Recommendation for 2 people: 2 orders of corn and share a Chuleta. Just come early or u will end up chillin on the street corner for a bit. CORN
(5)Courtney G.
I came here on my 21st birthday suggested by my cousin. I was a little disappointed on the 20min wait, but quickly changed my mind when I tasted the food. The grilled corn MELTS in your mouth. And I'm definitely one to stop eating foods if its spicy but I ate the whole thing! Their mojitos are AWESOME! we also had some tapas the counter guy suggested.. and they were also scumptious. I don't know what I can't say positive about this place. OH! and for such a small busy place.. they really do a great job on servicing everyone.
(5)Jenny T.
The food here was ok- we had the roast pork with rice and beans which was very good. The Cuban sandwich was alright, but I came in with very high expectations. The Mexican hot chocolate was good. The corn was probably the best part of the meal. However, I had terrible stomach pains while eating and could not finish. The service was horrible. We came for lunch on a Monday and there were not many other people but the waitresses were obnoxious and loud. The bathroom is very dirty and dimly lit.
(3)Abi M.
This is my favorite spots for comfort food. By far one of the best Cuban food in the area. Yes, the restaurant is tiny and crowded most of the time ( I think that's a sign of how good the food is). Must haves Roasted Corn and Fish Tacos.
(5)Franco N.
One of the best Cuban restaurants I have visited. Great fish tacos, corn and cuban coffee.
(5)Daniel L.
The service was great. The drinks are ok. The food is nothing special. The only thing I would try here is the corn.
(3)Esther L.
Ok, the Cuban sandwich was excellent! The pulled pork was juicy, the sauce was creamy and the bread was toasty crunchy! Also had the shrimp tacos, which were ok but I really liked their rice and beans. The roasted corn was delish, must order that.
(4)Jen C.
Me an my friend went to this place after checking their reviews! And I liked the corn, (my friend just loved it!) Also the rice with beans but the cuban sandwitch was just ok. I'll come back for more cuban corns!
(4)Minh L.
This is kinda of a hidden gem. You probably won't come in unless you see it on yelp, which is how I stumbled upon it. Expect long waits, but it's all worth it. The place is tiny, and noisy, but that's my kind of place. A must get is the grilled corn. Goodness gracious, those cobs are divine, probably the best corn I've ever eaten in my life. Nice and sweet, and everything they put on there just melds so well with each other. For my entree, I got the grilled skirt steak. Decent steak, cooked medium rare, just to my liking. Got a mojito to drink, which was also decent. Will definitely be coming back soon, the corn is really out of this world.
(4)Flora B.
Thank God for my spunky, hip friend Lisa C. and thank God for my fellow Yelpers, all of whom led me to an incredibly delicious and satisfying lunch at Cafe Habana. YUM x 5 stars!!!!! Lisa was the mastermind who led us to Cafe Habana, but it was you, dear Yelpers, who made my ordering a snap. While waiting for a table (yes it was crowded at 2pm on a Friday...) I quickly scanned some reviews for highlights. Mexican corn. Check. Diablo chicken sandwich. Check. Tostones. Check. I would like to add, for future reference, that the rice, bean, and spinach plate is also a good way to go. Angela the bartender was superb... Yeah non-alcoholic limeade!! I'd go back in a heartbeat. Sweet Cafe Habana...
(5)Riz A.
Awesome sandwiches. the space is kind of small so i'd say its better for carry out...but oh my the grilled corn is delicious...
(4)Marlon T.
I wanted a quick snack so I went with the elote. Literally, it just means corn on the cob. Basically, it's a corn with butter and chili powder. This is a cheap street food in Mexico. I don't think a lot of people know this (exemplifying how diverse/transient NYC can still be a bubble). It cost me about $4--I mean it's just corn, butter, and chili powder so it better not cost more than $5. Take a break from shopping around SoHo and treat yourself to a tasty, quick, and cheap Mexican treat. I bet the other food is just as tasty so it wouldn't be a bad idea to spend a whole meal here too. This joint is small so it's not ideal for huge parties. If you are in a large party (10+), you'll probably be taking your food to go and classically eating outside (just like street food in Mexico).
(4)Derek R.
If only the employees of the Cafe Habana in Malibu were compelled to visit this joint and see how it's done.
(5)Cherry L.
corn. get it. the end. ps. such a fan fan fan!
(5)Billie L.
Went for a quick bite on a Saturday night. We arrived around 8:00pm and had a wait of 20 minutes, I noticed parties of two had a better chance of getting a seat within that 20 minute range. We were standing elbow to elbow with customers who were also waiting but due to the diner atmosphere (not in a shabby kind of way) and quick chef, tables were quickly turning over to others. The hostess was very friendly and took care of everyone who was waiting and checked up on those who were seated to make sure everything was okay.... Now for the best part.... As everyone on here has reviewed the Mexican corn on the cob is a must!!! I've never come across anything like it, both tangy and sweet!! My date ordered the pulled pork dish, I'm not a fan of pork but I think I finished more of it then he did, it was tender and flavorful, didn't taste like pork to me, was delicious. I had the grilled skirt steak cook exactly as I had requested, very good and comes with beans and rice! I love the simplicity and budget friendly prices. Two imported beers, apps and dinners for $42. Can't beat that price in NYC.
(4)Wing L.
Let me start off this review with this statement. I.. LOVE..the.. Mexican grilled corn here...love it. Haven't found a better version anywhere else in NYC yet, and trust me, I've tried. The combination of the cheese, butter, and Mexican chili powder here is outstanding. The grilled steak is a must try if you eat red meat. Not a very big portion but what they do serve you is marinated well and is very moist , juicy, and tender. For the seafood lover, try the Mejillones con Coco: steamed farmed mussels served in a spicy coconut sauce. Comes with a decent amount on a large bowl with the sauce at the bottom of the bowl to keep it moist and flavorful. I could go on and on about some of the other stuff here but these are the stand outs for the food that I have eaten. Get the Mexican Hot Chocolate while your there. It has a nice, cinnamon flavor to it that is different from the American chocolate drinks. Considering that it's chilly outside these day, it'll warm you right up. Of course the alcohol served at the bar might end up doing the same. There is always a wait to get into this restaurant so prepare for that. Right next door to the restaurant is the takeout area for Cafe Habana. It has it's own door and space. There is a small seating area inside. They have most but not all the major selections from the restaurant. In my opinion though, the take out is slightly inferior to what you get when you dine in. They have separate cooks and I think they always keep the more experienced one in the restaurant. The corn doesn't travel well. They wrap it in aluminum foil. When they do that it kind of crushes and brush away some of the wonderful cheese and chili powder. What you have left is a good grilled corn with a hint of it's former glory as the great Mexican grilled corn from Cafe Habana. Oh, and did I ever tell you that I love the corn here?
(4)Garrett P.
I've revisited and Habana is what I remember and better...any time pork is pulled and served with rice and beans I begin to salivate and Habanas is as good as anywhere... The corn is lathered in cheese and other amazing spices...I never thought a piece of corn on the cob could serve as an appetizer...low and behold. Just order Negro Modelos instead of Margaritas...you'll still get a buzz, but for half the price.
(4)Shawn A.
Lets set the scene. I was drunk. Really drunk. With my coworkers. On a Monday. And my boss says "Hey, we're by this awesome Cuban restaurant... we should totally go there... if there isn't an insane wait." "Ummm... boss? I know I'm extremely drunk here, but it's 10 o'clock.... on a MONDAY. What wait?" What wait you ask? (I ask? whatever.) The place was packed. With people waiting around for a table. The 45 minute wait translated in finding a bar nearby to have a not so quick drink, which in turn translated into me being even drunker by the time I sat down to enjoy myself some Cafe Habana, something that should clearly have been on my radar prior. We started off with some amazing grilled corn... but here was when the waitress started taking advantage of my drunkenness! I was ranting and raving about something or other (probably something I shouldn't have been saying around my boss and coworkers), and when I look down, I see that my not all eaten corn was gone! And I was totally still enjoying that! A lot! And then when the main dishes arrived, my steak with rice and beans was nowhere to be found. Everyone else got their food, and I just got the spins! My food showed up while everyone else was finishing up, and it required me to show my coworkers that not only am I an excellent worker, and an entertaining drunk, but I could speed eat like a mother$#&@er. The food here was really quite good, but the service? I hate it when a place gets so hyped up by it's own hype that they forget to give a crap about the people eating there. It seemed like the waitress was more out of it than I was... which is spectacularly impressive considering how smashed I was. Still, I'd be willing to come back (maybe a bit more sober. maaaaybe.) Because damn! I want to finish that corn!
(3)Dan F.
No need to mention what others have (apparently 594 reviews mention the corn). Just go here, now, even better if it's the summertime. My favorite place in the city
(5)PHILLIP K.
As others have said, the corn is awesome. I had the enchiladas suizas at the suggestion of the waitress. All of the flavor blended well, and I would definitely get them again.
(5)Nancy D.
Cafe Habana is a drunken-late-night-munchie kinda place. Two sides that I love to get here? The grilled corn (duh) and the TOSTONES. I'm a huge fan of tostones and I get super excited when I find a place that makes a good batch. It's hard to find tostones that are satisfying and NOT swimming in a bath of oil and grease. Green plantains deep fried to a crispy golden brown finish = heaven. Pair that with Cafe Habana's yummy garlic dipping sauce and voila!
(5)Eloi B.
Holy toledo. I love this place, and I'm excited to say so (all of my reviews thus far have been somewhat negative, and it feels good to like something)! I had only ever been to the Outpost in Fort Greene for a quick bite of corn or an average salad, so I never thought to consider that the flagship, Habana Cafe, would be such a blow-away experience. It was! The wait was about 25 minutes, but the hostess was charming, sincere, and committed to not losing track of who was next, despite the swarming and anxious bustling of chilled, impatient bodies. From the very beginning, things were great. I ordered the pozole. Such luscious hominy! Such fresh cilantro! Such delicate broth! A great dish. Everyone else at the table got "the boat" (I forget the real name for it). I had a quick bite of it and got my second sock knocked off when the goat cheese reached around the more traditional Latin flavors of mole, black bean, and red rice. Just effing great. Yes, yes, yes, go here. It's worth the wait. (Your waitress might be a little cold--ours was--but everything else--the hostess, bartender, food, environment--was out of this world.)
(5)yvette a.
Food is great and reasonably priced for the city. Won't disappoint. The corn is EVERYTHING they say it is.
(4)Ana P.
Great drinks. Great fish tacos. not expensive. Wish the spot were a bit larger so more people could enjoy. Sucks to wait in line but hey...when its good its good.
(4)Tran T.
I usually skip the wait at the cafe and go to the express to-go side next door. Their food is good, but nothing can stop me from getting their grilled mexican-style corn on the cob. The corn on the cafe side comes in a serving of 2 cobs. But on the express side, you wouldn't have to worry about how to split up an order between 3 people since you order by the cob. In California, you can also get mexican-style corn but only from Cafe Habana can you get that corn grilled as well. It's just so amazing how good corn can taste when it's grilled, and then slathered with a layer of mayo and cotija cheese, topped off with chili powder and lime juice. It's a culinary orgasm in your mouth!
(5)Andrew P.
We've had our eye on this awesome little eatery for a while, and finally braved the line. Seriously, the food is excellent, hearty and prompt. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. Another plus is the Latin jazz playing in the background. My only caveat is that you practically need to step over people to get in and out. If it weren't for that, four stars without question.
(3)Michelle P.
After a Broadway show matinee, my hubby and I decided to take a trek downtown to Cafe Habana for some good eats. While I had read the place was small, I didn't realize literally it could only sit about 30 people and fyi - not comfortably. Be prepared to make close friends since privacy is non-existent here. The bathrooms, for some reason are about 20 degrees hotter than the dining area...yech! That being said, their corn is addictive. Remainder of food is solid... not many places that I make an effort to clean up my plate - this is one of them. I'll be honest, ...great food noted, I'm just going to wait till its wintertime before I saddle up to a stranger like that again.
(4)aaron t.
Below average food. I don't think it's worth the wait and I wouldnt go back. I had a chicken dish and corn. I'm not a big fan of the corn. It's so drenched in mayo you're pretty much eating corn flavored mayo.
(2)Nancy H.
Even though it was a 40 minute way for a table for two, that's ok because they had a cafe next door, where you can just sit and chill until your table was ready. When we finally were seated, we ordered the grilled corn...so delicious. I loved the mayo-chile and lime juice combination. We ordered the chicken strips with garlic sauce, and this was solid. I loved everything! The sweet plantains were also a must. :()
(4)JINI K.
only one word can describe the food here... YUM! Well known for their tart and spicy corn this place is what some might call a hole-in-the-wall restaurant. But it is more than that. It is a restaurant that strives to sell delicious foods that are hefty in portions.
(4)Tyler L.
Low-key good food. F-yeah.
(4)Stephanie V.
Honestly the best Mexican/Cuban restaurant in the city. I've come here three times and every time I try something new and I leave very happily. The grilled shrimp tacos are a must try as well as the Mexican corn!
(5)Damionitis J.
The corn on the cobs was great but the cuban sandwich made me feel a lil sick. the waitress are definitely a product of Cuba.
(4)Melanie A.
This place is amazing if you love Cuban food and feel a little nostalgic about your past years in high school. The interior has an unexpected retro charm and they serve their delicious quesadillas with the right amount of high school bitchiness. The Cuban sandwich was really good and the blond waitress did her best to keep the prejudice of a rude trynna rip you off NYC attitude alive. However their Mexican corn did disappoint me a bit- I loved the seasoning and the dirty looks but the corn was a meager struggle corn that disappointed in juiciness.
(4)Sonia C.
The corn is good. The wait is long. The prices are low. The portions are big. Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "No shit, Sherlock." Well, as Cafe 687th reviewer, I have nothing else to add. Just try it out, you won't be disappointed.
(4)jodi p.
THE BOMB... Long lines, celebrity sighting, crowded.... but F*&K that corn is like crack! In my top 10 places to eat....
(5)Lorraine C.
This place is good for its crowded NYC atmosphere and their amazing Mexican grilled corn.
(4)Vito V.
gotta get the corn!!
(5)John Y.
Went here tonight on a recommendation of a long-time local. The place is tiny and busy, but we got lucky and were seated immediately by a friendly host. The menu is compact but packed with interesting selections. I ordered the Grilled Chicken dish, called Pechuga de Pollo al Pipian. The menu describes it as: Chicken breast served in a traditional toasted pumpkin seed & tomatillo mole with your choice of rice & beans. I would augment the description with a preface of "The best..." and a postscript of "...that you will ever taste, at a very reasonable price."
(5)laura y.
All I can say is YUMMM! hate the wait but its worth it. reasonable price, great margaritas, and nice service. its a really tight space in there so it can be uncomfortable at first but then you realize the atmosphere is pretty relaxing and laid back.
(4)Ingrid M.
I have been hearing ravs about this place since i first moved to New York 8 months ago. It definitely lived up to its reputation. Food review: Corn: great, but, la esquina's is superior Sopresitas appetizer: absolutely amazing. Reminds me of el savadors pupusas Cuban sandwich: overrated, i dont understand the hype Sweet plantains: delicioso, but i dont think i have ever had bad sweet plaintains dessert: some sort of unmemorable flan dish. Meh. Bartender: cute. Makes a great hot toddy.
(4)Thomas M.
Its so tight in here The food was good - got their city wide famous cuban. It lived up to it's name. Their "KRACK LIKE CORN" is a lie though, I've had better corn. It was good, but I wasn't clawing my eyeballs in amazement afterwards that I was expecting.
(4)Lisa H.
The elote (roasted corn) is bomb!!! So good that me and my friend ate here 3 times during our 5 day trip! (Once at the soho locations and twice at the outpost in Brooklyn.) elote is a must have!!! I also had the fish tacos. I thought it was nice that it came with rice and beans because the outpost didn't come with any. I also ordered the guava margarita which was delish! It got me a little tipsy off if one drink too. Hahaha. My friend ordered the carne asada tacos that came with two without any rice or beans. I thought it was lacking because it didn't come with any thing but lime. Where's the cilantro?! The tostones and moio sauce is really good too! Otherwise everything was delicious!
(5)Tina C.
My brunch here, on a chilly, chilly January morning, was just mediocre! I don't understand what the fuss is for ! Yes, the corn was good, but what about all the rest?
(3)Matthew P.
It used to be, back in the day, that the great food and drink at Cafe Habana would more than compensate for the cramped space, deafening noise, and very long wait (often in blustery weather). Man, this place has slipped. Badly. Perhaps it's because I make much better Mexican Corn (elotes) at home that I resented their funky tasting version (which used to be so good). The corn tasted like the cook didn't wash his hands after using Windex to clean the windows. My pork tacos-- meh, and WTF with a stale tortilla? Very disappointing. The frozen Mojito--almost undrinkable. It also had that funky taste like at 7-11 when they don't clean the ice machine. Frankly, this would be a 1 star review if it wasn't for the exceptional fresh coconut flan and good cafe con leche. I likely won't be back, which is too bad, because since they opened (sometime in the early 90s?) I've been here at least 2x a year. I'll just leave it to the faux hipsters and wannabe tourists.
(2)Charlie J.
I visited Café Habana on Sunday, December 14, 2009 mid-afternoon for a late lunch after my flight into to the city with a few co-workers. THE DÉCOR AND VIBE: The restaurant is very small. A small bar is situated immediately inside the door at the left with maybe 5 seats. Here the alcoholic drinks are prepared adjacent to the kitchen. The restaurant maybe holds 25 people. Most tables seat 2-4 patrons. As with many NY restaurants, the tables and chairs are tightly packed in, so it's a little uncomfortable. The décor and ambiance was fantastic, the most memorable elements being the dim old-school lighting and colors and the incredible music, which ranged from classic Stevie Wonder to Malatu Astatke, an Ethiopian "Ethio-jazz" musician I discovered on the "Broken Flowers" soundtrack. (Side note - if you haven't heard Astatke's music - stop reading this NOW and go buy Vol. 4 of the Ethiopiques collection immediately!) I also shouldn't fail to mention all of the beautiful ladies that work there. THE MEAL: *Mojito *Grilled Corn Mexican Style *Cuban Sandwich *Fries The mojito was pretty standard, but good. I could see taking a few of these down over a session at the bar. As most, if not all, patrons will tell you, the grilled corn Mexican style is excellent. It's quite decadent, being covered in spicy butter and cheese, but is not to be missed. I went for a classic Cuban sandwich with fries after that. They were solid, but I would venture out to other entrees next time. I don't have a record of the cost of the meal, but I think the mojitos were in the $8 range and the Cuban sandwich with fries was in the $10-$12 range. THE SERVICE: We were able to get a table unusually fast after waiting approximately 15 minutes. I think this was simply due to the time of day. The service was perfect for this type of place; the server was busy but still gave us the appropriate amount of attention. She was also able to provide helpful recommendations. On top of that, she remembered my co-worker from previous visits, which was impressive considering we're all from Tennessee. MY OVERALL OPINION: I loved Café Habana. It perfectly combines affordable food and drink, service, and music in a really fun atmosphere. Unfortunately, I wouldn't suggest coming here with more than 4 people. Regardless, it's one of those unique places that provides you with an immersive experience, making you feel like you're somewhere very different than where your really are. ...And don't forget the beautiful ladies!
(5)Christina D.
What can I say about Cafe Habana, except perfection! This tiny little cafe packs a lot of punch into their teeny tiny little space. Everything from the music, the decor, and the staff was perfect. The entire staff that works there are extremely gracious hosts and make you feel right at home from the moment you step inside. I managed to take a few pictures of the deliciousness before I had to put the camera away and just enjoy the food. What you are looking at here are two of their amazing appetizers, Grilled Corn, Mexican style, with chili pepper, lime, and cojita cheese! This is THE best corn I have ever tasted! And of course I could not pass up the tostones, which my mom makes a mean version of as well! Lots of delectable items on the menu to chose from, please go there some time!!! PS- I have cross-posted this review on my blog. And was linked from their blog which you should also check out: cafehabanablog.wordpress…
(5)Jenn L.
It's funny - since moving here, I've taken a good three or four other people here for their first times, and I can't but stop and giggle when they each take their first bites of the corn and that heavenly look spreads across their face - like they've been transported through time and space to who-knows-when/where. Needless to say that every time one of them has a visitor from out of town, Cafe Habana becomes a must-eat place on their lists.
(5)Andy U.
Always packed, always authentic. The Cuban sandwich was perfect. Excellent pork and ham and the bread was crusty and moist like it should be. As most others reviewed the corn is awesome so definitely order it!
(5)Antonella M.
C Corn.. you aren't just any little cob, you're my cob, you're special to me, you're my mexican fling... you're exactly how I like my men, a little cheesey, a little hot, and so biteable ;-) A A great CUBAN Sandwich... although it may be premade way ahead of time, I don't care in fact when I once took you home CS... I left you in the fridge for a week and I couldn't resist eating you a week later, there I said it.. we are out now.. but oh how I wish they would still take out the pickle for me - yuck - I know I am a baby F Finding a table in the restaurant isn;t so easy it is always crowded, luckily next door - the take out side has tables and bar stools and yes before you ask those good looking girls serving you... E Enchiladas De Mole Poblano - I only had this once... in fear of becoming 500 lbs... Chicken and Choclate in an enchilada.. god how I envy the mind of the creator... H Hot female servers.. yes, I am a female, but hey those Cubans have some bodies and they're own calendar - which they give away free in January usually A All at a friggin great price... nothing is expensive.. which means order more and spend more.. mMmm a fat person's daydream B Brunch menu, the crowd is okay, not my style and I am not sure why, maybe too classy for me hahahah appreciate my honesty and move on lol A Atmosphere is one of my favorite in the city, whether you are on the small bench outside eating cozied up to someone.. whther your in the take-out area watching the people of the neighborhood walk by, whether your in the crowded restaurant and about to be seated - enjoy it you are about to embark on a journey of pure Cuban tastebud bliss N Nothing on this menu sucks... I haven't found anything I don;t like, I mean I have tried to believe me, anything to try everything, even the friggin Oatmeal Cookie was good! A AMAZINGGGGGGGGGGG!
(5)Y S.
Unfortunately I went for brunch so I could not taste their more famous dishes like the Pollo Mirador. I was however able to try their grilled corn which was excellent as advertised. If you require a comfortable place to sit, this may not be the place for you. It is very small and packed. I'll be back for dinner soon...
(4)Shirley N.
DEEEELICIOUS! Get the corn with everything on it! So simple yet soooo addicting :)
(4)Christina N.
Really enjoyed our grilled corn, fish tacos, and the Cuban sandwich. Went on a Tuesday night at 10pm and it was still packed!
(4)Matt M.
Food is pretty good, very small place. Drinks are reasonable. Service is OK, we ordered a second round of drinks, they never showed up.
(3)Matthew C.
Cuban Sanwiches, platano mas duro/tostones and a delicious Mojito to ease the digestion.....YUMMY!!!! I hear the corn is off the hook and will try next time.
(5)Ashley S.
I love Cafe Habana! They have the best fish tacos that I love smothering in their side of mole sauce ( I always as for extra). Their grilled corn is out of this world, and in the morning their early bird special at the diner bar (corner seat by the wall) is wonderful. It is small, but it's worth the squeeze.
(5)Kristi K.
The corn alone gets them the 4 stars. It is so good I have been craving it ever since. The wine was good, the guava margarita was delicious and I had the pork with rice and beans which was also very tasty. The only reason they didn't get 5 stars was the fact that it is really crowded and you can't even stand inside if you are waiting for a table; the space is just really small, which is annoying. That being said, I would go back again, the food is excellent and the prices are very reasonable.
(5)Fanny C.
TOTAL love. I just happened upon this place the other day when walking through SoHo in search of lunch. Am I glad I stumbled upon Cafe Habana because it's now become one of my favorite eateries! It's definitely a place to eat when you're starving hungry 'cause it'll fill you up real easily. I'd say you HAVE to start off with the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. It comes with 2 corn on the cobs and you can not not order it. I had the Cuban Sandwich, and just eating half a sandwich, I was extremely stuffed already. It's a simple sandwich, but the ingredients are amazingly flavorful and so so scrumptious! Get it with a side of fries for a couple bucks more. My friend had the Quesadilla de Pollo and that was quite tasty as well. Great food, happy eating, fun service, and best of all, GREAT prices!
(5)austin b.
Usually stop in during lunch on the weekends. I get a order of corn and a cuban sandwich. I leave very satisfied. The corn is great and the sandwich is authentic! Lunch done proper!
(4)Jane S.
you have to try the grilled corn. you have to. wish this place was bigger. if you're in a rush or don't want to wait for a table in the restaurant (the restaurant is tiny and fills up fast), they have an area next door where you can order take-out (this place has a few small tables as well).
(5)Cathy D.
The corn was the BOOM DIGGITY!!! We stopped by Cafe Habana's takeout section which was in another store front adjacent to the sitdown corner restaurant. In a quest to get our grub on at multiple spots in NYC, we had just came pretty full from eating at Lombardi's, which wasn't too far away. So we didn't get to do the entire sit down experience here, but we got what we came for and left quite satified. MEXICAN STYLE CORN: Flame grilled corn, Mayo, Parmesan cheese, Chayenne Pepper/ or is it Chilli Powder?, and a lime wedge......Heck yah I'd come back for this!
(4)Jane K.
Slipped in here at 10 to five for a late lunch this past Saturday and our party of two had no wait (yay!). The kitchen was closed for their hour break so it's not such a huge surprise but we were delighted to enjoy some incredible frozen mojitos while we waited for the clock to strike five. The atmosphere was great: laid back and homey though it's incredibly tiny so let's just say you gotta be comfortable with someone accidentally eating off your plate (not me, I swear!). Everyone raves about the corn. I didn't order the corn. Just wasn't in the mood and that absolutely enchanting beverage that I was sipping up like a marathon runner downing water after a 5k race...oh my jesus so good...what was I saying again? Oh yeah, anyway a little booze and I felt like getting experimental and veering outside the Yelp reviewed items. The enchilada suiza sounded dope...and it was. Cheesy, hot, simple. I tried the cuban sandwich and it was aight...not as good as my dish IMHO. I'll go back and try the corn since it seems to have quite a cult following but in the meantime I can't urge you enough to give that frozen mojito a ride.
(4)Joanna L.
This is really not an update on the food (since it was still delicious) but more about the service. Although I'm sure the waitresses were extremely busy (it was a crowded Saturday) I was VERY disappointed in the poor service. Firstly, while we sat down and ordered relatively quickly, I ordered an iced cafe con leche and we received our food before I asked them what happened to the coffee and to bring by some waters. As I watched the waitresses swing by with water for other tables that sat down and ordered AFTER us, I wondered what happened again. So I asked for water again... it took them a good 20 minutes to just get us water... Then the cafe con leche? They brought out hot cafe con leche. Had to have them take it back and make it cold. I hope that next time I'll have a better experience. The food is too good to be paired with poor service, but I'll give them the benefit of the doubt that they were just too busy.
(3)Jenelle P.
I love this place. It's really squished,all the time. But still I love it. The food is great, the tostones- Yum. corn- delish. camarones- even better. mojito- yes, please! If you don't like to wait, don't go here on a saturday at noon. It's really that simple. Do the math.
(4)Sunny S.
Since we've had this blast of summer heat this past weekend, it's brought up sweet memories of corn on the cob from Cafe Habana's in New York City. On the corner of Prince and Elizabeth, you'll see droves of hipsters and tourists lined up outside waiting to get into this little 20 seater for yummy eats. Not only do they serve the best corn in town, but they have a killer Huevo Rancheros for breakfast and a mean mojito for that pre-party drink. They also have a take out window on the side for you movers and shakers. If you can't get to New York any time soon, I'm bringing a little Latin flavor to you; a simple, no frills recipe for yummy Mexican Corn. Ingredients 4 Ears corn, shucked 1/4 Cup melted butter or margarine 1/4 Cup mayonnaise 1/2 Cup grated Cotija cheese (or more, I am a cheese fanatic). If you can not find Cotija, use fresh Italian Parmesan 4 Wedges of lime Pinches of chili powder, ground cumin, ground red pepper, salt and pepper Directions 1. Make sure to pre-heat an outdoor grill for medium to high. 2. Grill the corn until hot and lightly charred for 7 - 10 minutes. Roll the corn in butter, then spread evenly with mayonnaise. Sprinkle the cheese generously and serve with a slice of lime and salt and pepper to taste. 3. Pinches of chili powder, red pepper and cumin are optional for those who like a little spice in their lives. * If you do not have an outdoor grill, simply just boil the corn in water for 10 - 15 minutes and char it a little over a frying pan. If you have a George Foreman Grill (or anything like it), this will work too. Time to fiesta, enjoy!
(5)John L.
Location, location, location. This is a restaurant that fully benefits on it's prime location. The food is good, but it's mad sceney and the majority of servers and customers are rubbernecking to look at all the pretty hip people coming and going. Not really my style and I opt not to eat here when it's busy. The service really suffers from the wait staff working so hard at looking sooo cool. The good news is there is a seperate take-out entrance around the corner. When it's nice out, I'll go here and grab a burrito or torta and corn on the cob and walk a 1/2 block south to the little sculpture garden and get all picnic on that shizz. Much nicer surroundings then the environment in the restaurant which goes like this: LES hipster + SOHO too cool for school = Nolita* douchebag-aroni with xtra cheese. *I actually really like this hood a lot, just calling it like I see it. Oh and if you want real Cuban food head over to Cafe Cortadito on B, or Amour Cubano up in Spanish Harlem. Don't be scared whitey, they won't bite. Much.
(3)Lulu T.
I go here a lot because damn I love the corn and sopesitos; I definitely do NOT go for the service which is always rude and slow. If I worked here I'd be so happy!! I am always curious why the waitresses seem so mean, but whatever...by the time my corn comes I don't care anymore....
(3)Jess L.
While this was not done on purpose, I am very glad that Cafe Habana is my 400th review. It was a wonderful meal! Yes, it's very crowded at lunch time, but you will get a seat. And it's worth it. The grilled corn alone is enough of a reason to stay. It is one of the best side dishes I've ever had - great flavor. Scrumptious. My friend and I both got the Sincronizada, "small black bean & sun dried tomato tortillas and mozzarella cheese and avocado." I know it doesn't sound like a lot of ingredients, but each bite was so delicious. And they don't skimp on the avocados, either! Service was pretty good given how crowded it was. We were practically sitting on our neighbor's laps, but that's part of the charm, right? A definite go-to spot in NYC!
(5)Lan N.
The corn here is the most amazing corn i have ever at in my life.. the dishes are good as well.. but corn is a must!!! small diner but lots of flavors. waiters are very nice and down to eat! price was good and affordable!! a hidden gem!
(5)Alex W.
What consists as a good restaurant? The primary concern is the food of course. That's why this place is 3 stars. The corn is what everyone comes here for. and it tastes very good. the way its cooked is excellent but i feel the quality of the corn itself could be better. The restaurant side is very cramped, bumping shoulders with people standing in the bar waiting to be seated. The sandwich side is equally cramped. the cashiers are not the friendliest and service on either side is unusually slow. but at the end, this place is a hole in the wall and these things should be expected and tolerated for the excellent corn, and great sandwiches.
(3)Dina M.
This place is so good! its hard to find seating but the food is amazing! Its so eco friendly and good!! its a must!
(5)ryan m.
whenever im showing a guest around the city, a stop in soho for shopping inevitably leads to lunch or dinner here....mostly because its a little more out of the way, not as easy for the tourists to find. though, the locals def know its here, and you will still probably wait for a table if its nice out, opt for the carry out right next door...the menu is a little different, but just as delicious and authentic, and you can eat outside on the benches ive gotten just about everything on the menu at this point, and so far, there has been nothing i wouldnt eat again, gladly. if you like corn on the cob, you must try it here, complete with cheese and spices, youll never look at bbq cobs the same
(4)K G.
Delicious brunch! You'll have to wait most likely. The bar seats are by far the best and get an alcoholic beverage. Trust me.
(5)Christophe G.
My partner insisted that we go to Cafe Habana right away when we landed at JFK. Because it's a place where he used to go all the time when he lived in NY, etc, etc. So we went! It's a small cafe with smiling waitresses, ours was definitely zesty and came from La Habana, or somewhere nearby. We ordered the mojito, and although they were a little small, there were delicious. Then, obviously, the corn! Really good, tasty with a hint of spicy. I then ordered the amazing pork chop. Great sauce, the meat was perfectly cooked and savory. My boyfriend got a great enchillada. By the time we were almost done dining, the place was full, and people were waiting at the bar to be seated. A hot spot, definitely.
(4)Shannon L.
Corn, duh. But what else? CUBAN SANDWICH!!! Oh man... I don't know why people recommend the Chicken Diablo Sandwich because although the chipotle mayo is good, the sandwich is dry without enough of it. And if you want more, prepare to pay an extra $1.25. Cuban sandwiches have not always been my favorite. Usually the ham is so overpoweringly boring that I cannot stand to eat it. It has always resembled plain ol', supermarket luncheon meat. But here, it is actually quite exciting to eat! The roast pork is flavorful and chopped up like tuna for some reason. This doesn't bother me though and the ham only adds to the juiciness. It is literally so juicy that oils were dripping down my mouth and all over my hands. Mind you, the place is small so if you go during a busy time, you'll have to wait but it's worth it. Make a friend wait and peruse the neighboring boutiques or vendor stands.
(5)Christina C.
Hands down, this is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. There's a reason behind the 600+ reviews and the long waits to snag a table at any given time. It all comes down to the food. The food here is undeniably mind-blowing delicious, in my humble opinion. Take it or leave it, if you will. But the long lines here are really annoying, especially when one sees large families inside eating 2 hour long dinners and they know that there are hungry people waiting outside in the cold. I even locked eyes with one dude for about 40 minutes. He took his grand ol' time and my stomach was ready to eat him alive. Shame on you! Fast forward to 45 minutes later on a Thursday night, 3 hungry girls were ready to stuff our faces. Here's what we ordered: 2 plates of Grilled Corn Mexican Style- 4 grilled to perfection corn on the cobs were smothered in mayonnaise, chili powder (this has a kick!), and cotija cheese. Squirt lime juice on top. You will think of nothing but these delicious kernels going down to your belly. Corn will never taste the same ever again. Tostones- fried flat pieces of plantains shaped in little discs. They comes with chipotle mayo and garlic mayo. SUPERB! These are the best plantains I've ever had and I consider myself a plantain connoisseur. I would make sweet love to these if I could... Enchiladas Estilo Norteno- grilled steak enchiladas with a spicy red ranchero sauce and a side of rice & beans. Perhaps my favorite entrée here and the best enchiladas ever! Camarones Al Ajillo- shrimp a red spicy garlic sauce with a side of rice and beans. This is another outstanding dish. The shrimp packs in so much flavor from the sauce and they serve a decent amount of those tiny suckers. Chuleta De Puerco A La Pimienta- grilled pork chop & goat cheese toast with a wild mushroom & chipotle "au poivre" sauce. I believe this is their take on a French bistro version of pork chops. Not as amazing as the others, but just as good. The pork was cooked perfectly, but the sauce was a little too much for my liking. All I tasted was the mushrooms and cream, which tended to take center stage. At the end, we killed all three entrees and side dishes. Couldn't breathe or function properly after paying the check. I had to run up my 25 flights of stairs to get to my apartment so I didn't feel so bad about stuffing my face with the amount of food I had consumed. If anything, go for the corn and tostones. Such stomach pleasers!
(5)Steve V.
I've been coming here for awhile now and this place has never disappointed. I only wish they would expend so that the wait time weren't so bad. At anytime of day, you can expect a wait of 30-75 minutes for either a party of 2 or 4. a party of 4 almost guarentees you a 45 minute wait as only a few table in the restaurant can accomodate this. Now, onto the food. This place is solid all around with entrees ranging from $10-$20. a must have is the corn on the cob. They season it with spices and cheese and a little lemon that you squeeze on and it is perfect everytime.
(4)Michael P.
Shout out to Leighann F. for the recommendation! Thanks! *** THE WAIT The wait was killer when we came. For a group of 4 at 6pm, ETA was 1hr to 1hr 15. We came back in 50 mins, but she had already given our table away b/c we weren't there 5 mins earlier when our table was ready. We had to wait another 40 mins. WTH! This place has VERY VERY limited seating. Maybe 10 tables total, each with a maximum capacity of 2-4 people. *** THE FOOD The food was definitely tasty and worth trying, but for n00bs here, I don't think it's worth the 1hr 30min wait. I think 30-40 min wait is appropriate. My friend and I shared the Mexican style grilled corn ($3.95). It comes with 2 grilled corn dressed with chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. It's their signature appetizer dish so it's worth the try! To me, I enjoyed it, but I prefer my corn less seasoned so that I can taste more of the corn's natural flavors. I ordered the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta ($12.95). It's grilled pork chop & goat cheese toast with their "famous" wild mushroom & chipotle "au poivre" sauce. I don't know the story behind why it's so famous but I loved the dish. Big thick juicy slab of pork in a pan gravy sauce with yummy mushrooms. With the rice and sides that come with the dish, the portion size satisfies a healthy appetite. You will finish your plate but you're not left wanting that much more. Perhaps room for dessert? Also, note that next door there is a to-go version of this restaurant. You can get the same food without the long wait!
(4)emily h.
Love the tostones, the loud Cuban music, and the friendly and beautiful staff. There's just no place to stash my shopping bags.
(5)Anh D.
I was never really a fan of the cuban sandwich until I had it at Cafe Habana. Rather than using deli meat like most places, this place uses real shredded pork which makes it all the more delicious. This is by far one of the best cubans i've ever had. In addition to that, I usually do not get corn but my friend recommended that I try it and i have to say, it was good, really good. I've been to alot of great places to eat in new york but this place really sticks out in my memories and taste buds. If i ever have friends visiting new york, I always tell them to come here now. The place is a little small so you'll have to wait to be seated, but it's totally worth it. If you dont want to wait, you can go to the take out side and order there and just eat in there. it's not as nice as the sit down side of the restaurant, but the food is just as good.
(5)choad x.
I ate here and it was awesome! The horchata is fake. Don't get it. Water plus powder. Get the corn though of course.
(5)Melissa R.
crowded yet cozy great music in the background enchilada suiza w/ tomatillo sauce=amazing must try the corn thanks for the recommendation!
(5)SA G.
I loved the Elotes the most. The other entrees were delicious too. This is not a place to go to for ambiance or a romantic dinner. And its way too cramped. Ambiance means a lot to me, if I just want good food, then there are plenty of hole in the wall places. But all in all, I did enjoy the dinner overall, not a bad experience.
(3)M C.
Came here for breakfast and dinner. I've been here about 4 times now and every time there was at least a 20-30 minute wait. Not so bad if you're standing at the bar and having one of their margaritas. DELICIOUS. Just the right amount of alcohol and sugar. They also have flavored margaritas but I suggest getting the original.. MMMmmMmMm! Crowded, loud, small tables, tight spaces, no where to hang your coat.. love it (isn't that what NY's all about?)!! Waitresses are gorgeous and super friendly. The corn is out of this world. and their food....... oh man.. their FOOOOOD. !!!!! THE best pork chops and enchiladas EVER. Even their plantains were good and I don't even like plantains !! @_@ One of thee best restaurants in the city hands down. Oh and prices are good too!
(5)Michelle M.
This place has the most delicious food imaginable. I really don't to repeat the raving about the corn, but it's inevitable. The corn is YUMMY. I mean, words really can't describe it. The restaurant was very crowded, and the servers seemed to be spread a little thin, but the food beyond compensates for this shortcoming. We ate until we were very full. I wanted to try the dessert, but had no room :( The prices were also very reasonable. I cannot wait to go back.
(4)Matthew S.
i've since had REAL elote at the Red Hook Ball Fields. it was about 1,345% better than this place and cheaper. fuck cafe habana
(2)Jamie C.
After all the reviews about their transcendent crack corn, I finally made it to Cafe Habana last night with an old friend. I must say, feeling a little let down. Maybe I was expecting orgasms or something, but the food just did not live up to my expectations. The corn was little over charred, and though they sprinkle cheese on it, I still felt it was kind of bland. Needed more butter and salt. I've had far better Mexican corn at Diablo's. But it is what it is. By some miracle, we did not have to wait that long for a table. Just 10 minutes. All the staff (about three of them serve as waitresses and hostesses) were super nice. It had a homey diner feel mixed with a tropical flare which was also nice. I had the chicken enchiladas and my friend had the steak. We were both pleased with the meals.... still nothing spectacular and life changing. The mango margarita was probably the highlight of my meal. A strong frozen Margarita with a mango puree at the bottom. Mixed it in and it was DELISH! Overall this spot is A-ok with me though I'm not in a rush to come back. I'm the type of person who likes to linger over my meal. With the wait outside, I feel like I would be kind of rushed, not by the waitresses who were so nice, but by my own guilt for dominating a table. Fortunately, we came towards the end of the dinner rush and there were few people waiting so I felt very little guilt then.
(3)Jeff C.
Ode to Mexican corn... Just a little look has got me feeling things Just a little touch has got me seeing things Just a little taste has got me off the chains Doing things that I don't want to Do it like you do it to me (I'm burning up) Do it like you do it to me (it's not enough) Do it like you do it to me just open up Don't you know how much I want you BEST MEXICAN CORN! I was MUCHO HAMBRE upon arrival. Too bad there was a 15min wait @ 7:30pm on a Thursday so we went to Bossa across the street first. I didn't know you can order drinks or frozen drinks while you wait. Waitresses Padma and Padma Jr. were really nice to us, with lots of spunk and personality. Like Ed F mentioned, if you walk away, your name will be crossed off the paper. Padma was nice enough to stick us back in front of the queue after we lost our table though. Alas, the wait was finally over. I got to try the ethereal Mexican corn you all covet. You know what, it DOES live up to the hype, I must say. When torn between the steak and the chuletas, Padma Jr. said to go with the chuletas, since steak is on their lunch menu. I come to later find out what a wise choice that was. The yellow rice here is of the small grain non-sticky variety. The black beans are to die for. Good looking crowd, unpretentious vibe, elbow to elbow diner table seating makes for good times with good company. You know what, I don't care if it's authentic, as long as it's good. General Tso's chicken isn't authentic either, but it's damn good when made right. Cafe Habana is comfort food that hits the spot, reminding me of soul food with a Latin American flair. I will be back within a week to try the steak! -Grilled Corn Mexican Style ($3.95) [served with chili powder lime & cotija cheese]- heaven on a wooden stick, you get 2, i think the grilled char on the outside makes this dish, so heavenly, i could eat 10 of these! -Camarones Al Ajillo ($14.50) [shrimp in spicy garlic sauce served with rice & beans]- they would call shrimp gambas in Barcelona, a thicker sauce than i had imagined, shrimp heads were off (ugg) so no shrimp head tamale for Jeff, very sad -Chuleta De Puerco a La Pimenton ($12.75) [grilled pork chop & goat cheese toast with our famous wild mushroom & chipotle au poivre sauce]- you get 2 ample sized chops, perfectly cooked, up there with Little Giant and Gramercy Tavern's, goat cheese toast was so amazing, plenty of mushrooms in the cream sauce, i would have loved a more heavily infused chipotle flavor though, still excellent, great deal, MUY DELICIOSA! Mexican corn recipe (courtesy of Sunny S.): partlysunny.ca/2008/06/1… Total came out to $20/pp after everything
(5)jennie t.
yummm! very authentic and DEEELICIOUS!!! this place is very cozy and fun... i came here with a few friends and had an awesome time! if ur in the area, u should def. try this place. It does get really packed, so go a bit early.
(4)Jeffrey B.
Definitely delicious! Only decided to go here because of the reviews on Yelp, and Yelp didn't disappoint! The place is tiny, but totally cute! It's cramped but works. Got there with two friends and we were seated right away. (Beware: All members of your party must be present to be seated!) The server was amazing! Always paying attention to us, although the place was crazy busy! Food was delicious, loved the corn! Spicy, buttery and flavorful with a touch of that smokey taste. YUMM!! Also had the Cuban sandwich - I love Cuban sandwiches, and now I love them even more. Dripping with deliciousness I couldn't lap this big Cuban up fast enough. Satisfying meal without feeling ridiculously overstuffed - although we definitely were ALL stuffed! Favorite part? My friends were done with their meals, and I still had a few bites of my Cuban to go. Instead of rushing to get us out and others seated, she asked if we wanted another beer - obviously seeing we were pretty much done. Of course, I couldn't say no to another beer, so after I finally finished my meal, we sat for a few minutes to finish our last drinks and let the food digest. Didn't once feel rushed to get out! Oh, the crowd was also interesting - and by the time we left the entire front room was filled with too cool for school 20-sumtins drinking the delicious nectar of the gods. Going back here? For sure!!
(5)Jay B.
Another one of my must-eats for the NYC. This place is pretty small, so it can easily get cramped. The wait is definitely worth it though, from the main dishes, to the plantains, and especially to their famous corn. Make sure you get the corn when you're there. You get two pieces, which is definitely more than enough for two people. Service is awesome. They are friendly and very down to earth. There's a non-sit down mode of the restaurant right next door, so if you're in a hurry, just order some corn and be on your way.
(5)Elizabeth K.
everyone i know talks about this place whenever i mention food in new york. the food lived up to its hype. i love breakfast food and its one of the best ive had. and you MUST get the corn.
(5)Bea M.
Went here on an off night, only about a 10 minute wait. The place is small, but it works. It's cozy and you don't mind. It might have also helped that I hadn't heard a lot of hype so I didn't have any built up expectations. The food was good, yes especially the corn everyone keeps mentioning. The plantains were good and our main dishes as well. The waitress was super friendly. I would definitely go back, probably not if I had to wait an hour outside in the winter but on an off night or a busy night when the weather is warmer.
(4)Christine M.
the first few times i came here, i didn't realize that it was a place that people actually considered to be "cool". it's great if you're there with one other person, or by yourself because everything about this place is quite small. not cramped, just cozy, and the crowd in here is always rad. i almost regret going vegan because their huevos rancheros are excellent. that and a bloody mary, and you'll be ready to face whatever lies ahead of you that day, regardless of what you did the night before. also GRILLED CORN....grilled corn.
(4)Lynda D.
Came here during spring break. I specifically come here for their flavored Mexican Corn! Pure awesomeness!!! Price is reasonable. $2.50 for corn. #atmosphere: it's seems to be crowded every time I come here. There's a restaurant section and a take-out section. I thought the takeout section was the restaurant, not until I left and saw the restaurant next door lol Check out my vlog on YouTube.com/lyndeezleTV for my food adventure in NYC
(4)Velina L.
Small, no reservations, but AMAZING food! You definitely don't want to miss the Mexican grilled corn and the cuban sandwich with melt-in-your-mouth pork. The fish tacos were also really good and I especially loved the rice it was served with. Portions are huge so sharing is highly recommended. Also, get a lot of extra napkins - eating can be quite messy!
(5)Liat K.
This place is very delicious. It's very small and crowded, which is the only downside, but its otherwise good and very affordable.
(4)Meagan B.
Yes, the corn changes lives. It is truly amazing. A few points to note, first it is a small place, they might put you near the bath room and that is really annoying so be prepared, second, the tables are small, third if you come here and don't get the corn, you will probably regret it for your life. There are two in an order. I had the enchiladas suizas which were good and my friend had the cuban no complaints, but it wasn't the best part of the meal. Minus one for sitting people near the bathroom, but the service was great friendly enthusiastic and loved to dance it out to the cuban beats. Beware of the occasionally bitchy customer thinking they deserve more space than they are given, it can be a pain, but just go with it. Finally don't get the corona lime juice drink unless you really love lime juice, it is NOT a splash of the juice instead more like a cup.
(4)Youri H.
My buddy had been talking this place up, so I knew I had to make the trip. His advice - Cuban corn. Oh my god. Roasted Corn covered in a spicy mayo and cheese with a lime zest garnish. I never knew that corn could be so filling until eating here today - and it was cheap! Maybe $6 before tip for two massive pieces. My only regret is that I didn't get a chance to explore the menu a bit more, but judging by the smiles on everyone's faces, I'd say it's a hit. Pro Tip: If you're solo, grab a seat at the counter. Guaranteed to atary
(5)Yolanda C.
Terrible over-rated food, over-priced, cheap, small portions, tiny, crowded space - people of normal weight and size won't be comfortable sitting in this space. They don't even offer free chips and salsa. Do not go out of your way to go to this terrible place.
(1)Yumi A.
When I get a craving for their spicy corn and chilaquiles verdes, I hesitate to take along more than one other person with me for fear of drooling uncontrollably in front of the endless line of hungry, fashionable New Yorkers. Go early, don't go with a group larger than 4, and enjoy! Last time I went, all of the servers were having a ball singing & dancing while taking orders. Fun times!
(4)Richard P.
Mexican, Latin American & Cuban food unlike any I've ever received at a restaurant. I was raised on Mexican food, having a talented Mexican mother who cooks outrageously delicious traditional dishes, and can barely stomach eating at a Mexican restaurant anywhere, much less Los Angeles or San Diego. Lemme just say Cafe Habana has changed all that. Get the grilled corn - you won't be disappointed! I had the enchiladas suizas and was just blown away.
(5)Sandy C.
I came here mainly for the corn. I went, I ate, and I conquered. Corn is always delish and perfectly cooked. I crave for this corn! There is a wait however, good thing I went early right after work on a Friday. The place is really small and has small tables so it's not really good for parties of 5 or more. I got the cuban sandwich which was very authentic and yummy and my bf got the Roast pork which was good too. The corn was so good, we got an order to go. I'd come here again but I wouldn't be able to wait very long, especially with the aroma of the corn calling my name.
(4)Charlynne C.
Just thinking about Cafe Habana makes my mouth water. A friend and I had a lunch date there a few Sundays ago, on that crazy blistering 90 degree weather day in April. Despite the heat, the cafe was packed! My friend had brunch, eggs scrambled w. veggies and other things that I cant remember now... I didn't try it but it looked really good. And she said it was "yum". I ordered the Diablo Chicken Sandwich. It was delicioso! It was a huge sandwich (I had to take half of it home). It came with fries and jalepenos. It was spicy but a yummy kind of spicy that makes you want to keep eating more. Oh man, what I'd do for a Diablo sandwich now... Habana- is worth the heat, the wait, the food and def the prices... what're you waiting for?! GO FOR IT.
(5)Thomas C.
I think this restaurant should be retired from Yelp. It's not even worth reviewing. Habana is a serious New York institution that needs no explanation and is above a bunch of clowns discussing the pros and cons. Best time to go: disgustingly hot and humid nights of NYC summer. Con: closes at midnight.
(5)Aghavni W.
I would move to New York just for this place! I went to Cafe Habana twice in my one-week stay, which says a lot considering how many amazing eateries I had to choose from. In LA, we have Porto's Bakery, which everyone loves and will sacrifice the drive to visit. But the food (can't speak for the pastries) pales in comparison to Cafe Habana. The mexican style grilled corn was so memorable that three weeks later I can still picture it in my mind and salivate at the thought of the perfectly golden nuggets sprinkled with parmesan and ground red pepper. The Cuban Sandwich blew my mind as well as the chicken with mole sauce sandwich. I had half in the subway while I was rushing back to pick up my luggage on my last day and the other half on the plane when we were stuck on the tarmac for 2 hours in JFK. My cousin texted me the other day saying, "Guess where I am?" I almost cried.
(5)V H.
Great Mexican grilled corn although the size fluctuates pretty significantly. They top the corn with some delicious mix of cheese and spices. At about $2 each... a little pricey but definitely worth it. The cuban sandwich is also a great meal. So much meet and delicious bread. Go to the side to go bar for faster service.
(4)Kelvin T.
Cuban sandwich - pork was moist but not enough pickles needed mustard to give it some kick. Chicken with tortilla and beans was overly spicy but not bad. Fries were good as was the corn. Not truly Cuban cuisine, but the ambiance and the cheerful service makes up for the cramped seating and long wait on the weekend. I prefer La Esquina lunchonette - for food and ambiance. If you want good Cuban go to Margons on 46 St.
(3)Bryan S.
It's tiny. But worth the wait. The corn makes me happy.
(4)Lauren N.
the corn is amazing! i didnt know this when i went in years ago and had an ok burrito....but get the corn. how it is limey and spicey and cheesy i dont know..but its so wonderful. just order it already!
(4)Malachi C.
I had heard so much about this place I expected to be let down once I finally got there. To my pleasant surprise, I was not. The corn alone is worth the trip. When they provided table-side toothpicks it sealed the deal for me. One of the best restaurants in NYC.
(5)B J.
All I can say is Corn, Corn and more Corn. It's the best grilled corn I have ever had. I am not sure what the seasonings consist of but I know there is cheese and lime. I had dreams of that corn for many nights after I had eaten there. I also recommend the Cuban Sandwhich and the Mango Margarita. The place is small, very small. I could literally reach into the plate of the person next to me without barely stretching out my arm. However, the food makes up for the lack of space. The place was packed but fortunately since my party was just my best friend and myself we were seated right away. I will always make a point to go to Cafe Habana anytime I am in New York.
(5)Jennifer C.
The corn is AMAZING! I wish I had room in my stomach for an entree, but everything looked and smelled delicious. It was homey in a good way.
(4)Dean L.
You just can't get corn like this in Canada....so fellow Canadians....if your going to New York.....You Must hit up Cafe Habana. I have no words to explain how delicious it is. The perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and citrusy, with an oh sooo creamy cheese topping. My Only regret is that I didn't get a chance to explore the menu further, but if the corn is that good, (see my pic) I'm sure the rest of the menu will be just as delicious. Trust me, Cafe Habana, is where its at. Do it. I ate at some really good restaurants while in New York, but now that I'm home, I've developed some withdrawal symptoms. That corn left a lasting impression, and I'm having intense cravings. I will be back. Mos Def.
(5)Jessie M.
This is one of those restaurants that prove you don't need a super fancy or big to have an impact on a neighborhood. Yes the corn is good, but its the atmosphere, the music, and hell, the rest of the menu, that make this place what it is. I will say the server we had was kindddaaa a bitch. But she got better towards the end of our meal. I think it's just overwhelming to work in a small space that is constantly packed with people.
(4)C W.
don't get me wrong, this place is good but because its so busy (service is okay at best), it isn't the best. its small, tight, and always packed! on a sunday night at 6pm, the wait for 4 was one hour. the corn is GOOD. a must have in my book. most of the entrees are good especially the enchiladas and pulled pork dish. the chicken entree i had (pollo mirador?) was NOT good - disappointing in fact. polish off the corn and entree with some fried bananas for dessert and you have a better than average dinner. beware - this place is literally a hole in the wall. if you don't pay attention, you can easily miss this place.
(3)Gina C.
CRACK-ON-THE-COB. I've been holding off on writing this review because there are simply no words that can describe the goodness that is crack on the cob (see pics). This is one stick I don't mind putting into my mouth. Cafe Habana is one of the places I always hit up when I visit New York. It's in the upcoming/trendy Lower East Side on a little corner shop. It is always packed - go early, or wait. And if you're over 250 lbs, sorry, you probably just can't physically fit inside. This place is run pretty efficiently and has a diner-esque feel inside. The food itself is amazing - the beef, crushed nuts, yucca, rice, everything is succulent and full of flavors & spices. This was my first time trying a Michelada, and it became my new favorite drink (but hard to find places that'll make it). I give this place 4.5 stars just because the wait is ridiculous. But, you must try this place it - I demand you.
(4)MJ H.
MJ's Star : 4 Price : Grilled Corn $1.95 (excluding tax)
(4)Yvette W.
There are few places in NY where I would willingly go and wait upwards of 45 minutes or more for a table, Cafe Habana has got to be one of them. Everything about this place from the location, to the crowd, to the chill atmosphere to the goodness divine food they serve up has such character. It's been said over and over again, but saying it once more never hurt...the corn is simply A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I don't even like cheese, and this corn has me begging for more. Before Cafe Habana, corn was just corn to me. Now corn on the cob takes on a whole new meaning. Thank god they have a little take out shop next door so that I can just pop in time to time to get one on the go. And thank god they have an outpost out in Brooklyn too!!
(4)Jay N.
Shocked to see the number of reviews on Yelp, so had to go check it out for dinner after shopping in the SoHo area. Around the time we got there, the steady drizzle turned into a TORRENTIAL downpour. Nonetheless, the waiting crowd spilled out into the street, huddled under umbrellas. Impressive. We were quoted a wait time of an hour, but in just over half that time, our group of five found ourselves tucked into the cozy back table of the (tiny, cramped) restaurant. We started with drinks (mojitos, large in size, decent but not anything special) and appetizers. Yes, the famous corn on the cob. Yes, it was quite good, and a warm comfort from the cold, rainy night outside. That said, is it heretical to suggest that the corn is "good, not great", and I'm surprised at the hundreds of worshipful reviews it has received? Instead, I fell hard for the "sincronizada toluca", which is something between a quesadilla and a Mexican pizza. With chorizo. This was terrific! I whiffed on the entree, though, going for the "Tlacoyo de Tres Marias", a corn shell stuffed with beans and sun-dried tomatoes. It was unfortunately too plain and lacked any flavor, and my attempts to remedy this by piling on the hot green sauce had my mouth on fire. My companions enjoyed their selections though, and in retrospect, I think I may have been much better off had I gone with the roast pork (the losing end of my 50-50 indecision when the waitress took our order) or the skirt steak. I tried my friend's pollo mirador, and that seemed tasty as well. I like Cafe Habana's location and the decor and vibe of the place. Good value for the price--entrees between $10 and $14. The staff are friendly and responsive despite the constant busyness. The food is generally good, though the menu has some misses. If you go, you'll have to find somewhere else to wait, because there's absolutely no room in the diner.
(3)Jen O.
Getting relief from the surprise downpour by stepping into Cafe Habana heightened my impression of this restaurant much more than coming here on a clear, sunny day would have. Granted, the main reason my friends and I were even standing out in the rain in the first place was because we had to wait 45 minutes to get a table, but I digress... There were three of us, and we made sure to order the corn to see what all the fuss was about. Since each order only comes with two cobs, we got two of them. I loved how they were unabashedly SMOTHERED in butter, chile powder and parm. I took it in my best interest to unabashedly snag the remaining corn cob before the other two could get to it. The pollo mirador had sauteed chicken in roasted garlic sauce, rice and sauteed spinach. The chicken was amazingly tender. The enchiladas and halibut dish were also superb. I can definitely see why this place is crackin' in Nolita.
(4)ronnie k.
roasted corn. ROOOAASTED COOOOORRRNN!! cuban sandwich was dank too. bloody mary.. ehh..
(5)April B.
Awesome! This place is a tradition for us. Each time we visit a particular client we head to Cafe Habana for grilled corn, cuban sandwich or skirt steak and a healthy amount of mojitos! Con: it's small and the wait can be long but worth the wait!
(4)AJ R.
Food was fantastic but service was beyond DISSAPOINTING. Was told to wait outside in the RAIN, while I waited for a table to open up, i was asked if I knew what I wanted before I was seated, I wasn't brought a glass of water until AFTER i finished my meal even though I asked twice.
(2)Antonio C.
First time I have the cuban sandwich and its awesome!
(5)Ana P.
I LOVE this place!!! The food is great and the prices are awesome! They have brunch and dinner menu which is good because you get a variety of choices depending on the time of day, but anything that you would like to eat its going to be amazing!!! The Mexican corn is the best! It is really good take this advice from an authentic Mexican. The mix of Mexican and Cuban dishes are a great combination, and the ambiance is great. This tiny place is decorated very cool and the staff is friendly and nice to the costumers. Everybody eating there is always in a good mood and all of the people seem to enjoy whatever they are doing (eating, cooking, bar tending, serving, taking orders, even waiting on line outside). The wait can be long (40 min sometimes) if you go on the weekends at peak hours, but there is the Habana to-go next door and you can enjoy a grilled corn while waiting to be seated. I recommend the "micheladas" if you like spicy or the mojitos! Another advice is if going with a large group of friends try to split so you will be seated faster.
(5)Robert T.
By far the best grilled corn on the cob I've ever had. They coat it with a delicious creamy sauce and cheese. The steak sandwich and the cuban sandwich are HUGE. And the hibiscus tea is a winner as well. The only downside is the space is quite cramped, but the prices are super reasonable, so I understand why.
(4)Justin H.
Stopped by this place after i ate at another restaurant to try the corn. The corn was really good, almost as good as the mexican corn you can get on the street in LA. I wish i would have visited this place on an empty stomach so that i could have tried another dish as well. I can co-sign the corn though, its really good.
(4)Jose M.
I had tried to go before and couldn't bc it was PACKED...i made a second attempt and after waiting over an hour to be seated...i honestly don't understand what people see so special in this place...food is just ok...(sweet plantains NO...BAD...burnt and dry!)...if i could seat right away maybe i would go back some day...but def not waiting another hour to eat here...you don't feel comfortable even for a minute bc place is just tiny...and service (sorry to say...) kinda of rude, although i understand due to the khaos in the palce... to be fair the corn is good...but you won't see me there again...
(2)Ms G.
The first time I tried to come here for brunch, the wait was ridiculously long. We had a party of four. I heard great things about this place (mostly from Yelp) and I so wanted to eat there that day but it was impossible. Second time's a charm... if you come on a Friday at 2pm with a party of 2. The wait was only 10-15 minutes. This place is SMALL. If you don't want to wait, they have take-out available behind the restaurant. There's like 2 servers at this place so service can get slow at times. I knew I should've ordered the Cuban sandwich but I wasn't in the mood for a sandwich that day so I ordered the fish tacos and my friend ordered steak and eggs. We had also ordered corn but it didn't come out until after our entrees. The corn was delicious! It was so good, we got another one after we had eaten eaten our main course. Sad to say that the only reason I would come back here is for the corn. The other food, cramped atmosphere, slow service isn't worth waiting around for. My fish tacos were bland and soggy while my friend's steak was chewy and tough even though it was medium rare. If it had been cooked further, it'd be inedible. The iced tea was also warm. I give them credit as the waitresses don't really have control over when food comes out of the kitchen and they were nice about seating us in a more spacious area as my friend was pregnant at the time, but I think I'll opt for take-out next time.
(3)edrick w.
Just came here to try out the corn and it was worth the visit, if you want a quick snack to tie you over between lunch and dinner you have to come by to this place where it seems to be packed any time of day.
(4)Tony B.
Just like everyone says, get the corn. I also had the chicken with mole/tomatillo sauce, and it was amazing.
(5)Shoaib R.
There's something really homey and nice about this spot, and when I sit at the bar, I always feel uplifted when I see all the interesting people in this place. It's definitely an interesting scene. Everyone who works here is incredibly rushed due to the sheer number of people who wait to get in, but the service is great regardless. And the huevos rancheros I ordered were excellent, even though their method of preparing them is of a different kind than my preference (I prefer the kind with more of a chunky chopped up tomato and jalapeno salsa, whereas their's is made from more of a pureed, possibly cooked, salsa). The eggs were cooked to just the right combination of firmness in the egg whites and semi-liquidness in the yolks that I expect in this dish. I was looking at what all the other people ordered, and it all looked really good. I'm definitely going to be coming back to try the other things on the menu, such as the corn that people can't stop talking about. Edit: I've since been back, and I tried one of their enchilada dishes. I was extremely impressed. It beats some of the enchiladas I've had in California and Texas. I absolutely love this place now, and I'll be back as often as possible. And I love that they have guava flavored drinks! I tried the corn, too, and while it really was something quite great, I don't see why so many of the reviews focus solely on it. I mean... the rest of the menu is much, much more delicious...
(5)krys s.
this place holds two intimate storefronts and both were mad crazy busy. but the service was fast and the hosts even had walkie talkies to organize seating and bus tables. fancy! they swore their ham and cheese cuban sandwiches are the best in NY, but it was pretty lack luster in my opinion. although the roasted pork and swiss cheese were great, the bread was way too tough and dense and there were hardly enough pickles and mustard. booooo.... ny, if you want a REAL cuban sandwich go to sol food or la taza de cafe in the bay area. their sandwiches are legit. and yes, it's worth the travel.
(2)Xue T.
Shopping+Corn+Summer Heat+Frozen Mojito = Perfect. They take credit card by the way contrary to what someone else said on yelp! Two corn for $3.95
(4)Carol Y.
Very small restaurant and cramped seating but offers delicious food with big flavors. Also, great customer service even when it's really busy! Must try their corn!! Who knew corn and cheese = good!
(4)Christine N.
That corn on the cob is so good. There's no cute way to eat it so roll up your sleeves, put a napkin on your lap, and dive right in. Oh yeah, the Cuban sandwich was really good too.
(5)Mell F.
If there are any doubters ...The afore and oft-mentioned corn on the cob is in the top ten things I have EVER eaten. It's that good. Don't go expecting a lot of elbow room or a nice quiet dinner. It's crowded. It's noisy. It's fantastic. There was a line out the door on a Friday evening, but it turns over pretty fast so it only took us 15 minutes to be seated. On our list when we return to NYC and we may both just eat corn until we've had enough. I'm guessing I can put away 5 ears, easy. Dinner for 2 with 3-4 adult beverages. Less than $50 including tip.
(4)Shannon M.
Come here and order the grilled corn. It will blow your mind. The end.
(4)Chris L.
This is the best corn (hands down) that I've ever tasted. The Mexican corn is $1.95 and is on a stick. The key is the grated white cheddar (or something like that) that they put on it with some hint of chili or hot pepper. It is SO good! The lines are usually out the door. The restaurant was packed so we got togo and ate on the bench outside next door. The corn is so delicious! So we came back two days later to try the Cuban sandwich and quesadillas. They were great! My frozen mojito was great too and we got two corns to go (total was $35). The restaurant is the size of a teeny, tiny diner but has a lively ambiance. It's kinda dark in there and it's super loud with music and chatter. Our waitress was very nice and lively as well. Service is pretty quick and everyone seemed happy with their meals. I would definitely recommend this place to everyone visiting NYC! Remember, CASH ONLY!
(5)Sarah M.
Corn is one of my favorite veggies, especially when it's still attached to the cob. It brings back all sorts of childhood memories-picking it off the stalk (yes we grew our own in Montana, though our ears were usually puny and missing most of the kernels) and husking the ears on the porch with my brother, getting the silk everywhere. The corn at Cafe Habana is out of this world. Grilled, covered in all sorts of goodness-cheese, butter, spices-nothing like mama used to make. Order it, and you will be as happy as I was! static.px.yelp.com/photo… The quesadilla was also amazing, filled with smoked cheddar and chicken, tons of chicken. Worth the wait!
(5)Devon W.
My friend asked me to bring him here as a birthday gift. I wasn't really in the mood for Cuban or Mexican food at the time, but the food at Cafe Habana changed my mind. Of course, we ordered the grilled corn. I didn't know corn on the cob could taste so good. The toppings (cotija cheese, mayonnaise, chili powder, and lime) sound like they may not work well together, but I was so wrong. I wish it never ended! I ordered the grilled shrimp tacos. Everything was perfectly seasoned, and it came with a healthy serving of rice and beans. I messily piled everything into the corn tacos and shamelessly stuffed my face until there was nothing left. Make sure you come as early as possible in the evening; otherwise, expect to wait at least 45 minutes. Still the best Cuban food I've had in the city.
(4)David L.
Great find. Food was authentic and well made. Beer too! Chicken diablo was nice and my wife's Cubano sandwich was delicious. Best part was the roasted corn on the cob.
(5)Sean S.
Cuban sandwich and Mexican corn live up to the hype. Don't want to wait? Go next door to their to-go spot. This place is a great value.
(4)Charlotte C.
I love that at cafe habana you can choose between a more formal sit down meal or grabbing a quick bite next door. The two in one thing was a fun quirk. Though I'm not really a meat person, I decided to the give the cuban sandwich a go at a friend's urging and I'm glad I tried it, though no one should make any plans to ever eat a sandwich like that gracefully. Corn also yummy and also very messy--I prefer the corn done the same way off the cob at the place just down the street. But guys the flan---so so good. They were out of carmel so I tried coconut and it was delectable and in a cute little glass jar. I don't plan on racing back any time soon to look like an idiot trying to do battle with a sandwich (but that's mostly just me and my not liking meat in the first place)but if I do happen by, there's another coconut flan in their mini fridge with my name on it.
(3)Louise R.
This place is amazing. If you have to wait, it's worth the wait. You must get the grilled corn. Try the tlaco and be sure to tip the hip servers. I've never had bad or bad food here. Love love love love it! I'm from California and frequently travel to NYC. This is always one of my first stops when I get into the city.
(5)Terriann c.
The wait is not that bad. The space is tiny. The CORN IS A MUST! Delicious corn, great drinks, good music. Go there with someone you love. I love this PLACE!
(5)Sophia T.
This place is stellar. Five for Five = Go Go Go. The atmosphere is authentic and the food is mouth watering! The corn on the cob with cotija chees, cayenne pepper & lime juice is my absolute favorite. For those who are calorie conscious, I would recommend to share an order as they butter the corn with mayo. Whenever I am in the Nolita neighborhood, I stop by for an order. Another obvious favorite is the cuban sandwish. It is large enough to share, but so delicious that I end up finishing it myself. If you plan to brunch here, the Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo is to die for. I have tried, on countless brunch outings, to order this dish at other Latin restaurants, and I must admit no one does cooks it better than Cafe Habana. The ratio of chicken to tortilla is perfect and the green tomatillo salsa is the perfect amount of spice. I usually add some salsa picante to pump up the volume. All dishes can be washed down with a tasty cafe con leche or margarita dependent on the activities planned post meal. Now I'll stop making you salivate and go into the logistics...the restaurant is on the smaller side so expect a line. Luckily, it's located on one of Nolita's nicest intersections Elizabeth & Prince. While you wait, you will have plenty of boutiques to pop your head in and shop around. The New Museum is also located a block away at Prince and Bowery. If you want to spend the day in Nolita. I highly recommend stopping by before (but make sure to put your name on the list first :D) or after eating.
(5)Steve A.
Small tight space, but worth the wait. The roasted corn is a must. Brunch is warming and tasty.
(4)Johnny C.
my FAVORITE SPOT!!!! this one and the one in Brooklyn! if you live in new york and haven't tried the cuban sandwich or the corn from this place, you are missing out!!
(5)Elysse P.
Ok seriously, I'm obsessed with corn... corn chowder, corn soup, canned corn, corn milkshakes (I know, weird), corn pudding, corn salsa, corn salad, cornbread,... corn corn corn corn corn. Go to Habana, and seriously... get the damn corn. Yum.
(5)Madison L.
Best corn ever !!!!!! You have been missing out if you've never tried the corn here. Every time I come here, I get the corn and cuban sandwich. Can't go wrong with it. I would give this place 5 stars just for their corn but I can't due to the size of the restaurant and service. It is so crowded in here. They will squeeze 4 people in a table thats meant to seat 2. It's so uncomfortable. You're literally eating on top of one another. Their service isn't the best either!!! My girls and I were waiting for a table of 4 and the lady said it will be about a half hour wait. We were outside waiting and all of a sudden another group of 4 people comes in and she seats them first. We looked at her and she had a guilty look on her face but didn't even bother to explain to us. We ended up leaving. They do have a take out store next door. Order the corn and sandwich there !
(3)Howard W.
Ok this is a long overdue review of one of my favorite place in the city. First of all if you're a foodie, you would have to make a stop here in order to call yourself a foodie. Expected wait time 1-2 hours. But it is definitely worth the wait, though I do recommend coming early or on week nights to beat the crowd. First of all as most people have mentioned, their grilled corn is off the hook!!!! Once you tried it you're hooked for your life!!!!! Then there are the other not as delicious but still very delicious food on the menu, like the cuban sandwich and the usual stuff. But the corn is a definite must try if you're planning to come down here.
(5)Ariel P.
I'm a fan of their corn and also their steak sandwich! Soooo yummmyyyyy! I just wish they'd put less butter on the corn sometimes. But it's one of those foods that is so good, even when it's bad.. It's still good! Some of the women at the take out counter can be rude. So minus a star for that. And because I once ordered shrimp tacos that were awful! They were grilled wayy too much and tasted like soot. The waiter recommended I get that too! She said it was her fav and swore by them. I didn't want to insult her so I didn't say anything. But when she saw that I didn't eat my food she didn't even bother to ask how it was!
(4)Mike P.
great Mexican food, great drinks. Very tight space and always packed. Go on an off hour. I recommend sitting at the bar. The corn is a must! The fish tacos were great too.Very cheap eats
(4)Sarah W.
I love this place and used to go there a lot years ago for brunch before it got so popular. It is small but cozy and excellent food. I love the grilled corns. my absolute favorite and such a deal - two corns under $4. I tried to make it myself but not the same. good cuban sandwich. Since the place is pretty small you need to wait until someone leaves and can hear next table's conversations but well, that's also a part of the fun(!??!!).
(4)Ann M.
The corn appetizer was the best part. Second was the guava margarita.. amazing!
(3)Elizabeth B.
go early and get the corn and the frozen mojitos.
(3)Letitia L.
My husband and I had lunch here over the weekend and had two different views on it. He ordered the fish tacos and felt they didn't taste fresh and the portion was very small- he felt dissatisfied with his meal. I on the other hand ordered a pulled chicken and black bean dish off the brunch menu and loved it. It was mixed with a salsa verde sauce and tasted really good. I can probably attest to needing a bit of a bigger portion since I found myself eating his rice from his plate. We both definitely felt the place itself was a little crammed- we had the first table by the door and felt like people were hovering over us while waiting for a table. It definitely forced us to eat faster and rush out. The place itself is quite casual so you can dress down which is nice. Lastly, we didn't have any drinks but took note that the drinks were the same price as the food items (about $10 each). Overall, I really liked it and it's probably one of those places we can say we went to, but probably not have a need to return to.
