The food here is full of flavor, and the $20 pitchers of sangria were tasty too. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked with bell peppers & onions. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Omnomnom! Service was a little slow, but all in all, a great Cuban restaurant in River North.
(4)
Emily J.
I went here a few nights ago for a birthday dinner and had a great experience! It's down the street from my apartment and I always walk by and love the Latin music playing outside, it puts you in a good mood no matter what! Our group sat on the patio and enjoyed the music mingled with the sounds of the city. Unfortunately the smell of the sewer was also part of the mix, but that's just Chicago for you! The restaurant itself is lovely and you really feel like you've been transported out of Chicago for you dinner (minus the sewage smell!). I would start off with the fired plantain chips with homemade salsas and of course, a pitcher of mojitos. I am in love with the mojitos at Havana-they are perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. I didn't even have a terrible headache for work for the next morning! The food was just so-so, nothing terrible but nothing outstanding either. One of my companions got the paella, which was easily the best dish out of everything ordered, but it wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked it to be. Dessert was also a highlight-it was some type of chocolate/strawberry lava cake for the birthday girl. Our server, Olga, was fantastic and humored our selfie taking antics throughout the meal. I will be back to Havana, but probably just for mojitos and plantain chips. I can't wait to try this place in the winter when I will really need a tropical themed escape, even just for a drink or two!
(4)
Lizz M.
Yum! Popped into Havana with a co-worker on a Thursday night. Service was great. Our waiter was super sweet. They have caipirinhas! Which are traditionally a Brazilian drink, but if it's on the menu, I must have it. I went with the passion fruit kind and was not disappointed. Drinks are strong and delicious. For apps, had the guac and chips, which also come with pico de gallo and a salsa verde, which was fantastic. I need the recipe, please. We also ordered the platanos tostados, which are sliced plantain chips that are served with a side of pureed beans and a pineapple salsa. The beans needed a touch more salt, but were delicious no less. For the main course, I went with the roasted pork that is served with fried yucca, congri, and fried plantains. yum, yum, and more yum. You can't really go wrong with this dish, unless you're not a fan of onions as the pork is topped with a pile of roasted onions. Dessert was a chocolate cake, a perfect ending to a great meal. I'm definitely coming back to give their Cuban sandwich a try!
(4)
Shradha A.
We haven't tried the food but their drinks were good. We were here for their dance night and the live band + music were great! Wish they had more space to move though as it gets quite crowded!
(3)
david O.
12 people for my Fiance's birthday. We were seated a little late but the manager more than made up for it with lots of appetizers that were delicious. Mojito pitchers for $22? Yes please. Highly recommended.
(5)
Dora C.
Had one of the most amazing girls night at Havana! There was a live band performing that provided the best dancing music ever! Our bartender Noel made sure our pitcher mojitos was always filled! We originally planned on only staying for a little while and ending up staying til Havana closed down!
(5)
Lynn H.
Absolutely love it here and so has everyone I have ever brought with me! Can't remember the exact name, but I always get the chicken that is stuffed with spinach and cheese...sooo good! I also come here for drinks only every now and then. Their pitcher deals during the week are the best!
(5)
Lori C.
Great food (especially the paella, empanadas, fried plantains and ceviche) and awesome drink specials most days of the week. Friday's = $20 mojito pitchers! Live salsa music on weekends and you'll see people of all ages taking a twirl on the dance floor when the music start (probably with help of some mojito courage!). A great find in River North, as the atmosphere is more private and intimate than other restaurants in the area. The waiters and food runners are all very nice and sweet, and you never feel rushed out. A great place to come for any occasion, but if you are coming with a larger party, make sure to call ahead for reservations.
(5)
Bose' A.
We had dinner at Havana last night and it was great. My date and I had the plantanos maduros to start with and they were yummy! We also tried multiple of their specialty beverages and all were tasty. The atmosphere was perfect for our 5th date. Not too loud so we could have a more intimate conversation and it's in a great location. The staff was super friendly as well. We will definitely return for more delicious dinners at Havana!
(5)
Ryan B.
Always a winner for lunch. Good food at non-River North prices. The jibarito, pisto manchego and the torta Cubana are the best things on the menu. Seating is always very tight and service can be slow at times. But this place always delivers.
(4)
Angela S.
Havana is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Every time I have a new guest in town, I take them here. I have never stayed late enough to watch the band (I believe they don't usuLly start until after 11), but the food is fabulous. I would highly recommend getting anything with their poblano cream sauce. I like the atmosphere, it is very cozy. It is small, but that what makes it special. I have heard however, some hispanic friends of mine saying the food didn't quite live up to their expectations on authenticity (and they would know best!) but from an average jos standpoint, I would sat it is outstanding.
I appreciate the business getting in touch with me and that alone deserves an additional star. Original review: service is not very good (good cafe cortadito)
(4)
Giuliana M.
A Great atmosphere and the lunch menu is amazing. The service was fast and the prices were very reasonable!!
(4)
Mili J.
Food was great. But the service was bad. The waitress had an attitude, and was very comfortably denying the little variations my friends were asking for. Felt like she is doing a grand favor on us by serving food. Anyway the food was great, i can go back there for the good food hoping for a different server.
(3)
Jen S.
I went to Havana for dinner and the food and ambiance were great. The waitstaff was attentive and very informative. I highly recommend the pollo coco limon or the steak cubano. Both entrees were perfectly cooked and had a lot of flavor. I would go back to try a few more dishes on the menu.
(4)
Sid B.
This is one happening place. We were strolling post dinner and this place has some amazing live music playing. A good mix of cuban and salsa music and best mojitos in town.
(5)
Michael W.
Havana was pretty awesome. We were a 4 top with a reservation on a busy Saturday night. The mojitos were excellent, The food was on point. Havana is definitely an experience. The restaurant is pretty loud - but maybe appropriately so for a kind of hip Chicago style restaurant. I think we all thought the food was excellent. The service wasn't outstanding, but it wasn't too shabby either. I would tell you to give this place a try, but I would make sure you have a reservation!
(5)
Logan N.
The restaurant wasn't packed and the food was ok. I've had better, but it was a busy Friday and all the other restaurants were booked. I ordered the rope vieja and it was edible, but nothing to rave about.
(3)
Abishek M.
This restaurant is a hidden gem. Ive been here twice and both times I thought that the food was outstanding. I recently went with a friend who said that it might have been the best meal he had ever had! The drinks were very good as well and you can tell they are made with care. The dimly lit ambiance adds to the charm of this place. I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)
Sara L.
Loved the jalea de mnariscos. Went there last Saturday to celebrate my friends birthday and we had a great time, great atmosphere, food and if you like mojitos the coconut mojito is so good!!! THUMBS UP HAVANA
We had dinner last night at Havana and everything was great! Servers and bus boys were friendly, always cleared the tables quickly, and kept our waters full. The chimichangas are a must, tortilla soup was delicious, and so were the rollitos manchegos - super flavorful. The carne asada was good as well but the guacamole on top made it a bit cold (recommend serving the guac as a side, vs on top of the steak). Overall, really nice experience and we will definitely be back!
(4)
Marie M.
Such great food & service! The wait staff was perfectly attentive. The type of staff that gets you everything you ordered and what you need without being pushy or constantly asking you if there is anything you need. Our waiter didn't write anything down (and we ordered A LOT) and everything came out in good time with nothing missing. Tasted like authentic Cuban food with all the flavor. There were healthy options (I had a great salad with jicama and grilled chicken) and classic dishes. Get the tostones! Friday $20 Mojito pitcher! We sat outside on the little patio. Looks like they had Live music on the weekend. We street parked but there was a valet too. I'd say good for groups or a date night.
(5)
Angel A.
I had the pleasure of trying out this establishment while in Chicago on business. I make it a point to try and visit Puerto Rican and/or Cuban cuisines at every destination that I travel too. Okay, he we go. I loved the decor. The establishment was busy which only told me that it's a well known eatery. I began my venture by ordering a nice glass of Sangria. All I can say is EXCELLENT!! As I enjoyed my glass, I decided to order some appetizers. I ordered some Empanadas and they were a treat to eat. I then moved onto my main course. I ordered the roast pork with white rice and red beans. Unfortunately, they indicated that they don't carry red beans only black. You know, a Caribbean restaurant should always have an option- Strike 1. My main plate arrived and the presentation looked like the plates I used to have when I was in the US Army! Picture a line of GI's waiting to have their tray filled with chow and as you walk down the path and present your tray, good is picked up by the massive sized spoon and slopped down on the tray. There you have it- Strike 2. Well as I tried to enjoy my meal, I had to throw out a life server ring in order for me to find the slices of pork. Poor slice was drowning in sauce. Strike 3. I finally had my share of adventure and called it a night. I got back to my hotel room had a glass of water.... And then, the Atomic Bomb set off inside my stomach. After a box of pepto and 24 documented runs to the porcelain god! Day light broke... I felt like Baron Von Dracula looking for my coffin. This is as far as I'm going with this saga.. Hey, all I can say is to try it out. You might have a different experience. Just keep that Pepto near your bedside.
(1)
Anna G.
I had never heard of or noticed Havana until walking by it this summer while on my way to dinner somewhere else on Clark St. We finally got around to checking it out last weekend and, overall, I recommend it. The mojitos and caipirinhas were very good. I'll be back for a happy hour for sure. The food was good, it just isn't anything to really rave about. The portions were pretty large. Prices are great for the area! Service started out a little poorly (she forgot 2 of the drink flavors we ordered and the fact that we ordered chips and guac--why don't servers just write things down?!) but she definitely became more attentive after that.
(3)
Maegen R.
I love Cuban food, so I was really excited that this place was right across the street from where my friends and I had just enjoyed happy hour. It was a Monday night so fairly empty. Seating wasn't an issue. The atmosphere was chill. Service was fast. The server was friendly and attentive. I had the Carne Con Tequila (Steak and mixed sweet & white potato fries). It was really good. I will note, the steak had a little more gravy/sauce than I typically care for, but it didn't ruin the meal. However, if I ordered it again, I would definitely ask them to go easy on the sauce. My friends and I shared a pitcher of caipirinha on special. I found it tart, but refreshing. Per my friends, it's not suppose to be tart, but instead sweet. It was my time trying it, so I had no comparison. They weren't especially in love with the drink, but found the food quite tasty. Overall, I was pleased and so were my friends. I would definitely dine there again.
Havana is a darling Cuban themed restaurant. I ordered the Carne con Tequila and my boyfriend ordered the pork chops. Both were cooked perfectly with awesome flavors! We went on a Thursday and they had a drink special for a pitcher of margaritas for $20, score! What takes my rating down a notch or so was the service. It was difficult to find who to go to when we first arrived to be seated and the waiter stopped by with long pauses in between. Also, I had called ahead and informed the restaurant that it was my boyfriend's birthday and wanted to see if they sent out a dessert for the occasion, to which they responded they did and would make a note. I also checked when we arrived at the restaurant and told the individual who seated us. However, lo and behold, our bill came and no dessert was brought out. By that point, it would've taken a while to get our server's attention and I just didn't do it since it was supposed to be a surprise for my boyfriend and would have completely been a mute point by then. That was more disappointing for me than my boyfriend, who said he was full and didn't care, but I was upset that I continuously reminded them and it was forgotten about. Not coming back for celebrations again since it was more work on my end than theirs!
I like Havana -- hit or miss on the Cuban dishes, but I'm a Cuban so I'm difficult to impress. But Friday nights are great. I love to go for dinner, get the mojito special and stay for the music. Fun place.
(4)
Clayton R.
This is my first review, so take it as a grain of salt if you wish. It was my first trip to Havana, and I reserved a table there on a Friday night. It was a date, mind you, and one that I considered to be of importance. I'll walk you through my experience: I arrived a touch earlier than my reservation time in hopes that perhaps I could get a table slightly earlier than planned, or just grab a drink at the bar while I waited. Luckily enough, they did have a table for two ready, and in we went. We started out with some standard mojitos, which were pretty darn good, to say the least. Our waiter, as well as the staff in general, did a great job. They were quick, timely, and accommodating. We started out with the ceviche (a first time item for my date) which was as refreshing as one would want. My date was only able to narrow down her choices to a few items, and seeing as she was observing Lent, they were all fish items. Our waiter was very helpful in narrowing down the choices with his suggestions. She went with the plantain crusted halibut, and "won at dinner". I had the fish tacos, which were exactly what I wanted, but man that halibut was truly one of the better fish dishes I've ever tasted. It ended up being a really great date, and a risk of going to a completely new place ended up being very worthwhile. I hope that their service is as consistent as it was for us, because I do very much recommend it. In the summer months, I am told that they set up some space outside and it ends up being a great place to chill with a drink and eat some refreshing food.
(5)
Basil D.
I have tried several Cuban restaurants in Chicago. They all have their unique attributes. This one is no different. COME HERE FOR THE SANGRIA....SANGRIA...DRINK THE SANGRIA!!!!! HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN THE SANGRIA! Seriously, I am a sangria aficionado of sorts. This is the best. don't bother with a glass, just get the damn pitcher, it's only $20 and well worth it. They'll even give you the recipe, though not the amounts. They tell me they put some soda water, rasberry liquor, and triple-sec along with the normal sangria ingredients. It is light, refreshing, very flavorful, and relaxes you completely. Now the food. The Tostones are incredible. Twice fried plantains are cut perfectly, thick enough to be meaty and absorb the dipping sauces, and thin enough to keep the flavor consistent throughout. I recommend sprinkling them with salt then eat without the sauce, which is wonderful, or try the dipping sauces. Their salads are wonderfully fresh and prepared with care, not just thrown together. The tilapia tacos are fantastic (but everyone's doing them, still excellent), the Cuban pork is wonderful and rivals that of 90 Miles also nearby. So many other good things to say, but I shan't bore you. You really must come. It's got a great atmosphere and you can enjoy the best life possible in Chicago, which is River North living baby! Cheers
(4)
Douglas B.
So went here with Wifey, brother-in-law and his wife. Preface: If you are looking for authentic Cuban, beware, this is deceiving. This does not even touch Cuban by a mile. It's some "Pan-Latin" something or other.. all I know is that it was not very good. The place is very small... the tables are uncomfortable to sit in and its loud as F*ck in there! The staff is very odd and looks confused half the time. This has to have been created for tourists and for people that don't know better. Also.. If you're going to name your self "Havana" please please please spell the things correctly. They have a border of several different cuban items spelled around the edges of the ceiling. Half of that stuff is misspelled for goodness sake! What the heck is a "Plantanos" it's PLATANOS! And "Marquitas"??? its Mariquitas! Food... We started off with drinks... I ordered my usual Manhattan.. the first one came with some orange in it... I think the bartender has their menu confused. Ordered my second one with out any oranges.. this time I got two pieces. Thanks big guy. We ordered fried calamari and empanada trio to start. The calamari was fried so hard it tasted burnt and was not that great. The empanada was fried just as hard. Then I proceeded to order some concoction of a skirt steak and tequila sauce. Thank goodness I was able to substitute the "Latin Fries" whatever those were with some congri. I also then ordered a side of platanos maduros(sweet plantain). The steak was tender but was soaked in some kind of sweet ass sauce with huge bits of garlic. Not a fan. The congri was ok, I've had better.. it had freakin red peppers in it!?!? wtf is that? and it was spicy.. i don't get it. If i wanted Mexican food, I would have gone to get Mexican food. The even had "Chimichangas" on the menu.. WTF is a chimichanga!?!? The platanos were horrible.. they are already sweet.. but the chef decided that they definitely needed a good dose of honey or brown sugar or whatever that was to make sure my teeth fell out. The food.. terrible. The service... we at least got a table.. but the service is pushy.. i felt rushed.. we wanted to stay for the "live" music.. but I guess the waitress wanted to leave. She was so bland and no character.. I don't blame her.. I wouldn't want to work there either. The only friendly people in there were the bus boys, Put those guys in the front! The live music sucked... they played like 1-2 songs loud as hell and then it was DJ time. I felt like i was stuck in some gaudy bar in wrigleyville... i was just waiting for the flip flops and cub caps to start popping up. Overall this place was uber disappointing. Will def. never go back. Thank goodness parking was only $10. If you're expecting Cuban food.. stay away.. nothing in that place is cuban but the name of the restaurant. Sooo many other better places to go get the Cuban experience.. hit me up and I'll guide you!!!
(1)
Ashley C.
Food and drink get 5 stars, but what brings this restaurant's overall rating down to a solid 3 is its service. I made a reservation for a girlfriend and I to eat here last Friday night. Our reservation was for 5:30pm. We were both running just a few minutes late (5-10min) so I called to inform them. The manager onsite gave me a huge guilt trip, going on and on about how the place was getting busier and busier by the minute. I explained that I understood it was a Friday evening and asked that if they could just hold our table until 5:45pm, we'd really appreciate it. He agreed. When we arrived, the place was not busy. There were certainly people dining, but there were at least 6-8 tables completely open and unreserved, and that is a lot for this smaller restaurant. I arrived before my other friend and was pestered by the waitress 4-5 times before she arrived. I currently work in the service industry so I understand the necessity of an initial meet-and-greet; however, once I've let you know that I'm waiting for my other guest to order, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE. When my friend arrived we also felt very pressured to quickly order. It is not difficult to read a table. We were clearly catching up and hadn't even looked over the menus, and yet she asked us if we were ready 3 times! When dinner was over and we were working on our dessert, she tried to take the check away without us even paying yet. It was clear that she wanted us to hurry out of there. Our total dinner time was just over an hour and half. Oh, and when I handed her a $100.000 bill to pay for our $75.00 dinner, she told me she wouldn't be able to break it for me and I needed to pay with card. WHAT? You work at a restaurant on Hubbard St and it's a Friday night. Where is your server bank?! I can't be the only one walking in there with big bills. We ordered chips and guacamole and the empanada trio to start. They were amazing! Food came out quickly and everything was fresh and tasty. For our entree we split the ropa vieja - again delicious. The meat melts in your mouth. You bet we moved on to dessert which was equally as satisfying. Chocolate fudge cake with a side of vanilla ice cream. The dessert menu wasn't as authentic as everything else. Again, excellent food but not-so-good- service. Of course, that manager was nowhere to be found when we we leaving the restaurant, too.
(3)
Lisa T.
I've gone here twice within a week of my last visit and ordered the traditional steak enchiladas, which was ok. Although served with a hearty portion of steak, it was not something I would rave over. However,my colleague suggested getting a side of their poblano creme sauce which is simply delicious over rice. My second go around I ordered their chipotle crab cakes and chimichangas which were very flavorful and plentiful. Very crowed the second time we went there for lunch, got the last table inside and service was a little slow, but overall I'd go back again.
(3)
M. R.
The food and drinks were delicious. I would go back.
(4)
Alexis G.
I really wanted to like this place. If it wasn't for the service it would have probably gotten 3 or 4 stars The food was a mix. The ceviche and salad were great but the pork our waiter recommend was so dried out and flavorless we didn't even eat it. The service...while our waiter was nice, he was never around. After our initial drink order we had to flag him down every time we wanted something. Then, he just disappeared. It also took forever to get any of our food. Fifteen minutes to get a salad? At the end when we once again couldn't find our waiter, a nice woman brought us our check and said that he had left. It really would have been so much better if he had told us he had to leave and someone else would finish taking care of us.
(2)
Victoria G.
This place is very loud. We came for the live music and we could hardly hear anything. You have to over scream people around you if you want to talk to your friends. I mean I know bars are loud but this is just too loud. Their appetizers are ok. Mojitos are very good though. Service is a little slow but not too bad.
We came here with a mid-sized group to celebrate my buddy's birthday and his final days as a Chicagoan. ON the inside, Havana looked like it was pulled right out of Miami (the closest I have ever been to Cuban culture). The servers were very friendly and fast in recommending hot items on the menu. We started with mixed drinks (Mojito, Caipirinha) and an order of ceviche. My main dish course was the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork, which was very juicy. I enjoyed it a lot. I did find myself sharing some of it with my table mates because it was apparently tastier than their entrees (Ropa Vieja and the Pollo Paella Caribeña, among others). Even though I do recall having better Cuban food elsewhere, everything was solid overall, and the food and drink prices were great.
(3)
Regina D.
The food was delicious. I stuffed my face and therefore couldn't move or dance afterwards. The live music is nice too.
(5)
Sandra H.
My husband and I decided to have a impromptu dinner date. We live in the 'burbs, so we pick our Chicago restaurant adventures very carefully. He's been to Cuba and I thought it would be fun to find a restaurant offering authentic Cuban fare. The interior is awesome - very intimate and old-worldly - like Cuba may be. Service was great. Their mojitos are so very delicious. I had the Ropa Vieja - shredded flank steak simmered in garlic, tomato and bell pepper sauce. The flavors were soulful. My husband the Cuban Roasted Pork - tender deliciousness. I can't wait to go again and try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Isis S.
A group of 10 girls visited Havana for dinner to celebrate my 30th bday and it was AWESOME!! The food was soo yummy and our waitress was very nice. I had never heard of the site gdine before until my friend suggested it. Seeing that it was a large group of us, using gdine would def make our dinning experience super easy! Great experience, I loved the fact that we didnt have to worry about how to split the bill at the end of the night, because everyone had paid for their meal individually and hassle free through gdine!! There was a delay from the time that we were given our appetizers and when our entrees were served and had we all been hungrier after those appetizers one of us would have asked why it was taking so long. Luckily we were too busy chatting and drinking to make a big fuss. I had the mango mojito and it was delish!! One of my girlfriends had the sangria and that was very good too. Once our entrees came out, everyone's dish looked and smelled delicious! ! As the bday girl (and having awesome friends), I was able to try pretty much everyone's dish!! Mmmm...I recommend the apricot pork chops, the lechon, the jalapeno mashed potatoes were also yummy!! The empanadas for appetizers were the best!! Everything was so full of flavor :) There was a minor hiccup on our bill, as we had been charged two extra drinks, when in fact they had been part of the gdine package, but the waitress was nice enough to fix the prob. Overall great experience, delicious (and very flavorful) Cuban food!! I def want to come back again!
(5)
Gypsy G.
Meh. Disappointed in the food. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back a second time. I enjoyed the Mojito though. Can't believe I paid to valet my car for this. Totally not worth it.
(2)
Jackie C.
So we came here with some of our friends for a big group dinner. The food we delicious but the service was terrible. It was super slow and took forever to get our food.
(3)
David L.
Sorry for being so late on giving this review. But what I can say is that looks can definitely be deceiving. At first glance driving up to the restaurant, I think that I was thrown off by the size of it. Quite small and doesn't look like much from the outside. Only once approaching the valet my mind was quickly changed. Excellent service through and through. The hostess was real nice, the bartender educated my date and I on our drinks, the waiters were attentive yet not overwhelming. Ordered a ropa-vieja which was juicy and sooo tender. The flavor packed in every bite was amazing. Our dessert we got for free was also nice, thick rich chocolate cake that complimented my espresso shot. Great place, missed the live music by about an hour, can't wait to come back.
(5)
Asta R.
The perfect place for Cuban/Latin fare. Had the pulled pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and chicken in plantain leaves with sweet mashed potatoes and plantains and a pitcher of mojitos. Everything was delicious, the service was excellent & we will definitely be back!
(5)
Christina M.
I was very disappointed with my experience at Havana on a Friday evening. Everything we ordered was incredibly bland: mango ceviche, the jibarito sandwich, as well as the Cuban steak sandwich. While both if the sandwiches looked great and were large portions, I can't say we enjoyed them. The worst part of the experience, though, was the service. We sat at the bar and although it wasn't crowded at all, we were not expecting spectacular service. However, our bartender/server (Shannon- not that she ever mentioned her name, as she barely acknowledged us- I had to wait until we got the receipt to find out her name) was so rude, I couldn't help but to document this. She didn't understand my (correct) pronunciation of my order (jibarito sandwich) and responded with a rude "what?" each time I tried to repeat it in a different way to ensure my order would be placed. I eventually had to point at the dish on the menu, and when I looked up she had already turned away, without saying a word. (It seems especially bizarre to me that a server at a Latin restaurant cannot understand the dish names on the menu- I'm sure this has caused a lot of confusion for other patrons.) I was not even sure that any order had been placed, and she seemed very annoyed to have to deal with us. It did, however arrive, but we did not hear anything else from our server for quite a while. However, she and the other bartender did seem to notice our presence as they talked and turned towards us looking quite annoyed several times. Finally, when we asked for the bill, we got no verbal response. Instead she turned away and left the bill on the edge of the bar near us a few minutes later, again without a word. I'm not sure what we could have done to upset her from the very beginning, but this was the first time I felt like I was an annoyance to a server. We didn't make any special requests or substitutions and were quite patient with the unfair way we were treated, so this was very confusing to us. I've never felt so disrespected that I've had to write up a review specifically naming a server, but this was such a bad experience that I needed to document this. I won't go back, but I also to plan to tell my friends who are frequent customers about my terrible experience and hope they choose a much better restaurant than Havana.
(1)
Jennifer C.
My only mistake was going during my lunch hour, but Havana is down the street from my office and tempts me with its succulent smells every time I walk by. Curse you and your delicious Caribbean delicacies! My lunch partner dived into his jibarito so deeply that I almost asked if Havana had food bags and SCUBA equipment. Since he couldn't be bothered to look up from me at me to finish that round of conversation, I proceeded to try my winning fish tacos and all talk ceased in an array of yellow rice and black beans. Why were the tacos winning? All the pico and NO LETTUCE! Let me say this once: if you go into any taco joint that is a step up from Taco Bell and they deign to put lettuce on your taco, just walk out and go to the Chipotle next door. It was coming close the end of my lunch, but I could not leave without dessert. I scanned their dessert menu and fell victim to my favorite type of pie: Key Lime. Now, having first tried Key Lime pie in Key West, I'm always hesitant about seeing it on menus in restaurants outside of Florida. My worry subsided when the waiter brought out a container holding the biggest piece of YELLOW Key Lime all covered in graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream. I'm sorry, did you ask if we needed the check? I can't hear you over the OM NOM NOM NOM!
(4)
Rick S.
You would expect bold colors and sounds at a Cuban restaurant, but this restaurant was more quaint and romantic. Probably more like it truly is in Cuba - instead of a caricature. I had the passion fruit caipirinha. I was pleasantly surprised by how light and refreshing it was. Our appetizer was the Patanos Maduros. I was disappointed in the plantains that had no flavor - but the black bean dip definitely made up for it. I had the Carne Con Tequila and loved the chimichurri. My girlfriend had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork - the roasted cream corn made the dish! Get the Platanos Maduros side dish!!! It is different than the appetizer. It has brown sugar and honey. You could have it for dessert. SOOO GOOD! Yoandy was our waiter. It was Halloween and he was dressed like King Tut. He was very personable and did a great job.
(5)
L M.
I am obsessed with this place! I love the food and the staff are always pleasant. I took my friend and her son and he was dancing up a storm. The staff totally entertained the little guy. After hours with the band is a great time too!
(5)
Sheila P.
Although the live music was awesome the drinks were not. I ordered a capharini and saw them put at least a cup sugar in it. My sister ordered a mojito and it was not even drinkable. We left without finishing our drinks.
(3)
Jennifer E.
Three Words: Half Price Pitchers!!! (Margarita, Sangria, or Mojito) You can't beat that. And the food...muy delicioso! I had the Cuban Roasted Pork. Cubans know how to do their pork.
(5)
Kyle D.
Pretty good little hideaway downtown, Havana is a good place for some Cuban. Their menu is huge, ranging from sandwiches to authentic plates, and the drink list is extensive. The atmosphere is darker and more quiet and intimate. The food itself was great. I had the carne asada plate with plantains and rice, and everything was good. The rest of my group, which was fairly large, all got something different but equally enjoyed their meals. The only blemish of the experience was that the waitress was poor. Overall, great place to go and have some drinks or a good cuban meal. Sure there are probably more authentic places to go, but this place still delivers. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 6/10 Food: 8/10
(4)
Marisa P.
I just recently went to Havana with my sister and mom. I had been here once before just for drinks and they were great. Wish i could say the same when dining. I had the calamari salad. I had it fried and at the time it was really good. But regretfully a few hours later i was throwing up. My mom had the same thing except not fried and didnt feel well also. I was very disappointed in the food and service. While the girl was sweet it just took forever and overall wished i had a better experience.
(1)
DuSable Dining Club C.
Havana Ratings 1-5 (and I did work these based on our usual scale) 1= Worse than having a slip full of sea weed 5= As great as getting a new jet ski or two Atmosphere: Average rating - 3.6 Service: Average rating: 4 Food: Average rating: 4 Price: Average rating: 4 Would you come again or recommend? Most said yes (no one said no) Maybe-good food "Nice"Remarks please: Missed Tom :( - noted by many Glad Kelli made it! Great spot Loved the pork Cuban salad was great Omar was fantastic and attentive-overall good team there Mollypants got a little uppty when people challenged her ratings Glad JB and Mrs. Schneider ordered grown up margaritas "Loved the tranny in the booth" - JB Slow start, but nice Cuban fellas Excellent all around U kidding me? Even Paul thinks it's a deal? We missed Tom, however it is appropriate on 9/11 that we move on Way too loud, but really good food A steak for what you getGreat food and the price is right, can't beat margaritas for $20 Another great value from our token, Terri These nights are always the highlight of the month
(4)
Jesse H.
Poor service. Restaurant was not busy and our waiter just hung out at the bar and neglected his tables. Food was alright but incredibly salty.
(2)
Mandy B.
I loved this place! Went with a group of 6 on a Saturday night. Got a sane day reservation and all. We were seated promptly and hada great server. He was knowledgeable of the menu and ingredients. I shared the jalea de mariscos and the rollitos manchego. Both dishes were amazing. I couldn't get enough. I can't wait come back! Passion fruit caipirinhas were delicious as well.
(5)
Samantha E.
I was so excited to eat some delicious Cuban food! I came here with a big group for a friends birthday and was so ready for some good drinks and food. The mojitos were pretty good but the food was meh. It was lacking in flavor and overpriced. My search for legit Cuban food in Chicago will just have to continue.
(2)
FoodieChic L.
I accidentally found Havana while walking down Clark St with my bf. Heard the drums, the guitar, the singing - thought I was in Dirty Dancing movie. We went in and have been coming here for the last 2 years. Best to come before 11pm and grab a seat by the bar - sit back and enjoy the music and dancers! Only complaint is the layout - it's uber small and when it gets packed you cannot walk through the place. Hence getting a seat before the band performs! Still my go to place for my salsa fix!!!
(5)
Amanda M.
The chicken manchego rolls were quite yummy and rather light tasting considering the buttery sauce. Service was okay. Towards the end of our meal (we had a party of 10), we felt we were being rushed out because they were getting busy.
(3)
Melissa F.
I think 3.5 stars is a good measure of this place, but I had a good experience here last night, so 4 is OK. The space is sexy and has low lighting, but it's not so loud you can't hear anyone, nor is it "trying too hard." We started with the ceviche, which was delicious and came with interesting plantain chips (as well as regular multi-colored tortilla chips). My date and I both had the ropa vieja. I didn't go hungry at all, but I think the price outpaces the dish to a slight extent. The black beans were good, and the rice was fine. I was worried that the meat would be bland, but it was actually very good, and I enjoyed the tomato broth in which it was cooked. The mojito was almost too strong for me, but it was a perfect blend of mint and lime. Havana isn't a life-changing restaurant, really, but it's a nice option!
(4)
Laura K.
Great Latin food! Great vibe - I 'm a fan of Havana! I have gone here on a number of occasions (lunch and dinners - both small groups and large groups) and each time I have been VERY pleased with the service and the food! Good specials (Thursday night half price margaritas), great lunch menu that is pretty cheap considering the other sit-down options in the area (Torta Cubana for $9 - yes please), and a pretty sophisticated dinner menu. All in all, you can't go wrong with Havana.
(4)
Vic C.
Cool atmosphere. Service was subpar. Food was good. I had the pollo horneado which consisted of marinated chicken, habanero salsa, plantains and mashed sweet potato. Wouldn't go out of my way to return.
(3)
Luiz R.
Amazing restaurant. Great food, great atmosphere. I would probably rank it in my top 3 goto restaurants in the river north area.
(5)
Ingrid L.
We came to havana tonight for my mom's 70th birthday and we had an exceptional experience. Jessica, our server, was outstanding.. We started with the fried plantains and the empanadas..both were ridiculously good.. We had pulled pork and the seafood in coconut sauce for dinner..both were ridiculously good. Best of all, the service was outstanding.
(5)
Mickey A.
I haven't been here since the place was Mambo Grill. i met a couple co-workers here for dinner. Since it was right after work (around 5-ish), we were seated right away even without reservations. I probably would make one just in case for next time. There's usually a drink special sign outside. I believe the night we went it was buy one pitcher of mojitos and get the next half off. We didn't order drinks but that did seem like a good deal. We ordered guacamole and chips to start as we were starving. I ate way more than I could handle because the guacamole was really good (that or I was so hungry). Just like a Pringles commercial, you just can't stop...or something like that. I ordered the chicken stuffed with spinach and mancheego (sp?) cheese topped with a green pepper creamy sauce. Damn that sauce was so delicious and not very heavy. I mean, I swirled every chicken bite around in that sauce because it was just good. The stuffed chicken pieces were pretty big and I still had so much to bring home. I'm hoping to come back again to try one of their drink specials. Mojitos: I hear you calling my name.
(3)
Aditi G.
My friend and I stumbled upon this little place the other night after going into Mercadito around the corner only to find that the wait was over an hour. We didn't want to wait so we came to Havana and got seated at the bar right away which was great. I really love this little place! Love the authentic decor and love that it's a smaller, more intimate place. My friend and I got the friend plantains, some chips and guacamole, and beans and rice and everything was fresh, flavorful and beautiful! Would definitely come back here!
(5)
Courtney Z.
With so many great places to eat in Chicago - skip this one!! Confused/rude service, nothing special food, incredibly loud inside. Also, if they bring you to the downstairs to eat - run!! Odd, awkwardly quiet, drab room. I think the only time I'd consider eating here again is if it were in the seats outside - probably a much better experience. The mojitos were very good on a plus side. OH and wouldn't let us use the stupid yelp coupon for dessert. I guess one of the stipulations is only one deal an order (I guess our pitcher of mojitos was a deal). It was just lame though - like really we don't care if we pay an extra 5 bucks but its the point of it... Grappling with us over 5 dollars?? Please...
(1)
Mandi P.
Were we forgotten about??? We were here this past weekend with a large group for a birthday dinner. We all met at the bar around 7:30 for 7:45 reservations. The place looked tiny, but cute. Immediately we were made aware of just how tiny the place was as there was not enough room for us to stand at the bar conversing while also allowing the workers and other customers to walk back and forth...not to mention there was a ginormous fake plant right in the walk way by the bar...why??? We were seated before some of our party arrived before 7:45...I think mainly to get us out of the way which was completely fine with us. We were taken downstairs to the basement. Uggghhh...I am so tired of restaurants putting our group in add on rooms in basements or off of the kitchen. I am done with it and it will not happen again! Service at first was really good. Our waiter, Carlos, was attentive and pretty fast at getting us what we needed. Then...after our appetizers came out the service kinda dwindled. My guess is that the upstairs got busy and our waiter was covering our table in addition to multiple tables upstairs. However, as we were in the basement I couldn't honestly say if that was the issue. I won't lie, the food was actually fairly decent. Much better than I anticipated and I actually was full before finishing my dish. I got the chicken tacos and would probably eat it again should I have any notion to every visit Havana again. However, we were never offered coffee or dessert menus. The birthday girl's husband had to flag down someone from the staff just to order two small desserts that said happy birthday for the birthday girl and boy. Also, due to the server not coming back often we were all lacking drinks all througout the dinner. Someone from our table asked how many more rounds of drinks we would have had if we had been offered any more by our server...the vast majority of us stated 2-3...(that's between 20-30 drinks) that's a lot of easy money the restaurant lost that night. Kind of a shame. I can really see Havana's potential. The food is good, but the service is lacking. Oh...and they must get rid of that basement room...kills the mood completely and makes you feel like you are sitting in a friend's house for dinner.
(2)
Deanna I.
Went here 2 weeks ago for my anniversary. We were seated right away, and I instantly loved the atmosphere. Our table was in the back and as far away from commotion as possible. The chimichangas appetizer were incredible. My boyfriend ordered the pulled pork, and the combination of sweet and savory was as unique as it was tasty. Downside was a the watermelon-tini, no where on the menu does it mention the extreme sweetness of this drink. It says "refreshing" when it should say, we melted a jolly rancher then added a cup of sugar. However, the waitress was so nice and after getting manager approval let me switch the drink for the margarita, which was very good. Also, it was extremely dark. I get the idea of intimate lighting, but even while we were the manager dimmed the lights even more to a point where im surprised the wait staff wasn't tripping over each other
(4)
Laura Z.
We really enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back. We had a pitcher of mojitos and half an order of guacamole. Both our entrees were great: tilapia and ropa vieja. Service was fine and not rushed. The place is small but not too loud. Easy for two people to talk.
(4)
Ania W.
Delicious pisco sour!!!
(4)
Diana C.
We waited an hour over an hour past our reservation time, and food and drinks were mediocre at best.
(2)
Maile M.
The pros: seated quickly (especially for it being a Friday night), we were served very quickly, and the caramelized plantains with honey were delicious and perfectly crisp. I would still consider returning to try out their pitcher specials but the place is tiny so arriving early is a must. The cons (and the reason for such a low rating): we requested an appetizer suggestion from the waitress to which she replied the empanadas... They did not taste good at all. The best one of the three was the beans but it reminded me of the fried burritos that my high school use to serve. We also ordered the ropa vieja which again did not come close to meeting our expectations. Lastly, we ordered a simple coca cola which was bitter! All in all we would definitely not being coming back for dinner... Maybe drinks?
(2)
AJ W.
Great spot for a date night. I usually get the cuban steak sandwich and it is always delicious. My fiance' and I frequent this place and I have sent many friends through their doors.
(5)
Danielle F.
I went to Havana for the first time last night and it was so much fun! Live salsa dancing and music?? Hell yeah!!
(4)
An P.
Dropped in Havana on a Thursday night and was pleased to see they had a margarita pitcher special (delicious!). Empanadas are generously sized and will do the trick to what your appetite. The margarita was spectacular and strong and the capirinha was the same. The real thing I liked best of all things at Havana was the skirt steak dinner. Skirt steak is fairly easy to make but they marinated the hell out of it and every bite was so rich and tasty I could not believe it. The juiciness of the steak was so badass and worked perfectly with the fries on the side. Stop by Havana because it is a great space to go after work and while they might charge downtown prices, you do get bang for your buck. Havana, I like!
(4)
Niti B.
This place definitely sets the mood for a hot night out. My boyfriend and I went on a date night to check out the mojitos and good food. He ordered the guava mojito and I had the dragon berry mojito. Both were delicious but would have to say that the dragon berry muddle out the flavor or a true mojito. The guava was perfect not to tart or sweet and definitely tasted the mint. We ordered the calamari since my boyfriend actually planned and researched the place! and previous reviews had stated it was good. We concured! The tangy and spicey sauce for the latin inspired calamari was really good. For dinner we split the halibut and glad we did because the portions are huge! The chipotle sauce that accompanied the almond crusted halibut was great except for the heartburn that followed! And the sweet potato mash was a delightful surprise that neutralized the spicey flavor of the fish. we unfortunately had no room for dessert and called it a night at that but have to say the ambiance is worth it and the food is very colorful!
(4)
Mahsa T.
Everything I had here was pretty darn close to fantastic! I don't know much about Cuban food so I can't comment on authenticity, but I can tell you that everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. DRINKS--On Friday nights, they have half-priced mojitos (regular mojitos, not flavored ones). When it's a $4 mojito, you have to have more than one and they are strong, perfectly muddled, and delicious! FOOD--Guacamole, great! Chimichangas with poblano cream sauce, freakin' fantastic! I ordered the carne con tequila--the steak was wonderfully flavorful and tender. My friend ordered the caserola de hongo relleno (stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables) which she liked very much, and a side of the sauteed plantains with butter, brown sugar and honey---yes, they were as amazing as they sound! Fudge cake for dessert, pretty good, I was stuffed by this point. SERVICE--Lauren was not only a great server but a wonderful person, we were best friends by the end of our meal. She was so friendly and kind! She took the time to answer our questions, explain everything on the menu, and she made some really great suggestions! They really deserve an extra star for their fantastic service, from the host to the server. They treat you wonderfully here. DECOR--Clean, classy, tropical, love the fans. I'll definitely be back soon to try the other delicious things on the menu.
(4)
Max B.
We went to Havana two nights in a row. The decor is lovely and warm. The food was excellent, and the wine suggested by our waiter was very good. Our waiter was attentive, sweet, charming, and... handsome!
(5)
Josh P.
I love the feel of this place just waking in the door. It is small without being crowded or tiny. We had a table right next to the window/door so we could people watch a bit. The half portion of guac and chips was plenty for 2 people and delicious. The bread with spread they serve is also tasty. We each tried a couple different drinks and enjoyed them all. It is fun to try a new drink especially when eating a different style of food from what is typical. This place allows you to do just that For entrees, I went its chicken while my date got the tequila reduction steak. Mine was good, not amazing, and hers was amazing. I, however, loved the sides that came with mine so I have no complaints about the meal. The meals were not just flavorful but also plentiful and neither of us had room for dessert. I'd recommend this spot to anyone going to River North and looking for something beyond the usual sushi or Italian.
(4)
Jaime O.
excellent service. I had the guacamole and salsa. Also order the pisco sour. Had the chicken cooked in banana leaf with habanero salsa. Finished off with key lime pie.
(4)
Chris J.
I have been here multiple times and both the food and drinks have been very good. I love the atmosphere and have found that it is best to go during less busy days such as monday through thursday. The service was friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. The drinks are also quite good and strong. The atmosphere is great and is definitely a great place for a date.
(5)
Desi C.
We came here a couple weeks ago. We had a reservation for a Saturday night. The service was great, we were promptly greeted and after grabbing a drink at the bar, before we had taken one sip we were shown to our table. The food was AMAZING! I had the Rollitos Manchegos and it was to die for!!! My fiance had the Carne Asada, it was spicy but just enough {so delicious}! We used a restaurant.com gift certificate with no problems, so that was a plus. We will definitely be coming back!
(5)
Jamie S.
Food was pretty good, service was decent. Will likely go back again.
(4)
Ann M.
My roommate and some friends and I came here during the day on St. Pats. We were all pretty dunk but from what I remember it was awesome! We got the guacamole and then I ordered the Caesar salad which was pretty great. Our service was good and the prices weren't terrible. I'm not sure if I'll be back simply because it's not close to wear I live but I did enjoy my experience and I would recommend this place to others if they are in the city.
(3)
Heather M.