(3)Paul M.
Great place to duck into for brunch or lunch. It seems like the cuban sandwich is the star here, but don't miss out on the huevos rancheros-- best I've had in new york. Everything was a bit on the milder side to appeal to a larger group of people, so be ready to ask for a bottle of hot sauce if you have taste like mine! Very energetic atmosphere, gets crowded and sometimes too crowded.
(4)Shannon C.
I definitely recommend this restaurant for a quick bite with friends. The food is really good (mostly known for the mexican corn). The cuban sandwich is tasty also! Not a large place so you'll more than likely be seated rather close to the patrons beside you. Fortunately, the wait staff are friendly.
(4)Sana K.
Loved this place! Great music, lively atmosphere and solidly good food. The corn was delicious, but I felt that it could have been spicier- a little too safe for my grilled corn taste. I got the chicken mole plate and boyfriend got the fish tacos- both were really great. We especially loved the variety of hot sauces available for us to choose from and spice our food with. The rice and beans were good but I couldn't help but feel like the beans could have been tastier and a little less drab. That being said, we loved our experience overall and will definitely be back. We sat in the take-out section and though cramped, we loved how cozy and lively it still felt.
(4)bing c.
This review is totally contrary to all the Yelp reviews and the word of mouth reviews I've gotten of this place. A friend of mine raved about this place so I made it a point to try it out, especially the corn. And, I really have no idea what happened. We must've gone on a very off day or something. I totally thought maybe we went to the wrong location, but it was the correct name, the correct address, and it did indeed serve "mexican corn". But I did hear this place was usually packed, and it was pretty empty when we went in. Of course it was raining, so that might explain the lack of lines. Another thing I'll have to admit is the three of us ordered various chicken dishes. Thinking back on it, it was dumb to order chicken dishes instead of pork or steak, but nonetheless, what we got was... highly disappointing. The chicken I got was completely tasteless and dry. My friends told me that their dishes were equally tasteless. I seriously think I can make better chicken dishes than the ones we had. As for the corn, it wasn't bad. It COULD'VE been good if it were hot or even quite warm. Instead all 3 corns came room temperature. Again, I can't explain it. We talked to other people that have all eaten there and they all have told us the food was good and that the corn comes hot, but all I know is the corn we got wasn't hot and the chicken was terrible. It seems like it was on off day, but who knows.
(2)Matthew D.
You know the little ditty that goes "Jimmy cracked corn and I don't care?" I never understood it until my first trip to Cafe Habana a few years ago. Apparently, I misunderstood the lyrics as the song is clearly about this restaurant... You see, Jimmy wasn't cracking corn. He was addicted to "crack corn" from Cafe Habana. Like Jimmy, I too am addicted to Habana's "crack corn." I get a hit every single time I'm in New York and though the high is just as good at each visit, it's never enough to satisfy my bottomless craving for crack corn. While you are there, try a mojito and the Cuban sandwich - YUM!!!! BEWARE of the crack corn - it only takes one bite off the cob to get hooked for life.
(5)Miriam W.
Elote, where have you been all my life? When you live in one of the world's most expensive cities you're likely to be even more impressed when you find a true bargain. Cafe Habana's grilled corn on the cob (elote, if you prefer) is one of those rare finds. At brunch this tasty treat, slathered with chili powder, lime and cheese, was just $3.75 for two cobs! Also, Michelada lovers take note: Cafe Habana serves 'em!
(4)P. K.
I live in LA but crave cafe habana's corn all the time. I make a yearly trip to Manhattan and will make sure I stop by to grab a meal. Yes they are always packed, but it's totally worth the wait. The first time I went, about 4 years ago, I went with a friend who's in fashion designing and he recognized almost all the other patrons in the restaurant. They were all runway models!! We had so much fun eating and people (model) watching. The only downfall to this place is that it's really really tiny. No personal space whatsoever. Therefore, you cannot be fat to eat at cafe habana. You WILL BE UNCOMFORTABLE. Hence the models... I guess...
(5)Sue K.
i eat at cafe habana every single time i visit new york, twice on occasion. i even opt to take the fung wah from boston (and put my life at risk, mind you) so i can get to it quicker. i drag anyone i can here because their corn is an other-worldly wonder that must be shared. it makes believers out people who don't even like corn. there's always a wait in the restaurant and a line at the cafe but your patience will be well rewarded. it also doesn't hurt that you may spot a celebrity or two during your wait. other than the corn, i've enjoyed most of the dishes i've tried. the cuban sandwich was solid but didn't blow me away. i'm a huge fan of their rice and beans- simple yet so satisfying.
(5)Navid T.
This place is great, it was crowded, friendly crowd, great food, even greater drinks (margaritas), everything was on point about this place. We had the corn (which is sooo good), we had the enchiladas and were pretty blown away. Highly recommend this place
(5)Ailee F.
One of the best meals I had while we were in NYC. The corn was amazing, in addition we ordered the Cuban sandwich and the grilled skirt steak. Both were as amazing as the corn. Also ordered the ice blended Mojito but that was a little too sweet for my taste. Service was mediocre, but it was busy so can't complain. The place is pretty cramped too, but for the food, it was all worth it.
(5)Agnes H.
We had the following: Grilled Corn Mexican Style, $4.25 Grilled Steak and Corn Salad, $13.50 Sloppy "Jose" BBQ pulled pork sandwich, $7.50 All of them are in very good size and yummy. The corn is very tasty and very popular. The steak is tender and perfectly grilled to medium rare. The pork sandwich is juicy and the bread is crunchy. The place is small but I care more about the food quality.
(5)Dorian T.
Great Cuban food, best Cuban Sandwiches I've ever had. They get the bread from the amazing Parisi Bakery down the street, which you should also try. Tried other things on the menu which all have been amazing, but the Cuban in to die for.
(5)Tala T.
On a Saturday morning in New York I found myself wondering the shop filled streets of the Soho district only to cross over in to Nolita. Walking through an outdoor arts market I saw ahead of me a crowd gathering on the corner. As I walked closer I realized it was the famous Cafe Habana restaurant which I had heard so much about. Of course I had to try it. So I put down my name, called a friend and 30 minutes later was joined by 3 friends. The hostess was not in the least way inviting or nice. But I guess that is to be expected when a restaurant is doing so well they don't really need to charm you with their service. We were told that they would not be able to accommodate a table of 4 and that we should try their take out service next door. We headed next door to a more casual, less hectic room where we could order from the same menu over the counter. There was a few tables inside and some seating outside. We ordered the famous Mexican grilled corn and the Cuban sandwich. A few minutes later our order was up. The corn was sprinkled with piles and piles of what looked like grated Parmesan, chili powder and lime juice. The result was fantastic. So good I could have had two (or maybe more). The Cuban sandwich is rated as the best in New York. I can't really attest to that and I think it would be hard to rate something as the best unless you have literally tasted all sandwiches and all restaurants in the New York. But, I can say this, it was the BEST I have yet had. The pork meat was full of flavour and juicy. The juice had seeped into the bread mixed with the cheese and pickles. It was amazing (see menu). After eating here, I understand the hype around it. I would wait in line all over again for a bite of that corn and cuban sandwich
(4)Jessie S.
I'm sure you all have read the previous reviews about how amazing their mexican corn is & they are right! I am totally obsessed with elotes! You CANNOT leave Cafe Habana without trying their mexican grilled corn. Another favorite of mine is the tostones! The sauce it comes with is really good. I've also had the cuban sandwich which I wasn't crazy about. It's definitely a good sandwich to share with someone. Everytime I go, I always go to the take out one. It's good they have that since the sit down one is usually really crammed and crowded. Service is quick at the to-go one. Mmm. Can't stop thinking about the corn...
(5)Lucy X.
Okay honestly just came here to try their corn hype and holy crap it is worth it. I'm not sure what they do with the cheese, chili powder combo, but it is seriously perfection and SO TASTY!!! If you don't want to wait the 15-20 min to dine-in at the main one (which I may add has no AC!!), just go next door for the take out/carry out, even delivery if I'm not mistaken?! Great for grabbing a quick bite, especially on a hot summer afternoon!
(4)Martin L.
The lines are always long, the space is cramped. I personally go because of my obsession over their grilled corn, which is very good and cheap, and the rest of the stuff are just your basic Cuban breakfast type. My advice is to go to the pick up store next door, which is i believe the same kitchen, enjoy your corn, and skip all those queues (before it destroy ur lovely afternoon). You can still order and sit down in the limited seatings there as well, where the wait is a lot less (if you're lucky).
(4)Bing S.
never go to the restaurant dinner time, it's always packed and i've had a few bitchy servers there during those times.. the place to go is around the corner to their take out area. you can pretty much get the same thing. i'd recommend the cuban sandwich, the steak sandwich, and the corn. this place is known affectionately in my circle as 'the corn place' with good reason. they are coated fresh corn coated with cheese, butter, lime juice, paprika, and cocaine. also the corn is larger on weekdays . numpang makes a sweeter version of the corn that has coconut flakes on it. that corn and this corn will have to duke it out sometime. i refuse to judge whose better on principle.
(4)Chiara I.
I like. We went on a Saturday afternoon at around 3ish and the place was bumpin. We waited about 15 minutes for a table of two. The place is tiny and you are seated up close and personal to the people next to you. But, the servers are very personable (even when they have hoards of people waiting outside for a table). I got the Chilaquiles verdes con pollo with freshly brewed iced hibiscus tea and the bf got the quevos rancheros. The tea was completely what I wanted (on that hot humid summer day). The chilaquiles was yummy. It was not exactly what I expected, and the spiciness level was definitely higher than I can normally tolerate, but I still enjoyed it. The prices are pretty reasonable considering its a popular restaurant in soho. We also got a Grilled Corn Mexican Style to go. Omg, best corn I've ever had hands down. Get that. It's a must. It was grilled perfectly with jus the right amount of lime and cheese flavoring (I tried to avoid the chili part as much as possible since my mouth was already on fire from my main course).
(4)Julie M.
So the Mexican Corn is like crack. After finishing one cob, I began to scratch myself and flash my eyes wildly around the restaurant aching for more and almost stealing one from the table next to us. Alas, I controlled myself and waited for my entree to arrive. I had the spicy shrimp--it was tasty but not as amazing as the corn. The margaritas were tasty as well but not especially strong. The main plaint I have about this place is the service was abysmal. The waitress was incredibly annoyed when I asked for more water. Seriously? I know the restaurant was full but I was waiting for another glass of water for a good 15 minutes. Ultimately, the food is very tasty and cheap. Come early or be prepared to wait.
(4)Robyn C.
After stuffing our faces with MacBar's Mac 'Shroom, we walked to Cafe Habana (our original dinner destination) and did some damage. Specifially to the corn. Trust me when I say that visiting NYC from Miami, the last thing I ever wanted was Cuban food. FOR REAL, BRO?! I can get that shit any time. But more importantly, we were told to get the Cuban Corn. Really? I live in Miami for christsakes and never heard of such a thing. What is this "Cuban" corn of which you speak? But as skeptical as I was, we decided to try this "crack-like corn". Whatever that meant. Thoughts upon arriving: The rule of thumb is if it's packed, it's gotta be good. Thoughts upon leaving: I am now a believer, for this is no ordinary corn. It's a Mexican (not Cuban) Style Grilled Corn on a Stick that...holy-sweet-baby-jesus. Crack. - walk around the corner to the take-out portion of the restaurant. It's small but the service is usually quicker. - Not a place you want to have a first date, as you'll be getting down and dirty but definitely somewhere you need to go. - GOT THE MOTHER EFFING CORN. No questions asked and don't think twice.
(5)Adam W.
As its been said before, corn is to die for. Save yourself the hassle and go next door for cafe habana to go, corn and friend plantains all day.
(4)Jiahui L.
Get: ~corn (4.5 stars): roasted corn with queso and cayenne. Corn was sweet, balanced nicely by the crumbly cheese, ending with a kick from the cayenne. So glad it wasnt overhyped, but I love corn, so I might be a bit biased. $2 ~Cuban (4 stars): with fresh roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and chipotle mayo. I normally dislike Cuban sandwiches, but this was so exceptional! All the meats tasted fresh, without any of that briny supermarket or boars head taste. Chipotle mayo was delicious, and I only wished theyd put more pickles in it. $6.50 ~cafe con leche, iced (4 stars): a bit nutty, just strong enough, chilled me down on such a humid day and yet rejuvenating at the same time. Not too sweet, either. $3.50 Note: I went to the little "take out" one right next door. Its cheaper, and the wait is only for them to make the food!
(4)Kristin N.
With open windows that catch the summer breeze and a "trendy-but-not-too-trendy" vibe, this cute corner restaurant in Soho is a good staple. Grilled corn may be a dime a dozen in NYC during the summertime, but Cafe Hanaba's inclusion of chili pepper and their easy hand on the mayo makes this grilled corn the most zesty, light and delicious grilled corn I've yet had -- SERIOUSLY, GET THE CORN. My dish, the Pollo Mirado, was a savory combo of their spicy spinach, Spanish rice, and garlic-grilled chicken. This, mixed together with their special green salsa, made for a perfect summer meal. It wasn't "pretty" (and nor is the interior decor of the restaurant, per say), but the flavors more than compensated for this. Another bonus? We didn't have to wait very long for a table at all, despite the little bubble of people outside, which is a huge positive. Admittedly, the bite of my friend's fish taco (...get your head out of the gutter) that I tried was sub-par, but everything else on the table was shockingly (or not-so-shockingly, as other Yelpers would have you believe) good.
(3)Diamond S.
Had dinner here today with a friend. I do not get what the hype is all about the food was okay but nothing crazy. The service was not very good, the wait time was short which was good. We actually waited longer for the waitress to come and take our order. I ordered a pina colada and specifically asked for a only a Tony bit of alcohol bec i don't lile the taste. She said ok no problem. When i received the pina colada it tasted like it was mostly alcohol. When we told the waitress she said its already mixed in which was an outright lie. When they serve you the pina coladas the rum which is brown is layered over the white drink. I dont kno if this is indicative of all of the wait staff here but the waitress we had was not even making an effort and did not care if we were satisfied or not.
(2)Eve B.
The food is really good and i live the vibe! Crowded but lively. One of my vegetarian friends accidentally ordered an appetizer with meat, and the waitress was kind enough to take it back, no questions asked, and didn't charge her for it. The only con is the wait time--almost an hour and a half for a table of three. I should have expected it (we got there at 7:30), but because it was a Tuesday night I thought we might be able to get lucky. Other than that, it's delicious--get the plantains!
(4)Sally F.
We found this place through Yelp and it was a great place for people watching, good food and drinks at a reasonable price. The corn is a must. Our waitress, Ellie was friendly, helpful, and made the wait worthwhile. We loved it.
(5)Brian A.
My experience might have been an anomaly but I think this place is totally over hyped and suffers from cool factor brain washing. The food was mediocre (except the corn, that was amazing), and thats fine, but my main problem was the wait staff. Not only did they have an i wish i wasn't here serving you right now attitude and rude. they were completely inattentive. got our order wrong 2x. and in the end never served what I originally ordered. This was a couple months ago, so hopefully the waitress no longer works there. my advice is, get the corn next door at Havana express and eat it on the side walk next to the tree.
(2)Nicole M.
What can I possibly say in my review that the other thousand-plus people haven't? Nothing. I will say that I didn't get the corn and was scolded. We weren't that hungry! Next time, I promise. We loved sitting at the bar, enjoying our mojito and margarita, and our meal of sincronizada and tlacoyo de tres marias. And of course, plantains before we left. Happy tummies! The corn, next time, I swear!
(4)nancy d.
Mexican Corn and an array of hot sauces! SLAMMIN'
(5)Diana Z.
I first tried Mexican corn in Mexico (shocking, I know) and it has left a food memory that has been hard to forget. Though I have tried many attempts at "Mexican corn" in the states, from hole in the wall joints to fine dining establishments, I can say without a doubt that the corn at Cafe Habana comes closest to the delicious, savory sweet corn that I bought one fine day from a Mexican street vendor. Aside from the corn, which was clearly memorable, we ordered their famous Cuban as well as the Sloppy Jose. Both were delicious although the latter had a little too much bread for me and was a little hard (literally) to eat. I also love that they serve Jarrito's although they didn't have my favorite flavor (pineapple). The outpost is definitely the way to go when there's a line out the main restaurant. I don't know why the waitresses don't just tell you to head over there (we stumbled onto it by accident, looking for another restaurant with a shorter wait). As the sign outside says - it's the same food but a shorter line!
(4)Elysia M.
So good! The corn was totally up to it's hype, and the rest of my meal was also awesome (shrimp tacos, cuban sandwich, jicama salad). There's a guaranteed wait, but it's worth it. Anddddd, now I'm hungry.
(5)Yanil B.
The food is...AMAZING. Please don't miss getting the corn. It's a small place with a super quirky location. I love it. I've gone 3 times so far, and plan on going many more times. Vegetarian-friendly. Meat lovers will adore it. All types of yes.
(4)Lowie T.
mmmm...crack-on-a-stick cheesy smokey corn on the cob!! Need i say more??
(5)Nicole D.
This review is for the to-go Cafe Habana a few feet away from the restaurant on the corner. BUT HOLY MOLY am I hooked. I came here after hearing from my friends that this place has THEE best grilled corn. The to-go shop has about 6 bar stools and 8 chairs to sit on with a bench right outside the place so you can imagine its an extremely small place. I had the fish sandwich, which I thought wasn't bad, but I didn't think it was the greatest fish sandwich I've ever had. The grilled corn is is TO DIE FOR. YOU CANNOT LEAVE NEW YORK WITHOUT GETTING 2 COBS OF CORN WITH EXTRA CHILLI POWDER. Every time I visit New York, I always make it a point to stop by Nolita to grab some grilled corn from Cafe Habana. I promise you, its well worth the trip!!
(5)William H.
Absolutely delicious - everything there. Really friendly staff but small interior. Definitely stop by!
(5)Tom D.
This is a very popular place to go for the Cuban sandwich and there famous grilled corn (it has butter and parmesan cheese on it). yummmmm!!!! It gets very very very busy. I even noticed this restaurant in a movie I was watching the other day... The only negative is that it is a very small place and because it gets so packed you are eating very close to other people during their busy times.
(5)Grace Z.
came here for lunch on a Thursday last week. it was pretty crowded so me and my friend decided to sit at the bar. no big deal because I sat next to the window and it was breezy. The atmosphere is great, they play spanish music in the backround. It felt really authentic. We ordered the famous corn of course like so many suggested, they are good as they said it would be.Fatty goodness haha, corn with mayo, chilipepper and lime. It was pretty spicy but a good kick For the main dish, i got the spicy pork sandwich, it was ok. My friend got the chicken quesadillas. The portions are big, I couldn't even finish. The next time I come back i want to try the cuban sandwich which they are known for and back for the corn :)
(3)Daniel H.
had the corn, cuban sandwich, huevos rancheros. food was pretty mediocre. won't lose any sleep if I never had it again. def. did not live up to the hype. really cramped space/table made the whole eating experience not enjoyable.
(3)Dee J.
Love it! the food is right and the atmosphere is real homey. I recommend this place to anyone with the desire for food and fun. You gotta have the corn and Cuban sandwich! Writing this is making me want to go there right now.
(4)Osman J.
Was debating between 4 or 5 stars, decided to go with 5 and here's why: Was here for lunch just couple days ago and had the famous corn, cuban sandwich, and spicy pullpork sandwich; all were great but I guess the goodness didn't fully kick in until several days later...so about 10 minutes ago I just walked over there again at 11pm (glad they open until midnight!) and ordered the same thing again plus a steak and a chicken taco...all were bombs...especially the corns...I guess that makes this place good for breakfast/brunch/lunch/dinner/midnight snack anytime! 5 STARS, period.
(5)Sonya Z.
The Mexican corn deserves all the hype it gets. They could work on the other dishes a bit. We were a group of three around 12:30 PM on a Saturday, and we had to wait about 45 minutes, which I think is standard considering how cramped the place is and how few seats there are, and how it's kind of difficult/annoying to seat a three-top. The first thing I ordered was the Mexican corn, which was, of course, unbelievably scrumptious. I also love that it's impossible to eat it daintily and not get it all over your face. Messy is fun. My friend got the fresh-squeezed orange juice and we all agreed it tasted kinda funky.. I wasn't super hungry so I ordered the chicken and black beans dish because my friend wanted that and the chorizo tacos and couldn't decide which he would order, so I said I'd get the chicken so he could have both. I don't usually eat meat, but I tried the chicken and it was pretty bland and tasteless and came with a serving of plain black beans. The entree overall was a bit boring. To compensate, I ordered the cuban black bread (something that starts with an M, I can't remember the name of the dish right now!) which was just a huge slab of bread (not black) covered in a huge slab of cheese and some tomato on top.. I could have made it for less than a dollar and it kind of gave all of us indigestion from the massive overload of cheese (which wasn't even that good of cheese, not like the Cotija on the Mexican corn). In conclusion, the Mexican corn is amazing, and I'd come for that alone.
(4)Great place to eat in NYC! The corn is amazing! Most definitely worth a visit! :)
(4)Markay H.
I know, I know. This place does need another review. But I will carry on with the accolades ... YOU MUST GO HERE! Me and a girlfriend started with the infamous corn, and it DOES deliver as promised! We each got a margarita and by the main course I had to have another. I had the fish tacos which were huge. I had to take a taco home (oh shucks!). For two margaritas, a full stomach, and a take home container it hardly breaks the bank for an amazing meal in NYC.
(5)hugo z.
Great food!! Corn is delicious,fish tacos outrageously good! Cuban sandwich is awesome rice and beans were perfect!! Prices were reasonable but the place is so tight and it was so hot inside. I mean sweating hot lol!! Not a very comfortable place to eat and enjoy the good food!! :(
(3)Adrian A.
Yes, it's loud, cramped, hot and noisy. But that's what we love about it, right? I have been coming here since back when the neighborhood was still gritty and this place was truly Hip Central. For me, its a time capsule to those days. And it's still amazing, and the wait times have not changed. A perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday. Corn, yes obviously. But for me the real star here that doesn't seem to get its due is the blandly-named Avocado White Cheese Torta. I am not even a vegetarian and I dream of this sandwich. Epic epicness. Also love the next door Habana To Go for quick fixes and coffee while waiting for that table.
(5)Neda B.
The best corn on the cob i have tasted in years!!!! The rice and beans were delicious as well as the sweet plantains. The rice and beans portions were on the small side though.
(4)Emi H.
I remember 8 years ago, I stumbled upon Cafe Habana by accident while walking through Soho. I always remembered how amazing their cuban corn was and hopelessly wished that I could find it again. I didn't even remember what the restaurant was called but enter Yelp, and I was able to find my long lost Cuban friend! Nowadays Cafe Habana feels out of place amongst all the high end boutiques in Soho. It's a small diner that touts simple homestyle Cuban cooking and I love it! Completely unpretentious and casual with prices to match. It's tiny so you'll need to be prepared for your small table to be taken over by their large plates of Cuban comfort. Carnitas, plantains, and of course, Cuban grilled corn that's enveloped in grated cheese and chili powder. Our server was so sweet and had grown up in the neighborhood. She spun a tale about how run down it used to be and how everything has skyrocketed in price in a short span of time. Although Soho has changed so much in the last decade, I do hope Cafe Habana never does. Yelp 365 Challenge: # 277/365 (The Cuban Comfort )
(5)Mark N.
Literally one of my favorite spots in the city. I have been here a lot and come specifically for the Shrimp Tacos and the corn. The rice is insanely good, as are the beans. But I am telling you, the corn and shrimp tacos cannot be topped... The price is too good to pass up. Just check it out!
(5)BJ A.
Nacho Libre corn. Remember those. Yeah they delish. A nurse coworker of mine told me to check out this spot and to specifically get the corn if I do end up going. 100% correct on his part. The waitress even recommended some drink they made up instead of the mimosa and mojito that I ordered. She was correct also. So to sum it all up, the place comes correct!
(5)Rachel A.
Wow. There's a lot of c - - - talk here and a lot of pictures of c - - -. Do we really need to mention it in another review? Should I upload another picture of c - - -? One word. OVERRATED. It was alright. I just expected it to be magical and it wasn't. Cafe Habana is not the comfiest spot to have dinner. Well it is if you like kissing your neighbors. The tables were pretty small. They were slightly bigger than an 8.5" x 11" notebook. Anyhows, I decided to give Cafe Habana 4 stars instead of 3 because it makes my friend really happy and when I have visitors from out of town, I want to make sure they have the best NY experience EVER! And now that I'm done hating on Cafe Habana, I will tell you what I liked about it. The dishes were very tasty with home cooked flavor. Nothing was really fancy. It was all just food squished on a plate but they piled it high and my grilled pork chop had about a whole basket of mushrooms on it. The gravy was amazing as well as my friend's spicy garlic shrimp. The sauces made the yellow rice even better. We got a side of plantains and drinks. My frozen mango margarita was refreshing and strong. It could have been mixed a little better (the mango part was thick and sat on the bottom of the glass) but I remedied that myself. The bathroom was decoupaged from head to toe. I liked how they disguised the hand dryer into the wall. Cafe Habana is a scene. The customers were cool. They looked like they stepped out of Nylon magazine. We sat only a few tables away from two model type gals who made a meal out of the c - - - and Coronas. They were eating it pretty daintily too. And if c - - - and Corona is all that you need to get you through the day, then Cafe Habana delivers.
(4)Patricia G.
On my first trip to NYC, my cousin (a native city gal) took my sister and I here for dinner, seeing as it is one of her favorite places to eat. It was a Friday night in the middle of December. We had to wait for a table for almost an hour in the freezing cold, but once we got inside, I could see as to why she loves it so much. I don't even remember what we ordered -- the only food item I remember was the CORN!!!! She mentioned earlier that evening that they had amazing corn, and I thought she'd meant corn kernels. The corn alone is reason to come back!! Amazing... Can't wait to come back to New York and stop by this joint once again!
(4)Christiana C.
This place is just adorable. When I asked one of my friends to just take me to lunch somewhere she was obsessed with, she brought me here. And I think I might owe her quite a debt of gratitude. We were pretty hangry (angry from being so hungry) by the time we got here, but the ambiance and community inside this restaurant helped soothe my hangry soul. We were seated by the bathroom, which is the first time I have not minded being seated by the bathroom (unrelated sidenote: this may be the smallest albeit very cute bathroom I've ever seen. Use it just to marvel). Our server was excellent and the food was really good. I had heard about the Cuban, so that's what I ended up getting. It was among the best Cubans I've ever eaten (and I don't say that lightly! I have eaten many a Cuban). And when eating the hand cut fries here, you'll realize just how wrong the "fries are fries" mentality is (hint: pretty wrong). I hope I see this place again on future trips. I have more of the menu to plow through!
(4)Thuy L.
I have deeply intense pregnant woman-like cravings for the corn at this place. It is amazing! I was very skeptical when I first read the ingredients, but my friend said I had to try it. The chili, queso blanco, lime on the smoky char grilled corn is sweet, succulent, and zesty. I am literally drooling right now. For my entree I had the pulled pork with steamed spinach with squirts of lime. It tasted really light and refreshing. This was my first time having Cuban and it certainly will not be my last! Even though there's a line for this place that is probably only slightly larger than your bathroom, it is worth it. Next time I am in NYC I am hitting up this place!!
(5)Mimi W.
There are a few things I don't eat in public because they are too delicious and I would eat it like a little piggie and get it all over my face. Cafe Habana's corn is one of those things. I'm getting it to go next time. The sandwiches (something vegetarian involving avocado and the Cuban sandwich) were good but paled in comparison to the corn. The mango juice was atrocious -- really, really awful, in case "atrocious" wasn't descriptive enough. I felt annoyed that it didn't come with a warning.
(4)Joey R.
Let me get the few small downsides out of the way so we can relish on how awesome this place is. You are going to wait 30-45 minutes to sit down and eat so be ready. You will also sit at a table that won't fit your plates. It will feel like your eating with the two couples on either side of you but your not, so don't try stealing their food for samples. Order the Grilled Corn Mexican style. I don't care if you hate corn (like me) you will die for this stuff. I was talked into eating some and didn't regret one bite I took of this stuff. For my meal I scored a cuban sandwich that was spot on. New York isn't a place you expect to taste some delicious Cuban treats but they have it. Some other pluses here are they have the cutest and sweetest servers I have found anywhere in Soho. Along with all this place has to offer it has great value for it's price. If your in Soho with a craving this place is a MUST stop.
(5)Tara F.
well...this was just delicious. I will make this very simple for you: CORN- YES, this is not a question. ORDER THE CORN. 9000 people didn't write about it for nothing. CUBAN SANDWHICH- YES. TACOS- EH....im sorry cafe habana! but they were eh. (pork and pineapple ones) SWEET PLANTAINS - YES. ENCHILADAS- YES This is basically all I can recommend, because this is what we ate. Its delicious, its fresh, margaritas are delish. Service is super nice, even though the place literally gets packed. Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.... WHERE ARE YOU!?!?!?!?
(4)Nika B.
Came here on a Wednesday night with a friend after having a few drinks nearby. The place is tiny but we got lucky and were seated immediately. We started with the grilled corn as an appetizer - get the corn, you will not be sorry. For our meals I had the enchiladas suizas, which were probably the best I've had. The tomatillo sauce was just the right amount of spicy and cheesey and the enchiladas were stuffed with chunks of well seasoned grilled chicken. My friend got the camarones al ajillo - huge shrimp in creamy garlicy sauce served with rice and beans. The waitress was great, very friendly and attentive. She brought our drinks out quickly, which were also pretty great. Everything was scrumptious and I'm still thinking about that corn...I can't wait to go back!
(5)Nancy Z.
I use to get their corn for delivery every week. It is addicting! The spice, the cheese...its just perfection. Both their brunch and dinner is fantastic. Their rice and beans hits the spot, and they have the best huevos rancheros in the city. Everything is delicious. Be sure to come early (for both brunch or dinner) bc this place usually have a LONG wait.
(5)Jerry W.
Cuban sandwich was juicy and delicious. I'll definitely be back
(4)Melissa D.
Wow, delicious!! This place was absolutely fantastic. I ordered the mexican corn (of course). It doesn't say this on the menu, but one order of corn comes with two ears so you can split it with a friend. So, basically it ends up being about $2.50 for an ear. I also had my first Cuban Sandwich! It was amazing. So delicious. For about $9.75, it was gigantic! I only ate half of it and I was literally stuffed. I would definitely recommend it. However, be prepared to wait a LONG time to be seated. It is literally the smallest restaurant I have ever seen. We waited about 40 minutes outside which, according to the other reviews, seems to be the standard.
(5)Joyce L.
It would be a 3.5 stars if Yelp let me enter half scores. But I am a fan of rounding up. Their famous corn was really delicious. The smoky flavor combined with butter and spice is really satisfying. I ordered their grilled steak. It comes with rice and black beans. The steak looked small when it came out, but once you started eating it was actually quite a bit of food. Perhaps I should have ordered the spicy grilled steak. This place is very small and is really crowded so prepare to be a little squished. This also means that if you come during a busy time, there will be a wait. But I had a great time with friends. It was a laid back atmosphere and their waitresses were very attentive as well. I will definitely go back to try their brunch one of these days.
(4)Maria C.
2.5 stars, that doesn't quite round up to a 3. Cafe Habana was a total disappointment. I had really been looking forward to eating here - heard so many good things about it - but it was really just mediocre and blah. Ok, but totally overrated. I did like the corn very much. But OF COURSE it tastes good. It was covered in butter, mayo, and cheese. If you are craving corn I would just get it at the to go place next door and hit the road jack.
(2)christine h.
Nothing but love for cafe habana; even though the first time I ate here the whole place reeked of cheese or crap, I couldn't tell which. And it didn't even matter. it didn't even MATTER!
(4)Renee C.
definitely cute, small but never too long of a wait. I love that it is solar powered. The bar tender is cute! The food is not bad especially the mexican corn! I saw Jared Leto sitting to my left the last time I was here :)
(4)Kat T.
I grew up in an area where I was always seeing street vendors with their carts being pushed along, ringing their bells on the cart handle, selling corn on the cob with mayo and chili powder and cheese, etc. I never ever tried it before... I'm glad my first experience of that item came from here. It was THE best corn on the cob of my life. Thank You Robert Hsiao for bringing me here. You are my life saver. Life would be incomplete without the corn on the cob from Cafe Habana.
(5)Blah B.
Why oh why? r u so far away from me?! I crave you in the am, at lunch and at night! I would do anything for one of your corn on the cobs right about now! Well almost anything! ;)
(5)grace c.
It's been a while since I've been back but I often think about the roasted corn they serve and the Cuban sandwich. Food is good although the last time I was there, the waitresses were all in a joined effort to catch a runaway cockroach...but we're in NYC, it would be ridiculous to think that cockroaches didn't exist. What matters is that the food is good! The wait for this place is always long too so be prepared for at least a half hour to hour wait if you go after work hours.
(4)Peter D.
I love Cafe Habana's brunch. I had the molletes: toasted Cuban bread, topped with black beans, melted cheese, tomatilla salsa and pico de gallo. You can also add chorizo for a nominal fee. Obviously I got the chorizo. Spicy and delicious. Her French toast was enormous and covered with fresh fruit. She was irrationally angry it was so big. And you know what? I'm actually angry as well. She didn't finish it, and because it was so tasty, I had to. Which is why I am sitting here uncomfortably full as I write this. Yes, we got the corn too. No, the Pete Test never fails. An Important Note: There will be a wait for brunch. The hostess will tell you it will be around a half hour, but this isn't necessarily accurate. It was only about 10 minutes before our name was called. If you aren't there when they call you, you will be crossed off the list. So don't go wandering off for 25 minutes, and expect your table to be ready when you get back. Don't say I didn't warn you.
(5)Misa G.
Everyone's already said it, but I'll say it again: You MUST get the "Grilled Corn Mexican Style." Grilled corn on the cob covered in lime, cotija cheese and chili powder---it's pretty messy, but one of the best ways to eat corn I've ever come across, and a steal at 2 cobs for $3.95 (well, a steal by New York standards). I got the mollettes with chorizo ($7.50) but then sat there jealous of my friend's cuban sandwich ($6.95). The only downside is that it's super tiny, so if you happen to be seated near the narrow aisle you may find yourself being bumped by a waitress or a guest every couple minutes. Other than that, cute place with a lot of character and good food, plus they give you a pretty postcard to keep when they bring out the check. :)
(4)Warren W.
Don't get me wrong. I like Cafe Habana. It's tasty enough, and the grilled corn is indeed good. But that's about the extent of my praise. I don't really understand the five star raves. Calm down, people. Seriously. If I'm in the area, and it's not packed like my mom's suitcase on a Carribean cruise (seriously mom, do you need 5 sweaters in the Bahamas?), I'm down to stop into Cafe Habana. Otherwise, there's many other tastier options in the area.
(3)Constantine H.
Waited 1 hour for a sandwich in addition to receiving attitude from the waitress and then literally having the check THROWN on my table. This was the first time in 10+ years that I didn't leave a 20% tip at a restaurant. The food was ok but overall this place is extremely overrated. The corn on the cob you say? It's corn on the cob... with spices. Get over it. Spend your money somewhere else where they value your business.
(2)food lover t.
i was at new york for vacation 3 weeks ago and didn't have time to write a review. My friend recommended me this place. Ordered cuban sandwich. It was freaking good and its big portion. I would recommend to share or save half for later. Friendly service.
(5)Terry K.
Literally, all I had was the grilled corn and that's all I needed to know. It was out of this world, you MUST try it!! Its a bit of a scene, but that makes for good people watching. :)
(4)Cindy L.
Drop what you're doing right now and go to Habana. Just do it bc the grilled corn is out of this world. It comes 2 per order and they are covered in cheese and chili pepper goodness -- I also think crack is involved bc I couldnt stop eating it. Once I took my first bite, it was pure ecstasy and I couldn't even hold a convo until the cob was completely clean. Sweet, crisp corn kernels along with warm slightly melted cheese & spicy kick. After the greatness that is their corn, I had the Cubano sandwich, fries were too soggy but the sandwich itself wasnt bad. I think I was too blown away by the corn to assess the Cubano. My bf however didn't like his tacos pastor too much. Humble and small location -- youll be sitting close to your neighbors but it'll be worth it.
(5)Justine K.
I first had cafe habana grilled corn in 2010. Spent 2 years of my life after that thinking about it all the time. It is now 2012 and I just had it again this past week. HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH. I will spend the next however many months/years (hopefully months) thinking about that corn again, hoping and praying we can be reunited sooner than later. Service is nothing special. Even the pork tacos I got were just okay. You go here for the corn and to sit at their cute corner location to watch people walk by and realize how much you love your life. Or that's why I go here at least.
(5)Anna K.
mexican style corn sloppy jose cuban sandwich 4 years ago, a brief encounter with vague memories of damn good mojitos and grilled corn got me wandering back for another chance. after back-to-back trips and phone calls later you could say we're on again.
(5)Diana L.
The two things that I highly recommend: steak taquitos and of course, the corn. I think it's quite obvious from all the reviews that their corn is a must-try/must-get. If you're iffy about the cheese, don't be. If you're iffy about the spicy level, don't be. The ingredients work so well together, it's like an explosion of flavors! Party in your mouth. And sadly teeth too... but corn is like that. Now for the taquitos. To be honest, when the dish arrived I was a little disappointed because it was not fried...BUT when something is supposed to be fried but isn't and tastes good anyway? You know it's good. I wouldn't come here to sit down and eat. It's is way too cramped inside and if you skip out on the entrees, you're not missing much. I would just order the corn and the taquitos to go and enjoy them comfortably elsewhere.
(4)Kathleen M.
Cute little hole in the wall with excellent drinks and delicious food. I got the Gin Mule which was sweet and gingery and delicious. For dinner I tried the grilled Mexican-style corn and the fish tacos with sweet plantains/ The corn was absolutely delicious. I could have eaten four. The fish tacos were very good and the plantains were awesome. The rice had an odd sweetness to it, which I didn't love, but it wasn't enough to deter me from returning again and again. The service was excellent. Our waitress was so friendly and helpful in deciding what to get. Definitely a great place to check out.
(4)Candy M.
You must try the CORN... It's to die for!!! Def one of kind... They put mayo and cheese which has a kick to it... Luv luv luv it
(5)Cindy T.
Brunch is awesome. Definitely try the grilled Mexican style corn! Do not come here when it was hot outside because this place does not have air conditioning (although I did notice an AC unit in the back of the place). This will not be an easy place to find because there isn't a large sign letting you know it's Cafe Habana and the only way you will know you found it is the line and the name on the door. Food - The corn was delicious and had a nice kick to it with the chile powder on it. The presentation of the food though was less than pretty. The chorizo tacos (chorizo con papas) just looked like a pile of lettuce and things on a plate and the chicken casserole (chilaquiles verdes con pollo) looked like a pile of green mush with beans. However, the food was delicious and very flavorful and the large portions were very filling. The iced coffee was also quite good and strong (definitely good for a hangover). Atmosphere - The place was packed when we went but to our luck, there was a table that just opened so we didn't have to wait. The tables were very small so brunch for three people was hard to maneuver with elbows and forks hitting each other. Again, it was very hot outside and with no AC, this place was not very comfortable although with the heat and ceiling fans, it did give the restaurant a very Miami feel to it. Service - The service was pretty fast but mainly because they were trying to get people in and out because there seems to always be a line out the door. The waitress seemed friendly enough and not too overly attentive but available when needed. Overall, I might go back in the spring or fall, but definitely not when it is hot outside. The heat really messed up my experience here and with so many good reviews, I am sad to say that I was too hot and sweaty to really enjoy the food here.
(3)Sandycandy 1.
Amazing place love the food but still wish it was bigger..with the same rustic atmosphere..lol knock down one wall open outdoor then out be fantastic:)
(5)Farnaz A.
It's a must go place. The Mexican style corn is a must have. Could have 10 of them. Loved it!
(5)Tiffany C.
After hearing about this place through word of mouth, and reading the reviews on yelp, I found myself determined to try this place. Needless to say, the mexican corn did NOT disappoint!! I don't think I've ever had anything like it...there was a nice balance of grilled and spicy flavors. I opted to have the shrimp tacos as my entree while my sister had traditional tacos and my friend had the enchilada. None of us had any complaints and left with full stomachs and smiles from ear to ear. The one and only negative thing I can say about Cafe Habana is that it was incredibly hot inside. Granted, we went when it was 90 degrees outside, but my goodness! This place needs to find a better way to keep the space cool when the weather is unbearable outside.
(5)Fancypants X.
Cafe Habana is *so* representative of how I imagined NYC restaurants almost 15 years ago (before I first set foot in my favorite city.) I envisioned tight spaces where you have to smile apologetically at your neighbor for your ass nearly knocking over their drink as you squeeze into your corner table...a dim, warm, inviting cocoon pulsating with music...a beaded curtain to separate the fine line between restaurant space & bathroom space... The only thing I didn't consider back then in my frequent NYC daydreams (you think I'm joking) was the 30-40 minute wait to be fed! The hostess, reminiscent of a 1950's pinup girl, was hella cool about moving our party to the top of the list after we'd missed our name being called the first time around. Oopps & thank you, ma'm. We ordered the grilled corn (~$4), two to an order, & smothered in mayo & butter with a sprinkling of cotija cheese & chili powder (don't forget to squeeze lime over it.) There's a reason every single table had multiple orders of this crack...I mean, corn. My camarones al ajillo (~$15) was delicious...large, plump shrimp in a buttery, spicy garlic sauce. I didn't try the black beans, but had a few bites of rice...it was off the hook combined with that buttery sauce. I highly recommend you try this. After years of eating my way through NYC, I found the restaurant that matched my expectations & image of what NYC dining would be like & I can't wait to experience it again. In this situation, reality turned out to be even more delicious than my fantasies.
(4)Stephanie H.
If you are claustrophobic you might not like this place. As NY spaces go this place is tiny. If you can get passed that, then first order the corn. YUM!!! You might want to share because it turns out you get two corn on the cob for the price of 1. After that everything on the menu is pretty delicious. Cafe Habana was one of my favorite spots for brunch. The best time to go is a week day but if you have to choose a weekend it would be Saturday. On Sunday that place is a zoo. You get all the party goers for the night before craving the corn and their Cuban dishes. Also on a weekend expect to wait a bit, as your party gets bigger you'll be waiting longer. So be warned.
(4)Kathleen A.
This place is delicious and well worth the wait. My friends and I started off with the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. Wow. Delicious. Grilled with chili powder, lime, and cheese. Does anyone know what kind of cheese that was!? It seems possible to make it at home, but I gotta know what that cheese was! Sooo good. For my main plate, I ordered the Chilaquiles Verdes con Pollo. The waitress even complimented me for attempting to say it with the right accent! Awesome. This is my first time having this dish, and I loved it. It honestly looks like a pile of green mush, but don't let that fool you. It's really spicy, so watch out for that if you're not into spicy stuff. But I am, and it was great. Place is super tiny and cramped, but the good food and friendly people make up for that. If you know what type of cheese they use on the corn, do let me know! Thanks! =)
(4)Formicas F.
AWESOME lunch spot. Small and crowded it is very worth the wait. Thankfully we only waited 15 minutes (arriving at 12:15). The corn is every bit as excellent as the rave reviews it gets. I had two pieces. It is served on a stick and has a creamy sauce and cheese and lime juice. WOW! The cuban sandwich was great too and they were happy to substitute lettuce for the fries :) A super location with great food- what more could you ask for.....
(4)Connie W.
Don't leave without trying the Mexican Corn - so worth the sticky hands! It's topped with cheese and some flavorful seasoning for a mouth watering combination. I also like the platters, especially the Tres Marias, which is a very unique and excellent dish. Know that there is a to-go section of the restaurant next door if you want to avoid the long(er) waits. Great for an extended lunch pick up!
(4)Ryan H.
cuban sandwich, cuban corn, cerveza....my mouth is watering as i think about it. this place is my favorite restaurant in the city. it's a hole in the wall, and has become a trendy place, but the food is still awesome. highly recommended.
(5)Andrew S.
This is one of the places I have to go to when I'm in NYC. The food is great. I had the classic Cuban sandwich and frozen Mojito. Let me say that the Mojito machine is the best thing ever. The place was packed but well worth it. We sat at the counter and got pretty good service. The food took some time to come out but with a free Mojito all was forgiven. Get the corn also! Try it out and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Rob H.
Grilled Corn. Tostones with garlic sauce. Insane good.
(5)Renita K.
Came here last night w/ my friend and found that the food was good but the service was meh (mostly just the hostess). Overall I don't think I'm in any rush to come back. And definitely NOT on a date! That corn is going to get in between every single tooth. I had the Cuban Sandwich - not the best cuban sandwich ever but it was good. My friend had the guacamole/portobello burger which was OK. Both came with fries that were like five guys... a thick cut and a little soggy... but some people like them that way.
(4)Jin C.
I don't think I've ever seen a two-seater table that's the size of my nightstand. This place crammed as much seating space as it possibly could and everybody was pretty much trying to make way for someone else all the time. I don't what the deal with the corn is. I expected the corn to have way more mayo and cheese and sweetness and *kick*. It's is certainly not the best food I had on a stick. The food was kind of more diner-esque than I was expecting, so I was sort of let down. The chorizo side looked and tasted like canned meat sauce. My spicy eggs and beans brunch dish was okay, but yes, it didn't resemble anything worth waiting in line for.
(3)Candace M.
Claudia, you're a doll!! Came with a friend who is a regular... She insisted we try this place instead of another on my list. So glad we came here. The place is adorable, cozy and fun. Claudia made us all feel right at home. The corn is a MUST! I should have just had 4 orders of those... but, I also had a quesadilla and some tacos. All the food was good and there were other things on the menu that I am still interested in trying as well. If you like Cuban food, come here.
(5)Mirope F.
really good food (the best cuban sandwich I ever have I'm my life) the only thing is that the portion are not that big
(4)Janice L.
cuban restaurants in chicago combined do not compare to this place. a major hole in the wall, superb service, homey/cozy atmosphere, i'm a sucker for amazing bathrooms (i totally brought my phone in there to take pictures of the sticker-filled walls). grilled corn (must order!), cuban sandwich with fries (amazing), shrimp tacos (my fave) with delicious rice & beans, fish tacos (great), plantains (yummy!!), and who knew lime jarritos with vodka would be so delish!
(5)Thao N.
Although the restaurant is almost always crowded with a line, the food is awesome. Good things come to those who wait, right? ...Actually, you can opt for take out next door (I hear it's a bit cheaper too). Be sure to order the Mexican style grilled corn - it's delicious and sooo worth getting stuck in between your teeth!
(4)Jennifer G.
there are 1200+ reviews for a reason. the food will change your life, the wait will make you a tiny bit sad. On to the food: The corn, the corn, the corn! You absolutely can't come here without at least a bite of the spicy corn. Never had anything here I haven't liked. Worth it regardless. Perhaps go when you are full and by the time you get a table you'll be hungry again!! Try for off hours as well :)
(4)Real M.
We got here on a Friday night around 7 pm, and though it was really crowded, we only had to wait about 25 minutes for a party of 2. I did have to sit at the table in front of the doorway, so I'm sure I was in violation of something. I had the Cuban sandwich and my wife had an enchilada with chicken, and we got the grilled corn. The corn was drenched in butter and seasoning and cheese, which is a good or bad thing depending on who you are and what you want to do with your life right now. The Cuban was a bit dry at times. They do give you a lot of pulled pork, but some bites were a bit on the dry side. It was decent though. My wife liked her enchilada. My wife also got a Shirley Temple and we split a fruity strawberry frozen margarita. It was a decent meal. Note: They have a room next door so that you can order take out.
(4)Cindy T.
Came here on a Saturday night with my friend, and we had a 20min wait. The waitress forgot about us and proceed to bring in a party that arrived after us to the table so I told her that we got here way before, and that should be our table. The waitress didn't even apologize and just instructed us to "oh, go take that table then". The food was decent, I wanted to try the corn but at $8 for one corn, no thanks. The space is small, I wouldn't recommend it for large parties. They try to seat people at the bar first before the tables too which I thought was weird.
(3)B C.
Oh my god, the Mexican grilled corn!!! A must if you're in the neighborhood. I've never actually been to the restaurant, but I make it a point to stop by for quick lunch or dinner when I'm shopping in the neighborhood for some corn and cuban sandwich or tacos. I've always gone to the tiny takeout spot next to the restaurant, which is great and fast when you're by yourself or with one other person. Nothing fancy, just great food.
(5)Maiko K.
I can't resist good eats, no matter how fat-laden it is, and Habana is no exception. This place makes THE BEST elote, or Mexican-style grilled corn. It's topped with mayo, chili powder, and cotija cheese, and is to die for. You can literally feel the chunks of lard sticking to your love handles but it is SO worth it. The insane wait and runway model-looking waitstaff may annoy you to death (clearly they do not eat the elote), but Habana is definitely worth the wait.
(4)maria h.
This is the first bad review I have ever written. I only write reviews about restaurants I like, but this one was such a major exception. Where do I even begin? Firstly, this is NOT a Cuban restaurant. So, if you're looking for Cuban this is not the place for you. They do have pork and beans on the menu but that doesn't make it Cuban. Once I got over that, I ordered their famous corn and a mojito. The corn was warm. Almost cold, which is strange because it's "grilled" but there it was. The mojito was muddy. I ordered the pork with black beans and rice. There was absolutely NO flavor. Canned beans taste better. I couldn't believe it. There was a giant line and the spots inside were tight. I read the reviews and thought it was going to be great but was so disappointed. Save your money and go elsewhere. This place sucks.
(1)I I.
I go there them so much, cheap and good, reception is fussy and rude but cheap spot. food is real good, love it
(4)Jess D.
WHAT IS THE HYPE ABOUT???? It's barely Cuban, it's more Mexican than Cuban. The food is dry/flavorless, staff is just weird and its kind of hard for me to say that because I don't judge but one of my waitresses had like a long ass ring coming from inside her mouth to the outside of her mouth (creepy much) but at the end she was cool. Only thing to really rave about here is the corn and it's pretty good. Everything else is Doodoooooooo!!!!
(2)John S.
The corn here is a life changer. I grew up loving corn on the cob, but these guys reinvented it. Maybe it's a traditional dish in South America, but it's new to me and is a staple light snack.
(5)dan s.
This is a rare star-demotion for me. I still love Cafe Habana, in fact, I think it's one of my favorite restaurants in the city. The mojitos are amazing, and the place buzzes with energy and that cool Soho vibe you can only get in...well, Soho. I have to confess I wasn't blown away by the food this time. It was good, just not as amazing as I remember. Every restaurant has its off days, and perhaps this was one of them, but the disappointment of the food, plus with an unexcusable accidental lapse in service (after appetizers our silverware was cleared and the check placed on the table), merits a slight demotion. Perhaps they can earn the 5th star back on my next visit.
(4)Amy W.
I've never had corn that was so amazing! I'm going to try (and probably fail) to replicate this, and end up having to fly all the way back out to New York just to get some more of this amazing grilled corn. Premises were a bit dingy, but in that charming sort of way; enjoyed the window seats and wall decor. LOVE!!
(5)L B.
Love the grilled corn here! It's definitely a staple. And it's the cheapest Mexican-style grilled corn I've had in the city ($2). The Cuban sandwich and fish sandwich were really good too. My only complaint: customer service (and that is where the 1 star comes off of.) In both times I was here, the customer service wasn't exactly the best. First time being that I don't take cheese on my corn, and when I had told them, they rudely told me I couldn't change it. I understand that it is partially my fault for not mentioning it to begin with (as I didn't know there would be cheese on the corn because there was no description for it), but I feel a place with good customer service would always offer to remake another one, especially being that their grilled corn is so popular. The second time I was there, it was packed and I was waiting for a seat. When I finally got one, the table was really dirty and there was food everywhere because someone had just gotten up from that seat. I asked the two cashiers behind the counter if they could please wipe the table. I work in customer service myself, so when I see a dirty table, I am quick to wipe it immediately. Especially if a customer points it out before I get to it, I react sincerely and definitely go ahead and wipe it. ...Well, when I had told the two cashiers, they had given me a rag and told me to wipe it myself. 1) To have your customer wipe it for themselves is not okay. 2) No customer wants to touch your dirty rag, knowing that you've probably used it all day to wipe other things. I understand that you're working all day, and you're tired and you're probably sick of customers, therefore I only take 1 star off. But I feel if you work in customer service, especially for a place with such great food, you have the potential to make more effort.
(4)Dave K.
Everyone talks about it. And yes it's good as it is. Grilled Mexican corn is a must here. Perfect blend of cheese and a spicy kick to the corn. Goes down very smooth. Please please please get the Cuban sandwich. The menu shows that it's the best in NYC. The description does not lie. The meat and the cheese and the sauce that they use all just melt in your mouth. I'm not even exaggerating. Each taste is so unique. It literally separates in your mouth. I sound like a high end eater but I am so not. It was that good. Best Cuban I ever had. Pork tacos were very bland. That was a big disappointment. Had to compensate the blandness with a lot of hot sauce and the salsa sauce that comes with the tacos. Nothing in the tacos. Plain. Just pork and onions? I don't even remember because it was so bland. But the Cuban made up for the tacos. I still give it 5 stars because next time I go, I know I won't be disappointed with the Cuban and the Grilled corn. Friendly waitresses and nice friendly outgoing interior.
(5)Somin Y.
- Mexican grilled corn is a MUST EAT. only $2, but it is really amazing!! the combination of cheese/mayo with spicy powder is just perfect. - strongly recommend a frozen margarita!! - cuban sandwich was good, enchilada suizas was so-so.. I went there for
(4)mary b.
the mojitos rock. There is always a long wait but it's worth it because of the delish Cuban fare....last time I went we split the OUTSTANDING roasted corn topped with spanish type cheese, Sopesitos (mini-corn cakes with black beans cheese and 3 different yummy salsas, and the Sincronzida (black bean and sun-dried tomato tortillas with cheese and avocado) all consistently delicious..... the only complaint I have is that service of food was so slow and we were sitting at the bar!! We watched the 2 chefs in back roast corn after corn and wondered when the hell they would start on our order, so we drank mojito after mojito and waited...I mean I understand there are onyl two cooks and the place was filled to capacity with about 30-40 people (it is super small) but the wait was kinda ridicuously long...However, I will be back because of its location in the heart of Soho and great views for people watchin gwith it's open windows....lotta character and lotta flavor.
(4)Kristen P.
I was excited to try this place as it had 4 stars and 1600-odd reviews. We waited a while, which I don't usually mind for a yummy meal. However, sucks to wait and then be disappointed. Our rocks margarita's were sugary and tasted like cheap mix, and our "famous" cuban sandwich was dry and tasteless. The grilled corn and the nice waitstaff were the only pluses in my book! Skip it.
(2)Nicolas R.
I had a pretty decent burger there... I know, it's stupid, I should have tried the corn! Will come again to try that...
(3)Boris M.
Top notch place with consistently outstanding Cuban cuisine. Fish tacos nestle crisply battered white fish between a corn tortilla on a bed of pickled cabbage and a perfectly-spiced salsa. As everyone's already raved, the corn's outstanding (and on a stick). As with so many of the restaurants in SoHo the waitresses here are beautiful (and if you are so moved you can purchase a calendar of the beauties in various forms of undress). My only complaint has been with the black beans which can be WAY too salty at times. But the atmosphere is fun: packed, fast-paced, and raucous. One of New York's best lunch spots (if you can get in).
(5)Deb L.
The place is really small but I LOVE THE CORN!!!!! YOU HAVE TO GET THE CORN~! They even provide toothpick for you. We also ordered the french toast, it was huge!!! The coffee was just okay, but the corn made up for it.
(5)Michelle H.
It's been years since I've been here, but it's all about the corn!!! The cafe next door is the way to go. The restaurant always has a line!!! Ate in the to go area. Grilled chicken salad, sweet plantains, CORN, and homemade red velvet cupcake. Everything was fantastic, but the corn is a must. The guys sitting next to us said next time we have to try the pork with mole sauce. It looked delicious!! Can't be in a rush when you go here as the food takes forever to make and come out. They make everything fresh. If you're in the 'hood, def stop here for a meal or a snack. Also, prices are very reasonable for this area.
(4)Jason O.
since moving just down the street from this place, this little haven of awesomeness has become our go-to spot anytime we don't feel like cooking/waiting for delivery/walking more than 50 yards for food. the grilled corn on the stick is pretty much the best thing ever. it's like $1.50 and is literally an ear of corn, on a stick, grilled and slathered with cheese, butter, paprika, and probably angel dust or something ridiculous like that (and by angel dust i mean the sprinklings of celestial beings of the heavens, not PCP you wastoids). i mean, i like the other stuff too, but we've actually never eaten there.. there's always a line, even when its 90 degrees and humid out, so we always get our stuff to go (it's usually ready in 15 minutes). we have this dream of one day just ordering a dozen grilled corns and making that the entire meal. i'm sure it will be awesome and my coronaries will scream bloody murder.
(4)Ahmed B.
Amazing authentic food. The ambiance was great. The place is a little small. But the experience is something to take back. I am from San Francisco, but visited this place in August of 2007 and would definitely go back when I am visiting NYC again. The corn was excellent. Also I heard a Lenny Kravitz video was filmed here.
(4)Heidi G.
I absolutely LOVE Cafe Habana for its: -veggie platter (rice, black beans, and garlicky spinach) -cheesy roasted corn -to-go shoppe -plantains -pretty good price This used to be a lunch staple for me when I worked in nearby-ish SoHo, and now if I go back to NYC with a friend I'll be sure to take them there.
(5)Bin H.
MEXICAN CORN, FTW!!! Oh Mexican corn, how I missed you so much. Coming from LA, I know what a good Mexican corn can be. Cafe Habana definitely didn't disappoint me with their Mexican corn. I ended up having two, and I didn't feel guilty about it at all. A few girlfriends and I stopped by Cafe Habana on a weeknight, and it was packed. We waited about 45 minutes, but it was worth the wait. The tables are small, and we're a LOUD bunch, but the restaurant itself is quite loud, so it didn't really matter. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and it was quite delicious. Chunks of roasted pork & sliced ham were very flavorful, I can see why it was voted Best of NYC. The only thing I kind of missed were plaintain chips; instead, it comes with fries. Our waitress was very attentive & a charmer. The ambiance, music, and food were on point. I can't wait to return, especially when I'm craving Mexican corn!!
(4)Maddi M.
The only reason this didn't get 5 stars was because of the space. If you come here when it is crowded, get ready for the tight squeeze, especially if you are in a group of 2. Regardless of the space, this food is great! The corn is a MUST and starts off the meal with a perfect tone. In one order you get two corns so its great to share! There is no point to come here if you do not get this! The rest of the food is good, nothing to report home about. The Cuban is as good as advertised and might be the best in NYC but maybe there isn't a tone of cuban food in NYC... The margarita was surprisingly delicious! The prices were cheap and made the experience even better! This is definitely a great place to try and you will leave satisfied with your meal. The meal is definitely worth the trip just for the corn. They also have a take out restaurant next door so if you are just looking for that, you can avoid the sit down meal. Just go, its something different in the city and tastes good!
(4)Moses L.
CHOW DOWN BRAH. Great place to catch the itis. Corn is banging brah. The sausage, egg, rice and beans, str8 grub brah. Honestly, i only came to this place for one reason like everyone else; the corn cob sprinkled with crack. The crack consists of cheese and spices. I don't recommend anything else unless you are starving and you are not familiar with Hispanic dishes; the sasuage egg rice and beans will be an angelic bliss for that starving fat kid in you.
(5)Jackie T.
Tiniest, most crowded place ever and you always have to wait for a table, especially on a weekend but its worth the wait and crowd! That Cuban sandwich alone makes it worth it! Best Cuban sandwich in NYC!
(5)Stephanie M.
Cafe Habana is a great little Cuban Restaurant. Other yelpers would kill me, but I didn't try the corn! I went with a friend before going out and had mojitos. We ordered arepas to start and tacos. Make sure to order the fish tacos with beans and rice. Definitely coming back for the Cuban sandwiches and elote!
(4)Cool on the outside, cool on the inside. The 30 minute wait was worth it.for the veggie taco with rice and beans and oh, the corn thing. On the cob. With spicy mayo. Delish. Its easy to pass by the wait time at bars nearby, for a Brazilian pina colada or three. I'll be heading back on my next mexican/cuban/spanish/bean craving day.
(4)Barbie R.
On our way to the Tory Burch store my friend told me how people come here for the corn. I've never had cheese and lime on grilled corn before. I love grilled corn & cheese separately so I ordered one and it was the best corn I've ever had! And at only $2 I'm always going to come here whenever I go shopping.
(5)Elizabeth M.
The grilled mexican corn is amazing but that's pretty much it. The Cuban was alright, nothing too exciting. The fish tacos SUCKED - soggy fried fish on stale tortilla. I'll prob head next door to their To Go spot just for the corn but the other food is NOT worth the long wait and EXTREMELY tight seating. Their tables for 2 are soo tiny. Balancing 2 entrees, 2 glasses of water and a beer on these tables was near impossible. Note: need to find another place to get a michelada - Corona, lime, salt, HOT SAUCE!
(2)Ken N.
Based on what I tried, I regret making the journey all the way out here. I purposely came in between lunch and dinner to avoid the crowd. Not so busy when I arrived so I expected better service. Sad to say, the waitress seemed off in her own little world. Took our order and our money and never really said a word. The Cuban Sandwich was alright. The roast pork in it was very tender which was good. Perfect to split between 2 people if you just want a like snack. Now, on with the corn that everyone raves about. I had REALLY high expectations on this one. C'mon, I can grill better corn at home with lemon pepper and butter!! It wasn't horrible but it's definitely NOT something to have a foodgasm over. At least the SoHo area had plenty of stores to shop around to make up for this. Maybe I'll try the steak next time. Maybe not.
(3)Nicole B.
Didn't mind waiting 20 minutes, hoping the food would be amazing. It's really small in there, which I didn't mind, but one has to squeeze by tables to reach the bathroom. Also, don't go there if you want to hear the person your with's conversation, because it can get really loud in there! The corn, yes was tasty. I had ordered the grilled skirt steak with rice and beans. It was good, yes. But, not amazing. I thought the skirt steak would be flavored with some delicious seasoning, but it wasn't. I swear there was only one waitress in there, taking the orders and serving the dinners. There were 2 other ladies floating around, but one was jotting names down and bringing waters. While the other lady was cleaning off dishes. Maybe I'll be back, but there are so many other restaurants I want to try.
(3)Ish M.
Been coming here for 10years. Boy have things changed. The food is still worth it corn, tacos, rice and beans, blah blah blah (you get it). But what the EFF is up with the service and the full of s$## wait time. At least have the decency to be honest when you tell someone its going to be a 30min wait....not continue bs's them and saying whoops yea 5 more mins for over an hour. I'll take part of the blame for being an idiot and believing your crap.... Suggestion....get smarter door chicks...
(2)Angela L.
Honestly I am rating this based on the grilled corn. The place is very small and compact like most places in NY. I'm usually big on having my personal space but we squeezed ourselves in between two other groups. No wait but took the last table and I can see that this place can have very long wait time. I ordered the grilled corn and vegetable quesadilla and my friend got the shrimp taco. Both entrees came with rice and bean. The corn was pretty amazing with all the cheese and lime I squeezed on there. I was too full to finish my entree but my quesadilla was good as well. Chunks of cheese and veggies. Not a rice and bean person but I remember shoving that in my face later that night too. If you dont order the corn, I'd say dont bother coming.
(5)Andrew H.
Great food and cool crowd but they pack you in super tight. I'm a 6'1 guy so a small girl may not feel as cramped, but I think most would rather have a little more elbow room.
(4)Shirley D.
five stars for their GRILLED CORN. hands down. You cannot leave without the grilled corn in your stomach. It's like my cousin's yelp quote " why go to a sushi place and not order any sushi"? why go to cafe habana IF YOURE NOT GOING TO ORDER THE GRILLED CORN! :D
(5)BrElla4eva H.
A bit of a wait to get into this tiny place with small ass tables but it was well worth it...I never knew corn could taste sooo good until I ate here. Almost everyone orders the corn along with their main dish. It comes with two and what makes it stand out is the chili powder and cheese that they put on it. Makes me crave one just writing about it....For my main entree I chose the Cuban Style Roast Pork, which comes with rice and beans. It was pretty dam good, but not amazing or anything. The pork tasted like a Filipino dish called lechon paksiw...which is basically the leftover meat from the whole (lechon) pig with some kind of sauce added to it. Although the one that I ate here had all the leaner meat in it which I preferred. The hubby had the Grilled Skirt Steak..again which comes with rice and beans. I'm guessing that it must have been really good cus he cleaned his plate mighty fast. I did get a quick taste of it and it was very flavorful. My only complaint really are the tiny tables. There were 3 of us eating and I felt that while we were all diggin into our corn that I had to time when to take a bit as to not bump into the other person's head. Also, the bathroom was very, very small......I'm not really claustrophobic but I thought I might be when I was in there. But I guess you can't really expect much as the place itself is small. Don't get me wrong though...I will come back here on my next visit tot he Big Apple.....mainly for the corn....
(4)Mark W.
The grilled corn is unreal. The only reason they don't get five stars is due to their inconsistent service. I have to say, even with less than five stars I think it's a must-go in Manhattan. Good food, beautiful people - it's one of the few things I feel homesick for from my stint in NYC. Recommended.
(4)Eric S.
I dream of their food from the other side of the continent. It's not that they make complicated food good, it's that they make simple food amazing, and I'm not an easy diner to please (vegetarian and allergic to dairy- not an easy combo for a restaurant). The much mentioned corn is fantastic even without the cheese on it, and I would kill to find out what simple tricks the kitchen does to make the black beans & rice so perfect. I love them so much that even if I'm only in New York for a few days, I always manage to go here at least twice- but never for dinner. I don't have enough patience to wait for over an hour to eat.
(5)Lisa Q.
Whhhaaat? I had brunch for 10 dollars today at Cafe Habana. Huevos rancheros smothered in red salsa, honestly the most FLAVORFUL BLACK BEANS of any nyc latin joint thus far. The wait was tremendous but absolutely obligatory. Whatevezzz, you can bond over your Cafe Habana wait with the rest of the solita, nolita, chihita--- whatever they're calling mah neighborhood these days. However, the service is just uggggh. No water, no check, missing orders, and a HUGE smile at the end with a big, 'THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!" Beggin' for tipz. Le sigh, and thus only four stars. Oh, everyone ordered the corn, if you don't then you're a big silly or a poor slob that's allergic to corn.
(4)Hana C.
The wait is long (over an hour for us) and the five of us were packed into our table like sardines but the corn made everything ok....wonderful even. I have never tasted anything like it and am still thinking about it. The food is delicious, the prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is as fun as it gets.
(5)kevin M.
I love this place, good food, great corn on the cob which is cooked with Cheese, Butter, and a hint of heaven. The waitress staff are always fun, nice, and quick. As far as the food goes I usually stick to the meat, love the skirt steak, all the food is pretty good but to be honest I go for the Corn and the fact that this is a great part of town to hang out in. Things to be aware of: You will have a wait- Not bad at all if it is nice out Very crowded seating - The customers always seem friendly so this has never been an issue. I would not take a girl her on a first date because I think she may worry that I have no money. I would take her here on a night where we going out for a causal night and hit some bars or walk around the neighborhood.
(4)William B.
I love this place like a fat kid loves cake. On saturday/sunday brunches this is most certainly my go to spot. The food here cures hangovers like woah and even if you aren't hung over its awesome. I love the fact that you can get brunch till 5pm. Another solid aspect of this place is you can still order breakfast type stuff after 5pm if you are so inclined. My personal favorites are the chicken diablo sandwhich and the huevos rancheros. If you're feeling hungry get the sweet plaintains or the corn as a side. It won't be on the menu but they are some of the staples of this wonderful place. Only downside is it can be impossible to get a table on saturday/sundays after 11:30am or so. My solution to this is to just sit outside and people watch as all the gorgeous models stroll through nolita. My cousin went recently and sat next to Russel Simmons, so you do get famous people strolling in, although it's nyc so its bound to happen semi-regularly. Also being that the place is a tad small, you better hope that you score one of the prized booths, otherwise you might be throwin bows' with the people sitting practically on top of your table.
(5)Jack C.
Best corn in the world. Great cuban food. Fun atmosphere. Tremendous prices. Only bad thing is the location and the wait to get seated. Plus..... being in a Lenny Cravits video is never a bad thing
(5)John C.
The best grilled corn in town.
(5)Ibro B.
Awesome grub. If you have a large group, you may be waiting for a while to get a table.
(5)Seong P.
My god the corn was so good. I don't even like corn, especially on the cob, because eating with my bare hands and ending up with stuff all stuck in my teeth = boo. But this corn was so well seasoned and had this tangy flavor that had some kind of addictive quality. I want it now. The wait at the full service restaurant was an hour so we went next door to the to go cafe where we found seating and watched less fortunate people eat their corn out on the benches. The pollo mirador was also fantastic but I like anything in a lemon and garlic sauce. The cuban sandwich was thick and meaty and also delicious the next day. Another restaurant with hearty portions resulting in leftovers. It's becoming a theme. And they're open until midnite. I think I'm going to get another corn on the cob now and gobble it down on the subway back. That's classy, right?
(5)Roy C.
I don't really come to NY very often (maybe once or twice a year), but whenever I do, I always make a trip to Cafe Habana. Always crowded and always noisy, Cafe Habana is the place to go whenever you want a good pre-party dinner before you go out. All the reviews for this place are true: the grilled corn is damn delicious. Definitely one of the best grilled corn's I ever had -- it's covered in cheese, chili powder, lime juice, and probably crack (which probably explains why it's so addictive). I also really like the Cuban sandwich. Anyways, I love this place.
(4)Juliet A.
Wow - my incredibly low expectations were blown away! A couple of friends insisted we go here to try the famous Mexican corn on the cob. Ooooo delicious. It's grilled with red pepper, topped with two types of white cheese, and then you squeeze some lime on top. Perfecto. Really cheap. I loved everything except for the wait; it's a real hot spot, I guess, so always crowded. I believe we waited for 1.5 hours before being seated, but the food was worth it. We each got TWO corn-on-the-cobs and shared a few appetizers. Oh - and the frozen drinks are great too. TRY IT!!!
(4)Diane L.
I really can't add much more to what's been said about Cafe Habana's grilled corn on a stick. It truly is a damn good, super buttery, extremely cheesy, and abundant stick of juicy white corn. It's a must-have when coming to Cafe Habana. For our entrees, I had the Camarones al Ajillo (shrimp in spicy garlic sauce) and the SO had the Pollo Mirador (sauteed chicken in roasted garlic sauce). Both of our dishes were really good. We were a bit hesitant when the SO's chicken dish was brought out (bland-looking chicken fillets in a white sauce), but the dish was far from bland. The garlic sauce was delicious. My shrimp was perfectly spicy and I sopped up every grain of rice in the sauce. Our wait was surprisingly only 20 minutes long on a Monday night (around 8pm). But New Yorkers love to eat late, because when we left at around 9:30, the line was twice as long as when we arrived. The service is extremely friendly, despite the constant busyness and close quarters in the restaurant. I know I'd go crazy working there, but all 3 servers working that night had nothing but smiles on their faces. I couldn't have asked for a better Cuban dining experience!
(5)christie v.
Yes - this place is a complete Euro/hipster scene. Plus you can spot a reality tv personality (I hesitate to say "star") - I saw Vanessa from Real World and one contestant from the America's Next Top Model. Yes, this place always has a line - no matter what time of day - so don't bother thinking that you won't stand in line by going at an oddball time. But most importantly, yes the food is good and dirt cheap. I love to sit at the bar area in restaurants, and this one takes no exception. Especially since the bartenders are so cute. The grilled corn is everything that everyone says - exceptional. You have to get it. The cheese makes it salty, they had a heat kick to it, and add the lime juice - and you're set. But make room for the entree! Brunch - no entree above $10. I had the huevos mexicana - so good. I love their home fries. Plus, their bloody marys - about 4. VERY VERY Good. But, pass on the flan. IT was very thick. I'm definitely coming back.
(4)Kim C.
Holy Crap that was good corn! A friend recommended this place and boy am I glad we stopped in here. We even came back a few days later since it was sooo good! Minus one star for basically having to sit on the lap of the person sitting next to me.
(4)Danielle K.
Frozen margaritas here are the bomb along with the corn and fish tacos. I went to Mexico a couple of weeks ago and I can honestly say that this place outdoes a lot of the places I went to over there. I originally gave Cafe Habana four stars but after going there a second time over this past weekend I have to downgrade it. First of all, the hostess that was working that night knows nothing about time. She told my boyfriend and I that it would take 45 minutes so we toured around the east village for 30 minutes. When we got back she told us that she had passed our names "a long time ago" and that she was already on the second page. Then when I asked her how long it would take again she said another 20 minutes... So after waiting 30 minutes I joked to my boyfriend that she probably didn't write our names down and just to make sure, he went back to ask and.. She didn't. Again we waited. I'm sorry but, even with the corn and the frozen margaritas and the fish tacos, as a hostess you really need to estimate time well or at least be able to write a name down.
(3)Amy M.
I came to Cafe Habana about two weeks ago with my friend. She was raving about the corn just like everyone else on yelp...lol. But anyways, I got there first at like 7ish and there was already a line on a weeknight! So crazy! I put my name down and waited for my friend and it was 7:30pm and we got our seats. It is pretty small inside and the space is tight and the tables are small. It's not my kinda thing. I need spacious tables and space so everyone is not on top of us. I took off one star for that or else it would have been 4 stars. Of course, we ordered the corn as appetizer and yes, it was good! I ordered a drink, the mango cooler with rum. They bring a glass with ice and rum and a bottle of mango juice that they pour in and give you the rest of the bottle of mango juice. So awesome! :) For my entree, I ordered the grilled skirt steak with white rice and black beans. It was really good. It is a good ow key Spanish spot and I like that. It's not that expensive either from what I remember. I forgot what my friend ordered, but she wanted french fries so we got that too and they were good. We didn't order dessert here and went somewhere else for that. Anyways, it is a small and tight spot, but it is a good low key place to meet up with a friend and catch up.
(3)Jess C.
Time Arrived: 6:45pm Tuesday Time Wait: No reservations, No wait Party: 2 People Atmosphere: Small, tables are super close, semi-loud Food/Drink: Two people recommended I come to this restaurant to try their grilled corn. I like corn, I do, but initially I just didn't understand what could be so outstanding about well, CORN. Anyways, the infamous grilled corn was definitely delicious! This restaurant is clearly doing something right for people to come here to JUST try it. Don't get me wrong, it was yummy! I loved the mayonnaise slathered with spices and a bit of lemon to top it all off. It's messy to eat (be aware 1st daters). Yes, this is a must try here! Also ordered the fried plantains, which came with this AMAZING garlic aioli sauce. Wow, THAT was seriously good. The plantains were great, but I couldn't put it down because I kept wanting to eat it with the sauce. Yes, the sauce was licked clean at the end. TMI? :) Service: Fast Overall: A great place for their corn, must try at least once!.....And garlic sauce, yum!
(4)Patricia S.
I work right around here, so I'm always looking for a new lunch spot. My coworker and I decided to stop in here last week. I was thinking maybe La Esquina (also excellent) but we'd never eaten here before, so Cafe Habana it was! We went around 3 pm and even then, there was still a little wait. We split the corn as an appetizer -- we were NOT disappointed. So good. If you've never tried mexican corn before, you must. Your life will be changed. For an entree, I got the chicken sandwich, appropriately titled, "El Diablo." I dove in, and shortly after, my face was on fire. In a good way. Most restaurants simmer the spiciness way down, even when you specifically say, "Please make my curry EXTRA SPICY." I guess if you don't speak a foreign language they don't really take you seriously or something. Anyway, the sandwich was amazing. And I had leftovers. There is usually a wait here though, but you know what they say about lines -- Good things come to those who wait!
(5)Chana E.
This is one of my favorite places in the city. Was recently there with an out-of-town friend and of course we both got the corn (I still don't know what's on it - spices, cheese, butter - but it's addictive like crack), mojitos (nice and strong), the plantains, and each got an entree. My Tiacoyo deTres Marias was fantastic and big enough to take the leftovers for lunch the next day. All of that, including 1 drink for me and 2 for her, was under $45, which is pretty good especially for NoLIta. We did have to wait for an hour to be seated, but the hostess was polite and kept checking in with us, and it was a really nice weekend night. Totally worth the wait.
(4)Joshua V.
Awesome set up and really chill location. Gotta give lots of credit to the service; shuffling people in and out while providing pretty quick service, not bad ladies. W/O an RSVP, the wait was around 45 minutes for me and a lady friend (this was around prime dinner time, think 6:30-7:00); and yes, it's usually that packed. Definitely plan ahead, do some shopping, or go to free night at the New Museum a few blocks down (if you happen to go on a Thursday). Sadly, because of my aversion to cheese, I could not avail myself of the legendary corn provided by this establishment. I'm willing to bet that the corn warranted an star per review on many a review. Anyway, the lady got the vegetarian tacos and I got the puerco pimiento (with mushrooms). She loved her dish; this reviewer however, was not as enamored with the ordered dish. I loved the rice and beans on the side though. Looking around the restaurant at everyone else (and the dishes they ordered), I felt as if I was on the outside looking in. Great looking sandwiches and things of the like, while I had two pork chops swimming in a char-grilled saucy mess. Blame the reviewer here for selecting the wrong dish if you would like. I would definitely come back to check out the other dishes.
(3)R M.
Went for the famous grilled corn and was NOT disappointed. It was awesome. $4 for 2 large ears of corn. Ill be coming back for that. The avocado quesadilla was very good too. Its a small place and unfortunately we were seated way too close to a loudmouth who was taking the edge off her hangover by lining up Coronas and Margaritas (@11AM) all while oversharing her life story over lunch. Yet, grilled corn beats hungover loudmouth.
(4)Karen Y.
Finally got to try Cafe Habana after hearing all the hype from my friends who have gone. It was probably a mistake to go for bunch on a Saturday afternoon but I was only in NYC for a couple of days so I didn't have much of a choice. Not to mention it was a gorgeous day and there was a 45 min wait when we got there. It's in a pretty cramped space so we got seated in the back by the restrooms, but let's talk about the food! Mexican-style grilled corn ($3.75 for 2) - I died and went to grilled corn heaven...this was sooo mouth-watering and delicious! I'm not sure what kind of cheese was on it but that was my favorite part. The chili powder added some spice and the optional lime juice just made it perfect! I think we stopped talking altogether when the corn came. =P ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) chilaquiles verdes con pollo ($7.95) - This was my main dish since it seemed intriguing. It was a shredded tortilla and chicken casserole cooked in green salsa and topped with cheese. It also came with a side of beans which I wasn't expecting. One bite and I was hooked! The spiciness of the salsa, the mushiness of the tortilla, the flavor from the chicken and cheese just meshed together really well. I kept eating it even though I was full since it was so addicting. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) cuban sandwich ($8.95) - Apparently one of their renowned items, it disappointed a bit. It's just a roast pork and ham sandwich with cheese and pickles on a roll. I sampled this from my bf...the pork was a little dry and wasn't anything too exciting in terms of flavor. It was a pretty hefty-sized sandwich though. ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) fried plantains ($2.95) - This wasn't on the brunch menu but you can still order it. It added some variety to our meal and tasted like how fried plantains should...browned and slightly crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside. I kept going back for more...yum! ( yelp.com/biz_photos/NOh2… ) Now, on to the service. This is where they lost a star from me. The hostess was running around being a waitress when she should have been greeting customers and taking names down at the door. It just ended up very chaotic and unorganized...I think we also waited longer for a table than we were supposed to. When we finally were seated, our waitress was in a bad mood since we got a bit of an attitude from her whenever we asked for something. At the same time, I could understand the hustle and bustle of working there. Either way, the food here is amazing and don't leave without getting some corn! It's not too expensive either and will keep you begging for more, like it did with me. P.S. There is the Habana To-Go takeout spot right next door if you don't need to sit down. Also, the Stoli screwdriver ($5.25) will get you tipsy for cheap!
(4)Courtney M.
I went here a couple weeks ago with a friend for some late brunch. It was a Sunday so the place was pretty crowded. But we got a table in 10 minutes. We got a table near the window, and even though there was a breeze it was ridiculously hot! =[ But we had a really nice waitress and the food was great. I had Huevos a la Mexicana and it was absolutely perfect! Just the right about of spice for breakfast. My friend ordered the Chicken Diablo sandwich (she seemed to enjoy it too). I'm going to go back. The service was friendly and the food was delicious! PS I regret not ordering the corn, since everyone is raving about it!
(4)Thu N.
This is closer to a 4.5 in my book =) 3 beers 3 orders of Corn (came in 2 mini ones) 5 main dishes 1 quesadilla type appetizer. ------------------------------------------ Total was about $45.00 per couple x 3. Definitely one of the cheapest dinners during our NY trip. I'll highlight only the dishes worth noting for better or worse: Grilled Corn Mexican Style - 5 ***** ---Having grown up in a neighborhood in Santa Ana, CA, there was no shortage of guys/gals pushing around their cart with the corn, and all the good complements that came with it --- Parmesian cheese, chili pepper, lime, hot butter, mayonnaise. The one in NY and the ones I had growing up are like twins separated by birth---one destined for a "richer" life being sold for $2 a pop in a nice cozy restaurant and the other destined for the "not so fortunate" life being sold for just $1 in the scorching hot Santa Ana conditions. The one in NY is just divine, while the one back home is just straight damn dirty good =) . I still had to try it, and it was definitely worth it. Pollo Mirador 5***** ---Definitely a well seasoned, moist chicken. The spinach was addicting! We all kept fighting for this dish since we were doing it family style. Enchilada Estilo Norteno (aka Grilled Steak Enchiladas) 4 **** ---Simple, well flavored, and well cooked dish. Not too dry or chewy. Culeta de Puerco a la Pimienta (aka Grilled Pork Chop) 3 *** ---This dish had wonderful flavor, looked good...but the pork chop was just too dry. I could've passed this one up. The service: 4**** ---They are just straight up, and tell it like it is (which could be good or bad, but in our case good since they basically ordered everything for us). Anyway, the table that we were waiting for was actually being occupied by Kal Penn (aka Kumar from Harold and Kumar---who btw is the nicest celeb I've met to date) and a couple of other actors that I can't name off the top of my head. After their table was done eating, they were chatting around for a bit, and the hostess basically told them "hey guys, you'll have to pay. There's another party waiting for this table". I thought that was awesome considering we're average people, and the people they were sort of "kicking out" were "cool people". You'll never see that sh*t happen in So Cal because they could be so lame sometimes. Anyway, this was probably our favorite sit-down establishment throughout our trip to NY that didn't cost us a whole lot.
(4)Susan Y.
What ever you do..it's worth the line to eat at the restaurant unless you're getting the corn at the express cafe next door. I took my eager friend to try the Cuban sandwich and we were told to wait 30 minutes for two (Sunday 3:00). So we opted for the cafe next door and got corn and the Cuban sandwiches. I wish Cafe Habana can serve bigger corn cobs, those pumped with plant hormones. Last time I checked at the farmer's market, corn cobs were like 7 for a dollar. What is with these shrinking corn cobs I'm paying for here? Sigh.. but they're just so damn good! Also, the Cuban sandwich although tasty, would've tasted better when left on the press a little longer. While we opened our mouth wide and took a huge bite into the crispy bread... there was something wrong. The meat is juicy (that's why this place is so popular). But WTF? Why is our cheese cold and not melted?! ......... UGH. W totally took them back to the counter who was happy to make us another batch. One bad experience here! I think I rather opt for the restaurant because the head cook prob. is there and knows what he's doing!
(4)Eileen Anne F.
I sooo wanted this place to wow me. I read about the corn and was ready to be in love. Unfortunately, the wait for this place was so insane, I lost my excitement after the first hour of waiting for a table for 3. Dared to be daring, I ordered the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta to spice up the marathon evening of the waiting game. The sauce was delicious, but was an ethnically, confused dish. As my friend noted, the sauce tasted more like zesty Italian than de Mexico---the description on the menu was au poivre. Also, the sweet plantains were more charred than sweet, and left a lot to be desired. Lesson learned, I will grab a corn on a stick to go (because to their credit, it is amazing), as I walk elsewhere to have dinner. If the hostess says your party of 3 will fit in a table for 2--don't believe her!
(2)Kat F.
As soon as my Yelp pals caught wind of my impending trip to New York, the first words outta their mouths were, "make sure you go to Cafe Habana for lunch!", and it's no wonder it's in the top 10 most reviewed restos on NY Yelp, because it is OUTSTANDING. The place is tiny and you might be discouraged by the lineup and how packed the place is when you arrive, but don't fret: you'll be seated in just a few moments. We started our meal off with a frozen mojito - hellooooo...I love mojitos. But frozen like a smoothie? In a word, ridiculous. I want to be drinking one of these right effing now. Naturally I ordered the Mexican-style grilled corn on the cob (elote) sprinkled with chili powder, fresh lime and rolled in cotija cheese. I hoovered through it so quickly I didn't even have time to take breaks to answer my lunch date's questions. I just sat there and nodded and widened my eyes at the corn's awesomeness. And the server provides toothpicks for the inevitable consequence of eating corn on the cob. Next up was "Sincronizada", a small black bean and sundried tomato tortilla with mozzarella cheese and avocado that I busily devoured between sips of mojito. All in all a terrific meal for under $40 including alcohol - what a deal! SIDENOTE: All of the servers have outrageously long eyelashes that appear to be real (or maybe extensions, but they look real). So unfair.
(5)Drew E.
Their corn is among the best things you will ever eat. Heavenly. I also like the pork in adobo sandwich. I recommend the to-go place over the sit-down, which is next door. The sit-down is consistently packed and you have to wait.
(4)daniel g.
This place is TERRIBLE!! The yellow rice in the "vegetarian" burrito actually has chicken stock in it. When I tried substitute it with white rice I was give a serious attitude and informed that the chef would not allow it. So much for a "green" restuarunt...
(1)brittany g.
LOVE this place. I go here every time I work in NYC. The shrimp dish is so good, the cuban corn is the bomb and the frozen mojitos are nice and strong!
(5)Rita L.
lovee their corn!!! simply amazingg and cheap too, 2 for $4.50! the place is really small tho so it's best to go with just 1 friend, you'll get seats faster that way. It's packed most of the time and you'll notice you sit right next to a stranger while you're eating (you wont have much room to move around). Will definitely go back for their corn, plus a friend recommended their hangover soup so I'll be trying that next time I go!
(4)Jim L.
You know how when you travel to places like New Orleans and you eat your boudin that melts in your mouth? It's so good you do not want anything to spoil it? Then you look in the alley at events you do not want to see? Cafe Habana has just a little bit of that. You have to look away at the fact that the tables are SO tiny and the space it SO wee. However, you are going to get the best breakfast in the city. Period. We started with Mexican grilled corn on the cob rife with cheese, chili powder, butter, and salt. Though corn is not really in season, and the firmness of the kernels showed it, the cafe serves up some seriously yummified corn. The Eggs Caribe is a dish you should try. Sauteed plantains within your scrambled eggs will not only make you fall in love with the waitress (Clarissa, by the way), but you will also swear off potatoes for the rest of your life. Topped with a perfectly spiced tomatillo sauce, this dish is a real winner.
(5)Martina Z.
Habana To Go gives you the best steak sandwich in Manhattan. And the best Cuban sandwich ever, but pretend I didn't tell you this until the pig flu is defeated ...
(5)Anne L.
The food is good but not worth the wait or crappy service--I'd recommend just picking up the corn (best thing anyway) next door and skip the attitude. My friends got here first and put their names down--they said it'd be an hour and a half wait. So they texted and told me and my friend not to come down yet. Thirty minutes later, our table was ready but we weren't there yet, and the hostess said it was fine and she'd seat us later when the first four-person table opened up. It took a while, which is understandable since the place is tiny...but when the first table of four opened up (a booth), they gave it to a different party and we were given a table at the back next to the bathroom (meaning people were constantly up against our table). When the table next to us opened up before we ordered, we asked (very nicely!) if we could switch--and the server said no because it would screw up their order. Which is fine and understandable, but she was SO RUDE about it, as if we had asked for a free meal or something outrageous like that. Also, when we tried to pay a portion of the bill with one credit card, she said brusquely, "We're not taking cards today, our machine's broken." First of all, there was no sign anywhere--what if no one had cash? Also, is it really necessary to be so RUDE about it? Sure, it probably sucks to wait tables in a tiny space but seriously, no need to take it out on other people.
(2)SK K.
This place need sno introduction. As you stroll through SoHo, and are near Prince St, you will run into this great treasure of a place as you will notice a long line outside of people trying to get into this small crowded cuban restaurant. We were there around 6:30pm so only had like 7 people in front of us. The place is tiny, probably seats like 3 people, while most stand around and drink. We found a seat after 10 min of waiting towards the back of the restaurant. We had to order the corn, and man YES it is th e best corn on the cob i have ever had. Teh corn is very soft, you dont have to like bite into it and the red and whte spices they rub on it really brings out the flavor. The dish that i ordered, chcik enchilada with black beans, was pretty ordinary, but overall just for a crowded, "have to eat there', experience, this is a great place. Definitely get the corn, even two orders of it.
(4)julie g.
This little restaurant serves up a delicious corn on the cob! A must have in this restaurant. It's heavily coated with cheese and spices, not overly buttery. As my entree, I had the Enchiladas de Mole Poblano, pretty good, but could have more depth to the plate. But for the price and the quantity, there is little to complain about the dish. Overall, I came out of this restaurant a happy diner. I would definitely come back for the corn.
(4)Alison C.
Cafe Habana is a hipster Mexican eatery hidden away beneath the grime of an old corner diner. It is not unusual to have a celebrity sighting at this cool hangout, which was even featured in the Lenny Kravitz "Again" video. The small space is equipped with a few booths, several cramped tables, and an old-fashioned diner counter. Due to the limited space, there is often a line stuck in the entrance way vestibule or spilling onto the street. My co-worker and I stopped in for lunch the other day and waited only 5-10 minutes to snag a table. While we waited, we were disgusted to notice the waitress sweeping toothpicks, straw wrappers, and piles of crumbs right onto the floor! How unsanitary can you get?! However, once I sampled the food, I was able to ignore the mess under my feet. My Grilled Chicken and Corn Salad was a huge portion of mixed greens, expertly marinated chicken, sweet corn kernels, and tortilla strips. The house dressing was tangy and mustardy. It added a delicious seasoning to the dish. My colleague's Cuban Style Roast Pork was tender and juicy. Our side of Tostones were crisp and more moist than most; they were definitely the best I have ever tried. Lastly, we topped off the meal with my first (and certainly not my last!) Michelada - a Corona blended with lime juice and Tabasco. It was a tangy and refreshing treat. Cafe Habana serves up tasty, traditional Cuban food at affordable prices. However, consider yourself warned that your shoes might be sticking to the floor and your server might not be the friendliest.
(4)Helena W.
This place is kind of small and can get pretty crowded. But if you manage to get a seat, it's definitely worth it. All the items I've tried were really good. But definitely get the corn! I know it's probably not the healthiest option - it's probably soaked in butter and then there's some kind of cheese coating and a layer of spice...mmm... just typing those words is making me salivate. C'mon you only get to live once.
(5)Nicholas D.
Went back on Saturday night at 10pm for dinner with 3 friends and had an even better time. Bumping this to 5 stars for the incredible service and outstanding food. I'm not one of those people who likes to keep the best places for himself. Anyone who comes across this restaurant needs to go (even if there's a wait).
(5)B K.
everyone loves the corn but pretty much everything ive had on the menu is great too. steak sandwich, steak & corn salad, huevos rancheros, roast pork, torta, cuban sandwich, im getting so hungry right now thinking about it. only thing i hate is the wait so i usually just eat at their to-go cafe. another one of those places that i wish was closer....
(5)Jeff A.
Great corn. Great pulled pork. Great mojitos. Super hot hostess. Bad hangover.
(5)Oski B.
One word...corn.
(4)Tracy M.
2 words... Corn. YUMMO.
(4)Liz C.
As I picked the remnants of butter-grilled, cotija-cheese-and-chili specked corn from my teeth last night, and moved onto my entree - pools of rice, beans and tomatillo sauce drenching chicken enchiladas - I considered reworking all my Yelp reviews on a recalibrated scale, with Cafe Habana setting the 5-star bar. Here's the rundown - The gullet: was ne'er more sated. From the aforementioned, flagship cobs, to a generous helping of green mango salad, to the savory roast pork (pulled from my friend's plate) basting in basins of juice and black beans, to the caramel flan finisher - the portions were intimidating and the flavors were affably simple and succulent. The wallet: The most satisfying dining trope is when hefty gain in paunch doesn't correlate strongly to a hefty deficit in pouch. Entree prices orbit $10. The habitat: . . . makes me nostalgic for memories I never had. Perfectly, charmingly divy. The aftermath: I monitored for probable Pepto-Bismal cause, but, fifteen hours later, have none. Huzzah!
(5)nora c.
came to face long lines and abusive waitresses just for the corn... came with a friend last saturday night and as expected, the place was packed. the waitress wouldnt even take our names for another half hour so we wandered around trying to find an alternative. after some wine and light fare, our craving brought us back again... what we wouldnt endure for a bite of the savory cob. the mojitos were great too, and got two extra orders of corn to go!
(4)Sabrina C.
Went here after work and gorged myself on corn and chuleta de puerco (pork chops). I'm usually hesitant about eating pork chops because it usually ends up dry and tough and I should've trusted my instincts. The pork chop was really dry, however the rest of the dish (goat cheese toast/grilled mushrooms with cream sauce, and the rice and beans) were AWESOME. (resulting in the 4 rather than 5 stars) The corn is as great as all of the other reviews say they are. The cheese is a close cousin to parmesan, but more mild and creamier. The order of corn comes with two so if you're dining in odd numbers, don't try to cut the corn in half. After one broken kebab stick and a glass of spilled water on the floor later i learned that the best way to split the corn is the old fashioned way by eating half and passing it on. The service was really casual and fun. After the waitress watched me spill a glass of water she came over, laughed at me and said it was great to watch it in slow motion and (jokingly) encouraged me to do it again. Her laid back attitude reflected to atmosphere of Cafe Habana, casual and fun. The restaurant itself is pretty small so I suggest you either get there between 5:30 and 6 or after 7:30 because otherwise there will be a wait. But even if there is a wait, it's entirely worth it.
(4)Nelson W.
After years of staring at long lines every time I walk by and 500+ Yelp reviews later, I dined at Cafe Habana for the very first time. With a party of 5, we were seated close to the entrance and cramped around a table that should only fit 4. In my seat, I was kicked and elbowed by two patrons from a party of 7 that sat next to us. But despite the hot weather and claustrophobic seating arrangement, the food was absolutely fantastic. A couple I dined with enjoyed grilled corn as evidenced by the speed in which it was devoured. I ordered the Chuleta De Puerco a La Pimenton (grilled pork chop & goat cheese spread on toast), a dish of flavorful bliss thanks to the wild mushroom & chipotle au poirve sauce. The chuleta (2 pieces) came with a few scoops of rice and beans, yet the flavor of the sauce was so strong and tasty, the beans were completely drowned out. First-timers should only expect filling yet modest portions (unlike Sophie's). There were three lovely waitresses that served our party that were friendly, though with the amount of people waiting on a hot night, it was understandable that they pressured us to order and eat quickly. A great first-time experience thanks to the food and waitresses. Just make sure you come with a party of 4 or less!
(4)Carol W.
Please order the corn. I don't like corn! But this was amazing! SOOOOO good. We waited about 20 minutes and was served promptly. I had the cuban sandwich was filling and the french fries were yummy too. My friend had the grilled chicken which he said was to die for! Cool scene!
(4)Kara P.
This is one of my fav NYC restaurants of all time. I used to on Prince and Mulberry and ate lunch/ here all the time. Or got take-out next door. The food is so good. You can go heavy or light. You must get "the corn." I have tried to make it a few times but I don't have their touch. The cafe is so good - it will keep you awake for a month. Tight quarters. My parents, for example, didn't love that. But it's a great date place and esp good if you go late when the crowds have subsided.
(5)Tony L.
The corn...the corn...the corn. You must get the corn! This tiny little Prince Street hole in the wall is perfect for the fare that they are serving. It is always crowded but people come and go quickly...especially at the bar. Start off with corn, no matter what time of day you go. After that, I strongly recommend the Cuban Sandwich and Huevos Rancheros. Both Dishes are sublime. For anytime of the day or year, I also strongly suggest the Mojitos...they are so unbelievably delicious....I could sit all day long at the bar with refill after refill. This place is perfect for brunch...but don't plan on more than 4 people in your group--you could end up waiting a long time for a table.
(5)Erika G.
Cafe Habana is my absolute FAVORITE restaurant in this city. Everything is so flavorful and reasonably priced. And god, oh my GOD the grilled corn. Okay, there are some days when the corn is off (like undercooked or something), but the cotija & parmesan cheese, butter, chili powder & a couple spritzes of fresh lime.. it's an explosion of flavors in my mouth and my tongue just starts DANCING, you guys! I've sampled everything--tostones, pollo mirador, cheese quesadilla, and the tortas, just to name a few. And not in one sitting. The chicken is always so amazingly moist. The beans and rice complement the meat pretty well also. It's never too overpowering in flavor or too heavy & starchy. Oh man, it's seriously such a great combination. And the drinks! The mojitos are made with brown sugar. SO good on a hot, muggy summer day. Oh and bartender Mike.. you're a hottie. HAAY! It's a really small restaurant and there is almost always a wait, but it's so worth it. Service is alright but remember, they're incredibly busy so it'll be a bit slow at times. The place is almost ALWAYS packed. Tables are in close proximity of each other so be wary of the secrets and vulgar things you share with your food-mate.. If you can't be bothered with the wait, you can always stop by their to-go spot next door and order from there. They have most of the same things from the full menu.. and yes, they serve the corn there as well. OM NOM NOM NOM. So good.
(5)Janel Y.
The bf's friend found this place on where else, but Yelp! The place looks very inconspicuous with the Cafe Habana on the door, but you know it has to be good because why else is the place packed and there are crowds of groups on the street corner? Once you get there, make sure you get the attention of one of the waitresses so they can put your name down. You're whole party has to be there to be seated. The place is small, about 13 tables and 8 bar stools. The ambiance is laid back, lots of Cuban paintings on the walls and the smell of darn, good food permeates the air. Here's the lo-down: -Grilled Corn Mexican Style ($3.95): 2 whole pieces of corn on the cob which was darn good! I've never had corn with cotija cheese and the chili powder and lime flavor added just the right kick. The corn was perfectly grilled and definitely not dry. I'd go and buy some just for a snack! -Roast Pork w/your choice of beans and rice ($10.50): Caribbean-style shredded pork which was okay. Moist but a bit bland so I added the limes and ate it with the rice or beans which helped. I tried the red beans (vs black) and yellow rice (vs white). My fave was the rice which had a nice taste of lime. -Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta ($12.75): pork chop was a bit dry but the chipotle au poivre sauce was definitely YUM! Creamy and full of flavor, especially with mushrooms soaking in its juices. -Cuban Sandwich ($8.75): the sandwich was PERFECTLY toasted which made it good. The pickles inside too added a nice fresh and crunchy texture to the soft roast pork. The fries were, eh. If you want to have a serious conversation or get to know your co-diner better, this isn't the place to go since the noise level is high, you'll practically be screaming out. But if you're willing to forgo talking for eating, this IS the place to grub! Note: next door is their to-go option. You can still enjoy their food without the sitting down experience.
(4)Thomas A.
My co-worker suggested that we come here before stopping by some boutique shops around the area. After getting the name of him, I went straight to Yelp and looked up Cafe Habana. A NYC restaurant rated 4.5 stars with over 500 reviews? I had to check this place out. We arrived at Cafe Habana around 6pm. To my surprise, there were a handful of empty tables so we were seated immediately. (Warning #1: These seats and tables are TINY. If you order too much food at one time, you will run out of space on your table.) I ordered the grilled corn and the roast pork. The grilled corn, as stated by the other 500 reviews, was amazing. (Warning #2: Bring a toothpick and a mirror. You teeth will look like a mine field after you're done eating one of these bad boys.) The roast pork, despite having a bit of a funky smell, was very good. Would I eat here again? Claro que sÃ.
(5)Gaurav P.
Great food! The corn is AMAZING! Make sure to order at least the corn. The rest of the food was as good if not better than what was described. It's a hidden gem and I've raved about it to all my friends. Coming from Texas, the food here competes and would probably be better than some I find at home. Go here and enjoy the food already!
(5)Teresa Y.
Oh Cuban corn... how I miss thee. I still remember the sweet corn melting in my mouth. Cheap, filling, tasted amazing. I still dream of you. Trust me, eat here and you'll leave with a satisfying and goofy smile. I know I did.
(5)Jasmin G.
Don't be fooled by the diner-esque feel of this little cuban/latin haven! Cafe Habana is latin/cuban/mexican food that satisfies. We of course got the corn topped with cojita cheese appetizer and lime - yumm - very good - i liked the combo of cojita, lime, and corn. For my meal, I ended up getting one of the appetizers which was comprised of 2 flavored (i think sundried tomato) tortillas filled with mozzarella cheese and avocados and topped with a drizzle of this interesting cheesy white sauce. It was quite good and very filling - the name on the menu is something in spanish, but basically this is a quesadilla with a bit of mole sauce and chopped tomatoes on top. I also got plantains as a side, but some of them were burned and i've had better plantains - but still, not bad. My other dining mates got dinner entrees which looked big and satisfying but I was happy with my order. The Strawberry Margarita and the Mojito looked good as well! The -1 is for the service and the plantains which were a tad burnt, which wasn't bad but wasn't as attentive as I enjoy. I don't like to have to ask to get water. Good place, flavorful food, but they don't take reservations and it gets PACKED so come early or just expect a wait. yum.
(4)Janell Y.
OMG. They must sprinkle crack on their corn or something because that was the HOLY GRAIL of all grilled corn! SERIOUSLY. I am determined to find out what they put on it so I can make a similar creation since there is nothing like this place in SF. The service there was quick and sweet! Loved the girls behind the counter and how they genuinely smiled and called me honey. A really small place but if you're lucky to find a seat, you'd enjoy the atmosphere! I don't really like burritos but this place is pretty legit and if I could, I'd definitely come back. AND OMG, that CORN. O M G !
(5)Angela L.
so 11 years ago, i stayed at my aunt's house in washington DC for three weeks. every night she cooked dinner, and every night there was a piece of corn on the cob on my plate. for the past 11 years i have refused to eat corn on the cob. until i went to cafe habana. the corn is sprinkled with butter, cotija cheese maybe? or some kind of mexican cheese.. and i dunno--fairy dust?-- grilled, and served with a little wedge of lime. and it is GODLY. i also ordered a yummy pork adobo torta, i think the sandwich and corn came out to about 9 bucks? the place is a serious hole in the wall but we found seats at the counter so we could people watch, and the girls at the register were friendly [they called me sweetheart.. except it's NY so it's like "here you go sweethaaaaat". awesome] FML, i wish they delivered........... to california.
(5)Cory L.
I've been to Cafe Habana with a group--battling a long wait--as well as solo. It was worth it each time and is one of the few places that is perhaps trendy but still notable for the quality of its food. The ambiance is quaint, and memorable. But the close quarters wouldn't be worth it if the eats didn't measure up. Of course, the corn is fabulous. But so are many of the entrees we all tried, fried bananas, and many more items that I plan to try on my return to Gotham next month.
(4)Danielle C.
I really wanted to like this place. I'd heard so many great things about it. But, the whole experience was disappointing. Two of my friends arrived at 6:30 pm on a Wednesday, there was no wait, so they waited for me and another friend. When they noticed it start to fill-up, they put our name on the list. They weren't told a time, but that there were four people ahead of us. We arrived around 6:45 pm. To make a long story short, we waited an hour an a half. Almost every single group that arrived while we were waiting was seated before us. As a former restaurant hostess myself, I understand that sometimes there is nothing you can do, but I don't think this was necessarily one of those times. However, they took care of our appetizer, which was very nice of them. The service was very slow, espeically for how few tables they have. As for the food, the corn was universally liked at our table, the rest (enchiladas, tacos al pastor, the cuban) got mixed reviews and the burger was so well done all you could taste was the char. In the end, we were extremely relieved to be out of there. The food was pretty good overall, but a few misses, slow service and a long wait will likely mean that we won't be back.
(2)Jen O.
I loved the Cuban Sandwich and the Hibiscus Iced Tea! Price is very reasonable, big portions. The only reason I give them 4 stars instead of 5 is that the place is small and the tables are very close to each other. You do not have privacy in your conversation. Other than that, great. Love the posters!!
(4)Sheree Y.
Mexican corn for $2?! And you don't have to put the toppings yourself?! WHY NOT! I HAD to get this more than once before I left NYC. The one in Malibu, CA doesn't compare..AND it's $4! Hands down, the BEST Mexican corn I have ever had! I don't think I even bothered to order anything else, but this definitely is a good snack after you walk SoHo! There is a To-Go right around the corner, which makes perfect for a quick snack!
(4)J H.
The food was okay. There's a lot of reviews already so I'll make it easy. Just get the corn, like ten orders. Best thing on their menu.
(4)Taurean B.
Oh my god! The best corn on the cob and Cuban sandwich I have ever eaten!
(4)Jozef M.
Coke and a corn then go home.
(5)Cj I.
Café Habana is so GOOD! I have been here twice and each time I get something new I love. You definitely have to try the corn, it's fantastic and so different. I had to wait both times for a table but it's so worth it. I truly love this place and I would go back in an instant. You have to try it. You won't be let down.
(5)MJ A.
one of the best eating experiences for the price in NY. Corn!
(5)tiffanie n.
I went here with my super cool sister b/c she said she wanted to get some corn. I was like...ok..whack..it's just corn, how good can it be? So she got one and I took a bite and I lovers it!!! Everyone must go and try it!!!
(4)jenn b.
Oh that damn corn! It IS the BEST!!! Yummm! I never knew that you could make corn on the cob taste sooooo goooood. You can almost make a whole meal out of that corn. Don't forget to squeeze some lime on it. Your dreams will be filled with corn! The place gets overcrowded. So you may find yourself waiting for a seat outside. It's worth the wait.
(4)Valerie B.
So good You must try the Cuban sandwich (amazing textures and combination of flavor) it's spicy, sweet and perfect to chew. The corn is pretty good. I live in San Diego --literally 5 minutes from the Mexican border & I was raised on elote, so I would still prefer the Tijuana style .. It's a bit more sweet and a better blend of flavor(chile, Limon, mayo, cheese). The one I tried here was great but just more lime-y and tart. It's like one of those places you can't eat with out getting messy. Yummy place to try. Small(hole in the wall) compact environment as if you're in a family owned and run restaurant - very homie. Next time I'm on NYC I will definitely be back for a Cuban sandwich !!
(4)Kevin Y.
Came here for a casual dinner with two friends. Cafe Habana is a small, overcrowded and overrated restaurant. A claustrophobic person should not eat here. In terms of food most of the reviews rave about how the sweet chili corn is a must have. I have to disagree. It was good and tasted authentic yet I've had better corn at Smorgasburg. The corn was hard to eat since the kernels were so tiny that they kept getting stuck between your teeth. Who knew eating corn could be a mouth workout. The other well-known dish here is the Cuban Sandwich which is rated the best Cuban Sandwich in New York. It should be called a grilled pork sandwich. It was very juicy and filling on toasted bread. It wasn't bad yet not good enough to keep me coming back. The sandwich tasted like any other pork sandwich I've had before. Overall the waitress was nice and I don't have any complaints service-wise. The food is good here just not as good as people make it out to be. I've had better Spanish food before.
(3)Laura D.
omg. their grilled corn was f-ing amazing!!! never had anything like it.
(4)Lyn C.
Grilled corn: 2/$4.50...WIN! THIS is what the Nacho Libre corn was all about. I thought the best corn in my life was at a roasted corn stand at Pike's in Seattle. I have finally found a corn to overtake that #1 spot, and it is here at Café Habana!! You can order it to go next door, but it was chilly that day so we wanted to dine in. Service was great too...we got seated immediately. Didn't have anything else except drinks, so I can't vouch for any of the other food.
(5)Michelle P.
Amazing place! Only con is the ridiculous line! Obviously the corn is amazing, but if you just want the corn, just go next door to the takeout side. Much easier, and they have a couple of chairs and what not for you to enjoy your corn in peace. Other amazing factors include: a really cute bartender, awesome strong mojitos, and the food is good without being expensive.
(4)Elizabeth N.
Like every other review....get the corn. This one item makes this place great. Every other dish is good too but I would say you can get similar items at other Cuban restaurants why wait in a long line but do it for the Corn.
(3)Nick K.
The best!! Corn Corn Corn. or the cuban s/w
(5)Sarah B.
On a recent visit my friend demanded that our group make a trip to Cafe Habana and I'm so glad that he did! He said, "One word: corn." He was right. I ordered the $2 Mexican-style grilled corn and was not sure what to expect. I ordered it to go but ended up eating inside the small but fun shop. I was the first to order and did was I was told: "One corn, please." When my corn was ready, I was hesitant. Cheese? Chili powder? Mayo? On a corn cob? What in the world .. Amazingness. The corn was grilled perfectly, the cheese was amazing, the chili powder provided just enough of a kick to make me crave a Mexican Coke, and the lime added just the right amount of acid. Will be back!
(4)ellainne v.
My review is just for their grilled corn. WOOWWWW. Who'd have thought corn could taste THAT GOOD?! I'll make it short and sweet since everyone has basically reiterated how I feel about this dish. It's phenomenal and must try. The main restaurant is on the corner, but if you want take out, then you have to walk next door where you can order everything to go. They also have a few tables and some bar stools where you can enjoy your awesome grilled corn. Def a must if you're in the area. I should of bought more for the road!!! Heard about this because Tyler Florence raved about the corn. HE WAS NOT WRONG!!!
(5)Jen H.
AHHHH!!! we came here for the grilled corn since this was my request. We taxi here just to buy corns! So worth it!!! It was cheap too! I think it was $2/corn, and this was probably one of the best corns I have ever had!!! If I am back in town, I would def stop by again!! Man, what is the white powdery stuff they smear all over the corn? It is SOOOOOO GOOOODDDD!!!
(5)Kevin S.
Let me start off by saying the corn is incredibly average. Being from California I've eaten corn which mayo, cheese, and chili my whole life and was left very disappointed after ordering the corn. It was very burnt and parts of it were mushy and just not worth it. Enough corn bashing, the food at Café Habana was actually very very good. I got the Cuban and was blown away by it. It was not traditional since they use roasted pork and a bit of ham and serve it with fries, but man is it good! It might be the best thing I ate in New York, which is saying something since I had the best hamburger in my life there and the best pastrami. So in short, pass the corn if you are from the Southwest and do get the Cuban or roast pork plate.
(4)Melissa C.
The corn here is super delicious. It was surprisingly spicy so watch out! Parts of my corn were a little burnt, which I didn't enjoy, but overall a really good tasting snack/appetizer. I also shared the Cuban sandwich with a friend (the thing is huge!!!) and that was good too, but not as good as the corn. The only downside is that this place is really noisy so it can be hard to hear whoever you are dining with.
(4)Alyssa M.
I'll be the 1000th person to say it, but I don't care. CORN. Just get it. It's really that good. TIP::: If you want the food without the restaurant, go around the corner onto Elizabeth St. and they serve the food counter-style.
(4)Teshia S.
I think my boyfriend put is best: "This place makes me feel like there's an Cuban woman in the kitchen cooking all these meals and bringing it out." I've been here more times than I can count. It's a small, cozy space that makes you feel like you're in someone's dining room about to be served dinner. The food is beyond amazing and reasonably priced. The best appetizer by far is the corn. It's grilled corn with spices on top and tastes as delicious as it sounds. I always get the enchiladas because they're cooked perfectly every single time. Habana also has a brunch menu filled with tons of delicious breakfast foods with a Cuban twist on them. The coconut flan for dessert hits the spot every time. Just the right amount of sweet at the end of a great meal. Highly highly recommend!
(5)Shanny H.
best corn !!!
(5)AJ Y.
Food is a four, cleanliness (or lack of) makes it a three. Food is solid, depending on what you get. The fish tacos were not good, the fish was in pieces and not cooked properly nor was it fresh. Sausage and eggs were good, until I saw the 1/4 c. of grease sitting on the bottom of my plate. Corn was good, and generally the steak is good. However, the steak is often cooked unevenly and the portion is teeny tiny. But the food is solid enough to go back when there is no wait. Seating is cramped and the floor and tables could use a mop.
(3)Elaine C.
Give me the corn and screw everything else!!! LOL. Heard about this place years ago by the ever so famous Michelle Phan in one of her videos and ever since I have been dying to go here to try the grilled corn which has been a couple of years now... Got the steak with huevos rancheros along with the shirley temple. Both were very good! My friend got the shrimp one and a lemonade. Also very good! We finished our plates! Grilled corn was definitely the best! Make sure to bring floss!! Took off a star because the slow ass service and the tiny, smelly bathroom. Took forever to give us our menus, or dishes, and our check! C'mon now! We're in NY! It's all about HIGH SPEED. Loll
(4)Annie C.
GREAT CORN! Came here on a late Monday night and was one of the last customers. I was very pleased that the waitress didn't try to rush us out.
(4)Betty V.
I would say come here just to try the grilled corn! I ordered the Cuban sandwich, and it was eh. The sauce was good with the pulled pork, but it's not something amazing. The grilled corn is $2.50 and comes topped with mayo, parmesan cheese, chili powder, and a spritz of lime juice. I wish they would have put a little more chili powder on it, but it was quantity sufficient. Great to try if you've never had Mexican corn before! My favorite place to get it is at random carts in Santa Ana, CA, or at the swap meet.
(4)Jack X.
Well I honestly dont think I need to write too much here since there are a thousand or so reviews of it.... what I can say is however that the grilled corn is amazing and it tastes just like it should. Brings me right back to Texas
(5)Anna - Jess M.
Can't stop thinking about that grilled corn. That alone gives this place five stars. Awesome spot though! Pretty busy around the time I went -- which I expected anyways walking in asking for a seat around 7 PM on a Saturday night. It was a nice day outside though and found a spot around the corner on a bench so a friend and I just sat our little butts down and people watched around the probably 20-30 minute wait. Waitress was super CUTE and super sweet -- I'm pretty sure I still have a crush on her. She had this pin-up-y, retro vibe but edgy and badass with her tattoos and she was just so nice, I wish I remembered her name so I could shout her out. Also ordered the Huevos Rancheros a Caballo and a refreshing mojito. Both, I pretty much inhaled, but not as memorable as that grilled corn. I'M COMING BACK FOR YOU, CORN! ... And probably to try their famous Cuban too.
(5)Yanill P.
This place has very authentic Cuban food. Definitely recommend trying this place. The only downside is the crowd here. The wait time is very long especially on a weekend, it is not a very large space either. I would suggest going on a weekday. P.S. All you corn-on-the-cob lovers, you must try this place!
(4)Helen Y.
I came here after fellow Yelpers raved about the corn and fellow Yelpers were right. Grilled corn with the mayonnaise and chile powder and lime and cheese was nothing short of stupendous. The corn was so superior to the cactus tacos I had corn will be all I will order here. $4.25 gets you two huge ears. Trust me--you will say it is too much and then eat both and want more. The cactus tacos came two to a plate on freshly fried tortillas. The cactus was crunchy and tossed with onions but did not have any great punch. The small side of beans and rice was flavorful. This place is packed at the night so get here early lif you don't want a 30 minute wait for corn. Table space is tight so do the counter in a pinch. Oh a nice young man I chatted with told me the corn here is far better than the one at Habana Outpost on Brooklyn. CORN GETS 5 STARS!
(3)Miss H K.
I was shopping in SOHO and decided to grab lunch here before I headed into Times Square. No problem getting a seat around noon on a Wednesday. Service here was friendly and my server made good conversation. I had the Cuban sandwich with sweet potato fries. Overall my dish was good, the sandwich was a bit greasy but was tasty overall and was a perfect portion for lunch. Prices here were pretty decent for the area, seems like a popular joint. Wouldn't mind returning if I'm shopping in SOHO but would definitely want to try other things on their menu next time.
(4)Stephanie C.
I wouldn't say the food is the best but it's pretty good. I come here mostly for the atmosphere. The service was great when I came here before New Years and the waiter was polite, funny and we just had a great time.
(4)Anderson H.
If you're in the area, don't you dare miss this place and don't you DARE miss that corn!
(5)Allison P.
I told my dining companion that I wasn't sure what they put on their grilled corn, but I think it is a mixture of butter and crack. It's only been about 48 hours since I ate here and I am trying to figure out if I can get that corn shipped to Austin. Absolutely amazing. My only beef with this place is the constant wait to get a table. I thought it would be easier going late in the afternoon, but Cafe Habana was still packing them in. I was given the tip to skip the line for a table and go around to the corner and order from the to-go stand, and grab a spot on the sidewalk to eat your lunch. We did just that. It's a little bit of a cluster, but that corn has people addicted and I will gladly go through the hassle again.
(4)Hong L.
Cafe habana is as popular as ever. We came on a Wednesday and waited over an hour. We were a party of four, which the restaurant surprisingly finds difficult to accommodate. If I could rate Habana just for the grilled mexican corn, I would probably give them 5 stars. It has a perfect balance of sweetness of the corn, citrus from the lime, spice from the cayenne, and saltiness from the cheese and mayo. Unfortunately, the entrees are another story. I ordered the fish tacos and my bf ordered the chuletas. The fish tacos were not very flavorful. The fish did not have much flavor to it, and the tortillas were rather dry. The chuleta was rather dry, and they tried to over compensate with a drenching of sauce. I would rate the entree maybe 2 stars.
(3)Christine A.
Best place to get a tasty and cheap snack if you're in SoHo- Get the grilled corn. I went to the take out side of the Cafe Habana, which is convenient if you don't want to sit down or order a whole meal. Convenient, quick and so good!
(4)Maggie B.
Service: The hostess was sweet and sat me right away. My server took a little while on everything. She was nice, but had to ask me twice what beer I got and then gave me the wrong one, even though the ticket was right when she dropped it off. So combo bartender/server issue. Food: I got the cuban with fries. The cuban was pretty delicious with shredded pork, pickles, cheese and a (i think) chipotle mayo. It was a little cold in the middle though. The fries were awful. Real potatoes, but a soggy mess. Who wants oil soaked, limp fries? Atmosphere: Cute interior, right on the corner with big windows. Not a bad place to sit. Won't be back.
(2)Victor K.
If you come here for anything and you DON'T try the grilled corn then you're a FOOOOOLLLLL!!!!! All that grilled deliciousness topped with crumbled cheese with savory spicy goodness in aluminum foil will leave you drolling for more! But enough of my fanaticism, this place is a cozy spot near the Soho area. However, inside is anything but cozy since there's limited seating and the time I went on a cold Winter weekend there was a good 40 minute wait for my group of 5. We stuck it out and finally got seated in a corner. My sloppy Pepe was as sloppy as I expected but definitely wasn't too bad and I tried a bit of my cousin's tacos which wasn't stellar but not the worst I ever had. Overall I say the best thing of the meal is the cuban corn. Service was okay to begin with but dealing with a full restaurant with only 2 waitresses made it tough to get some attention especially when trying to pay the bill. Not the worst experience but might not warrant a second trip to sit down when I can easily order my favorite corn to go.
(3)Elissa S.
I am a corn lover and I've got to say the grilled corn here is one of my favorites ever. We didn't have time to sit down, so we ordered from the to-go area next to the actual restaurant. The corn is grilled just right and topped with mayo, parm cheese, chili powder and lime. Just by looking at the food on other people's plates it looked amazing! Must try when I come back here.....
(5)Kymberli C.
We walked in here and were seated right away. Took forever to get our orders taken. The table next to us, who were seated right after us got their order taken after us, they ordered the same thing. There was 3 of them and only 2 of us. We were given 2 cups of water... there were tiny particles floating on top of the water... GROSS. The table next to us were served their food before us. We waited 15 minutes and nothing for our table had come out yet. They were served the rest of their meal... Uhh?? We decided to just walk out and leave because we couldn't even get anyone's attention. The girl who helped us wouldn't make eye contact with either of us for the life of me... I felt like I was on a TV show or something. We ended up going to Habana-to-go next door... The service was way friendlier and the food came out fast and even though there is less seating in there, it doesn't feel as cramped.
(1)Lars F.
Great place like everyone else wrote. The corn (two per order) was fantastic. Corn is not in season now, so the kernels were tiny, but still delicious. The fish tacos were the best of all the tacos we tried. Had a 35 minute wait at 7:30 on a Saturday night for two. This place is tiny, but friendly service. Looking forward to going back for the Cuban sandwich.
(4)Anna P.
I have only tried their Cuban sandwich and grilled corn. The grilled corn is seriously ADDICTING! I had two at the place but still had to get two to go (with an excuse that those were for my boyfriend. But obviously I devoured them myself after getting home hehe) before I left, I didn't really care much for the Cuban sandwich though, it was really dry and didn't have any pop in your mouth flavors.
(4)Hiep N.
Come here hungry and order the Cuban Sandwich. For about $8 bucks you'll get the city's best Cuban sandwich fresh grilled bread, ham, pulled pork, swiss cheese, and pickles. Service is great and the cashiers are friendly. The wait can be ridic so be patient and it will be well worth it.
(4)Ron G.
May be a but futile reviewing a place with over 1500 reviews, but, I'm sure some reviews suck. Came on a friday night despite being warned about the crazy line that would be there. Indeed, crazy line was present, however, there was such brouhaha outside that I was not expecting. They were filming the SNL girl's intro promo. Getting into the shot and having the chance to be on TV every week made the 1 hr wait a bit more bearable. Unfortunately, right when the director was about to get the perfect shot, with my best angle forward, the hostess rudely tapped me on the shoulder and said she doesn't care about the shoot and come sit down or they will give up our table :( Had the caipirinha, don't get me wrong, I like a stiff drink as much as the next guy, but this puppy put me from relatively sober to selatively rober. Clearly, the bartender was staring at a hot girl while he was pouring the cachaca. Accordingly, my food review may be a bit tainted. One or two reviews I came across mentioned something about some corn, so I thought i'd go out on a limb and try it. It was...very good. I think its more a novelty thing because most places dont serve corn on the cob, and if they do, its a boiled nightmare. Being a fan of grilling corn in the summer with fresh toppings, its not the taste of their corn that blew me away, it was the fact that I was just eating grilled corn I think. Plus, adding mayo, cheese, and chilly powder likely makes many things taste good. If you're coming here, you may as well get it. I dont get people obsession with $4.50 for two ears of corn. Last time I checked, an ear of corn cost maybe a dime? I also had the fish tacos. Being a philly native, their is not ample opportunity to have a good fish taco. The fish tacos were very, very good. Crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, great filling. The rice served with the dish was a bit salty, but tasty. The beans were simple and satisfying. Sorry if this review doesn't help you out, but I guess if my caipirinha was made normally, you've just found a place that you can go in feeling okay and after just one drink leave feeling pretty happy.
(3)Carissa L.
Hmph. You gotta take the good with the bad, as they say... There was a bit of a wait and we stayed by the counter. No big deal. Not until these two large gentlemen waited for about four seconds and decided to seat themselves. The waitress tried to deter them but they wouldn't make enough eye contact to notice that she was trying to prevent their douchbaggery from polluting this cute little eatery. Despite my desire to punch them in the face (I was starving and had a bad day at work) we chalked it up to karma. When we were finally seated we were at the world's smallest table. Probably for the better that those two DBs didn't try to sit there I guess. Anyway, we both ordered the corn and it was great. He ordered the cuban sandwich and I got the enchiladas suizas. He said his sandwich was awesome - he usually HATES pickles on a sandwich but these were worth leaving on. My dish was deceiving - way more food than it looked like it was. Not as life-changing as it seems some others on this page think it is, but yummy nonetheless. I'd go back - hopefully when it might not be so busy!
(3)Nadia R.
It's good but a little too much hype and looong lines
(3)John P.
This place is way overhyped. Based on some of the reviews you'd think this place serves the best meal of your life, or even the best mexican corn you'd ever tasted, but it actually doesn't. It's a decent meal, i just couldn't imagine waiting over half an hour for this. We came here on good friday hoping that there wouldn't be a wait, and there wasn't, so we crammed into our tiny space. The seating situation here is crazy small, almost makes it not worth it unless you can get a booth for 4. The menu is very random, there's no order to where the food is listed. They also don't have a lot of choices, and definitely don't have traditional food. We started with the tostones and corn. The corn was very good and i can see why people love it, but personally, i think dos caminos makes it way better. The tostones was definitely the best part of the meal, specifically the garlic sauce it comes with. Although i probably smelt like garlic all day, it was well worth it. I'd put that sauce on everything if i could. For entrees I had the roast pork with rice and beans and my girlfriend had the cuban sandwich. I was disappointed when i saw the yellow rice with my beans. Based on the name i thought this was more of a cuban restaurant, but it's clearly more mexican, no cuban restaurant would serve yellow rice with beans. The roast pork was ok, but didn't have much flavor, it's like they just roasted the pork without anything else on it. My girlfriends cuban was very good and she really enjoyed it. She thought the bread they use is the most authentic she's seen in the city. Overall, not a bad meal, but nothing about it really stood out.
(3)Charle M.
There are three reasons to come here: The pulled pork, the rice/beans, the corn on the cob. Also if you, like me, live across the street. There is the added bonus of delivery (and delivery that accepts credit cards)- which I took advantage of yesterday for the simple reason that I was in a bad mood and it was Easter and I couldn't stand the idea of seeing happy peoples. So instead I forced a delivery man to walk across the street with the aforementioned three items. It added a whole new level to the term Lazy Sunday. The pulled pork comes apart easily and is, to sum it up concisely, perfect. The rice and beans are also perfect, although I'm not quite sure why. I hope it doesn't have anything to do with butter. The corn on the cob is spicy and cheesy, but less so when you scrape off the mayonaise that holds it all together. Not the healthiest of venues but a nice solid choice if you want something tasty, casual and are in the area. Plus there is take-out extension to the restaurant, it has tables and additional seating if you don't want to deal with the oft-crowded mess next door.
(4)Vanessa O.
busy. cramped. tasty! yes, this place is a bit small, and they like to cram a bunch of people into small tables (i feel sorry for the person that has to sit RIGHT IN FRONT of the bathroom beaded curtain) but it was a nice experience. The wait staff were all super nice, and the food was basic but good. We didn't get the corn, cuz we didn't know this was what everyone ate (and we have had bad mayo experiences recently) but it did look good. I got the roast pork which is basically the same meat inside the cubana sandwich. There was a ton of meat in the pork plate, maybe a bit too much, but it was really tasty. With all the beans and rice, who knew I craved veggies? The cubana sandwich is a goodie, the portions are filling, and the restaurant is kinda cute. I was surprised to see such a huge group of people waiting outside. we definitely lucked out getting a table right away on a Saturday evening around 8pm.
(4)Ana C.
Great Cuban food, really fun place, awesome crowd! Must try the corn with butter and cheese
(4)Cindy K.
Came here a couple of times and due to it being a tiny shack the wait was 20-30 minutes each time. They also have a next door sit in version of the famous to go spot. I got their mexican corn and tried a few of their sandwiches. The corn was good and the sandwiches were okay. Nothing amazing. Honestly it's one of those places you go once as a New Yorker and don't really go out of your way for unless your in the area.
(4)Shab A.
So every New Yorker has a to-do list for their visitors to. Mine definitely includes having corn at Cafe Habana. I haven't seen anyone leave disappointed. I myself don't like corn at all - just looking at corn makes me nauseous, but this corn is something else!! Definitely give it a try!!! If you don't feel like sitting down and ordering full course, they have a to-go shop next to the restaurant, where you can grab corn and enjoy it outside.
(5)Sindy C.
I was told that the wait time for a party of 3 would be 15 mins . I waited more the. 1 hour for us to get seated . The server came out and told me several time that our table will be ready shortly. We were all eager to try this place out and wanted to stay. It was a mistake. After taking our order, the wait for the food took a extra hr. I'm not even exaggerating. I'm getting 2 stars because the food came out to be okay. I wouldn't come back again .
(2)elizabeth l.
Finally a decent Mexican food-type restaurant. One thing I miss about California is their overflowing yummy mexican restaurants. NYC has its own vaunted cuisine but to have lived for the past decade having burritos, tacos, and or quesadillas once every week, I seriously miss everything all the authentic places. This place serves decent quality food. It is filling and yummy - since I devoured my entire plate. I tried the enchiladas because you can never ever ever go so wrong with enchiladas. oh and OF COURSE GET THE CORN!! it's a mmmmmmmmust!
(4)Ngoc P.
I've eaten at Café Habana a few times and had a number of items off the menu. The cubano and mexican corn are definitely the must-order dishes. Their tacos were quite good and filling as well. I get the feeling that its not really a Cuban restaurant as opposed to a Mexican one. I wouldn't expect an authentic Cuban meal before going here. Service is usually a bit rushed/cold. The space is tight but in the usual way that restaurants in the city are. The wait can be long especially during weekends at dinner time but its not bad on week nights. I personally like the counter seats, you get much more space and friendlier service versus the tables. Reasonable prices, good food, no complaints.
(4)Sylwia W.
My friends were worried about how I would rate Cafe Habana after the experience we had there last night, but I assured them I would be fair in explaining my evaluation. So, let's have at it, shall we? First, the food. Everyone raves about the corn, which is indeed good, though not as stellar, I think, as everyone says. The Cuban sandwich, the only actual meal I've gotten here, is the same way: good, but you can do so much better, and at a far cheaper price. Second, the interior of the restaurant is better suited to an actual cafe, not a restaurant. The tables are tiny and they, along with the chairs, are reminiscent of 24-hour diners. In fact, the whole place seems like a glorified diner, complete with single paper napkins, rounded silverware, plastic cups, and cushion booths. It'd be cute were it not for two things: the prices and the wait. Oh, God, that wait. Look, I get that in New York City, you have to wait for anything decent, and that the wait time at a restaurant isn't always a direct result of the establishment itself, but I can't be in love with a place when I have to sit outside it for what seems like forever in the vain hope that the hostess/waitress/busser/bartender decides to finally call my name. And what's worse, during my experience here last night, my friends and I were inexplicably bumped off the list; when we complained and asked why, the answer we got was illogical and nothing was done to rectify the situation. By the time we were seated, we had been waiting longer than expected, everyone on the list after us was long gone, and there wasn't anyone else waiting to grab a table. Despite that, the service here is ok, even if I was constantly fearing for our server's life as she tried to navigate her tiny frame through the even tinier spaces between tables and chairs. Unfortunately, even for a space this small, it seemed understaffed, leading her to overlook us at times, most noticeably when we obviously needed another chair (seriously, the tables are so small, you can barely fit two people, let alone three). In all, I'm very "meh" about this place, which explains the three stars. Would I come back again? Most likely, though this time with slightly lower expectations and perhaps a book to read during the wait. Bathroom Grade: 4/10. Well, at least after squeezing my way past all the tables, I had no trouble making use of this cramped facility.
(3)Lacey G.
LOVE this place. I visit NY about five times a year, and make Cafe Habana a MUST everytime. The corn is amazing, and the entrees are all delish. Also, try a guava margarita - yum!
(5)Kiran S.
A great spot for a fun dinner. I wasn't particularly impressed with the food. I would say it was quiet standard, but I did enjoy the corn. The sangria was way to sweet. The vegetarian tacos were not bad, I enjoyed the veggies and queso fresco. But overall the food just wan't as flavorful and bold as I expected. However, it was a good spot to start an evening NoLita. The wait staff is high energy, the music and decor is festive; it's a good set up for a fun night.
(4)Lama B.
This place does not need another review. But but but...for me I need to document what I liked here lest I ever forget (which is highly unlikely, but hey you never know.) Nelly and I dropped by after the Joshua Radin concert, both slightly high on his insanely wonderful performance. Guacamole: yummy. Grilled corn: Shleukhp. Chicken in mole sauce: sigh how I love you. CUBAN SANDWICH: I want one. Right now. And no I dont want to share, I want to get fat, get your own. Drinks are strong, one and I was good to go:) Definitely coming back. ALL THE TIME.
(4)Connie C.
Came here for an afternoon snack-- Mexican Grilled Corn. This corn is amazing...every time I've had it I've always wanted more. The restaurant itself was packed, so we walked slightly around the corner for a quick pick up. Delicious. Their cuban sandwich is also very famous here, however I didn't have a chance to try it this time. Guess that means I'll have to make another trip out to NYC. =)
(5)Steven S.
Went for the first time with friends this past week. Didn't really know too much about this place but I'm a fan of Cuban food so I had high hopes. I ordered the ranchos heurvos and the famous corn and I really enjoyed my meal. The ranchos heurvos wasn't particularly special; it tasted like any other breakfast dish I'd get at a diner but that's a good thing since I love diner food. The corn was so good though. Never had anything like it but it seems so simple- grilled with some butter topped with mayo, some type of cheese, and chili pepper. Service was spotty. The wait staff were really friendly but they weren't very efficient. The restaurant is also small so it feels very cramped. I would recommend this place for anyone in the area.
(4)john e.
grilled corn, with cheese, lime, and spice = the best $2 meal in NYC.
(4)PC W.
The corn on the cob is all I could talk about yesterday after having it here as part of lunch. The blackened sweet corn is slathered in butter and parmesan cheese, and topped off with chili powder. Served with slices of lime for an additional layer of flavor. It's $3.75 for one here - here's a tip if you're miserly, yellow or both like me, there's Habana-To-Go around the corner which is Cafe Habana's quick service, take out sister restaurant. Pretty much the same exact menu but much cheaper. The corn on the cob there is only $1.95. Thuy L. did all the research to find this place and read great things about the Cuban. I've never had one before but I liked it. The bread tasted very similar to banh mi but put into a panini press. This diner is tiny so unless you like dining in close quarters at tables smaller than first grader's desks this place may not be for you. Our waitress had attitude which I liked. The service is spotty but they get the job done eventually.
(4)Patricia S.
corn on the cob with parmesan cheese and some spice... a steak sandwich that did not skimp on the meat! all at a good price and lively ambiance. now that's good eats.
(5)kitty c.
4 stars for the food, 2-3 stars for the service (maybe ordering togo's a better idea.) We went for lunch on a friday, there's a lot of people and we had to sit at this tiny table at this tiny corner. It's ok cuz we heard the food's good. Here's what we ordered: cuban sandwich, corns, coffee, mexican hot cocoa and flan. LOVE: the sandwich and corns are perfect! especially the corn, how can it taste so good with just butter, mayo, red pepper and cheese? NOT A FAN OF: the SERVICE SUCKS! no smile, no water, no thank you...basically you just eat and go, why i even bothered to tip them...why? i really doubt our tipping system! coffee & mexican hot cocoa's not as good/hot as i expected. the flan's rich but a little too sweet.
(3)Lisa L.
One of my friends could not stop raving about the Cuban sandwich at Cafe Habana....as a recent transplant to New York, I decided to check it out. Unfortunately, with all the subway construction, my train was rerouted and I had to get off somewhere random. Totally starving, I navigated my way to Cafe Habana thanks to my trusty blackberry plus googlemaps. And yes, I think the Cuban was worth the journey. I have to admit that I was skeptical due to a bad experience with a cuban sandwich in my past. But this was delicious pulled pork goodness surrounded by ham and slathered with some sort of chipotle mayonaisse. Delicious. I also had the corn, thanks to the suggestions of other yelpers and it was sweet and covered in a delicious buttery sauce. Note that I got food from the To Go counter and it was fast although very cramped waiting. I am looking forward to returning and trying other things on the menu!
(4)Irene D.
Get the roasted corn appetizer. It'll change your life. Mojitos are highly recommended, but not the reason I keep coming back. Pollo Mirador is my fave off the menu after the roasted corn, but you can't really go wrong with anything you get here. Expected really long wait at peak hours and don't go with a group larger than 4. The place is really tiny and that could make your wait unbearable. Haven't had a bad meal here yet. Service is inconsistent, but just deal with it. Get more corn.
(5)Lindsay T.
Went here to try the Mexican Style Corn on the Cob after spotting this place on TVFoodMaps (.com). Great corn! The cactus tacos were good, but not the best. The portions were generous. If you go for lunch, go slightly before noon to catch a table.
(4)Richard T.
Holy crap this place gets busy. Don't come here expecting to get seated right away, you'll be disappointed. There are quite a few bars nearby however so there is definitely a lot to do while you wait. Started off with Sangria, it was tasty, fresh and gone in about 5 minutes. And then we got the corn on the cob slathered in stuff that probably isn't all that healthy for you, but none of that mattered because it was so tasty. It's like eating a buttery dream where everything in the world is perfect. My friend Val, who has been here countless times ordered me the steak and eggs. It wasn't called that, but it's essentially what it was. Cooked to perfection, with just the right amount of rice and beans, ya'll this shiz was off the chain and gone in less than 10 minutes. Oh we also go plantains for the table. I had one, looked down and then they were all gone. I found love in a Cuban place --- COMING BACK FOR SURE.
(5)Pamela L.
Their Mexican corn is THE BEST!! I would go shopping in Soho and stop by just for their Mexican corn. I've been here for brunch and for dinner. The only time you don't have to wait is if you come here at 11am, which I did for brunch, twice. It's well worth the wait though because the food is sooo amazing!
(5)Jesse A.
The reviews are right: it's all about the corn. Yum. Yum. Gooey. Tasty. Yum. Mayo ALL OVER YOUR FACE. As for the other dishes, the serving sizes are large and it seemed like fairly normal Mexican / Cuban fare, not too boring but also not that amazing. Still, I can get really into plain old rice and beans when I'm in the mood. We really liked the busy, happy, crowded atmosphere.... and the mojitos.
(4)Brittany A.
A Mexican diner with some Cuban flair. This place is a true gem in Nolita. There is limited seating and there is always a long wait to eat at this restaurant so I suggest you go at an off hour. I ordered the Vegetarian Cactus tacos and they were tasty. The beans and rice that come on the side are even tastier. Put some hot sauce on your meal! The hot sauce is spicy but has a wonderful flavor. The margaritas are also wonderful, but will run you back about $8. Your meal will cost around the same price as well. Definitely check this place out! I will definitely be back here to try the famous corn.
(4)John C.
Mexican Corn, Mexican Corn, and Mexican corn! That's really all you need to be hooked on this place. Step into Cafe Habana and you're all of a sudden in another country. It's loud, it's cramped, looks aged, and it's all simply amazing. You'll probably be waiting for a while if it's around dinner time, but it's totally worth the wait. I typically order the pulled pork with rice and beans (with mexican corn to start), washed down with a cold modelo negro. I die. The pork is tender and succulent, and the rice and beans complement it perfectly. They certainly give you a lot of it, too. Despite the generous portions, you probably won't be taking any of it home. On occasion, I would get the cuban sandwich that uses the same pulled pork. It's still amazing and a good alternative if I'm in the mood for a sandwich. Just go.
(5)Anna B.
Corn on the cob and steak sandwiches- AMAZING! I will visit cafe habana every time I come to new york!
(5)omar b.
"I LIKE BIG BUTTS AND I CANNOT LIE!!!" sir mix-a-lot if you have a flat booty...then you come here and order some of their cuban grinds. everything is yummy, rich and loaded with the stuff that can fill up your J brand denim =) if you like booty...then you come here and buy yourself a chicas cabana calendar that highlights their staff that are(for the most part) of latina decent...nuff said if you don't like booty...then your are probably into booby and well you are in nolita, so you will see plenty of that here too. okay so i had the steak and eggs which was mighty fine, loved them home fries...washed it down with a michelada and of course tore up the grilled corn just like Seong, Tara, Gur E and arnold. WESTSIDE!!!!! they have a homemade sour creama that was perfect with their plantains!!! great service, tight squeeze, avg wait and yes, BABY GOT BACK!!!!!
(4)R H.
Great cuban restaurant with wonderful food and an awesome atmosphere. The wait can be long, because they don't take reservations. Fortunately, when we went for a party of four, there were two other party of fours that ended up growing to a party of six and eight, respectively. So when the booth opened up, we slid right on in. 10 min wait - sweetness. Food was very good. The corn appetizer was delicious. We all ordered differently entrees and no one was disappointed.
(5)Courtney p.
They have the best corn I have ever had. I went to NY in May 2008. I'm still telling people how wonderful the corn is at Cafe Habana. It has the best flavor. I went to a lot of places to eat while in NY, but this was by far my fav. I can't stop thinking about it. It's very yummy, and addictive.
(5)Umesh P.
Cuban Sandwich and Corn, those are top shelf. Avoid the shrimp or fish tacos, nut much of flavor. The Enchiladas Suizas had a good sauce, although the chicken was average. The beans and rice had a better taste. Be prepared to wait for atleast 15-20 min on weekend nights. Would like to come by again to try out some other dishes... after a while though
(3)darcey h.
At 1,300+ reviews I don't think Cafe Habana is going to suffer I don't post yet another "woot-woot" for it's corn and Cubano sandwich. But, when I crave the perfectly balanced indulgence of a really good Cubano sandwich I go out of my way to come to their little take-out outpost next to the over crowded restaurant and get my fix. Sophia's Cuban (NY popular lunch chain) makes a perfectly satisfying Cubano but Cafe Habana's blows the doors off Sophia. The bread is just as key as the juiciness of the pulled pork. Their bread is from Parisi bakery just down the street and is fresh and crunchy. They cook their sandwich in the traditional style; under a tinfoil wrapped brick. There are many other delights on the menu that i've had but i come back for this sandwich.
(4)Derrick P.
Unfortunately, this place wasn't all that it was hyped up to be. But still a solid 4 star option. Once you get near this place, you can't miss it. It's super crowded and inside is a sort of open hole in the wall sort of feel. You can't go wrong with: grilled corn, cuban sandwhich, and fish tacos. Really they were all delicious. Mojitos are small, but strong...plenty of sugar and strong alcohol (stick with one). I have to comment on the music here. It was good! A lot of chill indie stuff that was perfect for this Cuban setting. Groups of 2-4 are most appropriate here. If you're looking for a top restaurant in New York to experience some of the best Cuban food of your life, then not so much. But if you want a great place to get some delicious Cuban food and drinks with friends, then this is definitely it.
(4)Emily A.
Well....Just don't. Spare yourself. Where to begin. This place is ridiculous. We were told upon arrival that it would be a 25-minute wait. It wasn't. It was more like an hour. And, we spent that hour crammed next to 8..then 9...then 10 bags of the most foul-smelling trash ever. We were immediately charmed. When we were finally seated, we were literally in the front door with a crowd of hungry, vulture-like hipsters standing over us waiting for us to finish. I seriously considered giving one of them a tortilla just to fend them off. And be ready to be uncomfortably friendly with the other patrons. I can tell you intimate details about the person sitting next to me, including what the skin on his face felt like. The food was so-so, and not even close to being worth the wait. And the music was a real treat...and by treat, I of course mean nightmare. I felt like I was trapped in a bad theater production that I couldn't leave. It went from Caribbean bongos to Madonna. I think it actually made the food taste worse. Won't. Be. Back.
(1)Renee M.
Ok so I heard a ton about the grilled corn at this place, and honestly wasn't as great and awesome as ppl told me it was. The french toast on the other hand was killer! Fresh cinnimon french toast with fresh assorted fruit and vermont maple syrup....it was perfectly made so the french toast wasn't too heavy just a perfect mix of light and airy.... The mohitoes were also extremely authentic, but to come here and wait for a smaller than a matchbox table to eat good not GREAT food was not something I personally would do again. The service is great though! Waitstaff is super attentive and super nice!
(3)Megan C.
Long lines, super cramped interior when you are seated, and it's so jam-packed that it can be hard to get a waitress. That said, the food is decent, the corn with cheese is awesome, and if you're going for a scene you've found one.
(3)Diana L.
they do corn right! drool-worthy, dream-worthy, starve-myself-for-lunch-worthy. i ate nothing else but corn that meal. why mess with a good thing?
(5)J L.
i'm craving for some cheesy spicy corn so i'm heading over there now. actually, the corn is f*cking awesome and that's the only reason i'm going there. otherwise the place is small and cramped, service could be better and the food is only ok. but the corn!!! omg... drool. there's a take out section right behind the actual restaurant so skip the eat in and go for take out.
(4)Keene W.
What to order: Shrimp Tacos(dine in only) Steak with rice and beans Corn What not to order: Sangria Cuban Sandwich Overall: Cafe Habana is a nice casual place to bring a small group. Usually very crowded so try to go during non peak hours. Since the place has so much traffic, the service and quality sometimes suffer. The Cuban sandwich is suppose to be renowned as the best in the city by many but is dry in my opinion.
(4)Elizabeth H.
The Eats: Yum Yum Yum. Just go for the CORN. I can't stress how important it is to order the CORN. Once you walk in, you will realize that is what half of the people are there for. The entrees and sandwiches are simple and delicious. Skirt steaks, CUBANOS, chorizo and eggs. The menu has options for meat eaters and vegans alike. The meat and sides are always good but I usually just want to order a million ears of CORN. The corn comes with cheese, chili powder, and butter. I can't recreate their corn for the life of me. Grilled piece of goodness. The Experience : This Cuban café is always bumping and is the size of a secret hole in the wall. Well the secret is out, because you can never ever get a table here. The corner café is always packed. So just walk next door to the take out counter and sit on the street. Although you have to miss out on their refreshing fruit MARGARITAS and mojitos, you miss the wait and can people watch. The Damage: It is a steal. They could be charging much more for this goodness.
(5)Kat H.
3.5 stars, actually. First of all: best corn ever! I'm a huge fan of corn on the cob with queso blanco, but Cafe Habana clearly puts more effort (and spices) into their ears than any other downtown restaurant. Mine was super spicy this time around, but the afterburn was pleasant. Also, the Tres Marias was a great dish--a corn "bowl" filled with sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, with a side of rice and beans. Delicious! My friend got the fish of the day special, which was striped sea bass in a caper sauce with white rice, and it was pretty bland. Just a whole lot of lemon and butter. Some cons? The service was pretty bad. Forget about refills of water or getting your change within 15 minutes after you ask for it. I can tell they're swamped, but wouldn't you want to rush people out the door if that's the case? All in all, I know I'll come back, but only when I'm really craving that sweet, cheesy, and spicy corn on the cob...