I had mojitos and appetizers in the party room downstairs, and everything was amazing!!! The mojitos were really great, and they even got the stamp of approval from the Miami Cuban in the group. The empanadas were delicious. I'm a giant carnivore, but I actually preferred the Manchego Empanadas to the chicken ones. But both were great. The crab cakes were also excellent. We also had some black bean dip with plaintain chips that doesn't seem to be on the menu, so maybe that's what they bring when you're having a full meal there. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Jon B.
Is there anything less than 1 star. I went there on 3/9/13 with a party of 8 and lets just say from the beginning to the end it was a total disaster. We went to reserve a table and ended up waiting over 4 hours. Of the 8 guest, 6 ended up with food poison. NEVER AGAIN!!!
(1)
Mary S.
I'd actually like to give this place a low 3. If you're looking to have tasty, authentic Cuban food, I'd say there are better Cuban restaurants in the city. However, the ambiance is very nice and the live music is definitely a plus. For great food at a great price, go elsewhere. I had the pulled pork entree and it was just ok, though the appetizers were a bit more tasty. If you're looking to go out for dancing and drinks with a group of friends, this is a good place to have fun.
(3)
Zeljko D.
I've dined here roughly 4 times in last month. Food is excellent, jibarito, burger, cuban sendwitch as well as cuban coffee and mojitos. It is not too crowdy during lunch hour, which is surprising how great the food and service are. I was introduced to Havana by a friend who said that 'everything they tried was excellent', it was my experience as well. Service is great, very friendly, atmosphere is really good with Cuban music in the background. And prices are not excessive, especially taking into account how good it is.
(5)
Lisa E.
We found this gem before heading out to dinner. We ordered chips and guacamole and mixed drinks. The drinks were fantastic and the bartender seemed to be enthusiastic about creating the specialty drinks. I plan on going back.
(5)
Mike K.
I love my Cuban food, and Havana does not disappoint. Ropa Vieja was on point. As was the Mojito. Serving size was plenty for 2 meals out of one order. Service was friendly and consistent. Dinning area was a little loud with a large group in the middle, otherwise cool ambiance.
(4)
Amy Z.
I had never been to a Cuban restaurant so when my friend suggested it I was all in. We were there on a Thursday night when Margarita pitchers were on special, so we did that of course! They were good - stronger than I would expect for a pitcher. When we go out to dinner we typically do at least one appetizer and then we order two entrees and split them so that we can try as many different things as possible. For appetizers we did the chips with the trio of sauces. All of the sauces were good but the guacamole was by far my favorite! We also did the Chipotle Crab Cakes which I thought were fantastic - the texture and seasoning were perfect, just the right amount of spice and fruit relish was a new a surprisingly wonderful addition!!! I ordered the Jalea de Mariscos and my date ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. Both were very good. The Jalea de Mariscos was loaded with seafood! I can honestly say that I have never order a mixed seafood dish that came with this much seafood. I was able to just eat all the seafood without ever touching the rice and was completely satisfied. In fact, because of this I only had a couple of bites of the Paella, which was also delicious. Rarely do we go out to eat and not have any leftovers but not this time.....we ate it all! I had heard they often have live music and I was excited about that but I guess we were there on a night they weren't having it - that was my only disappointment. Food was good, drinks were good, price was reasonable, service was great, and it was a nice atmosphere. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Michael L.
I took my lovely bride here for Valentine's and it was a wonderful experience! We didn't have reservations (sat night Feb 13) and we got there just before 6pm and the Host graciously worked us in without a wait. Our waitress Amber was extremely gracious and attentive and when my wife asked about a particular wine selection, she promptly brought her a sample taste. Nice touch. We ordered the fried plantains with black bean dip as an appetizer and were not disappointed.... Very tasty and a good portion. My wife ordered Paella and it was delicious. I ordered Ropa vieja and it was superb as well. For dessert we split a piece of delightful chocolate cake that was presented splendidly with sliced strawberries and a dab of whipped cream. I am from the south and have eaten at a number of Cuban restaurants and this definitely ranks in the top three. I highly recommend. Thanks to the restaurant staff and owners for a wonderful dining experience!,
(5)
Lee W.
Happened by Havana on Friday evening and luckily happy hour was still going on. Outdoor seating is nice and manager type person was very nice about adjusting palm tree so it would not overwhelm our table. There was some confusion about who would wait on our table and I noticed other newly seated diners waiting some time before their orders were taken. Thumbs up for the ceviche appetizer and guacamole appetizer. The pitcher of mohitos was a bit tart and didn't contain a lot of alcohol but luckily it was half price.
(3)
Windi L.
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why Baby Jesus, WHY?!? What did I do to offend you so? I'm sorrrrryyyyyyyyyy! The only reason why I'm coming in with 3 stars for Havana is because their wait staff is excellent! In addition (and despite the small size of the establishment) they were able to accommodate a party of TWENTY (20) people, all with different taste buds. Based on the suggestion of some then verified on Yelp, I suggested Havana to my boyfriend's family for a pre-wedding dinner. I felt like a superstar! Beautiful decor, exotic menu and accommodating staff to serve such a large party?! DING DING DING - Michelle was a winner! Then the food came. I hoped that it was just me who hated my food since most of the party thought Chili's was spectacular. NOPE. I was wrong. Everyone was complaining about God awful the food was. I had the Pork Chops w/ Apricot sauce. Verdict? Burnt, slightly bland and over cooked. I was destined to find one good dish so I began sampling other dishes. The pork loin dish also had over cooked pork and the Coconut Curry talapia also over cooked with too much sauce. Appetizers were passed around. Egh, pretty average as well. DING DING DING - Michelle lost the battle to impress her future vanilla in-laws. This restaurant is new so I hope that they just need to work out some kinks. Again, GREAT service! MISC: Valet is available for $12 and the bathrooms are located down very narrow steps
(3)
J J.
I work by this place and my buddies and I go here for lunch often. We had lunch here today and my friend forgot his phone on the table. When he came back the table was cleaned and the busboy claimed there was no phone left behind. Back at the office I showed my friend how to get Lockout Plan B software installed remotely on his Android phone and in a couple of minutes he started receiving emails from his phone with a map its location - Havana. We came back here searching for the phone again. Staff made an appearance to help, going through furniture and garbage with us. One of the ladies claimed that her Android phone can send a signal to the lost one and make it sound an alarm. She typed in my friend's number to trigger the alarm but none of us could hear anything. Out of a sudden she and her colleague started yelling that they hear an alarm going off. (we still could hear nothing and we were right by the ladies) Low and behold, shortly after that theatrical fiasco, the busboy got the message and showed up with the phone. Supposedly he had been searching for it all the time and just found in the dirty towels when the alarm went off... These are the facts, you can make your own mind about the quality of service you can expect from staff like this, or from that management that hired it. To each their own, but for me this place lost its appeal with this episode. As for the food, it's greasy at best, no flavor. Mercadito and Xoco are light-years ahead, yet just around the corner and down the block from Havana.
(1)
Scott W.
Had lunch with friends at Havana the other day. Even though its close to the office, I'd never been. Really nice looking place. The staff was on point. The tacos and Cubano my friends ordered looked very tasty. My jibarito and spicy sweet potato fries really hit the spot. Plate cleaning delicious. Even better, the prices are really reasonable. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Pamela C.
Great 1/2 price Friday mojito deal. Friendly and accommodating staff in a gorgeous environment. Beware of the hot sauce that accompanies the pollo con bbq de tamarindo. PURE FIRE. The hottest sauce I've ever had. Good thing the staff forewarned me. Decent but nothing special. Everyone at the table seemed pleased but not overjoyed with their meal. The empanada appetizer was disappointing, a bit too sweet. The food left a little bit to be desired and after eating at Nacional 27 the following night, it just doesn't hold a candle.
(3)
Hrayr A.
Although the food is not authentically Cuban it is flavorful and fresh. The service is excellent and everything they have on the menu was good (there was 18 of us so almost all items were sampled).
(4)
T L.
I would give this place 3.5 stars. Started with chipotle crab cakes. Even though we ordered mojitos first, we received them after we ordered the crab cakes. Anyways, the crab cakes were good, crabby, and the fruit relish had an awesome kick. We ordered ropa vieja, and it was tasty and the meat was soft and tender. But when we ordered it, our waiter had to make sure they still had some left. They did, but I think that kind of information should be disclosed as soon as you are seated and given menus. It's easy to say also, the ropa vieja is in such hot demand that there may only be a couple portions left. Served with rice, which some of the rice seemed undercooked. Service was either too much or too little, not very consistent, it was not super busy when we there either so I'm not sure why it was so up and down. Good mojitos. Nice atmosphere. Decent food. Ok Service.
(3)
Carol K.
Mambo your way to Havana- the newest addition to the line up of restaurants that have opened in River North as of late. This Pan-Latin eatery is that perfect place to spice up your night (or lunch) with its menu full of tasty foods from our neighbors to the south. They also have a fully stocked mojito bar so throw out all those preconceived notions of what a mojito is and let their bartender mix you up a delicious treat! Some options are a guava infused mojito, a strawberry caipirinha and a Brazilian "margarita" made with cachaca. The manager also told us that they have mojito happy hours so you can try to find your favorite at a reduced price. The menu, while simple, has many recognizable favorites such as empanadas, plantains, carne asada but then also puts a nice spin on things like a Cuban salad (grilled chicken on plantains) sauteed plantains, and even a great tasting vegetarian dish of stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables. We tried a little of this and that and it was all delicious! The guac and chips were a huge basket of tri colored chips served with two kinds of salsa and chunky guacamole. We sampled the carne asada (served over beans and rice, the stuffed portabella mushrooms and the shrimp salad. All were very good! The service was also spot on! Our server, Colleen, was patient and helpful and the manager, Noe, went out of his way to make sure that we had everything that we wanted. The interior is a bit stark (love the lights over the tables, though) with booths along the walls and tables down the center. Huge floor to ceiling windows that open to Clark Street make this place inviting enough to pull you off of the street. But if that isn't enough to get you to try Havana, consider this. Dinner for 4 with drinks was only $100! Amazing! So the next time the lure of Cuba calls to you, think Havana. No. Not that Havana. This one. Right here in our own back yard serving up some great Pan-Latin food and mojitos that make you swear you actually might have made the trip.
(4)
Karen M.
Started with a perfectly made Manhattan and carprihaina at the bar. Beautiful atmosphere and excellent service. On to dinner....The empanadas appetizer was greasy and and a little overdone but very flavorful. The red sangria is definitely worth having and is a generous sized glass. Entrees were really good and overall we were happy with our choices. I had the jalea de mariscos which was seafood in a rich coconut cream sauce. The calamari was overdone but the rest of this dish was perfect! My husband had the carne con tequila which was very flavorful and the fries were super crispy and delicious. Ask for the house made hananero sauce. It is crazy hot and has a great flavor.
(4)
Abby L.
Amazing (and strong!) drinks, delicious food-- my friend and I split 2 appetizers --plaintains and black bean sauce were soo good! Will for sure be back :)
(4)
Noah E.
This was the first time I have tried cuban food and I have not been able to top it since. The food is amazing, the service was great, and the inexpensive pitchers of drinks are a great idea. I will definitely come back!
(5)
Allison V.
I went here on a friend date. We had great service. The staff explained drinks and foods and even had recommendations. My friend and I ordered our food, shared our spoils, and enjoyed our cocktails. This place is a hidden gem. I look forward to going back again. Bike parking on street.
(5)
Lenny L.
I've eaten in Cuban restaurants in Miami and New York City. Havana restaurant was the worst by far. The ropa vieja was very hard to chew. My daughter's pork was hard to chew. The rice had uncooked kernels like pebbles against my teeth. They don't bring Cuban bread and butter. You have to pay extra. The black beans were fairly good. The restaurant was full, for reasons not clear to me. Perhaps Chicagoans don't understand Cuban food.
(2)
Gardenia H.
Fresh Seafood adds a Caribbean taste to the Paella in Havana, Chicago, Illinois.
(5)
Sara M.
Havana is a hidden gem in the middle of Chicago on a cold night! I felt like I went away somewhere warm and tropical as soon as I stepped into Havana. It's a cute date restaurant for sure. The bar is fun and the vibe is great. Very loud in there but what restaurant on a Friday night isn't? Since I was observing lent I felt as I couldn't get the full experience with their drinks and meat meals. My husband however had a coconut mojito and loved it! I had the ceviche appetizer and it was good. We both then shared the tilapia entree and it was good as well. I feel their steaks and other meat dishes could have been better so I am going to have to come back to try!! Only con: I was excited about getting my free dessert but the waiter informed me it was only mon-thurs:( I was so sad but it's my fault it said it in tiny print but when I was able to redeem it once I checked in I figured I can use it and didn't pay attention to the fine print! But aside from that we still got their flan. It was delicious and for an extra $5 it was definitely worth it! Next time I'm coming back between mon-thurs to take advantage of the yelp free dessert though!!
(5)
Kari F.
Steak sandwich and late night live music. Try them both!!!! That's all I have to say. (My coworkers and I come here on the regular, and I have a very very hard time ordering anything but the steak sandwich here. Trust me, it is scrumptious.)
(4)
Meredith K.
I liked it better when it was Mambo Grill. Havana still has mojito pitchers and black bean dip, but the service isn't as good and the food was off. My boyfriend is 1/2 Cuban so this means something to him. He got the pork. I had to get the black bean dip but its runnier than what it used to be. Its just ok. I got the shrimp and mango salad and I think the shrimp was bad. It smelled and had a strange texture. I couldn't eat it. For that reason I'll not be back. We've found better Cuban food at places like D'Cuba.
(2)
Giuseppe D.
I'm really kinda' sorta' very disappointed in myself for having not written a review for Havana yet. This has been one of my favorite places to eat at for about 6 months now. I've come here at LEAST a dozen times in that span, including a few back-to-back meals; don't judge me until you try it :) I really don't even know where to start because everything I've had from here has been great. From the cerviche appetizers, to the apricot chipotle pork chops, to the classic Cubano sandwich, I've never been let down. If I MUST pick a favorite, the most memorable would be the ribs! Absolutely phenomenal, literal "melt in your mouth" consistency, equally sweet/spicy sauce, this is a must have. They make all of their mojitos and sangria in-house. You could never go run with a pitcher, or 6, of these :) Though it's very chill throughout the day, Havana turns into a dancing FIESTA at night. Really cool music, plenty of Latin dancing, it's a cool experience for anyone who enjoys Latin music and culture. Amazing service, amazing food, amazing overall. Definitely recommend Havana for your Cuban cravings.
(5)
Anne M.
Havana was a mixed bag. Some awesome things (mojitos, chimichangas), some so-so things (enchiladas), some bad things (undercooked/raw pork chops and disappearing server). We kept drawing from the mixed bag the entire evening... My party of four managed to squeeze into a booth on the early end of dinner time, Saturday. The place was packed and loud. Once the mojitos were served, things got better. The chicken chimichangas were awesome - though they were smaller than I'd like (egg roll size), they were delicious. Once the guac / chips platter and crab cake apps arrived, things continued on good wavelengths, but that turned out to be the high point of the meal - from there on out, things were headed downhill. Time for the second pitcher of cocktails. We opted for something different this time - a rum + pineapple juice + lime juice concoction. Should have stuck with the mojitos..... We all agreed, this combo was weird. Still, we drank it. Entrees were disappointing to me. I split the chx enchiladas with someone and there was really nothing special going on. Three decent size enchiladas, but not that meaty and lacking some basic garnish - sour cream? lettuce? tomato? Sides of beans and rice were straight up beans and rice - no flavor; very basic. A pork chop entree was also ordered and to the diner's dismay, he realized the center of the chop (by the bone) was raw. Gross. Couldn't notify our waiter, because he was nowhere to be seen. He was also M.I.A. for a good while when we were trying to pay our bill and leave. Annoying. Finally, we paid up and left. High memories of the chimis and mojitos - everything else was kind of forgettable...
(3)
Tim H.
Phenomenal food. Do not order the Jalapeño caipirinha.
(4)
Sruts A.
A favorite restaurant of mine. The food is great, atmosphere very relaxed and the service is quick! The guacamole served with chips is delicious, the steak sandwich is mouth watering, but I think my favorite entree here is the Pollo Horneado Con Platano - the chicken has always been perfectly cooked, tender and flavored to perfection! Go during the weekdays if you want to beat the crowd. Weekends are always filled with people to the brim - they even have live music and outdoor seating. Despite the crowd, service is always excellent. Your glass will never be empty, your conversation never interrupted, and your food always deservingly delicious!
(4)
Kristen H.
Had an event to attend in the area and wasn't sure where to eat. A friend recommended Havana and luckily I was able to make a same day reservation. Overall the experience was good for what we needed. My friend and I shared 3 things - the calamari, the ceviche mixto and the fish tacos. The calamari had a wonderful sauce to dip with. The ceviche had lots of fresh fish and came with these fun plantain chips and the fish tacos were good too - the fish was nice a crispy. The drinks were strong a fun. I had a Caipirinha - A refreshing Brazilian classic with Rio D Cachaca Rum, fresh lime and sugar - it was good and strong. Overall, it was a quick dining experience, but nonetheless everything was tasty. The service wasn't the best and our seat was a squeezed in table by another big group, hence the 3 stars.
(3)
Albert M.
Walked in on a Thursday night, by myself, was seated at the bar immediately. I was torn between two dishes, so I asked one of the bartenders which dish he would recommend and he suggested Pollo A La Caserolas, so I ordered it. Once it arrived I dove right in, soooo good! ...And the poblano cream sauce, yum! I suggest a side of beans with it too.
(5)
Heather M.
I had a very special occasion here last night and the staff made it absolutely perfect! The general manager Noe and the hostess Andrea went above and beyond to make it wonderful. Great food, fun atmosphere, and such reasonable prices. My new favorite spot in river north!!!
(5)
Chloe Z.
Before I went, Havana's menu really set my expectation high. Yet after the dinner I see why this place is only 3.5 stars We sampled quite a few dishes as they all sounded enticing, yet nothing stood out. The hyped stuffed pepper is just soso. The creamy sauce drawn the peppers and there was too much cheese the payella may be the only highlight of the night the black bean soup was so mediocre, and even my neighborhood cafe can do better than that Maybe this is a better place for a drink a light dinner, but not for foodies for sure!
(3)
William V.
I've been to this place several times and recommend it for a unique lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is interesting, though darker than I prefer. The cuisine is decent and seems to be fairly authentic. The service is always prompt and friendly, and the place transforms into a party on Saturday nights. Give it a try.
(3)
Melissa S.
Came here one night to watch the basketball game. It was pretty late and this place wasn't as crowded as the sports bar we passed by earlier and the kitchen was still open, so they didn't have to ID us. The bartender was very nice. I can't say anything about the food because we only had beers, but do order their "strawberries and cream" dessert. Delicious! It was a good night - especially coz the Heat won. hehehe
(4)
Rachel S.
My boyfriend and I were excited to try this restaurant, made an 8PM Saturday night reservation. We liked the atmosphere, although the music was pretty loud. Food was awesome - I tried the Ropa Vieja and my boyfriend's Rollitos Manchegos was incredible. The ceviche was an exciting and refreshing appetizer. Service started out fine, but dwindled throughout the meal. The server asked us if we'd like another drink halfway through out meal, but we didn't receive the drinks until after we were done eating. I had been saving room for dessert, but the server let us sit at the table without offering for 20 minutes after our plates were cleared. I had given up and decided they didn't have a dessert menu at that point, so imagine my shock when my boyfriend asked for it and it was promptly delivered. Moral of the story: great food, not the best service.
(3)
Melanie S.
I don't really know why I don't come here more often, but I'm going to have to remedy that. The prices (especially at lunch) are very reasonable and their cocktails are great. They offer lots of fun varieties (mojitos, sangria, caipirinhas, margaritas), as well as specialty and premium tequilas. Went here today and it had been awhile since I was here. They have a specially-priced lunch menu and nothing on it is more than $8.95. You can get tacos, enchiladas, a cubana sandwich, quesadillas, even a "latin" burger (I guess putting guacamole on it makes it Latin?). It's a lot of food for not a lot of money. The food is generally very tasty. Today I got the tacos and you get a choice of steak, chicken, seafood or vegetable. I asked if I could get three different ones and they happily obliged, so I chose 1 steak, 1 chicken, and 1 vegetable. It comes with a big pile of guacamole and black beans. I didn't think I'd finish everything but it was too good not to. The vegetables in the taco were like fajita fixin's (peppers, onions and mushrooms) and the chicken was shredded and slightly spicy. Even the tortillas were delicious. Service is courteous and efficient. Get a guava mojito, or be like me and get two!
(4)
Dominick N.
Another Great Evening Had the Chimichanga appetizer again and the Calamari. My Husband loves the Mojitos and I my Typical Kettle One up with a twist. Great as always. The server was polite and prompt. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time despite the restaurant being PACKED! My hubby had the Carne Asada and I did the Ropa Vieja, awesome. We finished with espresso and a chocolate cake. The waiter was great. Food wonderful. Love it here.
(4)
Rachel B.
I love Havana. I go here after work with one of my girlfriends on average once a month. Their pitcher deals are FANTASTIC, especially the red Sangria. Best I've ever had. I haven't had a bad dish here, from the guacamole appetizer to the chiles rellenos meal. The service is great, the ambiance is nice. Overall a great place.
(5)
Maren B.
Havana is one of those places my husband and I go every year or so, maybe a little more often. I think he's only tried one of their dishes off the entire menu, but he loves it (it's the pulled pork over mashed potatoes with creamed corn - I'm not crazy about it but he is so I guess it's all a matter of taste). We came back this weekend for a summer date night and were SO disappointed that they stopped serving bread and butter. They used to include this sweet chili butter that was amazing, and to me it was really one of their selling points. When we arrived there was only a half-hour wait or so, so we ordered a pitcher of mojitos at the bar. The mojitos are awesome here, I recommend the mango. The bartender was cool but seemed like he was more interested in schmoozing the people who were planning on staying quite some time at the bar; although he did make sure to give us the bill before we left for our table, which I thought was a little odd. Our server was average - a little bit slow in getting to our table to begin with, but after that she made sure we had everything we needed. I've tried a few things off the menu, and while they were all satisfying, none have been stellar enough for me to mention by name. I will, however, recommend the cortadito coffee as an after-dinner drink. It's a Cuban espresso that's a little better than your average cup of joe.
(3)
Jaime N.
Excellent place! The atmosphere was great and the service pretty good. We ate one caribbean paella and drank 4 mojitos (3 mojitos house and 1 guava mojito) and the dessert (coconut rum flan) was extremely awesome! I recommend this place for anybody who wants to try another kind of food in Chicago's Down town.
(5)
Neil R.
I had an excellent meal - Rollitos Manchegos - highly recommend this. Also mojito's and other drinks are definitely awesome
(4)
R K.
I love Cuban food, but Cuban this is not. It's more of just a generic Latin restaurant with some ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches as well. And the ropa vieja was pretty bad and quite bland. Their plantains were good, although it's pretty hard to mess those up.
(2)
Shane T.
Tried this place for the first time whenMa n Pa came to visit. tasty boozy drinks for the whole family
(5)
Jackie N.
My first visit to Havana was a success. As a vegetarian, I usually try to avoid Cuban restaurants (typically very meat-centric), yet the options were decent and the accommodating staff was willing to amend several choices. Not to mention that their guacamole is fantastic!
(4)
Rohan S.
The steak marinated in tequila was delicious. The pulled pork dish was also solid. Definitely recommend it.
(4)
Shawn K.
Best mojito I have ever had. Although I have not have a whole lot of them. We came in here with a large party and the waitstaff was very accommodating to put tables together and get us situated. I look forward to eating here in the future.
(4)
Alex S.
I had a nice meal there tonight. Blackbean and rice was nice. Salted nice and tasted very savory.....Service was alright. Bar looked alright.... Music was extreamly load for a resturant. To loud to have a conversation...
(4)
Leilo P.
I heard a rumor that this place was a Cuban Dancing Party 24/7... Sadly it was just that, a rumor. While the music played in the background it was not as lively as Carnivale. The food was delicious, however the prices were so high my Abuela would have slapped the waiter if she were still alive! Also, this place is not 100% authentically Cuban because no Cuban ever eats Chile Rellenos, Jalapenos, or 60% of the menu. A bit disrespectful to call it Havana when you're not really exploring Cuban Cuisine. +Good Job on getting the Steak Cubano and the Ropa Vieja just right! Both were delicious and enough food to feed four. + Tostaditos De Platano = Heaven! Except, I preferred Lazy Parrot's version so much more. + Empanada Trio = Best Empanadas in this city! I am NOT kidding. I would go back to this place JUST for the manchego empanada. What a great idea! - It took three Mojitos to do the job and they each came out inconsistent; one was too sweet, the other was too minty; the last was water. - Havana Roasted Pulled Pork= what a terror! Do not put Havana in front of anything that has jalapenos! It is a known fact that Cubans do not eat spicy food and that jalapenos are nowhere on our plate. It was quite traumatizing! I will definitely return to Havana if someone else is paying. It was good, but not good enough for me to pay River North prices for street style food.
(3)
Stephanie L.
YUM to Latin food! This place is super cute on the inside and I was pleasantly surprised with everything. The service...great service. Attentive and always checking on us and clearing plates. Waters and drinks were always filled...BONUS The food...Guacamole...YUMMY and only $6.95 for a full. Scallops were actually really good. I was surprised. Large and not gritty at all. The Caserola De Hongo Relleno was FANTASTIC. The melted cheese-y goodness was great and it went perfect with the mushrooms sliced on top. We licked the plate clean. The Cubano torta was really good and had great flavor. The vibe...upbeat and happy on a Friday evening, but not overcrowded. It really was a perfect dining experience. The price...CHEAPY CHEAPY for River North area. I would definitely go back to Havana for a meal or a cocktail sometime.
(4)
Ashley W.
If I had to think of one thing that stood out here, it's the appetizers! We had the empanadas and the chimichangas, and both were fantastic, although I'd say I preferred the chimichangas a little more! If I came back, I'd be tempted to order them as my entree, that's how much I loved them! I also had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork which was good, but not great. I would probably try something else another time. Service was attentive, and all in all it was a good experience.
(4)
Dani B.
We tried out Havana a few weeks ago on a cold, snowy night and had a really nice time. The music and environment inside made us forget about the weather. Sat at the bar - bartender was attentive and friendly. Love the $20 pitcher specials! Shared two entrees and really enjoyed both. Also checked in on yelp for a free dessert. Will definitely be back and would recommend to others!
(4)
Angel G.
I was there for lunch today with some colleagues and loved the ambiance and vibe of the place, but I had the Cuban Steak Sandwich and the meat was a little hard. Guacamole, Salsa and Pico de Gallo with Chips Appetizer was good. I will try again, but next time tasting a different plate.
(3)
Andrew T.
Great place for Cuban food. I got the jibaritos which were amazing. The mojitos hit the spot, and they are discounted on Friday evenings. I strongly recommend making reservations during busier hours here as the place was packed the whole time we were there. The service was great, and the environment is laid back and bustling. I would say it is a bit dim for those who do are not into that. They have a huge menu and definitely take your time perusing it.
(4)
Ella S.
Absolutely loved it! Very attentive service and the food was great! Make sure to try the crab cake as an appetizer! The portions were large and filling! The atmosphere was very pleasant. Definitely plan on going here again
(5)
AnnaMaria V.
I would not recommend going to this restaurant. I ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. It had calamari, shrimp, mussels, scallops, chicken breast and chorizo baked with rice & pineapple. I was completely disappointed. The seafood was hiding under a pile of dry, flavorless rice. The shrimp was bland. The calamari & scallops were small. The chicken was cut into super tiny pieces & the chorizo was dry. I have no desire to give this place a second chance.
(1)
Heather P.
Accidentally stumbled upon this place while looking for a yummy dinner in River North. I love Cuban food so this jumped out as soon as I saw a sign advertising half off sangria pitchers while walking down the street. Immediately I liked the looks - it was slightly dark and quaint. The bar looked large and plentifully stocked. Score! My friend announces her oncoming migraine, no drinks for her which just made me feel like a super lush ordering a pitcher of sangria for myself so against my better judgment, I declined a drink. Then she states that she lost her appetite so she's getting the appetizer empanadas and that left me with the unfortunate dilemma - do I get a full out dinner and eat by myself or follow her lead and just get an app. So I went with the latter and got calamari. DISCLAIMER: why in the world would you order calamari at a Cuban restaurant?!?!?! You wouldn't and I shouldn't have - stupid stupid stupid (insert a Chris Farley interviewing Paul Mcartney reenactment here). It was bad. Over fried and dry while still oily enough to leave me feeling like a total greaseball. My friend had what I would consider a very small portion even for an appetizer and she was not at all impressed with her selection either. Feel bad giving it such a bad review based on two appetizers, but either our choices were poor (very possible) or this is an indication of the rest of the menu. The atmosphere was really nice and the server was also pleasant enough. I would give it another shot if I were in the neighborood, but I wouldn't order the calamari or empanadas.
(2)
Katelyn E.
This is stop 1 on my dinner club journey throughout the city. It passed with rave reviews. 1. They were able to seat a large group (9 of us) the Thursday before our Saturday reservation. 2. We sat downstairs- very nice ambiance; dimly lit, Cuban music 3. The food was so delicious! It was spicy and full of flavor. I ordered a chicken meal and not only was it mouthwatering, but there was so much of it, I took some home. We also ordered pretty much every single appetizer and there isn't one I wouldn't recommend. 4. MOJITOS. Delicious! We ordered SEVERAL pitchers and they went super quickly! Our waitress suggested we order the berry flavored mojito and we warily agreed. However, it might have been the best choice of the night! 5. VERY reasonably priced. 6. Salsa night. Need I say more? Check it out! Great for large groups and fun nights!
(4)
Norma H.
I work near Havana and have been wanting to try this place for a very long time (over 6 years) but I was afraid that it would not be authentic Cuban food. Can't believe I waited so long. This place is fantastic, the food is delicious and I have a long list of things I want to try next. So far I've only had the Ropa Vieja and Havana Roasted Pulled Pork and both were wonderful!! I can't wait to order from there again. You will NOT be dissapointed.
(5)
Adam C.
My wife and I love Cuban food and decided to try Havana while spending a weekend downtown. We loved the atmosphere and the vibe of the place. We ordered the empanadas and they were delicious, as were the chips with guacamole and salsas. I ordered a standby favorite for me, which was the Ropa Vieja. It was really flavorful and tasted delicious. My problem with it was that the meat was incredibly tough, making it so that I had to chew each bite about 34 times before it felt safe to swallow it. My wife ordered a chicken with creamy curry sauce and she thought it was wonderful. The food was batting about a B-, but still pretty decent overall. Once we began ordering cocktails, that's when things took a turn for the worse. We tried about 5 different signature cocktails from their menu. I'm not sure if it was because our waitress was doing double-duty as the bartender over lunch hour, or if this is just how the cocktails are supposed to taste, but they were all nearly undrinkable, tasting like paint thinner with a small dash of flavor. I think we will come back again sometime, but probably not before we look for other Cuban options first.
(3)
Sarah D.
I was so excited to try Havana as I've been looking for good sangria and Cuban food that compare back to home, but this place doesn't hold a candle. I didn't get to try any of the drinks, but my friend and I split the tostones, a side of yucca and carne asada. The chips were nothing to write home about, and the mojo and garlic sauces were just alright. The steak was overcooked, the rice underdone, and the yucca? A disappointment to Cuban tradition. While the decor was step above the rest and live music could be winning, the service was rather unfriendly. I make much better Cuban food at home, which pretty much sums up this review.
(3)
Jessica J.
I've only ever been to Havana on Friday nights. With their half price (and delicious) mojito pitchers, and their location two minutes from work, I can't imagine going any other time! They have decent food (from what I've tried - limited vegetarian options on the menu), and you can't go wrong with chips and guac. Service is always good, decent atmosphere. Friday nights can get a bit crowded (there's seating upstairs and downstairs, and a few tables outside in the summer, but it's not a huge place), so be prepared to wait for a table if you don't have a reservation.
(4)
Kelly W.
So, a friend and I randomly stopped here on a Friday afternoon because we saw they had a mojito special. I am so happy I stopped in! The mojitos were amazing (not something I normally say- kind of a snob about them). And we decided to just get an order of guac to tide us over. I can't believe how much food came with that appetizer! Not only did we get guac, but two types of salsa as well and a huge thing of chips. Not bad for $7-8 and when you are splitting it with a friend. I'd love to come back sometime when they have live music and to get dinner.
(4)
Jenny H.
Catch me at Havana on friday nights for their half off mojitos! We didn't have a reservation and waited 45 minutes. After walking around for a bit, we returned with a table outside. It happened to work out better for us, since we were deep in conversation. We had two pitchers of their refreshingly yummy mojitos in a backdrop of fabulous live music. The owner himself graced us with his presence in the table right next to us. We ended up getting relocated back inside because their patio closes after midnight. Even though we were seated on the other side, it was super loud and hard to continue the conversation. All-in-all, it was a great night! Another pitcher and I would've joined the group of dancers! Will be back with a bigger group for some more friday night mojito fun!
(4)
Yvonne O.
Went here in the middle of August with friends and was somewhat underwhelmed. The server was rushing us like crazy, despite it being 6:30 at a Thursday and no one was really lining-up waiting for a table. We were a group of four and stuck in the very last booth where I was completely smashed. The booth is not made for normal people, let alone me smashed next to the husband in his 48 regular suit. It was like being on an airplane. I ended-up getting the carne asada that was okay, but nothing special. Two others had the chicken tacos and the husband got one of the pork specials that he said was okay, but nothing to rave about. The mojitos were good, but I just feel like there are far better places that have more authentic Cuban food going on.
(2)
TJ Y.
I've been to this place a few times already and it never disappoints! Food/Drink - The food is great. It's flavorful and the portions are filling. I ordered the chicken this last time and it was a little dry. If you go, stick with the beef dishes. I've gotten beef the other times I was there and they were always delicious. There are drink specials during the week as well. Last time was half price margarita pitchers and they are quite good. Service - The service, as usual, was great. The servers are always attentive, provide recommendations, and they're just pleasant! Ambiance - It's a small place that gets really crowded on the weekend nights! The tables are tiny and it's tough getting around with so many people. Going on a week day was much better, in my opinion. Apparently, the place turns into a dance floor late at night (although some people start earlier!). On a hot summer night... this place could make you forget that you're in the middle of Chicago. Overall, I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 because the chicken wasn't great and I've been to a few Cuban restaurants on the East coast that were just spectacular!! However, this place is definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Thorsten R.
Easy the worst Cuban place we have been to...Go to 90 Miles or Senor Pan instead for great, authentic and reasonable priced Cuban food.
(1)
Tom S.
I had such high hopes! It started out good at the bar while we waited. A great Pisco Sour from a nice barkeep. When we were seated, I knew we were in for rough service and a L...o....o....n....g dinner. It took a while for table drinks. Then our appetizers - plantains and bean dip & a trio of empanadas - came in a flash. Ahhhh, hope! Those apps were quite good. Then we ordered the chicken tortilla soup, an odd, muddy soup that first came in a cup despite our ordering a bowl. Quickly corrected by the bus boy who delivered it. That was so hot we couldn't eat it for 10 min. Then we ordered two entrees - the pulled pork and the carne tequila - both delivered at a slow pace. The carne was ordered medium after a discussion about the best way to have it, but delivered very rare. Returned it and waited. While we waited we eat the soup and tried the pork. The pork was quite dry. The soup added to the dish made it much better - great thinking! The steak came back medium and was nice to eat, but the fries accompanying it were damp and mushy from living in the carne gravy. Ugh. With all that my partner ordered a drink. After 15 min and no drink, we asked again. It finally came, with desert. Not the night we wanted and maybe why we still have bad relations with Cuba. Blah.
(2)
Andy P.
Excellent drinks and very good Cuban food and very nice ambiance. Music was perfect and service excellent. I was impressed with the knowledge of the waitress and must say mojitos were on the money.
(4)
Ahz I.
For great authentic Cuban food check out Havana.... For great hairstyles check out Ahz Hair!!!
(4)
Ashley C.
Came here for a lunch one weekday and I was pretty impressed. Our waitress was friendly and pretty quick. The food was good. We started off with the empanada which was very good. I had the steak sandwich and my boyfriend had the cubano sandwich. Both were very good. I really liked the steak sandwich with the spicy mayo. The cubano sandwich was good (although I don't like pickles). I also thought the fries with a mix of potato and sweet potato were very good. Next time we will get the guac too (we got a sampling on the side with a dish). A few sidenotes. I could see how this could get very loud on the weekend. I also wish that they were open for lunch on the weekends (it annoys me that they don't list their hours on their website) - this is a really nice spot for a good, reasonably priced lunch. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Carri C.
Really enjoyed our food and drinks. We started with a tropical salad with fresh ingredients. Great flavored. For our entrees, I had the chicken breast with poblano sauce and rice. Excellent. My husband had the pork chops, which he thought were tasty. We enjoyed the mixed drinks from Brazil-can't recall the name. Staff was attentive. Music was fun, although they did have a problem with the speakers about half way through our meal and there was no music. The prices were reasonable. We will return. Seems like a good place for couples or groups. Fun atmosphere.
(5)
Lisa H.
This place is a gem tucked away in a tight spot that delivers more than you would expect just glancing at it from the street. The decor was just perfect - romantic and intimate. The noise level is a little louder than most places, but its not bad. It is a small place, not really good for big groups. We were there on a beautiful summer Saturday night, they left the windows open and the fans spinning - it feels like you are in a village town in Cuba with the breeze pouring in off the ocean. Warm and inviting and energetic. As far as the food, this is the best meal I've had in a long time. Starting with the red sangria - it was fantastic. This is not some premixed crap out of a bottle. We had the pollo empanadas for appetizer - we wanted to ask for two more orders of these they were so good. For our meals, one of us got the pulled pork, the other got the carne con tequila w/ chimichurri fries. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. Incredible flavors. I wanted to lick the plate. Prices were very fair. Service was average, it was a busy night so I'll cut him some slack. We will definitely be going back. I love this place.
Really enjoyed my visit there. The Mojito's were great - I've had them in Cuba and these were just as good! Ordered the 1/2 order of guac and chips and it was great. Also ordered the chimichangas and these were delicious too - the poblano sauce was amazing. Great service, and as another reviewer said - it's bustling there.
(4)
Rosie C.
On Weds. Nov. 20 I enjoyed an early nibble with some colleagues before meeting with our group in their downstairs area. The server was friendly and quite attentive! For dinner we ate Ropa Vieja - absolutely delightful. Enough to share. Soon we went downstairs and five more guests joined us. Our server made certain our Sangria glasses were always filled and the tasty appetizers were great. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Sandy R.
I been to many Cuban restaurants and I'm also Puerto Rican so our foods are similar. This was the worst Cuban restaurant in the city. I ordered a "tender" steak sandwich that I couldn't even bite into. I felt bad returning it so I took another bite, I literally had to pull it from my mouth in order to bite into the steak. I ended up returning it. I then ordered Ropa Vieja (the steak is shredded), that was also so rough I needed to chew for about a minute before swallowing. The drinks were good and the waiter was decent. He didn't refill our water but that might have been the busboys fault. Some appetizers didn't come out at all so we canceled those. Needless to say, I will not be returning.
(2)
Tera D.
I went to Havana with a group of about 10 for a birthday party on a Thursday night. It couldn't have been more perfect for a group outing. Thursday is half price margarita pitcher night, which was the big draw. They didn't seem very strong, but they were tasty and we had quite a few pitchers. I was a little skeptical about the food because the menu didn't look all that exciting to me, but I was proved wrong. I had the Torta Cubana, which was fantastic! I order Cuban sandwiches a lot, and never before has a place thought to use not only ham, but pulled pork!! Delish. Minus one star for some steep prices and the weak margs, but in general a very enjoyable experience!
(4)
Heidi R.
Havana has a great concept. The food is pretty decent, my favorite is the paella and pulled pork. Don't waste your time with the guacamole trio - the salsa is boring and the guac is bland! The white sangria is nothing like any sangria i have had before - its not very tasty but did give us all a slight buzz... over priced too though. The service is AWFUL! Talk about waiting 20 minutes before placing a drink order and at least 25 minutes before getting the checked picked up and thats after we had to ask for the check. The worst part is that Havana claims to be a Mojito bar yet the other night the server could not serve us mojitos because she claimed the shipment of mint had gone BAD. Ew, gross! don't waist your time.
(2)
Marisol D.
The ceviche is the best appetizer on the menu - very fresh. I was not a fan of the Tortilla Soup. It was not the traditional broth based soup I was anticipating but rather a thicker bean puree. Also, unless you're a garlic lover like my hubby, beware of the salads which have a garlic-based dressing. Aside from that, our meals were amazing. The Apricot Chipotle Pork Chops were perfectly flavored - my hubby typically takes half his meal to go but devoured both of these chops!. My Pollo Coco Limon was a bit buttery but very flavorful.
(3)
David Z.
I am a little torn with this review. First off, I really liked the ambiance and service from Havana. HOWEVER, the meal itself was severely lacking, in my opinion. It'd probably go with 2.5 stars if possible, but I'm going to have to round down in this case. We came on a weeknight and the place was pretty empty, so there was no problem getting seated. I guess our reservation was unnecessary. For an appetizer, we had a large order of their chips & guac. I am usually pretty easy to please when it comes to chips & guac, but these exceeded even my highest expectations. The order was HUGE, and came with salsa, guac, and a cup of diced tomatoes. You could almost make a whole meal out of that app! Good stuff. But then, the bad part - for my main course, I had a tequila infused steak, that also came with fries. To put it nicely, the dish was.....lacking. Not only was it very small, but it was also without flavor. Even the fries were below par. All in all, the main dish was very disappointing to me, especially considering the price. My fiancee was also disappointed with her meal. There were some good things though: the aforementioned appetizer was excellent, and I also felt that the service was top notch. The waiter was very nice and friendly. Our orders came out quickly and were cooked appropriately. Our waters never went empty. Also, we had no problem using our Groupon. Oh, one other thing: I HATED the tiny bathroom that is downstairs. I felt like I was going to get slammed with the door on both the way in and out. Also, the water down there was FREEZING cold and no matter how long I waited, it wasn't getting any warmer. I hate washing my hands with freezing water! I'd consider going back to sit at the bar for drinks, or maybe to just order the chips & guac appetizer again. However, I am not sure if I would get another entree, based on this experience.
(2)
John F.
As a fan of Cuban food, I was super disappointed by Havana. The service was friendly, but very slow (we waited about 50 minutes between our appetizer and main course). The atmosphere was a bit underwhelming, as we sat in a downstairs dining area which had more of a basement vibe. I was most disappointed by the food. My tostones didn't have much flavor and were room temperature. The ropa vieja was just plain bad: very tough, flavorless and nothing like the ropa vieja I get in Hoboken. This just isn't how Cuban food is supposed to be done. I hate writing bad reviews, but I have to be honest. I won't be back.
(2)
Madison C.
It was Friday night and every restaurants in Chicago were jammed packed. We were hungry and tired so we gave Havana a try. Havana was pretty good. Our wait staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing that really wowed me when was their tostones. The tostones were crispy around the edges and soft and fluffy at the center. Just the way I like it!!
(3)
Achyut D.
The food is ok! The place is super small! Had to request a beer 3 times and about 2 hours later finally got it. Service is not good. Overall it's nice to visit new places but don't need to come back here again. Also usually when someone asks how u would like your steak u expect something exact or pretty close. I ordered medium and got well done! Why did the server bother asking me in the first place! Overall didn't really get the Cuban experience and its ashame this restaurant is located in a nice area like Hubbard st. Should be located in some small town like3 hours away from Chicago.
(1)
Colleen W.
The food was great, the service was good! We were there for a birthday celebration and all 6 people loved their meals. The only complaint was that the sangria was way too sweet for some. We started with the manchango empanadas and guacamole, which were all excellent. Dinners included ropa vieja, some steak and fries thing, chicken in a banana leaf, ribs (cuban style), a seafood mixture in coconut broth, and roasted pork. The pork dishes were hands down the best of all the meals. If you go, I'd suggest getting the roasted pork with jalapeno mashed taters and creamed corn...I'm drooling just thinking about it, and that wasn't even what I had when I was there! Cuban food is underrated. It's great and Havana is proof!
(4)
Nicole C.
Pretty good, liked the sauces, definitely gotta give it another round. Had the coco limon chicken and Cuban roasted pork, both very flavorful and very good portions!
(4)
Kimberlie C.
I've been to Havana quite a few times, mostly because it was conveniently located right near my apartment. It's always busy, and the servers are very nice, although slow most of the time. It's very hard to hear people in hear as the noise bounces off the walls. The food is good, not great but good. The best part of Havana is their mojitos, and they have $20 pitchers on Friday nights!
(3)
Ben C.
Overall, I had a great experience at Havana Grill. I'm a little bit of a mojito snob and I have to say this place had great drinks. The food was good - we had manchego empanadas, civiche, and mixed sea food paella. Again, the food was good, not great. I'm not an expert food critic but I think there could have been more flavor. The civiche needed more lime and cilantro, but otherwise pretty tasty. The paella had a little too much cumin and curry flavors which made it tough to enjoy the mix of muscles, shrimp, and octopus. The empanadas were well done. I enjoyed sitting outside, the service was friendly, and the prices were reasonable. I will be back to enjoy a mojito and the live entertainment, however I will most likely eat elsewhere.
(3)
M K.
Loved the decor and outdoor seating option. Very easy to get to...off several L lines. Food selection was great and I'm a vegetarian. Quantity and quality of food was also above my expectations although not the best mojo or tostones I've had. The manchego empanadas were great as was the guava mojito. Will be going back for sure
(4)
Dawn H.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for Cuban inspired cuisine. Just a couple words of advice: 1) Get the guacamole. I'm sad to report it rivals mine. 2) Pass on the Pollo Empanadas and opt for the Manchega (vegetarian)Empanadas. What, no meat? How can this be better? I know, it's ironic, but just take my word for it. 3) Gobble up the Chimichangas and Platanos Maduros. MMMM........ 4) Demand an extra shot of tequila for your margarita. They go skimpy on the liquor here. We even got our server to admit it. Enjoy!
(4)
Vishal B.
My 3 stars come only from trying the drinks. People have raved about the food, and I have yet to try any of it! Why only 3 stars for the drinks? Well I was on a hunt for the best Mojito in Chicago. Many signs online pointed to Havana. I tried both, a Caipirinha, and a Mojito. First off, the bartender really gave us our moneys worth by pouring 3 times the rum a Caipirinha that size should have. Maybe thats your thing, but it was just bitter instead of the refreshing lime drink that it is supposed to be. The Mojito wasn't bad however. I would give this place a fair 2nd chance to try the food, as well as have another Mojito along with something to eat.. The ambiance here is very nice if you sit outside on a nice day. The music helps a lot, people walking by stop to dance... you kind of feel away from the city for a bit. Inside, if its crowded, theres no room to really move around, but this is the norm in this part of the city.
(3)
Shamika R.
Great music and awesome mojitos !
(5)
David R.
Very cool place. I liked the interior quite a bit and would love to come back for dinner or just drinks again. It's handsomely classy and appropriately Havanan, but not swanky or pretentious...maybe like a slightly upscale Hemingway type of place, not an aggressive mambo type of place. (They should ditch the TVs though, seriously.) They make a great use of the space, although when the bar area gets crowded, it causes a traffic problem for the customers and staff trying to pass between the entrance and outside tables and the main area and kitchen. I was meeting some friends for cocktails before heading to dinner somewhere else, and it turned out to be a perfect choice. First, the bar area was busy at times but never packed, so it was easy to get drinks. Second, and most excellently, mojitos are half-price on Fridays. Some of us had, uh, several, and they were some fine cocktails. So, thumbs way up for ambiance, thumbs up for mojitos, and for food..well, I will just have to come back and see which way to turn my thumb.
(4)
Curt K.
Was in Chicago for the day and looking for a good authentic Cuban restaurant, and boy did this place deliver. We had ropa viejo which was definitely decent but the true superstar was the Cuban pulled pork served on a bed of creamed corn and jalapeno mashed potatoes. Would definitely go back.
(4)
R.B. D.
On my last day in Chicago I popped in for a quick lunch before I headed to the airport. The Cuban sandwich on brioche was excellent. The sweet potato fries were crisp and delicious. To top it all off, when I checked in on Yelp I got a free desert. I ordered the Coconut flan which finished my meal off perfectly. I will go back and try dinner there next time I'm in town.
(4)
Claudia C.
Really would give 3.5 stars if I could, but the 3-star rating looked too sad, so I rounded up to 4. Came here on a girl date on a Friday night- waited about 15 minutes for a table for 2 at 7:15, but by the time we left there was probably a 30 minute wait. My caipirinha was awesome, didn't try any other drinks. The pollo empanada app was delicious- the pastry was perfectly crisp and the sauce was perfect. The halibut entree is a must. The crispy exterior definitely made the dish. The pureed sweet potato on the side wasn't my favorite, but the halibut itself is worth it. The stuffed peppers as our second entree was ok. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked, but it wasn't out-of-this-world. The only miss of the evening, really, was the chocolate cake dessert. For some reason it just wasn't that good- I thought it tasted too much of bitter cacao, and my friend tasted some weird spice that she didn't like. The service started off great but then waned by the end of our meal as we tried to order coffee and dessert- maybe the place just got too busy for our server to handle all the tables she had, but it put a negative spin on the end of the meal.
(4)
Khadijah L.
Came here for drinks and live music. Great band was playing on Friday night. Gypsy-Spanish-Latin sounds. One of the better live band entertainments hired for restaurant gigs in the city. Trust me.. I've seen some truly sad gigs. I love their vibe. Kept playing all night long. The crowd is your typical standard River North. Maybe older-ish and foreign-ish. I was there with my friends and we had a great time. We even cleared the dance floor with legitimate salsa moves.
(4)
Heather J.
The food is incredible. We are definitely coming back when we have more time.
(4)
Tinley M.
The salads here are absolutely incredible. The calamari salad might actually be the best salad I've ever had, no exaggeration. I also tried the Cuban salad, which was delicious. I loved the calamari salad so much I went back here two days in a row for lunch before I left the country for 3 weeks! I took away 1 star because on the second day, I went with my mom and she ordered a lunch special (I honestly don't remember which one) which was good, but not outstanding, and the guava cheesecake was mediocre. The Yelp check-in for a free dessert is a great deal, though!
(4)
Joel W.
Went late one night when there was a band. Super fan, small place, dancing close is the only way to dance there because the place is smalllll. And then they put the band right at the front--which is cool..but waaay too small. Getting in was nearly impossible. Getting out was a no way. We pulled a reverse Goodfellas and went out the back. GOOD: Band, close dancin' real close, location. BAD: Note: I did not have the food, had only 2 mojitos which were good. My friend held a menu for a few minutes, trying to get someone's attention, a few bussers stopped, but finally the 3rd one tells us they're not making food....any of the bussers could have told us that at the beginning. And the table next to us sat and enjoyed their two plates of food....
(2)
Connie B.
I came here for dinner one night with some friends before a show at The Baton. I was so excited to eat some great Cuban food, but was a little disappointed. The restaurant itself is cool...great ambiance. We ordered an appetizer of fried plantains and it was awful...totally dry and tasteless. The chips with guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa was great...some of the best guac I've had in a while. My guava mojito was delicious but at $9 a pop, it was a pretty small drink. I asked the waiter what he recommended and he suggested iI try the Cuban pulled pork. It was tender, but the flavor was nothing special. The plantains that came with my dinner were very good...nothing like those that came as an appetizer. I tasted my friend's Ropa Vieja and it was very tasty. I wish I had ordered that instead. Overall, it was just okay in my opinion. The service was good but I wouldn't be jonesing to go back any time soon.
(3)
Nika H.
We had an 8:30 reservation and was not seated until 9. I enjoyed the empanadas, pulled pork, and plantains. Service was not that great and we felt rushed. I suggest trying Havana on a weekday maybe the experience will be more enjoyable.
(3)
Ekow M.
Great Drinks, Great Service, Greaet food, and Very reasonable price. Me and my buddies had a great time and can't wait to bring the wife.
(4)
Kelly B.
So delicious. So fun. Great drinks, and great plantains!
(5)
Christina B.
5 for food!!!! 3.5 service...so delicious and fun had to still give a five! Can't wait to try the rest of menu!!! Slow service but still manageable! Food was piping hot and so flavorful, drinks strong and tasty. Cold draft by window so they brought a floor heater. Such a fun date night and live music is always nice. :) want to go back for lunch for sure too!
(4)
Marisa G.
Good service and food comes out really fast! Calamari was ordered and within minutes it came out lightly fried and hot with a hot sauce on the side. Very generous portion of calamari. The entrees were ordered (carne con tequila and enchiladas). Both came out in about 10 minutes. I had my steak substituted the fries for rice and beans, which was an okay size portion. The meat was cooked well and came with a side o chimichurri sauce. Yum! For dessert there was the coconut flan which came with whipped cream and strawberries. Delicious! Sometimes flan can taste a little bitter to me but this was sweet and creamy! Total for 2: $49.63 I'd come back definitely. The decor is cute too.
(3)
Savanna R.
Possibly my favorite restaurant! The food is amazing and the mojitos maybe the best in the city! I cannot dine here without ordering a pitcher of mojitos. Chimichangas are so good. I without a doubt recommend them. The guacamole is beyond amazing also! My only gripe is that the place is small and gets packed quick. Every time I've came I've only been able to eat at the bar because tables were packed and typically a 35-45 min wait. Eating at the bar can be a little annoying in such a snug place but the food it worth it.
(5)
Maria K.
What a hidden gem - so traditional. We went to celebrate a gf's birthday - she loves loves to dance. The whole group was up and moving and we closed the place down. Small - intimate - great music and the owner is fantastic.
(5)
Kristen F.
Came here for lunch with our group from work after searching around on Yelp for some suitable nearby lunch spots that weren't terribly expensive, had gluten free options outside of salad and were within walking distance for us. Havana nailed all three plus it was a place none of us had tried yet. We got some guacamole and calamari as an appeitizer, solid and the calamari had an interesting spice to it. I had their steak sandwich. I was most impressed by the authentic char grilled taste of the meat, just like it came straight off my grill at home. It also came with an oil and cilantro topping that was a super tasty add on. Service was prompt and the restaurant was well decorated with an homage to the 40's or 50's, classy. If I had any criticism it would be that it was a tad noisy which made it hard to hear each other but that was minor I think we'll be back for their drink specials sometime. ;)
(5)
Swati B.
This is the old mambo grill, and it seems to have a lot of the same menu...I like the ambiance and the crowd is a pretty decent mix...it can get a bit loud, and it seems to be fitting for larger groups..didn't see too many couples on a sat. night... For vegetarians they have 2-3 items, I got the dish that had stuffed poblano peppers..pretty decent, but $14? It was quite pricey... The guac/chips are decent... Seemed most of my friends that ate here enjoyed their meals..drinks are great as well, service is quick and friendly..overall a great place but for vegetarians you will have to pay a pretty penny for the food here...
(4)
Marcos L.
Nice room. Decent cocktails, though nothing special. Nice people, though sadly they seem rather bored. And here's why: The food is mediocre. It's too bad. Like I say, it is a nice space, which means it's entirely a kitchen problem. I don't understand how restauranteurs can think they can open such a halfway-there kind of place in a seriously competitive area like River North and hope to make a go of it. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this place closed fairly soon. They can't be making money. If they were to do some interesting and memorable small-plate stuff and make really good cocktails, they'd probably be doing quite well with the after-work crowd. But the menu (& execution) has all the imagination of, well, a restaurant in Havana. (Yes, I've been. In fact, I spend a lot of time there. And let me tell you: No one ever went to Havana for the food. At least not in the past few decades. You can get better Cuban food here in Chicago than in Cuba. Even in this place. But that ain't saying much.) I mean, they give you a limp piece of breaded meat and then sprinkle little garnishes around the plate, all fancy like, as if that will make it taste better. Like magic fairy dust. Doesn't work that way.
(3)
Amanda C.
I have been here twice for drinks/dinner and sat both inside and outside. Both experiences were great and their cocktails have been excellent. The sangria is like candy but with just the right amount of sweetness. It's nice that they have so many specials throughout the week- half priced margaritas, sangria pitchers, mojitos, etc. For dinner I had the spicy chicken cooked in the plantain leaf with sweet potatoes, plantains and habanero sauce. It was awesome. The patio gets a lot of flies but maybe that adds to the authentic atmosphere.
(4)
Lisa T.
Half price mojitos, I love you. Seriously.... the mojitos are AWESOME and I actually would pay full price for them. But I don't have to since Havana is amazing and does half price mojito Friday! The food is overall very good. A few bright spots and a few less delicious items, but overall quite good. The calamari appetizer is GREAT... the spicy sauce it's served with is sooooooo good. The plantain chips were so-so. Not the best... just kinda bland. The tequila marinated carne asada was great. It was served with frites and a delicious chimmichuri. The chicken rolled with spinach and manchego was somewhat lacking in flavor. The green pepper sauce it was served with was very good but the chicken itself needed more seasoning. The chipotle mayo/sauce on the cuban sandwich is fantastic.... it makes a delicious sandwich a total knockout. The service was quite good. Extremely attentive water refills, and quick turnaround on our food and drink orders. Random things - they serve their mojitos in small-ish glasses that remind me of juice glasses......... wtf? It's a little odd. I can handle a big girl glass, I promise. And it's a cute space, but a SMALL space. Crowded tables. (to be expected in this neighborhood, but still...) Can't beat the prices, good drink specials, good service, pretty good food. I think I may have found a new fav.
(4)
Jamie Q.
The best Cuban I've ever had I found in Chicago. Fun place friendly staff and excellent price. My next trip to Chicago will include a stop here.
(4)
Jacque R.
Being from Austin, l first have to say I LOVED the live music! There is not much better than a live spanish guitar. Havana's mojitos (made with Pisco) are delious, especially on a warm day. My other favorite is thier latin fries. A mixture of regular french fries and sweet potatoe fries drizzled with a wonderful chimmichurri sauce- everyone at our table of 8 was reaching over to grab fries off my plate!
(4)
Jason H.
Great roasted pork, but the steak sandwich lacked a large portion of meat and the ropa vieja was slightly overcooked. The manager was accommodating and we enjoyed the great ambiance.
(4)
Kathleen C.
This was the BEST & CHEAPEST lunch that I've had in the city. So good that I definitely can't wait to tell people to go there and go back myself for dinner/drinks. It's located along a weird strip of Clark and has an awkward patio out front but we sat inside which was actually pretty nice! We ordered a half order of guacamole for 2 people. Best thing is that it came with salsa and pico de gallo and TONS of chips. For $4. Awesome. The menu had so many choices with a lot of cheaper items for lunch. Both my friend and I ordered tacos which were really good. I definitely preferred the chicken to the seafood tacos though. I would have given them 5 stars but it took 30 minutes for our tacos to come out and then we had to ask for a check. Not the place to go if you are on a time crunch.
(4)
Nicole V.
Very appropriate decor, you walk in and feel as though you have been transported to a Cuban oasis. So dark and inviting! The food was outstanding. I have had a number of items off of the lunch menu and they have been both affordable and delicious. This is a little known loop lunch destination that I hope sticks around for a long time!
(5)
Laura V.
I'm not impressed with Havana as a weekday lunch option. I came here yesterday and the service was way too slow to contend. Chips and Guac: 30 minutes, entrees: 45 minutes. One of my friends actually had to get a to-go box with her entree because she had to get back to work. That kind of experience is never pleasant. The ambiance was really nice and the food was very decent. The server, though running around the restaurant frantically most of the time, was friendly. Based on the speed of their service and the attractiveness of their drink specials, I think Havana will be an after work appetizer/drink place which, though great, is a shame because I would've loved to add another lunch option in the area.
(3)
Sandra W.
This place was not bad. I'd come back here, actually. I wanted to try the other foods but I didn't have the appetite. Although it was a Cuban restaurant, I definitely ordered something that wasn't Cuban...Chimichangas. haha. yes, they were still great! :) The Mojoitos, on the other hand, were FANTASTIC. We got 3 pitchers shared it, and it was great. The ambiance was really chic-ish and trendy. There was a live band right at the end when we were about to leave. The staff seemed extremely nice. The waitress did mix up our tab, but we got it sorted out in seconds, so it was no biggie. The bathroom is freezing though.
(3)
Sejal P.
Went to Havana for a birthday dinner; it was around 10:30pm. Food here is excellent however the service was a bit slow. It was understandable since they were busy setting-up a live band, which started around 11:30. DRINKS: I ordered Berry mojito and my friend ordered scotch whisky which they didn't carry. * you might want to call ahead to see if they have your drink* My drink was good, not same as original Mojito's. APPETIZER: we ordered Guacamole and Calamari for appetizers; both were excellent, guac was just the right texture and tasty. Calamari were crunchy and tender; their guajillo sauce with chipotle tart was the best. DINNER: i order seafood mix, and my friend had the tequila steak. Both were good, my only regret is going late, this place would be great for group dinner. For us it was too loud, we quickly finished dinner and skipped dessert. Overall it was great food, good service, and good drinks. I would come back again for sure.
(4)
Chioke M.
Food is very good. The atmosphere is nice and the service is very good. If you drink, they often have drink specials. The steak sandwich is my favorite but the soft tacos are nice also. In the evening, they have live music playing. It is just a good place in the city to eat.
(4)
Ann M.
I felt like I was in South Beach - loved it. I work around the corner but had never stopped in until today. I had the Havana Steak sandwich and a mojito. The mojito was a perfect blend of mint and lime and rum - not overly sweet as some can be. The sandwich was seriously delicious - I ordered it without the mayo and it was plenty moist without it. Sandwiches also come with chimichurri sauce which was perfection. I liked the fries: a mix of sweet potato and white potato, although the sweet potato ones were the best, while the white potato were just average frozen potatoes. The service was attentive and friendly, and they didn't even bother to chase us out as we lingered over our ice water.
(4)
Jim V.
Loved the Cuban music that played when we sat outside. Was very impressed with the appetizers, service, price, and drinks that we had during our visit. The sangria pitchers were phenomenal, ceviche was excellent, and the dishes were all top - notch. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Troy B.
Went here last Friday to use the Groupon. Drinks were good. Food was ok, not bad but not wonderful. Maybe it was our fault because we stuck to the basics. Had the calamari starter and it was just like calamari in any restaurant, nothing special. The chimichangas were actually the best thing we had. I had the slow roasted pulled pork and it was not good. The meat was cooked fine but the mashed potatoes were bad. They served it in a ring mold and the potatoes were so mashed down in the mold that it was like eating a solid potato. The plantain sauce that went with it was the only thing with any flavor. The potatoes were supposed to be 'jalapeno mashed'. I can't say I saw or tasted any peppers in mine. My partner had the pork chops. Again the meat was well cooked but the flavors were way off. The sauce tasted like a battery. Service was very good. It was freezing inside the restaurant. I think it was actually warmer outside and this was November 13. The noise level was way too loud for the space and the high ceilings did nothing to dampen it. People were shouting to be heard and it was just not an enjoyable atmosphere. For Cuban food I would go to Cafe Laguardia or Cafe 28 any time, but probably won't be back here.
(2)
Nala B.
Came here recently for an early dinner. Food was good and the drinks were excellent. The prices are higher than they should be although that might be a function of the location and the very large portions. The decor is lovely. Seems like it would be a good place to take a date. I enjoyed my dinner here but will likely not come back, given the wealth of very good restaurants Chicago has to offer.
(3)
Bonnie B.
I really loved everything about this restaurant. The drinks - $4 mojitos on a Friday night? For real? The atmosphere - very pretty, classy looking joint. The FOOD - unbelievable- everything I ate - starting with the calamari and guacamole to my dinner of pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes and roasted creamed corn. SO amazing. I know everyone else I was with was really happy with their food as well. My mom said "best paella I've ever had," and others had the peruvian steak dish and a chicken dish. All amazing. Prices are not bad either. Very reasonable for what you get.
(5)
Andrew B.
Went here before a musical for some appetizers and drinks. The decor is really unique and definitely has the Cuban feel. We sat by the big folding doors at the front of place and had a nice "Cuban" breeze blowing through. The half priced mojitos were awesome and a great value. That is what pushed this place from 3 stars to 4 stars. We had the calamari and chimichangas, both of which were fried to perfection. Calamari was served with nice saffron (I think) sauce. The chimichangas were bite sized and tasty, and recommended by our waitress. Service was great. Value was good. Atmosphere was one of a kind.
(4)
Jackie R.
I had the Chiles en Nogada, stuffed poblanos with mushrooms, onions, cheese, topped with a creamy walnut sauce. Really tasty. I liked that they omitted the deep frying that chile rellenos usually undergo. Drinks are always excellent here, especially the mojitos. Its a cute little spot, and always happening on the weekends. I give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)
Mihir P.
I hoping the food would be better but no dice. I got the steak Cubano. The sweet sauce was excellent on first try but as I ate more of, it was just too sweet. The ribeye steak itself was really tough also. The Latino fries or frituras were very dry and flavorless. The black beans were disappointing as they lacked in flavor. I was really looking forward to them as Cuban black beans are super delicious. I will say that the ceviche appetizer was excellent. Our waitress was nice, knowledgeable and helpful. I'd go back for the ceviche and for guava mojitos.
(3)
Amanda Z.
Two VERY important words: Guava. Mojito. $8. Fabulous cocktail for a decent price, I love. Good assortment of appetizers, which was how we chose to dine. Fried plantains? Addictive. Sweet, crispy and light and accompanied by a warm black bean dipping sauce and a fruity salsa, they were delicious. Crab cakes were spicy and well-portioned. The sweet salsa was the perfect complemented the cakes well. Our favorite, by far, was the chimichanga. Fun to say, and even more fun to eat. Truly. Served with a warm, creamy sauce, they were lightly fried and stuffed with chickeny goodness. I like the decor, but think they could turn the lights down a notch to make it a bit more date-like. Good menu, something for everyone on here (including you veggies) and the drinks are stellar. Remember: Guava mojito.
(4)
Michelle M.
Baaaaabaaaaluuuu. Just a small tribute to cuban-american Ricky Ricardo's signature song. The first time I came to Havana we stopped in for drinks. Ordered a Pina colada and I might say they were tasty. We said we would come back to dinner and indeed we did. We stopped by for dinner on a Friday evening and although we arrived around 5:30 there wasn't many people there. PERFECTO! We were seated promptly and our waitress was great. She took our drink orders which I ordered a glass of sangria and he ordered a martini. We ordered the guac as an app and for dinner I had the Havana steak sandwich and he ordered the Tamarindo Glazed Pollo. This place is very charming along with the staff are a great added bonus to this area.
(3)
Sherryl W.
I would maybe give this 2.5 stars. I loooooooooove Paella, but I didn't love the dish I had at Havana. It was lukewarm, with little baby scallops and calarami that tasted really gummy. It was also extremely dry, and I could definitely make a better dish at home. The space is cute, but a little small . I felt bad because I kept knocking people over with my work bag when trying to get to my table. This is one of those places, I probably wouldn't go back to. On the plus side, I enjoyed their wine:-)
(2)
Tabitha G.
I'm trying hard to really like this place. If I had gone just for drinks I would give this place 4 stars, but we ate there and I think that's where they lost a star. It's not that the food is bad, it was just alright for me. The drinks however, were amazing. I ordered the Guava Mojito, as recommended by other yelpers and it didn't disappoint. I'm not a fan of fruity, girly drinks so I was a little weary at first with this one because some guava juices can be intense, but to my surprise it was tart with a little bit of tang combined with the lime. It was quite delicious. I could have ordered several more, but it was a weeknight and didn't want to look an alcoholic compared to my other friends. The food was alright, it wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't great either. I'm used Cuban food that is dominated by savory garlic based sauces, citrus infused onions and basted meats topped over black beans and rice. However, this seemed more like Spanish food than Cuban. I had steak for dinner, but nothing yelled out Cuban...it was steak and french fries - which were a variety of sweet potatoes, yucca and taro. My husband had carne asada, which again, to me at least, is Spanish. For some reason both our steaks were warm, not hot, but warm - almost like it had been sitting out for awhile. My friend had the pork loin, which looked good, but it was over powered by the amount of mashed sweet potatoes. Like I said, drinks 4 stars, food 3! Overall, I'd give this place another try, but unfortunately when a place is just "ok", it's hard to convince my husband to give it another go.
(3)
Lonnie G.
I met a few friends here using gdine.com . The service here was good. Servers were very attentive. The ceviche was lack luster as it was mostly peppers, tomatoes & onions...not sure were the fish was exactly?! The crab cakes had a good taste though. The guacamole was okay but the chips which accompanied it were not but better than any store purchased ones?! My entree was the carne con tequila which was very good! If you like beef it's a winner!
(3)
MJ d.
This place is very A-OK. Prices are moderate, portions are generous, and service was friendly. My friend and I dined here last night. As an impatient Mambo Grill fan, waiting for its reopening, I came in with a lot of expectations and inevitably made comparisons with the former occupant. Havana had a cleaner feel and its tables were well spaced out as opposed to Mambo Grill. Second, my friend and I were overwhelmed with number of entrees on the menu. After 5-10 minutes of deliberating (all the descriptions were enticing), he finally decided on the seafood paella while I opted for the barbecue chicken with rice. I think we both agreed that the rice on our dishes were dismal and the broccoli on my dish did not taste fresh; however, my chicken was delicious. It was not dry and the barbecue-tamarind sauce was tasty: smoky, slightly sweet and tangy, and subtly hot. Personally, I would have preferred a little more heat. We also had sangria, which, happened to be half-off that night. I generally do not like my drinks sweet, but the sangria was surprisingly refreshing and I did not feel like my teeth were rotting on the spot. Though my review may portray Havana as average, I cannot wait to see what else this place has to offer, and am curious to dine here during more busy hours.
(3)
Joe S.
Not too shabby. This is a little known gem I think. We went here with a decent size group for my birthday. The food was fantastic. Service was top notch, the drinks were...so so..We had the sangria and I have definitely had better. We started out with the appetizers and the guac was fantastic as were the empanadas, Calamari was perfect. For dinner I had the peruvian sirloin and it was cooked to perfection. Definitely give this place a shot
(4)
Candice R.
I can see why this place only has three stars, but actually managed three stars. What they have going for them is fantastic staff and customer service. What they don't have is out of this world food. Now, maybe I was wrong to get enchiladas at a Cuban place, but they were not tasty. They were dry, a little too spicy (spice without flavor)and accompanied by beans that were out of a can of la preferida, with white rice swimming in butter. I love me some butter, but not when I expected Spanish rice. Oh well, my server found out I didn't like the meal and even though I ate a little less than half of the enchiladas, she comped both my meal and my glass of wine. I'll come back and give them another shot, since I know they're accommodating and that goes a long way in my book.
(3)
matty z.
When the embargo is finally lifted, I will make the trip. Until then, I will visit this pleasant little restaurant in River North. I was quite impressed with the empanadas-- light, flaky, savory. Wished I had ordered nothing but these, but my entree was fab, as well-- the fish tacos. For 8.95, you receive three HUGE tacos AND guacamole AND beans. What a deal, no? Service was fantastic. The only con about place? It is WAY too bright. I call this type of lighting 'ugly lights lighting'-- there's just no way to look good under such brightness. Turn it down, please. Regardless of how I look, I'm definitely coming back. Just too good to pass up.
(4)
Jon B.
So I'm going to go "Obama Nobel Peace Prize" with Havana Grill, and give it a fourth star for its potential rather than what I saw. I TOTALLY agrree with the first posting on this place: they certainly have the "YES" philosophy of restaurant management. I think that in order to give Havana Grill a fourth star, you need to separate it in your mind from Mambo Grill. Nevermind that you feel like you're walking into an old apartment of yours when you walk in to Havana Grill ("but why don't the booths have high backs? Why is it so spacious in here...it's so quiet"). Get it out of your system now. Mambo has mambo-ed out of our lives at this address. We need to move on... What I actually saw: - Guava + Mojito = easy to drink = drunk - Spacious - Ridiculously friendly and attentive service -Delicious, monster empanadas -OK food What they could be: - an awesome after-work destination - a dangerous way to rationale mojito-pitchers by the dozens, near to work (if you're downtown) - a familiar walk back to the El, where you don't feel the cold because mojito pitchers grant you with special superpowers that make you invincible - A slightly more authentic (in some ways) or adventurous menu And remember, just like you never call a lady by the wrong name,...it's "Havana Grill" not "Mambo Grill".
(4)
Caroline M.
Great atmosphere, service, food, and THE BEST GUACAMOLE in town!
(5)
Janice B.
Havana is one of my favorite places in the city! It's cool, casual atmosphere is exactly what I look for on a Friday after work or relaxing weeknight dinner. Not only do they have great drink specials (half price pitchers of Sangria or Margaritas and half price mojitos depending on what night you go) but I've never had a bad meal there. You can't go wrong with any of their skirt steak dinners, but I CRAVE their Rollitos Manchegos (chicken tenders rolls stuffed with fresh spinach and manchego cheese, served with a vegetable cake and green pepper cream sauce). It is the most delicious thing on the menu and you'll want to come back for it!
(5)
Marcel S.
I just stopped by Friday. Great live music - Vagando Food ok and good mojito. I will be back to check te menu in detail.
(4)
Josh M.
Went here for a birthday party, the server was very nice and the food was excellent but toward the end of dinner a water leak broke over our table and not to mention a centipede had to crushed as he interrupted dinner. The manager did give 50% off our bill and a round of "mystery" shots but idk if I will not be coming back here!
(2)
Tim H.
First time here visiting Chicago. My wife and I very much enjoyed Havana. We had great service and the wait-staff was friendly and prompt. The chicken/spinach dish was AMAZING.
(5)
Michelle F.
We walked and walked and walked and walked in search of food. Everywhere had an hour or more waiting time. Soooo.... hungry.... 1) We were seated right away. 2) There was a great live Latin music ensemble playing. 3) The atmosphere and lighting were comfortable, open, and made us feel right at home. 4) The server was ON IT. Sarah was absolutely amazing - some of the best service I have ever had, which is especially spectacular, since she was running about 15+ tables. Insert mega applause here. 5) They accommodated my gluten-free diet very well and were careful to warn me about oils, etc, in case of cross-contamination (which is irrelevant to me, but if I were Celiac, would be REALLY important. It was good to know they cared). 6) The food was pretty darned good: -- The paella was fair, and the seafood in it was fresh (though I'd never had it with chorizo in it... really nice touch! I'm making my own like this next time. -- The pulled pork on jalapeno mashers was great. The jalapeno was too mild for me, and the pork a little under-seasoned. However, very well cooked and the presentation was excellent. -- Plantains were good, but I think I might have been missing a sauce (because of the gluten-free thing, most likely) -- Chips, salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole were all righteously delicious. From Seattle, Matt & I applaud you, Havana. Well done. We will definitely be returning when we come back to Chicago.
(4)
Helena D.
There may not be vintage Chevy's zipping past nor men with cigar smoke curling from their lips, but in serving authentic, fresh Cuban dishes Havana succeeds. On a balmy Monday night where the humidity is enough to overpower any anti-static-cling product, my friends and I met here after work for a special farewell dinner. The decor is clean, cozy yet rustic with a definite homage to the 1940s and '50s. With a west-facing exposure, this place has great natural light and we were seated at a comfortable window table which allowed us a great vantage point to Clark St and, in the opposite direction, the narrow restaurant and long wooden bar. Highlights from our dinner included the pulled pork that sits on top of a delicious bed of garlic mashed potatos and creamed corn puree, the tilapia, and carne asado. The cold pitchers of sangria are a must have, as well as the chips and guac which is a giant basket filled with warm, tri-colored tortilla chips and 3 generous bowls of dips. Having sampled everybody else's dish, I can vouch for the quality and flavor combinations for those dishes - I couldn't eat enough of mine, though after devouring half of the entree, I was stuffed and thoroughly satisfied. Perhaps it's because I ate so many of the chips and couldn't help dipping it into the fresh, homemade salsa concoction. Surprisingly, there were only a couple of other patrons dining and a couple of older gentlemen at the bar enjoying an after-work spritzer and wine. This is a gem in the River North area that, perhaps because of the location, may be overlooked. However, I recommend that Yelpers stop by and give this place a try. It's located just across the street from the Westin Hotel, just north of the Chicago River, where the Mambo Grill use to be.
(4)
Sam G.
Food was good. Service was ok. Only issue is the portions are very small.
(4)
Matthew R.
I need to first prelude this review by stating that I only came here for a drink and desert on a saturday night. Anyways came here after dinner for a drink and desert and saw the chips and guac and ordered them....... great idea the guac was very tasty and the salsa was also pretty good. Ordered a mojito and it wasnt out of this world but it was good. The desert was decent, had the key lime pie. Anyways a good experience and I would go back.
(4)
Jason A.
I have been to Havana two times now, and both experiences have been amazing. The food is always awesome and the drinks are amazing. I love the place and would definitely recommend it to anyone on the fence about looking to try a new place.
(4)
Elizabeth T.
Yummy empenadas and some of the best quacamole in the city. The mojitos are nothing to dismiss either! On my second trip here, I had as great an experience as the first. The service is top-notch, the space nicely decorated and all of the food wonderul. My halibut was perfect with a sauce that was just short of too spicy--ie perfection. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Erin H.
AMAZING. Went here and got a table outside immediately. The food was absolutely delicious, prepared perfectly, and presented beautifully!! The chef really knows great Cuban food. I had a refreshing salad, after great fried plantains as an appetizer. The salmon and paella were great too. The menu was decent sized with a nice variety.
(5)
Smeagles S.
The food is delicious but the service could stand some room for improvement. The pulled pork is fantastic, tender, tons of flavor and presented wonderfully.
(4)
L. B.
OMG...the empanadas- with chicken. Amazing. I could definitely care less for the half ass expensive drinks in tiny glasses... Oh, and the ceviche is delish!
(3)
Viviana R.
Solid dining choice. I definitely plan on going back. The food was tasty. We had tostones for appetizers and the Ropa Vieja and chimichurri steak with fries. The restaurant has a great ambiance and although we were 15 minutes late for our reservation we got seated fairly quickly. So why the 3 stars, you ask? Here's what we were disappointed in: ~ Our dining experience took about 2hrs and it wasn't because we were taking our time. Our waiter would repeatedly disappear for 10-15min at time. ~ The restaurant was out of several dishes that we wanted to try: Halibut, Guava Cheesecake, Guava ice cream. ~ Our dessert took over 20min to arrive at our table. One of our party was allergic to all the available desserts so she just ordered the cafe con leche which didn't arrive until after we had all eaten our desserts and were ready to leave. It was obvious our waiter forgot about it and brought it out as an afterthought. Though to be fair, he told us it was on the house. Overall, I'd say it's worth a visit. Though, I suggest coming during a weekday when they may not be as busy. It's a small place and most people wait to be seated at the front of the restaurant so if your table is at the front, you're screwed.
(3)
Debbie V.
Great drinks, great food and definitely excellent service!! We will return and enjoyed everything we ordered. Chips n Guacamole, Calamari, steak sandwich, Carne Asada, Steak tacos, tilapia was unbelievable good. Not cheap - Sangria pitchers $32.00 a pop. Table of six and no wait!
(5)
Anu M.
What a great night out this was! A bunch of us strolled over after dinner on a Sat night. The band was playing, the drinks were good and People were dancing. I wish they would have cleared the tables in the middle so there could have been more room to dance. The place was a little small but there was some great energy going. We didnt even mind when the band took an extremely long break cause the music was so good and we didn't even need to be salsa dancers to enjoy it.
(4)
Clare T.
I was tootling around on Opentable, looking for a place to make lunch reservations last week when I found Havana. Or, rather, found the place where Mambo Grill used to be. I cannot tell you how relieved I was that there was a cheap cuban restaurant in the area again! I really loved Mambo Grill for a lot of reasons, but location was probably number one. Number two was that I could get in and out of there for $30 or less for a nice business lunch. Havana is an improvement over Mambo in a few ways. First, they have updated the decor quite nicely. It feels much more modern and open now, even though the layout is generally the same. Secondly, they streamlined the menu, so it's a lot easier to make choices now. My friend and I both had the Torta Cubana, and while I was expecting a pressed sandwich, it was served on a brioche roll. It was nevertheless delicious, with juicy roast pork, ham, and a slightly spicy chipotle mayo-like condiment. The fries on the side were a slightly strange mix of sweet potato fries, potato fries, and (I think) yucca fries. They came with a little dipping size chimmichurri that was really really tasty. I need to go back at night just to make sure the margaritas are up to par.
(4)
Santiago M.
Not authentic Cuban at all. Food is mostly average. Not very friendly service. Atmosphere is not bad.
(3)
Ryan P.
We went here after we learned of a 3+ hour wait at Frontera Grill down the street. Not having been to Chicago too much we didn't want to wander too far away and stumbled upon Havana. That, and seeing a sign for 1/2 priced Sangria on Tuesdays ($15 instead of $30) made it an easy win right off the bat. The place has nice tall ceilings and has a well lit interior. The empanada appetizer was killer and the Carne Asada entree was also very good, if not a little different than what I had in my mind. Overall, the meal was great, and the venue is nice, new, and fresh.
(4)
George W.
Gave this former Mambo Grill location a try yesterday evening for cocktails and dinner. The first Caipirinha tasted like a "virgin". Ordered a house specialty "Cuban pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes and creamed corn" with a side of plantanos. The creamed corn at the base of the dish was an overly sweet watery puree, the ring mold used to plate the dish was filled with about 75% to 80% of the bland mashed potatoes and then topped with dried out, old, and greasy tasting pork shards. The plantanos were stuck to the plate! The second Caipirinha was a short pour so this time the bartender actually topped it off with some alchohol; needless to say the two drinks were completely different from one another; the second being more like a shot of rum! If you are into Cuban/Mexican mish mash and old Mambo Grill decor, this is the place for you!
(1)
Ted T.
Went here for lunch during work. It was amazing! The burger is off the hook -- and I really hate saying that phrase.
(5)
Yannick B.
I tried this restaurant with my girlfriend on a Saturday night, though the review on yelp weren't as good as other places in the area. If this place deserved poor reviews before, not anymore in my experience. The service was very good, both friendly and fast. The food was delicious. I had carne asada, excellent meat and quite a large dish. She had pollo coco lemon, and couldn't finish so I got the last bites out of it and it was excellent too. We also got a shared rhum coco flan desert, which was a good finish. Check: $50 without tip
(5)
Cody D.
Horrible service long wait, we were in basement and toilet flooded no one even finished their food.. moved us to another seat by a window was freezing. I made yelp just for this review. Was told manager isn't even here to talk to us.
(1)
L T.
I've been on a Latin kick lately, and this time I dragged my friends out to eat. It was a nice, cozy but streamlined space. Our server had quite a few tables and was very friendly once we were able to get her attention, but wasn't too quick to see if we needed anything. Loved my paella, though it wasn't your traditional stuff. A bit loud and a little tough to hear each other, but all in all we had a good time. Maybe it's not fair to compare, but I went to Siboney up on Western a few weeks ago, and was totally charmed. Different neighborhoods, different vibes... Havana is a fun place to meet up with friends downtown, and I would definitely go there again.
(3)
Sarah M.
Enjoyed dinner at Havana. I had the Lomo Salteado, which was fine. My husband had the pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes - it was better. The mojitos (half price on Fridays) really made the night - what a deal, and they were probably the best mojitos I have had! The service was great.
(3)
lucky r.
uhm...probably won't go again. atmosphere was nice but food was mediocre
(2)
Brent B.
Awesome place. Nice cozy atmospere and great food. The steak sandwich, latin burger, enchiladas, or burrito are all winners although my favorite is the burger which comes with cheese, bacon, chimmichurri sauce, regular fries, and sweet potatoe fries! Call for carry out or dine in if you have time.
(4)
Johnny K.
This place was excellent! 5 Stars all the way! We had the crabcakes as an appetizer and we were very pleased we ordered them. They had the perfect blend of temperature and spice. Our entrees were the halibut and the latin burger both of which were cooked to perfection. The halibut came with rice and was very filling. The portions are generous and the service was great. Love the decor and atmosphere! A must go for anyone looking for a fun environment at an affordable price!
(5)
Tony L.
Appetizers at a great price. Good food and good variety. A little on the expensive side for lunch, but 3 friends ate for right around $40 with tax and tip. I'll definitely be back. Great news for anyone who bought the Groupon a few weeks back!
(5)
Mrs N.
If a restaurant aspires to be in the Cuban category, it needs to start with a great Cuban sandwich. Havana fails miserably. I asked when I ordered if the sandwich was good, if it was true to the authentic recipe. The waitress enthusiastically encouraged me to order it. What a mistake! It was so far from the original...on a roll rather than pressed, without mustard and pickles, and with pork that was dry as sand in the Sahara. The space is beautiful and the waitstaff is attentive, but that's not enough to pull this place up close to average.
(1)
W Q.
To quote my husband just now after having paid the check--thoroughly impressed. From drinks, to food, and service, everything was fantastic; and more importantly, I'm full.
(5)
Jon H.
I gave this place another shot, but still ceased to impress. the dish was bland looking and bland tasting. probably won't give them my business again.
(2)
Susan S.
Check out Havana--it's great!