(3)JJ S.
visited Thu evening 5/29/08 Pretty sure they don't need another great review, but I gotta support the lively atmosphere and the elote! Sweet yellow sloppy love on a stick! (The pork and ham cuban sandwich was most excellent also.) Plus bonus points for the waitress getting us out quickly after we told her we had a show to catch! By the way, we lucked out and got sat right away at a tiny two-top by the bar, near the windows. Great for people watching! Can't wait to go back and hang out a bit longer next time...
(4)Melissa P.
All I have to say is YOU CANNOT LEAVE THIS PLACE WITHOUT TRYING THE CORN! Sad to say, I can't find a place like this in San Francisco (if any of you know of somewhere - please shoot me the info).
(4)anita h.
EVERY TIME I go to NY I come here. It's basically a given. Good food, good prices, and ..the corn! unbeatable.
(5)Dan B.
Short and sweet lets break it down. I'll preface my review with the following - My favorite places in the city for Cuban food. SHRIMP TACOS. POLLO MIRADOR - no questions asked just get it. Just trust me. The corn? I don't see what all the fuss is about however it's not bad. Drinks: Sweet but definitely not lacking in the alcohol department Service/Atmosphere: Casual, funky, low key, a bit divey, helpful - Claudia was a great waitress My recommendation: If you don't like Cuban food, still try it out - something new and interesting - it's a guarantee your taste bud's will be pleasantly surprised - 100 % guarantee.
(4)Guy F.
Vert tasty food genuinely from Cuba. Staff is not very welcoming, but the place is cute and prices are ok. Globally i recommend it to you if you are un thé neighbourhood.
(3)Marques J.
The Baja Fish Tacos and fresh Limeade/w mango were really good. But, the sexy Dita Von Teese-esque waitress --sporting a gold grill-- put the evening over the top.
(4)Marcelo L.
Amazing food. Laid back. The right kind of noisy.
(4)Edward F.
H-Y-P-E....it's a word that can make or break a place. Luckily, Cafe Habana lives up to the hype and then some: - superb grilled corn on the cob - margaritas, micheladas, mojitos - while waiting for a table I've tried the trifecta of "M" cocktails and they are made to perfection. - rice and beans are fo'real.....authentic, flavorful and delish! If only it wasn't so damned crowded all the time...it would totally be 5-star worthy!
(4)Gerald T.
I LOVE this place. Try the grilled corn. It's amazing. Also, the rest of the food isn't bad either. :)
(5)Jeremy T.
I have to say that I was not overly impressed. I had the corn like everybody suggested and I must admit, the corn was pretty good. But... the wait was way too long and it was mighty uncomfortable due to lack of space... back to the food. Anyways I had the enchilada suiza and I felt that the meat was dry, the rice and beans were so-so as was the sauce. So overall, I thought it was decent but I probably would not recommend it to anyone.
(3)Natalia V.
I love the corn just like everybody else! plus the fish tacos are delicious, the cuban sandwich its pretty good too! Nice place but always packed :/ I have tried the quesadillas from the Brooklyn location, they are delishhh!!!!!!!!
(4)Vanessa N.
Came here today on a Wednesday afternoon and was glad to find that there was no wait for a table of two. The restaurant itself is painfully cramped but created the perfect atmosphere for what became a wonderful eating experience. The host/waitress was very friendly and always had a smile on her face. Of course, like everyone else there, I ordered the Mexican Grilled Corn and the Cuban sandwich. The wait for the food wasn't long at all, somewhere from 5-10 minutes. The corn came slathered in mayo, cheese and whatever else they added to make it so delicious. The slices of lime were a great addition and made the corn even better! It was honestly one of the most unique foods I have ever tried. My friend and I couldn't stop commenting on how we were so surprised that it was so great. The sandwich arrived soon after and was intimidating. It came with some fries, which were very good (maybe I was just hungry). The sandwich was large enough to share with another person. As soon as I picked it up, the oil/juices started running all over the place. Of course I don't mind a little grease as long as the food tastes great. Each bite somehow tastes better and better. We left 15 dollars poorer and with smiles on our faces. I will definitely be back for more!
(4)Ekin G.
Food is great, corn is exceptional. Definitely have it. Fish tacos, skirt steak tacos are good as well.
(4)Mely Y.
The food is always great but definitely ALWAYS busy anytime of the day of the week. Expect a crazy wait period to sit down at this ever so popular hipster spot since they don't take reservations. The place is quite small, and can only accommodate but so many people since every table is not nearly a foot away from one another. If you're hungry and down to wait, then it's worth the wait to grab some drinks n grubs with friends, BUT if not, head next door to it's to-go outpost.
(3)Sophia S.
The first restaurant I visited on my last two trips to NYC. The corn is yummy and the mojitos good enough to have two or three...
(4)Valarie A.
Once again, another fab visit to Cafe Habana:) Over the years, they have maintained their quality of Cuban food and continue to have be back time and time again. The tostadas with green and red chile were perfect as always. Their fish tacos were deep fried (not all greasy) with cabbage and fresh salsa. And of course, the corn was perfect. The Cafe Habana is most definitely my favorite way to start out a good vacation in the city! We walked in early for lunch (1130 am) and by the time we left at 1pm, there was at least 30 people waiting. Perfect timing for lunch and the food hit the spot!
(5)Erin O.
Love you corn!! I did inhale the chili powder on the corn and coughed for five full minutes. But then i washed it down with a frozen mojito and everything was all better. The roast pork is sick, so good. I love salt though. If you don't, I might get something else because it was definitely so salty that I had to suck down a bunch of glasses of water.
(4)Kathy P.
My satisfaction-meter wanted to give this place five stars. But my health-meter wanted to give this place one star. Everything was pretty yummy. The rice and veggies, sauteed spinach, plantains, mushroom and rice burrito with grill marks, (requested everything with NO CHEESE NO MAYO), as I am vegan. But then at about mid-meal I felt a bit taken. I realized that basically everything that I had ordered with NO CHEESE NO MAYO had been doused, grilled, slathered-in, brushed with, cooked in BUTTER. Maybe they should note that they cook a lot of their items in butter and not vegetable oil, because if I were allergic to dairy, I'd be in the ER right about now. I said NO DAIRY pretty loudly, but as I have noted before...a lot of restaurants don't include butter in that NO DAIRY protest. ...cheese, milk, and cream is usually cared for, but butter is like the dirty little secret. ...basically this felt like really really high quality, Cuban themed DINER FARE. Yeah I said the ""D""word. It was diner fare. People looooove this place because they get sometimes unhealthy food in big portions right in the middle of chic, trendy Nolita. So while my husbands blackened chicken burrito looked divine and pretty healthy for him...my 'vegan' meal with veggies cooked all in BUTTER, made me a bit annoyed. ...maybe I have to ask if they can cook their rice and veggies on a dairy-butter free grill, but i think they'd probably laugh. Any advice on this butter issue? Or am I just in the wrong diner...er uh I mean, hip queue worthy joint....
(3)Rachel W.
Oh god, I walked into this place and saw the corn on the cob and it was over. Then I saw fried plantains on the menu and freaked. Who cares how small this place is because everything is crowded, small, and has a queue in New York anyways. If you're not used to it now, I not exactly sure how you're coping... I digress..... I had the pork in adobo sandwich with the corn, and it was money. Just spicy enough to keep it interesting, which is how I like.....unlike my Thai food where it's totally fine if I taste nothing but the fire in my mouth. If there was a place like this in DC, you can bet your sweet a** I would try braving South East for deliciousness like this (well....maybe only with some other large men in tow.)
(5)Jennifer L.
What can I say, this place is absolutely one of my favorite places in the city. Pros - Delicious food, cheap prices, great location This isn't a super-fancy joint, but a place to go for food that is wholesomely good and tastes wonderful. Cons - Long long wait (but that is why there is Habana to-go around the corner) Cramped - ideal for two people, three-people groups are alright, anything else will be along wait and cramped conditions My meal: Michelada (corona served with chili sauce and lime juice) Mexican corn char-grilled and slathered with chili powder, shredded cheese, and lime juice Grilled Skirt Steak, done to perfection, with sides of beans and rice.
(5)Rocky S.
Super yummy steak sandwiches. To be honest, that's all I've had but everything looked and smelled yummy. This is pretty close to work so I'll be back a few more times to report on the other dishes. Nice Cuban fusion with Mexican.
(5)jill l.
The only two piece of advice I can give you- go EARLY- or expect to wait an hour or two. This place is packed- no matter time of day. Second piece of advice: get the grilled corn. There's not much I can say that others haven't so I'm going to keep this short & sweet.
(4)Candice A.
Loved it. The waitresses are characters and the food converted me to rice and beans. We ordered enchiladas suize, roast pork, and grilled corn. Just to let you guys know, the take out section has 2 bucks of grilled corn, while the sit down area has 4 its because the sit down area gives two pieces. The food was so good. I'm sure you can order anything on the menu and it would be good. The grilled corn, I do agree with some people, has a bit too much cheese, but you can always scrape the extras off. It was 7pm on a friday evening and it took 30 mins for us to get the next seat. For those who are really hungry, they let us buy some grilled corn next door and eat it inside while waiting. We were awkwardly seated by the door. It was hard to get the attention of the waitresses since there is a huge wall of people standing in front of us. But they would remember to come check us once in a while. By the end, the people who worked there were really accommodating, friendly and funny. The food was amazing. The drinks looked delish (didnt get to order any. I ran out of money. but its a mental note). Definitely coming back!
(5)Patty C.
One word..."CORN"...corn with cheese and paprika (i think) sprinkled all over it....what a tasty corn... I came here on a rare but very warm day in October...of course prime lunch time! The place was packed but seated quickly. Smushed next to what looked a business meeting and two casual hippies. It was definitley hot and could not steer away from the fact that I was slowly burning up and wasn't sure if a cuban dish would have made it better for me to cool down...but the corn was worth it. I got the quesadilla which was OK but my friend got the pork dish with rice and beans....let's just say I ended up picking at her food...the bean and rice was satisfying
(4)Susanna W.
Yes, the grilled corn Mexican style is good. IMHO it could have been even better if it didn't have so much cheese and butter. But that's just cuz I'm not a huge fan of cheese and butter. Everyone else seems to go gaga over the stuff.
(3)Diana B.
The mexican-style corn here is the standout, and frankly, i think the corn is better at the red hook ball fields. i thought the rest of their food was good but not great. the food is pretty cheap though. the restaurant is pretty popular - it was consistently full while i was there.
(3)billy l.
Dang the wait for thing place is insane, so i choice the other alternative by ordering it to go from there next door location.... of course i ordered their famous grill corn and the grill skirt steak sandwiched both were mouth watering. I ate outside and sat next to a tree, while a couple was arguing in front of me and that didn't even disturb my eating festivities! Love this place, great food great prices.....a must if you ever visit new york
(5)wendy s.
I went to the restaurant on prince street on a recent visit to NY and stopped in after raves from my sister. She said I had to order the corn with all the fixins' and it was so so worth it. I live in la and this type of corn is on every corner but this is somehow different. I also shared the Cuban sandwich and the skirt steak sandwich. Both were really great but the skirt steak was much better in my opinion. We went on a weekend and the wait time was insane and the small size of the restaurant was going to make me claustrophobic so we opted to go next door to the to go side and ate our food in the street sitting on the bench. Highly recommend this place to visit when you're in the city.
(4)Sam H.
The corn rocks! I love the corn. Tasty, delicious, unforgettable..... Tight space but the flavours are memorable. Did I say try the corn??
(4)Bessie H.
I visit every time I'm in New York. Cuban sandwich please! Corn please! Soup please! (I've only had it once, and it was great. forgot what kind...sorry.) I miss New York. wah.
(4)Killa C.
We decided to come here for our first brunch in NYC (as visitors from California). The wait was long and cold for this place (which we expected), but I thought it was totally worth it. Everything is really crammed inside, but I didn't mind it. In fact, I thought it was kind of cozy. The service can be a little shady. My friend ordered steak and eggs, but the waitress only gave him the steak. When he asked about where his egg was, the waitress said that there were no eggs being served for lunch. We were kind of confused because the customers beside us were getting their eggs. She later came to our table and admitted to her mistake when writing down the order and offered him a free drink. So, I guess that made up for it? As for the food, Cafe Habana does not disappoint. Like everyone else and their mother, I thought the corn was amazing. I also got the Quesadilla de Pollo, which was also very delicious. I was surprised with the smoked cheese in the quesadilla; it made a typical quesadilla taste so different, so savory. Also, maybe it was because we hadn't eaten in 15 hours, but I don't think that I have ever had such good rice and beans until here. What do they put in that stuff?! And I'm not even a huge fan of beans, but this combination was life changing. I wish I could go back just for the rice and beans. My biggest regret about this place was not getting a Mojito. After we were done eating, I noticed everyone in the restaurant had one. They must be a hit? I'd definitely go back again for it all.
(4)J T.
If you're going to leave with anything from this review, just do this: get the corn. P and I were PIGGIES on this trip to NYC. As they say, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs. Our meal:- Mexican Hot Chocolate Iced Cappuccino Grilled Corn Mexican Style (the infamous CRACK corn. Came with two!) Quesadilla de Pollo Huevos Rancheros and.... a Cuban Sandwich to-go for later! Notes: tables are small (couldn't hold all the food we ordered); they charge for extra salsa for the quesadilla (boo) ; and they don't make drinks virgin! Last day in NYC.... didn't want any more alcohol... : )
(4)Rafael R.
For years, I have walked by Cafe Habana and wondered why so many people were waiting to eat there, I finally made the decision to have dinner at this little spot and now regret walking by all those years. What more can be said that has not already been discussed on Yelp. Great grilled corn, a la Mexico City street food, wonderful Cuban sandwiches and a great atmosphere. Don't walk by, walk in!
(5)Bryan A.
Awesome small little spot. Very tasty. Wait was way too long. Space was way too crowded. Kitchen closes at 4, reopens at 5. Try the sloppy PePe!
(4)Gigi W.
Best Cuban & steak sandwich ever, must try their grilled corn as well. Its one of the must try places in NYC.
(4)Gracie-C Y.
A place like Cafe Habana is what I dearly love about NY. It's got an essence, an ambience, an aura that indescribable and cannot be duplicated. I would give valuable parts of my anatomy if a place like this opened in San Francisco... The exterior is worn but inviting. Our servers were crazy busy, but still very attentive and sweet. And the food is simple, but undeniably good. Mexican grilled corn... just order it and thank me later. I had the Cuban sandwich, an honest to goodness cubano. Tender and juicy roast pork shoulder on crispy crusty bread, flattened with a hot rock that Fidel himself would approve of. Throw in a side of salty tostones with a garlicky aoli and you've got yourself a great meal.
(4)Candice B.
Cafe Habana was a fun surprise for my trip to NYC. We were looking for a place to eat near the New Museum of Contemporary Art and my boyfriend suddenly remembered a nice Cuban restaurant he has eaten at four years ago. There was still a line outside when we arrived around 9 on a Thursday night, but we were giddy to be in the city and felt like we had nothing but time to spare and wait. Tip: Just because you put your name down on that little pad of paper in the waitress' hand, it doesn't mean she will remember you. It helps to remind her you are still there. Be aggressive or you might be completely forgotten. We squeezed in between busy tables and ordered the roasted corn (of course! Everyone is eating them and I am salivating by now). Also a shredded pork dish and a jicama and mango salad. The corn was delicious! Right amount of creamy, spicy taste. The pork was good and came in large quantities. Salad dressing was a bit too creamy and stale for me, but I liked the fresh jicama a lot. It tasted almost kinda sweet. Price is very reasonable for a NY meal, about $30 for the corn, salad, main dish and two drinks. And we got to enjoy eavesdropping on fellow diners' juicy conversations: the all girls table discussing who is dating who and who is using who, the double date where the guy couldn't wait until the girl is gone to the bathroom to tell the other couple that he is proposing soon and that NYE will just be a great engagement party, and the hipsters trio bonding over who was a mathlete in high school. It was great. Service is fun and attentive. I kept on wondering if the Israeli girl with thick bangs and 80's heavily shoulder-padded jacket was wearing anything under her jacket. She had stockings but where was the skirt/pants/shorts/any bottom?
(4)Joanna G.
CORN! The rumors are true, this is the best corn ever. The entrees are always surprisingly good too, considering I would come for the corn alone. The waitstaff is cute and nice. The place can get crowded and there can be a wait, but the mojitos and magaritas are tall and yummy.
(4)Tony L.
The wait is long, the people that serve you are definitely at work, and you're served one of the tastiest meals in the world. I feel the burritos and other platters pale in comparison to the tortas, which are a fresh blend of soft-on-the-inside and crunchy outside, spread with chipotle mayo. And the grilled corn? Forgetaboutit. I say bring a friend, order two cobs of grilled corn and split a Cuban Sandwich and a Steak Sandwich. That's a combo fit for a champ.
(5)k s.
we got here close to closing time, we ordered immediately and sat ourselves down on a corner table. waiting for the food took me back to my 7 th grade history class video documentaries with all the revolutionary music playin. we ordered the corn of course, fried plantains which were very yummy and done just right and the highlight of the night the CUBAN sandwich. mmmm i i dream about that sandwich, it was so good and fresh. we drank the mango juice BOING, which was refreshing. the decor was OK, the ambience was OK, the lady takin the order was a BITCH. -1 star for that (see pic, lady with the glasses takin the order) I have no word to describe her---KUTTIKAMINIHARAMZADI---, but it seemed she was very disgruntled. oh well the food made up for it. i DID NOT tip because of her and as it is it was counter service. I will go back, good place for a quick bite, it is kinda romantic. YO the HOT sauce was mad good, i almost jacked a couple bottles
(4)Flora G.
Food: 3 stars Atmosphere: 4 stars I have wavering opinions about Cafe Habana, I think its a must try for everyone but I'm not really sure if you need to go more than once or twice. The best thing they really have going in this tiny restaurant is the scenester, hipster atmosphere. I love drinking Mexican beers, people watching here, grubbing on some appys, but in all honesty I'm just not really that impressed with their food. If you're really looking for good Cuban go to Sophie's, this place is fun and a good place to start a night off but that's about it.
(3)Roger T.
Ah the corn...the corn on the cobb here is scrumptious! Corn on a stick covered in chili powder, cheese, butter and lime juice and grilled....ai carumba!! The only problem is getting corn out of your teeth sucks!!
(4)Kevin N.
I'll come clean on something: I'm a sucker for eccentric sodas, and that's something that the Latins (and I'm speaking of course, of the Latin restaurants), tend to do very well. In fact, those extra nuances are one of the things that I really adore about Habana, and the coconut soda (not a lot of fence-sitters on that one) is one of my favorites. Couple that assertion with the fact that there are lots of little flavors happening in both the food, brews and cocktails here and there's lots to like. I devoured a healthy sized plate of the Ropa Viejo (literally Spanish for 'old clothes', go figure - ) and it was amazing. Warm, shredded pork served in a tomato sauce and pepper base. Perfect on a day when I needed a little something extra. And a bonus when you figure the penchant these guys have for building in a little extra flavor. That turned out to be just the kick I needed.
(4)Jeannette A.
omg nom nom nom nom. we will be going to the one in brooklyn. stopped here after taking some family to little italy/chinatown. only gets 4 stars b/c of the long wait! i wish it was bigger. the grilled corn was, as promised, amazing. the sandwhiches were delicious. the bread was the best part. the chilaquiles that i had were ok, not enough cheese! the diablo chicken sandwich that my to-be sister in law had - nom nom nom. my boyfriend had a sandwich with avacado and cheese that was delicious, too. and the french fries. it was like we'd died and gone to ol school cuba. wait for it. eat here. it is delicious.
(4)Janis A.
Tried this place once and fell in love. I will never see corn on the cob the same way again. If you're going to try anything... go for the Grilled Corn Mexican Style. Just from reading the reviews, people always mention the corn and if you check out the photos other yelpers have been adding, you'll see it's definitely a favorite! Ahh, I'm starting to yearn for it... but it's so far away... so far far away. Sorry couldn't make it 5 stars. Long wait and small, tight spot.
(4)Erin L.
A little hole in the wall type place. Awesome grilled corn - really love the cheese and lime. The Cuban sandwich is not bad. It could use a little more flavor. I would definitely go back to try the corn and maybe some other meats :D ie grilled steak type of thing. If you ever go to seattle, go to this place called Paseo on Fremont Ave. It tastes sooooooo good!
(4)Thanh N.
It is ridiculous how much business this place gets. It's also a ridiculous wait that I cannot understand sometimes even in bad weather. But it sure is good. Real good. Damn good. Delicious good. Crazy good. The kind of food I crave in a strange way. I think I could eat this breakfast, lunch, and dinner. More specifically, I can eat that Mexican Corn, Roasted Pork, and any of their Pollo dishes on any given day. I think I will come here tomorrow.
(5)David B.
This place is so great that when I have to come down here for work, I schedule my day around it. They open at 11:30 and they have the best Cuban sandwiches yet! They also serve a Cuban Corn that has a spicy bit that is sure to make your mouth water. They also only serve the Cuban drinks that just make you wish you grew up drinking and eating this stuff. I would highly recommend all three... So if you ever on the Bowery just turn down Prince St. and it the first St. on the right. You can grab a seat inside or they have benches outside. There staff is so funny and they really are the best, always smiling and telling a joke. Pick up a free calendar you can leave a donation if you wish to help relief funds in Havana.
(5)Ashley Q.
What's another visit to NYC without a visit to Cafe Habana? Incomplete! I guess I'm not very adventurous or maybe I just know what I like because I get the Cuban each and every time I come here... but it never disappoints and it keeps me coming back. I'm salivating just thinking about it. The corn looked mouth-watering good, so maybe I'll step outside of my little cuban box during my next visit. If it's packed get Cafe Habana -To-Go along with a grapefruit soda and head to one of the nearby parks or benches. Believe me, the food is just as satisfying.
(4)Ki G.
Holy sh*t. I knew that this place was supposed to be good, but if a restaurant has me chowing down on rice*, there's something special happening. After a hard day of helping my brother clean out his new apartment, I decided there's no way I am going to even think about making dinner so he's like "how about cafe habana?" We had the Pollo Mirador, a side of yellow rice, tostones, avocado and white cheese burritos, grilled mexican corn (I LOVE CORN) and the tlacoyo con tres maria. Let me once again reiterate how abso-effin-lutely wonderful this food is. I am now happily full and contemplating my next visit to Cafe Habana. This is some of the better food I've had in a while. * I am not a fan of rice. Years of having it as a staple growing up has made me not particularly interested in having it if instead I can have bread or potatoes as a starch.
(5)Mark L.
My faviorite time to visit is breakfast... again for the coffee.. Their Caffe Con Leche is fantastic...
(5)Steve D.
You have to try the corn! I could have had 5 orders of just this and would have been totally satisfied to call that dinner. Their steak enchilada was very very good too. The plate came with 2 enchiladas, black beans, rice, and some lettuce. Combine all that with a plate of plantains and you will leave smiling, stuffed and satisfied.
(5)jessica k.
all i have to say is... TRY THE CORN. it's worth the trip.
(4)Matthew M.
I ordered a cuban w/fries for delivery. They have extremely polite and courteous staff. The delivery was fast. The food was hot and delicious! Hungry and its late...order from Cafe Habana!
(3)Tiffany C.
the corn hit me like love at first sight. ever since that last bite, i have not been able to stop thinking about how HEAVENLY the experience of eating that corn was and how much i will have corn withdrawals here in the bay. an explosion of flavors in every bite: the sweetness of the kernels, the creaminess of the spread, the spiciness of the chili powder, the sourness of the lime juice, the saltiness of the cotija cheese. such a simple concept but seriously the best combo of ingredients ever! luckily you can get the corn at the to-go store next door just for that quick fix. also had the skirt steak with huevos rancheros. the meat was SO juicy and tender, well marinated, and the rancheros sauce with the egg were lip smackin! really enjoyed the rice and beans as well. portions were humongous! the only drawback was our 1.5 hour wait. the place is really small and just like any other place in NYC, it gets extremely crowded on a friday night! put your name down and walk around soho for a little bit. made time pass by a little faster! they have a cafe habana in malibu and im seriously thinking about catching the next flight down there to cop some corn :)
(4)Sera C.
grilled corn - simply amazing roast pork - drool. IDK what they put in their rice but it must be crack. cuban sandwich - best I've ever had
(5)Matt M.
I went here the other day to find it closed because some a$$hat cab driver plowed into some people standing out front. I always stand on the front stoop, with drink in hand, when waiting to sit down. Maybe they need to put a boxed tree in there or something because the fact that two people got mowed down here seriously scares me. Hopefully it reopens soon.
(4)Barbara J.
Corn and Drinks - THAT'S ALL FOLKS!
(4)Devin R.
I've been coming here even before I moved to NYC and I still love this place. Always satisfied when I leave here... always with a smile (and a full belly). Obviously the mexican corn is a must. Get your toothpics ready though! For entrees, I usually get the skirt steak with rice and beans or the pulled pork but everything on their menu is scrumptious. The place is really small though and the tables are sometimes too small to serve large appetites like mine but that's a little sacrifice for a worth-it meal! Certain times can be too crowded. I say go during the transition between lunch and dinner menus around 5-6pm. However, even if you have to wait, its well worth it!!!!!
(5)Chris C.
Go there. Get a Cuban Sandwich. Get grilled corn. Wait. Eat. Done. You won't be disappointed.
(4)Amy L.
Everyone on Yelp has raved about the Mexican grilled corn and for a reason! YUM! I was a little skeptical when it arrived since it has a layer of mayo on it with some crumbly cheese that kind of looked like grated parmesan (but wasn't) some chili powder on top and served with a wedge of lime. So good!! I love grilled corn in general but all of those extras made it unique and sooo tasty! Would go back just for the corn... The entrees were ok. We ordered the grilled skirt steak and pulled roasted pork. Both were good, but nothing amazing. I've had better. I'd also pass on the limeade - it was a little too sweet and didn't taste like fresh lime. Boo. This place is TINY!!! Def not good for large crowds. Since it small, expect a wait and very intimate seating options. I felt so bad for the folks that got seated right next to the entrance/exit and the folks seated by the bathroom - that sucks!
(3)David L.
Ive eaten at many a Cuban restaurant in my day, but this by far offered the best eating experience. This place is in fact small, and there will most definitely be a wait if you go at prime lunch/dinner hours. Its cramped at times, and can be a bit of a inconvenience, but its well worth it. The corn is a must, followed by the pulled pork - one of my favorites.
(5)Will V.
The great: The corn was amazing but you don't need me to tell you that. Get the corn. Even better than the corn were the waitresses, it was eight on a Sat night, the place was jammin and these two chick rocked it. Friendly, attentive, helpful truly awesome service. One was even hostessing and serving, unbelievable! I was really impressed, I have been in the restaurant business for 10 years and let me tell you these chicks rocked. Nice job ladies! Still hurting from a beer tour the had a strawberry limeade which was great and non alcoholic. My girlfriend on the other and had a very alcoholic capreinia which was strong but really well made, a couple of them will put you on your ass. Next time, sign me up. The good: The Cuban was good too, not greasy pressed bread like you would expect, a bit thinker, fluffier but made a great sammich. The roast pork was good also, nice portion and cooked well. Not dry like I was expecting from other reviews. The bad/ugly: The fries sucked, didn't bother us anyway since we could afford to skip the fries after downing all the other great eats.
(5)Kevin V.
Th Cuban sandwich was absolutely perfect. Crispy bread, tender pork, juicy meat and cheese. So great. Add some Mexican corn and you've got yourself way too much delicious food. Way too much than you should attempt to eat in one sitting. But you will, because it's just too damn good to save for later.
(5)Paula E.
I've never actually eaten at this place. I always get take-out since it's right in my neighborhood and the place seems to be packed every time I walked by it. I'm obsessed with their cuban sandwich and their mexican fruity flavored sodas (not a fan of the french fries, too greasy and blah for my taste). I guess I'll have to actually eat here and order something other than their cuban sandwich which is one of the bests I've had in NYC, really it's that good. I'll update my review then to give a more well rounded rating of this place.
(4)Cindy A.
Grilled Corn! All I think about when somebody mentions this place. Thanks to a friend's suggestion we decided to check out this corner hotspot and boy were we glad we did. The corner entrance is for the eat-ins while the middle entrance is for the take-outs. This is good to know because the place does get crowded and that delicious aroma flowing out from the open doors/windows in that tiny restaurant might just entice you to take it on the go. Fortunately for us it wasn't too busy so we were seated right away. They won't sit anybody unless the party is all there but there is plenty of spots to wait outside, on the benches or the tree boxes. We ordered 2 orders of the grilled corn covered with chili power and the yummy white stuff (I thought was salt originally but turns out to be cheese as later I found out) We also had a taste of the fish tacos, steak taquitos, and the Cuban sandwich. Everything was delish, the portions were filling and the prices were alright. The only thing I wasn't too crazy about was their hibiscus tea. Perhaps cause I've had it better elsewhere..I'm probably going to skip it next time I go back and try the Michelada instead
(4)Jetlagged S.
Best roast corn outside of Central America! I'd come here for that alone (since there appears to be a quarter pound of butter and cheese on each ear) - yum! But also wonderful tacos - shrimp and fish - and friendly happy waitstaff from the hostess to the bartenders. Always a wait but the fashion show on the street is quite entertaining until you get your table. BTW the best seats are the three at the end of the bar by the window which are better than table seating. No one bumps into you there.
(5)Rich M.
Favorite restaurant in my neighborhood. Love the Cuban, Pollo Mirador, Grilled Corn, and the Margaritas! ZZ is awesome so are all the other girls that work there.
(5)Kent W.
I love the corn! Woooooooooo. This place is packing and the food is smacking! Remember how they say to follow the crowd? Yeah. They weren't wrong about this place. I like rubbing elbows with everybody, and I love cramping my six foot frame into the small seats. The pork entree? Pour some Tapatio hot sauce, and you are set. Epic. Entrees are served with yellow (best color) and beans (Beans Beans Good For Your Heart - The More You Eat - The More You Fart) * the chicken was a little on the dry side - pollo baby.
(4)KT V.
Came here a few weeks ago with my friend, and overall, it was pretty good. The wait was about half an hour long, but I expected that since it was a small place that was quite popular. I decided to come here after reading reviews that they had shrimp tacos, and boy, it sure is hard to find in good tacos in the city. I'm from Cali, spoiled with some real Mexican food back home, and now that I live in NY, it's more than a journey to find a place that can give me a taste of home. I was a little disappointed that after we got seated, they told us that day was NOT the day for shrimp tacos D: In the end, I settled for fish tacos, which were still really good, and I was impressed. However, I was not too crazy about the corn on the cob even with everyone raving about it. The corn itself was not sweet or juicy, just normal with some toppings to give it flavor. We got flan for dessert and it was good, up to the standard. Even though it was a smaller place, it was constantly packed, and there was only ONE waitress, so it was quite difficult to get her attention for anything, and I didn't even really see a busboy either. I still had a pretty good time, so definitely would return to try the shrimp tacos on the day they do have it, and hopefully at a time when they're not so busy.
(3)Wendy C.
Delicious! Had the grilled steak and added grilled onions on the side with black beans and rice and a side of sweet plantains. Yum yum yum! The grilled Mexican corn was also delicious. Interesting mix of Mexican / Cuban fusion.
(5)Jobu B.
Honestly, I like eating at the take-out section at Cafe Habana instead. It feels more Scarface Miami street cafe than the cool people eating inside the dining area. You just order off the chalk board and instantly get your food right away ,and then eat on a stool by the window or benches outside Elizabeth St. I represent Eggs with Chorizo, Rice, Beans, a Grilled Steak Torta, and Mandarin Jarritos. Don't bother me when I'm eating mang! Can I get another Mandarin Jarritos mang? OKAAAAY! I RELOADED!!!
(4)Rosemarie T.
Came here on a Tuesday afternoon, around 3pm, for a "snack." With everyone raving about the Mexican Corn, I gave it a try... And I must agree, it's the best I've ever had (and I LOVE Mexican corn!). If you don't plan on eating much, you can go next door to their To-Go spot, where you don't wait as long & get your food faster. The corn was grilled, topped with cheese and chili, and came with a slice of lime. Totally worth $2! *review was for April 2011 visit
(5)Jeff S.
Can a restaurant really get 4... or even 5!!! stars due to a corn on the cob? Well, in my opinion no. But - it would be 2 if it wasn't for the corn in my book, so it is as good as advertised. Then again, put that much butter, lime, and spice on a nerf football and eat it and it's bound to taste nearly as good. This place is one of those "trendy" places where people like to say they've been... the food is neither Cuban or Mexican. It's not bad, and it's not expensive, but it's not great food either. The corn is delicious. If takeout didn't take 45 minutes, I would eat it more often. The cuban sandwiches are pretty good as well... and the plates not half bad. But, I just can't get over how painfully popular this place is when the food just isn't all that. There are places I am willing to wait to eat at... but this just isn't one of them. In any case, I'll give it a 3....and I'm going to take a nap now.
(3)Share W.
Really crowded and small restaurant. It's endearing because they do make good food and drinks. Service is always done with a smile. The dishes, I can never finish. Something about rice and beans combined makes it heavy for me to digest. Every time I frequent here, I always order up grilled mexican corn w/cotijo cheese, chili powder and lime (i ask for more cuz I like it tart) and a mango & jicama salad. I then pick off of my friend's dish, which she always gets, grilled skirt steak w/rice and beans. Their cuban sandwich is not too shabby, but I've had better. It does taste very home styled, so I give props for that.
(3)Winnie N.
Best corn of your LIFE! It used to be $2 but now it's $3.95 but it's so worth it. It's deliciously grilled, covered in a blanket of cheese and chilli powder. Mmmmm. You need to try it at least once. They have a small place where you can sit and enjoy your meal or a take out place around the corner. The place where you sit is really small and cramped but the food makes up for it. They have delicious pulled pulled pork and chorizo burritos. If you live in the neighborhood or want to avoid waiting in line they also deliver so definately visit this place. Mmmmmm....
(5)anne s.
I LOVE this place. I LOVE the corn I LOVE the steak...but i don't love how the place is this small (). i say order to go!!! and bring me some corn while youre at it! =)
(4)Monica T.
I can eat their CORN every single day!! it's amazingly addictive! Everything else on the menu is so-so...nothing wow
(4)Ariel V.
Do you believe in love at first bite? Well, it happened to me when I ventured to this cozy Cuban diner. I stepped in and I was immediately transported to a tiny street corner in Havana; with Buena Vista Social Club playing on the dingy speakers, one of those 1940's era metallic ceiling fans providing a gentle breeze, beautiful waitresses that look they just came directly from el campo (the rural mountainous areas for those non-Spanish speakers), and a bar serving ice cold mojitos that make my mouth water upon first sight. I ordered the Mexican style corn and the Cuban sandwich, and once I took a bite from both of those in a fraction of a second I felt a bliss I haven't felt in a while, I was brought back to when I was a little kid when I used to eat Cuban sandwiches with my grandfather in some hole-in-the-wall cafe in Puerto Rico. At that very moment I fell in love at first bite. First you should definitely come here at all costs. Yes, the place is small and the wait is sometimes long, but trust me it's all worth. This is not just a restaurant, this is an experience that stirs all the senses. The Cuban sandwich, the grilled corn, and the mojitos are all must gets.
(5)Sasha C.
two words: GET CORN. forget everything else on the menu. matter of fact, you won't even recall what you order aside from the corn anyway so why waste time! GET CORN. its so warm, buttery, creamy, perfectly seasoned sweetness from the corn goes so well together. just chow down on the corn. the place is super small and cramped so forget it if youre claustrophobic. they do take reservations but they arent always good honoring them. just GET CORN, and forget the entrees.
(4)Annie E.
Came here with a group of four on a Saturday night and had to wait an hour for a table, but the huge Cuban sandwich, grilled corn, and interesting cocktails were more than worth the wait. The tiny cafe was absolutely packed (we had to wait on the street during most of our wait time), but by the time we sat down, the energy of the crowd just added to the fun of the evening. The only sub-par item on the table were the french fries that came alongside my sandwich (I should have followed the lead of my Miami-raised friend and substituted black beans for the fries). Other than that, the food was delicious, the vibe was fun and I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)Prina B.
6 words: Mexican Style Corn on the Cob. This is the perfect snack while shopping in Soho.
(4)Matt M.
Despite the hype on Yelp, I really thought this place was overrated. Granted, the grilled corn was really good, but the Cuban Sandwiches were really boring and had no real flavor. Admittedly, there may be other dishes that are better, but I feel that a place called Cafe Habana should have a great Cuban Sandwich. Since this place failed that test, I doubt I'll be back.
(2)Kaitlyn L.
Popped in here on a recent visit to New York, and it was terrific! I got there at 11:45am on a Friday, and didn't have a wait to grab a seat at the bar. Not sure it's worth all the hype, but it was a wonderful meal that really hit the spot. I got the grilled corn and cuban sandwich. The grilled corn was unlike anything i've had before...the sammy was a great comfort sandwich, but nothing beats the cuban sandwich at Paseo in Seattle :)
(4)Shah Q.
You want corn? This is the perfect place for you! The food is ok, not my favorite but the corn is the best thing on the menu!
(4)Danny C.
I was really stoked about finding a Cuban place around this area, and my cousin had highly recommended the elote here. I found most of the food to be pretty bland. I had a Cubano, shared some of the pork sandwich, and had a couple bites of the tostones and elote. The elote was just not very flavorful, and the cubano turned out to be deli meats inside a partially grilled flat-bread sandwich. Sauce in there was scant, but there was some homemade pork. Not sure how this thing was voted best in NY, but it's supposed to be buttered on the outside, right? That didn't happen either. The pork sandwich was way better and looked like it took more time to make. The tostones was sadly the best part of the meal. Not sure what dipping sauce came along with it, but it was fantastic. You're probably not going to find a spot to sit in here at lunch, so go forth and enjoy your food as you walk the neighborhood.
(3)Kimberly K.
I am a corn fanatic, and i have never had corn like this!!!! Cafe habana's grilled corn is covered in cheese and spiced goodness called heaven. Had their Cuban sandwich -the pork was melt in your mouth, but I think it started to dry out as time passed. Also had a chicken mole burrito which I thought was pretty darn good, too!! Thoroughly impressed by the flavors of this place, all at very decent prices ($2 for a corn, $6-7 for a sandwich/burrito)! I'm glad to say I did not have to experience the long lines that the rest of the reviews speak of, so my experience was probably a bit better than most others'.
(5)Jamie L.
3 stars because their grilled corn is one of the best things i've ever eaten and the prices are great. we've been here multiple times and cycle through the same dishes - grilled shrimp taco, cuban sandwich, enchiladas de mole poblano - and all are good but not super impressive. again, the prices are great and you'll get hooked on the corn! if the wait is too long, just pop over next door to their to-go area. usually, the seats are open to sit and eat anyway.
(3)Erica K.
Yum!! I came here with a friend who wanted me to try their corn because it was amazing! I thought, "corn, how great can corn taste?!" Well let me tell you, it can taste AMAZING! Place is small, service great. Gets busy and crowded during main dinner times.
(5)Kimberly H.
I adore this place. Grilled corn is to die for. Full of flavors in every single bite. Honestly would recommend any dish. Everything I've had has been incredibly tasty. Atmosphere is fun, loud and cramped- like I just stepped onto real Cuban soil. Worth the visit!
(5)Jessica H.
I wish i lived in manhattan for the sole reason of having immediate access to cafe habana whenever i want.. its heart breaking that i live so far away and there's not a worthy substitute on the west coast.. the grilled corn is the best thing to be invented by this restaurant.. a few years ago my cousin brought me here when my other cousins and i were visiting for christmas.. and that everyone is the start of my love for cafe habana and their grilled corn.. i've been to manhattan three times and every single time i make sure i eat here at least once.. not only is it the grilled corn, but the rest of their menu is quite delicious as well.. usually we order the cuban sandwich and that never disappoints.. but thats not why i'm here.. back to the corn.. ..whatever magic theyre stirring up in the kitchen is working because each time i order the corn its always the same delicious corn i remember.. grilled to perfection with their cheeses and spices... and it even comes with a small bed of greens, which actually complements the corn quite well in my opinion.. whenever my friends tell me theyre going to ny i make sure they go here and try the corn.. i always look forward to when i'll be in the city again so i can be reunited with this place
(5)Liz M.
Been coming here since it opened, not much has changed. It's almost always crowded. If you don't mind sitting on top of people and having waitstaff lean over you all the time then you'll be fine. However, that's a big if. The food is good. I usually get the rice, beans, cheese, veggie plate. It's always been good. Also, their corn on the cob is to die for. However, sometimes I wonder why I keep going back when the waitstaff sometimes act as they are doing you a favor. Do waitress/waiters forget they are serving food for a living? They can act really snobby here at times, I don't know why. Having said that sometimes they are fine. It really depends. It's a tight spot but has good food, so I say go try it out and see if you can deal.
(3)Tuan N.
One word of advice, get the fucking corn.
(5)Julie L.
Well I think it's all about the atmosphere here. I was referred to this place by the lady in a nearby shoe store. She said it's a good place to people watch. It was a tiny little place that resembled a diner inside. It was sort of cute, but cramped. Some of the food looked wonderful, but my choice was probably not the best choice in a Cuban restaurant. I had a salad with grilled chicken and corn. It had tortilla strips in it, which I did not know about, and they pretty much consumed the entire salad. It took me about 20 minutes to pick them all out. They were in a pile on the side of my plate, and there wasn't much else to the salad. Very little chicken and a small amount of lettuce. Alot of people were ordering the grilled corn on the cob, which looked great, but I would not have eaten it since it was slathered with mayonaise and then sprinkled with grated cheese of some kind and then a line of some type of hot sauce. I did have a side of black beans. Those were good. Anyway, not really my cup of tea, but I think the locals like it.
(3)Nida K.
I'm very sad to say that I wasn't impressed with their food. With Cafe Habana's positive reviews, I had high hopes and felt like I just wasted my money here. I went with the two fan favorites: Cuban Sandwich and Grilled Corn. My Cuban sandwich was dry or maybe that's just how Roast Pork is, but I simply wasn't a fan. As for the corn, I didn't know that it would come out smothered in mayo. Yuck! I'm not a fan of mayo due to the fact that it's unhealthy and especially since there was so much of it. I really wanted to like Cafe Habana especially since I got to two most popular things on the menu. I would've even overlooked the fact that people were in my personal space and rubbing up next to me if the food tasted as good as the hype.
(2)Ashley M.
this place is awesome. all the food is great - gotta try the grilled corn
(5)Yashar Y.
Ahhh, Cuban Sandwiches! The place is good for only two things in my mind, Their mexican corn that goes for 2 dollars! and their cuban sandwich. The place is super small so expect a bit of wait, however, u if u want to u can go right next to door and order and grab a seat wherever you can and eat. I would not want to take a date here, as the place is not that romantic, however if u wanna grab a fast and quick bite to eat this is the one to try. The sandwich is amazing and we have got their roast pork dish too in the past, which is also just as good.
(4)David P.
I have to be honest I have never tried and real "food" here. However I have tried after hearing so much about, the grilled corn here. Let me tell ya, that grilled corn isn't a corn. It's a amazing awesomeness of flavor in your mouth in the shape of a corn. The Corn- It's grilled to perfection and it comes with melted cheese and some (lime? don't quote me on that one). It sounds really basic but the mixture of corn and the flavor of the cheese and somewhat zingy taste of a lime is just amazing. If you haven't tried it's a must! The price- It's very cheap! Only a couple of bucks for the corn. So make sure you buy two at least because after the first one, you are going to have a craving for another one!
(4)Danielle W.
Honestly........ 5 stars for so many reasons. 1. Location 2. Price (oh yes...this is truly amazing) 3. Food is awesome 4. Did I say price? 5. Atmosphere The Location is a hot spot Nolita and near anything and everything you want to walk to. My friend even said she "wasn't cool enough for this area". We ordered the Mexican Style Corn (2 pieces) and the corn were incredible. Grilled to perfection with the right amount of toppings... Yum. I had the shrimp tacos- 2 tacos in the order w rice and beans. Heaven! YUM! I was satisfied, but the servings weren't too large or too small. Just right. My friend had the pork tacos- amazing as well. Our plates were cleaned!!! The atmosphere is kind of dive-ish / dinner-ish. Loved the feeling, the music, the bartender, the everything. Yum Cuban Food.
(5)Marc K.
Got the corn and fish and shrimp taco, was good but not amazing. Place also.very loud
(3)Leah L.
Breaking News: "Grilled corns are taking over Soho." I was tickled with joy to find Cafe Habana, cuban food with family vibrations and good music. Habana has the BEST corn on the cob in NYC (I have ever tried)! What makes it so cool, it that it stays true to its roots with its seasonings of chili powder, lime and cheese. We arrived on a weekend (caution! long lines), placed our name on the list, and waited for about 40 minutes for a table for 4 people. We wish they had a more up-to-date reservation system like OpenTable to make waiting a bit more bearable. It was worth the wait though! Once seated, we ordered the battered Catfish tacos with cabbage slaw and spicy crema . An order of the Pollo Mirador (sauteed chicken breasts with garlic spinach and yellow rice). The chicken is my favorite! I order it every time. The fish melted in our mouths, the chicken was buttery and tender, and all of the sauces complimented each dish. Drinks Section -- The cocktails are sweet and strong. Frozen margs and mojitos are very popular here. If you like sweet drinks, I think you will be satisfied. If you do not, I believe they have spicier concoctions as well. To close, I will just say that Cafe Habana caused some gastro-phoria uproar in my girl - clique; so, If you do not share -- I totally understand. Check it out and do not be shy to try something new:-)
(5)Jake S.
a MUST go in the Nolita area - the grilled corn is to die for, just get an order for yourself because there is no way that you are going to share.. The cuban sandwich is amazing as well - a BBQ/grilled ham delicious concoction with savory pickles that is among the best i have ever had. There are a couple of goat cheese- corn based dishes that are really tasty as well. drinks are very reasonable price and definitely not weak! great dark and stormys and tequila/cherry-sunrise drinks! be prepared to wait a while though, as its pretty popular, but nolita is a cool area so you can pop around, grab a drink and hang out in the neighborhood. Also, as your group gets much bigger than 4, the wait time goes up exponentially - 8 or more, just skip it and find a new spot!
(5)Nina N.
it was ok, the corn was the highlight of this place but the other food was just meh.......
(4)Scott S.
Great food. Corn is fantastic. Be prepared to wait- but it is worth it!
(4)Kenny C.
Good food, poor service. There were five of us, and a 20 minute wait (which was reasonable). When we were finally seated, they gave us two tables with chairs against the front window. The tables were probably the width of an open magazine. We asked the waitress if we could wait for a group to finish so we could have their booth, and she said yes; she'd just have to clean it up and wouldn't take our orders yet. So we waited probably 10 minutes, and then as soon as it's all cleared, she tells us we can't move there because someone else came in and had a smaller reservation. She definitely got the "under promise and over deliver" thing backwards. Anyway, we were stuck by a small table. There was a strong, cold breeze whenever anyone entered or exited the restaurant (which happened a lot, since there were a bunch of people asking how long the wait would be, and they had staff members moving takeout supplies and food between this place and the order-to-go place next door). We also had to get up to let people pass through to sit at the corner counter. Really annoying. Onto the food. The grilled corn was amazing, as others have attested to. It was the most delicious and most unhealthy corn I've ever had. If you don't like mayo, you may wanna stay away though! Two cobs per order. I also had the grilled pork chop, which was good, but not great. A little hard to cut but the mushroom sauce was creamy and made up for it. The yellow rice and black beans really filled me up as well. Now back to the poor service. They forgot one of my friend's orders completely. Not like it was taking longer cuz they started it late or ran out of rice. Our waitress literally told him that it would take another 20 minutes for his dish to come out as she was serving ours. Really unprofessional for a place with so few tables. But she did give us a free order of fried plantains to make up for it. They were mediocre. Worth coming here if you have the time and want to try the corn. I hear brunch here is nice, but I don't know if I could stomach the wait. See what I did there?
(3)Brian C.
I go here for the grilled corn. The chili powder, the cheese, the lime... most delicious grilled corn. I often will grab an order or 2 of corn (they come 2 per order) and just stand out on the street gnawing away at the flavorful, spicy, tangy, smoky corn cob. The food here is decent, and you do get that sweaty, humid Cuban feel here (especially in the summer). The brunch is tasty too... but seriously... attention back to the corn...
(4)Trevor F.
There's quite a bit of hype about this place. I gotta say for a crowded, somewhat small restaurant on the LSE chock full of hipsters with ironic t-shirts its actually a pretty nice, welcoming atmosphere. The service was good, I hunched over at the bar counter and a friendly dude dished me up some quasi-cuban treats. I asked him what the popular dishes are and told him I was thinking about the mole enchiladas and he actually said thats his least fav cuz its a non-chocolate mole (its specified on the menu as well). This was good to know since I was definitely wondering how the mole would be without the chocolate. He even went further to let me know the chef is a diabetic so thats why he cooks up a different preparation of it. I gotta say, anytime a server is actually honest with you and doesn't just try to push any dish you ask about, I'm impressed. And if you're a diabetic, rock on with the low sugar mole. I ordered the pulled pork dish. It seemed relatively authentic and everyone else seemed to be chowing down on it so i figured it might be the main deal here. Okay, so I wasn't blown away. I really wanted some sauce or something on the pulled pork...it looked and tasted very fresh but it was a little more on the bland side. On the upside, it wasn't too salty like a lot of carnitas dishes tend to be at shitty restaurants. The rice was seasoned fine and it also came with black beans. Overall, for over 10 bucks I expect more. I really wish I got the corn, since everyone has been raving about it, but I was definitely full by that point. I will also say I ordered a margarita on the rocks and he gave me a nice heavy pour in a big glass. Honestly this guy kinda earned it the extra star, otherwise I woulda given it 3. That drink was the best value at 7.50. But I will go back again and try the corn and see if I can get a carnitas burrito or the steak enchiladas since they're supposed to be good. As far as the ironic t-shirts, the bartender's was for a plumbing company...really dude? you work for a plumbing company? I thought you were the barten-- ohhh I see what you did there you clever dog.
(4)Ashley T.
Cafe Habana is absolutely one of my favorite places in NYC. Get the grilled corn, even if you don't like corn. Its amazing. (and it comes two per order). I usually get the enchiladas suizas, which are also pretty good. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait 15 - 45 minutes. This location isn't huge either - its perfect for 2 - 4 people. They can't really accomodate any more unless they join tables, which means.. more waiting. All in all, definitely one of the places on my must-eat whenever I come back to NYC.
(5)d l.
corn with chilli powder and cheese! yay!!
(5)Ryna D.
I've been here for brunch before which is great but as for it being the best Cuban spot? You're kidding, right? This SoHo spot is popular because its been used as location for films and is consequently another scene spot. This is great diner food at best. For delicious home cooking style Cuban food head to Cafe Cortadito.
(3)Wendy G.
I went there due to the words of mouth "best Cuban food in town". Sure, very noticeably, you get this attitude of "hey we are so popular, I don't care if you come back or not". The service here was slow, inefficient (while keeping a million ppl waiting), and essentially bad. The only thing they do was to fill your water. But honestly at such cheap price (~10bucks per entree), this place is of pretty good value. With that said, I got the grilled corn, which was very yummy (and fatty with lots of butter, a bit cheesy, and a bit spice at some portion). The grilled shrimp taco was amazing; the chicken enchiladas was a thorough letdown - avoid even if you are normally a fan of the dish like myself. We also got a side dish of plantain - pretty standard. Honestly whether you love or hate this place, it's basically equivalent to if you like to eat their SAUCE. The flavors all came from the generous portion of sauce. Don't get me wrong, after all it's a diner spot. You might as well set the expectation low...
(3)Amy S.
Wow, 1,000+ reviews? Ok, I'll keep this short and sweet. BEST MEXICAN CORN EVER! Yes, it's true. It's delicious, and don't pass up on the lime. Everything else I've had at Café Habana has been good but not amazing. Only the corn is a must order. If you want to eat here, prepare to wait. There's no way around this one. And don't come here on a first date. There is no way to eat that corn in an attractive way.
(4)Angel F.
Off the chain! I was lucky and arrived just before noon on a Tuesday while the place was still empty-ish. I went ahead and was seated while I waited for the rest of my party. Once my friend arrived, we immediately ordered the corn on the cob. You have to order this - it would sacrilegious to not! I don't even know how to explain this it was so good. Actually, I didn't realize that mayonaise and cheese on corn could be good until this magical day in my life:) After the corn, we ordered our entrees - my friend selected the Cuban sandwich and I selected the shrimp taco (which was 2 tacos and on the app menu). Both were outstanding. Service was quite shoddy as I only saw someone when food was being dropped off. I was out of a bev for a while and we waited for the ticket even though we had boxed up our food. However, all in all, great experience!
(4)Cassaundra N.
The food was really good. I had the Cuban sandwich, tostones, Mexican corn app, and a strawberry limeade. I had been waiting to see if it was as good as it sounded and it lived up to it. Sadly, the service brought down the experience hard. We put our name in and were told it'd be a 30 minute wait. No big deal. We left and came back after 20 to see that not only were we no longer on their list, but we'd have to wait another hour to be seated! We decided not to leave again and stayed inside staring at them until they decided they'd have a table for us sooner than expected. We all knew what we wanted before we sat down, but no one seemed to care because no one came to help us for a good 15-20 minutes. Thankfully, our food came out fast after our order was taken. We ate, enjoyed, but we're dying of thirst because no one ever checked to see how we were and offer refills. We finally flagged someone down for refills and went back to enjoying. I really did love the food, but I think if I ever have the urge to go back I'll visit the to go Cafe Habana they have around the corner instead.
(3)Jennifer G.
Lovely little spot in the SoHo neighborhood that's definitely worth checking out. I tried the corn on the cob and the cuban sandwich and they were pretty delicious. Being from Los Angeles I've had my fair share of Mexican style corn on the cob, and although Cafe Habana does a pretty good job there was WAY too much cheese on it, I mean it was smothered in cheese which kinda overpowered the taste of the barbecued corn. The cuban sandwich was perfect: warm, toasty, and full of flavor. 5 star for the sandwich! I'll definitely be back to try the avocado burrito. The atmosphere and setting of the place is also very cute.
(4)Heather M.
If there was half stars this place would get 3 and a half, good service and good food, very small place where you end up waiting outside. The only real gripe with the place is for how small it is it seems so disorganized and takes a while to get drinks and place orders. I only ate off brunch menu but had good options and will prob return to check out dinner.
(3)Alf O.
This place is overcrowded, and the food is not really worth the hassle. We were quoted 15-20 min wait, but ended up waiting almost 30 minutes. Once seated, I was starting to regret our visit. It was so tight that the guy on my left was poking me in the side with his elbow as he tried to cut his food, and the guy on my right kept accidentally rubbing his leg against mine. If you are over 6' or broad shouldered you might want to skip this place all together. To make things even more fun we were seated near the door and were blasted with cold as people swarmed in and out. The food is nothing worth noting. The menu seems much more Mexican that it does Cuban. It seems that I'm in the minority here, but think I have median tastes, and was not impressed. The service was fine, and the people working here seem nice.
(2)Ike Phillip R.
My wife and I found Cafe Habana a couple years ago after a late night search for a spot to eat. We absolutely loved the place, being that we love finding little hidden gems throughout NYC. The wait is ALWAYS long, and we "used to see why, but after our dining experience tonight, we can no longer say that this spot is one of our faves. The service has gone from bad to worse, with the hostess making you feel as if she has forgotten about you. Once you get seated, it's a continuation of that same feeling of being forgotten. It's akin to the feeling when your parents forgot to pick you up from school because they were sooooo busy at work, only your parents are bouncing and dancing around to the soundtrack at work. The portion sizes and buzz effect of the drinks used to be this harmonious conjunction but now they are two estranged lovers looking to reunite with each other. I remember in the past getting a portion of food that left me full beyond my heart's content and a buzz from my drink that made me want to dance like a dervish. Now, I feel like I need to go home and have a late night snack and dip into my stash of the old hooch. Won't be in a rush to come back anytime soon because I've been severely let down. I think someone realized that they were giving people way too much food and people weren't buying enough drinks, so they decided to skimp people. Definitely not a good look, because we all know that in NYC, word spreads like a fire sale.
(2)Anthony N.
One of my favorite Cuban restaurants. The lines here can get ridiculous so I advised going at off-peak hours. Otherwise the wait can be 30min- 75min, not TOO bad for NYC. The ambiance is not the greatest, cleanliness is blah, the service is okay, and also this place is pretty cramp so expect to be elbowing someone the whole time while you are eating. So because of how cramp this place is, I do not advise going during the summer when this place becomes an oven. The food here are very good and cheap for what you get, especially in NYC. Like all the other yelpers suggest, GET THE CORN! Overall: I highly advise everyone to come here during non-summer time and during off-hours like 4pm or 10pm and also GET THE CORN!
(4)Gerald G.
Grilled corn!
(4)Maryam H.
100% worth any wait time. NO LIES!!! Super tiny spot but the perfect little taste of Miami in Soho Although our service was a litttttttle shotty ill ignore it because of: - CORN ON THE COB: omg. OMG i don't even want to know the different kinds of unhealthy that went down on that corn but DAMN. real good you all, real. good. Didn't even mind having to pick it out of my teeth all night. DAMN. - CAMARONES: the shrimps..... if only there were 3 times the amount of food. My friend ordered this, and seriously i had one bite and was jealous i didn't order two meals. delicious!! -TLACOYOS: my meal. SPOT ON. corn boats stuffed with goat cheese, beans, and tomatos with rice on the side. perfect- absolutely. -DRINKS: my friends ordered multiple- 'nuff said. Can't wait to go back and try everything else all at once.
(5)carol h.
DO Not GO HERE! My friends raved about this place. I was excited about trying it out. However, we never had a chance to eat here because the hostess was prejudiced, rude, and simply nasty. After a 10 minute wait ,the hostess called our name.. She offered the 3 of us the counter. I explained that we were celebrating a birthday and preferred to sit at a table ( the restaurant is very small). However, because we did not take the counter she now told us it was a 45 minute wait. Then preceded to seat people who came in after us.I asked to speak to the manager.(she was it). The hostess was angry that we did not take the counter and simply let everyone go ahead of us. This is bad business . too bad they don't understand the importance of word of mouth. POOR WAY TO TREAT CUSTOMERS.
(1)Jen T.
Thank God Lindsay Lohan was leaving as I got there, because this place would've been 1000 times more packed than it already was. After 30 minutes waiting and almost having our table given away to people who came after us, I would say it was an OK experience. The food is good, but I've had better Cuban. And the corn... haven't you guys ever hit up those little carts that sell them for $1.00 ? Tastier, authentic, and practically the size of my forearm (and I'm no Oslen twin). I'll probably try the TO GO place next time.
(3)J R.
CORN!?? Is that all people ever talk about here? Okay--you guys win. I love the corn, too. But I always eat it at Habana To Go (next door).
(5)Scott B.
This place seems always to be hopping--lots of full tables, lots of hustle and bustle, a wait for tables during prime dining times, etc. But, to me, I haven't yet figured out what all the fuss is about. Why? Well, because my first experience was just okay. In fact, I went to Havana Cafe for an early lunch w/ my friend Kat (before the crowd got there), and the service was exceptional. However, the food was just OK, and that made the experience less enjoyable for me. I had the chicken quesadilla, which seemed like a safe bet, but the tortilla was a little burned tasting, and the ingredients inside the quesadilla were just okay tasting... and not very flavorful. I will say that the beans and rice that accompanied the dish were very tasty, so that was a plus. But, other than that, I wasn't very impressed. Maybe I just ordered the wrong thing (or the chef had a bad day) because, based on the crowd, this place seems to have a following. Plus, I have read plenty of positive reviews for Havana Cafe praising their grilled "street" corn and other dishes... so maybe I will give them another shot and order something different. In regards to atmosphere, Havana Cafe has a diner look and feel (50s style tables, etc.). This was kinda cool and inviting, and I appreciate the aesthetic. And, with that said, I wasn't so turned off that I won't return. In fact, I hope to go back and try other things on their menu... and I'll be sure to update my review if I go back.
(3)mi l.
I dragged the bf here since I was on an elotes (grilled corn) crave after having it for the first time at la esquina. The place is tiny, the tables were tiny, you'll be able to hear the conversation from the next tables over since you're practically sitting only inches apart. The wait was about 15 mins for 2 on a Tuesday night at 7:30pm. However, for this night none of it really bothered me. We ordered the grilled corn (a-duh). It was cheaper than la esquina. (here it was $4.25 for 2, la esquina charges $4 per corn.) But for some reason I think i enjoyed the ones at la esquina more. they were bigger, juicier, had a nicer grilled corn taste. Don't get me wrong these were still pretty good ! I would have liked for the spice to be lightly dusted all around instead of just concentrated on the top though. Shrimp Tacos (2 tacos plus rice & beans for about $13)- pretty pricey since im paying $13 for two tacos, im sure majority of people hardly touch the filler rice & beans. However, the BF did try the rice and he said it tasted like they added butter and that it was good. The grilled shrimp had that nice grilled flavor that i like, like it just came fresh off a grill. They were perfectly cooked and juicy too. BF ordered the chicken mole enchilada- i took a bite and it was ok. Ordered a limeade and it was wayyy sour. Didn't finish it. Should have gotten one of those yummy looking mojitos next time :( If I come back, I would order the corn again, mojitos, shrimp tacos, and maybe something new to try. Worth visiting.
(3)Lili K.
I was pretty disappointed, since the corn really wasn't that good. I've had better. This corn did have some cheese and spices to it, but it wasn't hot at all (temperatures can do a lot for you), nor was it the nice, buttery type of corn I like to devour. I got the chicken sandwich and it didn't fare too well, either. Yes, it had some spice to it (not much) and was pressed into a slightly greasy way, but it wasn't savory enough.
(3)M Amanda P.
The few times that I have been here --- I must say - I have never been disappointed! THE CORN---O.M.G. to die for! Who knew corn on the cob with mayo, cheese and chili powder would make such an addictive combo! I just cannot put into words how good it is - but it is definitely a must try! The ambiance is quaint, cozy and inviting. The food is exceptional and the service is awesome. Even during a packed lunch hour, they are able to accommodate patrons quickly and serve them promptly. I Usually get the grilled shrimp tacos and let me just say - HEAVENLY! Although this is a small space, they do make sure each experience is a good one!
(5)Jimmy C.
I must agree with everyone. The corn here is awesome. The way they prepare the corn is unique - with powder cheese and chili. I have yet to duplicate it successfully. I have had corn grilled with satay sauce - a trick i learned in China, is also good. But this corn is great. Unfortunately, I don't remember too much about the other quesadillas or the carnitas. But I'm sure it was good, too. The join is a little small and crowded. The restroom was even smaller. But I didn't mind since the food was de-lish'!
(5)Eileen C.
I didn't want to be here. It was crowded on a humid, sweltering day. It appeared to be poorly ventilated with only a few flimsy fans spinning in futile hope of achieving improved air circulation. The place resembled a beat down trailer home with 40 people packed tightly inside. Despite that, it was all well worth it. To reiterate practically every other review, it's all about the corn. For $3.75, you get two cobs smothered in cheese and chili powder. I suggest ordering one per person. You are going to want that second corn cob, and will soon be regretting your philanthropic decision to share. I got the Chilaquiles verdes con pollo, which were good but I'm never in the mood to be burping corn tortilla and green chili all day, which definitely has less to do with the food and more to do with my gastronomic technical difficulties. I should have gotten the Cuban sandwich. Another plus: Eye candy behind the counter!
(5)Patrick N.
This place is great, I prefer the take-out spot because sometimes it's not as crowded. The corn is obviously great, and everything else on the the menu is solid if not terrific. The only reason it's not getting 5 stars is because the service can be iffy, especially if you get delivery.
(4)Alicia L.
I'm not gonna lie. I tried this place because I walked by one day and saw Ryan Gosling eating inside. I'm glad I tried it though. The corn is friggin awesome! Unfortunately there's not much else to rave about. I'd give this place 3 stars, but the corn alone bumps the rating to 4. There's usually a long wait, which is why I've only had dinner here once. My roommate got the pork chop (HUGE) and I got an enchilada (mediocre). It's best to skip the restaurant and order some corn from the To-Go place in the back and be on your merry way.
(4)Billy L.
MMM the last time Goulet was in Cuba shooting cocktails with Mike Corleone a revolution broke out, much like everytime Goulet stops at Cafe Habana before tearing down the house at Carnegie Hall. Mo-Jito Anyone MMM? The picture perfect location in NoLita only adds to the charm of this restaurant, which can be overcrowded at times, but overcrowded in the wow I want to be here sort of way and not "Eww get me out of this guido's hair" sort of way. I'm a sucker for Cuban Sandwiches and really enjoyed grabbing one and eating outside moreso than sitting at a table, so that's what I've done everytime since the food is the same at both the restaurant and the side cafe. Plus, I love people watching, and the location is perfect for sitting back and finishing off a long day of work, shopping, or a day filled with everything even if you've done nothing.
(5)Brian G.
This place is always packed and there is good reason for it! Go. Stop reading and go. Now. Get the grilled corn and share it with a friend. Get the yuca fries. Finish your meal off with a cafe con leche and ogle the beautiful women who dominate the staff. Go. Take a date, take a friend, go alone. Just go.
(5)Sarah W.
Very good food! What is not to love? It's set on a cute corner and all the windows are open like your sitting outside. And the music played suits the atmosphere. The restaurant is usually packed but it is well worth the wait. I think we waited for 40 minutes. But you could see from what was on other peoples tables that it would be good. Plus my two other friends who brought me here tonight love it. First we ordered the corn on the cob which is amazing. Coated with cheese, chili, and lime is squeezed on top. Really spot on good! We all ordered enchiladas, I had ordered steak and they ordered chicken. I wish I ordered the chicken because I think the steak is a bit tough. But it tasted great with fresh cut avocados, rice (very good) and beans. Great restaurant, don't miss it!
(4)Linda T.
If you see people standing around the corner of the street, you've found Cafe Habana. Its quite a small place and at times you may be sceptical about waiting for a table, but no fear there is a take out right next store, grab some of that yummy corn or one of those delish sandwich and have it on the bench or a park near by... trust me, you wouldn't regret it! It is taste bud heaven!
(5)Yaahmee T.
I feel as though there's nothing more to be said other than the seats at the counter are the best seats there....hands down.
(5)Megan L.
The friend I was visiting suggested going here. It seemed like a cute little spot, though we opted to eat outside because it was even hotter inside than it was outside - given the heat and humidity this weekend, that's saying a lot. Anyway, the menu looked good and there were a lot of people around so it seemed promising. I was getting annoyed, though, because my order was taking FOREVER. Like the people I was with (who ordered after me) were almost done eating by the time my sandwich was done. So I didn't have the best frame of mind when I started eating my steak sandwich but good grief it was worth the wait! Wonderfully flavorful! I will definitely be back next time I am in NYC.
(4)Justin C.
I dream of the CORN here!!!! This place takes breakfast to another level!!!! AND MOST IMPORTANTLY..... All the servers are super hot!
(5)Kat G.
Discovered this place whilst I was staying in a stunning loft apartment in Soho which I rented through Wimdu. Used to go here for breakfast, amazing huevos rancheros and bloody marys!!
(5)Thompson L.
IF YOU ARE HERE FOR THE CORN...GO AROUND THE CORNER!! Please don't wait on the silly line for a table... you can just walk around the corner and there's an older Cafe Habana selling the same corn without a line. The Grilled Mexican Corn is a deal at $2 a pop. It delish and one of the most delicious things I've ever ate. Srsly.
(5)Dima L.
OMG with all the reviews I saw on here I thought I was in for a treat :( the corn was the only good thing we had.. the enchiladas were sooo bad.. I couldnt even force my self to eat.. the service was really sweet I can tell they were trying to accommodate but place was tiny and a long wait on a weekday! def get the corn and eat it outside..not a treasure
(2)Melissa T.
The grilled corn is SO good and a MUST TRY! I came here after hearing from friends and others how good the corn was. They were right!! I'm not even a huge fan of corn itself! The place is pretty small and cramped, so try not to bring a large group. I would definitely come back for the corn and to try the other dishes, which looked huge and scrumptious. I want to try the Cuban Sandwich next time!
(5)Amie R.
let's put it this way. if the apocalypse came tomorrow and you had never tried the grilled corn from cafe habana... you really had never lived anyway.
(5)Tomas R.
Not the most comfortable from a seating perspective, but the food is fantastic. I particularly recommend the grilled corn and Cuban sandwich. Fun people watching also.
(4)Danny R.
My GF and I came here and loved in. Situated in a great area and amazing food. This is the best grilled corn in the city and I've tried a few places. You come here for the corn and then you don't have to worry about ordering it anywhere else. The cuban sandwich was pretty good too, I recommend it. Also great, it was a decent size lunch (not big, but not small either) for two of us and didn't hit me too hard in the wallet. This is some of the best Cuban food in the city and I wouldn't want to go anywhere else.
(5)Joyce L.
I thought this is a great Cuban restaurant according to Yelp, but my husband told me this is actually a chain. Well, I'm not a fan of chains. I supposed to eat with a friend there about 2 months ago, but due to the arrival of the first heat wave of 2011, we decided not to make ourselves suffered by eating at a restaurant with no AC. Well, I didn't know that until I got to the restaurant the saw all the windows are wide open. I went there with another friend the following week. I ordered the roast pulled pork and beans. The roast pulled pork had some citrus flavour and it's quite good. My friend ordered some kinda shrimp with rice which was not that special! The portion of the food is quite small and the food wasn't hot enough! I'm not sure if we ordered the wrong thing or what...the restaurant really didn't impress me! Maybe I should have got cuban sandwich instead? The service is ok as it was really crowded and you kinda forced to leave as soon as you are finished...
(3)Jon R.
Yelpers never lie. I salivated reading the reviews of the grilled corn, and my friends, Yelpers have not been over-hyping this treat. It is a delight and a must. I couldn't believe that corn could taste that good. So incredibly delicious. For my entree I ordered the Cuban sandwich, which did not disappoint. It was so incredibly hearty and filling that I only finished half, and had an amazing lunch the next day. As for the place, it is tiny and you will need to wait, and yes, you will probably sit next to strangers, but the food is out of this world and I can't wait to go back!
(5)Yvonne C.
terrible line.. how dare you make yvonne chan wait? shes a princess. no one makes her wait.
(1)Rachel P.
Came in from the snow to get a summer's taste of corn on the cob last night. The place was very tiny, but we didn't have to wait long to get seated. The turnover rate here is very good. Have you ever had something so good that you nearly started crying when you were 7/8ths of the way done with it? Because you just didn't want it to end? Is that a new low for me?(yes) Yeah, I felt that way with their grilled corn last night - grilled, smothered with mayo, chili powder, and Parmesan cheese. It was hands down one of the best things I've ever eaten. I also got the taquitos with guac. They were both really exceptional, but I just wished I had corn, and nothing but their corn for dinner. It was just such a hard act to follow.
(5)M. N.
Delicious corn, great Caiprinha. Enjoyed my Sopesitos as well. Downsides were the extremely long wait to be seated, very limited seating, and long wait for the food to arrive.
(3)Cher A.
It's really good and the corn is to-die-for. The rice dishes are really good and the Cuban sandwich was amazing. The shrimp taco was just okay though. The shrimp was burnt and it wasn't as flavorful as I had hoped. The tables are unbelievably tiny to the point that you have to put your drinks on the window sill because thats the only way to fit your plates on the baby tables. There is very little to none elbow room and there's barely a place to move around. Having said that- the food for the most part (with the exception of my last meal there)- is so good people come back time after time and wait a long time to eat.
(4)Victoria C.