(5)
Sydnye A.
i was impressed. i wanted to dance because the music selection was so exciting. from the maduros to the arroz con frijoles... yummie! after downing 3 glasses from the pitcher of signature mojitos we ordered, and feeling like i just had some refreshing limeade with mint, i felt like a sucker. not a good business move. i typically drink 1-2 drinks, and all my friends know 2 of anything and i am wasted. i felt like i never had a drink. shame on you! not sure if was the bartender or the management who made the decision, but i will not go back despite the delicious food. we watched 2 people at another table go through a pitcher of sangria and order several more drinks. i wonder if they had a similar experience.
(2)
Joani O.
Once a month we order lunch in for my whole department and today it was Havana again! I was going to try something different but I loved the jibarito so much last time that I got it again. And again, it did not disappoint. The plantains were fried to perfection and while the steak was a bit thinner than I recalled, the total sandwich was perfect for lunch and again, I love the sauce that it comes with. Delicious! The sandwich also comes with fries and chimichurri dipping sauce, which was tasty, but I couldn't eat many of the fries without being too full. Eating lunch at my desk is not so bad when it's awesome Cuban from Havana!
(4)
Dave O.
Second time Ive been here and both times have been great. The chicken tacos were out of this world. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars, Is the ice tea tasted a bit off, like it was made with tap water.
(4)
Anita C.
Grilled calamari and arugula salad. The salad was a large, filling portion. And I eat a lot. I eat more than my husband. The grilled calamari was super tender. I've never had grilled but I like it more than fried!! They also have pitchers of mojito. We didn't get one but it looked good and every table had one.
(4)
Keith B.
The Maduros are cooked perfectly, the food is delicious. The specials of the house , chicken in plantain leaf was delicious. I love the Cuban music and great service
(5)
Chris M.
For starters... Tostaditos de Platano = a simple recipe that was executed perfectly! The sauces were great!! For dinner * Pollo a la Caserola = perfectly crispy chicken with a sauce that complemented it perfectly!! * Carne Asada = perfect grill time and the sauce was great!! We will be back!!
(4)
Melissa C.
DELICIOUS Caipirinha! Seriously better than a lot of place I've been to in Chicago. Music was just alright, and service was OK.
(3)
Morganne B.
What a great Thursday special!! $20 margarita pitchers is EXACTLY what my friends and I needed to celebrate being done with medical board exams. We probably didn't need FOUR of them but they sure went down easy. The chips, guac and salsa were super tasty and the grilled calamari salad was yummy too. The calamari wasn't super chewy and the citrusy dressing was perfect for summer. My friends' mojitos were spot on too. As our party grew in size, the place started to feel a little cramped, but this was definitely a good place to kick off our celebratory weekend.
(4)
Steve A.
I loved the ambience of this place, which looks and feels exactly like a cafe in old Havana. Unfortunately, that's where the love stopped. As someone who lives much of the year in Florida, I've had a lot of Cuban food at many different restaurants, and I've never encountered anything like what is served here. First off, the lunch menu has been taken over in part by Tex-Mex items such as quesadillas, not a good sign. Perhaps foolishly, I stuck with something that sounded authentically Cuban, and had the Pollo from the dinner menu, along with a cup of black bean soup. Good black bean soup is smooth, with plenty of whole beans and crispy bits of onion. This gritty slurry had none of those characteristics. Traditional Cuban chicken is roasted, with a crisp, garlic coated skin and moist interior, exactly as described on the menu. What showed up, though was a soggy mess covered in a weird salty white gravy that had almost no flavor. It had more flavor than the "congri," it was served with, though. That mixture of rice and black beans was dry and utterly flavorless. Fried yucca was similarly flavorless, but had a nice crisp exterior. The saving grace on the plate were the ripe plantains, which were perfectly caramelized and still hot from the sauce pan. Sadly, one out of five is not enough to get me to ever return. It's a shame because the service was efficient, and the place looks great. They just need major adjustments in the kitchen.
(2)
Tzeittle C.
Ok drinks, not-good food. My friend and I had two mojitos each and shared the yuca con mojo. The mojitos were ok, tasted good but nothing spectacular. The yuca, though, not good at all. Fried yuca should be crispy on the outside, tender on the inside; this was just tough, no crunch, like it had been fried and reheated. The mojo (garlic sauce) didn't taste like garlic, and had this strange sweetness. Their chocolate cake was good though, not amazing, but good. The place itself is really nice and the music was good. It was a very nice night but I wish the food and drinks had been better.
(2)
Karina C.
Great Cuban place! I went with my cousins and ordered the empanadas and ceviche for starters. The empanadas were amazing! Seriously!!! We ordered ropa vieja (pulled steak in tomato and garlic and onion sauce, that comes with rice, beans and tajadas) and pollo a la cacerola (chicken in a green sauce topped with guac and served with rice. Food was delicious. Service was ok. The decoration is beautiful and the music is very legit Cuban music. Would definitely recommend it.
(5)
Maridel A.
OMG!!! this place is soooooo delicous! (Free dessert when you check-in). Anyways Waz suggested we eat here to try the Jibarito sandwich. We ordered the Steak Jibarito - not knowing what to expect... the food arrives and its a flat steak in between a flat fried banana!!!! OMG so goooood! It also comes with dipping sauce, not sure whats in it, who cares the sandwich was yummy! Its about $13 bucks and def worth it. We also ordered chips and guac... delicious. The rumors are true... chicago does have better food in town. Now im on a mission to find me a Jibarito sandwich in San Diego!
(5)
Lauren S.
Delivery took over an hour and a half. The bowl of soup was the size of a cup and half spilled when it arrived. Not very brothy, kind of thick. Got the chimichanga that everyone was talking about and they arrived cold and cut up like an appetizer and the poblano cream already in the bottom of the dish which made the whole thing soggy. Cost $20 for that. Not worth it
(2)
Tina M.
If you have ever been to Miami and eaten Cuban food then I DO NOT recommend this place. You can literally see the writing on the wall, turn around and walk out. When you look around at the crown molding in the restaurant, there are different words for the foods they offer. Two stood out immediately, Marquitas (should be Mariquitas) and Plantanos (more like Platanos). If you claim to be a Latin restaurant at least spell the words correctly. Moving on to the food. I was beyond disappointed with my food and service. I ordered Ropa Vieja and had 2 bites of the meat and that was enough for me. I admit I am spoiled by my Cuban mother-in-law, but this is ridiculous. Super fatty, chewy and totally the wrong flavor. The beans were just soaked in water with no salt and no sofrito. According to the group, the Cuban sandwich was good and the pork dish was ok. However, no one would return. Except maybe for the flan and Cuban sandwich. What bothered me the most is that the guy who took my plate ( I'm assuming the manager as he was different from our waiter) saw that I didn't touch my food and said nothing. No, "did you enjoy your meal"?, "can I wrap that"? I'm truly surprised at the good reviews, in fact, I am shocked. I will never be returning here. 90 miles, I'm sorry I cheated on you.
(2)
Sasha M.
I had dinner here last night, and I would definitely be wiling to come back. They have a large menu and good vegetarian options. The outside seating is nice, but it's a little cramped. The inside looks lovely. The chiles rellanos have just the right amount of kick, but some of the other favors were a bit overwhelmed by the cheese and cream. The platanos maduros were perfect.
(4)
Malinda T.
Excellent food, well all we had was appetizers but they were excellent! We had the ceviche and it had MANGO shrimp and some other stuff but it was totally delish and we also ordered the guacamole and it came with a pico de gallo too... Atmosphere was fun! Drinks were great, we had the mojito pitcher mmmm .... Fun fun fun
(5)
Reynick M.
Mexican-Cuban fusion. Not a true Cuban restaurant. Dishes were overly salted and very oily. I would never recommend this to anyone. We had the Tostones as an app, which were incredibly salty - more so than what you would find at any Cuban restaurant in Miami, Chicago, or NYC. And, the Lechon (roast pork) dish was very greasy. This was really weird because someone else in our party had the Ropa Vieja and found it to be dry as a bone.
(1)
Chrisette L.
I love spanish food . This was a nice intimate setting . Perfect for a first date ! I ordered a seafood dish that was amazing . He ordered the Carne Asada and it was seasoned to perfection.
(4)
Stephen S.
Excellent and unique food with great service. I highly recommend the Carne Asada and Havana Pulled Pork. The mojitos from the bar also can't be beat.
(5)
Austin Y.
I've been to Havana 3 or 4 times and have learned to stick with my favorites. Portions are very generous, and I like the dark, modern decor that's cozy at the same time. Chimichangas ($9) were terrific, perfectly crisp and filled with moist chicken in an addictively good poblano cream sauce. Empanadas ($11) were just ok, the manchego was the best by far while the chicken and ground beef weren't that interesting. Carne con tequila ($18) wasn't great, the steak was slightly overcooked and I wasn't a huge fan of the tequila sauce. The chimichurri was good, but tasted a little weird alongside the tequila. Pulled pork ($17) was a little underwhelming, the pork was tender but not very moist, and the potatoes and creamed corn were good but also added a lot of carb-y, creamy heaviness that wasn't balanced by any sort of acidity. Seafood paella ($21) was a mixed bag. The seafood was plentiful and the chorizo was great with the pineapple, but the dish was a little dry overall and the rice wasn't crusty/crispy. BBQ ribs ($19) were amazing. The ribs were incredibly flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender, and the guava-infused BBQ sauce was tangy and unusual. Jalea de mariscos ($22) was also a fantastic choice, a lot of fresh shellfish including scallops and shrimp in a creamy coconut sauce over rice, I guess it's sort of like Cuban curry. Definitely recommend. Havana has its share of hits and misses, but get the empanadas and either the ribs or jalea de mariscos and you'll leave full and extremely satisfied. I will be back for those.
(3)
Justin B.
Squeezed in for lunch this past Wednesday with a friend to use up my lunch-for-two Gilt City deal. Generally, this was a great meal. We tried both soups on the menu; I thought both were great, but my friend thought that the black bean might have had a slight edge. I tried the Torta Cubana and was very satisfied...the ketchup had a little spice to it, which served the perfectly-cooked fries very well, and the bread the sammie was served on was excellent, as were the fillings. My friend tried the Ropa Vieja...she thought it was good, but "not as good as the spots I used to hit in Miami", whatever that's worth! The only negative was service/food delivery speed...we arrived at about five before noon for our noon reservation, but we didn't get out until just after 1. For soups and sammies over the work day lunch hour, things moved a little slow for my taste. Otherwise, I would come back here; menu prices seem fair and you get a ton of food for the price, at least off the lunch sammie menu.
(4)
Alina S.
I very much enjoyed my lunch at this cozy spot. They have a lunch menu which has many varieties and is very afford-ably priced which is super great for the nicer restaurants. I ordered the 3 Enchiladas with steak. They were nice and moist with strips of beef and covered with both a red & cheese sauce. This also came with white rice and black beans. I finished 1.5 enchildas and took the rest to-go. I would totally come back and try more from this tasty adorable place. Did I mention that the staff rocks! They are all about enhancing your dining experience at Havana. So refreshing! :)
(4)
Niki K.
Considering all the great restaurants in Chicago, I wouldn't come back here. The food is okay, nothing special. The service is pretty bad; waitress was hard to track down and our food came out so late. They charge extra for hot sauce, which I've never seen before at a Cuban/Mexican--that's just cheap! And they don't split the bill, which is a huge headache if you're a big group.
(2)
Bob R.
Our experience at Havana was exactly what one should expect when going to dinner in the city. Havana is a Cuban restaurant on the southern tip of River North. It is very small - about 10 tables or so on the inside. They also have an area out on the sidewalk with another four tables. There is a large wooden bar that takes up much of the interior space. We were immediately greeted and seated - we had an early dinner, around 5 PM. The sidewalk seats were all taken but it was wide open inside. We had a very nice table by the window so we could watch the foot traffic outside. The waiter asked if we had any questions on the menu or Cuban food in general. Since Cuban is one of our favorite foods, we really did not have any questions. We ordered their large guacamole platter while we decided. My wife and I both ordered caipirinhas. They were tart and excellent. The guacamole platter came with tri-color chips with three salsas - the guacamole itself, fresh pico de gallo and a VERY spicy salsa. I was really torn on what to get. I absolutely love Cuban sandwiches, but we were celebrating, so I ordered Carne con Tequila - a chargrilled skirt steak served with tequila-infused sauce and Latin fries tossed with homemade chimichurri. It was fantastic. In talking to the waiter later in the meal, I asked about Pisco, a South American Liquor I'd never tried. He brought me a shot. It was very good, very similar to white tequila. After dinner, and all of the drinks, I had a Cuban coffee to finish out the meal. There were some earlier reviews that mentioned slow service. I agree, but it was not unbearably slow and we were not in a hurry. The service allowed us a relaxing meal where we could enjoy the decor, the food and the company. This was a great experience, one I am eager to share with others.
(5)
I J.
After coworkers mentioned that the food at this place was worth the terrible service, I decided to try it and I am so glad I did because now I know to never come back and tell others to not waste their money here. The food was okay, but the service was horrendous. Our server was just the worst, he came to our table once and when we told him we weren't huge fans of what we ordered, he did not care. We asked for a side of lemons, and he brought us 3 tiny pieces of limes that looked totally dry. The mojitos were so watered down, and they didn't come out until after our food did. We left so angry. Do not come here please, it's not worth it.
(1)
Stephanie S.
The last few times I've been here have been a major let-down in terms of service. We brought family here on our last visit, and I was a little embarrassed. I'd been raving about this place, and then our server didn't stop by until we'd been at our table for 15 minutes. Then he didn't greet us; just kind of a "Ok, what are we ordering?" He was absent for most of the meal. This isn't the first time it's happened to me here. And they're never busy, so I don't know what's going on. The food is good, but honestly a bit overpriced for what you get.
(3)
Whitney W.
I want to live here. The live music was GREAT. I danced my little butt off. I may or may not have gotten drunk from the Mojitos that I ordered, and the food was great! I ordered about 4-5 different appetizers, one being the crab cakes that were melt in your mouth good. I really can't think of a single negative thing to say.
I love Havana! Went there for lunch and had a very delicious steak sandwich. The food is so very yummy. Then tonight stopped by for music. The person I talked to on the phone said the music goes from 1130 pm to 130 am however you might want to double check this as the person I talked to there said the music goes until 3 or 4. I beleive the music Is just on Frīdays and Sarurdays. When the band plays I am very happy. When the DJ plays the music is fun yet not as awesome as the band. Yay. Would love to come again another time.
(5)
Ben R.
The drinks alone get this place a great star review. Margarita. Great. Pomegranate marg. Even more great. The food was really good too! We had the steak skewers, crab cakes, and pulled pork (which is stacked up on top of jalapeño mashed potatoes). The music brings it all together for an all around great experience!
(4)
Vic B.
Poor service, waited over 30 min for food when there were not more than 10 people in the restaurant
How can you not love this place? I bring all my out of town friends here. The servings are big and filling. The space is small and gets crowded pretty quickly. The longest I ever waited was 45mins but I felt it was worth it. The margarita pitchers are yummy :)
(4)
Rod C.
I stopped here for lunch on a Monday through a colleague's recommendation because XOCO is closed on Mondays. Wow! This place is incredible! The Chimichangas are phenomenal! Who doesnt like fried, chicken-filled tortillas in poblano cream sauce, with cilantro sour cream and pico! I had trouble deciding between the Havana Steak Sandwich (Tender slices of skirt steak with melted cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, and spicy mayonnaise served on onion ciabatta bread) or the Jibarito (which is basically the same as the steak sandwich with the difference being twice-fried green plaintains instead of the ciabatta bread). The Havana Steak Sandwich is OUTSTANDING! I could eat this everyday! I have to come back for dinner when music and dancing is the norm here. I cant wait to try their house drinks! Service was really good, but it was lunch and their were only 4-5 tables occupied.
(5)
Kara B.
Do you like screaming across a table? Do you like bland over-priced food? If yes, then this place is for you. Loud Meh, food. Meh, service.
(2)
Matt K.
I went for lunch and got the best Cubano sandwich I've had in a long time. Good fries. I'll have to go back and try the Jibarito.
(4)
MelBri J.
the food was not the real Mexican like you expect after reading their menu. :(
(2)
Casondra L.
Great service ! Good drinks and twenty dollar pitchers!! Salsa, guac and chips was a nice addition to the amazing Caipirinha's ! The flan is ridiculous oh my word!
(5)
Kelsey D.
The food was excellent and I love the Hispanic atmosphere. The mojitos were not the best I've had especially for being their specialty drink but the Martinis were delicious.
(4)
Laura C.
The place looked nice. The bar had great drinks. The appetizers were good. But, The service was bad and the main courses as well. We ordered ropa vieja and the pork dish. Ropa vieja was very bland and I couldn't even finish the pork because it was hard as a rock. Very disappointed.
(2)
Gopal R.
Fantastic restaurant right by hotel. I found this little gem on Yelp and I went to check it out. The restaurant has a very nice ambience and good food. For starters we ordered a guava mojito. I heard so many great reviews about mojitos here, but I was a bit disappointed with my mojito because it tasted a bit watered down. Not bad, but not what I was expecting in mojitos that have rave reviews. For an appetizer, I ordered the fried plantain chips with warm black bean sauce and salsa - Platanos Maduros. Wow! The chips were perfect - crispy and crunchy coated with a spice that gave it the right kick. The black bean sauce and salsa were perfect choice to eat these chips with. Highly recommended! I ordered the black bean soup - Sopa De Frijol, for starters. A wonderful soup that is very flavorful and just yummy. For the main course, I ordered the Chiles Rellenos. Just perfect. Highly recommended if you are a vegetarian. The dishes were amazing with fresh flavors and ingredients. If you are a dessert fan, don't forget to try out the Coconut Rum Flan. All in all, this is a great restaurant and a great dining experience.
(4)
Dave M.
Amongst Clarke Street's endless parade of corporate cookie cutter franchise eateries you'll find Havana. Authentic, real, a one-only restaurant. Excellent decor, friendly staff and great food at reasonable prices. Try the traditional Cuban Steak sandwich It's awesome. Didn't try the wine - will do next time - but the Wine menu is well laid out with an interesting selection to choose from.
(5)
Todd S.
I love Cuban food and love mojitos so I had to try Havana's. It is small and intimate, and you'll definitely need reservations in order to get seated. First stop was at the bar for a Mojito. I travel to Miami quite a bit for business and have had great mojitos there and Havana's makes them equally as good. For dinner we started out with chips and guacamole. They also serve Pico and verde salsa on the side. The verde was extremely spicy. Very good but hot. Be warned. For the main course my wife and I shared the Pollo Horneado con Platano. It's a spicy chicken breast baked in plantain leaves. It comes with sweet potatoes and a side of sweet plantains. Very flavorful and worth the try. The serving was enough for the both of us. I have no complaints about this restaurant. The food is great and the wait staff is very friendly and prompt. I highly recommend giving this little gem a try.
(4)
Chirag P.
A wonderful place to eat with a date or with friends. Great place to try Cuban food, the corn based dishes were very delicious. You will not be disappointed. If you ever want to try Cuban food this place will give you a great option.
(4)
Lauren W.
The beat of the Gypsy Kings cover band brought us in. Can't remember the actual name of the band but we were swirling around dancing, and clapping so it didn't matter. Bad ass band! Mojito Friday special ($20) ended at 11pm. Great mojitos that sent me to to my happy place!!! The place is small and with the band playing and everyone dancing, we stayed in our little corner near the front and danced. Mixed ages but we noticed a more older crowd, which was fine with us. After leaving other bars with the 20 year olds this was a little more of what we were looking for. Solid.
(5)
Diocelina G.
I wanted to love this place, unfortunately due a number of reasons, Havana didn't please me. First off, it's super narrow! Bumping into people is inevitable and there's virtually no dance floor. They had a cool band that played Latin American themed tunes which was excellent, but then when they took their break the place turns into any other typical bar that's blasting Top 40, if they named the place after Cuba's capital, I expect the joint to be much more festive and true to the culture and music of Cuba. The drinks were nothing special I payed $15.50 for top shelf on the rocks. Didn't get to try their food.
(2)
Eric G.
The food was great the two times that I've been there. I've had the Cuban sandwich and the chicken torta. Both were delicious, and may be enough to warrant me stopping by occasionally. Now, why am I giving the place only 2 stars if the food is so great? They won't care about you if you don't buy a drink. I prefer the blue line for my nightlife, but our company just moved in a big co-working space around the corner. I was looking for a regular lunch place and I thought this place could really hit the spot. The first time I went here though, I waited over 30 minutes for that Cuban sandwich and 15 minutes of that I was staring at it, sitting on the back counter, wondering if it was my sandwich. When I called over my server, he had to ask what I had ordered. It was very off putting because I was the only customer who had ordered food in those 30 minutes. I still loved the food and wanted to give it another chance. The second time was great and prompted a third visit very quickly. This time we came later in the day, only to be told that it was now dinnertime and our sandwiches were going to be almost twice the price as advertised. Please don't give me the sandwich menu while telling me "They will all be about $6-$8 more than what's on the menu because it's dinnertime." We promptly left and have not been back. This place focuses on drinks and nightlife. It's packed at night when people are drunk, but it's dead and empty during weekday lunch rushes. Why is that the case? The service is not up to par, and I just feel cheated and lied to. No wonder. Food is great, but there are so many delicious places, some less than a block away, that will treat well even if you don't buy a drink.
(2)
Michael K.
Went in for lunch a couple of weeks ago. Started off with the great tostones. My friend had the ropa vieja sandwich and I had the Cuban steak sandwich. Both were very good, but the ropa vieja one was amazing (we each had half of each other's sandwiches to share). The fries were also very good. I had two margaritas on the rocks. They were made correctly. No mix. Tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice. Delicious. The waiters were friendly, the restaurant is clean and the ambiance is fun. Will be back many more times when I'm back in Chicago.
(5)
Diana A.
Nice strong and flavorful traditional mojitos! No fake syrupy tasting mojitos here. Big deal to me since mojitos are my favorite. I've tried the tostones appetizer-yummy, the steak entree- yummy and my wife loves the paella. The ambiance is nice. The live band music even better. We're Latinos in the west loop constantly looking for a more authentic Latin vibe and food. Havana hits the mark!
(5)
Kristen W.
Oh Havana how I wish I would have learned about you sooner! it was raining and cold so we ran into this cozy little place to take cover. We were taken by surprise at the awesome cozy vibe of this Cuban restaurant. We started with sangria and it was filled with nice fresh fruit. We saw all of the wonderful food around us to decided to try the calamari appetizer. I've never had "Latin" calamari before... the spices were great and not what I was expecting, this was better than your average calamari and the dipping sauces were amazing as well. Giving the great appetizer I can't wait to go back and try out more dishes for dinner.
(4)
Suzanne W.
Tasty food with a great mix of flavors. Recommend the Pollo al a Caserola. Chicken cooked perfectly, poblano pepper sauce and guacamole - veggies on the side cooked perfectly.
(5)
Kaila B.
Being from a Cuban family I was pretty excited to visit this place. I am a server so I will say that my level of expectation for any restaurant can be a little high, however, I think some things should be done well no matter where you are. For example- Server approaching table in less than 5 minutes. Taking the food order after the drink order. Hot food. Unfortunately, they did not win on any of these. I hate to blame everything on the server but the food was luke-warm so it wasn't just them. I can't say I was enthused with the whole experience. My suggestion would be that they tighten things up a little better. I know restaurants sometimes look at M-Wed nights like they're no big deal but that can really be your opportunity to make repeat customers.
(3)
Nick N.
I love Cuban sandwiches so it's great to have a place in Chicago to get one. I drive from the southside to pick these up and it's worth the trip. I always order take-out here so I can't judge on inside service but the food is very good. It's pretty unique, even with all the other food options around it still stands out. The Cuban, the Fries, and the beans and rice all get kudos. Parking can be tricky down there but really that goes for almost any downtown location.
(5)
Angelica G.
Too small of a place for the amount of people they let in. Can't dance anywhere. (Saturday) You have to dance, mingle, and order in the same spot, lol. Good little band, nothing special, but got the crowd going, which was a good mix of people, old, young, multicolored. The mojito pitcher my sister ordered was mediocre, nothing special but drinkable, the bathrooms are down a steep staircase which I can bet many have tumbled down before. As I stated it was too crowded to do any type of movement, if you had a wedgie you'd be screwed, a clean up guy came by with a wet mop to clean up the tiny dance area and as he passed by he mopped my feet as well....... well least I got a free shoe cleaning!
(3)
Lauren M.
I give it four stars for the food and strong drinks. Could use better service from waitresses. Great for early drinks and dinner before the evening crown starts. Recommend having a reservation. Look forward to going again!
(4)
Mon P.
The drink specials are great and so is the music. The food is average or less than average. There's much better Cuban places around the city. Sadly, there's none in river north but this one. I won't be back to eat. They try to be too modern but they've lost the flavor that goes along with Cuban food. To be clear i had the lechon. It was cool to the touch and chunky with a strange sauce. Could have been an odd night. My friends rave about the place so maybe I'll try it once more.
(2)
Elijah S.
Great place , authentic fresh food . The service is very good . Good prices . Quality of food is good . We jumped in after long day at work and wanted something authentic. We got 2 different dishes and all tasted good . Overall good pace . Will definitely come back for more Cuban food .
(5)
J. Terrell A.
Couple folks from the office decided to stop in for lunch around noon. We were seated promptly and provided water. So far so good. Once we ordered it started to go downhill. I noticed a table that was seated after we ordered received their food before we received ours. After 20-25 mins our food finally arrived. We ate and the server was quick to place the check down. The food was good, but the slow service killed it.
(3)
Yuki Y.
Enjoyed the empanadas, caipirinhas, and skirt steak. Fun, lively atmosphere. A neighborhood staple. Service is good and I have to comment that the older busser was busting his a** and doing a great job. He never stopped and moved at a fast pace and it was already 10:30 and long into his evening. Don't know where he was getting his energy. Management if you are listening, give this guy a raise!
(4)
Diana B.
Had a nice dinner when in town just overnight with my boss The food was delicious. The service wasn't as great as I remembered when I lived there. They were accommodating, though, as we didn't have reservations.
(3)
Helen E.
Recent reviews made me nervous but I needn't have been. Great service, delicious food, bright atmosphere. We had the fish tacos and the pulled pork - we destroyed both, along with the plantain chips appetizer. Would definitely come again if we lived here.
(4)
Peter C.
We walked past this place and noticed the amazing Cuban music Playing. After walking in we noticed it was $20 pitchers of mojitos on Friday. The pitcher was amazing. Hand muddled limes with mint. Absolutely delicious. We got the apps and they were great too. The place was dead though with us being the only ones in there. The sopa de tortilla was great same with the friend plantains. Good place to stop to. Smaller and not packed at all.
(3)
Sarah R.
I made a last minute reservation her for my friend's bachelorette party. Initially, I was worried about the quality of a place in this area with Saturday night reservations opened less than a week out, but Havana exceeded my expectations. Our waiter was phenomena (and cute) and patiently answered so many questions. The specialty drinks were amazing . My friend liked the coffeetini so much she requested it for her wedding. I have a less fancy recipe if anyone is interested. The food did not disappoint. Our group included several spicy lightweights, a hardcore meat-lover, and one vegetarian(hello!) and everyone loved their choice. I really enjoyed the decor as well. We were seated in a center table, but had enough room that no one bumped us. There was also a lower level with more tables as well as a bar up front. I'm not really a River North kinda woman, but Havana was an excellent exception.
(4)
Lauren F.
Loved this place way back when it was Mambo Grill and love this place now as Havana. Fridays are 1/2 price mojito pitchers and they make a pretty mean mojito. The chimichangas are my absolute favorite thing on the menu and I often just order these as my main dish, as does my husband. We also really love their guacamole and salsa starter as well as the Roasted Pulled Pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and creamed corn...I wish they'd add a little more of the creamed corn but it is still delicious! I've also been to Havana for a bachelorette party and they do a really great job accommodating larger groups. The booking is super easy and everyone that attended was super impressed with the menu options. Definitely busy on the weekends so I highly recommend reservations for a guaranteed table!
(4)
Nikola L.
Great food, good service. Mojitos were a little too sweet for my taste. When we complained the girl brought us some soda water :)
(5)
Kristal T.
The food here was delicious. I would normally give this restaurant five stars but the service was horrendous. The waitress literally forgot to put our order in. We waited for over an hour to receive and "oops" and then waited an additional 30 min or so for our food to come out. As someone who previously worked and managed a restaurant I feel that this was unacceptable. I would be more understanding if it had been very busy but there was only one other couple in the place and it was around 8:30 or so. Overall, the food is delicious; but due to the poor service, I doubt I will return.
(3)
Reggie H.
Great chaiperinas and mojitos. Small spot with lively regulars. Food is just fair because the seasoning profiles are very underwhelming. Beef dishes are not always tender either which is sinful with the Ropa Vieja. I want to love this place but can't
(3)
Alan D.
Tonight was my first time at Havana. I'm very picky about food and the atmosphere of a restaurant. This place is already on my list of favorite restaurants. We started with the Calamari which was fantastic. My gf got the Carne con Tequila. It was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. I ordered the Cuban Roasted Pork which I would easily order again. Every part of the dish was cooked perfectly and it all worked well together. Our server Crista was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. There was a party at the tables next to us and she was considerate enough to ask us if we preferred to sit away from them even before they arrived. I will absolutely come back to this restaurant again and will request to sit in Crista's section. What a great experience.
(5)
Jen B.
Had the perfect dinner! Great atmosphere, lovely cocktails, served in pitchers for our large, mixed group. Delicious food. Great service by Heriberto, who managed our requests with grace, humility and pride. Reasonable cost! Only downside is it is loud inside, but that is because it is full of patrons not wanting to leave!
(5)
Gabriel M.
Havana used to be my favorite lounge/restaurant in the city. Good atmosphere and food and awesome Mediterranean music. 4-5 years ago this place was just awesome, but now...the service is atrocious, the food is subpar and for some reason the band has decided to add rock elements to the music and it just sucks. There's a reason why Rhumba or Middle eastern music has 99% acoustic instruments! Why did you guys change?! Sigh...Last 3 Saturday's I was there it was just bad, couldn't even dance, it felt like Vagando wasn't even trying, plus no one likes 10 min songs, especially when they don't sound like they should. Last night I was there for a birthday party, and you guys brought the cake out without even cleaning the table first. One of the young bus boys was just standing around (the one with the mohawk), the girl server had to be asked 5 times for water and lemon (she never brought lemon though)...just like a few Saturdays ago! my girlfriend had to move the empty glasses to another table and only then did the staff clean our table. I mean it was simply disrespectful...I feel bad for the manager cause he's always running around the place trying to accommodate patrons but his staff is letting him down.
(2)
Alli E.
Got the classic mojito and Carne con Tequila- both really good!
(4)
Joan S.
My husband and I went to Havana before seeing a show at the Oriental Theatre. The restaurant is just a short 10 minute walk. We arrived early for our reservation and decided to sit at the bar. We order the Mojito flight, bartenders pick - classic, coconut and guava. The mojito's were awesome!! Another bartender came and started talking to us!. He was very personable and made us feel very welcome! He even made us a sample of chilled mango rum with fresh mango juice - YUM! He is the main reason why we would return! Now the food. My husband and I had recommendations from our waiter. I had the Cuban Roasted Pork which was AWESOME! This dish was plentiful and flavorful. I would definitely recommend it. The rice with beans side was just okay. My husband had the Steak Jibarito which was good but mine was better. The steak was cooked perfectly. The latin fries were tasty. For desert we had some fudge cake which was just okay. I wanted the flan but my husband is not a flan fan. We would return. Thanks for the great freindly customer service at the bar, wish I knew his name! :-)
(4)
Belle M.
Such a great place for drinks, food and dancing. It has very welcoming vibe, I brought my boyfriend in and he is pretty picky about his Cuban food but he loved it. We ordered the Chimichangas and the Ropa Vieja! The Chimichangas were delicious. The drinks they make here are made to keep you around for a while. The Mojitos are the best I have had...ever!! A must go! Highly recommended
(5)
Jun J.
cool plc but food was alright. i got the traditional slow cooked pork and it was rough. hard to chew. they tried tho so i give them 2 star.
(2)
Tim A.
Easily the best chimichanga (sp) I've ever had. Monitors are pretty good too - by the pitcher.
(5)
Elyse L.
Yum! There are only two reasons Havana doesn't get 5 stars from me. 1st is their house mojito and second was my dessert. That aside I immensely enjoyed my meal here tonight. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked in garlic, bell peppers, and other spices. I don't care for bell peppers so I was a little skeptical but you can't taste them at all. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. I could eat this meal everyday and never get tired of it. We started with their house mojitos and they were too bitter for me. That's usually my favorite drink, but they were so sour one sip made both my husband and I pucker our lips. Maybe try a flavored kind there. Those might be less harsh. There was a free dessert yelp check in offer and the only thing we both agreed on from being stuffed was the strawberries in cream. I don't know what they make the cream out of but when I took a bite all I tasted was rancid milk. Almost like when you smell spoiled mayo. My husband ate the whole thing and enjoyed it so maybe something in my palate just wasn't playing nice tonight. Either way you need to eat here. The food was delicious
(4)
Gustavo B.
Great place almost hidden from the flashier options in this neighborhood. Go inside for a tranquil, yet lively enough vibe. Awesome food that doesn't stick to the traditional beaten options but still tastes very unique. Drinks weren't good though, maybe it's my fault to order a margarita instead of a Mojito.
(4)
Fadi S.
very chill environment. they're playing Latin music in the background. the food menu was amazing. we had guac and some appetizers at first. the service was good too. would recommend the place of.you happen to be in the area.
(4)
Susan C.
I went here for a meetup group for dinner during the winter time and met some nice people. I had carna asada which is a chargrilled steak over black beans and rice top with a guajillo sauce and guacamole. It was really delicious and I had it with the drink called a screw driver. The waitstaff was friendly and they provided good service. The menu have good selections for you to choose from. Also they have very good drink selection alcohol wise. I would recommend this place to others for Cuban food if they never had it before.
(4)
Nani B.
In town for a conference, my colleagues and I were looking for a place to relax and grab some good food. Havana provided the perfect atmosphere and everyone loved the dishes they picked. Meal portions were perfect as well leaving us "satesfecho"(satisfied as they would say in Cuba) Coming from a Cuban family I was excited to try their black beans and rice and plantain dishes. I ended up ordering the "Ensalada Verano" which was absolutely divine. Then I ordered a series of sides- the black beans and rice, yucca, and maduros which I also shared with the table. They were so rich and delicious! (I should note that I am vegetarian, don't like spicy food, and don't like cilantro) The friday drink deal was a $20 pitcher of the house mojito which also was delicious. We had an amazing time- I recommend! (Will note that we had a 1.5 hour table wait but that was ok we just used that time to chat and grab drinks!)
(5)
Darren S.
Delicious meal and experience. Had the pulled pork and my bae had the seafood cream sauce. Bueno service and mojitos to boot! Highly recommended.
(5)
reshma s.
A small restaurant with a great bar! Were told to seat anywhere and of course chose a booth which looked comfy and believe me it was just that! Requested a guacamole and as a bit disappointed since it was premade and not according to my specifications...however don't let that get you down since the food is delicious. Being a vegetarian ordered the stuffed portabella mushrooms - Caserola de Hongo Relleno (Okay...Since I couldn't remember the name for the life of me, had to look this up!) To quench the dry gullet had to try the Guava Mojito first and since that didn't do the trick had to have a house mojito! In order to complete the whole experience of course had to have the Coconut Flan for dessert ......Simply Luxurious! Gave it 4 stars since the food was great and the mojitos are to die for...... but the one thing that lacked the 5 was service!
(4)
Marc A.
Havana does everything totally right when it comes to being in the restaurant business. Shall I list the ways? Yes, why not? 1. Despite being a small place like many of the restaurants are in the city, Havana has a layout nothing short of AWESOME. Mostly booths, and not the lame ass half booths, so you can actually have some privacy. 2. Easily one of the best mojitos in the city. 3. Service was friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. When I requested guacamole without tomatoes, they went and made a fresh batch. That's going the extra distance. 4. Food was wonderful and delicious. Portions were decent, just perfectly sized. Great options for vegetarians I wasn't expecting this place to be quite this good, but it turned out far better than imagined.
(5)
Arlene N.
As soon and we walked into the door hostess made is feel umwelcomed. When we asked the bar tender who the owner was he mentioned hostess was co owner. I have been here once before and food was great, but after the greeting we experienced today I will not be back. There are many other Cuban restaurants in Chicago that make you feel like family and welcomed!
(1)
Rachel G.
This place is right around the corner from my work so went here for lunch with a friend of mine. They have a lunch menu which is nice. My sandwich was called the Torta de Polla and it was very tasty. Chicken wasn't dry and the onion bun gave it a good flavor. The price was right too...food, tax and tip was $10. My friend on the other hand didn't like her food. She ordered the enchiladas and said they were dry and tasteless. But, the waitress gave her the meal and her glass of wine complimentary. Now that is customer service. I will be back and my friend said she would give them a 2nd chance as well. Staff was very friendly and I like my meal! Oh and the decor is really nice too. Very clean and fresh looking with an old world twist.
(4)
Erin L.
Tried to go to Mercadito on a Saturday night without reservations...fail. After deciding a 1.5 hour wait wasn't worth it, my friend and I took off on foot and ended up around the corner at Havana. Serendipity! This place was awesome. We started with the crab cakes, which were a great, flavorful start to the meal. I had the Halibut with the almond crust which was perfectly cooked, tasty as heck with a nice Chipotle sauce, and the best side of sweet potatoes I've ever had in my life. My friend ordered the Tequilla marinated steak with chimichurri, which was heaven in your mouth. But first he was accidentlly brought a pulled pork tower dish served over mashed potatoes, with a Cuban take on gravy, by mistake. Our waiter (who was fabulous) let us keep the dish, which was also incredibly good. We didn't get charged for the mistake, and they had the steak out to us within 10 minutes. The atmosphere was cool, and the cost of the meal was very reasonable considering how darn good it was. My only complaint was that my guava mojito was a little light on the booze, but really, whatev. Go to this resaurant now!
(5)
Jennifer P.
Food was good. Seating was quick. Poor service (neglected by wait staff often during the course of the meal). The alcohol content in the mixed drinks was extremely low (so don't order pitchers of anything). Also used a restaurant.com coupon for the meal, and the server said it came with an automatic 25% gratuity (before the discount was included) even though there were only 2 people (including myself) in my party. Rather than argue with him, I just paid and vowed never to return - which I won't. Can't believe I was ripped off!
(2)
Mindy S.
Havana's food was very flavorful and was of good portions for what you paid. The menu includes pitchers of 4 different kinds of mojotos at a reasonable price - both the house and guava varieties were very tasty. Not too sweet, fresh mint, and well mixed. The full-sized quac appetizer + the ceviche were both really good, and were perfect for 4. The waitress recommended dishes were well received - Steak Cubano (steak with a sweet crusty outside and glaze - so good, and the Rollitos Manchegos - almost like chicken cordon bleu, but stuffed with spinach and manchengo cheese, set in a creamy green sauce which was amazing. The paella and cuban sandwich were also full of flavor. The atmosphere was lively and fun, and it was not too loud (went on a Sat night @ 8pm). Definitely a must try if you're looking for a great dinner option in that area.
(4)
Happy Mama M.
Im hoping we just went on an off night but the service was terrible. We made reservations and still had to wait about 30 min for a table. Then it seemed like we waited another 30 minutes before we could place our drink order. It just seemed like maybe the were missing a few employees or something. The food was OK. The empanadas were really good. The salads were good, but not worth the poor service. We probably wont go back but were glad that we tried it out.
(2)
Kim F.
I arrived here as part of a group of 11 on a Saturday night without reservations, yet they managed to find a way to seat us pretty quickly. The service was friendly, the drinks were strong, and the food was very tasty. The biggest downside was the noise level--it was really, really loud. So much so that I couldn't hear any conversation at the opposite end of the table.
(4)
Amy V.
Just mediocre all around. The restaurant was barely two-thirds full between 8 and 9 on a Saturday night. Atmosphere is cool, and our service was fine, but the food was just incredibly meh. I know it's not traditional Cuban food they're serving, but the side-dish options don't include tostones or yuca, even! My husband thought the sauce on his steak tasted like ketchup. My halibut was good, but the veggies on the side reminded me of the kind you get in the freezer section at Jewel. We did enjoy our mojitos, and there's a nice selection of wine by the glass. I'd return for a drink but not for a meal.
(2)
Brad F.
Just went there for lunch after buying the Groupon. The Ceviche was absolutely fantastic. It came in a nicely sized cup with some chips and fried plantains. My burrito was very tasty. It was filled with pulled chicken that was loaded with flavor and spice, and the plate came with a heaping side of guac and tomatillos. My buddy got the fish tacos, but they were not as good. We also enjoyed some Mojitos. Great food, generous portions, reasonable prices, and a nice ambience.
(4)
Marfa B.
We stopped at this place fora drink and ordered a pitcher of mojito. It was very good. The bartender was very nice. We had a very good time.
(5)
Kristen M.
I went here not too long ago for a birthday dinner with an old friend, and we both loved it. The place is neat inside, the staff are really friendly and helpful, and the food was delectable. So was the Cuban coffee, and it helped me stay up afterwards to get work done. :) My friend is still talking about her dish weeks later. My only complaint is I wish they had more vegetarian options, but I appreciate that they at least have a vegetarian section on their menu. What was truly special about our experience was that the bartender overheard my friend say it was my birthday and he must have told our waiter, because at the end of our meal our waiter brought out a delicious flan dessert with "happy birthday" written on the plate with the fruit glaze topping. No embarassing singing or anything, just a delicious and classy way to say happy birthday - and unsolicited at that! I was really impressed. Can't wait to go back when I can try the mojitos!
(4)
Timothy R.
Good food, but it was so loud we could not keep up a conversation. Overall not a pleasant hour.
(2)
Joni J.
Meal portions were perfectly sized, and drinks were great. I had one of the best pisco sours ever.. It was probably the closest pisco sour to the ones I've had in Chile.
(4)
Denise W.
Awesome! came here with a group of girlfriends for my birthday on a Saturday night. Totally accomadating. Mangement was great. Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. Definately recommend for groups or for two. Check it out!!
(4)
Deanna C.
I came here with Beth T. and Alan K. to celebrate my initiation into the grown-up world... a job.... and they were awesome enough to take me out for the night! Great mojitos! After the first pint we were thinking mmm.... another? Okay! I got their salmon which was fairly good, but nothing spectacular. Their guacamole on the other hand was super yummy. I've tried making guacamole at home before, yet for some reason mine always turns out too chunky and/or runny (yes, it can be both at the same time, trust me) and just... funky tasting. I wonder what they use to season this... anyway, it was really fresh and tasty, so I kept picking at it with my fork even after the empenadas were gone. Mmmm, now I'm craving their another one of their mojitos!
(4)
Angela M.
My friends and I came here on a Tuesday. It was lively and had a great ambience. Disclaimer, if you are looking for authentic Cuban food, this may not be for you. Albeit, the food was delicious and it did have some Cuban dishes with their own spin. The skirt steak was amazing. I ordered the steak sandwich for $13, reasonably priced, portion was sufficient but not big. The specialty drinks were also fantastic. My friend ordered a Cuban sandwich which she really enjoyed, as well. The empanadas were pretty tasty, but a bit overpriced. The appetizer only came with two for $9. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Kristy B.
This whole experience was just kind of bland for me. The decor, the food, the service. Nothing too memorable. We also sat right near the kitchen and they have swinging doors which are super annoying because everytime a server or buser goes into the kitchen, it makes a distracting noise and sight. On the plus side my curry fish was pretty fresh and the restaurant is priced very reasonably and in a convenient location.
(2)
david g.
avoid. went there sat night for dinner. even though there were normal sized tables available, they tried to squeeze the 4 of us into a booth that had a structural support , such that one seat was missing. First sign. I didn't try the drinks, but if they are anything like the food, they're bad and pre-made. The only good part of the food were the black beans, they were yummy. My friend asked for the waiter's recommendation, and he suggested some sort of pulled pork dish which my friend had two bites of and refused to eat anymore. I had the enchiladas, which tasted frozen and microwaved. they were dry and soggy at the same time. Impressive. My wife had the portabella mushroom, which might have been good, were it not COVERED in cheese and way overcooked. The service was average. Only real complaints were 1) when the waiter forgot our soups and salads and insisted we never ordered them, and 2) we asked of several dishes were spicy, and he said not at all, but they were so spicy half our group couldn't eat them. Now, I LOVE spicy food and normally can't even taste any spice, so if I think it's spicy, then it would probably burn most people- definitely not spicy like the waiter suggested. In sum, why bother? Food sucked, service was so-so..
(1)
Thanh L.
The food is pretty bad here. I'm having the worse skirt steak of my life...that includes the one ones I experimented with at home.
(1)
Kimberly G.
Havana was just ok, the menu is murky, it has mexican aspects, cuban aspects, and other latino aspects but not very focused. Our menu was for dinner but they stuck in the lunch menu too, we assumed you could order the lunch menu for dinner too but i just thought that was odd, what, you can't print out a new menu for dinner? The appetizers that our group shared were all good (chips and guac/salsa, fried calamari (very good), chimichangas (okay) The mains were not good. The enchiladas we ordered were extremely dry, it was as if they had barely any sauce on them, the chicken inside was dry too. Other members of our table ordered different items, some of which came with french fries that looked like they were from Burger King. Odd and not very Cuban if you ask me. I thought the variety of the menu could've been better too. The drinks were iffy. I had a guava mojito which was just okay, the capirainha was very good though. Probably would not return, not with the likes of Mercadito and Xoco just around the corner.
(2)
alina k.
Amazing food and drinks!!! It was my first time trying Cuban and it was delicious. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jennifer H.
This place is way underrated. Went here on a Saturday night, party of 7. Did have to sit in the basement where they put all large parties but it was lots of groups having fun so not awful. The waitress was a little slow & chatty but once we got our mojito pitchers it was fine. I had the seafood dish with a coconut cream sauce and rice and it was devine. I mean really really good. Everyone I was with really enjoyed their meal. I tried the pulled pork & halibut and both were awesome. Highly recommend this place and I will be back.
(5)
Erika W.
Wanted to like this place, but was quite disappointed. First, there was a group of 7 of us, which meant we were seated downstairs, which is essentially a cold basement, sandwiched between the kitchen and the bathrooms. And while I realize the restaurant can't entirely control this, there were 2 very large, EXTREMELY LOUD and rowdy parties down there with us, which definitely contributed to my bad experience. Seriously, it was so bad, I thought a manager should've stepped in to ask them to be considerate of other diners, especially given the small enclosed space. There was one server for all of us down there, which meant the service was delayed. She came by to take drink orders, and although we were also ready to order food she left without asking. 20 minutes she came by to take our food orders yet our drinks had not arrived. 25 minutes later after that, still no drinks, although appetizers had started. I finally had to go upstairs to find someone to ask about our drinks. Our food arrived and then about 10 minutes later our drinks finally came, along with an apology from the manager and the first round of drinks on the house. (the one bright spot of the night) As for the food, it was okay, although a little bland. My favorites were probably the appetizers, the empanadas and ceviche. My entree, the tilapia, was okay but not fabulous. A friend said his paella was very disappointing and several people asked for extra hot sauce because their entrees were lacking in flavor. (which I realize is not necessarily Cuban) Someone ordered Key lime Pie, something I normally adore, and it was honestly one of the worst desserts I've ever tasted. Unfortunately the night ended probably on the worst note possible. As we were eating dessert (or in my case NOT eating dessert) some terrible sewage smell began emanating from the bathrooms. At this point we just had to laugh, given the events of the night. I think I also said out loud, "I f(*&ing hate this place." I was done. There was some rush on part of the staff to cover up the smell by closing the doors and trapping us in the room downstairs, followed by a strange woodburning smell. We couldn't leave because we were waiting for our bill. The only good thing about the smells is that the loud and obnoxious party left the room! Staff seemed nice enough but honestly this area is littered with good restaurants. Better food would've saved the other difficulties.
(1)
Steven R.
Place blows. Don't waste your time or money
(2)
Mary S.
Food is delicious. I've been here a number of times, and it was solid every time. It can get a little too loud, and could be tough to get a table, but the food is always yummy.
(5)
Ginger C.
Half price mojito's on Fri night, who could ask for more?! Great fun & ambiance. Calamari was grubbin!
(5)
Katie M.
I was pleasantly surprised. This place has a pretty good ambiance - dim lighting, not too loud, smaller tables (which was a bit tough for our group of five - but for a group smaller than that it's perfect). The mojitos are better than the margaritas, in my opinion. The empanadas and ceviche were good appetizers - not the best i've ever had of either but they were definitely good. We all ordered different entrees and tried each other's dishes. Our favorites were the apricot pork chops and the halibut. AWESOME! Give this place a try.
(4)
Kate M.
I would rate this 3.5 stars if I could. I went to Havana on a Friday night, the place is small and like most places in River North on a friday night, it was full. I recommend having a reservation, which we did. We were seated quickly in a large booth. They have a special almost everyday, and that night, it was 1/2 priced pitchers of mojitos. My boyfriend and I didn't particularly enjoy our mojitos..next time we won't be coming here to drink. We started out with a half order of guac and chips, which was a great amount for 2 people. They chips were delicious and freshly made. We ordered a chicken caesar salad to share and our waitress had it divided up onto two plates without us even asking..which was very nice. The salad was good, nothing to rave about. For our next course, we asked for our waitress' opinion. She suggested the pork dish (I don't remember the name of it and I no longer see it in the menu, which is a shame). I'm really glad we asked her cause it was very flavorful and oh so yummy. And again, they divided it up onto 2 plates. The meat was great and it was placed on top of corn puree and potatoes which was equally as delicious. I recently bought a groupon for Havana so, I will be back. This place is definitely worth trying!
(3)
Sam W.
A Saturday summer night felt right for some Cuban food, so my sister and I decided to try Havana for the first time. After walking past this establishment almost weekly, we finally caved and were rewarded for our curiosity. Seated immediately next to the window, we were able to sample both the fresh air of the city and the cool air from the AC. We started off with the half order of guacamole. Three small bowls came to our table, one filled with fresh guacamole, one with a spicy tomato salsa and one with a refreshing helping of pico de gallo. Served with tricolor tortilla chips, this was a nice way to start the meal. For dinner, we shared three plates. We ordered the Cuban Salad, which came topped with spicy grilled chicken, julienned jicama, and crispy plantains all soaked (yes, a little too much dressing) in a cilantro dressing. A nice salad and plenty for two. The second dish we chose was the infamous Ropa Vieja. After having made this dish myself at home and having what I consider the best version on Earth at Carnivale, Havana's take was spot on. The meat was fork tender and super-juicy, with an intoxicating aroma that left both my sister and I with runny noses! With a giant scoop of rice and beans below, we were extremely satisfied with the overall balance of flavors. The third dish was more of a side. The Plantanos Maduros (fried sweet plantains) may have had more sugar and butter in them than an entire cake, but they were somehow all gone by the end of the meal. If you are a fan of plantains, please order these and watch them disappear instantly from table to stomach. As usual, we both felt like pregnant mom's after eating so much, so we passed on the typical Cuban dessert offerings of flan. This rating would've been 5 stars if not for the slow service, especially toward the end of the meal. Our server seamed disappointed we passed on ordering alcohol, and from the start we had a vibe that we were going to be treated differently from that point on. In fact, after our entrees were finished and a dessert menu was dropped off, we went a full 15 minutes with no contact with our server. Considering the restaurant is rather small, this makes little sense as to where she went. The table behind us was dealing with the same problem as well, when a manager (the owner?) stepped in and sped the process up. Overall, a great place to hide from the crowd but seem like you're a part of it, while being able to sample some authentic Cuban dishes loaded with flavor and enjoyment.
(4)
Keane N.
I stumbled upon Havana while trying a place for a little lunch near downtown Chicago that participated in AAdvantage Dining Rewards. Little did I know how fun lunch would be. . . I'll quickly talk about the food. . .I ordered the torta cubana (sandwich w/ smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, and assorted veggies in a brioche bun) served with a mix of french fries and sweet potato fries. The sandwich was balanced in flavor and the fries come with a great chimichurri dipping sauce. However what made lunch and Havana special was the server/bartender Lauren. By far, she is the friendliest and most amiable server I have ever met. Never hesitated in answering questions and willing to strike up a conversation. Best part about Lauren, she finally helped my find a beer that I actually liked. (Long story short: I've spent a long time in the wasteland of Natty Light). She offered me a bottle to try, yet still comped me the drink after finishing the bottle. If you have the luck to be at Havana with Lauren as a server, you're bound to have a great time.
(5)
Sky S.
Pretty overcrowded and extremely loud. Even with a reservation we had to wait an additional 20-25 minutes. Food was fairly mediocre for the price. Great service though and cool scene.
(3)
Quantas G.
I like this place. Great decor, decent prices, good service and quality food. I went here for a late lunch with a friend the other day and had a good time. We shared a half-priced margarita pitcher. (Sour, weak. Avoid.) The guac and chips was a good choice. It comes with warm tortilla chips, a large portion of guacamole, fire roasted salsa and pico de gallo. I had the Latin burger. It was a decadent piece of love complete with cheese, grilled onions, and bacon on a brioche bun. Really good stuff. Highly recommend item. I am interested in tasting more of their dishes and maybe stopping by for dinner.
(4)
Vanessa C.
Two stars only for my boyfriend's carne asada, which was cooked perfectly. The rest, from my dry, dull tasteless Ropa Vieja - in my opinion, the benchmark dish for Cuban restaurants - to the dry, dull, tasteless black beans - was just average. They miscalculated AND double-charged our check, forgot to bring leftovers (yes, we tried to take them, I figured I could fix my Ropa at home, how sad) and the acoustics were bad. I will stick to the authentic places from now on (not downtown) and not the places that put more emphasis on drinks.
(2)
Mark H.
Nice little restaurant with friendly staff & PHENOMENAL food! Try the chicken with plantains and sweet potatoes, but go lightly with the salsa - it's habanero based and quite hot! :-D
(5)
Patrick M.
First off, I loved the cozy, narrow, exposed brick, diner type atmosphere. Thought the place was energetic, fun, and a great place for a meal. A little loud, but the noise made close conversation all the more possible. Of course I had mojitos, which were crisp and fresh. Main course was pretty typical fair, the enchiladas were like any other good restaurant. Tasty, but nothing to write home about. Priced very nicely, this is a fun night out.
(4)
Rina P.
This place has great food and drinks, no doubt. But my recent experience left a bad taste in my mouth. We went in on a Wednesday for their half priced margarita pitchers, and lived it up. We must have had 5 pitchers. When the bill came, they were all full price. Omar our piece of crap waiter said "remember I told you you needed to order two entrees to get that deal".. no he DIDN"T. He said that to cover his ass. Then he asked this woman who he said was his manager and she said "well, did they order entrees? then no"... NEVER AGAIN! Considering we have gone there many times for happy hour. THey just lost business, and I will tell everyone, and specifically will tell them about Omar.
(1)
K M.
Buenas Noches mi queridas Please....allow me to slip into something more comfortable before I write this review....those 1/2 price mojitos have got me feeling....a little.... OK just stuffed really. Mambo Grill has risen from the dead, and Havana has pulled it off with style and substance. I always loved the Mambo, but the decor was a little dark and cramped for my tastes. Hello Havana. Light and airy, balanced well with the dark woods of the bar and booths. If I couldn't see all the buildings out the window, I might actually think I was in some classy, tropical locale. Completely up this girl's alley. Our waitress- what a doll, seriously. Sorry I didn't remember your name or I'd give you a shout out here, but you were nothing but sweet and attentive. You didn't mind at all when we took about a half hour to even get around to looking at our menus. I blame the guacamole appetizer for that by the way. Not just guacamole, but a bowl of pico as well. I think this is the same way they served it at Mambo, and I am so glad it didn't change. Happiness in a giant bowl. $4 house mojitos on Fridays. Granted, they are not large, but $12 for all of my drinks in an evening? Please note that their online menu seems a little messed up at the moment. It duplicates 2 pages, and leaves quite a bit out. I had chicken cooked in plantain leaves, and my dining companion had the combo paella. I thought my dish was fantastic, and even without the side of sauce, it had plenty of kick, which was balanced out nicely by the sweet potatoes and plantains. I can't comment on the paella but it seemed to be a hit. We ordered a chocolate cake dessert (I only had a bite, being already full to the point of discomfort- I wasn't blown away, but that may be because I didn't make it to the molten chocolate part in the middle! But I'm not one to pick a dessert over a third mojito) I could just as easily see myself here for Friday happy hour at the bar with mojitos and guacamole as I can for a relaxed and lovely full meal out; I would highly recommend Havana for any River North dining requests. Total was around $60-something for 2 with the appetizer, 2 entrees, 3 mojitos and dessert (I was getting a birthday treat so I don't know the precise amount) Let me go pass out in a happy food and rum coma now. Gracias Havana- I will most definitely be back!
(5)
Brook G.
The food here is outstanding! Unique dishes with great flavor, and quite a few vegetarian options. And the drinks...don't even get me started on those. Fantastico. It does get pretty busy here on a Friday night, so go early and get a good seat at the bar. You will probably be there for a while sucking down delicious mojitos and martinis.
(4)
M A.
Fantastic food (make sure your tongue can handle spicey)! The chicken empanadas are have a deliciously crunchy crust and a very sweet and tangy stuffing. The BBQ Chicken dish was really out of this world. Grab a seat outside and enjoy the amazing weather while you eat some of the best Cuban food around.
(5)
Stacey M.
HALF PRICE PITCHERS OF MOJITOS (Good ones!) on FRIDAYS? Who does that? Oh, Havana Grill does that!! So a year (or more?) ago Mambo Grill closed (sad day) and apparently was going to open in a larger location down the street....but never did. I've been waiting for this and still searching for the perfect mojito now that Mambo has closed. So, I'm a little TICKED OFF that this place opened last September and I am JUST finding out about this! I called for a reservation by the window for me and 2 friends on a Friday evening. We were given our request gladly :) Ordered the chips/salsa appetizer in which you get a MOUND of chips, pico, guac and salsa...this rocks! Ordered a pitcher of mojitos (followed by another, and then another) My friend and i split the skirt steak sandwich - it ROCKED! (and so did the fries.) My other friend got the stuffed portabello mushroom dish - phenomenal! And..LAUREN - our server..rocked. Super friendly and helpful - not pushy - and filled up our mojito glasses regularly :) (she even looked a bit like Farrah Fawcet -the early days..anyone else notice that?) I do take away one star because their bus-boy staff were a bit overzealous in trying to clear our stuff before we were done....but then tried again 5 minutes later. (And then again). But..it WAS a Friday night and they were getting busier..but I don't like to feel rushed out of places. STILL: OVerall fantastic happy hour place - it's basically the exact same as Mambo Grill, just a different name. And smaller (not sure if the downstairs is open). Woot.
(4)
E L.
My boyfriend and I stopped in here for dinner on a Saturday night. I ordered a dish that was described as a choice fillet with a spicy tomato sauce, over rice and beans. My dish came out and it was nothing like the menu described. It was shredded beef and there was no sauce. I would have sent it back, but our waiter never came to ask us how our food was. My dish was not only disappointing And bland, but it was also $17. My boyfriend had the cuban sandwich, he said it was bland also. I think our waiter chose to ignore the fact that we clearly weren't happy, because he never once asked how anything was. Never eating here again.
(1)
Matt B.
Went here with a party of 14 for my wife's birthday. Without asking, they gave us a private room. The pitchers of moijtos were great, along with everyones entree and the service. They were easily able to split the check for us. Great location for headed to nearby River North bars. Would definitely go back!
(4)
Craig R.
The mojitos are pretty good here. I had ropa vieja which was good. Friends had tilapia special, and others had various pork dishes. All were happy with their entrees. The place has a comfortable and laid back atmosphere. This is a nice place to hang with friends, have a few drinks and chill out.
(4)
Sonja S.
I have to admit, i lose my capacity for critical thinking when I fall in love and Havana, darling, I am afraid I fell a little bit in love with you at first site. Your exterior is welcoming and charming - your interior, warm and inviting and oh my! your lighting made my crows feet transform into hummingbird toes! My dinner companion , a mere slip of a girl ( and dear friend ) glowed like a angel in that light and all i could think of was hmm, next date i go on i am going to have him meet me HERE. It didnt hurt that from the start the services was terrific, patient, professional and warm - (see there is that word again). Oh Havana you snuggly thing.... We ordered the calamari appetiser, which was fresh, soft and accompanied by a delicious peppery sauce. We also ordered an unbelievable ceviche that i spooned greedily onto fresh plantain chips- YUMMMY. The glowing ( and wise) Angel ordered a grilled shrimp salad with fabulous fruit, jicama and delightfully fresh baby greens. I ordered the pulled pork with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. I have some small complaints, the creamed corn was too much cream, not enough corn, the mash potato too much and where did you say the jalapenos were? the pork was delicious, but needed more of a kick, I ended up pouring a ton of chimmichurri sauce on it and really, i needed more heat. My last teeny tiny fussiness was the teeeny tiiiiiny glasses they served our cocktails in. Cute, and they were good, but i would have liked a slightly bigger glass. BUT we had SUCH A GREAT TIME!!!!! what a wonderful relaxing, well served, good food , great atmosphere place. Thank you Havana, I will be seeing you again!
(4)
Sarah E.
We went back for food on Friday and it was OUTSTANDING. Also, I was with different friends, but still had the same server. She remembered that couldn't partake in half-price mojitos because of a citrus allergy, AND remembered what I was drinking last week. We had pulled pork, apricot chipotle pork chops, and some other pork loin and the table, and everything was good. The calamari and empanadas we had as appetizers were also good. I will definitely be back.
(5)
julie v.
so, maybe i was here on an off night, because havana seems to have garnered quite a few favorable reviews, but .... both my dining partner and i were underwhelmed by the food and the ambiance. (the servers and the drinks (yummy rioja) were lovely. but not enough to earn an extra star.) food: we shared a manchego empanada to start, which *sounded* amazing but in execution was rather disappointing -- i actually *left* half .... thats a first for me -- empanadas are near the top of my list of diet-killers .... my friend ordered the pulled pork and i ordered the salad with tiger shrimp and pineapple. my salad was fine (nothing to write home about -- i have had significantly better salads at casual chain restaurants), but my friends pork dish was a let down. he didnt finish it and he didnt box it to go .... bummer. ambience: understated (no complaints about the decor, layout, etc.). the acoustics, however, are atrocious -- we had a *lot* of trouble talking (on a thursday night in the not even half-filled dining room). as in, we had to just sit there for spells at times. further, the music was *oppressively* loud (and i *like* the music -- they played a mix of gypsy kings, mana, carlos vives, etc.). finally someone randomly came over and (we think) apologized for the noise level (we smiled and nodded, but couldnt hear much of what was said) and the volume was decreased somewhat, but it crept up again and we finally cut our night short and left. final thoughts: -i would recommend ordering dishes that are consistent raves on yelp to avoid staring at your plate, crestfallen, after the first bite. -i would not bring a date here -- theres no guarantee of being able to have a reasonable conversation .... -for cuban (or cuban fusion, etc.) id stick with cafe laguardia, la unica, coobah ....
(2)
Stacy H.
The only reason I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5 was our server. The food and drinks were amazing! We got the pollo empanadas and split the lomo salteado and both were wonderful! However, it took a good 5 minutes upon being seated before anyone came to our table. I think he was a busboy that ended up taking our entire drink and food order. Our "server" didn't even show up until after we'd received our dinner saying "I'm actually your server, how is everything?" I wanted to order another drink during dinner, but she couldn't be found, and I'm not going to go out of my way to order a drink if they make it difficult. All of the busboys were very attentive with clearing plates and refilling water. But then again it took forever for our server to come back after finishing dinner and ask if we wanted dessert. We had a show to get to so declined. I wish I could have tipped the busboy only instead of our her because she really didn't do anything.
(4)
Rayid G.
I didn't like it much when it was mambo grill and I still don't like it. We tried a few things and nothing really stood out. The ceviche was very oily and didn't seem fresh. The sandwiches were so-so though the chimichurri was decent. Overall, average place but slow service for the lunch crowd.
(2)
David H.
The food was quite good. The menu is nice but a little too heavy on beef choices. Try the Chimichangas, they are great and have a great sauce. Our service could have been a bit more attentive, but overall was ok. When we told our waitress we had to move along for an event, she did pretty well to keep our meals coming.
(4)
Cecilia M.
Called for a 7:30pm dinner reservation on a Friday with only 2hrs notice & had no problem getting in ... probably because it's not suited for an enjoyable dining experience; so noisy you can't hear yourself talk much less your table guests. With a name like "Havana" I expected more authentic Cuban food...I should know having been born in Havana myself & lived in Miami for 18 yrs. For that, go to Sabor a Cuba where the chef is from the island. I will admit the Mojitos were delicious & it didn't hurt that they were 1/2 price on Friday.
(2)
Ashley H.
Quiet when we arrived around 7pm, dining area grew busier/louder/dimmer as the evening went on, but not obnoxiously so. My mom and I split the half order of tostones, Rollitos Manchegos, a pitcher of mojitos, and El Diablito Fudge Cake. I could have done w/o the appetizer and dessert, but the chicken and mojitos were spectacular. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Heather O.
AWESOME food (got their steak in tequila sauce), AWESOME mojitos, AWESOME dessert, and super friendly staff. The bathroom's in an awkward place being downstairs and all, but that won't keep me away.
(5)
Sharon W.
Half price mojitos, including pitchers (on Friday). Rum Chata. Super nice bar tenders (Arturo and Silvio). Done.
(5)
Amanda Z.
Havana is a great new Cuban restaurant in River North! I planned a dinner here for a group of 6 friends on Sat night, and we all left very happy. I hope more people discover this new little neighborhood gem instead of immediately choosing one of the Bayless places across the street or Mercadito. Havana is significantly less expensive, and has a great menu and ambiance. DRINKS: I had heard about this place on UrbanDaddy.com , saying the mojitos are fab. Well, the mojitos are FAB!! I usually don't like to order mojitos because they aren't that strong and can be too sweet...but not the mojitos at Havana...probably some of the best I've ever had, and 2 was plenty! I didn't order the house one, I got the special one at the bottom of the menu made w/the dark rum (they don't have their website up yet so i can't give you exact names). Everyone else at the table was happy with their drinks, all made pretty stiff. FOOD: I had a cup of black bean soup and the pollo empanadas. The soup was good but nothing special (served its purpose to warm me up!) but the empanadas were amazing! Usually empanadas have a hard, super fried crust...not these babies...soft, flaky pastry shell with melt in your mouth pulled chicken inside. And they were not small...order comes with 2 and I was satisfied between this and the soup (and this girl can EAT). Two friends ordered the carne asada, which I tried and it was good, but not great...I've def had better at Carnivale and a few other places. The meat was not that tender and was overcooked, but the pound of guacamole they slather on top helped save that dish, which was served with tons of black beans and rice. Another friend ordered the tilapia, which was recommended by the waiter, and he literally gasped "oh my God!" when he took his first bite, which led me to taste it. It was probably one of the best fish dishes I've ever had...whatever the yellow sauce was that was allllll over it, was just heavenly. Masked any kind of "fishy" flavor (I'm not a huge fan of fish) and the rice paired with it perfectly. Another friend ordered a vegetarian dish (I don't know what) that had tons of mushrooms and cheese...this dish was phenom! I loooooooooove mushrooms, so next time I go to Havana, I will be ordering this. She also ordered a side of plaintains, which were an entire plate full, and they were warm, super sweet and cinnamony...like a dessert. ATMOSPHERE: nice cream and brown hues throughout, dark wood bar, very small space great for intimate convo and dates, cozy booths and classy decor, sexy ambiance, wonderful location at Clark & Hubbard. SERVICE: this was the only part lacking...although the place is so tiny, somehow our waiter was always MIA. Our water glasses stayed full from the bus boys, but our drinks came out probably 10-15 mins after we ordered them, AFTER they had brought out my appetizer (bean soup). The guy was nice enough and made great recommendations, he was just never around and when we asked for things, it would either take forever to get it, or wouldn't come at all (like the extra tortilla chips I asked for to eat with my soup). Overall I really enjoyed Havana, and so did my entire party, so I will be back soon.
(4)
D. K.
Havana is a solid 3-stars. I'm glad I went because I live in the area and pass by it a lot, but the food wasn't blow-your-socks-off. I liked the ambiance of the restaurant, and it was a fun crowd on a Friday night. The food, though? Just average.
(3)
Natalie G.
ha-vaaaaaaaaaaaaahna... the former mambo grill is truly exquisite with delish food, superb staff, and yummyness of drinks.. it truly is an ahhhhhhhhhh experience. came here for a girls night and it really was wonderful. when we made the reservations, the guy on the other line was already hospitable.. we knew that night was going to be fabulouos. we were about 10 mins late for our 8:30 reservation, but were still pleasantly greeted to our table. the restaurant was fairly busy. ambiance is modern cuban chic with good classic cuban music, and overall a positive and light energy. starting off our meal with a pitcher of their guava mojitos which were delish. light, not too sweet. we ordered the tilapia [light, tasty, well seasoned], the seafood paella [hearty portions of scallops, shrimp, and muscle], bbq salmon [tasty, but seemed a bit too charred on the outside], and stuffed chicken served with plantains and sweet potatoes. BEWARE: the salsa served with that chicken will knock your heels off! it's hot hot hot! however, the owner/manager recommended to take a combo bite of the chix, plantain, potato, and a light dip of the salsa all together.. which balances the heat and sweetness. this place is great for large parties, or intimate dinners. it's fresh, light, and a great addition for the river north area.
(5)
Fawn D.
Love the atmosphere: feels like havana in SOHO NYC, but hey it's river north! The food is pretty good, but maybe i didn't order the right thing. I had the ribs and they were good, but not the best.
(3)
Lauren F.
Very pleasantly surprised! I went here years ago when it was Mambo Grill and I remember it being good, but not good enough for me to return. Last night on a failed attempt to go to Frontera Grill we decided to take a chance and it was the right decision! There were a few tables sat when we got there, but it got more crowded as the night went on, almost to full capacity I believe. ~ Sangria was half off for a pitcher, and it was pretty tasty. We opted for red and it was actually a pink color so Im not sure what type of wine was used but its good none the less. Not too sweet and complimented the food well. My only complaint is that it was very lacking in fruit, but not a dealbreaker. ~Ceviche was good, not great. The seafood was fresh as well as the chips which wouldnt be expected. While the flavors were good, I would have liked a touch more salt or maybe heat? Id order it again, but just wasnt wowed, it need a lil something. ~Pulled Pork was very good like others have mentioned. Again, the pork was cooked to perfection but needed a little more flavor. The combo of the pork, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn was excellent. Its a huge portion, it barely looked like I made a dent in it. ~Chicken in Plantain Leaf was tasty, but not sure I would order it again. Ive never had anything cooked in a leaf before and that flavor is very strong. It came with mashed sweet potatoes, emphasis on the sweet, and fried plantains which were tasty and not greasy. Beware! It comes with this very spicy sauce...one drop is enough to light your mouth on fire. ~We skipped dessert due to overstuffedourface syndrom, but Im looking forward to going back and trying the coconut flan or keylime pie. ~Our server was very sweet and had good suggestions; no complaints on the service at all! All in all, a great addition to the area! Its become a challenge to find good Cuban places and this one is definetely on the list and much easie to get to than 90 MIles Cafe. Im very much looking forward to returning and trying other dishes.
(4)
WindyCityGrl T.
Overpriced and just not that great. I recently went for lunch and had the steak sandwich. Very disappointing. The steak was extremely chewy. The guacamole appetizer was $8.95 which was so shocking because the portion was so small. I couldn't believe it. I won't be back. Boo!!!
(2)
LARRY k.
This is a small, neighborhood type of restaurant in downtown Chicago. Its a bit noisy, casual and I have become a big fan. The food was very good. I had the paella which was spiced fantastically. Overall it was a very welcoming restaurant with a good selection of items and is sort of a Cuban-Mexican fusion place. Prices are moderate and I would return again w/o question. Give it a try if you are in the mood for this type of food in a casual setting.
(4)
Zack C.
I ordered the plantain chicken. It came with a spicy sauce on the side. The food was good, but what I really enjoyed about this place was that the Cuban decor made me feel like Dexter, especially during Season 3.
(3)
Ben N.
Food and service was fanastic!!! Would definitely go back. Drinks are also delicious and i would recommend he mojio pitchers for a larger group.
(4)
Laura D.
I went for dinner with a few friends, and had a very good time. We started off with their chips and guacamole appetizer, which was a very generous portion for 3 people, and also came with pico de gallo and a thinner but spicier salsa, and all were delicious! They also have 1/2 price pitchers of sangria on Wednesday nights. The sangria was average, but when you're getting it for half off, it doesn't need to be spectacular. I agree with Dan C. about the "Mexican" leaning with their menu. I hadn't read his review, but I was definitely thinking the same thing as I was choosing my meal. Perhaps it's an attempt to make their menu more universally acceptable? I would prefer to see more traditional Cuban food, which I don't think there is enough exposure to in Chicago. If they're going to supplement it with something, wouldn't it make more sense to add some Caribbean flair? I had the pulled pork, and the flavor of the meat was excellent. The creamed corn, not something I usually eat, went very well with it. I did think that the ratio of potato to pork was opposite from what it should have been; I would have liked less potato. And, like Troy B., I didn't detect any jalapeno flavor in my mashed potatoes. One friend had the chicken tacos, which she was happy with. My other friend got the pork chops, which he said were cooked perfectly and had a great flavor. I think Havana is on it's way to being a great downtown Cuban restaurant. I'd definitely go back.
(3)
Karl J.
Fantastic service, great mojitos and spectacular food.
(5)
Laura M.
I went to Havana with 6 friends to celebrate my birthday. We had good food, good service and really enjoyed ourselves. At the end of the meal I was presented with a birthday treat and a shot of tequila to really kick off the celebration. The mojitos and enchiladas were the fan favorites at our table. I will be back for sure!
(4)
Mike A.
food -- good physical location -- clean, enough spacing between tables, booths + tables service -- good, attentive acoustics -- VERY VERY LOUD, cost them 1 star walked by on my way home from work and saw people with smiles on their face eating outside. stopped in last night and was pleasantly surprised. had the ceviche and the plantains as appetizers. ceviche was basically a "ceviche salsa" but with visible chunks of seafood, slices of avocado on top sided with plantain chips and regular chips. the plantains were perfectly cooked and sweet. completely by accident, but we paired the citrusy ceviche very well with the sweet plantains. we decided to do almost all seafood. had the tilapia which was lightly drizzled with a sweet ...but not to sweet......sauce sided with rice and a mesclun greens. the sweated peppers on top of the fish were great. the other entree was the chicken and seafood and rice combo. very similar to spanish paella but havana's version had pineapple chunks, well seasoned chicken pieces and a more citrusy flaver. there is a lot of food here and more seafood than chicken. of course you must order a pitcher of mojitos. this place isn't going to knock your sucks off but if you want a very nice dinner at a fairly low price (for downtown) surrounded by a young crowd and don't mind some noise around you ....this place is perfect.
(3)
Amy N.
This place is great! It's a little small, but outdoor seating is nice and staff is friendly and speedy. Cuban Sandwich - AMAZING! they have one of, if not the best cubans I've ever tasted. The latin fries that come with it are great, as is the sauce they serve with the fries...not sure exactly what's in there but it's some sort of lime cilantro salsa or something. Chips w/Salsa and Guac - also very very good. I haven't had much else on the menu, but the cuban will keep me coming back for more!
(5)
Mala K.
It was an impulse decision to have dinner last Friday night here, and I must say that it was not too great an experience. What we didn't like there was the ambience: a bit cramped and extremely noisy. The music they were playing and the crowds were very loud. The cocktails were very good, especially the mojitos. The food was alright, but nothing great: we had the manchego empanadas, the stuffed peppers, and the carne con tequila. The last was pretty good, but a really small portion. The service was pretty slow, though the staff is friendly. I don't think we'd go there again, especially on a weekend night if we have a choice.
(3)
Sylwester O.
I visited for dinner last week with my fiance. We asked the server for some recommendations and took her advice. My fiance had the pork, with jalapeno potatoes, and cream corn. The cream corn was good. We were unable to taste any jalapeno flavor out of the potatoes. The potatoes tasted like regular mash potatoes. Finally, the pork on top of the potatoes. There was barely any on there. A small thin layer and then straight to the potatoes and corn. The dish should be advertised as cream corn, mashed potatoes, and a little pork on top of the potatoes as garnish. Over priced for so much potatoes and corn with very little meat. I forget the name of the dish I had. But it was steak with garlic and latin fries. My dish was very simple but not impressive. The latin fries were just regular potatoe and sweet potatoe fries. The whole dish was to garlicy and salty.
(2)
Dan G.
I love Havana, great service (Lauren), delicious food, awesome music, love the pina colada, and desserts . You should try it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Faith A.
Upon being stuck going to Chicago for a night in the midst of the Polar Vortex, my company chose Havana as our dining spot for a team dinner. I have to say, I was quite disappointed in this choice. Upon entering the restaurant, it seemed cozy and comfy, however, we were taken downstairs as we had a group of about 12-14 people. It was not the cleanest of spaces and seemed a little musty smelling. Service was okay, and food was mediocre at best. There was calamari and some other app I cannot remember, not good but edible at least. I got the fish tacos... they were okay at best. T I will not be back here given the amount of better options in the River North area.
(2)
Diana D.
Delicious mojoitos! Excellent service! Great, authentic decor. This place has become a place that I can't stopping coming back to. The empandas are very tasty and flavorful.. but my favorite thing to get is the guacamole with plantain chips. Everything I have tried here has been phenomenal - always alongside their praiseworthy cuban mojoito pitchers! Definitely check it out.
(5)
Phallon P.
I enjoyed the food and the decor here. I ordered fish tacos, everything came out on a gorgeous platter. And the dessert was so good! I think it was a guava cheesecake, hands down the best thing I've eaten all year! I'd come back just for the cheesecake alone.
(4)
Natasha L.
This place is hit or miss. Honestly if you end up here - get the mojitos. Its what keeps me coming back.
(3)
Bonnie M.
Last night our family and friends hosted a 30th birthday party at Havanas and from the initial planning to the very end of our evening it was a wonderful and fun experience. The private room downstairs was just right for our party of 35 people. The atmosphere is 1940s Havana, the lighting and seating were impeccable and it was the perfect space to mingle for 2 hours. We also brought in our own party favors, some table decorations and birthday cupcakes which was fine with the restaurant. We opted for the 2 hour appetizer package, including personalized menus for the tables...nice touch. The food was EXCELLENT ( we chose mini beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, tortilla chips with expected dips, chicken quesadillas, portabella quesadillas, and cheviche with plaintain chips...my personal favorite) We didn't buy the drinks package instead opting for pitchers of white and red sangria, mojitos and individual drink orders. Our group then moved upstairs to reserved seating for live entertainment and dancing. The space was cozy and it made for excellent interacting. The band even gave a special shout out to the birthday girl. Our celebration was from 9 pm to 1 am and valet parking was very handy. Special props for excellence in service to Andrea who made it all happen with the planning and personal help & direction during the party. Also to Omar, our server/waiter who went above and beyond during the entire party. Thanks Havana for such a special and memorable night. We will be back!
(5)
Pavan K.
A place to look out for, to have a nice date or hangout with friends !! The Mojito here just tastes like heaven, incomparable to any other place in Chicago! Cheesecake deserts are good too. !!
(5)
Louis V.
Made a reservation for 9pm on 5/18/13. When I got there my name was nowhere to be found and was told I could wait for 45 minutes... I was beyond disappointed & really looking forward to eating there with my wife. On my way out, I overheard a diner on the patio comment that their rice was minute rice. Any Latin restaurant that uses minute rice is horrible.
(1)
Robert B.
This was my first time dining at a Cuban restaurant and I must say, it was a GREAT experience. I loved the atmosphere, I loved the music, oh yeah, and the food was delicious. My girlfriend and I went just because it was close to an event we were attending, and both of us a looking forward to going back. I had the enchiladas, and my girlfriend had the pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes, with roasted cream corn. She washed it down with the red sangria which was really refreshing, and I had the spiced rum martini which was pretty potent! But I loved it I'm looking forward to my next experience!
(5)
Jeff B.
Not a large place which is nice. Valet greets you to take your car. Hostess was friendly. Bartender was already making our mojitos before we sat down. Drinks were outstanding, best outside of the Caribbean. Apps and main course was great. Flavors were not over bearing and had a great balance. Our group tried steak, pork and chicken, each uniquely prepared and delicious. Highly recommend going here for a solid Latin fusion experience.
(5)
Jolynna M.
A couple of Saturdays ago I stumbled across this place quite by accident, after being turned away at the famed Frontera Grill down the street. It was standing room only there, as is typical from what I hear. At any rate, I was hungry, and Havana was nearby. Plus the weather was perfect on a Saturday evening and they had outdoor tables, and even the inside was nice and airy due to the open windows. The decor was very colorful, just as a Cuban restaurant should be, and inviting. I got a seat by the window with a view to the street, so I enjoyed some good people watching while sampling from the fabulous menu. Everything, but everything looked wonderful, as I love Cuban food. But at last I settled for the fried plantains, fresh ceviche and black bean dip with pita wedges. It was all fantastic - really, really, really! Fresh produce, spicy flavors and artfully arranged. I also had a couple of mojitos, which they serve by the glass or the pitcher, making it nice for couples or groups. I am not from Chicago - was there on business, but next time I am in the area, I am putting this one on my list to visit again. Go on - give it a try!
(4)
Ane C.
Just absolutely loved it. delicious food, fantastic service.. kudos to this place.. definately going back again...
(5)
T P.
Fun place. Great service. 1/2 price Mojito pitchers on Friday night. Tasty Empanadas. Loved the garlic sauce. I ordered Pollo Horneado Con Platano. Fun presentation. Will definitely come here again!
(4)
Kasia K.
I really only like to give good reviews, but I was disappointed. The space was really too small for a group and we got crammed downstairs (even though we came with reservations, but the staff still seemed taken aback). We were also hoping for live music (for latin dancing) but they had a dj instead. I was not impressed with the empanadas I got, and some other friends were not impressed with their food either (black bean soup one of them). Mojitos were strong but I have had better quality ones. Frankly, I just had higher expectations..
(2)
Andrea B.
I went to Havana for the first time last week. The atmosphere is pretty nice, and I liked the live music. My food was pretty good; the chicken was tender and well seasoned, but I was a little disappointed with the rice and beans. Also, my caipirinha was probably the worst one I've had in Chicago. Next time I will order a mojito or margarita. I would go back, and just order other items.
(3)
Char Y.
We came with a groupon, and was surprised the restaurant was completely empty on a week night. We ordered guava mojitos - YUM! but it didn't taste like guava. tostaditos de platano - LOVED the fried plantain chips! roja - shredded beef with beans. YUM The food was great, and the atmosphere was pleasant. What a surprise near michigan avenue!
(4)
LaLaLaLa L.
I really enjoyed my time at Havana. My mom and I ate here after a convention at the Mart on a Friday night. We saw that they were on Restaurant.com and decided to give them a shot. It was a little crowded, so I would suggest reservations. We sat at the bar until our table was ready and had a pleasant experience. Bartender was super nice.... even gave us a sample mojito, since neither of us have had one before.... fell in love and ended up getting a pitcher! Plus, Friday is half prices pitcher night. Score. We were seated after about 20 minutes. We were near a window, which was nice because we can people watch those that walked by. We ended up splitting a couple apps and an entree and everything was lick-your-plate-clean delicious. We ordered the following- Manchego Empanadas- We actually ordered the Pollo Emanadas, but were accidentally served these... which I'm extremely happy about. OUTSTANDING. Don't let the ingredients scare you.... they're delicious together, I promise. Chipotle Crab Cakes- These were good... nothing spectacular though. The fruit relish was awesome. Chimichangas- just plain awesome. Very good Rollitos Manchegos- this was seriously to die for. Since they messed up the order (sent out the incorrect empanadas, which we said was quite alright) they sent out their El Diablito Fudge Cake. it was euphoric. We left very full (just couldn't put the fork down), a little tipsy and satisfied.
(4)
#NAME?
Wanted to venture out and try something different, made reservations for Friday at 7:00, got right in-But it is so packed up front, very small bar area- It's not that big of a place and it's very LOUD, so this is not a good place for first dates, meeting up with people you haven't see in forver b/c you will not be able to hear them at all- FOOD: I had an entree that had chicken rolled up with spinich and cheese with a cream sauce, it was very good- Not that expensive at all and it had good vibe about the place-A mix of families, tourist and locals- I'd come here again and recommend it to anyone-
(4)
Gagan G.
Nice little hideout in River North that I accidentally stumbled upon. There was a good atmosphere even though it was a Monday night. I got the Chiles Rellenos and it was excellent. Word of warning though, it was spicy! My tolerance for spice is pretty high but I found my mouth watering with the spice, surprising as poblano is one of the milder peppers out there. The service was good and I liked the ambiance. Overall a place that I would definitely go back to.
(4)
Donald L.
Made a reservation here for about eight people on a Friday night for my friend's birthday. We were promptly seated in the middle of the restaurant and brought up to speed on their great drink menu. The server was fantastic and the food was very good. Everyone at the table had a very pleasant experience and it's a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend.
(4)
Anabella J.