I would have only given them one star, because this review is based on a terrible dining EXPERIENCE, but the food and drink saved the meal.... and that really is the most important thing, isn't it? Honestly Cafe Habana is good, not the best, but better than average. I came here for my second visit last night, a Saturday evening around 630. The restaurant didn't seem absurdly busy or crowded at the time, but we put our name on the waiting list and were told there was a 30 mins wait. That was fine, and reasonable, so we told the server/hostess we would walk around the block and come back a little while later. When we came back (no longer than a half hour later) she recognized us and got us a table within 15mins, very reasonable given the small nature of the restaurant, and the fact that it was prime time Sat. night. This is when the dinner began to completely fall apart. First of all there were only two servers and one bartender (and one hostess that showed up while we were sat) supporting the entire restaurant. Our server didn't come over to greet us, or make any attempts at all to acknowledge us, for over 10 minutes. At that point she comes over and simply says, 'Hi, are you all ready to order?'. No apologies, no attempt to make us feel welcome or provide any information/offer any hospitality. At that point we were indeed ready to just get our order in and cooking. We ordered drinks, three alcoholic bevs and a soda, and three entrees all at once. After seeing no movement for awhile at the bar I finally saw the bartender get to work on our ticket. After he finished making the drinks I watched as they sat on the counter for close to ten mins. That was probably a 15 minute drink wait in total, and our food actually came out a mere 3 minutes later! That's terrible ticket timing. We asked for napkins and waters at that point and received them promptly, BUT god forbid we had any other requests or issues throughout the rest of our meal because our server NEVER came back to the table to check in. Once we were totally finished with our meal she cleared off the table and dropped the check without offering or asking if we wanted another drink round and/or desserts. Our waitress was extremely unprofessional, absent from the dining room many a times, and seemed to be actually just hanging out at the register area for no good reason. The table next to ours was loudly complaining about their experience as well. Andddd, the bathroom was pretty disgusting, wet with trash strewn about. I've been here before for dinner earlier in the summer, and I know it's an extremely high traffic spot, but they really just dropped the ball last night. Positives???? haha Food wise I absolutely recommend the shrimp tacos. The fish tacos are also good, but the tacos al pastor were dry and sort of bland, and you should try their 'claim to fame' grilled corn appetizer. Really good frozen flavored (mangooo) margaritas, and you can actually taste the alcohol in them! Obviously I really didn't even want to leave the waitress a tip, but since I'm in the industry I felt like I couldn't totally stiff her, and also because I plan to come back and give this place a last and final test before I banish it to the 'bad list'. I really would hate to do that because the prices are good for the quality of food and drink that you receive. Service just needs to step it up.
(2)Megan C.
Worst service ever. Prices are reasonable for the area and the food is good. Service at this place just puts it on my banned restaurant list.
(2)May P.
Amazing amazing amazing. We always go to the carry out around the corner, as the restaurant is always super full with a 45 minute wait. You must try the Cuban sandwiches with the grilled corn. Omg amazing! And they have Mexican coke too:)
(5)Valerie M.
Esquites...as close to the real thing I've had in NYC!
(4)Kris P.
Great! Got the Cuban sandwich at the express spot next door. Bread was crispy; pork was tender. Perfect!
(5)Henry T.
Grilled corn is a MUST here! IMO, it is their selling point and main attraction. They sprinkle some parmesan cheese onto a grilled corn. You can choose to squeeze a slice of lime onto it or not--I did, and it was delicious. The cheese just melts in your mouth while the juices of the corn and lime takes over your taste buds. SO GOOD. You get two cobs of corn per order. For my entree, I ordered the skirt steak with huevos ranchero. The steak was good. It was tender, and was indeed medium rare as I requested, but it wasn't as exciting as I expected my steak to be. Maybe the standard was set so high since I had previously eaten at Chez Jacqueline's the night before (whose steak is amazing there!!!). The inside was still tender and juicy, though. The rice and eggs were amazng! I loved the spices and seasoning they added to the rice. I gobbled the rice up quick! You also get some black beans with your order. No comment on the beans...they're just beans. All in all, the place was nice. The actual environment is pretty loud and compact. But hey, it's New York...most cafes/diners are loud and compact as hell! TIP: Come early and put your name down (we had to wait 30 minutes) or tell a server you're here waiting for a table for ___. Then take a quick stroll around the area, maybe go to a bakery and have a cupcake. Once you come back the server will remember you (as she did me!) by name and bring you to your table if one is ready. :)
(4)Nina I.
You must visit Cafe Habana and try their GRILLED CORN (5+ stars for the corn)! It's a must. Before visiting I asked my friends where the best eats in NYC are. The one place everyone had on their lists was the corn here. Grilled to perfection with some type of cheese (someone said cotija cheese), chili powder and lime. We were staying in the area so I actually came back here 3 days in a row for their corn. I was obsessed. Yummm! The Cuban sandwich was packed and pretty good...but I corn steals the show! The photos don't really do it justice. Big tip is that if the main restaurant is busy just go for the take-out line next door...by the time you get your order, a seat may open up! There are a few tables and counter seats. One other day we went quite early and got counter spot in the restaurant side right away. Be prepared for a wait if you're coming around lunchtime it's gonna be busy!
(4)Crystal C.
A totally hidden gem. It definitely is cozy but the food is amazing and the staff is very friendly. You definitely feel like you are in Cuba. You must try the corn. It is roasted with mayo, Parmesan cheese, and spices. It sounds weird but it was yummy! I also had the roasted pork dish which included shredded pork, beans, and rice. It was delicious! Just add a little lime and it hits the spot.
(5)Michael L.
Ate: Corn (was told that I had to try it) and the Cuban sandwich (voted best in NYC) Drank: Limeade - yeah! Liked: Cramped seating, loud atmosphere and great food made me imagine that I was really in Havana. Disliked: Cramped seating and loud atmosphere got tiring about 10 minutes in. Chicken: Plenty on the menu, but I opted for the Cuban. Would mom like it?: Mom would make some comment about how bread is for poor people as she's eating (and enjoying) the Cuban. Would I go back: Yes if not for the long ass wait. Recommend: Go early and be prepared to wait. There's takeout around the corner if you can't handle the wait.
(4)Rachel T.
For all of the positive reviews I was surprised to come here and only give the place 3 stars. I really enjoyed the ambiance- it was extremely small but colorful and very helpful and nice service. Even though there was a line outside the door we were seated immediately and brought our menus and ordered in a timely manner. I ordered the avocado and cheese sandwich. The bread was great-however the rest of the sandwich was nothing too exciting. I enjoyed the plantanes as a side but as far as cuban food goes I have had better.
(3)Ms V.
Don't go to this place without trying their GRILLED CORN! It's super delicious, and for less than $5 for 2, it's a pretty damn good deal. I had their Chicken Diablo Sandwich and it was the best sandwich I ever had. The chicken was moist and full of flavor, definitely drool-worthy and made me want more and more with each bite. The jalepenos served on the plate were a nice touch, allowing me to control how spicy I'd want my next bite to be. My friends ordered other sandwiches, but while they were good, I think mine was the best ;) As a tourist, it's definitely the restaurant to hit-up when visiting Soho in NYC. I will definitely come again!
(4)Neenz R.
One word. Corn. I mean, there's other great food on the menu. I love the enchiladas suizas and the pollo mirador also, but the corn will have you jonesin' if you stay away from it too long. I always try to take friends from out of town here and unfortunately, the wait to be seated at this tiny tiny little restaurant can be long. Up to an hour for dinner on peak nights. But I just keep telling them to trust me. And they are never disappointed with the amazing corn. Ok. Lets go back to the pollo mirador. The chicken is smothered in a lemony garlic sauce that's fit for sopping up with bread. And the spinich that comes with is also sauteed in garlic and has whole small roasted garlic. Did I mention this is made with garlic? When I'm feeling like I want to be able to talk after a meal, I opt for the enchiladas suizas. Made with not so much garlic but with lots of love. How else could something be so incredible that it made one dining parter of mine groan. Oh yes he did. Skip desert here though. The flan was unremarkable. Just order a side of plantains instead. Did I tell you to get corn?
(5)Chris R.
My friend insisted that we go here for lunch and warned me that we might have to wait at least an hour for a table. We got there and a crowd of about 10 were gathered outside on the sidewalk waiting just to be seated! We went in to put our name on the list and luckily there were two open seats at the bar! We sat down and ordered right away! Started out w/ the roasted corn. Delicious! I ordered the Molletes (Cuban bread w/ black beans, melted cheese and salsa. I added the chorizo too) It was SO good. I was full from the first half but since I didn't want to carry around the other half while shopping in SoHo I forced the rest of it down, knowing that I'd probably walk it off throughout the day...and because it was too good, I couldn't stop eating it! Love this place, will definitely go back and try their other dishes and of course the corn again!
(5)Danvin R.
It is truly as good as everyone claims it is. A tiny, and I mean tiny little place on the corner where the atmosphere inside just screams CUBA! Its awesome. :) Yes, definitely get the corn... it truly is a thing of culinary delight. I personally think its that touch of lime in the end... mmm... I'm drooling. I had the Huevos Caribe. Plantain Omelet. I've never thought much about that combination of flavors before, but it is really GOOD. My buddy had the Chile Quies con Pollo. Also very delicious. The crowds may be packed in there but the tables move fast. The waitresses are super nice and really add to the caribbean atmosphere. So get here, put your name down with the nice waitress and let your taste buds be amazed.
(5)Micaela L.
I love Cafe Habana. The grilled corn is amazing (seriously. AMAZING), the burritos are good (especially the mushroom one!) and the special lime-lemonade is the most refreshing summer drink I have ever tried. Be prepared to wait for a table, but it's a small price to pay for a delicious meal. The avocado & white cheese sandwich is also fantastic. The take-out area adjacent to the main restaurant is a great idea, but the wait time can be FOREVER. I waited almost an hour for two burritos at lunchtime on the first nice day of the spring -- it was brutal.
(4)Jo K.
remember when you were watching nacho libre (admit it, you know you watched it) and you saw him eating the corn and thinking, damn i need to get me some of that!! well, heres the place to go to fulfill that need cause their corn is the BEST and it's soooo cheap! i also like the hanger steak, and they also have a great selection of hot sauces like my favorite- Tapatio! yeah, the wait sucks, but you have to expect that at any yummy hole in the wall place in NY...
(4)Sau y.
The sanitation standards were a bit questionable, but the casher/ host/ bartender/ waiter/ do it all man behind the counter seemed too nice for me to say a word of complaint when he cleaned out the expresso filter holder with his FINGER (which he just used to give change on cash, ring up orders, pick up the phone, etc- you get the drift. The place was packed. The food was great. What else can I say? Huevos Ranchero... Cuban Sandwich... Corn. Next time, I'm in for the steak salad or steak sandwich (looked damn good) and a couple of orders of that delicious corn. YES GET THE CORN! Our drinks were standard... hibiscus tea and guava soda (it's the syrup stuff- what do you expect)? Nice guy at the bar though... and pretty fair/ solid prices.
(5)Justin S.
Apparently, there are two spots right next to each other. The spot on the corner of Prince & Elizabeth is for dine-in while the one further north on Elizabeth is more for to-go orders. If you're shopping on Broadway, make it a point to stop here for a break! We only stopped by for a snack...the grilled corn Mexican style. Pretty damn good so get one for yourself and don't share! The cayenne pepper puts it all over the top.
(4)Nelva W.
Love Café Habana!! Service was great, place is small but once you get in your seat and you food starts to come, you won't care about the size of the place. The margarita was bad. Hence 4 stars.
(4)Nancy R.
Went here with some out of towners for dinner last weekend (2/27/15) and had a great time. We were having some great luck apparently because as soon as we walked in a table opened up and we got seated immediately which never happens lol. Waitress was nice but slow and not so attentive but nothing horrible since were not in a hurry but we did have to flag her down a few times. Food was OK, we of course got the corn which was amazing, also a taco pork appetizer of some sort that was delicious. For dinner two girls ordered the steak which they liked but not cooked great and being from the west they had to get some tortillas with it lol. I got the fish tacos which were good. not the best I've had but definitely not complaining. All in all we had a great time with some good food. Would def come back if in the area but not if its out of our way.
(4)Liz L.
Cafe Habana just feels like summer to me. A tiny ass restaurant that is constantly packed, and for good reason. The amazing corn on the cob with mayo, cotija cheese, spices and lime is a must every time I go. The cuban sandwich is pretty good but it gets a little soggy. The enchiladas suizas are amazing. They also have orange Jarritos to accompany a tasty meal. The waitstaff is fairly amicable, but definitely good-looking. I guess this is pretty obvious, because last time I was there, there were photos on the walls of all the waitresses, which were apparently also part of a Cafe Habana calendar. Hmm, okay. Anyway...I'd say the only downfall of this place is that you'll almost always have to wait at least 30 mins. for a table and it's pretty much impossible to go with a group of more than 3 or 4 people. Still, it's one of my favorite restaurants in New York.
(4)Emily K.
Let's get it out of the way first: definitely order the corn. I almost passed it up because I'm not really a corn fan to begin with (yes, I still wasn't planning on getting it even if it was the first thing out of people's mouths when I mentioned "Cafe Habana" to them). It's... pretty damn good. Buttery, coated with a nice serving of parmesan, topped off with a spicy little kick. The roast pork with rice and beans was a good enough portion that I could have boxed up half of it and brought it back home, although it did a pretty good job of keeping me warm and pleasantly stuffed for several hours after. Crowded, popular hot spot, so make sure you come early or are prepared to wait.
(4)Amanda S.
Went here on a Saturday and had to wait for about an hour. It's small but the wait is worth it. The cuban corn is amazing. Very fun and trendy spot to take visitors but be prepared to wait.
(4)Lelia T.
If you've never had a great sandwich, you must stop by Cafe Habana!! I went to Cafe Habana wanting to try their corn and famous sandwiches. I was expecting to dine in and receive waiter service but when i got there, I was so excited to see the "Cafe Habana" sign that I totally missed the main entrance and went through the takeout side. So it was really tiny and I was disappointed cause we couldn't eat in there comfortably. That was totally my mistake. Make sure you look twice if you're looking to dine in! There was already a line, but it didn't take too long for us to get our food. My boyfriend and I shared the Cuban sandwich and 2 corns. It. Was. So. Good!!!! The meat was tender and it had the right amount of every ingredient in it. It's more towards the expensive side for a sandwich, but trust me, it's worth it. And the sandwich is huge! We each only had half, but it was totally filling. The corn was just as everyone hyped it up to be. Don't ask/think about the calories and you will enjoy it. Will definitely come back (and go through the right way this time)!!
(5)Norman W.
My friends and I come here for one thing only - Mexican corn - grilled buttery salted chili goodness. The place is extremely cramped and there's always a line, but definitely worth stopping by for a grab-n-go.
(3)Daniel P.
Super crowded always, extremely small and narrow--if you don't like eating dinner with strangers, this place isn't really for you (or me). But the fish tacos are solid, service rapid, and when you're in the mood for loud, boisterous, and cheap, it's a reliable end-game.
(3)Paul M.
Corn is lifechanging.
(5)Pan R.
The corn deserves 5 stars. Where else can you find super unhealthy, cheesed up, spiced up, and toasty hot corn? :)
(5)Matthew R.
It's not often that I find places in Soho/Nolita that I find to be both fun and a value, however Cafe Habana ticks both of those boxes. I stumbled upon this place while wandering the neighborhood in seach of some grub. Music and the sweet smell of delicious food poured out onto the street. We waited for 45+ minutes, but came without reservations on a busy night, so it was to be expected. The inside of the restaurant is kitchy, but a lot of fun. Atmosphere oozes out of every pore of this establishment. I had the Cuban sandwich and Mexican Corn. They were perfect, and my meal was well below my $20 cap for a cheap meal. A fantasic little place well worth the wait!
(4)Eva L.
A must go every time I go to that area. The corn is absolutely my love. BEST corn in the world. Also tried the sloppy joe's sandwich the other day. Very Very spicy! but delicious!!! There's always a lot of people whenever you go. So prepare to wait a bit ;) It's worth it! There isn't a lot of tables in the restaurant. Many times I just wait outside (sometimes I eat my corn outside haha) there's a bench. So I would suggest to go there when it's not too cold... Also, pretty good price ;)
(5)Mandi O.
Probably the best Cuban food I've had so far in NYC. And the other reviewers aren't lying about the corn.
(4)Kyle S.
I had the chicken diablo torta and the grilled corn on the cob. I'd like to mention one theme I've seen to a lot of other reviews. I see people on here complaining about the size of this place. Now, it can be frustrating to be in a small shop, to not find a seat and to bump into people. But this is New York City, people. And this place is downtown, in Nolita. Places are going to be small, so you just roll with it. The people complaining on here must be newbies to the city because anyone who's lived here long enough (I've been here 4 1/2 years) learns to accept the cramped spaces, especially downtown. To the food: really, really good. I'm not as high on the corn as most others on here. I found the Mexican cheese to be a little too overpowering. There's too much of it, for one thing. I scraped off half of it. I'm not a 'cheese makes everything better' kind of person. I love pizza, mac and cheese and cheeseburgers, but I don't need it on my eggs and on corn and with chicken and all that. Don't get me wrong, the corn was still very good. But it's not an epic food like many on here would have you believe. The diablo was quite good, although a tad bland. I think much of that is because I ordered it without the chiptole mayo. (I can't stand mayo.) That would have added some spice that the two chicken cutlets, arugula, roasted red peppers and black bean paste didn't have. But this sandwich, especially that black bean paste, was awesome. I'm glad I got it as a torta rather than a burrito. The whole lunch was $10 and change. This is a must-try kind of place.
(4)Liz E.
The lack of one star is for one reason: food and drink not brought unless asked twice, or simply not brought out at all. Due to the hectic nature of this restaurant, it may seem easy for a waitress to forget, but that is still no excuse. However, there are food, even excellent aspects of this corner...madhouse. First off, there's the atmosphere. Tables are about the size of sliced bread and are neatly stacked right next to each other, making it very difficult for bag ladies such as myself to sprawl out amongst the seating. Loud music, loud conversation, and a bustling sense of urgency all add to the aura of the place. Lunch began with the famous grilled corn cobs, squirted with lime juice, slathered in sweet butter and sprinkled with snowflakes of queso blanco and spicy pepper. The kernels were like chargrilled little gems, each one of them bursting with a rich flavor as they became nestled between the crevices of my teeth (toothpicks are provided). These were followed by two sandwiches. Mine consisted of a supremely soft, pure white cheese layered with avocado, black beans, lettuce, tomato, and a pleasingly spicy mayo. The bread was crusty and chewy, and the jalapenos were scattered on the side to be added at the eater's whim (I did this profusely). My friend had the baja fish tacos which I had a few bites of. The beer-battered fish was not at all greasy, and was tamed by the salsa and shredded cabbage. I wasn't big on the rice and beans, but after being lured in by sticky rice and adzuki beans, it's hard to appreciate anything else. The check came to 22 bucks, which was a good job for two appetizers, two sandwiches, and one drink, all served relatively quickly. While I would not go running back tomorrow, I think a good idea would be to consider brunch, considering the place opens at 9 in the morning. Beat the lunch rush and, though the atmosphere might not be the same, I bet the food surely will.
(4)Karen S.
This was the very first place I ate at on my first visit to New York. It definitely whet my appetite for the great time I had there. The cuban sandwich was excellent! Never had cuban food before so I can't really compare but I continued to stuff my face even though I was full. The corn was crazy good. What is that white stuff? Cheese? Cocaine sprinkles, whatever it was still makes my mouth water just thinking about it. Cheap and fun little place. Not a lot of seating but the food is perfect to eat on the go.
(5)J J.
I think I'm giving it so few stars because it was so raved about by everyone and I was pretty disappointed. There was a tolerable wait on a Saturday afternoon. Like many Manhattan eateries, the seating was a bit cramped. My chilaquiles were salty and not very delicious, and the black beans that came with my dish were also not very good. My friend's steak and eggs were so-so. I guess the upside is that it's cheap. I won't be going back.
(2)Jamel O.
When I first ate at this place I said, hey its cramped and people are waiting outside after putting their names on an imaginary list, these people done lost their minds. Then I discovered the to go place next door. Mexican Corn? I was like, yo my man, is that mayo on that corn? wtf? Are you serious. Nah, no thanks. Then eventually I relented. Rite of Passage. Seriously. It is amazing. I sometimes drive to this place just to get the corn (dont do so during the week before 7 cause you will get an expensive ticket, take my word for it.) Steak sandwich has a sauce and is decent. Could use a little more steak, but hey. The place isnt expensive but for the amount of steak in the sandwich, it leaves you scratching your head. However, the real deal is the CORN!!! Go there, get the corn. Take a friend and get a couple. Dont let them wrap it in the foil cause u lose the cheese (yes i said cheese). take those ears and sit outside. enjoy the day and your corn. You will be glad you did!
(5)Peter K.
A friend told me about this hole in the wall, and I was not disappointed. Everyone get its... Corn on the Cob. A little messy, but definitely worth it. My friend told me to try the Pork Chops, but I went before 5pm, so I didn't know there was a lunch and dinner menu. So for future reference, the Chops are at dinner. Therefore I had to settle for the Roasted Pork, which was alright. My other friend, told me for lunch to get the Steak Sandwich. And he's a pretty good source to trust, so I would try that. The service is good, they make the food real fast, and it gets pretty busy, so if you've got a big group, be prepared to wait. I would have given it 5 stars, but I wish I could have eaten more things they are known for.
(4)Michelle C.
One of the things that I look forward to in the summer is going to Cafe Habana to have their cuban sandwich and the Mexican corn while watching beautiful people stroll by SoHo / Nolita (?) One of the things that I do not look forward to in the summer is the loooooooong queue at Cafe Habana and the flies that hover around you once you finally get a seat in the cramped restaurant.
(4)Jimmy Y.
Just like the previous yelpers...this place is awesome. Ate at the to go part of the restaurant because it was quick and the weather was beautiful so eating out was perfect. Had the cuban and the corn and both was delicious. Price was fair, it was almost 10 bucks for the sandwich and corn, and it was well worth it. Def recommend if your anywhere around the neighborhood. Oh yeah and +1 for the really cute cashier.
(5)Max B.
I came here after numerous reccomendations from people from LA to London (seriously). Maybe there was too much hype, but I just wasn't blown away by Cafe Habana. That's not to say it's not really good, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. Per the enthusiastic Yelp reviews I made sure to get the corn, which was pretty damn good, if not a little caliente for my pussy taste buds to handle. I also got this corn masa thing that was stuffed with cheese which was good but too too salty. The highlight for me was definitely the scrumptious margarita's served by a sexy ass bartender. I also really enjoyed the ambiance. I went alone to avoid any seating drama and sat at the bar. I actually felt like I stepped into 1940's Cuba. The vibe was busy and chatty but relaxed and casual. The crowd was incredibly diverse and super cool. The waitresses are friendly and gorgeous. The prices are extremely reasonable as well. There was also some guy filming some documentary about the place and he kept sticking his camera in my grill while I was trying to just devour some corn. I'm sorry, but me eating corn is not a pretty thing, and I would really appreciate if you would ask me before putting a camera up in my shit while I probably have an obscene amount of food in my teeth and on my face. All in all, it was a good dining experience, I just kinda wished I discovered it by myself and didn't go there with a million other rave reviews in my ear. I'm pretty sure my one tepid review will not deter anyone and it shouldn't because this place is definitely one to swing by.
(4)Jimmy L.
Corn and Pork. Two of my favorite things and put together... you can't go wrong.
(4)Rowena D.
I love this place. Everytime I visit NYC I stop by here for lunch or dinner. The Mexican Corn is awesome as everyone else has mentioned. My other favorites are the Cuban Sandwich and the Pollo Mirador. I can't wait to go back.
(5)Em P.
This is the place where I take all my visitors, and you can never go wrong with whatever you get. The Mexican Corn is a must! Brunch, Lunch, or Dinner....Cafe Habana is the place to go! Oh, and you have to have the Mojitos!
(5)John C.
Despite the long wait, this place is absolutely a gem in SOHO. The prices are amazing and the corn is SUPERB. $15 for dinner in NYC?? Yes, at Cafe Habana!
(5)Scuba K.
Mmmmmmmmm. I can only rate on take-away services and Cafe Habana es muy delicioso! We ordered the cafe leche, shredded pork w. rice and beans, and shredded pork sandwich. Everything was done to perfection. From the perfectly spiced black beans and rice to the flavorful pork (though a little greasy), I could eat this all the time. And I don't even like eating carbs!!!
(5)Jack L.
For those who think oh, there won't be a wait on Wednesday at 7:30, you're wrong! And for those that don't think that, you're obviously smarter than me. It wasn't that bad though, we went across the street to Jacques and had a couple beers sitting outside under the heat lamp. There are defiantly worse ways to spend your time waiting for seat. Anyway, yes, good corn, blah blah blah, I think everyone who's reviewed this place has said something about it so I won't. In general, the flavors of every dish was very good. Even the rice and beans were done very well. But don't come in here to be blown away by the inventiveness or execution. It's really all about flavors at an affordable price. Oh, and end your meal with the cheese flan, it's actually better than their caramel flan,
(4)Jennifer H.
My friend who lives in NY recommended this place so since I'm from Cali, who am i to argue? First off, the place is TINY (like many restaurants in ny apparently...) It's like the size of my apartment back in LA...or actually, it is smaller....so of course, the wait was long. We waited 50 minutes for a table for 5 people. But besides that, the food was awesome. My friend said that we had to get the grilled corn. It was smothered in all this goodness (for my taste buds, not so much for my health)...there was lime, chili powder, and cotija cheese. So delicious but a little hard to eat since we were smushed together on a table meant for 4 people...and sitting extremely close to a couple that was probably on a date. Sorry. For the entrees, i got the steak and grilled corn salad, the steak was really tender and the mustard dressing was fabulous. My friends got the steak enchiladas that came with rice and beans (which was quite scrumptious) and the Cuban sandwich with fries (i wasn't able to sneak a taste, boo). Everyone really liked their entree and we finished off everything (probably because we were so hungry after waiting for almost an hour). You should definitely make the trip here once in a while...I wouldn't want to wait this long for food every time, especially since gyro carts take all of 5 minutes and are found all over the place.
(4)Thomas C.
Originally went to checked out the diner part of it and i asked the waitress if i could order to go, she said go around to the next door as i did and it was the same Cafe Habana literally right next door. What amazing was the price for the same food was even cheaper than the diner like portion of the restaurant but hey i can't complain. Ordered the Cuban Sandwich and Corn as i was informed by many the corn is cannot be passed on. Got back on the 6 train back to my hotel, and i'd have to say it was the best meal i had in NY this trip. This place is a def. must visit if you're in NY. I liked it so much i wanted to go back the very next day. Unfortunately my plan was saying otherwise.
(5)Tam D.
This was also another hot spot that my roomie and I had to try when visiting NY. On man- and boy were we happy that we did! Of course the corn is to die for and it speaks for itself when you order 2, eat one there, eat the other immediately when you return back to your hotel and still rave how it was the best thing ever....3 years later! Hopefully I will return once again to partake in corn-gluttony!
(4)Sarah H.
One star gets knocked off my rating for this place because it's so small and crowded. I recently came here at 10pm on a Tuesday night and had to wait about 15 minutes for a table. But once the food came I forgot about having to wait (yeah, I know, 15 minutes isn't that long, but I was hungry!). I'm clearly not the first to have said this, but the corn on the cob is simply perfect. Spicy, sweet, cheesy, and limey - it tastes like summer. Amazing. The one vegetarian dish on the menu was quite good too. I can't even remember the name of it, but it was basically a fried corn tortilla-like pouch filled with goat cheese and sundried tomatoes, topped with two different hot sauces. The black beans & rice here are awesome too. YUMMMMM.
(4)Julie R.
4 stars for the food, minus 1 star for the lame service. It's a Wednesday night around 8:30, and the place is hopping, and I'm about to order for delivery but I stick around since the hostess says the wait is only 15-20 min. Half an hour later, our name is called and we pack ourselves into the tiny, crammed aisle along the bar while waiting for the hostess to direct us to our table. She then ignores us and keeps us waiting inside for at least another 30 min and only after repeatedly hailing her, she responds, "I'm checking". When we finally get seated, it takes way too long to get menus, place the order, etc. And the waitress brought me the wrong drink, but I was too tired to complain at that point. Besides it would've taken another half an hour to correct the order. On the bright side, the corn is deliciously grilled and seasoned with chili powder, lightly smeared with mayo and dusted with cotija cheese. Mmmm! The grilled chicken salad has nice fresh greens in a light vinaigrette and some corn sprinkled in. The pork chops come with a creamy mushroom sauce that is super rich, so arteries beware.
(3)Ryan C.
the corn here is the most amazing thing ever. it's grilled and slathered with cheese and chili, and you douse it with lime juice and eat. i could eat many orders of it--$3.75 for two pieces. this is one of those dishes that can change the way you see the world. the other dishes are very moderately priced and the atmosphere is great. come early to avoid the crowds.
(5)Esther K.
I am so addicted to the corn here! what's so special you ask? its the combination of the sweet flavor of the corn that is drawn out as it is grilled. they also slather butter/mayo on the corn and sprinkle on cojita cheese. Add a dash of chili powder and squeeze your lime wedge over the corn and it becomes pure blissfulness in your mouth! i am proud to say that i have made addicts of at least 3 other people in the past couple of weeks! what about the other food you ask? sadly i've only tried two other items here. i've had the chicken diablo sandwich, which is pretty good. For brunch i've also tried the chilequilles here. It was a bit on the salty side. Actually it was quite salty, might want to ask them to take it easy on the salt or sauce. oh and if you like spicy, ask them for their hot sauce! TAPATIO, BABY! Being from LA, i know my mexican hot sauces... and this one is by far my favorite! They also have a take out restaurant right around the corner. i've tried the corn here twice and both times i had to say the corn here was not as tasty as the corn in the main restaurant. so i don't think i will go back there for the corn at the take out place anymore. But if you need a quick fix and don't want to wait i suppose it will do the trick! mmmm.. CORN!
(4)Jen B.
This place is getting a four star for there amazing Mexican style corn! Its to die for! Took so many friends here and they all agree! Now the other things! Took my best friend here for dinner since she came to visit from Chicago. We went to the diner and did not wait long for a table. We were excited for the food. She ordered shrimp tacos and I ordered some chicks. Dish. The food was not good. We were disappointed. My food was a little soggy and she said her shrimp tacos weren't tasty. Ugh! But we did have two orders of the corn and it was the best thing ever! my only other complaint is the waitresses there have a nasty attitude and I was not havin it! They need to step it down a notch. Meow!
(4)Alberto G.
I used to go here for one of my clients and this was my lunch place for 2-3 days a month, my client has moved so i will miss you so much Excellent tortas (sandwiches) love the meat and chicken, the elote (corn) is awesome
(5)Ethan K.
THE CORN.. hoenstly, don't even come here if you don't eat THE CORN
(5)Jade M.
I knew the place was small but I didn't get how tiny it was until we got there. It seemed to be a little chaotic because the place is so tiny and everyone is standing the front by the door trying to get on the list. Be prepared to get friendly with the person next to you because there is little to no elbow room. We each decided to get something from the usual so I ordered a Cuban sandwich with fries and my BFF ordered the baja fish tacos that came with rice and beans and sweet plantains. Cuban sandwich - ham pulled roasted pork and Swiss cheese and some kind of mayo and pickles. Ughh I won't be getting it again, I picked it up my sandwich was dripping, I wasn't feeling the ham I NEED more cheese please!! and the fries were so so I didn't even get through a quarter of them. Baja taco- fish was room temp and wasn't seasoned very much. She ate it because She was hungry lol rice and beans were good and she thought the plantains were slamming Mimosa- bitter I ordered a drink called the Mexican I can't remember the rest but it was tasty. Now the grand finale the corn- I was kind of excited to try the corn because all of the hype that surrounded it, did it live up to the hype hmmm not quite. The taste was interesting, a welcome twist on grilled corn, it was kind of spicy but I wish it wasn't grilled to the extent of almost being charred. I wasn't thrilled with my first visit but I'm game to try again.
(3)ben A.
Started off with a dark and stormy which was good but a lil small for the 10 dollar price. The corn on the cob was awesome could eat it as a meal. Also had the sweet plantains which were really good. I ordered the enchilada mole.. i have had mole once and thought it was gross.but ten years later I ordered it here and it definitely has strong flavors not really of chocolate. But spices. After three bites it grew on me and i inhaled the entire plate. The Rican beans are very good to.
(4)Olivia C.
Really fun atmosphere and the corn looked delicious, but my dish was bland (chicken with soggy taco) and the black beans were incredibly salty.
(3)Jimi C.
I don't understand all the rave reviews. Seriously... The food is just okay. I don't see how people accept the fact they have to wait for up to an hour sometimes to get in and then you're squashed into teeny tiny tables next people you will more then likely detest by the end of your meal. I mean really ... We are paying customers and we deserve better treatment. The wait staff is too tragically hip and the food is mediocre. Okay ... The corn is good. BFD!!!!! If you want good corn go to Iowa. The trip may be quicker then waiting to get a seat in this place. Back in the day when "Nolita" was Little Italy Cafe Habana was a nice little neighborhood diner called, "Bella's." Damn.... Things sure changed in this neighborhood after Gotti got arrested. Cafe Habana really needs to get over itself. And seriously people ... I said it once and I'll say it again. We deserve to be treated better when we go out to eat mediocre food.
(1)Bella W.
the place is so small.. everyone looked really cramped sitting in there which is why they lost a star servers were friendly and attentive bu the food was yummyy! came here with my friend whilst shopping in soho. ordered a cheese&avocado sandwich and he had the roast pork with rice&beans and a side order of plantains. the sandwich was awesomee! so big! definitely worth it. the roast pork entree wasnt exactly what i expected because im so use to the portions in the hood i guess hahaha. it was still a good portion for one person but the plantains definitely disappointed me. they were soggy and sliced too thin and on top of that they were WAY TOO OILY!
(4)William T.
One order of corn is two pieces dine in. First timer so had the 'best Cuban in nyc' and probably won't be the last. Get dessert nearby at the cupcakes shop.
(5)Rania A.
Loved the food here! I obviously had the corn everyone speaks about! It was delicious... I never enjoyed corn on the cob as much as I did here. The. I had a seafood plate- cant remember the name but it had shrimp in a sauce with rice. Also another full of flavor dish that enjoyed. I didn't give this place 5 stars bc of the seating area and waiting service. It took a few min to get the bar tenders attention to order drinks before we for seated- also we were seated by the door, and when I say by the door... I mean almost outside.. And it was winter- so the cold air coming in from everyone opening up the door every minute did get irritating. Also the tightness of the place, I knocked elbows with the girl sitting to my right. I would love if they would buy out an extra place next door and expand- but then again, the tight atmosphere did make it that much more of a cuter place! Deff would recommend!
(4)Jenna J.
Really fun place to grab brunch. I'm not that big a fan of this kind of food, but it was really good. The corn is a must-have. The frozen drinks are refreshing after a night out and the coffee is strong! Downside: it is a little cramped. The servers must have banged into my chair at least 5 times.
(4)Arie E.
I was really excited to try this restaurant simply because a blog I follow raved about it and the things they usually like, I like. Not this time. The wait time wasn't really an issue since I anticipated it'd be a long wait due to its location. What was an issue was where my friend and I were seated (right next to the bathroom. I mean, there shouldn't even be seating so close) It's also very cramped in the restaurant, so don't expect to have any sort of private conversation. Now on to the food. Not good at all. I ordered the Pollo Mirador which was too soggy for me and I didn't like the rice at all. Maybe I needed an acquired taste in order to eat that. Maybe I should've ordered the highly talked about corn. Unfortunately I'm not a fan of corn. Overall, I think this place is overrated and is only a hit for its one hit wonder.
(1)Venus R.
i enjoy their food, i usually order huevos ranchero con tostones or fish tacos. friendly service and a great bar also.
(4)Samriddhi M.
Best corn I've ever had. One of my favorite places to go in NY. I always take out of town guests here because everyone should try the corn! Great brunch/dinner spot. This place is small and ALWAYS crowded so be prepared to wait.
(4)Jasmin F.
One of my favs. Only real downside (aside from my "what not to order" list below) is the wait time. Expect to wait at least 40 minutes on any regular night. To avoid the long wait times I suggest coming her in the early afternoon if you can. What to order: -Elotes (grilled corn with mayo, Cuban cheese, and lime spread for all you newbs ;)) -Slow cooked pulled pork with rice and black beans -Cuban sandwiches -Cafe con leche if you love it as much as I do What not to order -ANY of their cocktails if you are looking for something yummy/fruity to sip. HOWEVER, if you are looking to get straight trashed before 9 or 10PM, then by all means come to this place and purchase a drink! Their drinks are so strong I guarantee TKO by 12 ;).
(5)Jen P.
Pros: -LOVE the corns, but you must use toothpick after eating them. - Great location! - Not authentic, but great dishes. Cons: - Small bathroom is inconvenient. - Little or almost no space in between tables. - Long waiting period. Etc: - Serves brunch until 4:30PM in the weekends.
(4)Tina T.
I eat the corn and steak sandwich here on the regular! BOMB.com GO NOW!
(5)Jeremy S.
I'll give it to you - the corn is great. But that's it. Everything else about Cafe Habana is 100% tourist trap. The waitstaff is way too cool for school, and their Cuban sandwich is the probably the least impressive I've had in NYC (Sample size = ~12). Apparently there's a takeout window - I'd consider hitting that up for an ear of corn some time, but I have no interest in actually dining there again. Crowded, bougey, completely filled with tourists, and completely full of itself. Skip it.
(2)Jared K.
CORN is the thing here. Yes, you heard me, Corn. Well worth the long wait to get in, Cafe Habana does not let you down when you finally manage to squeeze into one of the precious few tables at this NoLiTa gem. Get started with some Mojitos and order the griled corn on the cob appetizer. Liberally sprinkled with crack (ok, well, house made chili powder, cheese, butter, and some kind of sweet goodness), the puppies are unbeatable. I could have made a meal out of 4-5 orders of the corn alone. Be sure to squeeze some fresh lime juice into the mix here and lick the cheese off the peel. Wouldn't want that goodness to go to waste! But wait! There is life after the grilled corn. I followed this up with some absolutely delicious "chocolate-free" mole enchiladas over-stuffed with some very tasty grilled chicken. The reasonably priced portions are massive and you're not going to leave this place hungry. I recommend waiting for your table outside or at a neighboring bar. Cafe Habana is quite small and gets really cramped unless you're sitting down. Despite spending their evenings squeezing in between hungry patrons while delivering plate after plate of cuban goodness, the staff here somehow manage to stay upbeat and friendly. For dessert, step out front and light up a fat Cohiba. C'mon, you know you want to. Viva Cuba!
(4)Krystle M.
I love this place, and I live around the corner and go really often. I just wanted to to give a few quick scannable tips for anyone going. - you are going to be sitting literally on top of other people, the waitress station or the bathroom. thats just how it is. - go at an off time, for example, before noon on the weekend, for an early dinner etc - if there is a long wait and you are ok with not having alcohol, try the "take out" section around the corner on elizabeth, they have a few seats - and yes, you must get the corn.
(5)Pomi B.
My girlfriend recommended this cute little restraunt in SoHo called CAFE HABANA and I'm glad I listened to her. =) You must try the roasted corn smothered in mayo, cheese, and chili powder. YumMmMmm~!!
(4)Geri C.
get. the. corn. lots of it P.S. - If you just want the corn, go to the take out stand right next door.
(4)Ramy S.
Had dinner here last night for the second time. It was even more delicious the second time around. It does get packed really quickly and it is not that big of the place. Be prepared to wait and have a beer at the bar across the street, while you wait. On Sunday night, the wait was not long nor was it packed, thankfully because I was starving. As everyone says...the corn is D-E-licious. Make sure to get it! most important part of the meal. As for the drinks, there bloody mary's are bloody delicious. Has an extra kick to it. The food is good, I tried the steak enchilada and the meet was savory and tender. I do recommend that you bring some cash with you, just in case, as their credit card machine was down. Cheers!
(5)Jeremy C.
Great hang over food....even better hair of the dog bloody Mary's and hot servers that have their own calendar? Does it get any better? Oh, and Lenny Kravitz filmed one of his videos there. He wasn't there though.
(4)John S.
Showed up one crowded Sunday morning for brunch and was surprised at how quickly we could get a table. Waitress told us 30+ minutes, but it was maybe only 15. Good selection of American and Latin brunch and lunch options. Everyone was getting the corn -- will have to that next time, but until then, my steak and eggs were good enough to merit four stars. It's very crowded at peak hours, so be prepared to rub shoulders with other customers and make room for the waitresses moving down the aisle. Several of them appear to have had body-enhancing optional surgeries, so watch out for unexpected curves whacking you in the head as you get up from your chair when they're passing by.
(4)A B.
I've been twice and i can't wait to go again and bring more friends. Excellent spicy bloody marys and mouth watering Cuban sandwiches. The breakfast dishes are tasty as well, but the real draw is the world of Cafe Habana. Their own calendar with pin-up girls, imported bottle sodas, and even the cramped setting make this place a fun little destination. Don't forget to try the corn on the cob. A trip to Cafe Habana is not complete without it!
(5)Wendy W.
THE CORN!!!! Everytime I think about it, I want to kill myself for not ordering two more. This experience was four years in the making as I've been waiting to share this place with this one g-friend. Was here on a Monday afternoon on Jan. 21 and it was packed, but not out-the-door - thank goodness. What was crazy was everyone in there was Asian!!!! No problem for since I'm Chinese, but I literally haven't been in such a small non-Asian joint with so many Asian people in it. It floored me, buy hey it's New York City and that's one place where anything can happen. I can't wait to return to have a meal!!!! Thank You LL
(5)Becca S.
There are a handful of places in this city that are worth whatever you have to go through to eat there--the waits, the hipsters and fashionistas, the squeezing 4 friends around a table the size of a child's writing desk--but Cafe Habana is not one of them. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course it is! The corn!! The motherf@*#ing CORN!!!! Aren't 783,000 reviews enough? PS--am usually relatively cool when it comes to celebs, but sat next to a very pregnant Maggie Gyllenaal here once, and almost died from cuteness when she asked what kind of juice they had. Also, she had the corn. PPS--so that maybe you think this is useful, here is what you do: arrive at least an hour before when you want to eat, even if when you want to eat is 4 pm on a Tuesday. Put your name in, and then go have a drink somewhere nearby for an hour or however long they told you to wait, because it really will take that long, and hovering outside watching other people eat the crack--excuse me, corn--will drive you bananas. Then when you're finally squeezed into your eensy weensy table, um, get some corn.
(5)Edward F.
Amazing authentic food. The waitresses were pretty attractive. The ambiance was great. The place is a little small. But the experience is something to take back. I am from San Francisco, but visited this place last August and would definitely go back when I am visiting NYC again. The corn was excellent.
(4)Yibing Q.
I was here at 7pm on Monday. Was told that the wait would take approximately 35 minutes. Went shopping in SoHo to kill some time. As usual, the queues in the shops in SoHo were insanely long. Came back 10 minutes late, and missed out on my turn. But the waitress in charge of the waiting list was nice enough to give me the next available table for 2. Coincidentally bumped into two friends outside of the cafe who told us that we had to try its grilled corn and skirt steak! We ordered and shared the following: (1) Grilled corn (2 large corns per order) - These corns did not disappoint and definitely lived up to all the hype in them. You definitely have to order them to make the long wait worthwhile! 4 stars. (2) Skirt steak (came with rice and beans) - The steak (medium) was really juicy and tender. However, I was expecting a larger slab of steak. The rice was delicious but the beans were slightly bland and hard. 3 stars. (3) Guacamole side dish - Not good. I could not taste the avocado. Too sour, probably due to an excessive amount of lime squeezed into it. Would not recommend anyone to try the guacamole here. 2 stars. Really sweet service though. 4 stars. Expect to overhear everyone else's conversations. It is a really small and cramped deli.
(3)Cathy L.
I've been wanting to try this place for a while, but it always has a super long wait! Came here during lunch time on a week day and I only had to wait 15 minutes! Pros: Super yummy corn. I can't tell what kind of cheese is on it, but it was delicious, and normally I don't like most cheeses! Also, the Cuban sandwich was really juicy! Cons: The chicken quesadilla was unfortunately not very good. It tasted like cancer in your mouth, over-cooked! Overall, yummy experience. I'd definitely come back for the corn and Cuban!
(4)Jenny S.
PREPARE FOR A MASSIVE WAIT!! (unless you're lucky & get a seat right before the kitchen "opens" since the kitchen "closes" btwn lunch & dinner) i'm glad we didn't have to wait too long for a seat because the food was just okay, kinda overhyped and not as flavorful as cuban food i've had in the past ----grilled corn (2 per order): BEST PART OF THE MEAL (& the only exception) never had it served with mexican cheese before!! make sure to rub lots of lime on it!! ----enchiladas suizas: nice cream sauce, but nothing too memorable ----roast pork: okay, not super juicy (served w/ standard rice & beans) the restaurant is TINY which means two things: turnover may not be so fast PLUS get chummy with your dining neighbors!! NOTE: they've got a bar, where the restaurant looks like it used to be the counter of a diner, so you can get drinks here while you wait!
(3)Gregory I.
Food: Cafe Habana is amazing on two fronts; its cheap and its delicious. The chicken and corn is probably one of the best cheap meals I've had in the city yet (Maybe Dos Toros near Bleecker St. is a bit better, I'm not sure). The chicken is tender and well cooked. The corn is also good (Apparently they make good corn on the cob, but I did not get to try that). The dish also has lettuce and these little fried almost noodle like things mixed in with the corn. The best part, though, is the dressing they mix into this corn compilation, which I can only describe as ethereal. Atmosphere:It is really packed tight in here. The seats near the door are especially cramped since they are so close to the counter stools. Still there is a pretty cool vibe about this place. It has a 50's swag to it and the Hispanic music adds something cool as well. Service: The service is polite pushiness. The servers get your orders quickly and get your food out fast. Given that the place is small and pretty crowded, tables need to move fast. Takeaway: If you can handle being packed in like a sardine, you should be able to enjoy this place.
(4)Sara M.
The food was very well priced for its good quality and generous portions. It was very tasty. I ordered the quesidilla with vegetables, and it comes with a plateful of rice and corn. It's in a great location in Soho. The tables were a bit cramped and it was very loud and crowded. The staff was nice but I did feel a bit rushed as we were eating. The table was squished between the bar and the front door, so it was a bit awkward. Overall, I would recommend this place if you want hearty good food, however the atmosphere was greatly lacking.
(4)Mallory C.
so. freaking. good. go here. seriously.
(5)Angela D.
Came here with some girlfriends to celebrate a birthday and have been back several times since. Let's keep it short and sweet since everyone has nailed it on the head. Awesome corn, awesome plantains, but let's make sure to give the Cuban sandwich it's due. It's the BEST Cuban sandwich I've ever had. I compare every Cuban I eat to the one here. The meat was just so tender and flavorful, the bread nice and crunchy toasty, and the flavors just melded together so beautifully! Cafe Habana, you need to open a location in LA. Please, pretty please!
(4)Abby S.
Took some out of towners here for lunch one day. It was the middle of the week so it wasnt as busy. The hostess was very very nice and accomodating. The inside is super duper tiny but has really cool decor. cuban posters and murals galore! Its usually packed here but worth the wait.. Now the food... That Mexican style corn is pure CRACK!!!!! Sweet jesus it was soooo damn good i still cant get over it! You get two corns per order and believe me you are not gonna wanna share that plate. Roasted to perfection, sweet corn smothered in paprika and spices, covered in cheese and then the kicker... a squeeze of lime. mmmmmmm heaven! I still cant stop thinking about it. And its fantastic that they give you all these toothpicks too, just so yo are not walking around with crazy corn stuck in your teeth. Very thoughtful of them. I was going to order one of the specialty coffees but opted for the regular drip. No regrets here, it was amazing. Im an avid coffee drinker and it was one of the best coffees i have ever had. And free refills! Ordered the steak sandwich, and it was delicious. The steak was nice and tender, the buns perfectly buttered and toasted, and the chipotle mayo was yummy. I was disappointed that they didnt have any plantains (what kind of cuban place have no plantains?!) or ropa vieja? Weird. Overall an amazing lunch, cute little place, great service from super friendly people in the heart of soho.
(4)Mariana S.
Delicious! A friend introduced me to this place and now i take every out state guest there. Every New Yorker knows about this place. The place is tiny and always super busy but the food is worth the wait. It's my favorite place to go to in the summer. They have a sit down restaurant and a take out place next door. The wait for the restaurant is usually long but worth the wait, They will not seat you if your whole party is not there. The take out place next door has same and a few tables inside and benches outside. Even thought it is crazy busy you the staff never makes you feel that you have to rush. Back to the food: Always have the corn when you go! it's amazing! The Avocado and Cheese sandwich is to die for also. All of my friends seem to love the Cuban Sandwich.
(4)Jennie R.
I ended up eating here the other day while stumbling around aimlessly looking for somewhere to eat dinner at 10pm on a Tuesday. I had been here before and remembered it being good which was the ultimate selling point. It's a tiny place and was surprisingly busy but luckily we were given a two top table that wasn't squeezed in between other diners. Myself and my boyfriend each had a cocktail from the list - him a margarita and me a Dia Del Amor - both were good. We ordered the corn and the Sopesitos as appetizers (both delicious). For entrees we split the shrimp tacos and the fish tacos. While the flavor seemed good, it was difficult to enjoy either of the tacos because of the temperature. The fish was lukewarm, the shrimp was COLD as was the rest of the dish. Rice and beans came with the meal and while I enjoyed the rice, the beans were a little strange tasting. Overall, I wasn't terribly impressed. The meal was OK but I've had much better Latin American food and the cold tacos were extremely disappointing.
(3)Nicole D.
Love this place. One of my favorite spots in the area. The seating is VERY cramped. You can literally breathe on the next table's plates while butting in their conversation. I've always ordered the grilled skirt steak sandwich and friend plantains. Fantastic.
(4)Doris S.
I went with a large group, and the majority of my friends DIDN'T really like the corn, including myself. We all felt it was just a very.. strange. A combination of corn + chunky cheese + red spice seasoning = "This tastes.. interesting..." I'm finding it really difficult to explain the way it tastes, but I guess I'd recommend the corn to people just because it's so unique. Oh, but I do remember thinking that the corn tasted more like popcorn instead of your regular corn on a cob. The Cuban sandwich was really good, though! It's a huge sandwich that everyone ended up splitting amongst one another. Was it incredibly unique? Nah. Would I care if I could never have it again? Nah.
(3)Raul V.
I don't know why this place is getting such high reviews. If it's for the atmosphere then maybe. As someone born in Habana, Cuba, who grew up with Cuban food and culture, however, this restaurant just got it right in the name and decor. The food is more Mexican than Cuban and it's not that good. I had a fish taco that Yelpers gave a high rating (I don't know where these people eat at.) and it tasted like burnt deep fried batter. I couldn't taste the fish for the life of me. The Cuba Libre was good but nowhere close to what the drink should normally taste like. The Mexican Style Corn was awesome and my wife liked the margarita (but come on anyone can make a margarita) so they get a star for those two items. I was comp my Cuba Libre because the waitress asked if the shitty seating was worth it for the food and I said "Sorry but no." I was seated just outside the bathroom door. It was super nice of her and she recommended I give them another try and have the Cuban sandwich which is what they are known for. Truthfully the girl next to us had it and she didn't seem to have liked it with the amount of hot sauce she was putting on it. She looked like she was bored and making art with the sandwich. If you want Cuban food go to "Cafecito". If you want better Mexican than walk two blocks to "El Portal".
(2)Nick J.
Ate here last night. Two words - GRILLED CORN. I can't believe what i've been missing out on the past 11 years i've been living in NYC. Absolutely delicious. Went here with my wife and a few friends and we shared 2 plates of the grilled corn as an app - 2 pieces come per order. I don't think anyone spoke after we took a bite. The combination of the lime, chili powder, mayo, and cheese is unbelievable. For dinner I had the pulled pork with rice and beans which was amazing as well. But I can't wait to go back to this place and get the corn. It was that good. Highly recommend this place!
(5)Jessica S.
The corn is of course amazing. But be prepared to have some toothpicks on hand. Had the pork tacos this time and they were quite tasty. The shredded pork had both crispy parts from the skin and soft meat from the inside. The salsa they give with it is also quite tasty. The prices are decent considering how much (well-deserved) hype this place gets. And suprisingly, on a Monday night around 6:30PM there wasn't a line at all. Be prepared for tight seating arrangements though and if you are trying to have a private conversation you may want to rethink coming here.
(4)Chelle N.
Great service but the food was wayyy over hyped. I ordered the Roast Pork, the Al Pastor Tacos, and Cubano sandwich and although it was good, it didn't wow me as much as I'd expect out of a restaurant with this many reviews. I'm a little spoiled though, growing up in LA where there is an abundance of amazing Cuban and Mexican food. I feel like this place was an Americanized fusion of the two genres. It captured the basis flavors but didn't really have the soul for me. It was just another trendy restaurant in New York that people go to just to say they did. For hearty Cuban food, I prefer Margon in the Theater District! The Cubano sandwich here was better but I liked the quality and flavors of the meat at Margon. TIPS: - Cute date place if you want Cuban food - There's always a fat line but the waitresses are very nice and accommodating - I heard this place is known for their corn!
(3)Rachel K.
THE CORN IS OMG. We went three times on our trip to NY and it was JUST for the corn. It's like orgasmic in your mouth and just perfectly flavored with just enough pizazz and spices! party in my mouth! The servers are very friendly and sweet and they seem so lively. The decor and atmosphere feels very "Cuban" like my friend says, but personally, I like a little more space when I'm eating or using the restroom. The Cuban sandwich was delicious esp. with lime but the casserole thing with green salsa was aiite. The line sometimes is hard to deal with when you just want that dang corn but def. worth the wait
(4)Yvette O.
If you eat at Cafe Habana, of course you gotta go for the CORN. I had SHRIMP and it was great too but the star of the show was the CORN for sure. O-M-G! I just saw that there is a Cafe Habana in Malibu. I wish I knew months ago! Can't wait to try to West Coast version.
(4)Sylvia C.
Background on me and Cuban food...I've visited many places around the US and they've all been good...but just good. Not phenomenal, or great, or something that I'll crave all of a sudden. I've also been to Cuba, but mainly filled up on seafood because they're an island, it's fresh, and their lobster is inexpensive and delicious. Other than that, I ate street food, so the quality of ingredients were lacking compared to Cuban restaurants in the US that have hygiene and food quality requirements. That said, I had a foodgasm at Cafe Habana. The Cuban Sandwich is the best I've ever had. The pork was fresh, plentiful and flavorful. The bread was crispy and soft. The fish sandwich is also one of the best I've ever had. The jalapeno peppers did the trick. Oddly, they use catfish, which I expected at least Atlantic cod, but I was able to overlook that because of the taste. The fish was lightly battered and fried perfectly to lock in moisture and not greasy. The pinnacle of this already fabulous meal was the grilled corn. Oh...my....DELICIOUSNESS! Sprinkled with cheese and chili, it was the best corn I've ever had in my life....IN MY LIFE. Granted, this corn was more Mexican than Cuban, and I usually don't overlook issues of authenticity, but it complemented my meal so well, I can't complain about it. The corn is something I would crave on a regular basis.
(5)Leese H.
Yes, it's the grilled corn that gets me coming back for more. The melted cheese, chili powder and lime can make my knees weak, but goddamn, I hate it when they fuck it up and overgrill it. I had many things here before, ranging from tacos to the sandwiches. Sometimes, the food is too spicy for me, but I somehow manage to pull it together. This is definitely a joint to have a small gathering with friends before heading out, or to just chill at the bar pounding drinks and downing good food.
(4)Rose N.
Had a craving for those char-grilled mexican corns slathered with the cotija cheese and chili powder and lime. Took my boyfriend there during our nyc trip because he loves latin cuisine, esp al pastor. The wait for lunch was overwhelming, which is expected. 45 mins for a 2 top and when we were finally seated, it was a tiny table by the door where servers would have to reach over our table to cater the couple next to us. Fine by me, I just wanted my food. Mexican corn, tasted amazing just like last time. It was my 1st time trying any entrees so I was very excited. Bf order the al pastor tacos and I had the cuban sandwich. Entrees didn't live up to the standard that the mexi corn held. My sandwich barely had any swiss cheese, so little I asked the server who couldn't see any as well. She delivered my sandwich back with visible slices of melted cheese. The meat was on the dry side and I had to ask for some mustard for a contrast in flavors. Not the best cuban sandwich. (I've only had 1 cuban sandwich before this @garces trading company and it def was better). And I think the only reasn my bf didn't love his taco was bc he likes shredded pork whereas Habana had cubes. Food was good/ok. Worth the wait?? not so much, but for the mexican corn-yes, but we could've went to Habana to-go next door. Gauva maragaritas on the rocks, salted rim was delicious.
(3)Luis D.
I was in town this past weekend for a wedding and came here with a friend who told me the corn on the cob was the best I had ever tasted, not only was it the best I had ever tasted, but was the best in existence. After all the hype I can agree it is that darn good. My only regret is only eating one. I also had their Cuban sandwich, which outside of Miami, is the best Cuban food I have ever had and I have had a lot of Cuban food. The seating is limited, but the servers try hard to get you seated quickly. Don't bother with the tea, I grabbed an Iced Tea and it was rubbish. Stick to water or sodas. I will remember this place fondly until I return.
(5)Mike K.
Grilled corn is terrific! I've had grilled corn before but never with cheese and chili powder before. Wouldn't ever use butter again if I could have it the way Cafe Habana does it. I had the Cuban w/fries and my girl had the shrimp tacos. Both were very good, we both liked the Cuban a little better. The kitchen sent out fish tacos by mistake and the bartender had that fixed in a matter of minutes and left the fish tacos for us to nibble at as well at no charge. Also had two different flan dishes for desert (also taken care of by the bartender) cheese and caramel. The cheese is real good. Overall nice little place with very good food and a great staff. Will be making return trips.
(4)Ginny L.
I read all the reviews and everyone rave about the corn...so i went with it...and i also had the cuban sandwitch. The little place was packed on a Weds afternoon. My gal pal and I shared a small table-the seatings were a bit uncomfortable, very cramped and small...=( The corn came in twos, and it wasnt bad, and the sandwitch was ok...i didnt fall in love with it. The bread was a little too hard, i had a hard time chewing it... The waitresses were nice and helpful, sweet place...but i just dunno if i would come back again...
(3)Veronica M.
This review is for the grilled corn, which is simply out of the world. Paired with a mojito, which was probably one of the best mojitos I've had, it's a great mid-day snack. The corn is succulent and packed with so many different flavors in each bite, while the mojitos have a great mint flavor and are not watered down at all. I'm only giving 4 stars because the waitress who served us had such a bitchy attitude and kept ignoring us and chatting with her friends.
(4)Tash F.
Love the corn, love the mango margaritas, love the cuban sandwich. The shrimp tacos are far better than the carnitas one. The tostones were fab too. Always enjoy the food when I am in town. Really hot in the summer though with little A/C.
(5)Jorge M.
Disappointing, not cuban, bad service...
(1)Fat T.
Always get the grilled corn when I'm in the area. Do yourself the favor and get two. There is separate entrance around the corner if you want to just grab and go. First time I was there, I waited in line until I was told about the second entrance.
(5)Jessica T.
Simply DELISH! Ordered Cuban Sandwich, Grilled Corn and Pollo al Ajillo over Rice. Wow the portion of the Cuban Sandwich is so huge that I have to do take away. I have never tried anything like the grilled corn before and it was so good even though I wasn't sure what ingredients were on it. The Pollo al Ajillo over Rice was so so so good! The entire combination of the dish was superb. Definitely a must-try. Love the decor as well!
(4)Erin L.
The first time I went here my friend took me and I still thank her! This gem is a place I love to share with other people. Not only is the food amazing but the drinks are too! Once you are seated it is almost like you aren't in NYC anymore. It is a dinning experience. My personal favorites there is the corn and the cubano sandwich. Sometimes there is a wait but the location is great for window shopping so I never mind it. It is definatly a must go place!
(4)Nho H.
I wouldn't call this authentic Cuban but damn they do whatever they do really well. The Cuban Sandwich here is superb but the corn on the cob here is where they shine. I don't think I've had better corn anywhere else!!! Fo serious. Mexican style corn slightly grilled, cheese, mayo like sauce, lots of chilil powder and some lime. Go, try and you won't be disappointed. One thing to note: long lines and small restaurant. If you are starving and just want to try sandwiches/corn, walk down a door and there is their take out place. On a nice day, this is perfect.
(4)Pamela s.
the third time i try to eat at this joint, i finally make it in. luckily it was a ten-fifteen minute wait. my friend and i sat at the bar, quickly ordered limeade with rum and their praised corn. it took us awhile to order our entrees, but i ended up ordering the shrimp tacos, which came with rice and beans. first let's cover the drink. limeade with rum on a hot summer day just hits the spot, nice and refreshing! second, the corn. it wasn't the most ah-mazing corn i've ever had. don't get me wrong, it was pretty good, but definitely not something praiseworthy, at least not in my book. the cheese, chili powder, and lime definitely add some good flavor to the grilled corn. but it was completely drenched, that you forget you have corn underneath. and i dunno if it's supposed to come out lukewarm, but i prefer my grilled corn hot. last but not least, i've had mexican corn, and this does not compare to the real deal. it's a nice rendition, but not what i am used to. being born in la and spending the last nine years in sd, you can't help but become a conossiuer for mexican eats. good mexican food is one of the meals i miss dearly since moving out to the big apple and i've come to terms with the fact that i just won't find it out here. this isn't to say that mexican food I've come across is horrible, just not the same. last but not least, the shrimp tacos. the tacos were delish! shrimp was a little overcooked, but the pico de gallo, guacamole, cabbage, white sauce, chipotle sauce on the side, and a squeeze of lime all over the business did make my taste buds have a little dance. overall, this place has decent food, but i just don't know that it's worth the long wait. if i have to wait more than 15-20 minutes, i will gladly move onto the next restaurant.
(3)S. Z.
Hey I'm a fan, but prices were a bit high. Grilled corn - yum Fish tacos - yum Ambience - yum no a/c tho!
(3)C. B. W.
I am disappointed about his place. Every time we are in nyc, we stop by this place. We always order take out. We've never sat inside. The first few times we've been here, my mind was blown away. The cuban sandwich was crunchy and great and the corn tasted fresh and perfectly cooked. The last time we were here, the sandwich was not even nearly crispy or crunchy, it looked liked it only stayed on the press for a short time. And that texture really adds a whole lot to the sandwich, so I was bummed out. Then I had the corn next and I can't even believe how over cooked the corn was. Also, it was in the middle of summer, how could the corn be tasteless, not even creamy or sweet, it was just disappointing. I hope they are not going downhill. I'm trying to open up my own business in Boston and I would hate to see a good business go down from consistency. They were awesome before, what happened to you now? I'm not sure we would be back though. With all the places we could try in nyc in a short time, I think I'd rather spend my money on something else from now on.
(3)Natalie M.
When there's not a wait, this place is great. Love that corn with mayo and cheese. Loved the slushie mojito.
(4)Daniel O.
Of course Cafe Habana has over 1300 reviews, it's a total gem and worth all the praise & accolades. Have been three times in the last year or so, while in NY to eat & shop. It's always on our list to hit. First things first, there is always a line. Just wait, go across the street to browse for men's clothes at Unis, or just hang out and people watch. Go-to items (no not skip these or you may never forgive yourself): Cuban Corn: look around you, it's on every table. It comes charred from the grill coated in butter (so much better), parmesan cheese (honestly I think it's the fake stuff from the can), spices & lime. It's freakin' spectacular. I wish I could eat it fortnightly. Fish Tacos with Rice & Beans: indescribable. Too delicious for words. Just order them. Mojitos: Super boozey, minty and limey. Two of these pretty much put me on the floor (and made me loose with my credit card while shopping, because what's better than drunk shopping?). Don't think, just go. And thank me later. NOTE: there is also an outpost in Brooklyn.
(5)Mike P.
Good food, but this is not a Cuban restaurant. More like a Mexican restaurant with a caribean twist. But really, huevos rancheros?
(3)A L.
My family and I went here this evening for dinner. I was pretty psyched in trying this place out after reading all the rave reviews. This place is pretty cramped. When we went in there, there was a booth for 4 people empty but we were brought to the back of the restaurant and were cramped into a small table for a party of 3. This table could barely fit all three of us and couldn't fit 3 entree dishes. I asked if we could have the booth and were told no because they wanted a party of 4 to sit there. Strike 1. Restrooms were cramped. But that wasn't the bad part. The stinky part was that the toilet tissues were all wet. Strike 2. The cramped corner table that we sat in were infested with flies. All through the dinner, flies were everywhere. Strike 3. We ordered the grilled corn, which was the highlight of our dinner. My daughter and I shared the Camarones al Ajillo and hubby had the fish tacos. My shrimp was overdone and not spicy. It was more buttery. The fish taco was over done and hard to chew. It tasted like it was burnt. That 4 person booth remained empty the whole time we were there. Maybe we caught the restaurant on an off day. I don't intend to go back there any time soon. The flies and wet toilet tissue papers turned me off. Also, their grade is pending.
(1)Linh C.
Love love love cafe habana! Every time my friend and I visit new York this is one of our first stops! The first time I had cafe habana's corn I fell in love. I loved it so much that my friend and I went there for brunch and came back for dinner! I had 4 corns that day!! I've also had their huevos rancheros which was also very tasty and their Cuban coffee...mmmmm delish!
(5)David L.
I seriously just started a yelp account to express how awful this place is. We were told by a hostess that we would be seated in a few seconds which turned into promises of twenty minutes and finally almost two hour wait. They had forgotten about us after we reminded them twice. They blamed one on a shift change with the hostess and never apologized. The hostess then proceeded to give us annoyed looks and rudely told us to stand near a cleaning table and out of her way Then it took forever to get our orders taken even after flagging down the waitress. Oh and the same hostess gave us another tables order. Classy. Food was just okay. I've had better Cuban sandwiches elsewhere. This place cares nothing about it's customers. Beware.
(1)Semra E.
Where shall I begin?...from the very beginning I suppose, this amazing establishment makes heads turn....and I seriously mean that. Anyone that walked passed the window seeing me eat my food stopped what they were doing and then walked in themselves to place an order. Not only does it smell amazing once you step inside, but it also gives you something in return.. food that is simply unforgettable. My friend and I split a Cuban pulled pork / ham sandwich and got grilled corn with all the goods on top of it. Best and quickest meals I've had in awhile that satisfied me on all levels. Thanks Cafe Habana!!!!
(5)DeMarco B.
My friends had hyped up this place to be really awesome and I usually like to trust their opinion. I guess I put cafe habana on a pedestal before knowing it was on tv or really hyped up. I've had better. We ordered the corn and it was pretty darn good. I didn't understand why the order comes with two cobs but it works out great for sharing. It's a must if you go there. I also went with a enchilada which included the steak. It was good and I love how the rice and beans looked authentic but I wished the enchiladas were bigger. They were more or less half filled tacos. I felt bad for my friends who didn't have as good of a meal as I had (chicken enchiladas were very bland and the pork roast was kinda boring as well). It seems like they really should only have 2 things on the menu. Corn and the Cuban.
(3)Cindy C.
This was my third time at the restaurant and I definitely loved every single time I've been here. Usually we need to wait for a table for at least 30-45 minutes but we came at around 5:30 on a Friday and there was no wait. There was actually no wait even when we left at 6:30ish. We ordered the cuban sandwich and the huevos rancheros a caballo (which is huevos rancheros with a strip of grass fed steak). Both were delicious! The steak was perfectly medium rare. We did not need to wait long for the food at all. Can't wait to go for my next visit.
(5)Casey W.
You have to get the Cuban corn. I had the pork tacos, they were good, full of flavor/cilantro & lime and even better with the tomatillo sauce. I thought the pork was a tiny bit too dry, however I'd go back weekly if I lived in NY. YUMYUMYUM. PS, apparently if you just want the corn you're supposed to go next door.
(4)Tanya M.
I love this little place despite the wait and the atmosphere. When I sit here and look around I get a little sick because well it's filthy here but the food makes up for those dirty walls. The corn on the cob here is the best thing ever! The salads with the skirt steak are so satisfying. I also love the sopesitos appetizer. For my entree I love their enchiladas with a side of rice and beans! So bring a blind fold and enjoy some yummy food.
(5)Josephine L.
So, the much-lauded corn didn't really impress me. I guess I was expecting melted cheese instead of crumbly, hard Parmesan-esque cheese. The mixture of spices was nice and lime juice is definitely a good topping for corn on the cob, but overall, I don't really know why this merited national TV coverage. Definitely wouldn't wait in line for an hour for this. Now, the Cuban sandwich on the other hand may be the greatest sandwich I've ever had. For serious. I do not like sandwiches by and large (I like hot, cooked food and dislike bread--yeah, I'm weird, I know) though there are a few that I've had that make me happy....e.g. Pot Belly's "The Wreck". I'm too tired right now to write a soliloquy on why Cafe Habana's Cuban sandwich makes my elite list of sandwiches to die for so I'll just use short, snappy phrases: Perfectly toasted bread. Melt-in-your-mouth pork. The pickle slice. The juice. Heat. Freshness. Size = huge. Oh, other things: Their rice was bland and flavorless, but the black beans were great. Now go get that sandwich.
(4)Cindy L.
This was probably my favorite place in NY overall even though the wait was 30 minutes on one of the hottest day during the heatwave, and there was also no AC inside this restaurant. Back in Berkeley. I would always get the cold Cuban sandwich from GBC, so I knew the Cubano had to be my order here especially since it will be a hot sandwich! Everyone comes here for the corn which I also liked, but they put too much mayo on there for my liking. *I also recently had fresh roasted corn at SLO's farmer's market where I had the most succulent corn that didn't get stuck in my teeth and could put as much or as little cheese, mayo, chili on my corn, so Cafe Habana's just wasn't as good. Since SLO is nowhere near NY, roasted corn from Cafe Habana will satisfy my craving for it. The Cubano was amazing!! The bread was soo crispy and the roast pork was juicy. Every bite was delicious even with juices dripping all over my hands. My friend had the chorizo tacos and that was also really good. It was so good that the next day I ordered a spicy chorizo sandwich for brunch from Caliu because I was still thinking about how good the chorizo was. I also tried a bite of my friend's beer battered catfish tacos which was good too, but the cubano and chorizo tacos were definitely the best! Omelettes here are meh..pretty normal, so try something else for sure!
(5)christina g.
Cafe Habana I love you and I am in NYC and I am coming to get some corn!! Seriously, I have been coming here for years and it's the thing I miss the most about not living in NYC anymore. I make sure to make it a stop when I am back and I always order exactly the same thing. Cafe con leche, omlette caribe and the famous grilled corn. YUM. The perfect start to a leisurely day in Soho.
(5)Tara H.
I chowed down on the Cuban-style corn until the last kernel was gone, and didn't even notice my mouth was on fire until I was done. This, all during a New York summer, in a restaurant with not the greatest ventilation. All worth it. The restaurant came recommended from three separate people, so I couldn't wait to check it out. Cuban-style corn and a Cuban chicken sandwich more than did the trick until dinner. It's on a quiet street at the epicenter of Nolita, Little Italy proper and the little boutiques the city has become famous for, and it's cheap -- perhaps one of the best attributes a quality eatery can have in the pricey Big Apple.
(5)Katrina J.
This is in my neighborhood, so I am completely biased, but it's a great corner cafe. I love eating breakfast here, huevos rancheros is my favorite. Another excellent dish? The fish sandwich. Order it with an extra side of spicy mayo. Oh, and fries. Generally good service in here, friendly waitstaff.
(3)Vernon C.
The food is great, the atmosphere is fun but my infatuation is fading. We were told the wait was 20 minutes. After 30 minutes we were told that we should just accept a counter seat because we were still on the bottom of the list. How is that possible when 4 other groups had shown up in that time? Honesty goes a long way. Previous staff had no problem telling us it would be 40 minutes or more for a table, and we had no problem waiting. We love the food and the atmosphere, but it is quickly becoming an afterthought.
(3)Mary C.
This place is pretty much packed all day long especially lunch, late lunch, dinner and late dinner! Every amazing thing you heard about this place is allllllllllllllll true! ! ! I tried... GRILLED CORN MEXICAN STYLE - addictive! Cuban Sandwich - your belly will thank you! Lime Lemonade - sweet and TART! I sat at the window inside the place and people outside could not stop staring at me eat!!! So what to do in this situation??? Look them straight in the eye while taking a big bite out of your food and say - MMMMM! That seemed to stop them from staring... kinda.
(5)Gavin N.
Wow, this place is popular. We have a similar-ish place in Seattle called Paseo Carribbean. I must say I like the Cuban Sandwich in Seattle better cus it's warmer inside-out (cus they put it in a panini press). However, I will admit I think the pork in the Cuban sandwich at Cafe Habana is tastier, comes out faster, and still very delicious. Although again it's weird that their sandwich can seem cold inside even right when you get it (the pork is warm, but the ham and cheese might come straight from the fridge?). Their corn on the cobb though is delicious and extremely filling with the butter, cheese, and spices on it. You could almost just buy their corn on the cobb along with a soda and make that a lunch itself. The seating is EXTREMELY limited, so during lunch hours, I wouldn't recommend coming here if you want a place to sit and chat...the other customers waiting for a table will gently let you know "GET THE HELL OFF THE SEAT"...which is what I did to the people sitting at the same table earlier. Anyway delicious sandwiches, the burgers looked good too. Lastly, if you want your soda cold..ask for a cup of ice with your soda. ~G
(4)Kemi K.
Ditsy/high/drunk our hostess. Scribbling names occasionally with golf pencil on a napkin to appease the throng of waiting diners who were ready to riot at the lack of organization and general chaos. She had nice bangs though kinda like a leftover Bengal. . . Walk like an egyptian (you'll have to if u wanna get into the bathroom). Bursting at the seams and not in a good way Cafe Habana is ok food w/ smallish portions. I mean for a ride to jackson heights and you'll get better tasting bigger portions of what is essentially mexican/cuban food. There is an AMAZING little old lady who grills these HUGE mexican corn with the cheese lime and chili powder by the 7 train and it is only a $1.00 and she handles her wait line better. That said, if u are downtown and u gotta try it, go. But be warned, be patient and think skinny. And whatever you do don't get out of whatever line you're in. **For those on budgets -- next door is the togo spot w/ a few random chairs and some bar stools and the prices are about 1/3 the restaurant prices. Its low on ambience but also wallet lite.