I made reservation 2 days prior.not only that we had to wait good 30 minutes but the hostess kept asking my name like 5 times.she even told me couple of times that my table was ready and then when i followed her she turned and said "a couple of more minutes" wtf???then she kept giving tables to other people that came in.finally she told us to follow her and she took us downstairs!!!they gave us the table right next to kitchen door!!that door kept opening and closing all night long and i got to see their nasty kitchen!yuck!!!the food is average!i read reviews and i was thinking to myself this place is a must!the only thing i liked was sangria!i had to drink it to stop being annoyed by slamming kitchen doors!!not worth your money and time!if they take you downstairs runnnnn!!!!just turn and run!!!yuck!
(1)
Jamie B.
Came here on Friday night with our group of 4. Pitchers of mojitos were great... we asked for them sugar free and they were able to accomodate. We ordered appetizers, sadly they never came. Our waiter forgot to put them in. Everyone had really good dishes except for me.. I ordered the special for the everning, which were vegetarian enchiladas with a green chili sauce. They were not very hot temperature wise, they were stuffed with no vegetables other than potatoes, and there was no verde sauce to speak of. Really disappointing, but didn't want to send back since we were with guests. We asked our waiter when he came back to check on the entrees where the appetizers were and he seemed confused...actually asked a guy at the table if we ordered them... yes, yes we did. You even wrote our order down. I would come back and give them another try... the ambiance was fun and lively and so many of their menu items sounded wonderful.
(3)
Ashley H.
This is a hidden restaurant that should be a favorite with the Chicago people. It's not very big, but very nice looking inside. You would walk right by it except for the music playing. Drinks are great. Food is amazing! The staff will explain the food and help you decide. The sauce on the food is amazing. Guacamole is good, not amazing. The first time I went, I was craving my meal for days. I had to go back at the end of the week.
(4)
Victoria T.
Sexy, sultry, and live Cuban music!! Food was great, monitors were better!
(5)
Emily B.
Having one of my favorite restaurant interiors in the city, everything about this little gem just adds up to be a total "best-bet" in my opinion. I love the wooden doors that swing into the back, the cozy booths, the Latin music selection, the perfect lighting, the helpful staff, and - of course - the delicious, yet affordable, food. For the same price as a salad from Potbellys, I can post up here and enjoy traditional Cuban food for lunch. Plus, even if you're just there for a half hour, I can guarantee this place makes you feel like you aren't in Chicago anymore. And trust me, when it's 22 degrees and the end of March, it's a much-welcomed little getaway from the grind.
(4)
Gabriela R.
I can only review for the great live music and fun environment. This place is where you find some Spanish pop too! Me gusta, me gusta!
(4)
Jimmy N.
I came here on a restaurant.com coupon. Normally, I have low expectations for places I find on restaurant.com because I know they're on there trying to attract more customers. However, when I came here I was completely blown away. This place did not seem like it would need extra business at all. The atmosphere is great. The lights are appropriately dimmed and the noise level was low enough for conversation. Food and alcoholic beverages are good. I ordered some chicken dish that came with plantains and sweet potato puree ($16) and thought it was very enjoyable. I sat at the bar and had a good conversation with some regulars and the bartender. Nice place to take a 1st date, me thinks. I am taking away 1 star because this place is a bit pricey. Yes, it is in the city, but I really wish everything would be a few dollars less. That way I would be able to visit more often. XOCO is right down the street and an equally great date place that's a bit cheaper. Regardless, I still think Havana is a solid place for drinks and a meal, especially with a restaurant.com coupon, which they took without any hassles. Additional points: 1. Live music after 11 on Fri and Sat. 2. Half price mojito pitchers on Fri (reg 35$) 3. I would call ahead and reserve if you're planning to visit Fri or Sat as the place is rather small and seems to fill quickly
(4)
Bernadette S.
Havana is a solid choice for tasty Cuban inspired food. I love their mojitos by the pitcher too - great to share with some girlfriends. Their paella is very good - I like that they make their rice more of a risotto style, and the pineapple is a unique twist with the traditional flavors. The crab cakes are small but tasty. The pork and ropa vieja dishes are full of flavor but have been dry on occasion. In the end, I eat here fairly regularly and always enjoy the meal.
(4)
Michael C.
Loved this place! Got a good vibe as soon as I walked in. The Guave Mojito was fantastic. The empanada trio was delicious. The staff was very friendly, a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend. Will be back.
(4)
Mia C.
I really liked this restaurant. It's kind of off the beaten path of other restaurants in Chicago in this area but I liked it. The people are very nice and the food is great. I'm not of Hispanic origin but I imagine it's what home cooked Latin/Cuban food tastes like. They always have special deals on pitchers of Sangria and Margaritas but I would suggest getting a mojito! I haven't been on the weekend but I heard they have live Latin music so I bet that would be exciting!
(5)
Rafael H.
I came to Havana with some coworkers. This was my first time here and was pleasantly surprised that they had a guy playing live music with his guitar. I was really excited to try their Ropa Vieja. I left really disappointed. The food was bland, very little use of garlic or sofrito and the plate was light on the plantains. The shredded beef was ok but it was as bland as the black beans. On the upside, their calamari was quite tasty and so were their crab cake. Now answer me this: why did I see options for chips and guacamole at a cuban restaurant? If I want chips and guac, I'll go to Chipotle. If you're going to do Cuban food, I would think the best way is to do a few dishes well...instead of a lot of dishes that were mediocre. Their flan was decent. There was no taste of egg and was balanced with a splash of rum. If you stumble here for drinks only, I suggest the Caipirinha (the Brazilian version of a mojito). They make them strong and really good. This might be the only reason why I would come back... at least until I find a better Caipirinha elsewhere.
(2)
Tricia R.
my friend and i stopped at havana on another evening wandering the streets in search of dinner in the near north side of chicago. it was a thursday night and there was a reasonable amount of people inside the restaurant. and to my surprise, they had a foursquare special of 1/2 price pitchers of sangria with the order of 2 entrees. DONE! so we got a pitcher of red sangria, and the manchego empanadas to start. i had the ropa vieja which was also unfortunately a little bland. :( except for the plaintains... those are always delicious!! the service was good, nothing to rave about, the sangria was tasty and the best part of dinner!!
(3)
Emm S.
Went on a snowy Monday after work, so we were the only two in the restaurant. Found this place because of their gDine menu ( gdine.com ). Asked for recommendations of the gDine menu (which had TONS of options) and our waitress definitely didn't steer us wrong. Everything was delicious! I recommend the chimichangas from the apps list and the pulled pork from the entree. I wish I had room for dessert. Definitely would go back! Cute decor. Nice service. But the food was definitely the clincher. Very delicious.
(4)
Bridget C.
The food here was good, but not amazing. Ordered the steak sandwich with cuban style fries, which were basically ... normal fries. The sandwich was delicious, but the best part was the pitcher of sangria. It was incredibly well-mixed and did a good job of making you feel like you didn't drink anything until you're wobbling a little on the pavement. There's supposed to be dancing around 11 pm, which sounds like fun!
(4)
Nix F.
Wow. I was really impressed. I didn't think the restaurant would be anything special, but boy was it! The food is all fantastic and filling. Appetizers are huge. Amy the waitress was awesome. Drinks are good. Prices are nice and modest. Took home what i didn't eat and it tasted just as good reheated. I try not to go to the same restaurant more than once whenever possible, but this is one i WANT to go back to multiple times.
(5)
connie m.
I know Cuban food and this was not good. The ropa vieja was bland. The cuban pork was awful..no mojo, the onions must have been cooked in sugar because they were so sweet it overpowered everything. I don't expect Miami quality cuban food at any restaurant in Chicago but it should at least kill my craving for it. The rice tasted like instant. Based on the other reviews , I probably should have stuck to the fusion Latin choices on the menu. Even bigger than the bad food problem was the real problem..our waiter was actually the bartender. It wasn't super busy when we ordered so everything was fine until we got our food. When he came to check on us, I told him I was disappointed in my entree (cuban pork) and he said oh, I'm sorry and said have a good dinner and walked away. No offer to change it or fix it- are you kidding me! Then We NEVER saw him again. I finally had to grab another waitress who had to finish out the meal so we could get service. There were people in the restaurant that looked like regulars or friends of who I am assuming was the owner/manager and they were catered too. Bottom line, service makes up for mediocre food and maybe if you don't like your dish you may give the place one more shot but they blew it for me.
(1)
Anna P.
I had been wanting to try this place for a while, as I absolutely LOVE cuban food but it is really tough to find someplace legit outside of Miami. I don't think this place is "it" necessarily (where's the ropa vieja!?) but it is a nice little getaway from the chilly Chicago winter. I went here with a Groupon for drinks and a light dinner and everything was great - the mojitos ARE really delicious, and the salad (ensaladas con camarones) and pollo empanadas were very tasty. The service was really good, too - we had the cutest waiter ever, who just seemed so happy to serve us!
(3)
Christopher B.
This place was clean and the people are nice. If you are looking for authentic Cuban food, unfortunately this is not the place. :-(. I had the pork shoulder aka "'pernil"... Was awful. It was really pork tenderloin. Congris was not exactly congris... Something was missing. It just tasted like black beans and rice. Pretty disappointing simply because I was really expecting authentic Cuban tastes and this was not it.
(1)
Zach M.
This is an amazing place for dinner a margarita or two. The restaurant is small, but has a really neat, open feel. Would be a great place for special occasions with small groups. Check beforehand on their drink specials. During the week, you can get half price margarita's or mojito's depending on what day you dine. They make there own margarita mix in house(really delicious!) For dinner, I had the Apricote Chipotle Pork Chops....amazing. Two eight ounce pork chops marinated with apricot chipotle sauce, served with jalapeno and potato hash browns and steamed broccoli. Highly recommend.
(4)
Valerie R.
I tried Havana for the first time today, and love it! The veggie tacos were tasty, fresh and SUPER filling. The servers were all very friendly and the prices are reasonable. Havana? Yes, please!
(5)
Justine L.
Not sure if my review is accurate, because I came here with my family... and this is def not a family place. It's more of a bar with a full menu. The food was alright. My comparison points were to places I've eaten during a recent visit to Miami, so maybe it's skewed. I had the ropa vieja, which didn't have much flavor and came with less plantains that I would have hoped. My sisters had the seafood paella, which was perfectly spicy and had good amount of large sized seafood, including shrimp, muscles, and more. Another family member had the halibut, which was surprisingly very spicy. It was tasty, but the spicy sauce over the entire fish covered all of the other flavors. We also had mojitos, which were good but rather weak. We're not big drinkers, but are fans of mojitos, and these barely hit the spot. The service was great, however. It was a very busy night, but the wait staff was attentive and very friendly. Next time I come, it will be with friends for drinks and a snack.
(3)
Lars F.
We were walking down the street Saturday night looking for some place interesting to eat and came across Havana. Menu looked good, so we went in. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait if the people who made reservations did not show up, but thankfully two spots at the bar opened up. The mojitos were very good and we ordered the plantains to start. A bit sweet with the honey, but very nice none the less. I ordered the pulled pork which came out like icing on a cake of mashed potatoes surrounded by sweet corn cream. It was incredible. Nice presentation and a really good dish. The atmosphere was energetic, except for the drunk old guy at the bar making whooping noises and scaring off the hostess. His own party didn't even want to stand near him. Work the next morning, so we could not stick around for the live music at 11:00. Next time!
(5)
Nicole C.
I had lunch here earlier this week and had the best cuban sandwich of my life...so far. I have yet to actually visit Cuba for the real deal. The Torta Cubana (smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, pickles, tomato, lettuce) came served with a mix of plain and sweet potato french fries. The Pollo Empanadas were also very, very good. The chicken was nestled inside of a puff pastry, so it was soft and flaky -- not your typical empanada. This place is going right back on my "To Try" list so that I can go back for dinner and try the guacamole and chimichangas with poblano cream sauce. :)
(4)
Keerthi A.
The mango mojitos are the smoothest! Very yum. Their service is great too, which helps. I always get their Tostados de platanos for an appetizer, which is deep fried plantain chips served with warm black bean dip; it is to die for...very crunchy and light. Easy to share between two people. For main course, I continue to order Pollo a la Caserola - a must-try and is definitely in my top three comfort foods of all time. It is pan fried chicken breast with the most amazingly delicious pepper cream sauce with rice. Definitely a favorite! They have outside seating in the summer which is very nice, it does get a little noisy inside with the bands sometimes, but it is a matter of preference.
(4)
Guilherme B.
We had a great time at Havana. There were eight of us there, so we had the opportunity to try a lot of different dishes--they didn't disappoint. The drinks were all tasty (we tried the caipirinhas, the red sangria, and pisco sours)--the pitchers are enough for about 5 servings. The appetizers (empanadas, chimichangas, crab cakes) were flavorful--the empanada had a nice twist as it was made with a flaky puff pastry crust. The mango relish on the crab cakes was a nice touch. I really liked the poblano cream sauce that came with the chimichangas. It was good enough that when a friend met us at the end of dinner, we ordered the chimichangas for him to have a bite. I had the pulled pork for dinner, and the whole dish was well performed--I'm not a fan of cream of corn, but it worked well with the mashed potatoes and pulled pork. The roja--black beans and rice with pulled pork--was also a dish I'd order again. Seriously, I could probably be happy with more than half of their menu. That's reason enough to go back. We left right before the live music started. I wish we would have been able to check that out.
(4)
Suzy D.
We came here for a friends birthday and we had a party of 10. The restaurant was very accomodating and welcoming. However, I was not blown away by the food and the drinks. The mojitos were decent but pretty weak. I had 3 glasses and I am a lightweight and I did not even feel buzzed. The guacamole was very tasty. The ceviche was kind of meh. Nothing really special. I had already eaten dinner at Xoco so I didn't order an entree, but everyone else said the food was okay, nothing amazing though.
(3)
Tony B.
Great service, wonderful atmosphere and amazing food. Nice sized portions...very satisfied. I tried the pulled pork and was glad I did. My wife got the roast pork and loved it...definitely come back when in town
(4)
Ray W.
I was here Saturday, July 24, 2010 and it was amazing! I was visiting from Pittsburgh and initially went to one of the pretentious clubs/restaurants until we tired of waiting in line. We walked a few blocks away and hear this music. It was Vagando playing Bamboleo. We were in and found a booth immediately. We were not there for food, we came to have a few drinks and a good time. The drinks were excellent (actually some of the best mixed drinks I've ever had), the staff the best, and the music jumpin! My only regret was not leaving my little group to dance with the group of gorgeous girls behind me. Apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed them looking to dance but without any suitors, as one of the waitstaff twirled one for a song LOL Even with a dance interlude, we never had to ask or motion for staff. The guys were great. I will definitely go back the next time I'm in the Chi. CHEERS!
(5)
Amber L.
Cool small venue in the middle of river north. The guac was good and the pitcher of mojitos was a good deal for a group, but I got the fish tacos and they were not good. The fish was fried and very dry. My friend got the pork and it was great, but mine was not good...
(3)
Carlos V.
I've been going to this place for a while and really like it. The manager (Glad Noe is back) and the bartenders are great. Food is good and the mojitos are the best. If i could only suggest one thing would be that when the bands play they really don't need to crank up the volume that much since it is a small place. You would not be able to talk if you are by the bar.
(4)
christine p.
Havana is without a doubt one of my go to restaurants in the city! It is consistently delicious and fun! Their ceviche is one of my favorite things to order as an app, paired with a half order of guac, sooo yummy I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. As far as my fav entrees the halibut, ropa vieja and the Jaleda de mariscos are delicious. I was hesitant to try the Jaleda de mariscos at first because I'm not a big fan of coconut but its actually very mild and thus an A+ in my book! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that they tend to run late on reservations and the restaurant is super tiny and gets packed easily. Regardless I've been here about a bazillion times and I intend to go back for atleast another bazillion meals! they also have good drink specials I think most days have half price pitchers of margaritas or mojitos I think it might say on the website...
(4)
Jenna E.
I have been wanting to go to Havana for about 3 years now and I finally went on my birthday! I went with two friends one of which is not a big fan of any food besides plain chicken and we all ended up loving it. The guac is one of the best in the city. I would highly recommend the Apricot Pork Chops!! So delicious! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Anne N.
Came here for some drinks and dessert on a friday night. So we ordered a pitcher of the regular mojito (it was half off) and their coconut flan. We wanted to try their guava ice cream, but unfortunately they ran out. So, the coconut flan was good and I would have liked the mojito to be a a little bit sweeter, so I guess overall, not too impressed by their food. As far as the atmosphere, I actually really liked it. Their decor had an island theme from their fans to their lamp shades covered in seashells. To our surpise, they had a live band play which I thought was awesome. Anytime there's a live band, it really makes the place that much more worthwhile. So overall, it's a nice place to just relax, drink mojitos, and listen to live music on a friday night.
(3)
JC P.
I recently moved here from San Francisco and previously lived in LA. This place is a small venue with such a high energy! The bar is great with anything from a mojito pitcher to good quality tequilas...Most importantly is their live music! They some how manage to bring live music in this very small space and create a unique, personal atmosphere where everyone gets in the groove. The owner is always present and you can see he enjoys his creation! Excellent job keeping the vibe in your venue!
(4)
Jessica T.
Love the drinks and food. Great atmosphere and music.
(5)
Alaina W.
Food was so delicious we only had appetizers to split with friends... so good! We ordered mojitos which were to die for. We had went for the live music and half priced pitchers of mojitos.... I'm gIvIng only three stars are becsuse I got charge full price for what should've been half priced mojItos (as dId another gIrl In our party) and because it was very very crowded which is odd to me they had a band In such a small place but a bit understandable because clearly it does drive great crowd!
(3)
Sylene I.
NOT A FAN! I was seated in the rear of the restaurant when there were clearly open and empty tables in the front. The restaurant was not very busy, however it took more than 15 minutes for the waiter to even address me. He still hadn't taken my order when the bartender finally came over and took my drink order. The drink was not that good. I ordered the carne asada and the steak was tough and chewy. I spent more money than I should have for this experience and I will not be going back. I love Cuban food. What a disappointment.
(1)
Vee S.
Service was great, along with the chicken empanadas. As far as the main courses, they could be a lot better. We ordered the Ropa Vieja, one of my favorites. The flavor was a bit bland and off. So was the rice and beans that came with it. I ordered the Cuban Torta and it was alright. Not anything spectacular. The fries were good. I don't think I'll be returning.
(2)
rebecca g.
Went because of Groupon and was quite impressed. Food wasn't cheap, but quality was great and blows overpriced La Guardia out of the water. The atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired--feels like any other modern yuppie place downtown that happens to be piping in Salsa tunes...but the service was attentive and quick, so can't really complain. I had the Rollitos Manchegos, which I expected to be similar to flautas but were more like crispy sliced roulades, filled with yummy chicken, spinach, and cheese with the most heavenly green pepper cream sauce. Portions looked small at first glance, but were actually pretty filling. I can't remember the name of the tropical cocktail I ordered, but it was good, if a bit on the small side. I'd like to go back, to check out some of their weekly specials.
(4)
Yaw N.
I've been to Havana twice and each time we've gone we have come away more impressed with the restaurant. I am a cocktail snob (trust me this is a curse) and could not stand their mojito. The mint was crushed not muddled releasing all the bitter taste of mint into the cocktail which they tried to mask with sugar and soda. Long story short, don't rely on their drinks if you go there. On the other hand, the food is quite good. The Cuban sandwich is really good and last time we went I had the enchilada which I would definitely order again.
(3)
Chirag P.
I remember when it used to be Mambo Grill and it seems many of the items are very similar (or the same) so I'm wondering if it was just re-branded. Anyways, based on the assumption that it was the same joint I ordered the ribs w/ mashed sweet potatoes, which were probably the best ribs I've ever had (when it was Mambo). The Havana version did not disappoint... though Mambo's had a bit of a kick to it, which was nice to counteract with the sweet potatoes. But still good. The place does get packed, so make a reservation.
(4)
Dave O.
Second time Ive been here and both times have been great. The chicken tacos were out of this world. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars, Is the ice tea tasted a bit off, like it was made with tap water.
(4)
Anita C.
Grilled calamari and arugula salad. The salad was a large, filling portion. And I eat a lot. I eat more than my husband. The grilled calamari was super tender. I've never had grilled but I like it more than fried!! They also have pitchers of mojito. We didn't get one but it looked good and every table had one.
(4)
Chris M.
For starters... Tostaditos de Platano = a simple recipe that was executed perfectly! The sauces were great!! For dinner * Pollo a la Caserola = perfectly crispy chicken with a sauce that complemented it perfectly!! * Carne Asada = perfect grill time and the sauce was great!! We will be back!!
(4)
Melissa C.
DELICIOUS Caipirinha! Seriously better than a lot of place I've been to in Chicago. Music was just alright, and service was OK.
(3)
Morganne B.
What a great Thursday special!! $20 margarita pitchers is EXACTLY what my friends and I needed to celebrate being done with medical board exams. We probably didn't need FOUR of them but they sure went down easy. The chips, guac and salsa were super tasty and the grilled calamari salad was yummy too. The calamari wasn't super chewy and the citrusy dressing was perfect for summer. My friends' mojitos were spot on too. As our party grew in size, the place started to feel a little cramped, but this was definitely a good place to kick off our celebratory weekend.
(4)
Steve A.
I loved the ambience of this place, which looks and feels exactly like a cafe in old Havana. Unfortunately, that's where the love stopped. As someone who lives much of the year in Florida, I've had a lot of Cuban food at many different restaurants, and I've never encountered anything like what is served here. First off, the lunch menu has been taken over in part by Tex-Mex items such as quesadillas, not a good sign. Perhaps foolishly, I stuck with something that sounded authentically Cuban, and had the Pollo from the dinner menu, along with a cup of black bean soup. Good black bean soup is smooth, with plenty of whole beans and crispy bits of onion. This gritty slurry had none of those characteristics. Traditional Cuban chicken is roasted, with a crisp, garlic coated skin and moist interior, exactly as described on the menu. What showed up, though was a soggy mess covered in a weird salty white gravy that had almost no flavor. It had more flavor than the "congri," it was served with, though. That mixture of rice and black beans was dry and utterly flavorless. Fried yucca was similarly flavorless, but had a nice crisp exterior. The saving grace on the plate were the ripe plantains, which were perfectly caramelized and still hot from the sauce pan. Sadly, one out of five is not enough to get me to ever return. It's a shame because the service was efficient, and the place looks great. They just need major adjustments in the kitchen.
(2)
Tzeittle C.
Ok drinks, not-good food. My friend and I had two mojitos each and shared the yuca con mojo. The mojitos were ok, tasted good but nothing spectacular. The yuca, though, not good at all. Fried yuca should be crispy on the outside, tender on the inside; this was just tough, no crunch, like it had been fried and reheated. The mojo (garlic sauce) didn't taste like garlic, and had this strange sweetness. Their chocolate cake was good though, not amazing, but good. The place itself is really nice and the music was good. It was a very nice night but I wish the food and drinks had been better.
(2)
Karina C.
Great Cuban place! I went with my cousins and ordered the empanadas and ceviche for starters. The empanadas were amazing! Seriously!!! We ordered ropa vieja (pulled steak in tomato and garlic and onion sauce, that comes with rice, beans and tajadas) and pollo a la cacerola (chicken in a green sauce topped with guac and served with rice. Food was delicious. Service was ok. The decoration is beautiful and the music is very legit Cuban music. Would definitely recommend it.
(5)
Maridel A.
OMG!!! this place is soooooo delicous! (Free dessert when you check-in). Anyways Waz suggested we eat here to try the Jibarito sandwich. We ordered the Steak Jibarito - not knowing what to expect... the food arrives and its a flat steak in between a flat fried banana!!!! OMG so goooood! It also comes with dipping sauce, not sure whats in it, who cares the sandwich was yummy! Its about $13 bucks and def worth it. We also ordered chips and guac... delicious. The rumors are true... chicago does have better food in town. Now im on a mission to find me a Jibarito sandwich in San Diego!
(5)
Lauren S.
Delivery took over an hour and a half. The bowl of soup was the size of a cup and half spilled when it arrived. Not very brothy, kind of thick. Got the chimichanga that everyone was talking about and they arrived cold and cut up like an appetizer and the poblano cream already in the bottom of the dish which made the whole thing soggy. Cost $20 for that. Not worth it
(2)
Tina M.
If you have ever been to Miami and eaten Cuban food then I DO NOT recommend this place. You can literally see the writing on the wall, turn around and walk out. When you look around at the crown molding in the restaurant, there are different words for the foods they offer. Two stood out immediately, Marquitas (should be Mariquitas) and Plantanos (more like Platanos). If you claim to be a Latin restaurant at least spell the words correctly. Moving on to the food. I was beyond disappointed with my food and service. I ordered Ropa Vieja and had 2 bites of the meat and that was enough for me. I admit I am spoiled by my Cuban mother-in-law, but this is ridiculous. Super fatty, chewy and totally the wrong flavor. The beans were just soaked in water with no salt and no sofrito. According to the group, the Cuban sandwich was good and the pork dish was ok. However, no one would return. Except maybe for the flan and Cuban sandwich. What bothered me the most is that the guy who took my plate ( I'm assuming the manager as he was different from our waiter) saw that I didn't touch my food and said nothing. No, "did you enjoy your meal"?, "can I wrap that"? I'm truly surprised at the good reviews, in fact, I am shocked. I will never be returning here. 90 miles, I'm sorry I cheated on you.
(2)
Sasha M.
I had dinner here last night, and I would definitely be wiling to come back. They have a large menu and good vegetarian options. The outside seating is nice, but it's a little cramped. The inside looks lovely. The chiles rellanos have just the right amount of kick, but some of the other favors were a bit overwhelmed by the cheese and cream. The platanos maduros were perfect.
(4)
Malinda T.
Excellent food, well all we had was appetizers but they were excellent! We had the ceviche and it had MANGO shrimp and some other stuff but it was totally delish and we also ordered the guacamole and it came with a pico de gallo too... Atmosphere was fun! Drinks were great, we had the mojito pitcher mmmm .... Fun fun fun
(5)
Happiness L.
I love Havana! Went there for lunch and had a very delicious steak sandwich. The food is so very yummy. Then tonight stopped by for music. The person I talked to on the phone said the music goes from 1130 pm to 130 am however you might want to double check this as the person I talked to there said the music goes until 3 or 4. I beleive the music Is just on Frīdays and Sarurdays. When the band plays I am very happy. When the DJ plays the music is fun yet not as awesome as the band. Yay. Would love to come again another time.
(5)
Ben R.
The drinks alone get this place a great star review. Margarita. Great. Pomegranate marg. Even more great. The food was really good too! We had the steak skewers, crab cakes, and pulled pork (which is stacked up on top of jalapeño mashed potatoes). The music brings it all together for an all around great experience!
(4)
Vic B.
Poor service, waited over 30 min for food when there were not more than 10 people in the restaurant
(1)
Rod C.
I stopped here for lunch on a Monday through a colleague's recommendation because XOCO is closed on Mondays. Wow! This place is incredible! The Chimichangas are phenomenal! Who doesnt like fried, chicken-filled tortillas in poblano cream sauce, with cilantro sour cream and pico! I had trouble deciding between the Havana Steak Sandwich (Tender slices of skirt steak with melted cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, and spicy mayonnaise served on onion ciabatta bread) or the Jibarito (which is basically the same as the steak sandwich with the difference being twice-fried green plaintains instead of the ciabatta bread). The Havana Steak Sandwich is OUTSTANDING! I could eat this everyday! I have to come back for dinner when music and dancing is the norm here. I cant wait to try their house drinks! Service was really good, but it was lunch and their were only 4-5 tables occupied.
(5)
Kara B.
Do you like screaming across a table? Do you like bland over-priced food? If yes, then this place is for you. Loud Meh, food. Meh, service.
(2)
Matt K.
I went for lunch and got the best Cubano sandwich I've had in a long time. Good fries. I'll have to go back and try the Jibarito.
(4)
MelBri J.
the food was not the real Mexican like you expect after reading their menu. :(
(2)
Casondra L.
Great service ! Good drinks and twenty dollar pitchers!! Salsa, guac and chips was a nice addition to the amazing Caipirinha's ! The flan is ridiculous oh my word!
(5)
Kelsey D.
The food was excellent and I love the Hispanic atmosphere. The mojitos were not the best I've had especially for being their specialty drink but the Martinis were delicious.
(4)
Laura C.
The place looked nice. The bar had great drinks. The appetizers were good. But, The service was bad and the main courses as well. We ordered ropa vieja and the pork dish. Ropa vieja was very bland and I couldn't even finish the pork because it was hard as a rock. Very disappointed.
(2)
Gopal R.
Fantastic restaurant right by hotel. I found this little gem on Yelp and I went to check it out. The restaurant has a very nice ambience and good food. For starters we ordered a guava mojito. I heard so many great reviews about mojitos here, but I was a bit disappointed with my mojito because it tasted a bit watered down. Not bad, but not what I was expecting in mojitos that have rave reviews. For an appetizer, I ordered the fried plantain chips with warm black bean sauce and salsa - Platanos Maduros. Wow! The chips were perfect - crispy and crunchy coated with a spice that gave it the right kick. The black bean sauce and salsa were perfect choice to eat these chips with. Highly recommended! I ordered the black bean soup - Sopa De Frijol, for starters. A wonderful soup that is very flavorful and just yummy. For the main course, I ordered the Chiles Rellenos. Just perfect. Highly recommended if you are a vegetarian. The dishes were amazing with fresh flavors and ingredients. If you are a dessert fan, don't forget to try out the Coconut Rum Flan. All in all, this is a great restaurant and a great dining experience.
(4)
Alina S.
I very much enjoyed my lunch at this cozy spot. They have a lunch menu which has many varieties and is very afford-ably priced which is super great for the nicer restaurants. I ordered the 3 Enchiladas with steak. They were nice and moist with strips of beef and covered with both a red & cheese sauce. This also came with white rice and black beans. I finished 1.5 enchildas and took the rest to-go. I would totally come back and try more from this tasty adorable place. Did I mention that the staff rocks! They are all about enhancing your dining experience at Havana. So refreshing! :)
(4)
Niki K.
Considering all the great restaurants in Chicago, I wouldn't come back here. The food is okay, nothing special. The service is pretty bad; waitress was hard to track down and our food came out so late. They charge extra for hot sauce, which I've never seen before at a Cuban/Mexican--that's just cheap! And they don't split the bill, which is a huge headache if you're a big group.
(2)
Keith B.
The Maduros are cooked perfectly, the food is delicious. The specials of the house , chicken in plantain leaf was delicious. I love the Cuban music and great service
(5)
Ashley C.
Food and drink get 5 stars, but what brings this restaurant's overall rating down to a solid 3 is its service. I made a reservation for a girlfriend and I to eat here last Friday night. Our reservation was for 5:30pm. We were both running just a few minutes late (5-10min) so I called to inform them. The manager onsite gave me a huge guilt trip, going on and on about how the place was getting busier and busier by the minute. I explained that I understood it was a Friday evening and asked that if they could just hold our table until 5:45pm, we'd really appreciate it. He agreed. When we arrived, the place was not busy. There were certainly people dining, but there were at least 6-8 tables completely open and unreserved, and that is a lot for this smaller restaurant. I arrived before my other friend and was pestered by the waitress 4-5 times before she arrived. I currently work in the service industry so I understand the necessity of an initial meet-and-greet; however, once I've let you know that I'm waiting for my other guest to order, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE. When my friend arrived we also felt very pressured to quickly order. It is not difficult to read a table. We were clearly catching up and hadn't even looked over the menus, and yet she asked us if we were ready 3 times! When dinner was over and we were working on our dessert, she tried to take the check away without us even paying yet. It was clear that she wanted us to hurry out of there. Our total dinner time was just over an hour and half. Oh, and when I handed her a $100.000 bill to pay for our $75.00 dinner, she told me she wouldn't be able to break it for me and I needed to pay with card. WHAT? You work at a restaurant on Hubbard St and it's a Friday night. Where is your server bank?! I can't be the only one walking in there with big bills. We ordered chips and guacamole and the empanada trio to start. They were amazing! Food came out quickly and everything was fresh and tasty. For our entree we split the ropa vieja - again delicious. The meat melts in your mouth. You bet we moved on to dessert which was equally as satisfying. Chocolate fudge cake with a side of vanilla ice cream. The dessert menu wasn't as authentic as everything else. Again, excellent food but not-so-good- service. Of course, that manager was nowhere to be found when we we leaving the restaurant, too.
(3)
Lisa T.
I've gone here twice within a week of my last visit and ordered the traditional steak enchiladas, which was ok. Although served with a hearty portion of steak, it was not something I would rave over. However,my colleague suggested getting a side of their poblano creme sauce which is simply delicious over rice. My second go around I ordered their chipotle crab cakes and chimichangas which were very flavorful and plentiful. Very crowed the second time we went there for lunch, got the last table inside and service was a little slow, but overall I'd go back again.
(3)
Cody D.
Horrible service long wait, we were in basement and toilet flooded no one even finished their food.. moved us to another seat by a window was freezing. I made yelp just for this review. Was told manager isn't even here to talk to us.
(1)
Susan C.
I went here for a meetup group for dinner during the winter time and met some nice people. I had carna asada which is a chargrilled steak over black beans and rice top with a guajillo sauce and guacamole. It was really delicious and I had it with the drink called a screw driver. The waitstaff was friendly and they provided good service. The menu have good selections for you to choose from. Also they have very good drink selection alcohol wise. I would recommend this place to others for Cuban food if they never had it before.
(4)
Nani B.
In town for a conference, my colleagues and I were looking for a place to relax and grab some good food. Havana provided the perfect atmosphere and everyone loved the dishes they picked. Meal portions were perfect as well leaving us "satesfecho"(satisfied as they would say in Cuba) Coming from a Cuban family I was excited to try their black beans and rice and plantain dishes. I ended up ordering the "Ensalada Verano" which was absolutely divine. Then I ordered a series of sides- the black beans and rice, yucca, and maduros which I also shared with the table. They were so rich and delicious! (I should note that I am vegetarian, don't like spicy food, and don't like cilantro) The friday drink deal was a $20 pitcher of the house mojito which also was delicious. We had an amazing time- I recommend! (Will note that we had a 1.5 hour table wait but that was ok we just used that time to chat and grab drinks!)
(5)
Darren S.
Delicious meal and experience. Had the pulled pork and my bae had the seafood cream sauce. Bueno service and mojitos to boot! Highly recommended.
(5)
Jun J.
cool plc but food was alright. i got the traditional slow cooked pork and it was rough. hard to chew. they tried tho so i give them 2 star.
(2)
Tim A.
Easily the best chimichanga (sp) I've ever had. Monitors are pretty good too - by the pitcher.
(5)
Jen B.
Had the perfect dinner! Great atmosphere, lovely cocktails, served in pitchers for our large, mixed group. Delicious food. Great service by Heriberto, who managed our requests with grace, humility and pride. Reasonable cost! Only downside is it is loud inside, but that is because it is full of patrons not wanting to leave!
(5)
M. R.
The food and drinks were delicious. I would go back.
(4)
Alexis G.
I really wanted to like this place. If it wasn't for the service it would have probably gotten 3 or 4 stars The food was a mix. The ceviche and salad were great but the pork our waiter recommend was so dried out and flavorless we didn't even eat it. The service...while our waiter was nice, he was never around. After our initial drink order we had to flag him down every time we wanted something. Then, he just disappeared. It also took forever to get any of our food. Fifteen minutes to get a salad? At the end when we once again couldn't find our waiter, a nice woman brought us our check and said that he had left. It really would have been so much better if he had told us he had to leave and someone else would finish taking care of us.
(2)
Victoria G.
This place is very loud. We came for the live music and we could hardly hear anything. You have to over scream people around you if you want to talk to your friends. I mean I know bars are loud but this is just too loud. Their appetizers are ok. Mojitos are very good though. Service is a little slow but not too bad.
We came here with a mid-sized group to celebrate my buddy's birthday and his final days as a Chicagoan. ON the inside, Havana looked like it was pulled right out of Miami (the closest I have ever been to Cuban culture). The servers were very friendly and fast in recommending hot items on the menu. We started with mixed drinks (Mojito, Caipirinha) and an order of ceviche. My main dish course was the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork, which was very juicy. I enjoyed it a lot. I did find myself sharing some of it with my table mates because it was apparently tastier than their entrees (Ropa Vieja and the Pollo Paella Caribeña, among others). Even though I do recall having better Cuban food elsewhere, everything was solid overall, and the food and drink prices were great.
(3)
Asta R.
The perfect place for Cuban/Latin fare. Had the pulled pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and chicken in plantain leaves with sweet mashed potatoes and plantains and a pitcher of mojitos. Everything was delicious, the service was excellent & we will definitely be back!
(5)
Isis S.
A group of 10 girls visited Havana for dinner to celebrate my 30th bday and it was AWESOME!! The food was soo yummy and our waitress was very nice. I had never heard of the site gdine before until my friend suggested it. Seeing that it was a large group of us, using gdine would def make our dinning experience super easy! Great experience, I loved the fact that we didnt have to worry about how to split the bill at the end of the night, because everyone had paid for their meal individually and hassle free through gdine!! There was a delay from the time that we were given our appetizers and when our entrees were served and had we all been hungrier after those appetizers one of us would have asked why it was taking so long. Luckily we were too busy chatting and drinking to make a big fuss. I had the mango mojito and it was delish!! One of my girlfriends had the sangria and that was very good too. Once our entrees came out, everyone's dish looked and smelled delicious! ! As the bday girl (and having awesome friends), I was able to try pretty much everyone's dish!! Mmmm...I recommend the apricot pork chops, the lechon, the jalapeno mashed potatoes were also yummy!! The empanadas for appetizers were the best!! Everything was so full of flavor :) There was a minor hiccup on our bill, as we had been charged two extra drinks, when in fact they had been part of the gdine package, but the waitress was nice enough to fix the prob. Overall great experience, delicious (and very flavorful) Cuban food!! I def want to come back again!
(5)
Gypsy G.
Meh. Disappointed in the food. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back a second time. I enjoyed the Mojito though. Can't believe I paid to valet my car for this. Totally not worth it.
(2)
Jackie C.
So we came here with some of our friends for a big group dinner. The food we delicious but the service was terrible. It was super slow and took forever to get our food.
(3)
David L.
Sorry for being so late on giving this review. But what I can say is that looks can definitely be deceiving. At first glance driving up to the restaurant, I think that I was thrown off by the size of it. Quite small and doesn't look like much from the outside. Only once approaching the valet my mind was quickly changed. Excellent service through and through. The hostess was real nice, the bartender educated my date and I on our drinks, the waiters were attentive yet not overwhelming. Ordered a ropa-vieja which was juicy and sooo tender. The flavor packed in every bite was amazing. Our dessert we got for free was also nice, thick rich chocolate cake that complimented my espresso shot. Great place, missed the live music by about an hour, can't wait to come back.
(5)
Regina D.
The food was delicious. I stuffed my face and therefore couldn't move or dance afterwards. The live music is nice too.
(5)
Sandra H.
My husband and I decided to have a impromptu dinner date. We live in the 'burbs, so we pick our Chicago restaurant adventures very carefully. He's been to Cuba and I thought it would be fun to find a restaurant offering authentic Cuban fare. The interior is awesome - very intimate and old-worldly - like Cuba may be. Service was great. Their mojitos are so very delicious. I had the Ropa Vieja - shredded flank steak simmered in garlic, tomato and bell pepper sauce. The flavors were soulful. My husband the Cuban Roasted Pork - tender deliciousness. I can't wait to go again and try the rest of the menu!
(5)
Christina M.
I was very disappointed with my experience at Havana on a Friday evening. Everything we ordered was incredibly bland: mango ceviche, the jibarito sandwich, as well as the Cuban steak sandwich. While both if the sandwiches looked great and were large portions, I can't say we enjoyed them. The worst part of the experience, though, was the service. We sat at the bar and although it wasn't crowded at all, we were not expecting spectacular service. However, our bartender/server (Shannon- not that she ever mentioned her name, as she barely acknowledged us- I had to wait until we got the receipt to find out her name) was so rude, I couldn't help but to document this. She didn't understand my (correct) pronunciation of my order (jibarito sandwich) and responded with a rude "what?" each time I tried to repeat it in a different way to ensure my order would be placed. I eventually had to point at the dish on the menu, and when I looked up she had already turned away, without saying a word. (It seems especially bizarre to me that a server at a Latin restaurant cannot understand the dish names on the menu- I'm sure this has caused a lot of confusion for other patrons.) I was not even sure that any order had been placed, and she seemed very annoyed to have to deal with us. It did, however arrive, but we did not hear anything else from our server for quite a while. However, she and the other bartender did seem to notice our presence as they talked and turned towards us looking quite annoyed several times. Finally, when we asked for the bill, we got no verbal response. Instead she turned away and left the bill on the edge of the bar near us a few minutes later, again without a word. I'm not sure what we could have done to upset her from the very beginning, but this was the first time I felt like I was an annoyance to a server. We didn't make any special requests or substitutions and were quite patient with the unfair way we were treated, so this was very confusing to us. I've never felt so disrespected that I've had to write up a review specifically naming a server, but this was such a bad experience that I needed to document this. I won't go back, but I also to plan to tell my friends who are frequent customers about my terrible experience and hope they choose a much better restaurant than Havana.
(1)
Jennifer C.
My only mistake was going during my lunch hour, but Havana is down the street from my office and tempts me with its succulent smells every time I walk by. Curse you and your delicious Caribbean delicacies! My lunch partner dived into his jibarito so deeply that I almost asked if Havana had food bags and SCUBA equipment. Since he couldn't be bothered to look up from me at me to finish that round of conversation, I proceeded to try my winning fish tacos and all talk ceased in an array of yellow rice and black beans. Why were the tacos winning? All the pico and NO LETTUCE! Let me say this once: if you go into any taco joint that is a step up from Taco Bell and they deign to put lettuce on your taco, just walk out and go to the Chipotle next door. It was coming close the end of my lunch, but I could not leave without dessert. I scanned their dessert menu and fell victim to my favorite type of pie: Key Lime. Now, having first tried Key Lime pie in Key West, I'm always hesitant about seeing it on menus in restaurants outside of Florida. My worry subsided when the waiter brought out a container holding the biggest piece of YELLOW Key Lime all covered in graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream. I'm sorry, did you ask if we needed the check? I can't hear you over the OM NOM NOM NOM!
(4)
Rick S.
You would expect bold colors and sounds at a Cuban restaurant, but this restaurant was more quaint and romantic. Probably more like it truly is in Cuba - instead of a caricature. I had the passion fruit caipirinha. I was pleasantly surprised by how light and refreshing it was. Our appetizer was the Patanos Maduros. I was disappointed in the plantains that had no flavor - but the black bean dip definitely made up for it. I had the Carne Con Tequila and loved the chimichurri. My girlfriend had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork - the roasted cream corn made the dish! Get the Platanos Maduros side dish!!! It is different than the appetizer. It has brown sugar and honey. You could have it for dessert. SOOO GOOD! Yoandy was our waiter. It was Halloween and he was dressed like King Tut. He was very personable and did a great job.
(5)
L M.
I am obsessed with this place! I love the food and the staff are always pleasant. I took my friend and her son and he was dancing up a storm. The staff totally entertained the little guy. After hours with the band is a great time too!
(5)
Sheila P.
Although the live music was awesome the drinks were not. I ordered a capharini and saw them put at least a cup sugar in it. My sister ordered a mojito and it was not even drinkable. We left without finishing our drinks.
(3)
Jennifer E.
Three Words: Half Price Pitchers!!! (Margarita, Sangria, or Mojito) You can't beat that. And the food...muy delicioso! I had the Cuban Roasted Pork. Cubans know how to do their pork.
(5)
Kyle D.
Pretty good little hideaway downtown, Havana is a good place for some Cuban. Their menu is huge, ranging from sandwiches to authentic plates, and the drink list is extensive. The atmosphere is darker and more quiet and intimate. The food itself was great. I had the carne asada plate with plantains and rice, and everything was good. The rest of my group, which was fairly large, all got something different but equally enjoyed their meals. The only blemish of the experience was that the waitress was poor. Overall, great place to go and have some drinks or a good cuban meal. Sure there are probably more authentic places to go, but this place still delivers. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 6/10 Food: 8/10
(4)
Marisa P.
I just recently went to Havana with my sister and mom. I had been here once before just for drinks and they were great. Wish i could say the same when dining. I had the calamari salad. I had it fried and at the time it was really good. But regretfully a few hours later i was throwing up. My mom had the same thing except not fried and didnt feel well also. I was very disappointed in the food and service. While the girl was sweet it just took forever and overall wished i had a better experience.
(1)
DuSable Dining Club C.
Havana Ratings 1-5 (and I did work these based on our usual scale) 1= Worse than having a slip full of sea weed 5= As great as getting a new jet ski or two Atmosphere: Average rating - 3.6 Service: Average rating: 4 Food: Average rating: 4 Price: Average rating: 4 Would you come again or recommend? Most said yes (no one said no) Maybe-good food "Nice"Remarks please: Missed Tom :( - noted by many Glad Kelli made it! Great spot Loved the pork Cuban salad was great Omar was fantastic and attentive-overall good team there Mollypants got a little uppty when people challenged her ratings Glad JB and Mrs. Schneider ordered grown up margaritas "Loved the tranny in the booth" - JB Slow start, but nice Cuban fellas Excellent all around U kidding me? Even Paul thinks it's a deal? We missed Tom, however it is appropriate on 9/11 that we move on Way too loud, but really good food A steak for what you getGreat food and the price is right, can't beat margaritas for $20 Another great value from our token, Terri These nights are always the highlight of the month
(4)
Jesse H.
Poor service. Restaurant was not busy and our waiter just hung out at the bar and neglected his tables. Food was alright but incredibly salty.
(2)
Mandy B.
I loved this place! Went with a group of 6 on a Saturday night. Got a sane day reservation and all. We were seated promptly and hada great server. He was knowledgeable of the menu and ingredients. I shared the jalea de mariscos and the rollitos manchego. Both dishes were amazing. I couldn't get enough. I can't wait come back! Passion fruit caipirinhas were delicious as well.
(5)
Samantha E.
I was so excited to eat some delicious Cuban food! I came here with a big group for a friends birthday and was so ready for some good drinks and food. The mojitos were pretty good but the food was meh. It was lacking in flavor and overpriced. My search for legit Cuban food in Chicago will just have to continue.
(2)
FoodieChic L.
I accidentally found Havana while walking down Clark St with my bf. Heard the drums, the guitar, the singing - thought I was in Dirty Dancing movie. We went in and have been coming here for the last 2 years. Best to come before 11pm and grab a seat by the bar - sit back and enjoy the music and dancers! Only complaint is the layout - it's uber small and when it gets packed you cannot walk through the place. Hence getting a seat before the band performs! Still my go to place for my salsa fix!!!
(5)
Amanda M.
The chicken manchego rolls were quite yummy and rather light tasting considering the buttery sauce. Service was okay. Towards the end of our meal (we had a party of 10), we felt we were being rushed out because they were getting busy.
(3)
Joani O.
Once a month we order lunch in for my whole department and today it was Havana again! I was going to try something different but I loved the jibarito so much last time that I got it again. And again, it did not disappoint. The plantains were fried to perfection and while the steak was a bit thinner than I recalled, the total sandwich was perfect for lunch and again, I love the sauce that it comes with. Delicious! The sandwich also comes with fries and chimichurri dipping sauce, which was tasty, but I couldn't eat many of the fries without being too full. Eating lunch at my desk is not so bad when it's awesome Cuban from Havana!
How can you not love this place? I bring all my out of town friends here. The servings are big and filling. The space is small and gets crowded pretty quickly. The longest I ever waited was 45mins but I felt it was worth it. The margarita pitchers are yummy :)
(4)
Jen S.
I went to Havana for dinner and the food and ambiance were great. The waitstaff was attentive and very informative. I highly recommend the pollo coco limon or the steak cubano. Both entrees were perfectly cooked and had a lot of flavor. I would go back to try a few more dishes on the menu.
(4)
Sid B.
This is one happening place. We were strolling post dinner and this place has some amazing live music playing. A good mix of cuban and salsa music and best mojitos in town.
(5)
Michael W.
Havana was pretty awesome. We were a 4 top with a reservation on a busy Saturday night. The mojitos were excellent, The food was on point. Havana is definitely an experience. The restaurant is pretty loud - but maybe appropriately so for a kind of hip Chicago style restaurant. I think we all thought the food was excellent. The service wasn't outstanding, but it wasn't too shabby either. I would tell you to give this place a try, but I would make sure you have a reservation!
(5)
Logan N.
The restaurant wasn't packed and the food was ok. I've had better, but it was a busy Friday and all the other restaurants were booked. I ordered the rope vieja and it was edible, but nothing to rave about.
(3)
Abishek M.
This restaurant is a hidden gem. Ive been here twice and both times I thought that the food was outstanding. I recently went with a friend who said that it might have been the best meal he had ever had! The drinks were very good as well and you can tell they are made with care. The dimly lit ambiance adds to the charm of this place. I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)
Sara L.
Loved the jalea de mnariscos. Went there last Saturday to celebrate my friends birthday and we had a great time, great atmosphere, food and if you like mojitos the coconut mojito is so good!!! THUMBS UP HAVANA
We had dinner last night at Havana and everything was great! Servers and bus boys were friendly, always cleared the tables quickly, and kept our waters full. The chimichangas are a must, tortilla soup was delicious, and so were the rollitos manchegos - super flavorful. The carne asada was good as well but the guacamole on top made it a bit cold (recommend serving the guac as a side, vs on top of the steak). Overall, really nice experience and we will definitely be back!
(4)
Marie M.
Such great food & service! The wait staff was perfectly attentive. The type of staff that gets you everything you ordered and what you need without being pushy or constantly asking you if there is anything you need. Our waiter didn't write anything down (and we ordered A LOT) and everything came out in good time with nothing missing. Tasted like authentic Cuban food with all the flavor. There were healthy options (I had a great salad with jicama and grilled chicken) and classic dishes. Get the tostones! Friday $20 Mojito pitcher! We sat outside on the little patio. Looks like they had Live music on the weekend. We street parked but there was a valet too. I'd say good for groups or a date night.
(5)
Angel A.
I had the pleasure of trying out this establishment while in Chicago on business. I make it a point to try and visit Puerto Rican and/or Cuban cuisines at every destination that I travel too. Okay, he we go. I loved the decor. The establishment was busy which only told me that it's a well known eatery. I began my venture by ordering a nice glass of Sangria. All I can say is EXCELLENT!! As I enjoyed my glass, I decided to order some appetizers. I ordered some Empanadas and they were a treat to eat. I then moved onto my main course. I ordered the roast pork with white rice and red beans. Unfortunately, they indicated that they don't carry red beans only black. You know, a Caribbean restaurant should always have an option- Strike 1. My main plate arrived and the presentation looked like the plates I used to have when I was in the US Army! Picture a line of GI's waiting to have their tray filled with chow and as you walk down the path and present your tray, good is picked up by the massive sized spoon and slopped down on the tray. There you have it- Strike 2. Well as I tried to enjoy my meal, I had to throw out a life server ring in order for me to find the slices of pork. Poor slice was drowning in sauce. Strike 3. I finally had my share of adventure and called it a night. I got back to my hotel room had a glass of water.... And then, the Atomic Bomb set off inside my stomach. After a box of pepto and 24 documented runs to the porcelain god! Day light broke... I felt like Baron Von Dracula looking for my coffin. This is as far as I'm going with this saga.. Hey, all I can say is to try it out. You might have a different experience. Just keep that Pepto near your bedside.
(1)
Maegen R.
I love Cuban food, so I was really excited that this place was right across the street from where my friends and I had just enjoyed happy hour. It was a Monday night so fairly empty. Seating wasn't an issue. The atmosphere was chill. Service was fast. The server was friendly and attentive. I had the Carne Con Tequila (Steak and mixed sweet & white potato fries). It was really good. I will note, the steak had a little more gravy/sauce than I typically care for, but it didn't ruin the meal. However, if I ordered it again, I would definitely ask them to go easy on the sauce. My friends and I shared a pitcher of caipirinha on special. I found it tart, but refreshing. Per my friends, it's not suppose to be tart, but instead sweet. It was my time trying it, so I had no comparison. They weren't especially in love with the drink, but found the food quite tasty. Overall, I was pleased and so were my friends. I would definitely dine there again.
Havana is a darling Cuban themed restaurant. I ordered the Carne con Tequila and my boyfriend ordered the pork chops. Both were cooked perfectly with awesome flavors! We went on a Thursday and they had a drink special for a pitcher of margaritas for $20, score! What takes my rating down a notch or so was the service. It was difficult to find who to go to when we first arrived to be seated and the waiter stopped by with long pauses in between. Also, I had called ahead and informed the restaurant that it was my boyfriend's birthday and wanted to see if they sent out a dessert for the occasion, to which they responded they did and would make a note. I also checked when we arrived at the restaurant and told the individual who seated us. However, lo and behold, our bill came and no dessert was brought out. By that point, it would've taken a while to get our server's attention and I just didn't do it since it was supposed to be a surprise for my boyfriend and would have completely been a mute point by then. That was more disappointing for me than my boyfriend, who said he was full and didn't care, but I was upset that I continuously reminded them and it was forgotten about. Not coming back for celebrations again since it was more work on my end than theirs!
I like Havana -- hit or miss on the Cuban dishes, but I'm a Cuban so I'm difficult to impress. But Friday nights are great. I love to go for dinner, get the mojito special and stay for the music. Fun place.
(4)
Clayton R.
This is my first review, so take it as a grain of salt if you wish. It was my first trip to Havana, and I reserved a table there on a Friday night. It was a date, mind you, and one that I considered to be of importance. I'll walk you through my experience: I arrived a touch earlier than my reservation time in hopes that perhaps I could get a table slightly earlier than planned, or just grab a drink at the bar while I waited. Luckily enough, they did have a table for two ready, and in we went. We started out with some standard mojitos, which were pretty darn good, to say the least. Our waiter, as well as the staff in general, did a great job. They were quick, timely, and accommodating. We started out with the ceviche (a first time item for my date) which was as refreshing as one would want. My date was only able to narrow down her choices to a few items, and seeing as she was observing Lent, they were all fish items. Our waiter was very helpful in narrowing down the choices with his suggestions. She went with the plantain crusted halibut, and "won at dinner". I had the fish tacos, which were exactly what I wanted, but man that halibut was truly one of the better fish dishes I've ever tasted. It ended up being a really great date, and a risk of going to a completely new place ended up being very worthwhile. I hope that their service is as consistent as it was for us, because I do very much recommend it. In the summer months, I am told that they set up some space outside and it ends up being a great place to chill with a drink and eat some refreshing food.
(5)
Anna G.
I had never heard of or noticed Havana until walking by it this summer while on my way to dinner somewhere else on Clark St. We finally got around to checking it out last weekend and, overall, I recommend it. The mojitos and caipirinhas were very good. I'll be back for a happy hour for sure. The food was good, it just isn't anything to really rave about. The portions were pretty large. Prices are great for the area! Service started out a little poorly (she forgot 2 of the drink flavors we ordered and the fact that we ordered chips and guac--why don't servers just write things down?!) but she definitely became more attentive after that.
(3)
Basil D.
I have tried several Cuban restaurants in Chicago. They all have their unique attributes. This one is no different. COME HERE FOR THE SANGRIA....SANGRIA...DRINK THE SANGRIA!!!!! HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN THE SANGRIA! Seriously, I am a sangria aficionado of sorts. This is the best. don't bother with a glass, just get the damn pitcher, it's only $20 and well worth it. They'll even give you the recipe, though not the amounts. They tell me they put some soda water, rasberry liquor, and triple-sec along with the normal sangria ingredients. It is light, refreshing, very flavorful, and relaxes you completely. Now the food. The Tostones are incredible. Twice fried plantains are cut perfectly, thick enough to be meaty and absorb the dipping sauces, and thin enough to keep the flavor consistent throughout. I recommend sprinkling them with salt then eat without the sauce, which is wonderful, or try the dipping sauces. Their salads are wonderfully fresh and prepared with care, not just thrown together. The tilapia tacos are fantastic (but everyone's doing them, still excellent), the Cuban pork is wonderful and rivals that of 90 Miles also nearby. So many other good things to say, but I shan't bore you. You really must come. It's got a great atmosphere and you can enjoy the best life possible in Chicago, which is River North living baby! Cheers
(4)
Douglas B.
So went here with Wifey, brother-in-law and his wife. Preface: If you are looking for authentic Cuban, beware, this is deceiving. This does not even touch Cuban by a mile. It's some "Pan-Latin" something or other.. all I know is that it was not very good. The place is very small... the tables are uncomfortable to sit in and its loud as F*ck in there! The staff is very odd and looks confused half the time. This has to have been created for tourists and for people that don't know better. Also.. If you're going to name your self "Havana" please please please spell the things correctly. They have a border of several different cuban items spelled around the edges of the ceiling. Half of that stuff is misspelled for goodness sake! What the heck is a "Plantanos" it's PLATANOS! And "Marquitas"??? its Mariquitas! Food... We started off with drinks... I ordered my usual Manhattan.. the first one came with some orange in it... I think the bartender has their menu confused. Ordered my second one with out any oranges.. this time I got two pieces. Thanks big guy. We ordered fried calamari and empanada trio to start. The calamari was fried so hard it tasted burnt and was not that great. The empanada was fried just as hard. Then I proceeded to order some concoction of a skirt steak and tequila sauce. Thank goodness I was able to substitute the "Latin Fries" whatever those were with some congri. I also then ordered a side of platanos maduros(sweet plantain). The steak was tender but was soaked in some kind of sweet ass sauce with huge bits of garlic. Not a fan. The congri was ok, I've had better.. it had freakin red peppers in it!?!? wtf is that? and it was spicy.. i don't get it. If i wanted Mexican food, I would have gone to get Mexican food. The even had "Chimichangas" on the menu.. WTF is a chimichanga!?!? The platanos were horrible.. they are already sweet.. but the chef decided that they definitely needed a good dose of honey or brown sugar or whatever that was to make sure my teeth fell out. The food.. terrible. The service... we at least got a table.. but the service is pushy.. i felt rushed.. we wanted to stay for the "live" music.. but I guess the waitress wanted to leave. She was so bland and no character.. I don't blame her.. I wouldn't want to work there either. The only friendly people in there were the bus boys, Put those guys in the front! The live music sucked... they played like 1-2 songs loud as hell and then it was DJ time. I felt like i was stuck in some gaudy bar in wrigleyville... i was just waiting for the flip flops and cub caps to start popping up. Overall this place was uber disappointing. Will def. never go back. Thank goodness parking was only $10. If you're expecting Cuban food.. stay away.. nothing in that place is cuban but the name of the restaurant. Sooo many other better places to go get the Cuban experience.. hit me up and I'll guide you!!!
(1)
Yannick B.
I tried this restaurant with my girlfriend on a Saturday night, though the review on yelp weren't as good as other places in the area. If this place deserved poor reviews before, not anymore in my experience. The service was very good, both friendly and fast. The food was delicious. I had carne asada, excellent meat and quite a large dish. She had pollo coco lemon, and couldn't finish so I got the last bites out of it and it was excellent too. We also got a shared rhum coco flan desert, which was a good finish. Check: $50 without tip
(5)
Melissa F.
I think 3.5 stars is a good measure of this place, but I had a good experience here last night, so 4 is OK. The space is sexy and has low lighting, but it's not so loud you can't hear anyone, nor is it "trying too hard." We started with the ceviche, which was delicious and came with interesting plantain chips (as well as regular multi-colored tortilla chips). My date and I both had the ropa vieja. I didn't go hungry at all, but I think the price outpaces the dish to a slight extent. The black beans were good, and the rice was fine. I was worried that the meat would be bland, but it was actually very good, and I enjoyed the tomato broth in which it was cooked. The mojito was almost too strong for me, but it was a perfect blend of mint and lime. Havana isn't a life-changing restaurant, really, but it's a nice option!
(4)
Laura K.
Great Latin food! Great vibe - I 'm a fan of Havana! I have gone here on a number of occasions (lunch and dinners - both small groups and large groups) and each time I have been VERY pleased with the service and the food! Good specials (Thursday night half price margaritas), great lunch menu that is pretty cheap considering the other sit-down options in the area (Torta Cubana for $9 - yes please), and a pretty sophisticated dinner menu. All in all, you can't go wrong with Havana.
(4)
Vic C.
Cool atmosphere. Service was subpar. Food was good. I had the pollo horneado which consisted of marinated chicken, habanero salsa, plantains and mashed sweet potato. Wouldn't go out of my way to return.
(3)
Luiz R.
Amazing restaurant. Great food, great atmosphere. I would probably rank it in my top 3 goto restaurants in the river north area.
(5)
Ingrid L.
We came to havana tonight for my mom's 70th birthday and we had an exceptional experience. Jessica, our server, was outstanding.. We started with the fried plantains and the empanadas..both were ridiculously good.. We had pulled pork and the seafood in coconut sauce for dinner..both were ridiculously good. Best of all, the service was outstanding.
(5)
Mickey A.
I haven't been here since the place was Mambo Grill. i met a couple co-workers here for dinner. Since it was right after work (around 5-ish), we were seated right away even without reservations. I probably would make one just in case for next time. There's usually a drink special sign outside. I believe the night we went it was buy one pitcher of mojitos and get the next half off. We didn't order drinks but that did seem like a good deal. We ordered guacamole and chips to start as we were starving. I ate way more than I could handle because the guacamole was really good (that or I was so hungry). Just like a Pringles commercial, you just can't stop...or something like that. I ordered the chicken stuffed with spinach and mancheego (sp?) cheese topped with a green pepper creamy sauce. Damn that sauce was so delicious and not very heavy. I mean, I swirled every chicken bite around in that sauce because it was just good. The stuffed chicken pieces were pretty big and I still had so much to bring home. I'm hoping to come back again to try one of their drink specials. Mojitos: I hear you calling my name.
(3)
Aditi G.
My friend and I stumbled upon this little place the other night after going into Mercadito around the corner only to find that the wait was over an hour. We didn't want to wait so we came to Havana and got seated at the bar right away which was great. I really love this little place! Love the authentic decor and love that it's a smaller, more intimate place. My friend and I got the friend plantains, some chips and guacamole, and beans and rice and everything was fresh, flavorful and beautiful! Would definitely come back here!
(5)
Courtney Z.
With so many great places to eat in Chicago - skip this one!! Confused/rude service, nothing special food, incredibly loud inside. Also, if they bring you to the downstairs to eat - run!! Odd, awkwardly quiet, drab room. I think the only time I'd consider eating here again is if it were in the seats outside - probably a much better experience. The mojitos were very good on a plus side. OH and wouldn't let us use the stupid yelp coupon for dessert. I guess one of the stipulations is only one deal an order (I guess our pitcher of mojitos was a deal). It was just lame though - like really we don't care if we pay an extra 5 bucks but its the point of it... Grappling with us over 5 dollars?? Please...
(1)
Mandi P.
Were we forgotten about??? We were here this past weekend with a large group for a birthday dinner. We all met at the bar around 7:30 for 7:45 reservations. The place looked tiny, but cute. Immediately we were made aware of just how tiny the place was as there was not enough room for us to stand at the bar conversing while also allowing the workers and other customers to walk back and forth...not to mention there was a ginormous fake plant right in the walk way by the bar...why??? We were seated before some of our party arrived before 7:45...I think mainly to get us out of the way which was completely fine with us. We were taken downstairs to the basement. Uggghhh...I am so tired of restaurants putting our group in add on rooms in basements or off of the kitchen. I am done with it and it will not happen again! Service at first was really good. Our waiter, Carlos, was attentive and pretty fast at getting us what we needed. Then...after our appetizers came out the service kinda dwindled. My guess is that the upstairs got busy and our waiter was covering our table in addition to multiple tables upstairs. However, as we were in the basement I couldn't honestly say if that was the issue. I won't lie, the food was actually fairly decent. Much better than I anticipated and I actually was full before finishing my dish. I got the chicken tacos and would probably eat it again should I have any notion to every visit Havana again. However, we were never offered coffee or dessert menus. The birthday girl's husband had to flag down someone from the staff just to order two small desserts that said happy birthday for the birthday girl and boy. Also, due to the server not coming back often we were all lacking drinks all througout the dinner. Someone from our table asked how many more rounds of drinks we would have had if we had been offered any more by our server...the vast majority of us stated 2-3...(that's between 20-30 drinks) that's a lot of easy money the restaurant lost that night. Kind of a shame. I can really see Havana's potential. The food is good, but the service is lacking. Oh...and they must get rid of that basement room...kills the mood completely and makes you feel like you are sitting in a friend's house for dinner.
(2)
Deanna I.
Went here 2 weeks ago for my anniversary. We were seated right away, and I instantly loved the atmosphere. Our table was in the back and as far away from commotion as possible. The chimichangas appetizer were incredible. My boyfriend ordered the pulled pork, and the combination of sweet and savory was as unique as it was tasty. Downside was a the watermelon-tini, no where on the menu does it mention the extreme sweetness of this drink. It says "refreshing" when it should say, we melted a jolly rancher then added a cup of sugar. However, the waitress was so nice and after getting manager approval let me switch the drink for the margarita, which was very good. Also, it was extremely dark. I get the idea of intimate lighting, but even while we were the manager dimmed the lights even more to a point where im surprised the wait staff wasn't tripping over each other
(4)
Laura Z.
We really enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back. We had a pitcher of mojitos and half an order of guacamole. Both our entrees were great: tilapia and ropa vieja. Service was fine and not rushed. The place is small but not too loud. Easy for two people to talk.
(4)
Ania W.
Delicious pisco sour!!!
(4)
Diana C.
We waited an hour over an hour past our reservation time, and food and drinks were mediocre at best.
(2)
Maile M.
The pros: seated quickly (especially for it being a Friday night), we were served very quickly, and the caramelized plantains with honey were delicious and perfectly crisp. I would still consider returning to try out their pitcher specials but the place is tiny so arriving early is a must. The cons (and the reason for such a low rating): we requested an appetizer suggestion from the waitress to which she replied the empanadas... They did not taste good at all. The best one of the three was the beans but it reminded me of the fried burritos that my high school use to serve. We also ordered the ropa vieja which again did not come close to meeting our expectations. Lastly, we ordered a simple coca cola which was bitter! All in all we would definitely not being coming back for dinner... Maybe drinks?
(2)
Meredith K.
I liked it better when it was Mambo Grill. Havana still has mojito pitchers and black bean dip, but the service isn't as good and the food was off. My boyfriend is 1/2 Cuban so this means something to him. He got the pork. I had to get the black bean dip but its runnier than what it used to be. Its just ok. I got the shrimp and mango salad and I think the shrimp was bad. It smelled and had a strange texture. I couldn't eat it. For that reason I'll not be back. We've found better Cuban food at places like D'Cuba.
(2)
Abby L.
Amazing (and strong!) drinks, delicious food-- my friend and I split 2 appetizers --plaintains and black bean sauce were soo good! Will for sure be back :)
(4)
Giuseppe D.
I'm really kinda' sorta' very disappointed in myself for having not written a review for Havana yet. This has been one of my favorite places to eat at for about 6 months now. I've come here at LEAST a dozen times in that span, including a few back-to-back meals; don't judge me until you try it :) I really don't even know where to start because everything I've had from here has been great. From the cerviche appetizers, to the apricot chipotle pork chops, to the classic Cubano sandwich, I've never been let down. If I MUST pick a favorite, the most memorable would be the ribs! Absolutely phenomenal, literal "melt in your mouth" consistency, equally sweet/spicy sauce, this is a must have. They make all of their mojitos and sangria in-house. You could never go run with a pitcher, or 6, of these :) Though it's very chill throughout the day, Havana turns into a dancing FIESTA at night. Really cool music, plenty of Latin dancing, it's a cool experience for anyone who enjoys Latin music and culture. Amazing service, amazing food, amazing overall. Definitely recommend Havana for your Cuban cravings.
(5)
Anne M.
Havana was a mixed bag. Some awesome things (mojitos, chimichangas), some so-so things (enchiladas), some bad things (undercooked/raw pork chops and disappearing server). We kept drawing from the mixed bag the entire evening... My party of four managed to squeeze into a booth on the early end of dinner time, Saturday. The place was packed and loud. Once the mojitos were served, things got better. The chicken chimichangas were awesome - though they were smaller than I'd like (egg roll size), they were delicious. Once the guac / chips platter and crab cake apps arrived, things continued on good wavelengths, but that turned out to be the high point of the meal - from there on out, things were headed downhill. Time for the second pitcher of cocktails. We opted for something different this time - a rum + pineapple juice + lime juice concoction. Should have stuck with the mojitos..... We all agreed, this combo was weird. Still, we drank it. Entrees were disappointing to me. I split the chx enchiladas with someone and there was really nothing special going on. Three decent size enchiladas, but not that meaty and lacking some basic garnish - sour cream? lettuce? tomato? Sides of beans and rice were straight up beans and rice - no flavor; very basic. A pork chop entree was also ordered and to the diner's dismay, he realized the center of the chop (by the bone) was raw. Gross. Couldn't notify our waiter, because he was nowhere to be seen. He was also M.I.A. for a good while when we were trying to pay our bill and leave. Annoying. Finally, we paid up and left. High memories of the chimis and mojitos - everything else was kind of forgettable...
(3)
Tim H.
Phenomenal food. Do not order the Jalapeño caipirinha.
(4)
Sruts A.
A favorite restaurant of mine. The food is great, atmosphere very relaxed and the service is quick! The guacamole served with chips is delicious, the steak sandwich is mouth watering, but I think my favorite entree here is the Pollo Horneado Con Platano - the chicken has always been perfectly cooked, tender and flavored to perfection! Go during the weekdays if you want to beat the crowd. Weekends are always filled with people to the brim - they even have live music and outdoor seating. Despite the crowd, service is always excellent. Your glass will never be empty, your conversation never interrupted, and your food always deservingly delicious!
(4)
Kristen H.
Had an event to attend in the area and wasn't sure where to eat. A friend recommended Havana and luckily I was able to make a same day reservation. Overall the experience was good for what we needed. My friend and I shared 3 things - the calamari, the ceviche mixto and the fish tacos. The calamari had a wonderful sauce to dip with. The ceviche had lots of fresh fish and came with these fun plantain chips and the fish tacos were good too - the fish was nice a crispy. The drinks were strong a fun. I had a Caipirinha - A refreshing Brazilian classic with Rio D Cachaca Rum, fresh lime and sugar - it was good and strong. Overall, it was a quick dining experience, but nonetheless everything was tasty. The service wasn't the best and our seat was a squeezed in table by another big group, hence the 3 stars.
(3)
Albert M.
Walked in on a Thursday night, by myself, was seated at the bar immediately. I was torn between two dishes, so I asked one of the bartenders which dish he would recommend and he suggested Pollo A La Caserolas, so I ordered it. Once it arrived I dove right in, soooo good! ...And the poblano cream sauce, yum! I suggest a side of beans with it too.
(5)
Heather M.
I had a very special occasion here last night and the staff made it absolutely perfect! The general manager Noe and the hostess Andrea went above and beyond to make it wonderful. Great food, fun atmosphere, and such reasonable prices. My new favorite spot in river north!!!
(5)
Chloe Z.
Before I went, Havana's menu really set my expectation high. Yet after the dinner I see why this place is only 3.5 stars We sampled quite a few dishes as they all sounded enticing, yet nothing stood out. The hyped stuffed pepper is just soso. The creamy sauce drawn the peppers and there was too much cheese the payella may be the only highlight of the night the black bean soup was so mediocre, and even my neighborhood cafe can do better than that Maybe this is a better place for a drink a light dinner, but not for foodies for sure!
(3)
William V.
I've been to this place several times and recommend it for a unique lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is interesting, though darker than I prefer. The cuisine is decent and seems to be fairly authentic. The service is always prompt and friendly, and the place transforms into a party on Saturday nights. Give it a try.
(3)
Melissa S.
Came here one night to watch the basketball game. It was pretty late and this place wasn't as crowded as the sports bar we passed by earlier and the kitchen was still open, so they didn't have to ID us. The bartender was very nice. I can't say anything about the food because we only had beers, but do order their "strawberries and cream" dessert. Delicious! It was a good night - especially coz the Heat won. hehehe
(4)
Rachel S.
My boyfriend and I were excited to try this restaurant, made an 8PM Saturday night reservation. We liked the atmosphere, although the music was pretty loud. Food was awesome - I tried the Ropa Vieja and my boyfriend's Rollitos Manchegos was incredible. The ceviche was an exciting and refreshing appetizer. Service started out fine, but dwindled throughout the meal. The server asked us if we'd like another drink halfway through out meal, but we didn't receive the drinks until after we were done eating. I had been saving room for dessert, but the server let us sit at the table without offering for 20 minutes after our plates were cleared. I had given up and decided they didn't have a dessert menu at that point, so imagine my shock when my boyfriend asked for it and it was promptly delivered. Moral of the story: great food, not the best service.
(3)
Melanie S.
I don't really know why I don't come here more often, but I'm going to have to remedy that. The prices (especially at lunch) are very reasonable and their cocktails are great. They offer lots of fun varieties (mojitos, sangria, caipirinhas, margaritas), as well as specialty and premium tequilas. Went here today and it had been awhile since I was here. They have a specially-priced lunch menu and nothing on it is more than $8.95. You can get tacos, enchiladas, a cubana sandwich, quesadillas, even a "latin" burger (I guess putting guacamole on it makes it Latin?). It's a lot of food for not a lot of money. The food is generally very tasty. Today I got the tacos and you get a choice of steak, chicken, seafood or vegetable. I asked if I could get three different ones and they happily obliged, so I chose 1 steak, 1 chicken, and 1 vegetable. It comes with a big pile of guacamole and black beans. I didn't think I'd finish everything but it was too good not to. The vegetables in the taco were like fajita fixin's (peppers, onions and mushrooms) and the chicken was shredded and slightly spicy. Even the tortillas were delicious. Service is courteous and efficient. Get a guava mojito, or be like me and get two!
(4)
Dominick N.
Another Great Evening Had the Chimichanga appetizer again and the Calamari. My Husband loves the Mojitos and I my Typical Kettle One up with a twist. Great as always. The server was polite and prompt. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time despite the restaurant being PACKED! My hubby had the Carne Asada and I did the Ropa Vieja, awesome. We finished with espresso and a chocolate cake. The waiter was great. Food wonderful. Love it here.
(4)
Rachel B.
I love Havana. I go here after work with one of my girlfriends on average once a month. Their pitcher deals are FANTASTIC, especially the red Sangria. Best I've ever had. I haven't had a bad dish here, from the guacamole appetizer to the chiles rellenos meal. The service is great, the ambiance is nice. Overall a great place.
(5)
Maren B.
Havana is one of those places my husband and I go every year or so, maybe a little more often. I think he's only tried one of their dishes off the entire menu, but he loves it (it's the pulled pork over mashed potatoes with creamed corn - I'm not crazy about it but he is so I guess it's all a matter of taste). We came back this weekend for a summer date night and were SO disappointed that they stopped serving bread and butter. They used to include this sweet chili butter that was amazing, and to me it was really one of their selling points. When we arrived there was only a half-hour wait or so, so we ordered a pitcher of mojitos at the bar. The mojitos are awesome here, I recommend the mango. The bartender was cool but seemed like he was more interested in schmoozing the people who were planning on staying quite some time at the bar; although he did make sure to give us the bill before we left for our table, which I thought was a little odd. Our server was average - a little bit slow in getting to our table to begin with, but after that she made sure we had everything we needed. I've tried a few things off the menu, and while they were all satisfying, none have been stellar enough for me to mention by name. I will, however, recommend the cortadito coffee as an after-dinner drink. It's a Cuban espresso that's a little better than your average cup of joe.
(3)
Jaime N.
Excellent place! The atmosphere was great and the service pretty good. We ate one caribbean paella and drank 4 mojitos (3 mojitos house and 1 guava mojito) and the dessert (coconut rum flan) was extremely awesome! I recommend this place for anybody who wants to try another kind of food in Chicago's Down town.
(5)
Neil R.
I had an excellent meal - Rollitos Manchegos - highly recommend this. Also mojito's and other drinks are definitely awesome
(4)
R K.
I love Cuban food, but Cuban this is not. It's more of just a generic Latin restaurant with some ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches as well. And the ropa vieja was pretty bad and quite bland. Their plantains were good, although it's pretty hard to mess those up.
(2)
Shane T.
Tried this place for the first time whenMa n Pa came to visit. tasty boozy drinks for the whole family
(5)
Jackie N.
My first visit to Havana was a success. As a vegetarian, I usually try to avoid Cuban restaurants (typically very meat-centric), yet the options were decent and the accommodating staff was willing to amend several choices. Not to mention that their guacamole is fantastic!
(4)
Rohan S.
The steak marinated in tequila was delicious. The pulled pork dish was also solid. Definitely recommend it.
(4)
Shawn K.
Best mojito I have ever had. Although I have not have a whole lot of them. We came in here with a large party and the waitstaff was very accommodating to put tables together and get us situated. I look forward to eating here in the future.
(4)
Alex S.
I had a nice meal there tonight. Blackbean and rice was nice. Salted nice and tasted very savory.....Service was alright. Bar looked alright.... Music was extreamly load for a resturant. To loud to have a conversation...
(4)
Noah E.
This was the first time I have tried cuban food and I have not been able to top it since. The food is amazing, the service was great, and the inexpensive pitchers of drinks are a great idea. I will definitely come back!
(5)
Allison V.
I went here on a friend date. We had great service. The staff explained drinks and foods and even had recommendations. My friend and I ordered our food, shared our spoils, and enjoyed our cocktails. This place is a hidden gem. I look forward to going back again. Bike parking on street.
(5)
Leilo P.
I heard a rumor that this place was a Cuban Dancing Party 24/7... Sadly it was just that, a rumor. While the music played in the background it was not as lively as Carnivale. The food was delicious, however the prices were so high my Abuela would have slapped the waiter if she were still alive! Also, this place is not 100% authentically Cuban because no Cuban ever eats Chile Rellenos, Jalapenos, or 60% of the menu. A bit disrespectful to call it Havana when you're not really exploring Cuban Cuisine. +Good Job on getting the Steak Cubano and the Ropa Vieja just right! Both were delicious and enough food to feed four. + Tostaditos De Platano = Heaven! Except, I preferred Lazy Parrot's version so much more. + Empanada Trio = Best Empanadas in this city! I am NOT kidding. I would go back to this place JUST for the manchego empanada. What a great idea! - It took three Mojitos to do the job and they each came out inconsistent; one was too sweet, the other was too minty; the last was water. - Havana Roasted Pulled Pork= what a terror! Do not put Havana in front of anything that has jalapenos! It is a known fact that Cubans do not eat spicy food and that jalapenos are nowhere on our plate. It was quite traumatizing! I will definitely return to Havana if someone else is paying. It was good, but not good enough for me to pay River North prices for street style food.
(3)
Stephanie L.
YUM to Latin food! This place is super cute on the inside and I was pleasantly surprised with everything. The service...great service. Attentive and always checking on us and clearing plates. Waters and drinks were always filled...BONUS The food...Guacamole...YUMMY and only $6.95 for a full. Scallops were actually really good. I was surprised. Large and not gritty at all. The Caserola De Hongo Relleno was FANTASTIC. The melted cheese-y goodness was great and it went perfect with the mushrooms sliced on top. We licked the plate clean. The Cubano torta was really good and had great flavor. The vibe...upbeat and happy on a Friday evening, but not overcrowded. It really was a perfect dining experience. The price...CHEAPY CHEAPY for River North area. I would definitely go back to Havana for a meal or a cocktail sometime.
(4)
Ashley W.
If I had to think of one thing that stood out here, it's the appetizers! We had the empanadas and the chimichangas, and both were fantastic, although I'd say I preferred the chimichangas a little more! If I came back, I'd be tempted to order them as my entree, that's how much I loved them! I also had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork which was good, but not great. I would probably try something else another time. Service was attentive, and all in all it was a good experience.
(4)
Dani B.
We tried out Havana a few weeks ago on a cold, snowy night and had a really nice time. The music and environment inside made us forget about the weather. Sat at the bar - bartender was attentive and friendly. Love the $20 pitcher specials! Shared two entrees and really enjoyed both. Also checked in on yelp for a free dessert. Will definitely be back and would recommend to others!
(4)
Angel G.
I was there for lunch today with some colleagues and loved the ambiance and vibe of the place, but I had the Cuban Steak Sandwich and the meat was a little hard. Guacamole, Salsa and Pico de Gallo with Chips Appetizer was good. I will try again, but next time tasting a different plate.
(3)
Andrew T.
Great place for Cuban food. I got the jibaritos which were amazing. The mojitos hit the spot, and they are discounted on Friday evenings. I strongly recommend making reservations during busier hours here as the place was packed the whole time we were there. The service was great, and the environment is laid back and bustling. I would say it is a bit dim for those who do are not into that. They have a huge menu and definitely take your time perusing it.
(4)
Ella S.
Absolutely loved it! Very attentive service and the food was great! Make sure to try the crab cake as an appetizer! The portions were large and filling! The atmosphere was very pleasant. Definitely plan on going here again
(5)
AnnaMaria V.
I would not recommend going to this restaurant. I ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. It had calamari, shrimp, mussels, scallops, chicken breast and chorizo baked with rice & pineapple. I was completely disappointed. The seafood was hiding under a pile of dry, flavorless rice. The shrimp was bland. The calamari & scallops were small. The chicken was cut into super tiny pieces & the chorizo was dry. I have no desire to give this place a second chance.
(1)
Heather P.
Accidentally stumbled upon this place while looking for a yummy dinner in River North. I love Cuban food so this jumped out as soon as I saw a sign advertising half off sangria pitchers while walking down the street. Immediately I liked the looks - it was slightly dark and quaint. The bar looked large and plentifully stocked. Score! My friend announces her oncoming migraine, no drinks for her which just made me feel like a super lush ordering a pitcher of sangria for myself so against my better judgment, I declined a drink. Then she states that she lost her appetite so she's getting the appetizer empanadas and that left me with the unfortunate dilemma - do I get a full out dinner and eat by myself or follow her lead and just get an app. So I went with the latter and got calamari. DISCLAIMER: why in the world would you order calamari at a Cuban restaurant?!?!?! You wouldn't and I shouldn't have - stupid stupid stupid (insert a Chris Farley interviewing Paul Mcartney reenactment here). It was bad. Over fried and dry while still oily enough to leave me feeling like a total greaseball. My friend had what I would consider a very small portion even for an appetizer and she was not at all impressed with her selection either. Feel bad giving it such a bad review based on two appetizers, but either our choices were poor (very possible) or this is an indication of the rest of the menu. The atmosphere was really nice and the server was also pleasant enough. I would give it another shot if I were in the neighborood, but I wouldn't order the calamari or empanadas.
(2)
Katelyn E.
This is stop 1 on my dinner club journey throughout the city. It passed with rave reviews. 1. They were able to seat a large group (9 of us) the Thursday before our Saturday reservation. 2. We sat downstairs- very nice ambiance; dimly lit, Cuban music 3. The food was so delicious! It was spicy and full of flavor. I ordered a chicken meal and not only was it mouthwatering, but there was so much of it, I took some home. We also ordered pretty much every single appetizer and there isn't one I wouldn't recommend. 4. MOJITOS. Delicious! We ordered SEVERAL pitchers and they went super quickly! Our waitress suggested we order the berry flavored mojito and we warily agreed. However, it might have been the best choice of the night! 5. VERY reasonably priced. 6. Salsa night. Need I say more? Check it out! Great for large groups and fun nights!
(4)
Norma H.
I work near Havana and have been wanting to try this place for a very long time (over 6 years) but I was afraid that it would not be authentic Cuban food. Can't believe I waited so long. This place is fantastic, the food is delicious and I have a long list of things I want to try next. So far I've only had the Ropa Vieja and Havana Roasted Pulled Pork and both were wonderful!! I can't wait to order from there again. You will NOT be dissapointed.
(5)
Adam C.
My wife and I love Cuban food and decided to try Havana while spending a weekend downtown. We loved the atmosphere and the vibe of the place. We ordered the empanadas and they were delicious, as were the chips with guacamole and salsas. I ordered a standby favorite for me, which was the Ropa Vieja. It was really flavorful and tasted delicious. My problem with it was that the meat was incredibly tough, making it so that I had to chew each bite about 34 times before it felt safe to swallow it. My wife ordered a chicken with creamy curry sauce and she thought it was wonderful. The food was batting about a B-, but still pretty decent overall. Once we began ordering cocktails, that's when things took a turn for the worse. We tried about 5 different signature cocktails from their menu. I'm not sure if it was because our waitress was doing double-duty as the bartender over lunch hour, or if this is just how the cocktails are supposed to taste, but they were all nearly undrinkable, tasting like paint thinner with a small dash of flavor. I think we will come back again sometime, but probably not before we look for other Cuban options first.
(3)
Sarah D.
I was so excited to try Havana as I've been looking for good sangria and Cuban food that compare back to home, but this place doesn't hold a candle. I didn't get to try any of the drinks, but my friend and I split the tostones, a side of yucca and carne asada. The chips were nothing to write home about, and the mojo and garlic sauces were just alright. The steak was overcooked, the rice underdone, and the yucca? A disappointment to Cuban tradition. While the decor was step above the rest and live music could be winning, the service was rather unfriendly. I make much better Cuban food at home, which pretty much sums up this review.
(3)
Jessica J.