(3)Mimi P.
Great hole-in-the-wall place for yummy food. The corn on the cob is a must have! I've been here many times now...it has become one of my favorite regular spots. Sometimes the food comes out bland...but overall it's good eats and it's always a fun and interesting experience. Every time I come here we spot a celebrity...Keanu Reeves, Lady Gaga, Paris Hilton... On a side note...it is very small and the bathrooms are even smaller. They do not take reservations and they do not seat you until your whole party is there. After 6:30-ish...no matter what night of the week it is...expect long waits.
(4)Will C.
Oh my the Cubano Grilled Corn was super good. They also have a Great Rib Eye Steak sandwich. This place is worth the time to swing by and get a snack or just dinner. Not a big place. Just buy and go. =)
(4)Peter L.
4 words. DAMN THAT'S GOOD CORN! The corn here is downright amazing. Probably the best corn I've ever eaten in my life. I would definitely come back here just for the corn. The Cuban sandwich is also really good here. It's the perfect amount of juiciness and size. You definitely don't feel like they're skimping on the meat in the sandwich but at the same time it isn't so overstuffed that there's no way to possibly eat it cleanly. But there are downsides to this place and it's tragic because none of the downsides are food-related. The wait here is terrible. The place is pretty small and almost makes you feel like you're actually in Cuba. I'm sure that kind of atmosphere is great if you're actually in Cuba. But we're not. This is Manhattan and there are a lot of people here. Maybe it's better to come here with less people because I came with 6 other people and we had to split into two groups in order to get a seat. The people here are also not the greatest staff in the world. They all look like they love working here but they don't really seem to care enough about the customers. It kind of feels like the waitresses come here to hang out instead of coming here to work. But I just want to emphasize how amazing the food here is. The food is amazing and it's definitely worth going to at least once. I would definitely come back here...with maybe just one other friend.
(3)Diana Y.
4 stars for food 2 stars for service. No meal at cafe habana is complete without the grilled mexican style corn [with chili powder, lime, & cotija cheese]. It is an anomaly that the place is "cuban" but they're serving "mexican" corn. No qualms here, its even better than the kind they sell at the OC fair~ It is delicious, but sometimes can come out slightly overcooked. Regardless, its still delish. Of course the cuban sandwich is outstanding, its filled with juicy roast pork, ham, swiss cheese in the soft crunchy bread that makes you want to eat the bread for days!! I've tried other dishes, but these two are the ones worth coming back for. I miss this place when I'm away, and when I'm here I am willing to sit in an non-air conditioned resto [during 110F heat waves]. The joint is small, uncomfortable to sit in, and has some of the worst service ever, but that will never stop me from the corn I so love~
(4)Jennifer M.
My friend and I had a tasty dinner tonight--the corn was as awesome as everyone says, and I had cactus tacos that were delish--but some service issues were dealt with very poorly. I actually tried to email a manager about it, but their email address bounced back, so I'm posting here. First, the hostess made a mistake while seating people. After a long time of seeing people who arrived after us seated, we realized that we'd been passed over, that in the process of seating three and four-tops, she'd turned the page on her notes and basically passed us by. When we very politely inquired and pointed this out (our name was still on the preceding page, not crossed out), she immediately seated us, but with no apology, only some mumbling about how she'd called our names. She hadn't. We'd been standing by the door the whole time and heard every name. Both my friend and I have worked in restaurants and commented that this woman needs to learn how to apologize--mumbled lies really doesn't do it. Second, after we received our appetizers (which at first were mis-delivered to the table next to us that was seated after us (luckily, we had ordered the soup in addition to the corn), we had about enough time to take three bites before our main courses came out. When there wasn't enough room at the table, the waitress cleared the plates the corn was on, which meant we had to put the cobs on the table when we were done. Again, no apology. Third, and potentially the worst: I noticed something brown on my cactus taco plate and thought, Cool, a portabello mushroom. It wasn't. It was a piece of beef. When the waitress came back to clear everything, I let her know. She didn't say much but then proceeded to clear our water glasses (after we asked for more water). When we reminded her we wanted more water she said sorry--perhaps about the water? Perhaps about the beef on the vegetarian entree? Unclear, as it was a hasty, mumbled apology. If there is ever a time to comp a drink or do something substantial, that would be it. While I am luckily not a vegetarian, every dish I ordered was meat-free, so it would be reasonable to assume I was. Perhaps I needed to scream and be a bitch about all of these things to get even a real apology? Again, great food. But some seriously sub-par service.
(3)Stephanie O.
My friends and i got to cafe habana when their kitchen was taking a little break. and we were starving! one of the waitresses took our drink orders while we waited for the kitchen to re-open. she was so sweet, she probably could tell we were starving- she gave us a flan on the house while we waited. YUM. i would have been happy if the flan was the only good thing. but behold, the pulled pork wand sweet plantains were "off the chain" fyi its hot in the summer and yours legs will stick to the booth
(5)Sharon T.
I always like having breakfast at this place Cafe Habana. But the service is bad. They don't know what a Boing is but they sell it. The waitresses take forever even the place is almost empty and the worst is: Inspection Grade of Health Department is "Grade Pending". That means that they have cleanliness and much more issues with the Health Department. Usually a Restaurant should have a sign visible on the window with the blue grade "A". But not at Cafe Habana. Can't recommend it.
(1)Yokes F.
Every time I go to NY, I have to make my Cafe Haban run. oh.... the grilled corn.... so... good... It's such a simple dish but AMAZING. If you come here, you HAVE TO HAVE TO order the corn. This place is crazy busy so sometimes it's better to just go next door and order to go. I had Huevos Rancheros for breakfast and I forgot what I had for dinner but everything was super super good. Although, I have to say, I enjoyed the brunch more. When I went to the To Go side, I tried the plantain chips with garlic sauce which was really yummy too. This place is just overall, really good. The only downside is the wait.
(5)John V.
Dropped in for a visit while I was in the area. Loved the place. Small , packed, no room to sit ! Who cares, the food was very good, priced right and the drinks were amazing. Try the mexican style grilled corn, the camarones al ajillo , an order of tostones (fried plantans) and a mojito!
(4)Oliver K.
We had lunch in this restaurant twice in our 7-day stay in NYC, that's something. After our first visit, my girlfriend just couldn't forget Cafe Habana's grilled corns and kept on nagging me to go back. You just have to try the grilled corns. They are sweet, juicy, slightly sour from the mayo, gooey from the cheese and mayo, and just extremely tasty. Its cuban sandwich and pulled pork sandwich were pretty good, too. Fries were soggy and greasy so were not my favorite, though. Drinks like Cuba Libre and Mojito were stiff and perfect for hot summer days.
(4)Sandra L.
They have the best roasted corn!! It's grilled sweet ear slathered with salty Cotija cheese, spiked with hot chile powder and a tang from lime juice, this cob is a taste of heaven. My sister and I ended up going out of our way the next day for another ear of corn and a beef entree which comes with rice and beans. Black beans were cooked perfectly. It did not give me gas! LOL. Best item is the ROASTED CORN! Expect a line at peak hours and people walking up and down the street with cobs in hand. Since I do not live in New York, I will definitely be trying to make the same corn here on the west coast!
(5)Richard D.
This is the review for takeout only. Food was okay, sandwich portion was pretty good for the price - $8. The chicken diablo was a bit on the too charred side, but wasn't as mind-blowing as the high number of 4 and 5 stars led me to believe. It was a bit on the slow side, but they were extremely busy and they get plenty of customers, so people do love them.
(3)Alice K.
The corn is the best thing i have ever tasted in my life!
(5)Mac O.
Moms, Pops, husband, and I headed to Café Habana for brunch with my NYC-dwelling college Bestie. It is a perfect, casual spot -- swivel stools at the diner counter, Formica tables, tiny space -- with excellent food. We started with the elote, or Mexican-style corn, grilled to char the kernels, slathered with mayonnaise, and then dusted with cojita cheese and chili powder. Spritz a lime wedge down over your cob, and the flavors and textures marry perfectly. There are two whole ears to an order, more than I was expecting. So I was glad that Moms and I had chosen to split the Torta de Queso Blanco y Aguacate: a grilled sandwich of cheese, avocado, black beans, lettuce, tomato, and pickled jalapeño. It was absolutely delicious, and the hand-cut fries alongside were mouth-watering. Pops had the Huevos con Chorizo, scrambled eggs with chorizo, served along with black beans. The eggs were golden brown, and the chorizo crumbled generously throughout. Husband had a "Sloppy Pepe" -- Cuban pulled pork and a fried egg piled on top of a slice of huge, crusty bread -- and was in heaven. And Bestie went with traditional Huevos Rancheros, two sunny-side-up eggs served with red salsa, black beans, and home fries. Despite living in the City, she'd never been to CH before...she said she's a convert now. Prices are quite affordable, considering the amount of food you get, and the service is pleasant and efficient. Cuban food definitely makes a nice change of brunch-pace. [15 Minutes of Fame: "The Best Thing I Ever Ate: On a Stick" (Tyler Florence, Mexican-style corn)]
(4)Jeff T.
so my good friend...(who is now my go to girl when im looking for something different to) took me to this place. its about the size of my bathroom BUT the food is so good. Grilled corn is a MUST and get ready to feel the heat and get dirty. I have never thought of putting cheese and chili powder on corn....it works and they do it great. Just be careful because the corn on the cob is extra juicy and tend to splat on the next table when you take a bit.....i actually squirted my friend who took me there.... anyway......obviously the cuban sandwich is a must have.....it was great....juicy, flavorful and well cooked.... skirt steak is above avg but nothing to rave about....... hit this place up
(5)J W.
Someone at this restaurant should have given us a medal of honor for the journey we took to get here before it closed. As clueless tourists, we wound up on an R that did not stop nearby, then on an express downtown 6 that took us all the way to the Brooklyn Bridge, then in a cab that managed to get us in 15 minutes before midnight. The place was completely packed (great sign!) and we gladly took a seat right next to the bathroom, and moved for every person trying to get in and out. Once it started clearing out, one of the servers let us move to a booth. We ordered the steak and the shrimp tacos, and at the last minute I caved and added the grilled corn. The food was fantastic. My only complaints -- when my boyfriend tried to order two beers before last call, she said he could order one and she'd bring him a second later. When he tried to order the second he was shut down by both the bartender and the other server. Also, after I observed that the frozen mojito kind of tasted like toothpaste, I couldn't shake the association. But those are totally BS complaints, solid 5 stars. I'm glad we found this place near the end of our vacation, otherwise I know my guy would have been dragging me there every other night.
(5)Holly N.
Yum!! Over a holiday weekend we hit up Cafe Habana since it was closer than trekking to BK for Habana Outpost. We went for the corn (of course!) and it was heavenly (of course!).The other options were a little bit pricier and a little bit less heavenly. Not to mention, the tables were so close together that we literally bumped elbows with the girls sitting next to us and I think I might have squirted them with some juice from my succulent corn on the cob. I definitely think Habana Outpost is the better bet with a little more room and space to dine outdoors.
(3)Alison B.
This place is unreal. I think I could eat off the menu every single day and still crave it. I came here around 8:15PM on a Monday night, and there was an hour wait. I decided to be patient and wait it out. I went and got a drinks elsewhere, came back 50 minutes later and was seated immediately. I had the fish tacos. They were standard and came with delicious rice and beans. The BF had the cuban and swears it was the best he has ever eaten (EVEN BETTER THAN IN MIAMI! - Andrew). Everything was very well priced - didn't notice anything over 10 bucks - ish. The drinks weren't terribly "authentic", aka juice/sugar added to the margaritas, but they did the trick. I enjoyed my strawberry marg. The highlight of the meal? THE CORN. HOLY SHIT, it was SO GOOD. Grilled and covered in cheese, just heavenly. Moral of the story? Go - Wait for a table - Order the corn
(5)Katy L.
As everyone says, GET THE CORN! addicting stuff i must say. the cuban sandwich is either a hit or miss, depending on the day you go. sometimes the pork is juicy and cooked perfectly or else its dry and tough (lately its been very dry). it comes with fries but the fries i had were soggy and greasy, check next door at the take out place to see if they have seating so you can order just the sandwich. I also had the chicken diablo sandwich which was pretty good cept for the dry chicken breast but overall still tasty. The place itself is pretty small, tight and cramped especially if you go during busy hours, definitely not good for groups! Service is a hit or miss actually, sometimes they are attentive but most of the time they're so busy they forget to get stuff like the check. last time we waited 20 minutes to get the bill! Overall good place to check out, but if you want to avoid the table service go next door and get the food to go. its just as good!
(4)Jasmine L.
i love everything about this place but the long line, but it's worth it. great food, fun atmosphere and awesome drinks... can you say mojitos? order the corn on the cob, and don't share, it's too good, i'm not a french frie kinda gal BUT i order these every time i go there, they are delicious
(4)Thomas N.
Their sandwhiches and corn are the best.
(5)Arnold W.
A friend recommended this place. The Cuban-style corn is a MUST. It is grilled corn to perfection, with some spice and creme, butter, and a touch a lemon? Not sure what the ingredients are, but it's good and has a little kick. It's only $1.90! I would highly recommend you to try it out at least once!
(5)Rizwan A.
Two stars doesn't mean I think it's bad, it's just that there's better stuff out there. Here's how my experience went: 1. The wait- 1.5 hours on a Monday night around 7:30pm. --If you come to this place, never come with more than 1 other person. If your party is more than 2 people, you really risk waiting a LONG time. All together there are maybe 30 seats in this place and they will fill up fast. They don't take reservations. 2. Seating in this place overall is cramped. Other yelpers warned me of this. One yelper mentions being hit by an elbow in the back of the head from someone at the bar. I could totally see this happening. The entire layout of the restaurant is in a J shape and the curved part of the J follows the bar, so if you're seated in that section, keep an eye out for people who seem likely to get wasted and move around a lot. Even in a booth, it wasn't really roomy like a booth should be. The horizontal segment of the booth, eg the part your butt is on, is also somewhat short, making it hard for you to sit up straight (forget about leaning back). Instead, you end up sitting a bit leaned forward. (Which means you can eat less). 3. Ambiance- It's pretty cool inside. The music is good and overall it wasn't too loud, though you do have to yell a bit to be heard hear and there. Another yelper mentions that there is a slutty dressed waitress there. It took 2 seconds to identify her- note to other yelper: you were totally right. The decor is cool (if you care about that). 4. The service was borderline annoying. When I asked for a virgin drink, the waitress (the one who dresses slutty) looked confused and asked why I would want a virgin drink and then also asked how to make it. First time that's happened to me. I ordered a diet coke instead. She brought me a regular coke and I politely let her know. No diet coke returned until I reminded her (after two trips back to our table) that I could still go for a drink. She admitted that she forgot and apologized so I didn't really hold it against her, but it does tie in to the overall sloppy unprofessional attitude she was displaying. 5. THE FOOD: Simply put the food is really good. Drinks were cold and the food was hot. Everyone raves about the corn which was also good, but I didn't feel that this was something of such incredible quality that it was worth being known for. If I went back to this place, the corn is an added bonus, not my reason for being there. The best part about the corn- it's the cheapest appetizer on the menu. We also tried the Taquitos which were incredibly small and didn't taste that great, at least not for $7.50. The fish tacos are also good but again, for what you're paying (~$13.50), they really have no excuse not to be. The green tomatillo sauce chicken enchiladas were better than the steak enchiladas and made well. The rice and beans that comes with pretty much every dish were also good. The bottom line is that this place isn't anything out of the ordinary. Their food is on par with what authentic Cuban/Mexican South American food usually tastes like at a good taqueria (but it's usually cheaper at a taqueria, isn't it?) When you should go to this restaurant: *Not hot out (there is no AC) *Party of 2 or just solo *When you really want authentic cuban/mexican food and can't get it anywhere else *If you absolutely must have their corn which is really good (but probably not worth going there just for this, in my opinion). *Just to see what the hype is about? Would I eat here again? If I was in the area and there wasn't a Chipotle around, then maybe.
(2)Mary W.
Although my friends weren't impressed with the corn, I thought my first bite was DELICIOUS. I will say though that it's difficult to get all the flavors in one bite (there's mayo, cheese, some sort of spice, lime etc.) so not ever bite will be as good. . .but I thought it was really good! The other brunch food however was just A-OK. I don't think this place is really worth the wait :(
(3)Tarra G.
Absolutely one of my favorite brunch places. It is teeny tiny, but has so much character and fantastic food! Plus the staff are all really trendy and cool. Definitely worth checking out, but plan on waiting about an hour or so.
(5)Sammy B.
The corn here is AMAZING! The food is fresh too, but not really that exception. THE CORN HERE IS AMAZING! I like the small feel of it & it is very lively.
(4)Ryan H.
Just wanna write up a quickie on this place after my first visit recently. The restaurant itself was pretty cool. It gave me that old school ice cream parlor/shake shop kind of vibe, but with a cuban decor. The place was bustling (we had a 15 minute wait) and tables are packed tightly. But strangely I didnt feel like people were on top of me and i was able to have a normal conversation with my friend across the table. And there is A/C in the back so if you can get a table back there then I highly recommend it. The grilled corn was ridiculously tasty. And the sweet plantains were good. It really got my hopes up for an excellent entre. However I was a bit disappointed. We ordered tacos - the fish, and the marinated pork. The fish tacos werent too bad but Ive had better. The pork was not very good and dried out. It seemed like the pork had probably been sitting for awhile under a hot lamp or something. For drinks, she had the mojito which she says was decent. I had the mango and vodka (forget the name of it). It was ok but they give you way more mango juice than is needed for one drink and didnt ask me for a refill on the vodka shot. The service wasnt that great. We were never even asked to refill our drinks or if we needed anything else. Overall Id say it didnt live up to the hype I expected based on the Yelp rating. Im not sure if I would go back. Not because of the experience, more because I would probably like to try a different place instead. Id definitely return for the corn though!
(2)Stan C.
Lost in SoHo! Help! ...mmm, Authentic Cuban food. I'm down. As an L.A. native (and almost as far away from Cuba-in terms of the 48 states-as one can be), I was seriously craving a Cuban sandwich from Cafe Habana because... seriously, we don't have great Cuban food here. As a Dexter fan (I've seen all the shows and read all the books::Nerd::), I was hungry for a Cuban, after all, it is Dexter's favorite meal. And oh, was this goood. The melty goodness, combined with the pulled pork and ham and tangyness of the pickles and the toastyness of the bread. Quite possibly the perfect meal at any where and any time. Aside from the crowded quarters, grumpy lady at the register, and the long line, the price was good and the food was exceptional = 5 stars. Thanks grumpy lady! You make my belly... not so grumpy
(5)Kate H.
The best Cuban grilled corn ever! I wish the place is bigger so i don't have to wait so long.
(4)Muhnad C.
Amazing Corn , all sandwiches are great ...
(5)Jennifer H.
I might, just might, try this place again. This place is pretty tiny. We were seated next to the bathroom and I felt bad for my friend, since he's a big guy and always had to move a bit just so someone can pass to and from the bathroom...and the place was just too loud! I can barely hear anything that my friend was saying, but we didn't talk much...they could definitely tone the music way down. Anyways, we ordered the famous corn, he ordered the Cuban sandwich, and a sangria, and I ordered the Enchiladas Estilo Norteno and mojito. The corn was good, cheesy, and a tad spicy. Really messy to eat though. I think I tasted mayo, and I'm not really a fan of it, but the corn was quite good. You will definitely get corn stuck in your teeth and crumbs all over. I didn't try his sandwich, but he said it was good. According to Menupages, it's the best in NYC, so I wished I tried a bite. My enchiladas tasted good, but they charred parts of the steak, rendering those parts inedible. The beef had a nice smoky flavor, and the flavors were nice. However, I was disappointed at how they messed up the meat. The drinks were good, and my mojito was tasty. Overall, ok place. If it wasn't so loud and cramped, and my meat was done right, I will definitely come back here for sure.
(3)Kent W.
and then there was Habana ... This spot is a wonderful change from the normal. Away from the everyday italian, chinese, tex-mex. Habana has something for everyone in your group. The culinary adventurous and non-adventurous alike will buy you drinks all night for taking them to this gem right below Houston. The wait is something of an issue, but well worth it. It's location allows for a lot of great window shopping while waiting for your table. In fact, i'm well convinced that several of those shops are in business solely based on the wait line from Cafe Habana. If you don't feel like waiting, right next door they have a great take away spot that has a few tables, and acts as a fast-food location for them. I often times prefer that since the sit down location menu is based on the time of day. The take away location has everything all day. The cuban sandwich is everything you've heard and the steak sandwich is an amazing alternative as well. The rice is thick and juicy and quite possibly the best i've ever had. And the corn .... oh the corn... Well you'll read about the corn in every other review. It's like a delicious buttery lollypop. The steak and eggs were great as well. I tried the whole ketchup on the steak thing which I usually thing is pretty crass, however I see the allure. The home fries are something to write home about as well. The potatoes swimming in mashed potatoes, wow.. And make sure you pick up a copy of "The girls of Habana" calendar for the office. Anyway .... get yourself there and don't bitch out on the wait. You stay classy Yelp!
(4)Rob L.
Yummy yummy yummy I got spices in my tummy!! The corn - EXCELLENT The Chicken Diablo - SUPERB The atmosphere - quaint and cozy The hiccups - still didn't stop me from eating too fast
(4)Katie K.
mouth watering grilled corn Mexican style served with chili powder lime & cheese! I need to come back to try other b/c the wait for a table was too long (1 hr for Friday lunch). You may order from their "to-go" counter next door.
(4)Maria M.
The girls working there were not rude at all, as I thought they might be, given previous reviews. However, I can see the potential for this to happen. The place is teeny, but when I went last night, at around 6:30, it wasn't crowded save for the kids coming in to trick or treat (and there were a lot of little sweeties!) Yes, the corn is fabulous. I could only finish off one and a half, but I ate them like a machine, and to this, Downtown Julie K. can attest, as she had to wipe the corn juice dripping off my chin a couple times! For a Cuban place doing Mexican cuisine, the corn came very close to its Red Hook counterpart. Close, but no puro. The Cuban sandwich was so not what I expected. Having had my first Cuban (sandwich) at La Carreta in Little Havana, Miami, I think I've been spoiled. This sandwich had little, if anything, to do with the real thing. That's not to say it wasn't delicious, but after a few bites, I tired of the mix of flavors, opened up the sandwich and just ate the pulled pork. One thing that made me extremely happy: Coke in slim, glass bottles, hecho en Mexico! So it is the super-sweet, refreshing variety. Yay! 3.5 stars, really. I will definitely go back for the corn and to try the other kinds of sandwiches.
(4)roderick A.
Fui a la seccin Sacar de la Cafetera Habana. All ped la mazorca de maz, que era deliciosa. Nunca he visto el queso en la mazorca de maz antes pero era grande. Estaba tan bien ahora digo el espaol, mal como es. Whoopsies, sorry. I enjoyed the food so much I started speaking Spanish all of a sudden. But that corn on the cob, with the cheese and I guess it was chili pepper, was truly out of this world. I say stick with the Take Out section, because even though its small and lacks in decor, it more than makes up for it with great food and the lack of ambience actually makes it feel homey.
(4)Annie P.
What the hell is this? 199 reviews? Dear lawd. Anyways.. I had the Fish (catfish, that is) sandwich with a huge bottle of warm Pellegrino in a cup of ice with some of that habanero green hot sauce and it was delicioso. Rice&beans&corn tortillas were sort of gross and not worth to order. If you like red peppers, definitely order the steak sandwich... that is ridiculously good. We sat outside on the square tree box because it was too loud in the sitting area on the corner. They kept playing this tune that sounded like Sex and the city's theme song.. over and over again. Torture. The counter sitting bar thing looked like some island people chilling. Nice. Also the CORN is so worth the hype.. especially with the LIME. Use the Lime.
(4)Katie C.
I do love Cafe Habana. The corn on the cob is delicious. I usually just get appetizers and they are filling, cheap and good. The mojitos are the best I've had in New York and they are strong. This place is delicious and cheap. Now the bad, it is small, it doesn't have air conditioning, the service is not the greatest and usually there is at least a half hour wait. BUT, plan accordingly. Go btw the hours of 4-6pm and NOT during a hot summer day and you will enjoy!
(4)brett b.
Amazing cuban breakfast/lunch spot on the corner of Elizabeth and Prince in NYC. Very affordable... must try the corn! A destination spot for great cheap food.
(5)melissa h.
My friend took us here and it was mighty tasty. It's been a little while since coming here, but my only complaint was that it was kind of a scene. Albeit tasty and comfy atmosphere it was kind of a scene. It's to be expected though in a trendy part of town, I get that all the time in the Mission in San Francisco. It's okay though I wouldn't let it stop you. There was this cute store I remember across the street with cowboy boots, I am hoping it's still there the next time I come to town I would like a pair. Oh apparently the corn is really good here, I don't know about it because well I don't like corn, but if you like corn read everyone elses reviews. I do like the black beans.
(5)Eric E.
Loved this place - the ambience is urban and loud and the food is awesome . . .a great place to kick it with friends ready to have a good time.
(5)Miles G.
This is one of our usual stops during our Manhattan jaunts. The grilled corn with cotija cheese is especially addicting. The last time we were there, we got seated immediately, 15 minutes tops. However, this was a Tuesday night. Try and avoid this place after Thursday if you don't want to wait for at least 30-60 minutes. I ordered the fish of the day (which was scallops in red sauce, so I guess it falls under seafood of the day) and hubby ordered the skirt steak. I didn't realize they also have fried plantains. That will be ordered next time, for sure. Worth a visit por las touristas.
(5)Kathreen K.
Yumm so delicious!!! Get the corn, and either the Cuban sandwich or the sloppy jose (the latter has a bit of a kick to it). If you don't feel like waiting in line to be seated, go next door to the cafe area.
(5)Stephen L.
"jimmy crack CORN, and I don't care" The corn here is out of this world and worth the wait. That is all....
(4)Clint B.
The corn is unbelievable. Everything else is pretty good, but nothing spectacular. Oh... but the corn!
(3)Jessica R.
Even on a Tuesday it was obscenely packed! Luckly we had the best seat in the house (the back corner booth), so we had minimal bumping and shoving. Food was OK--And being Cuban, it was definitely not authentic Cuban eats. They had lots of mexican dishes, ie, enchiladas, and mole....hello? How is that cuban?? The one thing i would come back for is their grilled corn...definitely the highlight for me.
(3)Julie K.
It's all about the CORN! I prefer Red Hook corn, of course, than Habana one.. but I can stick with it until next year Red Hook season! more Red Pepper, please!
(4)Camille R.
Good Cuban food is harder to find than a parking spot in Soho in this city!!! So when a friend mentioned one day that there was a REAL AUTHENTIC Cubano-grill, hole-in-the-wall, fresh, amazing place down on Elizabeth St. in Soho (one of my absolute FAVE neighborhoods), we had to check it out. I think I died and went to heaven. The crowd outside the door, and the smell of fresh cilantro and braised pork wafted through the small blue door opening into a small cafe not much bigger than my bedroom...With stools by the window, and a measly table, I knew that I was here for the food, not the ambiance... The homemade lime-ade is the perfect balance and sweet and tart, essential for a hot summer day, and the Cubano Sandwich, words cannot even explain. The crusty outside pressed to perfection along with pork and beef, stuffed alongside a sweet and spicy sauce that I'm pretty sure I've never EVER tasted before. Don't miss out on this place because of the intimidating line and seemingly small amount of employees, the service is fast and friendly, and what's a 5 minute-wait when your downtown, surrounded by the tree-lined streets, characters of all shapes, colors, and sizes, and good vibes allllll around.
(5)Christopher M.
This place caught my eye when I saw everyone sitting right outside munching on corn that had this sauce on it that looked delicious. Being a huge fan of corn on the cob I decided to give it a try and I was not disappointed. I thought the corn was very good, not too mind-blowing. The flavors worked well together and that lime really helped add a zing. Would come back here for a quick snack to munch on. Also has a sit-down place right next door for those who want to sit down, have a beer, and enjoy a meal. Place looked really cool though and would suggest anyone to go try it. Great buy at 2 bucks!
(4)Sara F.
We came here before a concert at the Bowery Ballroom. Based on all the great reviews from over 1,200 people, we were sure we'd have an amazing meal. Eh, not so much. Pros: corn on the cob appetizer and chicken enchiladas with creamy tomatillo sauce. Cons: Sopesitos appetizer, chicken enchiladas with mole poblano, and the cuban sandwich. The space was tight, which wasn't that big of a deal...but when they moved us in the middle of our meal to accommodate a larger party, that really sucked.
(2)Patricia C.
I come here just for the infamous & absolutely DELISH ***corn on the cob***!! Only complaint is that it always gets crowded but this is what makes Café Habana so so so POPULAR! HOURS: 9am to 12am (Do I hear.. a late night snack?!)
(4)Barrett S.
This place is busier than a Chinese restaurant in a Jewish neighborhood on Christmas day, but it's worth an occasional visit. I've been disappointed by some of their staples, including the Cuban sandwich, but their chicken diablo torta drips juicy goodness. The to-die-for item, of course, is the grilled corn with chili powder, cheese, and lime. Also try their eco-eatery in downtown Brooklyn - the patio is lovely in the summertime.
(3)Emma M.
5 Stars for: Deliciousness.. plus, corn! I'm just in love with this corn. There's nothing else to it. Let me list some other lovely things about Cafe Habana: They do some incredible things with shredded meat. The prices are stupendous and the portions are huge! The wait staff are all gorgeous (and there is one aloof bartender who is particularly dreamy) and usually really friendly too. They have a killer brunch. Their mojitos are the best I've had anywhere (not frozen, lots of fresh whole mint leaves, not overly sweet - PERFECTION!) If you luck out and get a booth, it's really comfy and cozy. Lastly, by some trick of magic, your big delicious platters of food come out just moments after you order them! The only downside is that this place is extremely trendy and therefore has a line at nearly any time of day, any day of the week. BUT it's often not more than a 15 minute wait, and as I mentioned earlier, once you are seated it is no time at all before you get your food (and then it's so tasty that you wolf it down way fast). There is also a takeout place next door, so often when the wait is too dramatically long at the cafe you will see a crowd of people munching corn on the sidewalk because they didn't feel like waiting! I always wait, and it's always worth it!!
(5)bryce t.
my parents live in cali, and this is the one place they go back to every time they visit. everyone knows how good the corn is, so i dont need to repeat that. other hidden gems on the menu: (1) steak taquitos (2) corn cakes with black beans and cheese (3) grilled chicken with yellow rice and beans (they only serve that next door at the takeout place) - throw on some tobasco and some worchestire sauce (which they have readily available) and you're good to go!
(4)Darren W.
the grilled corn here is to die for. covered w/ chili powder, mayo, and a hint of citrus lemon, this place has got the ingredients to one of the tastiest corns i've had. their cuban sandwiches are good as well. but it's all about the C-O-R-N! *fluusshhh*
(4)SP S.
The purpose of my vacation to New York was the corn! Yum!
(5)Jonathan L.
Coming soon. FOOD: %%%%1/2 SERVICE: %%1/2 DECOR: %%1/2 VALUE: %%%%% ------------------------------ OVERALL: %%%% (out of %%%%%) %%%%% = Must Try! %%%% = Pretty Good %%% = Average %% = Not So Great % = Hall of Shame
(4)Andrew D.
This place really doesn't need any more reviews, I'm sure folks are putting this in there just to keep this favorite on their list. Cafe Habana is certainly one of my favorites to eat in the city. A group for four is the max at this place, otherwise, the long wait will only be longer. If you're hungry early in the day, this might be good place to go. The corn is the die for. The roasted pork is my favorite.
(5)Tim L.
Like everyone else has mentioned, one must definitely try the corn. With each bite you'll experience heaven in your mouth. Going at an off hour helps with the wait as it is a smaller establishment. Despite how perpetually busy this place seems to be, the waiting staff were all extremely polite and attentive to your needs with speed and accuracy in serving you. The Pollo Mirador was what I had and unlike what you might expect from a Cuban/Mexican establishment, it wasn't overloaded with flavor/spices. The chicken can be best described as cooked blander with purpose. As a result it tasted great paired up with the spinach and white rice. Where other restaurants may have bland tasting chicken due to poor cooking, Cafe Habana knows it is not necessary to have everything over-flavored / spiced.
(5)K T.
This place has great CORN! it's really really good. OMG I almost ordered two! To be honest the rest of the food is just ok, but the corn. I have been here twice and that has never disappointed me. :D
(3)alicia v.
Like everyone below me has been saying, YOU MUST TRY THE CORN HERE! Not only is it delicious, but at 2 for 3 bucks, it can be your entire lunch for chepaer than you can find food virtually anywhere in the city. A little warning though, after you eat here corn on the cob at bbq's will never be quite good enough for you again. Also, you're better off getting your food to go and eating at home or outside if it's nice out. The actual restuarant is usually very crowded. The only time I've been here when I didn't have to wait was late lunch/early dinner time.
(5)Blake R.
I'll keep it simple: the corn is the single best side-dish/snack you could possibly ask for. My rational mind tells me this shouldn't be so - "it's just corn, right?" - while my taste buds unfailingly insist I leave rationale behind and get another order. You can't go wrong with any of their main dishes either (I especially like the skirt steak and the chicken enchiladas), and be sure to cap the meal off with a cafe con leche. Service can be slow in the restaurant, so if you're crunched for time, try the take-out storefront just around the corner on Elizabeth St., where you order at the counter but can elect to sit at one of a few small tables. But try the restaurant sometime...if you're eating in SoHo, you might as well take your time and soak it all in.
(5)Sarah B.
Largely thanks to Lenny Kravitz who filmed a video here, this corner spot is always crowded, no matter the time of day or which day of the week...frequented by the hipster crowd, hanging out in front smoking cigarettes and, well, looking hip. The corn on the cob is the specialty, as you will notice by most reviews. I tried it and liked it, but still left craving more of the 'Habana' in the name.
(3)Alma Z.
Yummy corn on the cob. Delicious sun dried tomatoes. Great atmosphere. Trendy location.
(3)Abby L.
I would give this place a perfect score, but i haven't tasted everything on the menu yet so i wont. I LOVE this place. Being coming here for years, thought i'd join the review gang cause its 3 am and it was a crappy independence day, but i digress. Best Corn You will ever eat, dont' try to substitute it with the cheap corn stand infront of La Esquina, that shit don't stand a chance compared to Cafe Habana. I.Love.Corn....oh me now hungry. Damn it, why is it 3 am and i can't go out for corn, not that it matters any way, my wisdom tooth decided to grow and i can't even eat corn *tears* Ps. Fully aware this is a ridiculously retarded review...sorry for those who expected me to say something about the place, but if you can't tell by my obvious drooling over the corn, then let me spell it out. Go Just for the corn.
(4)Frank L.
I don't quite understand why this place is so popular, apparently I should have tried the corn. When I went it was hot, very cramped, the service was poor, and my pork was dry and kind of bland. Nor were the plantains anything to write on yelp about. I did feel cool being there though. Also, try not to make a mess all over yourself (as I did) because there is little or no light in the bathroom to wash up in.
(3)Johnny C.
Stop 3 of my food tour of NY. After grabbing some ice cream, we needed another snack where we traveled up from Chinatown up to SoHo for some grilled corn. We were kind of worried when we showed up to the main restaurant and the place was PACKED. Thankfully they said we could get a TO GO order next door at their more cafe like section. We walked over some twenty feet to find a crowd of people inside and out, but was easily able to find the counter to put in our order. After some 10/15 minutes we go to enjoy some corn and fries for a light snack outside on the bench. Quite tasty, but nothing to call home about personally. Maybe i got a smaller piece, or they don't spend the money on great corn, but i was disappointed with the size of the cob.
(3)peter w.
Dear Cafe Habana, You made my boca very happy. love, pete
(5)Michelle Q.
The grilled CORN is what makes you crave for Cafe Habana at any given moment and also withstand the wait. What my friends and I sometimes do during the wait is we order the grilled corn from the express/to-go next door and gobble on them as an appeteaser. Then we feast when we're seated. Most of the time I can go for a 2nd after my meal. The drinks are good. My faves are the grill steak and cuban sandwiches, and pork chops. The skirt steak is usually dry and kind of bland, unless you douse some hot sauce. Their flan is also good. The prices won't hurt your pockets, but I'm from Brooklyn so I know there are many places where I can get the same offerrings for dirt cheap or 2x bigger of a plate. Nonetheless, it's a good spot to go for Cuban, slight Mexican food, in SoHo.
(4)Marjorie H.
Cafe Habana will defnitely be a stop every time I come to visit New York. I love the corn and have never had anything like it in California. The wait is a bit lengthy but I will still wait for the corn and some lemonade. YUMMY! FYI - If you don't want to wait for a table, there is take out next door.
(4)Jen D.
150+ reviews and this place still keeps 4 1/2 stars. I thought to myself that this place must be pretty good so I gave it a shot. One word sums up my experience - DISAPPOINTMENT. I can take cramped space, noisy and even smelly. What I cannot take is dirty plates and utensils, rude staff and tasteless food. My friend had the skirt steak. Not sure how he felt about it as the man can eat anything and everything. I had the pulled, roast pork. It was dry and totally lacked any flavor or seasoning. The plates that were given were dirty and my glass had food stuck to it. The server barely paid attention and I kept having to flail my arms around in order to get her to see me so she would come over. I don't know about the brunch or lunch for this place. I went there for dinner on a Tuesday night. I'd hate to see this place on a Friday or Saturday. Definitely won't be a second visit for me.
(2)Kathleen D.
Every time I come to New York this is a place I must visit. I always have to get the corn. Their breakfast menu is awesome and they make a great cappuccino!
(5)Nicole L.
Wow. I feel like I'm being un-original by posting the 152nd review of Cafe Habana. BUT it was an memorable dining experience so here I go... A good friend was in town for his birthday weekend and he suggested we have brunch here. Apparently, he was told by someone else that it was a good place to eat. It was a butt freezing cold February morning and we arrived just before noon to a packed house. And I mean PACKED. There was barely enough room for us to squeeze inside the door, but hell if we were going to stand outside in the cold while waiting for our table. I guess everyone else had the same idea, because the waitress could barely get through to deliver the food. After about 45 minutes we finally got seated at the smallest table ever. It was probably about a foot and a half in diameter. We could barely fit all our food on it. Of course, we ordered the corn. Needless to say it was damn good. Then my friend pointed out that he could buy the exact same thing for $1 on the corner by his old house - and it tasted just as good, if not better. (We're from Southern California.) But since we were in NY, we couldn't complain too much. The rest of the food was okay, though not outstanding. He ordered some special of the day that was supposed to be breakfast, but tasted a whole lot like an enchilada. I just got the chorizo and eggs, which made me happy because I miss my greasy Mexican chorizo that looks non-edible but tastes great. The service was practically non-existent. Of course, that was probably because the waitress couldn't get to our table to see if we needed anything. It was a relief to finally walk out of there. I think that was the first time I ever felt claustrophobic inside a restaurant. I probably won't go back, though I would recommend it to others.
(4)Suzy F.
Roasted corn and a black bean sandwich after a late night out. Hells Yeah! I have to stop at Cafe Habana when I'm in NYC. Try it! Now.
(4)Leang E.
I keep on giving back to Yelp my reviews because of the great reviews I've read here as well, especially for this trip out to New York. This is on of those places that I'm definitely grateful for reading on Yelp. We waited only 15 minutes and got great seats at a booth. I love the decor here with the painted palm trees on the wall and the old fans blowing. It makes you feel like you're somewhere else. I thought the staff was very nice and the service was great. The bartender sure knows how to make her drinks. We started out with these corn pancakes that were yummy, and only making me want more! The margaritas are fabulous here! I had the guava and my friend had the mango and it was just wow. I had the pork chops, and the charred flavoring made it seemed grilled and homemade. Everything else my friends ordered also looked very good - the Cuban Sandwich, the skirt steak, and the shredded pork. The rice and beans were also very good. I don't even usually order beans, but I liked them alot here. I had the fried plaintains and the sweeter ones as well. Both were very good. I was pretty stuffed and couldn't have been happier!
(5)Greg T.
This is place is great if you can get a table without having to wait, or if you're drunk and need to gorge yourself on corn. Otherwise, I'm not sure the wait is worth it. And over all, the food isn't particularly good. The steak was really overdone and dry. The corn, while loved by many is simply corn with a lot of stuff on it. If I slathered (fresher) corn in butter and duck fat, rubbed spices all over it, grilled it, and topped it off with pork cracklings, I bet it be a hit too.
(3)Arnold G.
Need a quick snack for under $2? Then drop by Cafe Habana's take out stand for their signature Mexican corn. It's roasted corn on the cob slathered in mayonaise, cheese and cayenne pepper. I tried it "plain" at first and it was good, but once you squeeze some lime on it, it's absolutely delicious. We were dog tired when we got there, but there was plenty of seating outside by the trees to rest up a bit before we continued our eating tour of Manhattan.
(4)Don P.
Eat the corn and chilaquiles (if they have them). I don't know what to say here except that when I hear that people are going to NYC, I tell them that they HAVE to try Cafe Habana. Very cool hole in the wall with great food. You won't forget the corn (I don't even LIKE corn... trust me)
(5)Jando S.
Supposedly the original Cafe Habana opened in Mexico many years ago, earning a name for its homey vibe and quality Latin fare. The Soho version is similar, capitalizing on location, tasty food, and a following that makes it one of the most popular spots in NYC. Even the skinny models and fashion hipsters are lining up for a bite. The NY experience however is not completely without flaws. The place is hideously small to the point where privacy is an issue and your elbows are liable to hit your neighbor in the face if you don't move carefully enough. The line is depressing long to where 15 minutes is "fast" while the normal wait time is somewhere between 30-45 minutes per 3 person group. Prices are steadily going up but that has not slowed the place down one bit, but rather spawned a new business next door (express). The waitresses as down to earth as they are, will be courteous but fast paced. All the while wearing skimpy, braless clothing and probably going commando while at it. In spite of all of this, the food is fantastic. The grilled Mexican corn is clearly a winner and one of the most simple, yet sought after items on the menu. The cheese with just enough lime squeezed on the top makes the corn just absolutely scrumptious and most corn lovers will be on cloud 9 upon their first and many bites afterwards. The skirt steak, mole enchiladas, and cuban sandwiches are also excellent. Each are made to perfection as flavor easily surpasses its basic looking presentation. Also the popular house drinks is definitely the mojitos but while they're delicious some days, they're also fizzle worthy during the other ones (depending on the bartender).
(5)Austin V.
This is the review for the To-Go eatery on Elizabeth. I'm sure there's some reason people come.. oh yeah it's the corn... true that, but today it was a little dryer than usual. Still a recommendation. Counter staff was up beat and friendly - someone must have gotten laid?! I kid, I kid... this place is great for a to-go spot, then sit out on the bench in the sun and have your food. I've sat in the restaurant and had a great time as the waitresses would dance while they worked. Just temper down your expectations and you'll have some good food and a good time. (I know of a spot on 46th that serves a better cuban sandwich though).
(4)T B.
Calm yourself down. Authentic Cuban food exists in NYC, but this isn't it. I amazed by all of these lovely reviews. The food is decent but nothing to take the pen and paper and write home about. Sure everyone is young and lovely looking- including me thank you very much. Yes, the prices are cheap. However, the flavor is lacking. A way to measure any place specializing in Latin American cuisine is the rice. Rice is one of the most basic and fundamental necessities to the culture. Here it was bland and undercooked. I had chicken enchiladas that were spicy yet not complex. I was bored. The grilled corn was good and many were scraping their plate. I fear that this is the Magnolia Bakery of Cuban food (that's my ultimate put down). That is, to die for only if you are not in the know. Excellent service and wait-staff. Considering things could have been at lot worse, the location is great and I might come here again, I give this place three stars.
(3)Mark D.
I wasn't expecting the food here to be as great as it was but after my first bite I already wanted to come back for more. The enchiladas with mole are outstanding and I am a big fan of their corn. The voluptuous waitresses are a lot prettier and friendly then the "Habana Girls" calendars on the wall suggest and my food was brought out promptly the last time I was there. The place was really crowded and I literally felt the ass or genitals of anybody walking past our table but I would go back in a heartbeat.
(4)Schelly Y.
This review is solely for the grilled corn. I have tried their other food and it did not excite me too much. The grilled corn is perfection. Make sure you eat it on site though as I took it to-go once and it just wasn't the same. Spicy with lime and cotija cheese...so good.
(4)Jay M.
I'm not a fan of corn....but this corn is exceptional!! My friends all ordered different things and they were all delicious. I think I picked thte best one: Pork chops with a creamy mushroom sauce. I don't know what drug's in that sauce, but it's addictive! They provide hefty portions of it too. Our waiter was really friendly...but the other customers weren't. This place was crowded, even on an early Thursday night. Expect to find corn in your kaka...but this time with chili powder. Stings.
(5)J C.
I've come here several times and have been fine with everything but the past few times things have definitely been going downhill. I came for breakfast and almost everyone in my party wasn't happy. One person ordered the steak and eggs and the steak was definitely undercooked (was ordered rare but came cool inside) and very tough. Breakfast homefries are generic diner type and they taste pretty bad. We ordered coffee and it never came. The staff kept saying it would be right out (so they knew about it) or that the bar was backed up. We eventually canceled it and got the check since we were done with our food and still no coffee. They didn't apologize about this at all. A burger was ordered medium and it came completely well done and burnt. The chorizo was just really oily and heavy and not good at all. The omelette came and the cheese wasn't even melted. we could dig out the slices of cheese! I don't think i've seen an omelette like that ever. They totally forgot our side of sausage. When we asked about it, the waitress apologized and said things were hectic but at the time there were still 3-4 tables and booths open and no one waiting. The ice for my drink had a big hair in it too which was really gross but I had already finished most of my drink and the If the management is reading this, please rectify these issues! I think for grilled corn and mango soda cravings I'll stick to Habana to go.
(1)Albert H.
Cubano Pulled Pork Sandwich! YUM! Yes, the Grilled Steak is fantastic too, but I love me some pork. Absolutely fantastic, I love it. Prior to Cafe Habana, I had yet to experience truly good Cuban food. There are plenty of people who love Versailles in LA, but I just don't get it. No bueno por mi. But MMMmmmMM, Cafe Habana is goooOOOod! Split these two delicious sandwiches between 4 people and top it off with some great grilled corn. How can you argue with that? Go mid-day when there's no wait and plenty of open tables. Or eat outside on the benches like we did! Also fun: great cuban music and random celebrity sightings.
(5)Gia S.
DEEELIICIOUS!!! The roasted corn with spices on it is to die for!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could just go there just for that. The place is very cramped & there's usually a wait thats why its down a star.... They also have a "to-go" next door thats just as good & much faster So you can take your pick...
(4)Sloane R.
Come for the mexican-style corn. I have yet to eat anything else at this venue, but the corn is delicious. 5 stars. Hands down. So good, my friend patty had a sandwich and a corn, and went back for corn #2. If I hadn't had reservations for nobu later, I, too, would have went back for more. Looking back, maybe I should have anyway!!
(5)Scott R.
As Mexican as it is Cuban, I found Cafe Habana to be bueno but not as magnifico as all the hype (and 200+ reviews as of this review) suggests. The grilled corn is definitely a 5-star item. The combo of butter, mayo, chili powder and lime go surprisingly well together (who'd have thought mayo?) I'd suggest asking for extra chili powder as mine came lightly sprinkled and the bites where I tasted it were much better. The mango & jicama salad is just okay. I liked the fruit - especially the surprise grapefruit slices - but I guess they were out of viniagrette b/c ours came with what tasted like creamy italian. Ugh. The pork torta is tasty. I liked the toasted bread and the pork had a nice balance of flavor and heat. Nothing really Cuban about it though - it reminded me most of taco or burrito filling (there was a menu option to get it as a burrito). The Tlacoyo con Tres Maria read better on the menu than it tasted. A plainish corn cake stuffed with an overpowering goat cheese and some other items. Unless you really love goat cheese, I don't recommend this. Did like the beans and rice on the side. As others have noted, there's a separate takeout spot around the corner. They do have some seats there so it's worth checking out if the wait is long for a table in the main part (which it usually is). Also makes it easy to pop in for a grilled corn fix. Definitely a place I'd want to visit again (perhaps for brunch) but, for now, I'd say this place is a little overhyped in my book...
(4)Emanuel H.
I love corn. My friends know I love corn. I get irrationally excited and irate when I talk about corn to the point that I border on the schizophrenic. Having said that, I am aware that corn is evil. I mean that thing is in everything around us and the corn industry lobbies extremely hard to get subsidies to produce cheap corn so that evil corporations can maximize profits at the expense of creating nutritionally poor food products that cause childhood obesity and health issues. None of the above is relevant. Because the corn here at Cafe Habana is legendary , to the point where it will probably dominate discussions on "best corn places" for at least 10 years (until I come up with my own corn concoction - corncoction geddit?) So anyway, the corn here is roasted/grilled and very very fresh. There're spices and cheese and creamy sauce that drips all over and makes you look very infantile while eating it but it brings out that childlike enjoyment in you, I'm serious. You go back to the days when you used your hands to really eat, without worrying that people judge you because you're not refined enough for not using a spoon or fork or knife. The corn - 5 stars - Cheap and incredibly tasty Cuban Sandwich - 5 stars - decent price with amazing succulent juicy pulled pork that leaves you completely satiated Catfish Taco - 4 stars - Probably not used to the taste and texture of the fish but the rice is oh so yummy yummy Wait is pretty long (at least 30mins - 1 hr) so for that 3 stars. Space is pretty tight as well, you might have to squeeze, come prepared for the fact that this is not a Fine Dining place but a very very casual, chilled resto. Servers were so helpful and friendly. One girl just had a beautiful smile on her face perpetually and was genuinely helpful. Another had really long legs. Went there 3 times in a week because my friends were visiting from out of town. Good times.
(4)Susan L.
DEEEEEEYUMMMMM I LOVE THE CORN HERE. Came here after a friend went on and on and on about how good the corn was and how good the Cuban sandwiches were and how good everything in general was. So yes, I loved the corn here. 3 stars because...I don't know, don't really feel like I'd give it 4 stars or more? Maybe I had high expectations going in but in general the space is small, and you have to wait if you want to eat at an actual meal time. I'm more keen on spacious, somewhat quiet places where you can take your time and places where there are ample waiters/waitresses to attend to you, and Cafe Habana wasn't really like that. But the decor was cute and I'm a fan of the Lower East Side...so...yeah. Sort of undecided now. Okay but the corn is a must-try. I'm just not sure I'd actually crave the food there/return anytime soon.
(3)Teresa H.
Hmmmmm, not terrible, but not as amazing as I'd hoped for either. I was thinking it would be more along the lines of a place like Yuca... not quite. I liked my mojito, but the spicy beer thing.... not so much. The corn was good, but not as good as I'd imagined based on the reviews. A bit dry, if you ask me. I dunno, maybe it's the season? The entrees were ok. My boyfriend found his pork to be very fatty and the shrimp were rubbery and over-cooked. Very affordable, but you clearly pay for what you get. The real reason behind the two stars: the obscene wait. We were under quoted by about 30 minutes and hence forced to stand by the counter and wait. It was extremely tight, waitresses rolling their eyes and bumping into us every 15 seconds. If my friends hadn't been so intent to stay I wouldn't have stayed. At the end of the day this place is a glorified Cuban coffee shop.
(3)Sascha M.
Cute, little neighborhood spot that feels relaxed and cozy. On my last dinner here I met up with a friend and we had some mojitos which are delish and share the corn. Omg, the corn here is awesome and you need to get it. I always need to get the cuban sandwich here because it's that good. It's huge and I always have half left over for lunch the next day. The fries are pretty solid too. My friend had the tacos which she liked a lot.
(4)Cheryl C.
Sorry to be the voice of dissent to the 4.5-star, 200-review average. Oh, who am I kidding, I like being the voice of dissent.... I genuinely can't figure out where all the five-star reviews are coming from, though. Maybe it's a bandwagon effect, or maybe people are giving it a bonus for its hip address or the cool interior. (I ate at the to-go section next door to the main restaurant, which is decidedly lacking in ambiance. But the food is purportedly the same.) Anyway, about the food. The main thing recommending this place is the corn on the cob. This is actually a Mexican street food called elote, in which the corn is covered with mayo, chili powder and grated cheese. It sounds disgusting but is strangely addictive. I also sampled the mango-jicama salad. I expected this to be fruit on a bed of shredded jicama, but instead it was actual salad greens with cubes of mango, jicama and grapefruit. Bafflingly, it came with Italian dressing. Perdoname -- que diablos? For my entree I had the tlacoyo con tres maria, which was a corn cake filled with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, topped with sour cream and green chile sauce. Sounded great, not so much on the execution; the corn was flat and flavorless and you couldn't really detect much besides GOAT CHEESE and an excess of sour cream. On the plus side, the pinto beans and yellow rice were pretty tasty. Drinks (non-alcoholic) were disappointing. An enticing menu on the wall advertises a slew of jugos y aguas (juices and nectars) and a long list of licuados (smoothies/milkshakes). Turned out they only had three available aguas (including horchata and jamaica) and the juices were bottled and oversweetened. I had the agua de jamaica, which looked and tasted exactly like that hot-pink "tea" at Starbucks. Prices are reasonable, under $10. But, hipsters aside, I just couldn't see myself going out of my way to eat here again.
(3)zoomcracker ..
mmm...corn. nothing really beats plain, fresh, sweet corn on the cob, but the grilled corn here is definitely close. apparently i lack skill in eating corn on the cob -- i don't line up my teeth in between the kernals when i bite. instead, i randomly sink my teeth in which makes the kernals squirt all over the place and gets pretty messy.
(4)andy t.
Heaven is brunch at Cafe Habana starting with a hot Latina waitress and a cafe con leche. It also includes some of the best huevos rancheros I've had this side of Zihuatenejo, some of that chili-spiced corn and another cafe con leche. The only thing heaven doesn't include is the inevitable wait for a table, even at the takeout joint next door sometimes. That's why I'm not giving this place a perfect five, but it's still worth the wait.
(4)Reyna A.
Love the vibe. Love the music. Love the hipsters. Love the corn on the cob. Love the price. Love it.
(5)Jackie I.
Come during off hours. At peak times, the place is packed and the wait is ridunkulous. Take whatever seat comes your way. If you have to sit at the table near the bathroom, man just take it. God knows how long it'll take for something else to open up. But what you do next is order the grilled corn. Holy mother of God. What the hell do they do to that corn? Why does their's taste a million times better then when I try to grill corn at home? Seriously, the best in the history of grilling corn. I can't say that I've tried everything on the menu, but what I've had rocks the casbah. Tools of the trade here: bring some floss and I'm not talking about the Jennifer Lopez floss either.
(4)Sabrina S.
The roasted corn is amazing. Get take out if you can't get a table. I was here celebrating my birthday and Luke Wilson was enjoying some cafe con leche at the next table. i don't know why but that made my day.
(4)Dan B.
Is this a Cuban place or not? I was fully expecting a Cuban restaurant but the bottom of the menu clearly states the original restaurant is in Mexico. Well, whatever they serves is still good. I will agree with those who rave about the corn. The guava margarita are also really nice. But other than those two items, there was nothing really outstanding. We started off with Grilled Chicken and Corn Salad. I got the Pollo Mirador. The wife got the Roast Pork. And her cousin got the Enchiladas De Mole Poblano. Maybe I was just ordering the wrong things the whole night (see review on Veniero) because the wife's and cousin's food tasted a lot better than what I got. yelp.com/biz/venieros-pa… Lesson here: go with someone who knows or get a recommendation. exercise and a proper yelp are the keys to good health
(3)Yasha M.
Grilled corn, Chicken Mole and no pictures of Che. Great!
(4)Ro N.
Can we say GRILLED CORN topped with oodles of chili powder, mayo, salt and pepper, and a hint of citrus-lemon flavor! I think I ordered the taquitos there---I THINK (or was it some small tacos here)! But all I know is I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE THE GRILLED CORN! Me want to holler at it everyday! The only con about eating these delicious lovelies----my grill looks crazy afterwards! (cuz me gots corn all up in my grills!) So don't try going here with any cute boys!!!!
(5)Grace S.
One of my default places to take a friend visiting from town looking for some delish food! Also, they have a small outpost/takeout place around the corner if you don't want to wait in that ridiculous line-- pretty much the same stuff. My faves are listed below: | Drinks: Mango Margaritas and Mojitos | | Appetizer: the infamous Corn on the Cob - Reminds me White Cheddar popcorn.| | Entree: Steak or the Pork dishes - I try to stay "low-carb-y", but I make exceptions for their side of yellow rice and beans, since they make my fave version of rice and beans in the city. :-) ] |
(5)vina t.
the corn on the cob really lives up to all the hype and raves. if you can get a table, it's totally worth it.
(5)Dorim L.
I just had brunch here and it was soooo tasty. I had the eggs with chorizo and black beans; excellent! Normally I don't like black beans because they're not really tasty but they seasoned it just right. And boy, was I sorry for not ordering my own plate of corn. I'd kill to get one of those to eat again. I'm going tomorrow to get some corn for my family to enjoy.
(5)Tina C.
i am not a big fan of Cuban food, but this place totally rocks. the grilled steak (with rice & beans) and the grilled corn are crazy delicious.. I say skip the wait , go to the take out next door, where the food is equally good and prices are cheaper!!!
(4)Will S.
I hated this place. It was pumped up way too hard, and when I got there, the food was not that good. Service was slow also. I'd rather get some sushi at Oyama.
(1)Amy L.
Cozy spot, great corn, strong drinks, bang for the buck, and would come again at an off-peak time. There is some conflicting corn-related information in the previous reviews here, but I'm certain mayo and chili powder are involved (and maybe cayenne pepper -- definitely a noticeable kick), the slathered mayo being crucial to all that cheese and chili powder and limeyness adhering to the ear. To add to the cheering section: good stuff! And, same price per ear as at the Red Hook Ball Fields, but ever so much more accessible to the slothful Manhattanite. (I followed prior Yelpers' advice about bringing floss. So key to be able to enjoy my corn unfettered by worries about future tooth obstruction!) We had about an hour wait on a Friday night at 8:30, which was tempered by a couple of very potent mojitos. Sopesitas (corn cakes), average. Pechuga de pollo al pipian (chicken in pumpkin and tomatillo mole) was really nicely and subtly flavored. Enchiladas de mole poblano (chicken, chocolate-less mole) was decent, but not too memorable. Entree portions were huge, though, and we rolled ourselves out of that place -- whereupon we paused for 7 minutes and then headed for pudding at Rice to Riches, coffee and aperitifs at Cafe Gitane, and drinks at Shebeen. Yeah boy.
(4)Kenan F.
OMG, the corn. yes, you've heard it all before. The first time I tried the corn I thought the white stuff was mayo. I hate mayo. Turns out it's melted cheese. The second time I had the corn was almost life changing it was so good (I didn't scrape the cheese off). Brunch is excellent, food is always fresh and inventive. The eggs ranchero have a nice kick and the french toast is yummy. Much better than brunch at Cupping Room, Jane or Dos Caminos, and more reasonably priced too. Hipper neighborhood with fewer wannabes, this is good cuz brunch should be casual. Get there before 12:30pm on weekends, otherwise it's a mob scene. The tables/booths are small, so best to go with groups of 4 or less. For dinner, I like the garlic spinach and rice.
(4)Dina L.
A little bewildered at all the hype..Not that the food is bad, but its definitely not good enough to wait for 30 minutes to an hour on an average weekend, and not much less on a weekday. Well, maybe only for their grilled corn- which IS outstanding. But everything else just lives of its glory. From the beef to chicken dishes, its all just OK. Not too much flavor, most of the time lacking salt.. The mojitos are weak and bland. Beans and rice? Average at best. For really good Cuban comfort food, Cafecito not too far away does a much better job at both food and drinks.
(3)hong p.
Can't add much to what's already been said. We arrived at 8 on a sunday to a 45-1hr wait. We opted to go to the take out (you can still eat in--there are counters and several small tables--just no one to wait on you) part of the restaurant next door and was pleasantly surprised by the difference in prices... in general, it was about $2 more expensive to be in the sit down part of hte restaurant. The grilled corn was 1.95 (3.95) and the cuban sandwich 6.95 (8.95). We smothered our faces with the delicious corn and cuban sandwiches---what a great dining experience! Next time, forget the wait, save a lil dough and skip the restaurant and go for the take out. There's only a few of the seafood dishes that you can't order.
(4)Amanda G.
5 stars for food, 3 stars for service. the waitresses are usually slow and act like they could care less about you. BUT it's worth it if the wait is less than an hour, cuz the food is incredible and the grilled corn is to die for.
(4)Lauren H.
The corn is it; everyone should try it because you will like it. The space is tiny; everything seems to be miniature in there. The patrons are mostly too hip hipsters or celebrity types but you will find average people here too. The service is good and fast once you get seated. Getting a table is usually a wait, but well worth it. Obviously this place is something special my review is # 256.
(5)matthew h.
Yes, the corn is amazing. The wait sucks and the place is tiny, but I love to go here anytime I'm in NYC. The garlic chicken is my favorite and they are open late!
(4)Akiva L.
Get the corn - it is amazing. I also had the Chicken Diablo Torta which was great and full of chipotle mayo goodness. I will be back for sure...
(5)Anthony N.
This place has almost become a tradition. I go here every time I visit New York. LOVE the decor. LOVE the corn. LOVE the waiters. It's the best place to have a lunch with a friend in New York in my opinion. Pure AWESOME.
(5)Darius B.
Food is always good. But it's always packed. I love that corn! Go to the one in Brooklyn if u want to have more elbow room.
(4)Yi H.
I've actually never tried the restaurant side because there's always a wait and it always seems so crowded. We usually just go to the take-out side right next to it. They have the best corn ever! The cuban sandwich and the "sloppy jose" bbq pork sandwich are bomb!! And they have the bottled Coke with real sugar. We live on UWS and would go all the way down there just to have lunch. Apparently there's a store in Malibu too. Wish we knew about it when we lived in Cali :(
(5)Jean L.
One of the best cuban food places in US. Get the roast pork with yellow rice and black beans, cuban sandwich, and roast corn with spicy butter cream! p.s. i love their sangria soda!
(5)Jen G.
It's all about the corns! I also love the music, the ambience, the food, but OMG, the corns were unbelivable! My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I need to find one like this on the west coast!
(5)Jennifer L.
Delicious and hearty cubanos - it's all I've ever ordered here (to go), but it's a very popular place, often with a bit of a line and people milling out in front munching on their food. The cubano is toasty and warm, filled with roast pork, ham, swiss cheese and pickles. And because it's a rather large sandwich, you could easily share this with a buddy (possibly with a side if you need more food).
(4)Jenn S.
If I could only eat one thing for the rest of my life it would be the corn from here. I've searched high and low to find something that comes close to it but really there is nothing. Also try the mango margarita, super tasty on a hot night. The regular dinner items are great too but be prepared for a lot of food. Its always packed and you are basically sitting with the table next to you but once you try the food you won't care.
(5)Aimee C.
this place is quick and delicious and so so cheap. i think i had a dream about their corn once. there is occasionally a wait, but that's easily dealt with in soho.
(5)Christina S.
Had to wait for an hour, but at least they let you drink on the corner while you wait. Fabulous corn on the cob. Solid food. Very cool, lower east side vibe. I'm into it. Completely casual and laid back. No attitude. Loved it.
(4)Casey W.
It's hip and loved by everyone, but I still believe these to be a damn good plate of platanos. great michelada, too.
(5)Chris F.
Crowded, but oh my god the corn on the cob is amazing!
(5)Javier M.
I came here for breakfast on Saturday on some Yelp-induced corn-state.... "Gotta have the corn, guhtta haavee the corrrrnnn...." It was replete of customers, and there wasn't one place where you could leisurely wait to be seated; so we found ourselves awkwardly moving around, trying not to block the counter/kitchen entrance.... we waited 15 min, and sat on the stools at the counter. Ok, time to eat right? Cafe Habana begs to differ. Service was terribly, terribly slow.... the bartender/countender was oblivious to our (and the ppl right next to us) presence, and just kept loitering around doing menial tasks... finally he turns and asks us what we are drinking. I especifically and clearly voiced the words: "Virgin Mary", my friend asks for coffee.... another 10 minutes later he comes back to hand me some BLOODY MARY leaden with Vodka; crass mistake. 1 star less for having to re-order. The mood changed as soon as the corn arrived; it was superb like everyone else attests to, coated with cheese and a very tasty red sauce. It was smaller than expected, but it was great. We both had the eggs with chorizo, and I was surprised to see that the chorizo (sausage) was actually already chopped and mixed with the rest of the scrambled eggs. It was good, but nothing extraordinary. In the meanwhile, my Virgin Mary was empty, and I needed to drink something fresh, but the water we had ordered three times already, hadn't had the dignity of showing up. It did finally, when the caramel flan arrived for dessert (which, btw, took another 5 minutes of signalling, waving and calling the bartender for him to get cracking) The flan was thick and full of gusto. A star on itself. Finally, after 1 hour + of waiting for everything, we also had to wait 10 minutes for the check, and 10 minutes for them to come back with the change. Cafe Habana deserves 0 star for ETERNITIES waited, sluggish service, and a bartender who was clearly on a quaalude suicidal spree. Only the food makes the three star mark, definitely a place NOT recommended for those who seek a relief breakfast experience after a night of drinks and a slight hangover. 2 and a half for inattentiveness.
(3)Christine T.
Delicious corn and chicken something-or-other with green sauce. Very tasty snack or late lunch :) A bit crowded and by a bit, I mean very. The bathroom is the size of a small pantry and made for very skinny people, so anticipate difficulty using it. Overall, the food really hit the spot after a long afternoon shopping in Soho :)
(4)Audrey W.
Okay, so their grilled corn is good. But so is Del Monte cream of corn soup. Cafe Habana is as authentic as you can get for that area but I think that real cuban food is definitely in its true form in Harlem. Their pulled pork sandwich is nothing to write home about and how could you afford to when they charge a good amount for their beans and rice. I guess they gotta pay the rent somehow, right?
(3)Beatrice W.
whoa, I am impressed by so many reviews, but it is true that this little place is a winning option. The service is friendly enough, I love what they did with such small place and have special fondness for the bead curtains that separate the room from the bathrooms. And yes the Corn is amazing, and truly the real, authentic deal. The other dishes are quite tasty as well. Maybe a bit Americanized but for obvious reasons, I love any place that introduce anyone to the amazing food of Latin America.
(4)Ayelet I.
My favorite place in New York to grab lunch. I am in love with their Diablo chicken sandwich with roasted peppers. Oh god, I miss Manhattan right now. The portion is so large I usually have enough to take home for later. The margaritas are tasty, sitting at the bar staring at the gorgeous bartender is entertaining, and it's less crowded midday than when it gets packed at night. But even then, it's totally worth the wait. The only downside is when I was there there was no air-conditioning-a big no no in the summertime.
(5)Lorraine D.
I love Cuban food. I love Cafe Habana. They have the greatest food here. My favorite dishes here are hot and spicy. The spot is small but well worth the wait. This is everything you want in a restaurant - good food, small, and everyone excited about the food. Want more? The crowd usually looks really fab. The neighborhood is so cool. On a hot summer day, the mojito hits the spot. You're usually so excited to be there but once the food comes silence falls on your table because you're just consumed with these great flavors. You don't even look up once until your food is gone. And then you look at your dinner companions with that satisfied look. None of you knows what the other had, and the experience was just your own, but all of you know that you shared something special - a wonderful dinner at Cafe Habana.
(5)Mariposa P.
Corn.
(5)Bianca L.
the corn on the cob!!! freaken mouth heaven worthy!!!!!
(5)Andrew C.
I kept hearing about the corn so I decided to take some out of towners on a Thursday night. We showed up at around 10 and got seated without a wait. The service was prompt and the food was great. Try the Enchiladas Suizas...you won't be disappointed.
(5)Jonny Bobby G.
Corn on the cob. 'Nuff said. This place makes me want to fly across the country and go to NYC.
(4)Sophie C.
Corn corn corn. Chant it three times and just like Beetlejuice, I wished it would appear. I absolutely love the grilled corn Mexican style with chili powder, lime and cheese. This is the one place I must go to everytime I am back in NY. The place is small and intimate. I prefer to come here with one friend because it is easier to get seating for a party of two whether it is at the bar or at a table. I think there is a break between 4-5PM where they stop serving food, but you can still enjoy a nice stiff mojito or a cafe con leche. This place is always fun and filled with energy. Other than the corn, the rest of the dishes are good, but I don't recall anything superb about them. The only thing that comes to my mind is the corn. I think it might be time for me to book a trip to NYC.
(5)Charlie C.
I LOVE this place! Every time I go to NYC I have to eat here at least a couple of times. The challah french toast, the quesadillas made with lime infused tortillas, the pancakes and .... oh my god, the Mexican corn!!!! Holy crap it's so good! So worth getting it stuck in your teeth. My only gripe about the place is how small a venue it is. That's the only thing keeping this place from getting all stars from me. The waitstaff and bartenders are always smokin' and sweet! Oww! Always going back...love from SF!
(4)DJ L.
The grilled corn is amazing! I don't even know what kind of cheese they put on it, but it was ssoooooo good! The Huevos con Chorizo could've had a little more zing to them, but I fixed that easily with some hot sauce.
(4)Jonelle Y.
This is the first place I always go when I visit New York. The corn is cheap, delicious, and addictive. The definition of cheap NYC eats. Perfect for: Everything. Corn is the best food on earth. Cuban corn is the best food in the universe.
(5)Emma K.
Good LORD this place is good. I received specific instructions from my boyfriend via a vegetarian friend of his in New York to absolutely eat here while I was visiting. I'm glad I went out of my way to fulfill these orders! There's corn, oh yes, the corn. And then there are several veggie dishes from which to choose, and all of their descriptions made my mouth water. I ended up going with a quesadilla-type thing with grilled veggies, but it could hardly be called a quesadilla by the standards to which I am accustomed. The cheese was more ricotta-like, and it was topped by both a creamy and a smokey sauce. The space was small but charming, and the waitresses were all extremely beautiful (did I just say that?) Holy moly, I think I'm going to move to New York.
(5)Ann M.
Cafe Habana is one of the reasons I almost missed my flight back to LA! Just tasting their Lemon Chicken Breast with rice made me not wanna go back home... In fact I have looked for that same chicken here in LA, but no luck! =( You also have to definitely try their corn on the cob with cheese and chilli it's AMAZING! Plus they have coke in a bottle and a booth were you can gaze out the street and enjoy your meal. The service is fast and the surrounding area has some pretty cool shops!
(5)Jack C.
The corn is as good as everyone says it is, but be prepared to wait. The lines are usually long and on several occasions the food's gotten cold by the time I take my first bite. One of the best things about Cafe Habana (aside from the corn) is that they have full-sized glass-bottled coca-cola. Not those whimpy 8oz. bottles, but the real-deal 12oz. ones from the old days! Delicious.
(4)Farah M.
Yes the corn cobs were awesome but the fish tacos were not very good...had better taco from cart vendors...wait was almost 30 min just for a spot at the bar for 1...not sure if it was worth it...saw a lot of ppl with the sandwich but could not try cuz had pork in it... have to give it up for their drinks though...recommend trying their drinks.
(2)Jenny T.
So freaking crowded here and the restaurant is tiny! If you can get a table, great. If not, just order from the take out area next door. The tables are a tight squeeze and it's uncomfortable. I literally was sitting on top of this poor guy next to me because so many people were waiting inside and crowding around the table. Prices are good for the portions! The corn is just so good though. It's a hint or spicy and there's mayo and cheese on it and you get to squeeze some lime. SO GOOD. I've had the fish tacos and steak during past visits but those weren't as memorable. Still a great meal though!
(3)Nathan D.
When I came to Cafe Habana, it was packed and people were stuffing their faces with corn. They make it uniquely and although normally not my cup of tea, they made it stupidly delicious. They have great sandwiches and awesome names to boot
(5)Michelle H.
Speedy, affordable, and delicious. I got the Cuban sandwich which ended up being just short of $10. It was toasted to a crispy perfection. The pickle added a satisfying crunch to the heap of shredded pork and ham and mustard.
(5)Tara B.
The restaurant is small and cozy. The grilled Mexican corn and the tostones were excellent. I do wish the cheese and the chili pepper would have stuck to the corn and not the plate it was served on. The Baja fish tacos were lacking flavor and the rice and beans that came with the dish were just ok. The side of guacamole was good however the serving size was not equal to the price.
(2)P P.
This place is always thronged on weekends. After 7 months and two attempts to get in on a weekend, I finally did get in last Saturday. I enjoyed my veg tacos -they were delicious and the portions were huge! I had the strawberry daiquiri and fell in love with it. It was smooth and just perfect. It was worth all the wait after all !! :) The waitress was super nice, the music was great, all in all, this was a winner!
(5)Debora D.
The very best cuban sandwich in the entire world!!!!!! Get to this lunchspot if at all possible.
(5)Jelissa D.
5 stars for the corn!!!!! Yup so worth the trip for that corn!! But everything else is okay...good, enjoyable but nothing to go crazy orver..except for the corn.......
(5)M K ..
I find Cafe Habana to be my first stop in Soho when I am hungry. Not only is the grilled corn a definite item to order but its pretty cool for breakfast during the week. Its quite and the Huevos Rancheros or pancakes with the fruit cup rocks. its all good!
(5)Kristina L.
A friend took me to Cafe Habana almost 4 years ago...the grilled corn made magical munching moments. So I made it a must grub place for our girls' trip last Labor day weekend. Needless to say, I made them fans of the place and the corn. I still dream of this magical corn...thinking bout moving to Manhattan so I can eat it everyday.
(5)Claire Y.
OK, so after reading all these rave reviews about "THE CORN," being an extreme foodie, I was fully convinced that I must find and visit this place - just to try the corn. Did I like the corn? Yes - it was tasty. Did it match up to all the hype I'd read prior to my visit? Unfortunately, no, not so much. To me, it was like a regular good corn on the cob that you could find elsewhere. Then again, I'm not sure if it would've impressed me much more if I hadn't been aware of all the hype about it. I'd like to return for a sit-down meal. After all, thou must not judge a restaurant based on a take-out corn...
(3)Ming L.
Excellent little Soho Spot, filled to the brim with hip-clad patrons and attractive servers. Reasonably priced and filled with atmosphere, I would recommend this for a small group of friends or for a second/third date. Be prepared to wait and enjoy a few drinks, all the while dodging customers and waitresses toting around simple yet delicious Cuban inspired food through the small cramped space. A word of caution for the heftier type, it is SMALL! Really SMALL! So unless you want to re-enact that scene from The Nutty Professeur, you may want to try something a bit larger, like ESPN Sportszone. As far as food goes, it is quite yummy and on the simple side. The corn is what it's known for, so bring your floss and munch up. See ya there for brunch!
(4)Michelle P.
All I can say is fish tacos and corn. YUMMMMMMMMY. It's worth the long wait. . . .
(5)Geralyn Y.
The fact that it is tucked away in a cute neighborhood and totes attractively fashion-savvy waitresses are two things may that initially draw you towards this joint despite misgivings. Good freaking corn. Kinda like the stuff you could get off a street cart, except you know that Habana's is legit. Order a Mojito and stir it up so the brown sugar at the bottom mixes with the already tasty drink. Oh yeah, the misgivings part. About 45 minutes for a table at peak hours and no space to be comfy and cozy while you wait. Every time I've gone there's always a line. Which means they're doing something right.
(5)Michelle C.
This place is actually better than the hype around it. I've been hearing about it since I moved to New York, and I finally made my long over due visit to Cafe Habana before a show at the Bowery Ballroom. The woman who took our name could not have been more pleasant, and we only had to wait about 10 minutes. The mojitos were perfection and ginormous. The rice and beans were the best that I've tasted this side of the Mississippi. AND the corn. I could talk for years about the corn, but you just have to experience it for yourself. A great place for during the week when it's not as crowded. Just be careful not to stuff your face before going out. You'll be tempted!
(5)Michelle R.
I'm pretty generous with my ratings, or I only remember the good ones. I'm giving it 3 stars because the only thing I find memorable about this hipster haven is the corn, yes, read everyone else's reviews... THE CORN. In fact, when I get a chance, I get the corn to go hop back on the train, slop it down, and happily pick my teeth in the comfort of my own tiny apartment.
(3)Joshua S.
My wife and I stumbled on this hole in the wall while shopping boutiques in Nolita. Every trip since then (6 and counting), we have made a pit stop here. Picture a tight, old, not so neat, hectic space with minimal decor. You can see behind the bar, see down the hatch in the basement, etc. Now this sounds great no? The corn is the best plate of food out there. We would import this to Chicago if we could. We also like the cheesy bean sandwich, and the prices are great!
(5)Philip F.
The Sincronizada Toluca was perfection, the tortillas were out of this world. Sangria rounded it out. Great vibe too, nice staff, and nice customers.
(5)Alinda N.
The corn on a stick is sooooooo good. I have no idea what is on it, but it is crack. I can't give it a full 5 stars since I did not try their other cuisine. The place is so tiny.
(4)Jessica P.
Quaint restaurant in Nolita. It's very small so be prepared for a wait, due to size and popularity. Decor is original, very bright colors inside. It took almost an hour to be sat. Not a problem, lots to see in this area. Once we were sat, the service was average. I think it's tough for them to go "above and beyond" given how busy they are. I had the Cuban sandwich per all the recommendations. It was yummy but I don't usually eat pork so not sure if I'd get it again. The highlight was the corn... Get it!! Don't deprive yourself. So delicious and its just as authentic as what I get in Texas outside of Hispanic grocery stores. This stuff is the real deal. I wish I'd tried more dishes for a more well rounded review, but that just means I have to go back!
(3)Luna L.
The cashiers here are very rude. I ordered here a few times and the food here is good but I will not return because of the cashiers. They get short with you when you order. The place is very crowded and loud which makes it hard to hear. The lady cashier would roll their eyeballs and they have very hostile face like they hate their job. One time when I ordered the elote she gave me one when I paid for two. I told her nicely and she was flipping her hair and sucking her teeth. The Cuban sandwich is good. It has toasty bread and the right amount of filling. The elote which is grilled corn dipped in mayonnaise and tossed in seasoning is my favorite.
(3)Joolie T.
the grilled corn!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! yes, it is true what everyone says about the corn. it's so good- i have dreams about it! they're perfectly spiced and seasoned with the butter, cheese, cayenne pepper, and... who else knows what it is- but people always come back for more. $3.25 for 2? oh my goodness, what a bargain! i'm not raving about this place because i know a few people who works for the Habana chain- (their fashion line, eco-friendly programs, events, eco-friendly cafe in BK, etc.) it's because the corn is like crack- and i'm just a helpless corn fiend. i will get 2 and not share with anyone. the cuban sandwhich is mouth-watering and so desirable... anywhere else i've tried the thing have all been boring and blah for me. they press theirs just right- until the cheese is perfectly melted ontop of the tender pork and other goodness in the sandwich. even the pickle is delicioso. the sopesitas (sp??), chicken enchilada, shrimp w/ mole, and those natural cut french fries are the best ont he menu. don't forget to order some mojitos. they're the best around town! i always get perfectly buzzed from a drink or two. i love the servers- they're hot and so very kind. a few of them model for the Habana fashion line, too. it's called, H.O.R.R.S. which has been making some ripples in the BK fashion scene. it's VERY SMALL in there and you're dining extremely close to everyone. but this is NY.... what were you expecting? haha. getting a table is stressful and it's so packed- there's nowhere to stand. so i suggest dining with a very small party- or going next door and ordering take out. yup.
(5)Donna T.
I was thoroughly impressed with Cafe Habana. Despite the 30 minute wait time that turned into 45-50 minutes, it was worth it! I had the corn, the steak enchiladas, everyone loved their food, and their margaritas are the best! Made with fresh strawberries, they go right to your head. Definitely going back. It's my new favorite place.
(5)Sandra G.
I'm here to talk about more than just "the corn" (so good though). The grilled steak, Cuban sandwich and pork sandwiches are excellent. The pollo mirador (sauteed chicken breast in a roast garlic lemon sauce served with white rice and spinach) and the ensalada Adela (goat cheese, roasted tomatoes, grilled portabello served over mesclun with a balsamic vinaigrette) are really good also. Good vibe, very crowded though. Definately worth trying if you haven't already.
(4)Susannah R.
After all three roommates recommended Cafe Habana independently, I figured I had to go. I had the toasted Cuban bread with refried black beans, cheese, and salsa which was simple and delicious. We didn't know to order to the corn on the cob, but after watching everyone around us eat it, I know I'll have to go back to try it.
(4)Faffy L.
This is definitely the only trendy place I would go out of my way to volunteer to go to. It's for real, THE CORN, THE CORN. Even if you can't bear to wait for a table at the restaurant, swing by the take out, get a cob and go! It's worth the standin' and eatin' in the cold. I've hyped this many time to my other newcomer New York friends many times and it never fails! Pass this on to all your friends, it's a kick ass arrival gift!! If you CAN get a table, try the guava margarita.. it's definitely a deeelight.
(5)lisa p.
grilled cheesey spicy yummy finger-lickin CORN on a stick .... (a great snack that you can pick up at the adjacent to-go storefront on Elizabeth)
(5)Trevor T.
Warning: Corn is not mustache friendly! Place is tiny and they really cramp you in, but that's part of the atmosphere. Food is good, can't go wrong w/ the pork chops. Also, a little known secret is that they have the best mojito's in nyc (arguably), b/c they stir them w/ a spoon instead of crushing the mint. Also, I've found that you can get away w/ drinking them on the sidewalk while waiting to be seated (usually 20+ mins). All in all, it's a bit overhyped, hence the long waits, but still a good spot.
(4)Nina C.
The corn of the cob was good, but there's something to be said for getting good service as well. Beside the grilled corn, the food was nothing special. The hipster wait staff was either too bored to care or just attitudinal - whatever... I'll go back to Havana Central for my grilled corn - it's better there anyways.
(3)stephanie i.
I like my corn on the cob. And I love the way they grill it up here. I also had a torta and it was pretty good too! Fresh bread and tastey grilled chicken (my pick though there are several options). It's definitely a great snacky poo in the middle of a shopping spree or anytime really. Make up any excuse to stop by! : )
(4)Jeremy S.
Can you get anything good for $1.80 these days? Absolutely! Cafe Habana's Mexican Style Grilled Corn. One of the best snacks ever, who knew cayenne pepper would work so well on corn?!? Well it does, so go try it...now!
(4)Jessica A.
Sometimes, when I am sleeping at night, I dream. Sometimes it is about corn. The corn is always from Cafe Habana. The first time I came here, my friend took me. She was like "we are having corn." I was like "Um, I don't want corn for dinner." Holy crap, was I wrong. This roasted corn is so drug-like, you will dream of it, too. Everything I have eaten from here is delicious- great Cuban sandwiches, great sauteed spinach. It is packed at times, but totally worth it. Just grab some corn at the take out portion if you don't have the time to deal. Oh, and you will dream
(5)Brian D.
I tend to avoid trendy restaurants since they rarely live up to my expectations. I finally gave in and popped into Cafe Habana early on a Tuesday afternoon, when they weren't busy (read: when all the tables were full and the wait was only 10 minutes). I settled on the corn and the pork adobo. I thought about trying the tostones afterwards but I was stuffed. The corn was good, the best of its kind I've had (though I admit my grilled corn experience is limited to bbq joints and street fairs) but for me it wasn't the divine experience that everyone else seems to make it out to be. The cheese is a good idea but by the end it was just overload and I actually scraped a little off. The pork adobo I thoroughly enjoyed--- big pieces of roast pork cooked just right, mildly spicy, with black beans and crispy red onions all on a lightly toasted hero from Parisi's bakery across the street. I even surprised myself with the onions, since I'll usually pick most of them off a sandwich, but these weren't overpowering just crispy and a little sweet. The prices were right, the food was very good and I'll be back again if I'm ever in the mood for Cuban a la nyc.
(4)Samantha S.
Give me the corn on a stick!!!! I've been here for brunch, lunch, and dinner all in one day I'm sure cuz I love it that much:) I have to be honest, the sound of cuban food was not that appealing to me but Cafe Habbana will convert you! I cant remember the name, but try their special spicy drink (you pour corona into it). Its perfect for a sunday brunch-buzz! Also, everytime I go there I see at least 2 celebs within a 5 minute time frame. If you dont have time to wait (loooooong wait) then go next door to get take out and walk with your YUMMY corn on a stick!:) mmmm, luv it
(5)Robert R.
So good. The best entree at Havana is the vegetarian one - goat cheese stuffed inside a corn shell. If you expect the wait, you won't be surprised. The corn is good, but there are other things just as good to fill up on. I always have fried plantains as my dessert. Wash all that down with some Negro Modelos and then walk it all off around Soho.
(4)Jen L.
This is my new fave place. I can't get over how this place has lived up to its hype. Yes, the grilled corn is that good. So juicy, cheesy, buttery. Also, although this place is cramped and tiny and the wait is forever, it's worth the wait, no matter how long. It's because of the amazing taste, cheap (CHEAP) prices and huge portion of food. My 3 favorite things. And also, added plus, the service was excellent. Just very friendly and helpful people. We also had the cuban sandwich which was heavenly. The bread was crisp and warm, the cheese was melted and the mayo was nice and spicy. I even liked the side salad and I hate salads. But, my biggest enjoyment was the challah french toast. 2 huge and juicy pieces of toast with fresh fruit and maple syrup for only $6.25 and it was one of the best french toast (if not the best) I have had. I will be coming back here again and again and again which means I may have a lot of waiting to do but it's worth the wait.
(5)James C.
I swear it seems like such a random suggestion when one of your friends says "you have to try the corn at Cafe Habana." But it's so true. Once you bite into one of those corn on the cobs, you will forever be changed. It's like the movie The Ring... you have no choice but to pass it along and tell someone else about it.
(5)Theda E.
MMMMM....corn! "It's just corn!", you say to yourself. I've tried to duplicate it, as simple as the ingredients are, but it's just not the same. Enjoy the shrimp with garlic sauce, too.
(4)Gabby D.
I finally acquiesced and joined my roommate here for brunch this past weekend. And um, yes...the corn, the corn, the corn. It's BETTER that what people say it is. I'm not a huge "corn-on-the-cob" kinda girl (the whole food in your teeth, crowded environment, etc) so I sorta shyed away from getting my own order of the corn, but let me tell you--just by the look of it--you're drooling away. It comes drenched in goodness upon goodness. After one bite--you're completely sold!!! Everything else was really tasty and even though I wasn't, I'm glad that I got a "For the Hangover" morning cocktail which was strong and delicious. Yes, it's crowded because HELLO! It's the place to be (did I mention the corn?!?!). The tables turn over quickly enough so the wait definitely moves along. The staff is not just crazy-good looking (did you SEE the Lenny Kravitz video??) but they're super friendly and patient, which was comforting especially after I felt I asked far too many questions about the cocktail list and added cheese to this and got a side of that (p.s. everything was right too!). Great place to people watch as well because there were quite a few good-lookers that made for some yummy eye candy during the whole fabulous experience!
(5)Katie Q.
I have never raved about a vegetable so much in my life but that corn...oh my god. Who goes out for corn? Apparently this girl because once I get that notion in my craw I will not hear of any other ideas. Corn. Who knew?
(5)Tina S.
The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn. The corn.
(5)Kenny L.
When a place is packed on a Tuesday night, you know they're doing something right. There was a mere ten minute wait for the three of us to eat at the bar, which is probably less cramped and more comfortable than sitting at a table. But, you know, I'd sit outside on the ground if I had to - the food is that good. The first bite of the famed Cafe Habana corn was actually incredibly disappointing. It had been hyped so highly in my mind that it could not possibly live up to the expectations that had been set. But then I took a few more bites and it got a little better. I had moved away from the slightly burnt edge part and moved into the various toppings and I really started to enjoy myself. A little spicy, a little buttery, a little cheesy, a lot delicious! And it just got better and better as new and exciting flavors joined the already wonderful medley in my mouth. Before I knew what had happened there was no more corn and only a slight tingling around my mouth remained. That and a happy happy memory that I look forward to recreating. You really have not eaten corn until you have eaten this corn. For all the people complaining about the "weak" drinks, it's probably because the bartender makes them correctly so that you can actually taste the drink ingredients as opposed to, say, just rum. I watched him making drinks all night and he's a damn good bartender.
(5)Lori M.
Great spot downtown for lunch. Don't let the wait keep you from eating here. And the corn on the cobb is an absolute must!
(4)ed y.
this is a sweet little spot because of the diner counter and chatting with the awesome girls who work behind it. Got some cool neighborhood folks strolling in like these guys who work as extras on the Sopranos. Prepare to wait if you come at peak hours. Cuban food is so heavy that it makes me comatose. Dig the coffee.
(4)Helena H.
Important info: Bring floss! I'm a huge fan of the corn and chicken mole. It's a tiny place, but also great if you're walking in the area and want a snack... the corn is neatly packaged in foil for you to devour right when you walk out the door.
(4)lisa S.
I find myself here at least once a week regardless of the perma-wait for a table (they have approximately 8 of them), and the not so wonderful service. The corn is spectacular and the margheritas are excellent, but for maximum enjoyment sit in one of the booths twards the front because the back tables are crowded and too close to the bathroom.
(3)steven l.
This place is fantastic. The corn is a must have obviously but it's a great spot just to get some great pork sandwiches. It's a relatively chill spot with decent seating. I would say no more than 4 people or it's gonna be a long wait.
(4)Arwen O.
I've never actually been to the restaurant part of Cafe Habana, because the To Go part is so charming and fast and GOOD. The corn on the cob makes you want to cry, and the Cuban Sandwich sets the standard in my book.
(5)Andrea D.
This is actually the address for Cafe Habana To Go, located right next door to the little cafe part with the blue booths. I like the To Go part best, because it's faster and you can sit on the stools at the window while you eat (or on the benches outside in good weather) all the while eating the most fantastic food you can imagine. The Cuban Sandwich is terrific, the corn on the cob is divine (cheesy and spicy), the hot chocolate is wonderful (served south american style), and there's this onion/egg/bean sandwich that has kept me coming back for years.
(5)Elena Z.
One of the best hidden no-name neighborhood places in Soho that locals absolutely love. Tiny, always crowded, Cafe Habana was even featured in Lenny Cravitz' music video (in "I'll never see you again") - and Lenny knows his stuff in good ethnic places (his favorite falafel place in Marais dist in Paris really does serve the best falafel in the world). Habana has the UNFORGETTABLE roasted corn on the cob ($3 for two) with Cuban cheese, you shouldn't go there unless you try it. I rest my case.
(4)Vivian T.
Super cute, intimate, cozy, lively, fun atmosphere. It always seems to be a party in here- maybe it's because the space is small and people are always overflowing through the doors waiting. The hostess was very considerate and kept us posted throughout our wait and we really appreciated it. The drink menu is super fun and food is good. Everyone loves the grilled corn and I have seen people who just get a dish of 2 cobs for themselves. totally do- able and amazing but then there isn't much room for all the other yummy things on the menu. We got the corn and spit the Camarones Al Ajillo and cuban sandwich. The shrimp was amazing- it was in a sweet/tart/tangy tomato sauce flavored with garlic and we just could not get enough.
(4)Edward C.
Dang, its my first taste of Cuban sandwiches and now I'm stuck with such high standards ever since. How am I supposed to eat any other Cuban sandwiches now?!
(5)Jessica C.
Pamela S. is right - pack the DENTAL FLOSS and your TOOTH BRUSH cuz you're gonna have to dig for gold in your chompers. So yes, the corn, the undigestable vegetable with the cakey yummy cheese, is insane but let's talk about something other than cuban pork sandwiches: THE GRILLED STEAK SANDWICH. We used to order the stuff everyone orders, the corn, the cuban sandwich, beans, rice, etc. but do YOU KNOW ABOUT the STEAK SANDWICH? We got the heads up from Wilmer V.'s bud. Yes THE YO MOMMA Wilmer V. We're sitting at the To-Go place on our barstools snacking on our cuban, and had already waited a good 15 minutes to get the cubie, but the bud says to us, "You can get a cuban sandwich anywhere! You have to try the steak sandwich!" (Between the 2 of them they had about 6 plates on the table, mind you. They were grubbbin!) So we got back in line, wait another 15 minutes and got the steak sandwich. Boy were we 4 happy B-F-F girls. 4 girls snackin' away on 1 steak sandwich while walking down Prince St -- stankin' of grilled onions, peppers and HELLA GOOD sauce and crusty bread. Yall need to get on the Steak Sandwich truck and holllllllaaaa.
(5)Pam S.
Word on Cafe Habana has spread like wildfire and the lines are incredibly long at any time of day...hungry, angsty New Yorkers and tourists alike wait to get into this cramped little cuban diner with it's indie-hipster waitresses... But it's well worth it the wait. Yummy soda pop, to-die-for starters, and main courses. Oh who am I kidding.... it's really ALL ABOUT THE CORN. This is the best grilled corn on the cob you'll EVER get.. from street fairs in Pasadena, CA to those on the UES of Manhattan.. nothing beats the corn at this place. Smothered in chili powder, some sort of magical creamy sauce, cheese, lime, coupled with the burnt smell of cooked corn goodness.. happiness on a stick. I recommend: - grapefruit soda - corn and more corn - cuban sandwich - dental floss
(4)Brian H.
Unfortunately, corn seems to be the only thing Habana does exceptionally well. The rest is just very good. It would be nice if they had a few more signature dishes. Very promising.
(3)David C.
The corn wit da melted queso and tasted like mayo was off da heezy. End o story on that. Typical tight cramp NYC restaurant. When the place gets really packed, just be careful when your moving your arms around. I saw some big tall dude accidentally shove the waitress when he was getting out of his chair and knock down two plates of food. I'm sure that isn't the first time its happened. You might want to take it go next door if you're someone that might take up 2 seats. Just being blunt and upfront, not trying to be mean. I thought the mojitos here were good, but not great. The best enchiladas I've had for surely. It was must've been the red sauce which had a little kick to it. The cuban sandwich I ordered was somewhat cold already when I got it, but still good. I wanted to complain about the sandwich being cold, but it was so hectic, I didn't bother. The service overall is below average, but I will come back because its good food at a reasonable price.
(3)Sam P.
Ok, so clearly the 86th review here does not need to mention how delicious the corn is. It is, but to be honest, considering the corn-related hype, I was expecting orgasm worthy corn. Don't get me wrong, it's damn good, but not really more complex than roasted corn with butter, parmesan, and paprika. Good, but not rocket science. Anyway, a friend and I came here for brunch yesterday when the wait at "too-cool-for-you" Cafe Gitane was out of control. Surprisingly, here we got a table right away, but it was right by the door, so we had a nice fall breeze accompany our brunch. This warrants minus a star because I saw two tables in the back that were available, but when I asked about them, the hostess said, "no, they're taken." They clearly weren't, but whatever. I'm being nitpicky, as I usually am with popular places. The food is cuban basics done right and served with a smile - our watiress was beautiful and attentive. I had the Huevos con Chorizo and a Cafe con leche...mmm...just like I used to have in Miami. But really what knocks the socks off this place is the prices. It is cheap, reliable, good cuban food. Can't go wrong. I'd come back as long I could get a better table.
(4)andre s.
Cheese covered corn (elote). 'nuf said.
(5)vince g.
Look - I love cuban food, and I do like cafe habana. The food is undeniably tasty, but I have a few gripes: -- giant cockroaches running across our feet. -- undesirable wannabees 'hanging out' -- loooooong time it takes to make something as simple as a sandwich or salad. Now, if you can get passed this it is honestly great. Try the corn. It's unbelievable.
(3)Rebecca L.
the grilled corn and mexican hot chocolate are delicioussssssssssssss. they are friendly, and have good service. go to the to-go, no wait.
(5)Helen Y.
It's all about the corn. Yup, either wait for a table or go to the stand next door and get it to-go.
(5)Yee C.
yes I love the corn here but I cannot wait on line for an hour for corn! I say, buy yourself some crema, cojita cheese, limes and chili powder and make it at home yourself.
(3)Leah T.
The grilled corn of course is delish. I enjoyed the huevos rancheros. Everything is bursting with flavor. Make sure to bring water to hydrate after you eat because the food is very, very salty. Not that that's a bad thing. It just makes you thirsty. PS- I highly recommend eating in the take out place next door. You will still get sass from the girls behind the counter, but its cheaper and you will have more elbow room to eat. Plus no wait.
(4)Abhay K.
I ate at this restaurant on Friday night and the food here is truly unbelievable. It gets crowded and cramped in there but who cares. I would avoid going here in a large group as you're going to be waiting a long time. Bring your party of two or three, put your name on the list, and go grab a drink around the corner.
(5)Kirk A.
I'm giving Cafe Habana 4 stars but ONLY for the GRILLED CORN. The corn here is like Mexican grilled corn on the cob. The corn is first grilled then buttered and I believe they put a layer of mayonnaise (trust me, it works) on there. Last, they sprinkle it with grated cheese and cayenne pepper. A slice of lime is also served with it. The rest of the menu is average, nothing that stands out. I definitely do not think it's worth the 30 --- 45 minute wait for a table. The corn IS better in the restaurant but for a good/quick snack I would go to the Take Out part of the restaurant that is around the corner. If you do decide to wait and get a seat inside, you might be lucky and sit across from Mos Def or some other celebrity because this place/neighborhood seems to be swarming with them.
(4)Esther H.
Words really can't explain how good the food is. My friend and I decided to grab lunch here. We started out with the grilled corn and a couple of frozen margaritas. I don't think there was a single corn kernel left on that ear. The butter, cheese and the chili powder was an awesome combination. The corn grilled just perfectly. And then out came the Cuban sandwiches. Also delicious. The meat was juicy....and not overbearingly meaty. This place is a definite must try.
(5)Theresa X.
my favorite is the pork adobo sandwich and the corn. the chilli powder on it makes it sooo tasty. if you go on the take out side, i reccomend you have someone hold your seat while you're waiting on line.
(4)Dee W.
Absolutely delicious. I'll tell you what got me - the grilled corn on the cob with lime juice/chipotle chili powder and parmesean cheese. I grill my corn on the cob with butter w/ chipotle chili powder and lime juice but never once thought to put cheese on top but I sure will now! The wait was told to be super long but we somehow got seated within ten minutes (when told that it'd be an hour) The frozen margaritas were yum and screwdrivers were strong! Other than that, the entrees for brunch were pretty yummy overall. But I'm telling you - the corn won my heart!
(4)Sean G.
Go to the TO GO joint around the corner and.... Get. The. Grilled. Corn. I repeat. Get. The. Grilled. Corn. There are plenty of ways to eat cheap in NYC, but none better than this place. The lines *and sometime there are lines* are worth the wait, so you can GET. THE. GRILLED. CORN.
(5)Heather S.
This is one of my all-time favorite places. The corn is out of this world (mayo, Mexican cheese, chile-yum!) and reminds me of the street vendors in Chicago that sell elotes. Tres Marias, a veggie plate, is good as well. And who doesn't like fried sweet plantains? It's easy to love a place that reminds you of home. Brunch is delish as well. Go for an early dinner and your chances of waiting for a table are slightly slimmer. Impatient? Go next door to their take out spot.
(4)Nosniv X.
20 minute wait for a corn on the cob? Yes, and it was worth it. The cheese is crumbly and flavorful, and perfect with a squirt of lime. If they could only get the cobs marinated in the same flavor I could eat that too and get my daily allowance of fiber.
(4)Graceypoo M.
Though I never really stepped foot in this place, my long lost friend/"guy-who-I-was-madly-in-love-with-for-Âthree-years" and I reunited for the first time in New York City by accident, and he decides to treat me to some "Mexican corn". I wasn't too hungry, but I said, SURE, I'd like some corn in my poop later..... ( ratemypoo.com ). The delivery was fast. Our friends, his sister, he and I all devoured the lovely roasted corn on the cob, smothered in mayo and powdered cheese. Squeeze that slice of lime on that baby, and it's heavenly. Their roast pork sandwich was good too, but it was all about the maize con queso y mayonesa. It was the perfect food to eat during a lazy, rainy Saturday afternoon, chillin' in a huge apartment with wooden floors, overlooking Little Italy.
(4)Bart C.
God I love that corn!
(4)Jennifer B.
AMAZING. I want to leave my husband and marry their Cuban sandwich.
(5)jenn h.
Four of us feasted on the CORN, and no one cared that we were all squirting each other in the face as we chowed down. What kind of cheese do they use? And what is that red powder? I dunno, but I don't care either. YUM! Nobody can be upset while they've got these kernels on their taste buds. If everyone in New York walked around eating this corn all day, it would be a calm and love-filled city; I'm convinced of that. Corn poll: Do you prefer to eat it all the way across in a row, typewriter-style, or do you finish one end of the cob all the way around before moving on toward the middle? Just curious...
(5)sean m.
I agree the corn is awesome.... Cuban sandwich very average. I am a Cuban sandwich aficianado and this one wouldn't make my top 10. Prices are very good and the wait was minimal on a Sunday evening. I was unimpressed with the cleanliness of the restaurant. I can forgive some aspects of service but have little leeway when it comes to health and sanitation. Is a great place to see beautiful women eat like sloppy linebackers.
(4)Lala L.
A place I always have to go whenever in Manhattan...cuz I can't get enough of the grilled corn! It's dipped in butter and then rolled in this grated white cheese and sprinkled with chili powder..and comes with a wedge of lime you squeeze all over it. ooooooooooooh~ The cuban sandwich is also my fav. There's this other dish I tried but couldn't remember the name, but it had rice and beans and this crispy tortilla thing. gosh, I can't wait to go again!
(5)camilla c.
What more can I say about Cafe Habana that all the Yelpers haven't written about?? One of my favorites places in the city... the grilled corn (with all that glorious cheese and spice) and the Cuban torta sandwich (don't bother with the other sandwiches on the menu) will always keep me coming back for more. They also make awesome cafe con leche and Jen L. tells me their french toast is a must. Always packed (usually at least 30-45 min wait) so opt for the To Go around the corner where you will have a better chance to snag a small table or space at the counter top... or do as most others do and just eat on the street outside of the restaurant.
(5)Un L.
Tiny space and crowded. You will prolly have to wait half an hr to get a table. But delicious, pretty authentic Cuban food! Good service, pretty fast. Get a pitcher of sangria!
(4)Sam O.
I have a love/ hate relationship with this place and it is my second time there. Sat at the bar which is great cause you get to see some action behind the counter. They are really fast and very busy on weekends so you could get a table within 20 minutes. The let down is that the food wasn't as memorable as my first time there and it was tasty but not enough for me to finish my plate (although i was hungry) dunno if i would be back.
(3)Alex O.
Finally tried the famous Cuban Sandwich. Outstanding. I've been trying to grab one since watching Chef. Made them look incredible. If you don't know it's citrus marinate pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles, on a butter grilled hero. Sort of like a Cuban Banh Mi! The restaurant is a bit small and could be hard to get a spot. Maybe don't go between 12-130. Really tasty stuff though. You gotta try this.
(5)Tony H.
I've only been here for the corn but it keeps me coming back. They simply roast an ear of corn, coat it in mayo, grated cheese, and paprika and spices. It is amazing. The seating is vey limited and this is a small place in general, but it is worth swinging through and picking up an ear while walking around SOHO.
(5)Hillary C.
I love this place. Although the wait can be long since its such a tourist area....THE CORN IS DEFINITELY THE BEST!! I have had the cuban also which is pretty good as well with ALOT of MEAT (very filling I can only eat half) but I ADORE THE CORN. While looking through the pictures I definitely want to try the GRILLED STEAK with the side of corn salad. The environment is very chill but cramped in homey way. I love Cafe Habana too bad its only in the city and they don't have more locations. Not a super cheap meal (cuz I'm a cheapo) but fairly priced.
(4)Laura H.
Fantastic food, especially the huevos rancheros w/ steak (perfect medium rare) and the fried fish tacos! Also don't skip the plantains w/ guacamole. Best part of the night was our server Denia. Friendly, attentive, funny and smart - right there when we needed her but not hanging over us at all. Just the vibe you want when eating out. Only downside is that there was a wait for a table - but hard to fault the restaurant for that, when it's obviously a result of everything being SO good! Great experience! Will definitely be back.
(4)Anis A.
Great great place. I've been here a couple times and the food has always been great. Now the wait, that's another situation. I have yet to come here and wait less than 15-20 mins, but its ok because it's worth it. The corn is a win, as well as the huevos ranchero. That skirt steak in the dish is cooked beautifully. Side orders of tostones and sweet plantains are a great choice. Go here now!!!!
(4)toome b.
Ah, this place is great. Me and a buddy in NYC walking around to get breakfast on a cold Oct morning and came across a heavenly place call Cafe Habana. Not only do we get served by two lovely waitresses, but the food rawked. My buddy being vegetarian had an excellent option to partake in. Not only was the food great, but then another staff came in and it got ridiculous with the ladies hired to serve there. Obviously, I am going back not only for the food but the view too. Yay, very nice.
(4)Amela W.
Came here to order takeout based off of Yelp reviews. It didn't disappoint. I ordered the mexican corn, cuban sandwich and steak sandwich. I wasn't crazy about the steak sandwich, but my boyfriend said the cuban sandwich was delicious. The corn was good too, but nothing crazy. I would come here again though.
(5)Carol H.
Great food - the corn is a must try. I was skeptical at first since it sounded too creamy and cheesy, but it was the perfect combination. One order gets you 2 corn on the cob. The grilled steak and corn salad was really good. I'm not one to typically order salad at a restaurant but it was a very hearty meal. The steak alone was enough to call a meal. Medium rare steak was cooked perfectly - nothing worse than steak that is too overcooked.
(5)Iman R.
The mexican grilled corn was unbelievably good even though it was really messy. A must have. I wasn't very impressed with the Cuban sandwich. This place gets pretty busy to seating is really tight.
(4)Raven C.
CORN, CORN, CORN. When you go here, corn is an absolute must. This place is always packed (literally always), but for good reason. Make sure you're in a good mood cause it's going to be loud, and packed, and rowdy- FUN. I like to get a bunch of margaritas, a bunch of tacos to share, and a corn to myself. Never disappoints. GO!
(4)Pauline C.
I absolutely love their corn and their sandwiches. Their Cuban sandwich is truly the best in New York City. The meat is so juicy and flavorful! If you want to get just corn, check out their take out window next door There always seems to be a wait here, so try to come at an off hour or early lunch.
(4)Dennis C.
Corn is a must and their Cuban sandwich is good but plain.
(4)Michelle S.
love those corns~
(4)Tanya C.
I never leave NYC without my Cuban sandwich fix, which is why this place gets a 5 out of 5 from me. If I can go with a friend, I'll split the sandwich and also get their corn on the cob. They are both so yummy, and I have no problem chowing down without thinking about the calories. I prefer the little place around the corner rather than the sit down place on Prince. So if you go there, expect a line with the locals.
(5)Jen O.
The corn is a delicacy, as you might have heard. The avocado and white cheese torta simply hits the spot. It's so simple yet so torta-licious. However, I'm not a fan of the take-out policy that requires you to wait in line, regardless of having placed an order a half hour ago. Unfortunately, my office is a few blocks outside of the delivery radius. I must admit that when I first heard about this place, I assumed it was of the Magnolia Bakery cult-following variety (ie, much hype about a mediocre product). If you have time to kill, the food is delicious and beyond filling.
(3)Jake K.
Ok - is it me or was this place just a bit disappointing? I mean, seriously - we ordered the corn and a Cuban sandwich. Both of which were ok. Nothing beyond that. The corn was over-spiced and frankly the chili powder ended up killing the subtle cheese and butter flavors that should have accompanied it. The Cuban sandwich was dripping with cheese and easily fell apart - but the barbacoa was too little for the size of the bread. So was the ham. But hey - we can't have it all. Honestly, coming from mid-town, unless you're a die-hard tourist, I'd avoid the place unless you're already in Soho.
(3)Sherra L.
I'm a big fan when it comes to corn and I was always dying to give this a try! So finally I did! I ordered the famous Mexican style grilled corn! I had to immediately take a bite out of it since it was fresh and hot! First thing I noticed was it had a big scent of cheese on it, which is heaven if you love cheese! On to of that, there were some chili pepper or something like that which had a a little spicy kick to it! As I had the first bite, i continued eating it and the taste became sweet, sour and spicy combo!! I liked it ,but didn't love it because i thought it was going to be more taste into it. But overall the corn was good but a bit over priced for $3 a corn. On the other hand, one of the female staff there was rude looking. I asked her for a plastic bag to go since I ordered multiple corns to go, she gave me a look, pulled a bag out for me and didn't even bother opening the bag for me to put everything in. But otherwise I was satisfied that I got to try it out.
(3)Christine G.
Very casual place with great food! The pork in the Cuban sandwich was so juicy!! I added the meat to my breakfast plate and it was a 10!! Also had a mojito and taste the margarita. Margarita won! Highly recommend
(4)Sarah Z.
Came here a few times. Great Cuban food. It gets pretty crowded. Came here for a late dinner at 10pm/11pm the night before my birthday one time and the place was still pretty packed. This place is known for their corn. The chili powder they put on their corn is the best part of the corn, in my opinion. Do not order their tacos. It has no taste. The good part was it came with fries. I ordered their shrimp with beans and rice the second time. It was really good. The price is okay here. Around $10-$18 per entree.
(4)Ash L.
Pow! A burst of spicy sweet and sour corn in my mouth, kicking my taste buds into gear. This teeny restaurant reminded me that food needs to be enjoyed. I was lucky enough to order another great dish, the Cuban sandwich! Touchdown! There was some sort of spicy spread that was unique and distinctive. I regret not asking for the recipe...so someone could make it for me. Ha. I don't cook. My only complaint is the size of the restaurant. It's cramped as f*** and I prefer to enjoy eating my meal without worrying about what the creepy old man is thinking, as he stares at my friends and I. I hope you can fix that problem some day, Cafe Habana. Until then...
(4)Sandra C.
Best corn on the cob ever. EVER! And the price for two servings of corn is $4. Can't beat that. You'll rave about it too. Other than that - this is a very low key establishment for some basic good latin eats at el cheap-o prices. In the winter the place was freakin' hot so I don't know what that means for the summer. Took a little while to get a table but worth the wait. Sit at the small bar if you have to! And order the corn, of course.
(4)Misi P.
Elotes - check. Ropa vieja - check. Moros y Cristianos - check. Tostones - check. You know, the elotes were a nice surprise (I usually don't expect them in a Cuban joint, but definitely Mexican and even Puerto Rican at times) and the food was great. I love the 50s Havana posters that decorate the place, making you feel like you're actually in Cuba (although you're really in a cramped little diner in NYC). The food was delicious and the margaritas were fine. Perfect for a crapass rainy day like Saturday was.
(4)Carl C.
Arrived at just the right moment (before the queue started outside) for a Saturday morning breakfast. Some tasty cuban food was found within, sure the place is cramped, sure the serving staff was overwhelmed by the crowds - but once I got my cafe con leche I didn't care. The eggs were good, the salsas by turns tangy and spicy, the chorizo ground and delicious. I really recommend trying it out some time, not sure if it would be worth a wait though, would depend on the day.
(4)Joyce B.
very very good grilled corn! it's pretty amazing with all of the seasoning! they actually make it right on the spot, which makes it amazing! i also tried the sweet fried plantains. however, those were quite soggy and oily. did not really like those. overall, it's good, it's cheap, and it's worth a try!
(4)Davey F.
the grilled corn is TWO DOLLARS. the best two bucks you'll ever spend.
(4)Cici T.
If I may, (and I will), I'd like to share my new find - the GRILLED CORN. Yes yes, I'm late to jump on the band wagon, but you know what they say. Better late than never. I had my doubts, because it really is just corn. That's grilled. And I don't like cheese - mozzarella and cheddar being the only exceptions - so I wasn't too fond of trying "cotija" cheese. Wikipedia says it has a dry consistency much like feta cheese, and that it tastes and smells similar to the more familiar Italian Parmesan. My heart sank at that point as I despise parmesan cheese. I took the first bite, waiting for a negative reaction which never came. I took a second bite. I looked at my grub bud. "Do you like it?" Took another bite. "OMG it's delicious!" Another bite. "AGHH. What is this?! Why is this SO GOOD?" Chomp chomp. "It's salty!" This ensued until I finished the cob of corn. Cotija is a slightly salted cheese that isn't pungent like most cheeses. It is dry, but it's shredded in a way that's not reminiscent of feta cheese. It's presented in smaller, longer pieces, so it's much more palatable and pleasant to eat. The mayo with chili powder is such a power couple! That punch of heat with the chili plus the creaminess of the mayo.. oh my lordy. The corn is served up with slices of lime, so if you like some acidity, get on with the squeezing. I went with the huevos divorciados (twas brunch time), a soupy hot mess which was excellent! The tomatillo and red salsa had intense flavors of peppers and spices, and together with my medium soft scrambled eggs, was like a mini soup. The black beans were perfect for this dish, which I had requested in lieu of the potatoes, because I thought the homefries would get too soggy too fast for this watery fest. The "sloppy pepe" was an open faced cuban sandwich of BBQ pulled pork topped with 2 eggs and some pickled onions that came with a side of greens. It's an excellent choice if you want the savoriness of cuban pork but still crave the eggs in the morning. Cubano party indeed!
(5)jt m.
Love the grilled corn (as does everyone else on yelp it seems). Mojitos are amazing. This place makes me want to go on vacation. I just hate the wait. And the table in the back corner by the bathroom that is really a 2 top but they always squeeze 4 people into it. And I somehow always end up with that table. And I've waited so long I'm just happy to be eating grilled corn and drinking Mojitos. I'd have more Mojitos if the waitress would please, PLEASE just come back to our table. I still heart you, Cafe Habana.
(3)Tina L.
Even though the place is tiny and sometimes getting seated takes a while, I had to give this place the full 5 stars because I just love it so much. The MUST-HAVE item? Grilled Corn!!! It's corn with the most magical combination of ingredients: mayo + cheese + chile powder + lime. Sounds weird? WRONG. The only weird thing about it is the strange addiction feeling you get after you finish; no matter how much you eat, you will definitely want more. Staff is really nice and friendly, which is always a plus in my book, and it's just a fun place to be! LOVE. IT.
(5)Broadway B.
Looking for breakfast in Soho? One of our favorite NYC downtown spots Cafe Habana has an Early Bird Breakfast special for $3.75 before 11:00am. That includes 2 eggs any style with their delicious homefries and toast. Good, cheap breakfast in a cool spot downtown is hard to find. Wait a couple of hours and you'll have to wait at least 45 minutes before you're seated! bwaybites.com/2012/01/ca…
(4)JL K.
Prepare for a tight squeeze BUT be ready to feel at home, enjoy decent food & AMAZING DRINKS, especially their Frozen Margaritas & Caiparhinas (I Love all 3, especially Strawberry & Mango!) This is a jeans & tshirt joint so come relaxed & ready to get messy with their FRESH GRILLED ELOTE!!! The servers are attentive & quick, especially Rose. She's funny, sweet & congenial without being overbearing. Definitely an relaxed experience destination!
(4)Ann P.
I have been there once. And when I realized that it was a set of friend with benefit scene. Yassssssss I crave their corn. Holy holy holy great one. I will back there for sure!!!! Service was really nice. :)
(5)Diana H.
Cafe Habana have a seat in cafe or a self pick up at the counter right next to each other. On the same corner. Self pick-up have minimal seatings inside and out. We chose the more casual, no-tip necessary setting. With so many friends hype and recommendation, I've finally gotten a chance to try out this place. The food was pretty bangin'. But what I wanted to try was the corn. I was a little disappointed with the sizing of the corn because it was on a "skinnier" side... But asides from that, the flavoring was good. Will definitely be back the next sunny day for a late lunch.
(3)Tanner E.
What a treat! I've come back the past two times while visiting since I discovered this place. The corn is as advertised AMAZING and the tres Maria's is fantastic for vegetarians... A NYC must.
(5)Haena Y.
I'm not even a fan of Cuban sandwiches and it was the best one I had. The corn is always a must!
(5)Judy C.
We came for a late lunch, and this place was quite packed! Well, the main eating area is pretty narrow. We sat at an area where elbows touched and BO could be smelled. Charming place but quite uncomfortable to sit. Service was mediocre. Our server was slow and not attentive whatsoever. Even though we were ordering, her eyes were looking elsewhere, and she appeared distracted. We ordered our drinks and food, and our drinks took a good 20 minutes before they arrived. I got the jicama salad, plantains, and a mojito. The jicama salad was quite good (comes with mangos and cranberries), and with a mojito, it was a refreshing meal for a hot humid day. The plantains were on par. My friend got the Tlacoyo de Tres Marias (corn shell stuffed with goat cheese, etc), and she liked it. I'd consider going again to give other dishes a try, but I'd probably go at a less busy time/sit elsewhere a tad more spacious (perhaps the bar area?).
(3)Becki M.
It's a pretty good place full of atmosphere, massive portion sizes with cafe style Latino food. Great if you want a quick, satisfying bite. I liked it, I just wouldn't go out of my way to go back again. It's a little too squishy to relax to the Cuban music. And because of it's location it seems like it's more "the place to go" rather than bloody fantastic experience.
(3)Andy N.
Awesome place, had the Cuban Sandwhich, it was so good, a must try if you go.
(4)Frankie B.
Was bit of a wait but worth it. Combination of spot on service and great Cuban fare was worth it. Try the pulled pork and the enchiladas along with a Pacifico. The neighborhood and atmosphere of the place was in of itself a pleasure. The grilled corn was pretty much amazing I have to say...
(4)Joey P K.
Wow. Definitely the biggest and best tasting Cuban Sandwich I've ever had in my life. Juicy meat, creamy sauce, crunchy pickles, on the perfect roll. And for a mere $2 the Grilled Corn was a perfect complement. They also have a delicious Grilled Chicken & Corn Salads too. I'm not sure what it is about the mustard vinaigrette dressing, but it goes so well w/ the corn and chicken. This is my go-to delivery lunch spot.
(5)Echo W.
This is a very vibrant place with great food. The restaurant is a bit cozy and the wait can be a while. I had Enchilada Suizas and the creamy green sauce was amazing. Next time I will try the grilled corn that seem to be on every table.
(4)Al L.
I have to say Thank you guys for bringing a decent Mexican food in the city.
(3)Tracy W.
I cannot resist Cafe Habana. Oh your cuban sandwiches are so good...and large. Your corn...your corn!! Ok I'm drooling just thinking about it. Long wait time at the sit down serviced one, but you can always try the to-go store if you walk a few more feet where they have small tables.
(5)Jeremy B.
I like it - good food. Fun place to go. It is more popular than it deserves to be though.
(3)Ashley G.
I need to talk about the corn again. The corn and I got together last week actually. I ordered it twice in one meal. I ate one ear from the first order (and reluctantly gave the other to my man-friend) and then both ears from the second! OH MY GOD. Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo good. I want to eat this every day. I'm now going to upload a pic of me and the earth-shattering corn so that you might understand the magic...
(5)Ali A.
Quite unique place. Atleast I haven't seen many Cuban places in the city. Their corn is the most famous and talked about item. My wife and daughter tried and loved it. I took the grille chicken sandwich. It was different and pleasantly surprising. It had some sort of sauce and red chilli peppers inside making the whole combination quite tasty. Their sauces on the side are must have. They are local alternatives to Tabasco etc. Overall, a very good discovery! There is a takeaway and a small restaurant on the same street side by side.
(4)Alex R.
best Cuban sandwich I've ever had in NYC. Succulent and delicious. Will definitely return. Staff is super friendly too
(5)Nina L.
I finally can say that I have tried the highly anticipated corn after waiting an hour for this place. I can also say that I tried the Tiacoyo De Tres Marias and the Cuban Sandwich because thats what 3 of the 4 people I was with ordered. And what do I say? It's all delicious! I love friends that don't eat!
(4)Scott S.
First let me say this, I went to Cafe Habana twice while I was in New York. I had to go back! I would eat here several times per week if I live in NYC. The first time I went was on Saturday at brunch. I had my server (I sat at the counter) order for me. I got the Chilaquiles Verde con Pollo. A great twist... I added two fried eggs. A-MAZING! I went back the next day (also during brunch) with my daughter and her friend. (They insisted after I told them about my meal and showed them a pic. I wasn't about to argue!) This time I had the grilled corn Mexican style. In-credible! Actually, sitting here now two weeks later, I can't remember what I ordered in addition to the corn, but it doesn't really matter, lol. The corn is what stuck in my mind. (And in my teeth!) Go here. You will thank me later! You might ask... "Then why only 4 stars?" It's just really small and crowded. Great vibe, though. Ok, 4.5 stars. Side note: My phone needed a charge and the server plugged it in behind the counter. She gets a star for that! P.S. The place is TINY, and you can't get seated until your whole party arrives. Our table for three of us was MAYBE 24" square. Just added to the experience. lol
(4)Jamie A.
Cafe Habana: I wish we had time and stomach space to try more here. We tried their street corn that came highly recommended, and it was one of the best things I ever put it my mouth with lots of Parmesan and red pepper or ground cayenne or paprika or something rolled all around the grilled corn on the cob. So very yummy and only $3.50. The Cuban sandwich was also currently voted the best in Manhattan, and as much as we wanted to sample it, we didn't get the chance. Next time. The tacos also looked pretty legit, which is saying something haling from southeast arizona near the Mexican border.
(5)Rick And Jemmy B.
I love the food for its price. I went there a few times when I was living in New York, and after moving away for two years, I still came back to this place when I visited last months. My favourite dish of all time here is huevos rancheros, and the corn came very close second.
(4)Ave Maria I.
I had to give it 5 stars because their corn is so delicious. But that's about it. I had such shitty service from the bartender I wanted to hit him with my corn after I was done eating.
(5)Magan T.
So many reviews, so I'll keep it short. I had the Portobello and Goat Cheese Sandwich. AMAZING! Then I tried the corn, which I kept reading about. It was good, but a little spicy. I normally like spicy, but this was all over my lips as I tried to eat the corn and burned them. Worth it though!
(4)Ben G.
BEST CORN EVER. So charming, you feel like you're in an island shack, and then when its over, you're right back in Manhattan.
(4)Cari C.
No AC so you may want to avoid in the heat of the summer but this didn't keep us away from enjoying a great lunch. The corn is a must and the mojitos were pretty good. Not the best, but perfect for a hot day in the city.
(4)Lisa W.
This is probably one of the best Cuban food I've tried, even better than Porto's in LA. The Cuban sandwich was nice and juicy, great pork meat, and the roasted pork again was nice and juicy. ONE BIG COMPLAINT: Okay, the waitress there need to get over themselves and not being able to make it as NY models and instead became servers for one of the hottest restaurants in NYC. We had the WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER. So we ordered, Julieta (the horrible waitress) took our order and along with 3 other parties that were sitting next to us. We all ordered the same thing, and in sequence. The first table got their food, we didn't. the third got theirs. Then the recently sat down 4th table ordered and got it before us. SHE NEVER CAME BACK TO EVEN CHECK UP ON US. I mean, I understand that this restaurant is small (in space) but busy, but wouldn't a smaller restaurant have BETTER customer service? You have less to cater to. But no, these girls just "dance" to the music and just talked among themselves. Geez, please at least fill our damn waters. Get over yourself and do what your job entitles you, sorry you flunk out of model school and have to work for the best restaurants in NYC. Ohh, so we asked the other waitress, because our never came around and we saw her standing at the computer doing sh*t. Apparently our order had a mixed up aka they never input it. After that we got our food like 5 minutes later, we thought the pork took long to roast or something, but it was the lack of their customer service. We ate as fast as we could and asked the check. They gave it to us, but we needed change, it TOOK ANOTHER 10 minutes to break a freaking $20? How does it take that long to break a $20?! We asked the waitress who we gave it to, she said it was coming... 10 minutes later, NOTHING. We asked another waitress, she finally gave us change. We DID NOT TIP THEM because they suck and never served us. they served everyone else. I would never go back to eat in, unless I see MALE servers, I'll do take out from now on-thank you very much. get over yourselves.
(4)Lynee L.
Been here several times & am never disapointed with the grilled corn. It's a must have! I would stick to the cuban dishes as they don't do mexican food that well. The drinks are good - had the mojito & limeade before. It's a tiny place so there may be a wait & it's not a place for a large party.
(4)April D.
Great corn as previous reviews stated. Great spot for a quick bite before hitting the streets to shop! Got in before the lunch rush - even saw Jared Leto.
(4)Kevin C.
nom nom nom that's the first thing that comes to mind when I think about the grilled corn @ Cafe Habana. It's so legit, best corn I've had in a while. a MUST HAVE if you visit this tiny neighborhood joint. This place gets crowded quick, so expect a wait, or come on an off time. I also recommend the steak and eggs, it was tender, tasty, scrumptious. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu here. The chefs here know what they doing! The only problem is getting a seat without being scrunched into a corner. Oh, the things we do for good food!
(4)Dave S.
I recently saw the Bobby Flay Throwdown about Cubanos. The sandwich produced by the guy in Miami looked so good, I had to find a good one. I tried a few in Los Angeles and none looked like the ones on Throwdown until I had one today at Cafe Habana. The cafe has two store fronts. One is the restaurant with table service. The other is a To Go store which is more informal and I felt I was in a storefront in Cuba. The woman behind the counter had an accent and the guys working the grill made it feel legit Cuban. I don't know if they were Cuban, but it was more comfortable eating on the small tables in an informal setting. The sandwich is big. It has a lot of ham, shredded pork, pickles cut lengthwise and some swiss cheese. Just like the one on Throwdown. The only difference is the dressing. Throwdown had mayo and mustard. This one has a chipotele mayo which gave it a nice bit of heat. The bread was pressed nice and crispy. It was so perfectly crunchy, it was a challenge to bite through the crispy bread without having all the meat squeezing out between the bread. It is a 5 napkin sandwich which is a good thing.
(5)Charlie C.
It's so strange that I come here, and I run into people that I know. People that come all the way from the Upper West to get the Mexican grilled corn. I guess I should be thankful that I only live a 15-min walk away. The Cuban sandwich was definitely one of the better ones I've ever had. One thing that people don't usually get is the frozen mojitos, which is like a slushy, because you can only get those in the sit-down restaurant. Some interesting things to note: * For 3 people, the wait was a ridiculous one hour on a Saturday night * Corn at the take-out is $2 per ear, $4.95 for two at the sit-down * Cuban sandwiches at the take-out are $7.50, $9.50 at the sit-down, but they come with fries * Frozen mojitos are only available at the sit-down restaurant
(5)Ebony C.
1st and foremost I'm biased when it comes to any type of Hispanic food. BUT Cafe Habana is the best Lil spot of Cuban cuisine I've had in the past 2 weeks...LOL! I went here for my sister/friend & my bday brunch...we 2 Virgo's luv us some Cuban. We both got the steak & eggs b/c we are carnivores, the steak was seasoned just right... all I needed was my Lil bottle of my salsa lizano and it would've been PERFECT! We shared an order of the tastiest pancakes that I think they make it grease...the way its suppose to be made! The iced cafe con leche was on point w/ my Cuban granny's cafe bustelo. This place is really TIGHT but so worth it!!
(5)Rhistina R.
The Cuban Sandwich was alright. There wasn't anything wrong with it. Just wasn't impressed is all. Same goes for the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Good but nothing special. The real star is the Grilled Corn. Delicious! The flavors of the charred kernels with the cheese! UGH. And the chili powder (or cayenne pepper?) with the zesty lime. YUMMMMM so good.
(3)Angela N.
I only have one thing (beside the corn, see Habana To-Go post) to boast about here, the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta ($12.95) - two pieces of thick cut pork chops smothered by a mushroom wine reduction. It's a rich dish but it's so good; you can easily share this with a friend (or box half the food to go)! I'm holding onto the extra star because your experience can be hit or miss here 'cause it's dependent on the server you get that day(they can be awful, rude, friendly, scattered, indifferent, etc.). All in all, a game of roulette people should try at least once. It's a gamble but sometimes you do have to put in a little to get something...good to eat.
(4)Rho T.
Oh my god the bomb dot com right here. I ordered the popular Cuban Sandwich. For $7.95 you get Roast Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese and Pickles on toasted bread, with fries. It was good. But you know what was better? My friend's Grilled Steak Sandwich. For $9.25 you get the Grilled steak, onions & peppers with chipotle mayonnaise. DIE. She made that face after she bit into it. So I proceeded to take a bite of her other half. I made the same face, even more exaggerated. Oh. My. God. Were we just hungry? Is that why we were jockin? No dude. HELLA good. Lastly the Grilled Corn, Mexican style for $4.25: served w/Chili powder, lime, and salty ass cotija cheese. How good was this? There was a 12 year old girl sitting diagonally across from me wearing braces and tearing this corn up. Are you even supposed to eat corn like that w/braces?? I was worried for her for a second. But after I bit into my corn, I was like, eat it, Sista, eat it. They didn't make floss threaders for nothin. It's a small joint, and there could be a wait, but you a foo if you'll let that stop you. Hello Grilled Steak Sandwich I love You.
(5)Sourivone V.
Cafe Habana is the best Cuban Restaurant I've ever been to! It's bursting with flavor. It's a tad small and you'll feel claustrophobic. But if you don't mind food over matter, its definitely worth going! DELICIOUS!!!!! 1) Roasted Corn 2) Huveros Rancheros 3) Cuban Coffee
(5)Joanna F.
My friend recently moved to NYC and on my trip to visit her for the first time there, she suggested we come here for dinner. I was ravenous by the time we got there around 8 pm. This place is tiny, but we only had about a 10 minute wait even though it was a Friday night. We were seated nches from two people, which made for some awkward moments, but it was fine. We got the corn cakes to start. A little dry, not super flavorful, but still fairly good. I got the pork combo for my dinner. Very flavorful pulled pork with rice and beans... delish. My friend got a stuffed pepper thing, since that was the only thing on the menu that was vegetarian, so this place is not super vegetarian friendly. She loved her meal either way. We also split a pitcher of sangria. Very tasty but not super strong, which we were actually pretty happy about. Overall a good, affordable meal. And apparently Matthew McConaughey eats here too... so that's worth a trip on it's own!
(4)Michelle F.
I went here for dinner yesterday and it was a great experience! It's a really small place, but if you get there before the dinner crowd, it's not too bad of a wait (20 minutes). PROS: -good service! -food comes out fast -mango margarita was DELISH!!!!!!!!! -ordered the chicken with garlic sauce, spicy spinach and rice...excellent!!! I wasnt sure about ordering chicken bc it's usually dry and in chunks but this was thin and tender! LOVED the sauce..LOVED the rice! -bf ordered the fish tacos with rice and beans. ALL VERY GOOD. -ambiance is cute...music is a bit loud, but it goes with the whole vibe. -bathroom was clean too! CONS: - a bit small...you're really close to the person next to you. i'd definitely come again and recommend people to go :)
(4)Briana H.
I returned to Cafe Habana last night after a lengthy hiatus. It had been so long since I had dined there that I forgot all about the food, save for the tasty Mexican-style corn on the cob. Since corn on the cob is really a summer treat for me, I instead went with the ensalada de jicama and the tlacoyas con tres marias. I don't think there's a tastier salad in the world than the ensalada de jicama. I couldn't stop eating it. I wanted to marry it, and briefly wondered while I was consuming it if Jimmy McMillan might conduct the ceremony now that he's not doing anything. The sweet mangoes, jicama, and dried cranberries contrasted beautifully with the slightly garlicky vinaigrette. It's the best thing I've eaten in a long time. The tlacoya con tres marias was a little less pleasing, mostly because the corn tortilla was rather crisply fried. Also, the chipotle salsa it's bathed in set my tongue aflame, and later my bowels. Still, it was tasty enough for me to eat most of it, and the goat cheese helped to soak up some of the spiciness. But I should've taken a Zantac beforehand. The hubs ordered the cuban sandwich and reported that it was "like no other sandwich" he had ever eaten. Normally he gets a takeout box and saves part of dinner for tomorrow's breakfast, but he pounded it down in one sitting. The fries were also very nicely done- crispy and fried in peanut oil. We started off with a cocktail that was called something like Dia del Amor. It had St. Germain, tequila, hot sauce, and lime juice, and was a wonderful, kicked-up take on a margarita. I am especially fond of St. Germain and plan to attempt it at home, but if you don't fancy yourself a mixologist, just go there and get one as soon as possible. With salt. Delicious. The only thing that Cafe Habana lacks is enough space to eat comfortably. It is usually always packed, so be prepared to encounter someone's elbow or get whacked by someone's purse at some point. That said, the food and beverages are good enough to put up with the lack of personal space. Just hang your purse or man-bag on your knee and dig in.
(4)Eileen C.
Grilled Corn FTW - covered in delicious spices, cheese and other awesome ingredients. We were pleasantly surprised to get 2 cobs per order. Perfect for sharing! Roast Pork FTW - A very hearty meal. Roast pork was very tender... similar to a plate full of carnitas? Cuban Sandwich FTW - Perfect for those roast pork lovers who don't like the beans and want some fries The long long wait FTL - This place is super small. Expect to wait, even if you get there at 9pm.
(4)Donna A.
I think this place is much more about the beautiful people than the delicious food, though I must agree that the grilled corn is sick! I don't even like spicy food but the chili and cheese is so complimentary. The Cuban sandwich was just ok. I needed a bit more substance and less bread. Wait staff is friendly and we had a good spot next to the window to enjoy a nice end of summer day in Nolita.
(3)Meg N.
Best way to describe this place is a Cuban diner. Small, bustling, and packed in. Luckily we only had to wait 10 minutes before being tucked into a corner, practically on top of the table next to us. My friend had raved about the grilled corn (this being before I read the many reviews of it on here after) so I felt like I had to try it out- definitely the best part of the meal! Cheesy, salty, buttery goodness. I had split it with a friend but easily could have eaten both. And kudos to Cafe Habana for providing the toothpick after..smart! The Enchiladas Suizas were good, but not a stand out from ones I've had other places. I'm told the mojitos are good, but I'm not a big fan so I didn't try one. Relatively inexpensive and definitely tasty. Worth it if the wait isn't long... oh and yes, get the corn!
(3)Jaina P.
One word: ELOTES!!! First of all, I am a huge fan of Mexican corn! I am definitely one to reluctantly pay the $5 at a county fair or amusement park for corn, but will make the purchase knowing the corn will be the highlight of my day. So I decided to try Café Habanas after a friend recommended their grilled corn. It's a small Cuban shop with a separate restaurant for people who would like to dine in. We ordered 2 orders of the grilled corn Mexican style, which was their specialty. They were $2.00 each, not bad considering I pay double the price in California. The wait was pretty long, however it was totally worth it. The corn was perfectly grilled and the combination of cheese and chili was more flavorful than any Mexican corn I've had. I would have preferred that the corn was hot when I received it. I don't know if it had cooled down because we got it wrapped in a foil to go, but I know that it would have been perfect if the temperature was just right. Nevertheless, their corn is worth they hype.
(4)Jen Y.
got there for a super late lunch but the place was still packed. we got a tiny table packed between a booth table and another small table next to us. there was literally about half a foot of space on each side. honestly, if i were to live in nyc, i think i'd develop claustrophobia with all the restaurants that insist on packing as many people in as small a space as possible and all the stores that are the size of a small walk-in closet. at the same time, i realized this was how we got seats as fast we did. pros and cons... as for the food, i think the this was not bad for manhattan. the corn appetizer was good, but i've had better in sf. i think there may have been too much sauce, and it needed a little more cheese and spice. the corn also was a bit hard. maybe i've spoiled with better produce in sf? that's what it seems like although the restaurants and chefs seem to be higher in quality in manhattan. i liked the fish tacos more than i expected. the fish was fried well, and the slaw gave the flavor a nice balance. the beans and rice were also delicious and tasted authentic. my bf really enjoyed his cuban sandwich and lemonade, which was pretty sour and tart. overall, the food is really good. the service is alright. and the prices are reasonable.
(4)Morgan W.
That would be a 5-star if we didn't have to wait bloody 2 hours for a table, especially after the hostess seated a friend and her group ahead of us. She was nice about it, but we were a little put out. The food is great (gimme some corn!), but I would purposefully come at an off-hour, I am not a fan of long waits - luckily it was nice weather and I wasn't starving...yet.
(4)Kim-van T.
If you decide to come here on a Saturday afternoon for lunch be prepared for a really.... really long wait. The wait was easily 30min to an hour long.... This guy outside started chatting us up and telling us how he used to come to Cafe Habana ALL the time but that he stopped because the wait was just getting more and more ridiculous. Once you step inside you'll realize why the wait is so long - the place is TINY. There aren't very many tables and even then they're all pretty close together. Well if you can get over the wait I must say that the food is pretty tasty. We of course had to have the grilled Mexican corn - the cheese gets everywhere, especially in your teeth! They include toothpicks with your order of corn =P. The bf decided to have the fish tacos and I had the Chicken Diablo sandwich. It takes forever to get seated but the food comes out with the quickness! The sandwich was pretty yums and I really liked the fries. The portions were pretty big - I only ended up eating half of my sandwich and I thought I was hungry! Our server was really sweet but the lady who was taking names at the door was not. I'll just leave it at that. It definitely was yummy but I don't feel the need to come back again.
(4)Mary F.
The Bad - Cuban sandwich doesn't seem like its the best in nyc (maybe it's too meaty for me...needs more veggies) - Disappointed from corn....maybe because i had it cold The Good - Portobello and goat cheese (yummy!!) - Fish sandwich (this is better than the portobello one...nice and crispy and not that spicy) The Bottomline- Worth checking out. Get the fish sandwich..you can go wrong with it! Really crowded during lunch hours.
(3)Alexandra H.
Café Habana was my first experience with Cuban food. It.was.amazing. I had the tostadas de pollo & split a torta with my mom. I STILL have dreams about that torta. I also randomly heard that this is Justin Timberlake's favorite restaurant. It was probably his inspiration for the song "My Love"--let's be real. Personally, I love that this place is so unassuming, yet has legitimately awesome food. (It's obnoxious when a place tries to hide mediocrity behind a swanky interior.) Eat here. You'll get your money's worth...and FedEx a torta to Minneapolis while you're at it!
(5)Jin Y.
Got here around 6-7pm on a weekday, no line! Yay! Do come early! We ordered the grilled corn a must! Very delicious!! Grilled just right, just the right amount of cheese, chili powder, and mayo. Comes with a lime wedge but I didn't use that. Also had the Enchiladas Suizas, the creamy sauce was sour and it wasn't my cup of tea, rice and beans was very delicious. It got pretty crowded after half an hour when we were there, the waitresses were busting their ass and you'll have to wait a bit if you need an extra plate or something. But it's understandable, only 2 person covering the floor with so many customers in this tiny restaurant. I'll definitely try the sandwiches next time.
(3)Bryan M.
One of my fav places in the city. Excellent affordable Cuban food!
(5)katie j.
Five stars for corn, two for service and the tiniest bathrooms ever, three for most everything else. Corn tips the scale for a weighted average of... 4 stars! If you're like me, you're primarily reading yelp reviews because you love food and want to find the best possible eats available. So when hundreds of people mention the word "corn" in their Cafe Habana yelp reviews, you'd better order the corn. The reviews don't lie -- the corn is pretty darn amazing. They've raised the prices a bit over the years. It's now $4.25 for two pieces (still completely worth every penny). The grilling can be hit or miss, sometimes the corn ends up a bit too charred but 9 times out of 10 it's perfect. Smothered in mayo, chili powder, cheese and served with a lime wedge, it's the perfect combination for a latin party in your mouth. For dinner, I also like the cuban sandwiches,the roast pork/beans/rice and the enchiladas de mole poblano (though not all at the same time). It's been awhile since I've had breakfast here, but I remember liking the huevos rancheros. The restaurant is tiny. Don't even think about bringing a large group, it's hard enough to get a table for more than two. Also, I consistently hate the service. Can't blame them for their grumpiness seeing as how anyone would hate working in such a tight, loud space... but I've always encountered a host or waiter in a foul mood every time I've dined here. They're usually cordial at best. The Bottom Line: Come for the corn, it's worth the hype. Expect a wait!
(4)Will L.
Fantastic grilled corn and sopesitos. We'll definitely be going back.
(5)Anna L.
Ok, look. The food is good. Do not get me wrong. You won't be disappointed with that. But the service and the people that work there.....not good. Came in, was seated. No one gave us any water or anything. We asked for it, received some attitude, and our waitress then proceeded to never get us water and decided to just dance around the restaurant thinking she was really cool instead. When we asked her for it again, she acted like she had never heard us the first time. Also mind you, it was a cold, rainy day. And all of the windows were open. When asked if it was possible to close the windows, the woman basically said "I can try but I need ventilation in here" ok??? Apparently it WAS cold because soon after, the people working there put shirts on! Not to mention there are windows all around the place, she could have just closed ours and went on with her day. But again with the attitude. Lastly, as she took our plates away, she noticed I was still finishing my food and literally TOSSED the dipping sauce across the table at me. Oh, thanks a lot. For throwing that little cup at me. It really put a damper on the whole thing and it's too bad. What is it about the NoLita neighborhood that everyone is TOO COOL TO GIVE YOU SERVICE ??????????????? It's just annoying at this point. So if you're not a super cool hipster, you've been warned.
(3)nancy f.
Wait was pretty long as the place is tiny and crowded, but it was definitely worth the wait just for the corn. There is a take-out restaurant right next door, but I opted to wait for a seat. Everything on the menu is reasonably priced. Corn was only $2 each and I had the chilaquiles for $8. The chilaquiles were okay, but I think I've been spoiled by having homemade chilaquiles by a friend. The corn though, is so delectable...I could've just ordered more corn and passed on my main entree. Interested in trying other things on the menu, but the corn alone is enough to draw me back next time I'm in NY.
(4)Jaci H.
Although small and usually a pain to get into - this place is truly tasty. I've been here twice and will certainly come back again. I would recommend going as early as possible to avoid the long wait. The food is worth it though. I recommend the corn - which everyone raves about for good reason. Bring floss!! I also recommend the shrimp in spicy garlic sauce. It was SO yummy I ate the whole thing!!! The rice and beans are really good too. Overall, a yummy place to eat but be prepared to wait.
(4)Jeanette F.
This is hands down one of my favorite restaurants in the city!! It's a tiny little place but the food is yummy! I usually get roast pork, rice and beans, a salad and mango margarita, yum! Not to mention the amazing delicious grilled corn as my app. OMG!!!! Place is cramped but so worth the wait!!! One time I saw the singer Sean Paul there, too funny.
(5)Lawrence L.
Tight space and popularity makes this place perpetually crowded during lunch and dinner. I usually do take out from the resturant (vs. the actual take out area) because there are more options. The grilled corn is the best - heavy on cheese and butter, topped off with chili powder and at a great price.
(4)Lisa L.
It's funny cause around the time I was totally craving this mexican corn thing, this lady who use to sell it out of a shopping cart by my mom's store was shut down by the cops =(. It was my 20th bday and my uncle's gf decided to take me on a mini soho food adventure.This place was like our dessert. The corn was good, but a little too much spice that I couldn't handle. Personally I feel the cart lady was better, but none the less still tasty!
(4)Corinne M.
I love this place. Someone took me here on a date and I'm eternally grateful for the introduction. The atmosphere is fun and the music is loud in a fun and non disruptive way. The wait is annoying, but a hint is to go in a party with even numbers and go before 7 or after 10. They seat to maximize efficiency of the tiny cafe, so if there is a party of three amidst a sea of two and four tops, you are going to wait until all the four and two tops are seated. Anyway, the food is worth the wait. The corn is really good and the corn cake appetizers are amazing. The entrees and drinks are great. Best frozen margaritas I've had in a really long time. Try the strawberry mango or strawberry guava marg. I love this cafe. :)
(5)Cecilia Z.
I have been coming to Cafe Habana for as long as I've lived in NYC... and what a beautiful 3 years it has been. The grilled mexican corn is, for the millionth time, something extraordinary. Most of the other menu options are delicious and filling as well. I especially like the huevos rancheros, sauteed spinach plate served with rice and black beans, jicama salad, veggie quesadilla, fish tacos and plantains. The black beans, although just a side, is insanely delicious. It's creamy yet still al dente, with just the right amount of lime to brighten it up. I swear you could throw some of those black beans on anything and I would be glad to eat it. And now that I eat meat, I'm pretty eager to try their cuban sandwich sometime. I wonder if it's really the "#1 in NYC" ? Cafe Habana is definitely worth all the hype. It's great to see a casual, affordable neighborhood joint like this put so much love into what they do.
(4)Jenina S.
I was debating between a 3 and a 4 rating, but the service was so awful I had to knock it down. Waitress (who was both rude and slow) informed us that the fryer was down, so we didn't get to order the tostones. BUT we did get the corn, and if you don't get the corn, then you clearly did not read one review for this place because the corn is awesome!! I had the Huevos Rancheros and the sauce is delicious so I would recommend. Seating can be awkward since the place is super tiny, but considering it is NYC sitting on top of other people is acceptable. I would definitely give it a second chance. I think I'm biased because of the bad service, but definitely not worth a 5.
(3)Mike B.
Meh. OK. Small place, cool, hip vibe, waitresses were really nice and friendly... but the food was OK. I think it deserves a 2nd shot, but El Vaquero in Columbus, Ohio still has the best mole dish. The drinks hit hard though and were really tasty. We need to go back and try the corn... that might bring it from a 3 to a 4.
(3)Josh W.
I came by here for dinner and it was pretty packed. The place is small and they seem to cram people into the tiny seating area, but luckily I got a great table next to the window. I decided to split the mexican corn (Grilled, cotija cheese, mayo, cayenne), along with fish tacos, and the cuban sandwich. The Mexican corn was very good and I can see why its mentioned in most reviews. Its rich and just works very well, a delicious way to start off the meal. The fish tacos were very mediocre. They were lightly battered, but I wish they were a bit crispier and had a different sauce to go along with them. The chipotle salsa that came with it was very good, but I was left wishing there was something more with the dish. The cuban sandwich however, was very good. It was just a perfect sandwich. There was a good amount of pork and ham and it was just tasty. The sandwich was pressed well and so the bread was crunchy and fluffy. Overall a very good meal. I would stick with the Mexican corn and the Cuban next time and would recommend it to anyone looking for some good Cuban food.
(4)Matt L.
Always a stop when I visit NY. The mojitos, cubans, and of course the grilled corn...damn, wish I was there now. Dark decor & SoHo cool. They opened one up in Malibu, Ca, but it doesn't have the same feel as the original. GREAT PLACE...can't wait to visit again.
(4)Erin B.
Heard about this place from a friend and wow... If you're ever in NY and want the best corn in the world....COME HERE! I really wish that there was a way to describe it other than "mouth orgasm" but there isn't. Tried to replicate it when I got back to Cali, but it's just not the same. I swear I will come back and enjoy this time and time again (at least twice during my visit). I still dream of you....
(5)Will C.
Get and got the Cubano, grilled corn, plantains, and homemade lime lemonade. Also tried the fish burrito and queso/tomato/avocado sandwich compliments of J&J. We ate it outside the togo area because the wait was 2+ hours. @Jenn, thanks sis for planning this one! & splitting the Cubano sandwich! @Wing, it tastes the same as Habana Outpost, except with more things. @Jimmy, where are the pictures? Enjoy karaoke! @Jennifer, tell Jimmy to send me the pics will ya? Thanks! @Sandy, wasn't it all yummy? Wolverine! @Karen & Dickson, what next? cheap drinks after dinner! Note to restaurant owners: When do you have deals on your $8 frozen mojitos???
(5)Leighann F.
Update warranted: I've recently chosen to pursue a vegetarian diet and Café Habana still holds a majority if my heart when it comes to cheap, delicious, classic NYC eats. Though I'd normally wolf down a skirt steak or Cuban sandwich, today i was satisfied with a filling meatless option. Vegetarian Tacos + grilled corn + a margarita = a full and happy belly. My six year love affair with the little restaurant on Prince and Elizabeth continues!
(5)Steve L.
Cafe Habana started my grilled corn fascination, ever since I had it a couple of months ago. I recently visited this small and cozy place again to coat my taste buds with the savory sweetness of the grilled corn, smoothness of the mayo, tanginess of the (cotija or queso fresco?) cheese, spicy chili powder, and the sour touch of a juicy lime. Amazing, as always. Although this visit had me a little disappointed because it didn't taste like it used to, but that could be due to me loving the grilled corn at Dos Segundos (Philly) lately. That aside, Cafe Habana still serves a mean grilled corn. Kudos to the amazing hand lettered menu on the wall.
(4)Rebecca S.
Discovered this place on a fluke and had the best sandwich I ever had. Their Cuban sandwich is a revelation and cannot and will not disappoint. I was never so thrilled with two accidental consecutive decisions. Delicious.
(5)Sarah G.
So I saw online that this place had an exercise bike you could ride to power a blender to make your own smoothie for $1 off which is what brought me here, but the second I walked in and saw no exercise bike I was a little sad.....Turns out their other location the "outpost" one has the bike....booooo Good thing that cuban/mexican corn they make here almost made up for the fact that I could power my own smoothie to be blended! You get two ears of corn grilled perfectly on skewers and then they are smothered in chili powder and cream and cotija cheese......mmmmmm If you want to see someone eat corn quickly, this is the place to go! I was sad once my ear of corn was finally empty!!! They definitely make a fair amount of profit on those pieces of corn considering two were $4.25 ha We also got their cuban sandwich which was full of awesome tasty pork and this cheese and pickles and it was so so good. Mainly because the bread on that sandwich was just the tastiest grilled bread ever! We got their chicken diablo sandwich also which was good, but nothing in comparison to that cuban sandwich. Our server was right to steer me toward ordering that cuban because it made Matt J. and I very happy Cuban eaters!!! Plus each sandwich came with fries and those were also really good! We thought part way into our sandwiches that we were way too full to carry on and finish the food we ordered, but like true Americans, we just sat and let our tummies rest and then powered through more food! I did cheat and take some of the bread off my diablo sandwich, but we definitely got our money's worth in this tiny little popular spot! Be prepared to wait a little bit on weekends! But that corn and that cuban sandwich make it so worth it! Oh and one of the servers (may be on the of the owners?) also may dance a little bit near your table when certain songs come on. It was awesome.
(4)Christine Y.
I came here on a Friday night around 6 - about 30 min before the crazy dinner rush. I have to say, while the food was decent, the service was so bad that I'm tempted to demote it to 1 star. When we got there, we asked the hostess for a table for 2 - she replied "3-5 min". After waiting (with a few others) outside for a good 20 min, we realized customers that came after us were being seated before us. When we asked for clarification on how long our wait was, the hostess replied hostilely "You're not on my list!" When we tried to explain what we asked earlier, she just stared blankly at us and snottily retorted "Well did you even give me your name?" I'm sorry, but who's job is it to put customers on the list? She never even asked! Finally, she scribbles our name on top of the list and storms off. Another 10 min go by and the hostesses switch off - more people get seated. We followed up again, only to find the NEW hostess's list doesn't even have our name on it! She transcribed the waiting list to the new girl and left us out, yet again! We were so steamed. It had been nearly 40 min since we arrived (when it was practically empty) and still hadn't been seated. With a bit of irony, the obnoxious hostess turned out to be our waiter. FAIL. The food, on the other hand, was great. We ordered the grilled Mexican corn of course (a must-have, even for someone who's not really into cheese), which came 2 to an order. They were grilled to perfection, sweet, and topped with cotija cheese and chili powder. The sopesitos (corn cakes with 3 different salsa and beans) were good too. We ordered the grilled shrimp tacos and Cuban sandwich for entrees, and 2 hibiscus iced teas. The shrimp tacos were good but there was so much salsa inside that the tortillas were all soggy and falling apart on my plate. It was impossible to pick up and eat. The Cuban sandwich was devine though - toasted bread, pulled pork, ham, cheese, and pickles. The fries were just okay. The atmosphere is lively, but very, very small. You literally have your butt on the edge of someone else's table as you're squeezing your way into the booth seat. Your elbows are touching the person next to you the whole time and the tables are so tiny that your dishes are all precariously balanced. Overall, we were happily stuffed beyond recognition but it would take a lot for me to come back between the awful service and cramped atmosphere. I find it too stressful.
(3)Megan C.
I knew the second I read all these fabulous reviews that I had to check out Cafe Habana. Believe the hype, amigos, this place is ridiculous. The space is tiny and cramped, but it's cute and bright, a little paradise on Prince. Yelp warned of long lines, but they kept things moving pretty fast and my man and I only waited maybe ten minutes. I started off fast with a strawberry mimosa (pulpy and delightful!) and an order of the corn. HOLY SHIT. I could eat seven ears of this corn and keep on going. Grilled and covered with butter, cheese, lime, and chili powder, this isn't your ordinary backyard corn on the cob. I got the huevos con chorizo, which didn't disappoint. Chorizo has such a smoky, distinctive flavors, and it was paired with some out-of-this-world black beans. The star of the show is definitely the corn, but you're guaranteed to enjoy the whole meal!
(5)Iris M.
Nice stop after walking aimlessly through Chinatown at 9 o'clock in the morning. I ordered Rachel's breakfast which consisted of sunny side up eggs, beans, homefries. I was kind of bummed that you had to order extra tortillas. Tortillas should be a given with beans y huevos. The two ladies with me had a hamburger and the torta con queso y aguacate. They enjoyed their meals. Chiledas not made as good but acceptable. Frozen margarita is okay. What I love most about this place is the decor and neigborhood feel. You don't get the feel that tons of tourist are invading the space. I'll be sure to try the corn when I come back!
(3)Jane J.
Dear Cafe Habana, Your corn is the crack to my addiction but......what on earth is going on with the cuban sandwiches? I've been yours truly for the past three months and haven't dared to find another......is it because I don't come in more than once a week to visit? I understand that you may be hot and cold at times, but you've been rubbing me the wrong way lately. It's either a hit or miss with you and although I probably will won't venture out to another for a cuban......I hope that we can work things out down the road in the near future so I can once again be a happy camper. You're either super duper delicious with a side of crispy fries or cold and yuckie with soggie day old fries...I don't think this is a healthy relationship for us. On another note...the waitresses seem angry and frigate like damn bitch this is your job, smile a little. I understand it's busy....but what did I ever do to you? I order...I smile...I say thank you...I wait patiently for my cold food when it's not busy and I tip you 18 percent and let you carry on with your day. If I dare to ask for a beer, or ask you for anything a matter of fact.........you shot me a look like I slapped your mama and that shit is not cool. Please bring the love back into this relationship. I believe it can happen... Yours Truly, Me
(3)Carol F.
The last time I was here I was in high school. To me, the quality of their Cuban sandwich has declined. The pork and bread were yummy, but the pickles (my favorite part!) were thin, soggy cucumbers. They somewhat ruined the sandwich for me, as I was really looking forward to fatty pork with crunchy pickles. My sister and her fiance both had burgers and they were so dry they could hardly get it down their throats. My husband had the enchiladas which were mediocre at best. The wait here is also ridiculous. The hostess kept telling us "soon" and "a few more minutes" - we ended up waiting for 40 minutes. That is ridiculous for a place like this. The only reason there's a long wait is because its in the SoHo area and people there don't eat (haha, just kidding, not really). Some guy walking by actually stopped and asked me if it was *that* good. We told him we actually prefer Habana Outpost in Brooklyn. We won't be returning.
(2)Robert M.
A really good place to eat. The cuban sandwich is very good, the corn cake with goat cheese and tomatoes was also great. Their famous corn is awesome...with a lot of spices, parmesan cheese, and a nice aioli on there. Atmosphere makes you feel like you are in Cuba too.
(4)Gabriela R.
I went here with my cousins when I was visiting the East Coast. This place seems a little small and was pretty crowded but since my cousin said this place was THE bomb, I took his word for it! Surprisingly, the wait didn't take as long as I thought. My cousin told us that whatever we do, we need to get the corn. Coming from San Francisco, we have corn like this so I wasn't sure how this could be better... but DAMN, it was. I swear, I didn't know corn could be so good. It was a little spicy but still, so good! We got the Chuleta de Puerco a la Pimienta based on my cousin's recommendation. We got the saute spinach w/ it. Good lord, that was freakin' delicious! I swear... every bite was better and better. My husband even said it was one of the best things he had ever eaten. The whole experience was just awesome! Being with good company and good food... there's nothing better!!!
(4)Jane P.
Man, the grilled corn this time wasn't as great. It was kind of dry and not juicy like last time. Nevertheless the Baja Fish Tacos were delicious, as was my friend's fish dish (I forget what it's called.) Another 30 min. wait and impossible to converse but you really shouldn't need to talk - just enjoy the food.
(4)Jon E.
I'm not going to add anything to the discussion. You know it and I know it, this place is freakin' awesome. Best. Cuban Sandwich. Ever. And the roasted corn thing? Isaygoddamn! The dinning room is tiny (you literally feel like you're sitting on top of other people at times), but if you're willing to select from a more limited menu, there's like an annex around the corner on Elizabeth. I know 900 people died in Jonestown, but 1200 people can't be wrong. Take a swig of that kool-aid and join us, it's that good.
(5)Kevin J.
Best Cuban sandwich in the city, get the Mexican orange soda to compliment it. Awesomely authentic!
(5)Patrick M.
I landed in New York and spent much of the afternoon walking around aimlessly in the big city, working up a great appetite in the process. My friend told me to go to Cafe Habana for lunch. I took his advice and stumbled on the small diner. It has a very authentic feel to it when you step in. Four tables with two chairs each and stool seating lining the windows. The place is not lit and has the essence that on a hot day only a small fan would cool the room. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich upon the server's recommendation and a Jarrito's Limon. It turned out to be $11. I was expecting a large sandwich and when it came out it was comparable to the size of Panera Bread's. I was disappointed at first glance but the sandwich was pretty good. The sauce and veggies were complementary to the fresh baguette it is served on. However, the biggest letdown was how much bang I got for my buck. By meal's end, my stomach was still growling. For a takeout lunch spot, $11 for a sandwich (no side) and drink is a little steep, especially when I'm left with more room in my stomach.
(3)Amanda L.
Is delicious Mexican-style corn worth waiting almost two hours for because of poor service? Kind of. Maybe. In the end, not really. Upon arrival to Cafe Habana, a half an hour wait was actually not so bad. It built up my hunger and excitement since it has been a while since I have eaten here before. Once we finally got seated, we weren't able to order for about 15 minutes because our waitress was not around, talking to people outside. Then we were asked to move to a booth because a party of 3 was coming in and could only fit at our present table. We moved with drinks on the house, which was nice of them. When we finally ordered, that's when time started ticking. That party of 3 I mentioned that came after us? They had a table of food and drinks already. It was just us and our mojitos. After nearly an hour of being seated, one complaint finally got us our corn and a second complaint got us our food (only an appetizer and a sandwich). The waitress claimed there was a mistake made along the line and comp'd our entire meal. They handled it nicely but I am not sure if this poor service will be worth returning to, even though the corn is pretty damn awesome...At least there's always a take-out option!
(2)R B.
I was very disappointed with cafe habana last night. I expected a wait, so the the 30 minutes standing outside to get a table wasn't that bad. However, upon finally being seated, and then being asked to move to another table, we had to wait 30 or so minutes to order our dinner. I Ordered the Cuban sandwich and my date ordered the corn. After 1 hour of waiting for our food and asking 3 times where it was, we finally got served. The server gave us free drinks and the meal was on the house. I appreciated this, but I still left the place in a foul mood. I don't think I'll be going back anytime soon. Sad really, because their food is delicious.
(2)Emiko T.
It's not even funny how serious the corn is. You'll never eat your veggies in the same way again unless they're smothered in cheese, chili powder and lime juice. I don't even want to write much about it, because descriptive words CANNOT do this corn justice. It's the most succulent thing your lips have ever encountered. You take a bite and your teeth just sink into the thick layers of corn. As your come up for air and your nose is covered in white powder like so many Wall St. execs, you'll start to taste each flavor, first with the roasted, buttery corn, then the cheese that is melting off of the teeth marks you just made. and finally the kick of lime accentuates each flavorful morsel. And the fact that you only spent $2 for each ear makes you justify wanting to buy eight more and call it a day. This corn is that piece of food you crave when you're hundreds of miles away from Cafe Habana, lying in bed at night, wondering why you ever left a city capable of turning out such exquisitely delicious and affordable food. No fuss, simple restaurant with a charm all of its own within the trendy Prince St area. If you're hungry, go crazy and get at least two pieces. This is a 10 star establishment all the way. But don't take my word for it--after all, I'm only going off of my melancholy memory of some addictive corn.
(5)Brian L.
Meh, I have experienced better from here before. Went to the take out side, mostly because the dining room had a 45 minute wait. I'm not asking to be served like royalty, a great return customer, or even an average customer. I just ask that while you're working, you do it like you are somewhat enjoying it. Don't look like you want to shoot yourself each and every second you are taking orders. You are working in a service industry - provide it. The corn again was good, but then again, douse anything in sour cream and cheese, how bad could it be? The corn is succulent, tasty, and well priced though, at only $2 a pop. I of course ordered old faithful, the Cuban sandwich. Always a crowd pleaser. The woman got the fish sandwich, in burrito form. Let's say, you need a deep sea diving excursion team to find the amount of fish in there. Scant pieces, not sure why I paid $8.50 for rice, beans, and old lettuce. I guess with the wait, they can charge whatever. $2.25 for a can of Diet Coke also. I'll come back, when the urge for a Cuban sandwich comes again, but, not sure if I will explore the menu.
(2)Jessica A.
YUM! YUM! YUM! My friend that I was with recommended this place. We came here on our first night in NYC. We arrived here pretty late, but luckily we got seated quickly. The place was packed though. A tad on the loud side, but that didn't bother me at all. It's a really cozy place. We ordered the Cuban Sandwich, which was DELICIOUS!! Pork, ham, & cheese w/ the special sauce = YUMMM! It's a definite MUST to try the Cuban Sandwich..you don't want to miss out. The Grilled Corn is a MUST too. I LOVE LOVE LOVE corn. But the way they make it is to die for! It's SOOOOO GOOOOD that we ordered 2 each. I took half of my Cuban Sandwich & 1 corn to-go. It's tasted just as good at leftovers.
(5)Starry S.
Hidden Little Gem. There may be long waits but it is worth it for the corn!! Sandwiches are alright! But the Corn is deliciosa~
(4)Trent C.
Want a cheap and quick snack? Grab the grilled corn in the takeaway store round the corner..so good I went back for another!
(5)Emma l.
Corn is delicious but such a hit or miss. Their grilled corn is $2 each at their "To-Go" place next door. When its cooked right, its delicious. The other times, completely burned with little to no seasonings. During my 7 day trip to NY, my bf and I had their grilled corn 4 times. I strongly recommend you never get it to-go because all the buttery, cheesy goodness sticks to the aluminum foil and you just end up with corn. But out of those 4 visits (we went at different times each time, during the day and late at night) but half the time, our corn was burned. Sorry but no amount of flavor can mask burned corn. And I'm not just talking about "burned near the edges". I'm talking about almost every kernel was burned! My friend, a NY native, said the same. Its a very "hit or miss" type of place because they burn the corn THAT often. Very disappointing since there was nothing in that area to really make the trip worthwhile except for the corn. Their "lime lemonade" or whatever was awful and this is coming from a hue lemonade fan. The service sucks also. On one of my visits, I purchased 2 grilled corns at the To-Go place, they told me it was $4.35 total, I gave $5, got my change, and then they only gave me one corn! Then they acted as if I was trying to cheat them. The guy was at the register trying to find my transaction (even though there were only a few customers after me) but acted angry at the fact that he had to give me another grilled corn... a grilled corn I paid for! He sort of threw it on the counter and just turned around. The cheese and butter even got on the counter =\ On my last visit, the cashier looked like she hated life. All I ordered was one grilled corn since I was alone that day and she acted like I was annoying her by giving her service. The place wasn't even busy at all so I didn't understand it. You should have seen her face when I asked for a water! Corn, when its not burned, is a good 5 stars. Service, attitude, not giving you the right amount of food, and BURNED food, drops this down to a 2. Sorry but the risk of burned corn is not worth the bad service.
(2)Anh V.
personally, i'd go to habana to-go...'cause why pay more? ok, well paying more means that you can enjoy a tasty margarita along with your meal and actually get a seat without someone leaning over you or chomping away on the street. with a raining day, i had a craving for some home style cuban food. ok, any day, i have a craving for cuban but go with me here. all i can say is corn, corn, corn! i wish they had a corn truck by me... but if you wanted some brekkie, the huevos rancheros isn't too bad.
(4)Chris O.
Yes the corn is awesome. It's coated in chili powder, lime & cotija cheese. Everything else I've had here is awesome too. The sweet plantains are the best I've ever had. This place is so great and busy that they had to open a second store for take-out. The Tlacoyo Tres Marias is flavor explosion in your mouth: hand formed corn masa"boat" stuffed with goat cheese, black beans & sun dried tomatoes served with rice & beans. They also have great cocktails. Yes, I love this place.
(5)Victoria D.
I went here at 9:30 on a Sunday morning after reading reviews and seeing how packed this place gets. We were seated right away although the overall service was really slow. However, there were a lot of customers compared to the number of servers. The place was hoppin' by 10:00AM! I had the Huevos Divorciados, which was a dish with sunny side up eggs covered in two different salsas. It also came with tasty home fries that had onions and peppers smashed in. The greatest part about it was the price - $11 total with tip, including a coffee I ordered. I think it i one of the cheapest brunch places in Manhattan, especially in Nolita. I will definitely be returning to try the Mexican corn!
(4)Aaron J.
Few restaurants live up to the hype... This one did. My wife and her sisters rave about this place and I must say I was everything they said it was. The fact that this small restaurant inspired over 900 reviews on Yelp tells you something. Corn Chicken Salad, Grilled Corn & Cuban Sandwich - all were terrific. The only issue I had with this place is that you sit so close to other people you're part of their conversation and they are part of yours. The lady next to us lost control of her fork and a few black beans landed on our table. We had a good laugh and frankly, we will put up with the tight quarters any day to eat here.
(5)Andreas S.
UHMMMMMM!!! Great food. The corn is simply amazing and so is the cuban sandwich. The staff are always simling and friendly despite they are very busy and hard working. Has a little take out around the corner.
(5)Rabbit B.
My brother turned me on to this restaurant and I'm so glad he did. This one is the bomb. It's just a small little cafe that looks like it was probably just a breakfast and lunch diner back in the day. The vibe is great and the food is fantastic. We just had drinks and appetizers on our first visit but we got a look at what other diners were eating and everything looked fabulous. My sister had the corn cakes which were delicious and I had the grilled corn with cheese, lime and chili which was to die for. Our bartender was excellent and our drinks were made to perfection. The only drawback is it's so good there is often a line out the door so you need to take that into consideration. Fortunately for us we hit it just right and found two seats at the counter near the window which was great. All in all a wonderful experience and I would recommend Cafe Habana to anyone who loves good Cuban fare and a fun atmosphere.
(5)Christopher S.
One of New York's finest establishments for roasted corn on the cob. Unusually tasty rice and beans, very acceptable bar tending, and tasty appetizers make for a good time. The one thing I wouldn't experience again.....the enchiladas. Stick to what Cafe Habana is known for + don't be a douche bag = good times. Word.
(4)Ivan D.
Cuban Sandwich was huge. Enjoyed the variation of their sandwich with that spicy mayo type spread in it. Lemonade a little too sweet. Needed to water it down. Nice little place, I'd come back to try their other items.
(4)danae c.
I'm not from NY, but I've been lucky enough to spend a good amount of time there for work. So whenever my local Californian buddies ask me for recommendations on what to eat in NYC, this is one of the places that's always on my places to go list. Like everyone else has said, it's all about the corn. You think, "It's just corn... how good can it be?" It will quite possibly be the BEST CORN YOU'LL EVER EAT. EVER. I mean, I don't even really like veggies all that much, and I dream and drool over this corn. The tasty toppings! The smoky flavor! The fresh juicyness! Oh, it's delectable! I've tried looking up recipes for how to make this myself, and the general consensus on the toppings seems to be a mixture of mayo or sour cream, a mexican cheese (cotija cheese seems to work well), a bit of chili pepper, and lime. I've tried it at home and it turns out pretty well, but it's never been as good as it is at Cafe Habana. We did order entrees here as well, and everything we ate was good... but I guess it's pretty telling that I couldn't tell you what I ate, but I vividly remember the corn. Oh the corn!
(5)Tiffany L.
best corn ever. agreed. also quite possibly the best cuban sandwich. what makes it stand apart from the crowd is the oh-so-delectable pulled pork that they put in it. tender and juicy. :) next time i may ask for extra pickles. we always hit this place up when miss tina c. comes into town - she and the corn have a kismet connection.
(4)Nancy K.
I LOVE the corn on the cob here....its like corn from the mexican guy strolling his corn cart in Santa Ana..but this isn't dipped in mayo like in cali...its just buttered with a bunch of seasoning, cheese and lime! so GOOD!! It comes out hot and the corn just falls of the cob once you take a bite...I really wanted to try the sammy but the wait for that was impossible.
(5)johnny c.
i'v never been to this place when it wasn't packed.but it seems like it's always a busy time to be there. Despite this, the food is good, the atmosphere is great, which makes me tolerate the large crowds and elbow to elbow dining. my favorite is the cubano sandwich. I usually get it every time I go there. Never has it been made poorly or overcooked. I always leave satisfied and it's usually one of the first places I recommend to newcomers of the city to check out.
(4)Serene F.
Every time friends from out of town visit, I use this place as an intro to NYC cheap eats. And boy does it keep them coming back for more! The food is PHENOMENAL--you pretty much can't go wrong with a hearty platter of roast pork or a classic cuban sandwich with a side of mouth watering grilled corn. Minus one star since its crowded and loud; definitely not the most romantic hole in the wall out there, but good enough for Blake Lively and Penn Badgley to endure the wait like the rest of us (they sat one table away from me!) Yes, this place is a celeb hotspot so don't choke on your tostones if you happen to bump into one. TIP: if you're pressed for time, go around the corner and get something from the Outpost (take-out) instead. They serve a lot of the same items and offer up some tasty burritos too!
(4)Alice H.
Went here on a random night. We needed a table for two and thankfully it was quick to get a table compared to some of the reviews. Looked around to see what everyone was getting. Everyone was getting the corn. I already read and heard about the corn so the obvious appetizer was the corn. Corn was amazing. I would go back and just stuff myself with this corn. I got a skirt steak dish which was very nicely cooked. I wish there was a little bit more marinade but other than that, GREAT! My friend got a pork chop dish that came with some beans and rice. It was very nicely cooked and soft and juicy to the bite. I usually eat everything very spicy so I drenched the green sauce onto my plate thinking that I could handle it. BEWARE! that green spicy sauce is SPICY! It did kind of ruin my plate because I did it without caution but if I get a chance to go back, I wouldn't think twice about that much sauce on my dish again. Anyways, I would definitely recommend Cafe Habana for their main dishes as well as the CORN! Happy eating!
(4)Steven C.
*mouth watering* I can still vividly remember the food here, even though its over 4 months since I ate here. -The elote (corn with the mayo/lime/cheese) was wonderful, best i've had hands down. - Tacos assorted, can't really remember, except they were good. -Friend had the skirt steak which I sampled, it was pretty awesome. - Pork chop I had was cooked just right came with beans and rice, nice! Now the bad: It was crowded...but what good place isn't? Anyhow, crowded intimate cafe with great cuban food!
(5)Billy D.
This place is great, but always super busy (hour wait both times we stopped). The service is kind of spotty, but the food makes up for it. The Mexican corn, frozen mojito, and corn cake sampler cannot be missed. We tried lots more items but I can't remember what else :) - even the rice and beans were yummy. I will definitely go back if in the NOLITA area again - best Cuban food I've had. Time to go to Cuba.
(4)Kortney E.
My family and I went to this restaurant as soon as we got to New York at 10pm after not having eaten a meal for 6 hours. Needless to say, we were QUITE hungry and grumpy. The last thing we wanted to do was wait for a table, but guess what. We did. The wait wasn't too bad though, only about 10 minutes. When we got inside, the music was loud (not good if you have a headache) and the tables were densely packed (not good if you're claustrophobic). It was clearly a trendy hangout place for cocktails and late night food. Most of the people there were 20-somethings or 30-somethings, so it was weird being there with my family. As out of place as we felt, though, we stayed for the good food. We ordered the grilled corn, cuban sandwich, and roast pork. the corn was LEGEND - wait for it...courtesy of barney stinson... - DARY! MAN was that corn good. I need to go home and figure out how to make it, because I want to eat it forever and ever. The corn was SO sweet, and it was covered with cheese, chili powder, and lime. Despite all the toppings, though, the corn's flavor still came through and was perfectly complemented by the toppings. The roast pork and cuban sandwich were also really tasty. The flavors were mild, but in a good way. This was my first occasion eating cuban food, so I can't comment on the authenticity of the food, but if this is legit cuban food, then I LIKE IT!
(4)Nancy C.
Very casual, relaxed, environment, with decorations to bring you back to a sunny beach like place you happened to notice because the vibe inside was so great and you dont know anyone else on this exotic island and figured the staff looked welcoming and you decide "what the hey, lets try this place." (That or "What the hey, Mike said this place was good!") It aint the kind of place you go to have a romantic meal because you are about half an arm's length from the nearest spectator and waitresses will have to hip-swing maneuver delicately around your pizza-pie-sized table. Had one other with me and we waited about 30 minutes. After we were sat down, a very nice waitress brought our appetizers, corn fairly quickly. This corn is what I came for, because Mike said it was gooooood. And it was goooooood. Corn smothered in some kind of buttery mayo with a light crumbly cheese packed around it and sprinkled with a lil cayenne. Savored it! I wanted something light so I got the Molletes (I think I spelled that right) and it was perfect. Hot, fresh from the oven, cheese all melted with a fresh green salsa to accompany, which was also good. One problem was that they were slow to refill my water, but I hesitate to bash them too much on this one because it was a hot day and I was as thirsty as a horse.
(4)Jessica C.
This place is terribly small. This is not the place to have any intimate conversations unless you luckily get a booth. The rest of the restaurant is like cramped and you're like 1 foot away from the table next to you. If you go at peak times, you better get ready for a long ass wait. I think I had to wait like 45 minutes once. But, it was all worth it. The food is pretty good. The first time I went there for dinner and I had the Enchiladas de Mold Poblano, which was delicious. It's a pretty big serving too, in my opinion. The second time, I had the Sincronizada for lunch and that was just mediocre. The service is great. The corn is TO DIE FOR. There is literally no point in going to this restaurant unless you get the grilled corn mexican style. I wish I could move back to New York because of the corn.
(5)Joanna M.
This place is tops. If you don't mind waiting for a seat, you will be in for a real treat. Hey, that rhymes! As I'm sure many others have mentioned the grilled corn is heavenly. Seriously. They even give you toothpicks for afterward. Their cuban sandwiches are hearty, flavorful & delicious. The staff is busy but attentive. AND it's not too expensive. If you get in line now you might get a seat for next month!
(5)Catherine H.
WOW WHAT A HUGE ASS WAIT on a semi peak hour, but totally worth it. Their claim to fame corn is all its cracked up to be and more. I could lick that layer of seasoning goodness off the corn day and night, but that would make me a big cow, but a big happy cow nonetheless. Their cuban sandwich was no disappointment either. It had juicy pulled pork layered with ham and melted swiss making it ultra moist at every bite. Even the girly chicken/corn salad was delicious with its mixture of red cabbage, lettuc, shreds of crispy tortilla, and grilled sweet corn.
(5)Rebecca T.
+ so many different flavors in your mouth with the roasted corn. Smokey grilled juicy corn with grated cheese, dusting of hot spices, and a spritz of lime. - not a lot of seating available - I'm sad b/c I didn't get to try anything else on the menu as we
(4)Margaret T.
I think the service at this place deserves 5 stars. The hostess and bartender were sweet, patient, and had a good sense of humor when dealing with the us. We teased Chicago about his cock tattoo while we drank Pacificos at the bar. The hostess, despite not being able to understand what the Irishman said (or maybe because of it), totally remembered us when we came back to claim our seats after a drink at a bar down the street. The food was pretty good! The much talked about corn was sweet, savory, and spicy and pretty juicy considering corn isn't really in season just yet. It reminded me of the Corn Lady with the Corn Horn that used to frequent my neighborhood in Santa Barbara with her wares in a baby carriage. I had the Roast Pork dish which was great with a squeeze of lime. I ate until I thought I was going to burst and there was still food left. My mom would be so disappointed that I am no longer president of the Clean Plate Club. /Someone/ ordered the Enchiladas estilo Norteno but I didn't actually see or taste them because I blinked and someone swallowed them whole like some sort of Irish anaconda...weird. I do wish the restaurant wasn't so crowded. I mean, how many times do I have to get bumped while eating a meal? I guess it adds to the ambiance, right? RIGHT??
(4)Sarah Jane N.
i used to go to cafe habana when it was just the sandwich shop next door. i'm really glad they kept it just as rustic next door, as well as the addition. this visit, my friend and i ate at the corner spot. i had the vegetarian quesedilla with the habiscus iced tea. my friend has the sloppy joe with a side of guacamole. our meal was awesome and pretty filling. our server was very friendly. space was kinda crammed, but comfy for me. i'm sure others would have minded, but it's new york and it's not exactly fine dining. i was able to see what others were eating without staring too much *lol. the day was sunny with a cool breeze, so having all the windows open and the back door made for a perfect afternoon lunch. definitely a go to spot for lunch.
(4)Diane S.
This place is cozy! I visited NYC for one of my monthly trips and met a friend here for a snack. We first opted to eat at the restaurant and then I was walking too slow and missed our turn. The cafe to go place was just as good same food, faster service. We got a table right away and ordered our pieces of corn. At $2 a piece it was a steal! It has a unique taste, and I'm a health/diet nut so I seriously don't want to find out what was inside of that white crack because I'm pretty sure it was mayo & cheese and for me that's a no no! definitely well worth it tho! I was kinda angry my grilled corn was not as warm as it could be since the girl who served my food did not call out my name and we were waiting a good 20 mins. She had just started shift and didn't know what was going on. I ordered for here got it to go so the presentation was not as nice. Free water yay! I only had the corn wanted something lite. I would recommend it for a snack, speaking only upon the corn.
(4)Katie L.
On a scale of 1-5: Cuban sandwich: 5 Hibiscus tea: 4 Service: 3 Wait: 3, but well worth it Mexican corn: 7 I first tried this place on a road trip with friends several years ago. Now I go to Cafe Habana almost every time I'm in New York. Unfortunately this streak ended on my most recent 48-hour visit. I'm still bitter and am looking to rectify this wrong immediately. I'm a small-town girl and as such, not a fan of large numbers of people squished into infinitesimal spaces. However, I will traipse great distances to eat this corn in such confined quarters. I envy you, gentle reader that has yet to try Cafe Habana's Mexican corn. Few things will top the surprise and joy of your first ear here.
(4)joanna u.
I hardly write reviews but I'll actually take time out to do so to share my experience not about the food, but the service. I had never been there before so needless to say I was pretty excited about going. I even dragged my friend (who I'm visiting with) to wait an hour. Long story short, the hostess/waitress (one with the long hair) was extremely rude! We had been waiting and I can already tell the girl didn't like me, when all I did was chsnge my party from 3-2. (I was extremely polite too) She proceeds to seat literally everyone waiting first and then puts us at a table pretty much in the doorway. When we asked if there were any other tables she said we can put our names down and wait again. Words were exchanged, but needless to say that hipster model wannabe didn't deserve our money. Btw honey, you had something in your teeth.
(1)Grace C.
I would have to say that my first experience was hyped and i was disappointed. A one-hour wait for four people. The atmosphere is not friendly for more than 2, so I wouldn't go there unless you were with one other friend. The corn however, met its expectation. I'd recommend you to go next door for their to-go place.
(3)Skipper Chong W.
This place is small -- no real surprise there -- so if you're hungry, best push on to any other NoLiTa eatery. Chances are good it's going to be crowded. But if you're patient, you will be rewarded. I can vouch for the shrimp tacos, the shrimp in garlic sauce and the cuban sandwich -- aces all. This is one of those places in NYC that understands the hot side of spicy -- and one that understands the difference between a michelada and a chilada. The french fries are great and the grilled corn-on-the-cob is a must -- though you should know that two ears come to an order. Two thumbs up, count on me to return. And I'm bringing re-enforcements.
(4)Vina Y.
Fantastic service and excellent food. Don't miss out on the elote - Mexican corn. It's one of my favorite foods and Cafe Habana didn't disappoint! One order comes with two though, so come hungry or share! I also had a cuban which was really delicious - one of the best I've ever had - right proportions of everything, toasted bread, pork, cheese, pickles - delicioso! If you're in a rush, turn around the corner and there's Habana to Go for take out orders.
(5)Brandy L.
Cafe Con Leche! Cant wait 2 try the cuban sandwich luv this place & it is close 2 my apt I will be a local here : )
(4)Holly H.
I haven't really bothered with reading many of the Yelp reviews for Café Habana. It's like that really catchy song from that band that EVERYONE seems to like... This place draws a lot of haters just for being popular... and it's popular because the food is actually really good. My husband and I stumbled upon the Café Habana one afternoon in the city... It was really by accident. I made him take me to this artisan sale in some gymnasium on Houston. When we were done, we were on the prowl for a place to eat, and we found Café Habana. We only stopped in the first place because there was a line to get in the door... It's kind of this amazing phenomenon in NYC, in fact. People see other people in line, and they are like, "Dude. There's a line. Whatever this is... It must be awesome. Let's get in line too." (Sadly, I'm not even kidding.) Café Habana is super tiny, and even with their secondary store front (which is just around the corner), there is hardly any seating at all. You're lucky if you get a table. Luckily, when the weather is nice, customers are free to sit outside on planter boxes and benches... But. If you like eating at a proper table, you should probably get it to go. The food is stellar. I love the pulled pork, black beans, and yellow rice. They also make a mean Cuban... or so I have heard (from my husband, who has pretty good taste in all things food). :) They have sugared sodas from Mexico... which somehow makes the food taste even better. But I think the real star of the show, as seen in many, many, many reviews... is the grilled corn on the cob. If there was any way for them to practically market that corn to the entire nation, they would certainly be batrillionionaires (I made that word up just now). It's grilled perfectly, and covered in cheese and some kind of sauce that I was never able to identify. I dream about this corn. Granted, I'm from Iowa... so I'm genetically predisposed. But honestly. It's fabulous. The service is good enough... It really depends on who waits on you. Some counter people/waitresses are sweethearts... and some really hate their job and really want you to know about it. No shocker there. Overall. The place has a very quaint feel... which is compounded by the delicious smells. I would recommend it to anyone... some of the very best the city has to offer. No hyperbole necessary.
(5)Yee Mun W.
On the "highlight section" someone said.."I am drooling just thinking about their grilled corn." I agree... don't think and Go.. the food is good the price is good but the only thing is.. the wait is long for dinner and you are practically salmon-ed in there. The tables are small and there's basically no walking room. I wouldn't recommend groups of more than 2.. I know.. any more your wait will be even longer. Must try the Grill Corn and Mojitos =)
(4)Samo G.
if you're in a rush, just grab a corn to go. that is pretty much all that I order from here.
(4)Lisa C.
Best.corn.ever. Seriously, this place has the best grilled corn in NY by FAR!!! I love it. Okay, so has gotten quite touristy these days and it is super tiny inside so it does feel pretty intimate but keep with it as the food is a definite pay-off. The brunch menu is superb (huevos rancheros are unbelievable) but the overall winner has to be the corn, washed down with a bottle or two of jaritos. WINNER!!!
(5)Tonsies S.
I'm glad this is in our neighborhood. It's a solid spot for breakfast/lunch or dinner. Sure it's the elbow-to-elbow NYC dining experience, but it's delicious and worth the cramped quarters. Thanks Cafe Habana!
(4)Jackie W.
Grilled corn Mexican style Grilled chicken/steak and corn salad Steak sandwich Cuban sandwich Pollo mirador Tiacoyos de tres Maria's Sweet plantains and tostones Challah french toast with season fruit Molletes with chorizo Huervos rancheros
(4)Aaron G.
I live in the UES, but habano was worth the trip. The Mexican style corn was fantastic, and while messy, the fish tacos were great. I wasn't as big a fan of the Cuban sandwich (which we came to try) but it was still pretty good. Don't let the full restaurant deter you; it is fairly small but we had just thirty minutes to kill, spent shopping at the second hand clothing store next door.
(4)Chandan N.
I am yet to try anything else from the Cuban sandwich - which is amazing by the way. There is limited seating - so grab a seat and then order!
(4)Spring C.
Grilled corn and egg with chorizo are the best....
(5)Rohit K.
Great little cuban restaurant with really good food. Best part is how cheap everything is! Two entrees cost me under $30 including tax & tip!
(4)Sebastian K.
No wonder why it's the "voted best cuban sandwich in nyc". It's an amazing sandwich! The pork is so tender that it melts on your mouth. The cuban bread and cheese is superb. I always wanted to try something else but the Cuban and the corn is a must every time. Even the flan for dessert is ordered once I sit on the table. Best cuban place along with Floridita.
(5)george l.
whats so Cuban about tacos and roasted corn on the cob? this place should be called Tijuana cafe.
(1)Mila J.
I'm a big fan! The corn on the cob is by far one of the best I've had. Their pork is super tender and juicy. Prices are decent. Don't miss their little to-go shop around the corner!
(4)Hugh J.
Good food and friendly people. I had the eggs with cohorizo. So much flavor. I'll be back soon. Cali to NY. Thank you.
(5)Dan L.
I went here expecting a mind blowing Cuban experience, but found mostly Mexican dishes on their menu. That's why this is 4 stars instead of 5. Everything we ordered was done well. I had the Roasted Pork dish which was great, but if I go back I would like to try their Cuban sandwich and the Sopesitas. Also, I recommend the Dark and Stormy cocktail. Delicious!
(4)Erica G.
The avocado and white cheese torta is awesome, but so is just about everything else on the menu. Definitely make it a point to eat here if you are in NoLIta.
(4)Christina L.
Holy.... best Latin food ever!!!! The line for tables go out the door, which is a testament to how amazing this place is truly. I don't believe they take reservations, but that's okay because I wouldn't recommend this place to sit down and eat, unless you don't mind waiting over an hour in the cramped quarters. Anything on this menu is scrumptious. I usually go for the shredded mole chicken (best mole sauce ever and trust me I have tried plenty). The corn is delicious... the rice and beans. They have a separate take-out area next door which is always super-packed as well, but if you're by yourself, feel free to order up and eat at the small tables in there. Better than the restaurant wait next door.
(5)Gurtej S.
Excellence! Get the corn and the Cuban before you try anything else on the menu- after that, you may not try anything else on the menu! The space is a bit cramped, and you may have to wait, but you can always go to their takeout location next door and stand and eat if you're in a hurry.
(5)Mallory A.
ugh sooo good. always worth the wait.
(5)Cynthia M.
O how I love this place. I used to live across the street, so I would eat here pretty often. I live in the San Francisco Bay Area now, but I try to stop by here every time I'm in New York. I came back last week, and everything was as good as I remember. I usually split an order of the corn, the Cuban, and the plantains with another person. This place is pretty crowded and has limited tables, so be prepared to wait if you go on the weekend. If you don't feel like waiting, you can go around the corner to the to-go location.
(5)lora c.
The corn is as good as everyone claims. Grilled to perfection, it's topped with lots of cheese and spices that make it just about impossible to eat just one cob. I almost regretted ordering a cuban sandwich-- while delicious, I definitely would not have minded six more ears of corn! If the wait for a table is too long, grab takeout from the storefront next door and find a place to eat at a nearby park or stoop. Food is very portable and delicious! Summer days in the area always involved a lime or guava soda or a cold negro modelo-- perfect combinations.
(5)suin k.
nothing special on the food. too many people ...I don't get why this place is so popular...Even though I live in neighborhood,I don't come here anymore. I just get corn sometimes. The food on116 east mexican halem food is much way better!
(2)N H.
Love their corn! If it's crowded, as it always is, and you're in a rush, grab the corn at their take out counter next door (around the corner). Last time I was visiting NYC I went there 3 times in 5 days. Their website mentioned that they are opening a location in Malibu, CA. I can't wait!
(5)Jeff M.
3.5 stars on a quick lunch--will definitely return one evening w/ spouse in tow to see if (as I suspect) there's more to this place.
(3)Howie K.
Having lived on the block for 3 yrs, let me tell you that they've got it figured out. While the menus is not that huge, they manage to keep the quality up and serve tons of people on a daily basis. If you want to know about the food, see the other reviewers b/c I feel that they're pretty spot-on. I would like to applaud them for keeping the place and street clean! I used to walk my scavenger-y dog by here every day and they do a good job and are good neighbors by dutifully cleaning the sidewalk every day. It's a big deal b/c 1/2 of the people who eat there eat on the sidewalk. Keep on Keepin' on Cafe Habana!
(4)Steven L.
THE CORN APPETIZER IS A MUST. I liked the skirt steak as well. A deal for the price ($12) in my opinion. But, my friends weren't fans. It gets busy here but service is fast. P.S. GET THE CORN.
(4)Mel I.
I was excited to try this place after reading about it on YELP and even more excited after waiting an hour for a table...by the time we sat down, I was starving! So it was awesome to have the corn as an appetizer...because it was ABSOLUTELY DELISH!!! (ACTUALLY IT's LIKE CRACK...once you have it, you'll dream about it...I know I have!) But that's where the excitement ends...because I believed the hyped and ordered the Cuban Sandwich...listen I consider myself to be a Cuban Sandwich connoisseur...And to think that this Cuban was voted "the best in NYC" uhm yea okay!! By who's standards? I've had better cuban sandwiches served right out of papo's bodega in the Heights...smh. The fries that were served with the cuban were MUCH better than the sandwich itself. The problem? They used WAY too much mayo and they didn't use Swiss Cheese...how can this be a cuban without the swiss?!?! C'mon! Not to mention the cheese wasn't even melted (my heart melted though with sadness...lol) I am a Latina, so I have pretty high standards of what spanish food should taste like...and this didn't live up to my standards. I had their yellow rice too and it was probably the worse rice I've had (it tasted like it was made with Ramen Noodle chicken stock...no bueno!) not to mention it was sticky...(uhm, last time I checked, I wasn't at a Thai restaurant ordering sticky rice...so what's up with that??!!) If I go back, I'll JUST EAT THE CORN at their take out place right next door and skip the long wait at the restaurant...it was definitely not worth it.
(3)Nikki T.
Weird because...this has to be one of my favorite places to eat in nyc. I recently did a trip to nyc for work and of course stopped here after I did some shopping at henri bendel. Whenever I travel, I like to try different things when I'm eating at places that I have eaten before. So I tried the rice, beans and spinach plate. I love garlic, and seeing as though I wasn't with my boyfriend, garlic spinach would be okay. I also would like to say that I don't know what I was thinking when I ordered it because Habana always gives you a good amount of rice. I had my double espresso (it was a LONG morning) which was exceptional. But the waitress took forever. I mean, I know I'm solo and all, but you still have to give me some attention. I'd still go back, but I'm more interested in trying the one in malibu, I think I will make a trip out there this weekend you guys and get back to you.
(3)Mike G.
spicy, cheesy grilled corn? fish tacos, black bean & red rice? iced cafe con leche? window-side table? again? yes please.
(4)matty c.
One of my best dining experience in New York! I heard really great things about this establishment and had to try it. I know everyone talks about the corn, which was AMAZING, but rest of the food we ordered were just as good. My sister got enchillada suiza but I pretty much finished it and licked the plate off. Very flavorful food and great ambiance. Great music and sangria, we had so much fun here. AND now they are open in LOS ANGELES!!!! I cannot wait to try the one in southern cali!!!
(5)Simone G.
I don't see the point in reviewing a place with 900+ reviews, except that, I'm going to comment on something aside from the corn, which although orgasmic, is over-exposed. The food is divine. Shuffle through the hundreds of other reviews if you want details on the explosive menu. I opt for the fish tacos with rice and beans. It's just damn good. What rocks about this place is the vibe and the loyal Cuban flavor. The mango margaritas, the guava cocktails, and, my favorite, the rad red lit bathroom and plate of plantains. It's bloody hot in the Summer at the bar, so unless you want to peel your ass off a red vinyl stool, squeeze in the back, and I mean squeeze; or go with a group of four so you can score a booth.
(4)kahee y.
the only thing cafe habana has going for them is their corn (more power to them). but ive been for brunch and dinner and was so disappointed. the best part of dinner is indeed just the rice and beans. AND last week for dinner, during the hottest july in ny history, they didnt have the ac on. twas an incredibly uncomfortable dinner
(2)Katherine Z.
Really 3.5 stars. No AC (windows were open and fans blowing). Hot as hell. Tight, cramped space (had to move tables to get out of the booth, kept bumping into a table to get to bathroom). No reservations. But still a cool little spot. Tried the Mexican corn. It was pretty good. Split the Roast Pork, the Cuban sandwich and the spinach and apple salad. Not amazing but solid. There's a bar not too far that specializes in cachaca (bar bossa) that we drank at during our forty minute wait. Also, the meal was pretty inexpensive and if you just want to pick up some food to go there's a takeout counter next door.
(3)Eric C.
i love the simple stuff from this place: the cuban sandwich, fries and the corn. If you get those 3 together for your meal, you will not regret it.
(4)Marcos R.
You call yourself Café Habana and the only purely Cuban plate you have in your menu is the Cuban Sandwich? Well, I don't like that. You should live up to your name, although you did pretty well when it came to the Cuban Sandwich execution. And the place was nice... but then I saw too much of a Mexican theme. All that is dissapointing, and you could have chosen to call yourself Café Tacuba or something more Mexican. I do recognize that it's a nice place to be at to see people and be seen, and I liked your bargirl. I guess that most of your clientele who either doesn't care about authenticity or who is easily fooled into thinking that Mexican = anything Latino is happy, but I expected more from you judging by your name.
(4)stephanie c.
This place was AWESOME. Def a favorite spot that I must return to. We came for lunch at 2pm and it was still packed with a long line. By the time we left around 4pm...it was still packed. Tiny spot but the food is heavenly. The corn like all the reviews-you HAVE to try. Ive never ever ever tasted corn like this. And it was soooo delicious and flavorful. I wish I could eat it everyday. How do they make corn like this?!? I ordered the (forgot the name) shredded chicken with black bean...it was sooo delicious and light withe a hint of lime which I loved. My friend got the omelet with plantains. Everything was super flavorful, delicious...mmmm I want to go back.
(5)Ryan M.
Because this establishment only serves about 30 people at a time, and I believe it is almost always full, the food is fresh and hot--and the surprising part is that it has always in my experience been very quick (once you are seated). I have eaten at Cuban restaurants in Miami and other destinations where the competition is stiff, but this restaurant is a gem for being so nonchalant. I've been several times now, and I believe because each of the three dishes I tried were successes, I can say that this place is a winner. The dishes in question are the Roast Pork, Enchiladas Mole, and the classic Cuban Sandwich. The mexican corn is also good, but I feel slighted when I pay $4 for the definition of 50 cent street food (but this is the virtue of NYC). Otherwise, the music and drink menu make for a very good conversation spot and where you can also be satisfied by the portion.
(4)Terri Y.
tiny tiny little place so the wait is forever and a day. Food is very fresh and the corn is LOVE!!
(4)Janet C.
My friend has been bugging me to go and try this place out for months! I finally did. I went on a Sunday night and only waited for 15mins to get in. Judging by all the previous reviews on Yelp, I had it easy. Simply put, the corn is absolutely the best corn I've ever had. That said, a corn is a corn. That said again, you HAVE TO order it if you're there. If you're a fan of spiciness and heat, then try it with the green hot sauce they have there. So much flavour and soooo HOT! Guaranteed to give you a kick and wake your senses! For main, we had the grilled steak and the grilled pork chop. Both were delicious and well made, but not really to-die-for. For dessert we shared a coconut flan. In a word, for the price, you really can't ask for anything better than this. I will definitely visit again on a night when there isn't a 30min+ wait.
(4)Myra M.
We came here for their infamous corn. I luv the quaint vintage diner ambiance. It was a sunny, warm Fri... and yes there was a wait. It was not a big deal, since my friend waited for the table, allowing me to window shop around the nearby boutiques in SoHo:) So I admit the corn was delicious!
(4)Susan A.
The corn, like everyone and ther mothers, uncles, aunts, and 4th cousins-in-laws by marriage have stated prior to my review, is good. (Jackson Heights is the BEST place to live BTW, as you can get the corn from the cart men/women for $1. Just saying. Gotta plug the JH.) And, if you want to make it at home, don't forget there is mayo, the glue which holds everything together. I ordered the fish tacos and they were good. Minus the fact I couldn't taste the fish. The dressing was a bit over powering, but without it, the taco was somewhat bland. OH cruelty. The rice and beans were AWESOME. PERFECT, even. The chicken with the eggs on top were good. Not divine, but good. Prices are on par with everything else in the area. Would I come back? Possibly. Would I deliberately make/organize a trip specifically for this restaurant. Methinks not. This place is solid eats.
(3)Adriana L.
Really chill place that you can just grab a bite to eat at with friends. The corn is really delicious and so was the cuban sandwich! I especially liked the the crunchy cucumbers in it! I also go the lime lemonade , but it tasted like one of those green popsicles, sooo I won't be getting that next time.
(5)Charity D.
This is one of my all-time favorite places to eat in NYC. The vibe is chilled and cozy, and the food is delish!!! The roasted corn, doused in mayo and cheese, is a sinfully wicked way to kick off your dinner. Top that off with one of Habana's margaritas or a carafe of sangria and mmm! I've tried everything from the mouthwatering Cuban steak sandwich to the steak enchiladas, steak dinner, shrimp, and chicken enchiladas. All is divine! The only dish I haven't been that crazy about is the pork chop dinner. Most of the dinners come with a heaping helping of rice and beans. The only problem? I have to unbutton my jeans every time I go there. Oh, and the place is tiny, which usually means long waits. They don't take reservations and getting a table for more than 5 people is tough.
(5)Tiffany M.
What could be better than a Cafe Habana frozen mojito on a sweaty summer night? Honestly. This place has really earned its high ratings. Their cuban plates are perfectly savory w/ a hint of sweet. I enjoyed a nice little slab of steak, flavorful rice and perfectly prepared black beans. yum! The plantains that we decided to add rounded everything out perfectly. The only food item that had me a bit puzzled was their grilled corn. I think everyone just loves how much stuff is smothered on it (butter, parmesan & paprika), which I can understand, but my corn ended up being chewy, which left me unimpressed. Be aware that this place is SMALL, so expect to be squeezing (literally) yourself into your seat. Although the place is tiny, one thing I really did like, was the feel of the place. The interior of Cafe Habana really puts you in the mood- as though you're hanging out in a breezy cafe somewhere down South. Another plus to add is Cafe Habana's owner, Sean Meenan. I recently read that he is heavily involved in his community and that Cafe Habana's sister restaurant, Habana Outpost in Brooklyn, is actually NY's first solar-powered restaurant! Very impressive, Meenan. Get on over to Cafe Habana, slurp down a frozen mojito and fill up on a platter!
(4)Dan S.
The billion other reviews cover it well. I suggested another latin resturant to my friend, and he asked "Is that the place with the corn" and it wasn't, but I knew this was, so we went here. The corn is mighty good. What surprised me this visit (my first non brunch trip) was the corona michelada. Yes I'm a wuss and don't look for beer at brunch, it's probably there two. Anyhow, the michelada was powerfully flavored, chili limey like what. Had the grilled steak it gets a solid good 3 stars. But I'm giving four stars because I'm a corn and michelada freak, would be three for the service (a bit slow and too cool for school) but all the servers are pretty beautiful so having to hang a around a bit longer isn't the end of the world.
(4)stephanie p.
It would be absurd to go to Cafe Habana and not get the corn (SO GOOD) but don't overlook the other amazing things on the menu - like the sopesitos (corn cakes with black beans, cheese, and 3 kinds of salsas) or tlacoyo de tres maria, the corn masa "boat" stuffed with goat cheese, sundried tomatoes, and black beans. I want more.
(5)Divya A.
I absolutely loved the corn! I got the avocado and cheese sandwich as well--there was this tangy, sweet and spicy spread on the bread which made it really really good. The eggs are apparently delicious as well! Perfect portions, not too much food and not too little. It wasn't super expensive either. The only issue I had was that the wait was about an hour on a Saturday--but totally worth it.
(4)Abby N.
I'm not from New York but everytime I come to town, I head to Cafe Habana for the corn and the pork plate. It's always worth the detour during my visits!
(4)James L.
Amazing food! love the corn!!!
(4)stefanie h.
yes, the corn is delicious. but i didn't really need to tell you that, did i? i think the 628 reviews below already established that. so, i'll focus on the food. unlike the corn, i wasn't as impressed with the chicken diablo sandwich. the chicken was a little too dry, and the overall sandwich not that flavorful.. the restaurant was packed when i was there, but the take-out post next door was not. i suggest that option if you can-- it's much more convenient and the menu is pretty extensive (not the whole menu offered next door, but i think a lot of the heavy hitters are included). plus, there's tables and chairs there as well. based on the corn alone-- five stars, no question. but adding the the chicken diablo sandwich into the mix brings my rating down to four stars.
(4)john m.
Every time I'm in New York I go here at least for their Elotes (roasted corn, cheese, mayo) which i know everyone raves about, but seriously they're the best! The only downside is the enormous wait so if your not up for that I suggest just stopping by the walk up window in the afternoon and get a bite to eat curbside. Plus it's right down the block from the New Museum, that combo makes for the perfect afternoon in my book.
(5)Alan S.
Amazing Corn on the Cob. I love the cuban sandwiches also.
(5)Daniel F.
This is actually a 3.5 star review. This place is run like a restaurant outside the U.S. only with a friendly staff. You get the feeling that you could spend all night there talking to your friends, ordering more food, getting another drink, and ending with a cappuccino. If I could smoke inside, I'd think I were in another country. For all these reasons, though, it's also inefficient. Cafe Habana's popularity makes matters worse. If you're hungry, it'll drive you crazy watching the group of four huddled around a table for two slowly nibbling their corn while your stomach churns. The corn is very good and worth trying if you come, but a little over hyped. Would I wait an hour for it? I don't think so. Carnivals in California sell corn just like this sans lime wedges. I ordered the Pollo al Pepian as an entree, and it was very tasty. If you want a table, politely flag a server to get on the list. They double as hosts. If you're in a hurry, walk one business over to their take-out location and get something to go.
(4)Eve G.
It's kind of funny how one bad experience can ruin the way you view a place. Our waitress today at Cafe Habana let me down. At first we could not get her attention. This was frustrating because we were seated next to the station where she picked up food and it is not exactly a big restaurant to begin with. But we figured it was crowded and she was busy. She eventually took our order with a lot of eye rolling and sighs. When our burgers were up she lobbed them onto the table then stood over us scratching her head and then walked away. It was weird and totally made me lose my appetite for food from Cafe Habana.
(1)Cindy C.
Perhaps it's due to my lack of hipsterness, but I was not enamoured with Cafe Habana. Not terrible but definitely not great Mexican.
(2)Haiyun Z.
OMG the corn. Everyone's said it, but it's worth saying again. OMG CORN. I'm always a little sad when I finish. Then I rally and go back to the counter for another. Because OMG THE CORN!!!!!!!!! I've never eaten at the actual restaurant, though...there's always like an hour wait. So I just shuffle down to the take-out place down the street. Minimum wait...not very much seating, but there's benches outside :) and OMG CORN!
(5)The O.
Corn, its all about the damn grilled corn. Habana is a fun place to eat. The food is usually fantastic. Cramped, intimate spot that can always be counted on for a good meal. Expect a good wait at peak times. The service fluctuates between friendly and snobby. If you dont want to wait, get take out next door.
(4)Joseph F.
Great french toast and cafe con leche...
(4)Marie C.
I honestly can't say if I liked the food so much because I was absolutely famished or because it really was that good. DH and I were looking for a different place but when we got there they didn't have any customers, so we used yelp on the iphone for another place. DH found this one and off we went to walk there. I was getting in quite a grumpy mood especially since there was a different place to eat every few feet. DH really wanted to go to this place though, so we kept walking and walking and walking. I have lived in LA too long. A short walk felt like 5 miles. When we finally found it there was a small line outside which is usually a good sign unless you are in LA. While we were sitting there looking at the menu corn kept passing by me. It looked and smelled so good. It took every ounce of self control to not stand up and just grab one. Speaking of servers is it me or were there only 2 people working the entire place? The service was slow but wow they were really working hard. Crazy as it may sound we didn't get the corn because I am such a good wife and shared the corn cakes instead, which were pretty good. I ordered the steak enchiladas and DH ordered the mole enchiladas. The rice was really good. It tasted like their was cheese mixed in with it. Too bad I wasn't able to savor the food as I just scarffed it all down. I did get some odd looks and rolling of eyes. I think everyone was wondering how the skinny girl was able to eat everything and continue to scrape for more. I would def go back. The place had a cool vibe. I felt like I could hang out there a while with friends and just eat drink and be merry.
(4)Cindy C.
Best Darn Grilled Corn ever!!!! and very good for brunch... I cant get enough of their Omelette Caribe... eggs, platains and salsa verde! sweet and savory all in one bite... yummmm for recipe TO MAKE THIS CORN AT HOME.... visit my blog.
(4)Naerim K.
Everytime I have a visitor come, I insist on taking them here to try the corn. It's amazing!! Great local spot, but I suggest getting there early for dinner.
(4)Dan T.
Eat the corn. Do whatever else you please. The food is pretty good all around, but for the sake of all that is good and decent in this world - Eat the corn.
(3)Roxy C.
Caparinhas were yummy, gotta love the happy hour! And food was fun combination of cuban and american (chocolate cake was an icebox cakemmmmmm). My only complaint was...turn on the fan in the summer for the happy hour folks...wouldya? Suppose it really made me feel I was in Cuba though.
(4)EatOutKid E.
Just finished eating here.... had the corn, cuban sandwich and pazola between two people..... Decent food, cute waitresses, tight sitting area, fair price for soho...
(3)Kim Y.
Uh...WOW. this place by far serves up one of the best classic cuban sandwiches I have ever tasted. the meat was thick and tender. the bread was perfectly toasted with cheese oozing out after every bite. several ppl told me to come here and i'm so glad i did. i love little hole in the wall joints. they tend to be cheap, good and very satisfying.
(5)Andrew C.
One of the best roasted corn I've had. And I love roasted corn. It was a little creamy, a little buttery, a little spicy. Went for brunch, menu wasn't that extensive, a few basic brunch items. The huevos rancheros was good. Not bad at all. Portions are okay, one entree and a few side items would make it a good lunch.
(4)R K.
We went to Café Habana for an afternoon snack from some shopping. It was about 2pm and we easily got a table in the cramp little place. Based on the advice of a lot of friends, we of course ordered the corn. Also ordered a Cuban sandwich. Yum! The corn was awesome! Really glad I got to try it. Must learn how to make those at home! The Cuban sandwich was also great! First Cuban sandwich I've had that tasted right since my trip to Miami in 2004.
(5)Kendra C.
I have an aversion to foods that have been oft-referenced in dirty jokes: pizza sauce, tartar sauce, etc. So corn on the cob (with mayo and cheese at that) fell under that category - really, google "hot buttered corn joke" and you'll get a glimpse of stories with which we regaled each other in the cafeteria during 8th grade. We came here right before midnight on a Sunday night, and by then, with work looming over my head in a few hours, I was reticent already. There was no wait, and the waitress told us to order within 5 minutes because the kitchen was closing soon. After a few nibbles of my friend's grilled corn I was sold (ignore how gross that sounds). Minutes later, the whole group of us were laughing and exchanging funny and childish innuendos. So that's the lesson of the moment: Cafe Habana's corn can cure anxiety, frustration, social awkwardness, you name it.
(5)Roya S.
Mmm...the food here is delectable. I have only been to the take-out area, (small space, with some tables/stools) which is next to the actual restaurant. If you want no-nonsense, delicious food- nothing fancy or overrated, then this is exactly the type of place you will love. The first time I came, I had the Chicken Diablo sandwich, which was so yummy- blackened chicken with black beans and...I don't quite remember, but it was very good. I also love the Chicken in Mole Sauce (on the entree section)--shredded chicken in delicious, slightly spicy mole sauce, served with good old (very good) rice and black beans- the combination of all three is perfect. Also, you HAVE to try the corn on the cob- as many others have recommended. It is delicious- cheese, lime, chili...it puts regular old corn on the cob to shame. There is an assortment of drinks and sodas to choose from- next time, it's Mexican coca-cola for me (mmm!). I had the lime-lemonade the last time I went and it was very fresh and delicious. I really don't think you could go wrong with anything on the menu. I am definitely going back soon, and am planning to check out the actual cafe/restaurant portion as well. This place serves Cuban comfort food.
(4)Alberto D.
I can only speak for the take-out part of the eatery around the corner which is set-up for takeouts but has a handful of tables. The shredded pork with yellow rice and black beans is superb and the selection of Mexican sodas is excellent to wash it down. And let's not forget the terrific old Latin American songs that are piped in giving this postage-sized stamp culinary outlet some real class. The downside is the disappointing Cuban sandwich.
(4)Irene H.
I had a rough week. On top of that the subway decided to skip my stop, so I got off the next stop which was a short skip and a hop to Cafe Habana. I got some things to go from the cafe, including the Pollo Mirador, which was fantastic, garlicy, and lemony. I think this might be the 'healthiest' thing you can find in the entree section? But, I really wanted the chuletas which is restaurant-only. So after I placed my order at the cafe, I called in a chuletas to-go at the restaurant (it was a bit crowded, didn't want to deal with it). Apparently some other girl had placed the same order a minute ahead of me. That order was ready in 10 minutes and I was able to pick that up, before the cafe order. Ha! I may sound crazy but I love my chuletas.
(5)Kathy P.
This place is all about the corn! Our daughter who knows her way around NYC said that we had to try their corn on our visit. We were trying to fit a lot of things in that day so we didn't have a full meal - we only stopped in for the corn. And disappointed we were not! I would have taken another ear to go if I wouldn't have appeared to be a pig. I asked for the chili powder to be cut from mine, but hubby had it all the way. Little girl definitely knows what she is talking about - this is a must for anyone visiting NYC - I haven't found anything like it in Texas! I'm deducting one star because our table was about 24" square and we could hardly move without bumping into the other people around us. They really cram them in there - a little more space would be nice. But that certainly won't keep us away on our next visit - I can already taste it!
(4)Chris L.
Corn. Unreal. Good local grub. Glad i stumbled onto it, really worth the cash. Great corn!!!
(4)Paul D.
Let's cut to the chase ... this place doesn't belong in Soho ... this place should move to the Financial District, so that I can have firey smokey Chicken Diablo Sandwich juices dripping down my face every Sunday morning. The Soho crowd looked on at me like I was a starved mutant outsider, which technically I am - being a Resident Alien and all, but this is the closest slice of Cuba you will get without having to steal across the bay with a fake passport. If they had a bottle of my favorite Havana Club Añejo 7 Años stored under the counter for me, they would definitely get the 5th Star!
(4)Elsa G.
This is a Cuban/Mexican food spot with the most amazing, if not really authentic, Cuban sandwiches. I've lived off Cuban sandwiches in Miami all my life and these are the much tastier version of a Cuban sandwich. Wow. I ordered the Mexican grilled corn, of course, and I was not disappointed. It's a tiny little place and lunch time seemed the appropriate time to go because I can't see where you could comfortably sit if there were more than a few people in there. Great food. I'll be thinking about this place for quite a while...
(5)Whitney W.
Straight-up the best, most delicious, most affordable meal of Cuban food you can have in the northeast. I am fucking addicted to Cafe Habana. The wait can almost always be egregiously long, but who fucking cares? It's always worth it. Also, I've never had a bad service experience here, which is amazing considering that it is always jam-packed. You can literally order anything on the menu and it will be delicious. If Cafe Habana was a person, I would marry him or her.
(5)Bonnie Z.
I know, I know...every other Yelper has probably echoed my same sentiments--THE GRILLED CORN IS THE BOMB! A giant ear of yellow corn smothered in a buttery sauce, cojita cheese melted into the kernels, a generous sprinkle of chili powder on top, and a squirt of lime juice to brighten up the overall flavor--it was the perfect mid-afternoon snack. If you're shopping in the area, I say stop by the To-Go section to grab a bite to eat and there's plenty of benches to sit outside. I was still full when my NY friends dragged me to this place during our SoHo shopping expedition, but I'm so glad I forked over $2 for the corn!
(5)Brent R.
The Cuban corn is worth the trip here. It's a cramped restaurant, but great for a small party. Delicious beans, unbelievable corn. Very good service and tasty drinks, along with the corn.
(4)Kris P.
This placed is a bit over-hyped. I have nothing against Asians, my fiancé being Chinese, but it seems that all the people that enjoy this place are Asian, who know nothing about Cuban food. First of all the name is totally off "Café Habana" and they serve tacos? Make up your mind are you a Mexican joint or a Cuban joint? Webos Rancheros ? Need I say more? Now to the quality of the food, Cuban Sandwich was a bit dry. Pork pieces where huge and sooooooooooo dry. Not to mention I was sweating like a fat pig, they could've gutted me and I would have been leaner than the pork in the sandwich. Please don't be fooled by the grilled corn, you can grill it at home and it will be amazing just like theirs. Mojito was good, how can you mess that up. Cramped small and hot best words to describe the ambiance. Overall, can you say overrated? If you want to eat while losing weight at the same time (cuz its so dam hot) come here. Being a Latino I know good Spanish food when I see it and this ant that child! Skip it, let the white Yuppies and the Asians that don't know any better waste their loot here.
(1)Jane K.
I'll be honest here... I probably would've enjoyed this place even more if I was hungrier. The grilled corn is great! It gets stuck in your teeth and you have mayo and cheese all over your lips but it's fun licking that off anyways.... :) The decor is adorable, very cozy and great for a date except you probably will be sweating so..... it's that kind of a date.... And if you are tall or wide in any excess, you probably can't use the bathroom. We had the fish tacos which were one of the best examples of fried fish I've had. Still moist and flavorful without being soggy... delish! The steak salad was okay. The steak was spectacularly cooked with just the right amount of pink but the lettuce and accoutrements were lacking excitement. Overall, they do their meats well! Margarita was freezing therefore deliciously amazing in the hot weather. I'd like to go again when I'm hungrier and peruse the menu in depth.
(4)Spanky D.
The grilled corn, as others have said, is phenomenal. YOu really feel like you are in Havana upon entering. From the sweltering stickiness of New York summer night, to the vintage fans churning in the corner, to the bohemian servers who always smile when smiled at. This is a really cool spot and the food is flavorful and reasonably priced. I think the best item here is the pork chop. It's $12 and comes lathered in a delicious ragu of flavorful goodness. The only thing keeping me from giving it 5 stars are the side dishes. The black beans are so-so and they could serve some fresh salsas to complement their dishes. I'll be back here for sure. They don't take reservations and during prime hours you'll be waiting for an hour or more so be prepared to walk around the corner for a cocktail.
(4)BrasilPo P.
Seriously --- the corn. You get 2 "cobs" for less than 4 bucks. The corn is roasted, dunked in spices and drizzled with cotija corn. You WON'T be disappointed. That said... get the PORK CHOPS. It's smothered in a creamy FRESH mushroom sauce and served with toasted bread topped off with melted goat cheese. So delicious! The prices are great for the amount of grub you get! The place is super crowded, so make sure you go during the OFF hours, as dinner and breakfast are swamped with foodies and not as much space to house them.
(4)Alice T.
All the stars goes to their special grilled corn! This place is one of my b-friend's FAVORITE place! Every time I'm down in NYC, I have to stop by to get their corn to bring back to Cali for her. CH, have you ever thought of opening up a store in Nor Cal? It will make things so much easier for me! =)
(4)Laura G.
I've gotten the steak sandwich (no words to describe this sandwich - steak melts in your mouth) and corn when I've gone - I'm not ready to explore any other menu items because these are so damn good. Definitely a tight fit inside the place, but so worth it. There's also the "to-go" next door which is the exactly same quality. :)
(5)Ima D.
Yes.
(5)Sky D.
The meatpacking district - the grimy, gruby, sewer-water-and-cow-blood-in-the-streets NYC neighborhood - is full of chic club-goers every night. From a mile away one can hear the thumping of house music, guys howling in their intoxication, and the pitter patter of women in their silk camisoles and Louboutin heels attempting to cross the mucky cobblestones as they club-hop. For some reason, it's the "cool" thing to hang out in one of the grossest neighborhoods of Manhattan. The gross seems to attract the trendy. In the same way, Cafe Habana, a grungy retro Cuban diner on Elizabeth street, is consistently filled with model-esque dames, artists, and everyone of the aviator and Ray-Ban wearing category. In likening it to the meatpacking district, I'm not insinuating that Cafe Habana is a gross establishment in any way. But, in its third-world-esque simplicity (there's no air conditioning, and the ceiling fans do little to alleviate your arms and legs from sticking to the plastic of the booths), Cafe Habana is somehow a "chic" institution. The line is siempre out the wazoo. So if you're in a rush, skip around the corner to the tiny take-out room and order your Cuban fare there. But if you're willing to wait in line so you can get the full in-house experience, do it. When your Cuban sandwich (Roast Pork, Ham, Swiss Cheese and Pickles on toasted bread), $7.55, comes out piping hot and dripping with delicious oils that only roast pork can conjure, you'll know it's worth it. But there's a requirement. Go to this eatery and you MUST (and I repeat MUST) get the grilled corn. Dusted with chili powder and sprinkled with fresh cheese, crunch into it, close your eyes, and feel that you're in Cuba. The corn's so sweet and the cheese so cheesy, the chili adds a punch - a true foodgasm in your mouth. The Chicken Diablo ($6.95) is a bread-wrapped package of blackened chicken breast, roasted peppers, mesculin and tomato with a chipotle mayo. The Grilled Steak sandwich ($8.95) is filled with onions and peppers and chipotle mayo. The Torta di Queso Blanco and Aguacate ($7.55) is an avocado and cheese sandwich with lettuce, tomato, black beans, and that same delish chipotle mayo. The bread at Cafe Habana is impeccable: crusty and crunchy on the outside and so soft, sweet, and delicate on the inside. The chipotle mayo seeps right in. The ingredients are fresh and juicy, the meat prepared so that all the toothsome juices are retained, and the avocado is perfectly ripe (a hard feat to achieve). If you aren't in the mood for a sandwich, you could always do breakfast food. Get a classic Cuban breakfast with Huevos Rancheros and Mexican hot chocolate or cafe con leche. Or do the rice, beans, and spinach plate. But of COURSE, don't miss out on that authentic coconut Cuban flan. Oh so creamy. Oh so smooth. Oh so good.
(4)Jorgen M.
Love this place, and is a must everytime we come to NYC. The cuban sandwich and grilled corn..oh so good.
(5)J U.
love love love the skirt steak!! There rice and beans tastes amazing..I'm from California, so I tasted a lot of ELOTE from different food carts to trucks and restaurants but this place was just ok..it tastes great but i have had better..but overall the food is FAB! The only reason why I gave them a 3 star is because the dishes were not clean.. The cup was sticky and had stains on it..but the food is awesome.
(3)Rolando T.
Best breakfast in NY so far in my life, not a fancy place but excellent food. Definitely coming back and say a good word of it. My mollete was Great!!
(5)