I've only ever been to Havana on Friday nights. With their half price (and delicious) mojito pitchers, and their location two minutes from work, I can't imagine going any other time! They have decent food (from what I've tried - limited vegetarian options on the menu), and you can't go wrong with chips and guac. Service is always good, decent atmosphere. Friday nights can get a bit crowded (there's seating upstairs and downstairs, and a few tables outside in the summer, but it's not a huge place), so be prepared to wait for a table if you don't have a reservation.
(4)
Kelly W.
So, a friend and I randomly stopped here on a Friday afternoon because we saw they had a mojito special. I am so happy I stopped in! The mojitos were amazing (not something I normally say- kind of a snob about them). And we decided to just get an order of guac to tide us over. I can't believe how much food came with that appetizer! Not only did we get guac, but two types of salsa as well and a huge thing of chips. Not bad for $7-8 and when you are splitting it with a friend. I'd love to come back sometime when they have live music and to get dinner.
(4)
Jenny H.
Catch me at Havana on friday nights for their half off mojitos! We didn't have a reservation and waited 45 minutes. After walking around for a bit, we returned with a table outside. It happened to work out better for us, since we were deep in conversation. We had two pitchers of their refreshingly yummy mojitos in a backdrop of fabulous live music. The owner himself graced us with his presence in the table right next to us. We ended up getting relocated back inside because their patio closes after midnight. Even though we were seated on the other side, it was super loud and hard to continue the conversation. All-in-all, it was a great night! Another pitcher and I would've joined the group of dancers! Will be back with a bigger group for some more friday night mojito fun!
(4)
Yvonne O.
Went here in the middle of August with friends and was somewhat underwhelmed. The server was rushing us like crazy, despite it being 6:30 at a Thursday and no one was really lining-up waiting for a table. We were a group of four and stuck in the very last booth where I was completely smashed. The booth is not made for normal people, let alone me smashed next to the husband in his 48 regular suit. It was like being on an airplane. I ended-up getting the carne asada that was okay, but nothing special. Two others had the chicken tacos and the husband got one of the pork specials that he said was okay, but nothing to rave about. The mojitos were good, but I just feel like there are far better places that have more authentic Cuban food going on.
(2)
Kimberlie C.
I've been to Havana quite a few times, mostly because it was conveniently located right near my apartment. It's always busy, and the servers are very nice, although slow most of the time. It's very hard to hear people in hear as the noise bounces off the walls. The food is good, not great but good. The best part of Havana is their mojitos, and they have $20 pitchers on Friday nights!
(3)
TJ Y.
I've been to this place a few times already and it never disappoints! Food/Drink - The food is great. It's flavorful and the portions are filling. I ordered the chicken this last time and it was a little dry. If you go, stick with the beef dishes. I've gotten beef the other times I was there and they were always delicious. There are drink specials during the week as well. Last time was half price margarita pitchers and they are quite good. Service - The service, as usual, was great. The servers are always attentive, provide recommendations, and they're just pleasant! Ambiance - It's a small place that gets really crowded on the weekend nights! The tables are tiny and it's tough getting around with so many people. Going on a week day was much better, in my opinion. Apparently, the place turns into a dance floor late at night (although some people start earlier!). On a hot summer night... this place could make you forget that you're in the middle of Chicago. Overall, I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 because the chicken wasn't great and I've been to a few Cuban restaurants on the East coast that were just spectacular!! However, this place is definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Thorsten R.
Easy the worst Cuban place we have been to...Go to 90 Miles or Senor Pan instead for great, authentic and reasonable priced Cuban food.
(1)
Tom S.
I had such high hopes! It started out good at the bar while we waited. A great Pisco Sour from a nice barkeep. When we were seated, I knew we were in for rough service and a L...o....o....n....g dinner. It took a while for table drinks. Then our appetizers - plantains and bean dip & a trio of empanadas - came in a flash. Ahhhh, hope! Those apps were quite good. Then we ordered the chicken tortilla soup, an odd, muddy soup that first came in a cup despite our ordering a bowl. Quickly corrected by the bus boy who delivered it. That was so hot we couldn't eat it for 10 min. Then we ordered two entrees - the pulled pork and the carne tequila - both delivered at a slow pace. The carne was ordered medium after a discussion about the best way to have it, but delivered very rare. Returned it and waited. While we waited we eat the soup and tried the pork. The pork was quite dry. The soup added to the dish made it much better - great thinking! The steak came back medium and was nice to eat, but the fries accompanying it were damp and mushy from living in the carne gravy. Ugh. With all that my partner ordered a drink. After 15 min and no drink, we asked again. It finally came, with desert. Not the night we wanted and maybe why we still have bad relations with Cuba. Blah.
(2)
Andy P.
Excellent drinks and very good Cuban food and very nice ambiance. Music was perfect and service excellent. I was impressed with the knowledge of the waitress and must say mojitos were on the money.
(4)
Ahz I.
For great authentic Cuban food check out Havana.... For great hairstyles check out Ahz Hair!!!
(4)
Ashley C.
Came here for a lunch one weekday and I was pretty impressed. Our waitress was friendly and pretty quick. The food was good. We started off with the empanada which was very good. I had the steak sandwich and my boyfriend had the cubano sandwich. Both were very good. I really liked the steak sandwich with the spicy mayo. The cubano sandwich was good (although I don't like pickles). I also thought the fries with a mix of potato and sweet potato were very good. Next time we will get the guac too (we got a sampling on the side with a dish). A few sidenotes. I could see how this could get very loud on the weekend. I also wish that they were open for lunch on the weekends (it annoys me that they don't list their hours on their website) - this is a really nice spot for a good, reasonably priced lunch. We'll definitely be back.
(4)
Lenny L.
I've eaten in Cuban restaurants in Miami and New York City. Havana restaurant was the worst by far. The ropa vieja was very hard to chew. My daughter's pork was hard to chew. The rice had uncooked kernels like pebbles against my teeth. They don't bring Cuban bread and butter. You have to pay extra. The black beans were fairly good. The restaurant was full, for reasons not clear to me. Perhaps Chicagoans don't understand Cuban food.
(2)
Gardenia H.
Fresh Seafood adds a Caribbean taste to the Paella in Havana, Chicago, Illinois.
(5)
Sara M.
Havana is a hidden gem in the middle of Chicago on a cold night! I felt like I went away somewhere warm and tropical as soon as I stepped into Havana. It's a cute date restaurant for sure. The bar is fun and the vibe is great. Very loud in there but what restaurant on a Friday night isn't? Since I was observing lent I felt as I couldn't get the full experience with their drinks and meat meals. My husband however had a coconut mojito and loved it! I had the ceviche appetizer and it was good. We both then shared the tilapia entree and it was good as well. I feel their steaks and other meat dishes could have been better so I am going to have to come back to try!! Only con: I was excited about getting my free dessert but the waiter informed me it was only mon-thurs:( I was so sad but it's my fault it said it in tiny print but when I was able to redeem it once I checked in I figured I can use it and didn't pay attention to the fine print! But aside from that we still got their flan. It was delicious and for an extra $5 it was definitely worth it! Next time I'm coming back between mon-thurs to take advantage of the yelp free dessert though!!
(5)
Kari F.
Steak sandwich and late night live music. Try them both!!!! That's all I have to say. (My coworkers and I come here on the regular, and I have a very very hard time ordering anything but the steak sandwich here. Trust me, it is scrumptious.)
(4)
Madison C.
It was Friday night and every restaurants in Chicago were jammed packed. We were hungry and tired so we gave Havana a try. Havana was pretty good. Our wait staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing that really wowed me when was their tostones. The tostones were crispy around the edges and soft and fluffy at the center. Just the way I like it!!
(3)
Achyut D.
The food is ok! The place is super small! Had to request a beer 3 times and about 2 hours later finally got it. Service is not good. Overall it's nice to visit new places but don't need to come back here again. Also usually when someone asks how u would like your steak u expect something exact or pretty close. I ordered medium and got well done! Why did the server bother asking me in the first place! Overall didn't really get the Cuban experience and its ashame this restaurant is located in a nice area like Hubbard st. Should be located in some small town like3 hours away from Chicago.
(1)
Colleen W.
The food was great, the service was good! We were there for a birthday celebration and all 6 people loved their meals. The only complaint was that the sangria was way too sweet for some. We started with the manchango empanadas and guacamole, which were all excellent. Dinners included ropa vieja, some steak and fries thing, chicken in a banana leaf, ribs (cuban style), a seafood mixture in coconut broth, and roasted pork. The pork dishes were hands down the best of all the meals. If you go, I'd suggest getting the roasted pork with jalapeno mashed taters and creamed corn...I'm drooling just thinking about it, and that wasn't even what I had when I was there! Cuban food is underrated. It's great and Havana is proof!
(4)
Nicole C.
Pretty good, liked the sauces, definitely gotta give it another round. Had the coco limon chicken and Cuban roasted pork, both very flavorful and very good portions!
(4)
Ben C.
Overall, I had a great experience at Havana Grill. I'm a little bit of a mojito snob and I have to say this place had great drinks. The food was good - we had manchego empanadas, civiche, and mixed sea food paella. Again, the food was good, not great. I'm not an expert food critic but I think there could have been more flavor. The civiche needed more lime and cilantro, but otherwise pretty tasty. The paella had a little too much cumin and curry flavors which made it tough to enjoy the mix of muscles, shrimp, and octopus. The empanadas were well done. I enjoyed sitting outside, the service was friendly, and the prices were reasonable. I will be back to enjoy a mojito and the live entertainment, however I will most likely eat elsewhere.
(3)
M K.
Loved the decor and outdoor seating option. Very easy to get to...off several L lines. Food selection was great and I'm a vegetarian. Quantity and quality of food was also above my expectations although not the best mojo or tostones I've had. The manchego empanadas were great as was the guava mojito. Will be going back for sure
(4)
Dawn H.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for Cuban inspired cuisine. Just a couple words of advice: 1) Get the guacamole. I'm sad to report it rivals mine. 2) Pass on the Pollo Empanadas and opt for the Manchega (vegetarian)Empanadas. What, no meat? How can this be better? I know, it's ironic, but just take my word for it. 3) Gobble up the Chimichangas and Platanos Maduros. MMMM........ 4) Demand an extra shot of tequila for your margarita. They go skimpy on the liquor here. We even got our server to admit it. Enjoy!
(4)
Vishal B.
My 3 stars come only from trying the drinks. People have raved about the food, and I have yet to try any of it! Why only 3 stars for the drinks? Well I was on a hunt for the best Mojito in Chicago. Many signs online pointed to Havana. I tried both, a Caipirinha, and a Mojito. First off, the bartender really gave us our moneys worth by pouring 3 times the rum a Caipirinha that size should have. Maybe thats your thing, but it was just bitter instead of the refreshing lime drink that it is supposed to be. The Mojito wasn't bad however. I would give this place a fair 2nd chance to try the food, as well as have another Mojito along with something to eat.. The ambiance here is very nice if you sit outside on a nice day. The music helps a lot, people walking by stop to dance... you kind of feel away from the city for a bit. Inside, if its crowded, theres no room to really move around, but this is the norm in this part of the city.
(3)
Shamika R.
Great music and awesome mojitos !
(5)
David R.
Very cool place. I liked the interior quite a bit and would love to come back for dinner or just drinks again. It's handsomely classy and appropriately Havanan, but not swanky or pretentious...maybe like a slightly upscale Hemingway type of place, not an aggressive mambo type of place. (They should ditch the TVs though, seriously.) They make a great use of the space, although when the bar area gets crowded, it causes a traffic problem for the customers and staff trying to pass between the entrance and outside tables and the main area and kitchen. I was meeting some friends for cocktails before heading to dinner somewhere else, and it turned out to be a perfect choice. First, the bar area was busy at times but never packed, so it was easy to get drinks. Second, and most excellently, mojitos are half-price on Fridays. Some of us had, uh, several, and they were some fine cocktails. So, thumbs way up for ambiance, thumbs up for mojitos, and for food..well, I will just have to come back and see which way to turn my thumb.
(4)
Curt K.
Was in Chicago for the day and looking for a good authentic Cuban restaurant, and boy did this place deliver. We had ropa viejo which was definitely decent but the true superstar was the Cuban pulled pork served on a bed of creamed corn and jalapeno mashed potatoes. Would definitely go back.
(4)
R.B. D.
On my last day in Chicago I popped in for a quick lunch before I headed to the airport. The Cuban sandwich on brioche was excellent. The sweet potato fries were crisp and delicious. To top it all off, when I checked in on Yelp I got a free desert. I ordered the Coconut flan which finished my meal off perfectly. I will go back and try dinner there next time I'm in town.
(4)
Claudia C.
Really would give 3.5 stars if I could, but the 3-star rating looked too sad, so I rounded up to 4. Came here on a girl date on a Friday night- waited about 15 minutes for a table for 2 at 7:15, but by the time we left there was probably a 30 minute wait. My caipirinha was awesome, didn't try any other drinks. The pollo empanada app was delicious- the pastry was perfectly crisp and the sauce was perfect. The halibut entree is a must. The crispy exterior definitely made the dish. The pureed sweet potato on the side wasn't my favorite, but the halibut itself is worth it. The stuffed peppers as our second entree was ok. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked, but it wasn't out-of-this-world. The only miss of the evening, really, was the chocolate cake dessert. For some reason it just wasn't that good- I thought it tasted too much of bitter cacao, and my friend tasted some weird spice that she didn't like. The service started off great but then waned by the end of our meal as we tried to order coffee and dessert- maybe the place just got too busy for our server to handle all the tables she had, but it put a negative spin on the end of the meal.
(4)
Khadijah L.
Came here for drinks and live music. Great band was playing on Friday night. Gypsy-Spanish-Latin sounds. One of the better live band entertainments hired for restaurant gigs in the city. Trust me.. I've seen some truly sad gigs. I love their vibe. Kept playing all night long. The crowd is your typical standard River North. Maybe older-ish and foreign-ish. I was there with my friends and we had a great time. We even cleared the dance floor with legitimate salsa moves.
(4)
Heather J.
The food is incredible. We are definitely coming back when we have more time.
(4)
Tinley M.
The salads here are absolutely incredible. The calamari salad might actually be the best salad I've ever had, no exaggeration. I also tried the Cuban salad, which was delicious. I loved the calamari salad so much I went back here two days in a row for lunch before I left the country for 3 weeks! I took away 1 star because on the second day, I went with my mom and she ordered a lunch special (I honestly don't remember which one) which was good, but not outstanding, and the guava cheesecake was mediocre. The Yelp check-in for a free dessert is a great deal, though!
(4)
Jon B.
Is there anything less than 1 star. I went there on 3/9/13 with a party of 8 and lets just say from the beginning to the end it was a total disaster. We went to reserve a table and ended up waiting over 4 hours. Of the 8 guest, 6 ended up with food poison. NEVER AGAIN!!!
(1)
An P.
Dropped in Havana on a Thursday night and was pleased to see they had a margarita pitcher special (delicious!). Empanadas are generously sized and will do the trick to what your appetite. The margarita was spectacular and strong and the capirinha was the same. The real thing I liked best of all things at Havana was the skirt steak dinner. Skirt steak is fairly easy to make but they marinated the hell out of it and every bite was so rich and tasty I could not believe it. The juiciness of the steak was so badass and worked perfectly with the fries on the side. Stop by Havana because it is a great space to go after work and while they might charge downtown prices, you do get bang for your buck. Havana, I like!
(4)
Niti B.
This place definitely sets the mood for a hot night out. My boyfriend and I went on a date night to check out the mojitos and good food. He ordered the guava mojito and I had the dragon berry mojito. Both were delicious but would have to say that the dragon berry muddle out the flavor or a true mojito. The guava was perfect not to tart or sweet and definitely tasted the mint. We ordered the calamari since my boyfriend actually planned and researched the place! and previous reviews had stated it was good. We concured! The tangy and spicey sauce for the latin inspired calamari was really good. For dinner we split the halibut and glad we did because the portions are huge! The chipotle sauce that accompanied the almond crusted halibut was great except for the heartburn that followed! And the sweet potato mash was a delightful surprise that neutralized the spicey flavor of the fish. we unfortunately had no room for dessert and called it a night at that but have to say the ambiance is worth it and the food is very colorful!
(4)
Mahsa T.
Everything I had here was pretty darn close to fantastic! I don't know much about Cuban food so I can't comment on authenticity, but I can tell you that everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. DRINKS--On Friday nights, they have half-priced mojitos (regular mojitos, not flavored ones). When it's a $4 mojito, you have to have more than one and they are strong, perfectly muddled, and delicious! FOOD--Guacamole, great! Chimichangas with poblano cream sauce, freakin' fantastic! I ordered the carne con tequila--the steak was wonderfully flavorful and tender. My friend ordered the caserola de hongo relleno (stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables) which she liked very much, and a side of the sauteed plantains with butter, brown sugar and honey---yes, they were as amazing as they sound! Fudge cake for dessert, pretty good, I was stuffed by this point. SERVICE--Lauren was not only a great server but a wonderful person, we were best friends by the end of our meal. She was so friendly and kind! She took the time to answer our questions, explain everything on the menu, and she made some really great suggestions! They really deserve an extra star for their fantastic service, from the host to the server. They treat you wonderfully here. DECOR--Clean, classy, tropical, love the fans. I'll definitely be back soon to try the other delicious things on the menu.
(4)
Max B.
We went to Havana two nights in a row. The decor is lovely and warm. The food was excellent, and the wine suggested by our waiter was very good. Our waiter was attentive, sweet, charming, and... handsome!
(5)
Josh P.
I love the feel of this place just waking in the door. It is small without being crowded or tiny. We had a table right next to the window/door so we could people watch a bit. The half portion of guac and chips was plenty for 2 people and delicious. The bread with spread they serve is also tasty. We each tried a couple different drinks and enjoyed them all. It is fun to try a new drink especially when eating a different style of food from what is typical. This place allows you to do just that For entrees, I went its chicken while my date got the tequila reduction steak. Mine was good, not amazing, and hers was amazing. I, however, loved the sides that came with mine so I have no complaints about the meal. The meals were not just flavorful but also plentiful and neither of us had room for dessert. I'd recommend this spot to anyone going to River North and looking for something beyond the usual sushi or Italian.
(4)
Jaime O.
excellent service. I had the guacamole and salsa. Also order the pisco sour. Had the chicken cooked in banana leaf with habanero salsa. Finished off with key lime pie.
(4)
Chris J.
I have been here multiple times and both the food and drinks have been very good. I love the atmosphere and have found that it is best to go during less busy days such as monday through thursday. The service was friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. The drinks are also quite good and strong. The atmosphere is great and is definitely a great place for a date.
(5)
Joel W.
Went late one night when there was a band. Super fan, small place, dancing close is the only way to dance there because the place is smalllll. And then they put the band right at the front--which is cool..but waaay too small. Getting in was nearly impossible. Getting out was a no way. We pulled a reverse Goodfellas and went out the back. GOOD: Band, close dancin' real close, location. BAD: Note: I did not have the food, had only 2 mojitos which were good. My friend held a menu for a few minutes, trying to get someone's attention, a few bussers stopped, but finally the 3rd one tells us they're not making food....any of the bussers could have told us that at the beginning. And the table next to us sat and enjoyed their two plates of food....
(2)
AJ W.
Great spot for a date night. I usually get the cuban steak sandwich and it is always delicious. My fiance' and I frequent this place and I have sent many friends through their doors.
(5)
Danielle F.
I went to Havana for the first time last night and it was so much fun! Live salsa dancing and music?? Hell yeah!!
(4)
Marisol D.
The ceviche is the best appetizer on the menu - very fresh. I was not a fan of the Tortilla Soup. It was not the traditional broth based soup I was anticipating but rather a thicker bean puree. Also, unless you're a garlic lover like my hubby, beware of the salads which have a garlic-based dressing. Aside from that, our meals were amazing. The Apricot Chipotle Pork Chops were perfectly flavored - my hubby typically takes half his meal to go but devoured both of these chops!. My Pollo Coco Limon was a bit buttery but very flavorful.
(3)
Desi C.
We came here a couple weeks ago. We had a reservation for a Saturday night. The service was great, we were promptly greeted and after grabbing a drink at the bar, before we had taken one sip we were shown to our table. The food was AMAZING! I had the Rollitos Manchegos and it was to die for!!! My fiance had the Carne Asada, it was spicy but just enough {so delicious}! We used a restaurant.com gift certificate with no problems, so that was a plus. We will definitely be coming back!
(5)
Jamie S.
Food was pretty good, service was decent. Will likely go back again.
(4)
Ann M.
My roommate and some friends and I came here during the day on St. Pats. We were all pretty dunk but from what I remember it was awesome! We got the guacamole and then I ordered the Caesar salad which was pretty great. Our service was good and the prices weren't terrible. I'm not sure if I'll be back simply because it's not close to wear I live but I did enjoy my experience and I would recommend this place to others if they are in the city.
(3)
Heather M.
I had mojitos and appetizers in the party room downstairs, and everything was amazing!!! The mojitos were really great, and they even got the stamp of approval from the Miami Cuban in the group. The empanadas were delicious. I'm a giant carnivore, but I actually preferred the Manchego Empanadas to the chicken ones. But both were great. The crab cakes were also excellent. We also had some black bean dip with plaintain chips that doesn't seem to be on the menu, so maybe that's what they bring when you're having a full meal there. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Mary S.
I'd actually like to give this place a low 3. If you're looking to have tasty, authentic Cuban food, I'd say there are better Cuban restaurants in the city. However, the ambiance is very nice and the live music is definitely a plus. For great food at a great price, go elsewhere. I had the pulled pork entree and it was just ok, though the appetizers were a bit more tasty. If you're looking to go out for dancing and drinks with a group of friends, this is a good place to have fun.
(3)
Zeljko D.
I've dined here roughly 4 times in last month. Food is excellent, jibarito, burger, cuban sendwitch as well as cuban coffee and mojitos. It is not too crowdy during lunch hour, which is surprising how great the food and service are. I was introduced to Havana by a friend who said that 'everything they tried was excellent', it was my experience as well. Service is great, very friendly, atmosphere is really good with Cuban music in the background. And prices are not excessive, especially taking into account how good it is.
(5)
Lisa E.
We found this gem before heading out to dinner. We ordered chips and guacamole and mixed drinks. The drinks were fantastic and the bartender seemed to be enthusiastic about creating the specialty drinks. I plan on going back.
(5)
Mike K.
I love my Cuban food, and Havana does not disappoint. Ropa Vieja was on point. As was the Mojito. Serving size was plenty for 2 meals out of one order. Service was friendly and consistent. Dinning area was a little loud with a large group in the middle, otherwise cool ambiance.
(4)
Amy Z.
I had never been to a Cuban restaurant so when my friend suggested it I was all in. We were there on a Thursday night when Margarita pitchers were on special, so we did that of course! They were good - stronger than I would expect for a pitcher. When we go out to dinner we typically do at least one appetizer and then we order two entrees and split them so that we can try as many different things as possible. For appetizers we did the chips with the trio of sauces. All of the sauces were good but the guacamole was by far my favorite! We also did the Chipotle Crab Cakes which I thought were fantastic - the texture and seasoning were perfect, just the right amount of spice and fruit relish was a new a surprisingly wonderful addition!!! I ordered the Jalea de Mariscos and my date ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. Both were very good. The Jalea de Mariscos was loaded with seafood! I can honestly say that I have never order a mixed seafood dish that came with this much seafood. I was able to just eat all the seafood without ever touching the rice and was completely satisfied. In fact, because of this I only had a couple of bites of the Paella, which was also delicious. Rarely do we go out to eat and not have any leftovers but not this time.....we ate it all! I had heard they often have live music and I was excited about that but I guess we were there on a night they weren't having it - that was my only disappointment. Food was good, drinks were good, price was reasonable, service was great, and it was a nice atmosphere. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Michael L.
I took my lovely bride here for Valentine's and it was a wonderful experience! We didn't have reservations (sat night Feb 13) and we got there just before 6pm and the Host graciously worked us in without a wait. Our waitress Amber was extremely gracious and attentive and when my wife asked about a particular wine selection, she promptly brought her a sample taste. Nice touch. We ordered the fried plantains with black bean dip as an appetizer and were not disappointed.... Very tasty and a good portion. My wife ordered Paella and it was delicious. I ordered Ropa vieja and it was superb as well. For dessert we split a piece of delightful chocolate cake that was presented splendidly with sliced strawberries and a dab of whipped cream. I am from the south and have eaten at a number of Cuban restaurants and this definitely ranks in the top three. I highly recommend. Thanks to the restaurant staff and owners for a wonderful dining experience!,
(5)
Lee W.
Happened by Havana on Friday evening and luckily happy hour was still going on. Outdoor seating is nice and manager type person was very nice about adjusting palm tree so it would not overwhelm our table. There was some confusion about who would wait on our table and I noticed other newly seated diners waiting some time before their orders were taken. Thumbs up for the ceviche appetizer and guacamole appetizer. The pitcher of mohitos was a bit tart and didn't contain a lot of alcohol but luckily it was half price.
(3)
Windi L.
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why Baby Jesus, WHY?!? What did I do to offend you so? I'm sorrrrryyyyyyyyyy! The only reason why I'm coming in with 3 stars for Havana is because their wait staff is excellent! In addition (and despite the small size of the establishment) they were able to accommodate a party of TWENTY (20) people, all with different taste buds. Based on the suggestion of some then verified on Yelp, I suggested Havana to my boyfriend's family for a pre-wedding dinner. I felt like a superstar! Beautiful decor, exotic menu and accommodating staff to serve such a large party?! DING DING DING - Michelle was a winner! Then the food came. I hoped that it was just me who hated my food since most of the party thought Chili's was spectacular. NOPE. I was wrong. Everyone was complaining about God awful the food was. I had the Pork Chops w/ Apricot sauce. Verdict? Burnt, slightly bland and over cooked. I was destined to find one good dish so I began sampling other dishes. The pork loin dish also had over cooked pork and the Coconut Curry talapia also over cooked with too much sauce. Appetizers were passed around. Egh, pretty average as well. DING DING DING - Michelle lost the battle to impress her future vanilla in-laws. This restaurant is new so I hope that they just need to work out some kinks. Again, GREAT service! MISC: Valet is available for $12 and the bathrooms are located down very narrow steps
(3)
J J.
I work by this place and my buddies and I go here for lunch often. We had lunch here today and my friend forgot his phone on the table. When he came back the table was cleaned and the busboy claimed there was no phone left behind. Back at the office I showed my friend how to get Lockout Plan B software installed remotely on his Android phone and in a couple of minutes he started receiving emails from his phone with a map its location - Havana. We came back here searching for the phone again. Staff made an appearance to help, going through furniture and garbage with us. One of the ladies claimed that her Android phone can send a signal to the lost one and make it sound an alarm. She typed in my friend's number to trigger the alarm but none of us could hear anything. Out of a sudden she and her colleague started yelling that they hear an alarm going off. (we still could hear nothing and we were right by the ladies) Low and behold, shortly after that theatrical fiasco, the busboy got the message and showed up with the phone. Supposedly he had been searching for it all the time and just found in the dirty towels when the alarm went off... These are the facts, you can make your own mind about the quality of service you can expect from staff like this, or from that management that hired it. To each their own, but for me this place lost its appeal with this episode. As for the food, it's greasy at best, no flavor. Mercadito and Xoco are light-years ahead, yet just around the corner and down the block from Havana.
(1)
Scott W.
Had lunch with friends at Havana the other day. Even though its close to the office, I'd never been. Really nice looking place. The staff was on point. The tacos and Cubano my friends ordered looked very tasty. My jibarito and spicy sweet potato fries really hit the spot. Plate cleaning delicious. Even better, the prices are really reasonable. Will definitely be back.
(4)
Pamela C.
Great 1/2 price Friday mojito deal. Friendly and accommodating staff in a gorgeous environment. Beware of the hot sauce that accompanies the pollo con bbq de tamarindo. PURE FIRE. The hottest sauce I've ever had. Good thing the staff forewarned me. Decent but nothing special. Everyone at the table seemed pleased but not overjoyed with their meal. The empanada appetizer was disappointing, a bit too sweet. The food left a little bit to be desired and after eating at Nacional 27 the following night, it just doesn't hold a candle.
(3)
Hrayr A.
Although the food is not authentically Cuban it is flavorful and fresh. The service is excellent and everything they have on the menu was good (there was 18 of us so almost all items were sampled).
(4)
T L.
I would give this place 3.5 stars. Started with chipotle crab cakes. Even though we ordered mojitos first, we received them after we ordered the crab cakes. Anyways, the crab cakes were good, crabby, and the fruit relish had an awesome kick. We ordered ropa vieja, and it was tasty and the meat was soft and tender. But when we ordered it, our waiter had to make sure they still had some left. They did, but I think that kind of information should be disclosed as soon as you are seated and given menus. It's easy to say also, the ropa vieja is in such hot demand that there may only be a couple portions left. Served with rice, which some of the rice seemed undercooked. Service was either too much or too little, not very consistent, it was not super busy when we there either so I'm not sure why it was so up and down. Good mojitos. Nice atmosphere. Decent food. Ok Service.
(3)
Carol K.
Mambo your way to Havana- the newest addition to the line up of restaurants that have opened in River North as of late. This Pan-Latin eatery is that perfect place to spice up your night (or lunch) with its menu full of tasty foods from our neighbors to the south. They also have a fully stocked mojito bar so throw out all those preconceived notions of what a mojito is and let their bartender mix you up a delicious treat! Some options are a guava infused mojito, a strawberry caipirinha and a Brazilian "margarita" made with cachaca. The manager also told us that they have mojito happy hours so you can try to find your favorite at a reduced price. The menu, while simple, has many recognizable favorites such as empanadas, plantains, carne asada but then also puts a nice spin on things like a Cuban salad (grilled chicken on plantains) sauteed plantains, and even a great tasting vegetarian dish of stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables. We tried a little of this and that and it was all delicious! The guac and chips were a huge basket of tri colored chips served with two kinds of salsa and chunky guacamole. We sampled the carne asada (served over beans and rice, the stuffed portabella mushrooms and the shrimp salad. All were very good! The service was also spot on! Our server, Colleen, was patient and helpful and the manager, Noe, went out of his way to make sure that we had everything that we wanted. The interior is a bit stark (love the lights over the tables, though) with booths along the walls and tables down the center. Huge floor to ceiling windows that open to Clark Street make this place inviting enough to pull you off of the street. But if that isn't enough to get you to try Havana, consider this. Dinner for 4 with drinks was only $100! Amazing! So the next time the lure of Cuba calls to you, think Havana. No. Not that Havana. This one. Right here in our own back yard serving up some great Pan-Latin food and mojitos that make you swear you actually might have made the trip.
(4)
Karen M.
Started with a perfectly made Manhattan and carprihaina at the bar. Beautiful atmosphere and excellent service. On to dinner....The empanadas appetizer was greasy and and a little overdone but very flavorful. The red sangria is definitely worth having and is a generous sized glass. Entrees were really good and overall we were happy with our choices. I had the jalea de mariscos which was seafood in a rich coconut cream sauce. The calamari was overdone but the rest of this dish was perfect! My husband had the carne con tequila which was very flavorful and the fries were super crispy and delicious. Ask for the house made hananero sauce. It is crazy hot and has a great flavor.
(4)
Connie B.
I came here for dinner one night with some friends before a show at The Baton. I was so excited to eat some great Cuban food, but was a little disappointed. The restaurant itself is cool...great ambiance. We ordered an appetizer of fried plantains and it was awful...totally dry and tasteless. The chips with guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa was great...some of the best guac I've had in a while. My guava mojito was delicious but at $9 a pop, it was a pretty small drink. I asked the waiter what he recommended and he suggested iI try the Cuban pulled pork. It was tender, but the flavor was nothing special. The plantains that came with my dinner were very good...nothing like those that came as an appetizer. I tasted my friend's Ropa Vieja and it was very tasty. I wish I had ordered that instead. Overall, it was just okay in my opinion. The service was good but I wouldn't be jonesing to go back any time soon.
(3)
Nika H.
We had an 8:30 reservation and was not seated until 9. I enjoyed the empanadas, pulled pork, and plantains. Service was not that great and we felt rushed. I suggest trying Havana on a weekday maybe the experience will be more enjoyable.
(3)
Carri C.
Really enjoyed our food and drinks. We started with a tropical salad with fresh ingredients. Great flavored. For our entrees, I had the chicken breast with poblano sauce and rice. Excellent. My husband had the pork chops, which he thought were tasty. We enjoyed the mixed drinks from Brazil-can't recall the name. Staff was attentive. Music was fun, although they did have a problem with the speakers about half way through our meal and there was no music. The prices were reasonable. We will return. Seems like a good place for couples or groups. Fun atmosphere.
(5)
Lisa H.
This place is a gem tucked away in a tight spot that delivers more than you would expect just glancing at it from the street. The decor was just perfect - romantic and intimate. The noise level is a little louder than most places, but its not bad. It is a small place, not really good for big groups. We were there on a beautiful summer Saturday night, they left the windows open and the fans spinning - it feels like you are in a village town in Cuba with the breeze pouring in off the ocean. Warm and inviting and energetic. As far as the food, this is the best meal I've had in a long time. Starting with the red sangria - it was fantastic. This is not some premixed crap out of a bottle. We had the pollo empanadas for appetizer - we wanted to ask for two more orders of these they were so good. For our meals, one of us got the pulled pork, the other got the carne con tequila w/ chimichurri fries. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. Incredible flavors. I wanted to lick the plate. Prices were very fair. Service was average, it was a busy night so I'll cut him some slack. We will definitely be going back. I love this place.
(5)
Tera D.
I went to Havana with a group of about 10 for a birthday party on a Thursday night. It couldn't have been more perfect for a group outing. Thursday is half price margarita pitcher night, which was the big draw. They didn't seem very strong, but they were tasty and we had quite a few pitchers. I was a little skeptical about the food because the menu didn't look all that exciting to me, but I was proved wrong. I had the Torta Cubana, which was fantastic! I order Cuban sandwiches a lot, and never before has a place thought to use not only ham, but pulled pork!! Delish. Minus one star for some steep prices and the weak margs, but in general a very enjoyable experience!
(4)
Heidi R.
Havana has a great concept. The food is pretty decent, my favorite is the paella and pulled pork. Don't waste your time with the guacamole trio - the salsa is boring and the guac is bland! The white sangria is nothing like any sangria i have had before - its not very tasty but did give us all a slight buzz... over priced too though. The service is AWFUL! Talk about waiting 20 minutes before placing a drink order and at least 25 minutes before getting the checked picked up and thats after we had to ask for the check. The worst part is that Havana claims to be a Mojito bar yet the other night the server could not serve us mojitos because she claimed the shipment of mint had gone BAD. Ew, gross! don't waist your time.
Really enjoyed my visit there. The Mojito's were great - I've had them in Cuba and these were just as good! Ordered the 1/2 order of guac and chips and it was great. Also ordered the chimichangas and these were delicious too - the poblano sauce was amazing. Great service, and as another reviewer said - it's bustling there.
(4)
Rosie C.
On Weds. Nov. 20 I enjoyed an early nibble with some colleagues before meeting with our group in their downstairs area. The server was friendly and quite attentive! For dinner we ate Ropa Vieja - absolutely delightful. Enough to share. Soon we went downstairs and five more guests joined us. Our server made certain our Sangria glasses were always filled and the tasty appetizers were great. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Sandy R.
I been to many Cuban restaurants and I'm also Puerto Rican so our foods are similar. This was the worst Cuban restaurant in the city. I ordered a "tender" steak sandwich that I couldn't even bite into. I felt bad returning it so I took another bite, I literally had to pull it from my mouth in order to bite into the steak. I ended up returning it. I then ordered Ropa Vieja (the steak is shredded), that was also so rough I needed to chew for about a minute before swallowing. The drinks were good and the waiter was decent. He didn't refill our water but that might have been the busboys fault. Some appetizers didn't come out at all so we canceled those. Needless to say, I will not be returning.
(2)
David Z.
I am a little torn with this review. First off, I really liked the ambiance and service from Havana. HOWEVER, the meal itself was severely lacking, in my opinion. It'd probably go with 2.5 stars if possible, but I'm going to have to round down in this case. We came on a weeknight and the place was pretty empty, so there was no problem getting seated. I guess our reservation was unnecessary. For an appetizer, we had a large order of their chips & guac. I am usually pretty easy to please when it comes to chips & guac, but these exceeded even my highest expectations. The order was HUGE, and came with salsa, guac, and a cup of diced tomatoes. You could almost make a whole meal out of that app! Good stuff. But then, the bad part - for my main course, I had a tequila infused steak, that also came with fries. To put it nicely, the dish was.....lacking. Not only was it very small, but it was also without flavor. Even the fries were below par. All in all, the main dish was very disappointing to me, especially considering the price. My fiancee was also disappointed with her meal. There were some good things though: the aforementioned appetizer was excellent, and I also felt that the service was top notch. The waiter was very nice and friendly. Our orders came out quickly and were cooked appropriately. Our waters never went empty. Also, we had no problem using our Groupon. Oh, one other thing: I HATED the tiny bathroom that is downstairs. I felt like I was going to get slammed with the door on both the way in and out. Also, the water down there was FREEZING cold and no matter how long I waited, it wasn't getting any warmer. I hate washing my hands with freezing water! I'd consider going back to sit at the bar for drinks, or maybe to just order the chips & guac appetizer again. However, I am not sure if I would get another entree, based on this experience.
(2)
John F.
As a fan of Cuban food, I was super disappointed by Havana. The service was friendly, but very slow (we waited about 50 minutes between our appetizer and main course). The atmosphere was a bit underwhelming, as we sat in a downstairs dining area which had more of a basement vibe. I was most disappointed by the food. My tostones didn't have much flavor and were room temperature. The ropa vieja was just plain bad: very tough, flavorless and nothing like the ropa vieja I get in Hoboken. This just isn't how Cuban food is supposed to be done. I hate writing bad reviews, but I have to be honest. I won't be back.
(2)
connie m.
I know Cuban food and this was not good. The ropa vieja was bland. The cuban pork was awful..no mojo, the onions must have been cooked in sugar because they were so sweet it overpowered everything. I don't expect Miami quality cuban food at any restaurant in Chicago but it should at least kill my craving for it. The rice tasted like instant. Based on the other reviews , I probably should have stuck to the fusion Latin choices on the menu. Even bigger than the bad food problem was the real problem..our waiter was actually the bartender. It wasn't super busy when we ordered so everything was fine until we got our food. When he came to check on us, I told him I was disappointed in my entree (cuban pork) and he said oh, I'm sorry and said have a good dinner and walked away. No offer to change it or fix it- are you kidding me! Then We NEVER saw him again. I finally had to grab another waitress who had to finish out the meal so we could get service. There were people in the restaurant that looked like regulars or friends of who I am assuming was the owner/manager and they were catered too. Bottom line, service makes up for mediocre food and maybe if you don't like your dish you may give the place one more shot but they blew it for me.
(1)
Anna P.
I had been wanting to try this place for a while, as I absolutely LOVE cuban food but it is really tough to find someplace legit outside of Miami. I don't think this place is "it" necessarily (where's the ropa vieja!?) but it is a nice little getaway from the chilly Chicago winter. I went here with a Groupon for drinks and a light dinner and everything was great - the mojitos ARE really delicious, and the salad (ensaladas con camarones) and pollo empanadas were very tasty. The service was really good, too - we had the cutest waiter ever, who just seemed so happy to serve us!
(3)
Christopher B.
This place was clean and the people are nice. If you are looking for authentic Cuban food, unfortunately this is not the place. :-(. I had the pork shoulder aka "'pernil"... Was awful. It was really pork tenderloin. Congris was not exactly congris... Something was missing. It just tasted like black beans and rice. Pretty disappointing simply because I was really expecting authentic Cuban tastes and this was not it.
(1)
Zach M.
This is an amazing place for dinner a margarita or two. The restaurant is small, but has a really neat, open feel. Would be a great place for special occasions with small groups. Check beforehand on their drink specials. During the week, you can get half price margarita's or mojito's depending on what day you dine. They make there own margarita mix in house(really delicious!) For dinner, I had the Apricote Chipotle Pork Chops....amazing. Two eight ounce pork chops marinated with apricot chipotle sauce, served with jalapeno and potato hash browns and steamed broccoli. Highly recommend.
(4)
Valerie R.
I tried Havana for the first time today, and love it! The veggie tacos were tasty, fresh and SUPER filling. The servers were all very friendly and the prices are reasonable. Havana? Yes, please!
(5)
Justine L.
Not sure if my review is accurate, because I came here with my family... and this is def not a family place. It's more of a bar with a full menu. The food was alright. My comparison points were to places I've eaten during a recent visit to Miami, so maybe it's skewed. I had the ropa vieja, which didn't have much flavor and came with less plantains that I would have hoped. My sisters had the seafood paella, which was perfectly spicy and had good amount of large sized seafood, including shrimp, muscles, and more. Another family member had the halibut, which was surprisingly very spicy. It was tasty, but the spicy sauce over the entire fish covered all of the other flavors. We also had mojitos, which were good but rather weak. We're not big drinkers, but are fans of mojitos, and these barely hit the spot. The service was great, however. It was a very busy night, but the wait staff was attentive and very friendly. Next time I come, it will be with friends for drinks and a snack.
(3)
Lars F.
We were walking down the street Saturday night looking for some place interesting to eat and came across Havana. Menu looked good, so we went in. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait if the people who made reservations did not show up, but thankfully two spots at the bar opened up. The mojitos were very good and we ordered the plantains to start. A bit sweet with the honey, but very nice none the less. I ordered the pulled pork which came out like icing on a cake of mashed potatoes surrounded by sweet corn cream. It was incredible. Nice presentation and a really good dish. The atmosphere was energetic, except for the drunk old guy at the bar making whooping noises and scaring off the hostess. His own party didn't even want to stand near him. Work the next morning, so we could not stick around for the live music at 11:00. Next time!
(5)
Maria K.
What a hidden gem - so traditional. We went to celebrate a gf's birthday - she loves loves to dance. The whole group was up and moving and we closed the place down. Small - intimate - great music and the owner is fantastic.
(5)
Ekow M.
Great Drinks, Great Service, Greaet food, and Very reasonable price. Me and my buddies had a great time and can't wait to bring the wife.
(4)
Kelly B.
So delicious. So fun. Great drinks, and great plantains!
(5)
Christina B.
5 for food!!!! 3.5 service...so delicious and fun had to still give a five! Can't wait to try the rest of menu!!! Slow service but still manageable! Food was piping hot and so flavorful, drinks strong and tasty. Cold draft by window so they brought a floor heater. Such a fun date night and live music is always nice. :) want to go back for lunch for sure too!
(4)
Marisa G.
Good service and food comes out really fast! Calamari was ordered and within minutes it came out lightly fried and hot with a hot sauce on the side. Very generous portion of calamari. The entrees were ordered (carne con tequila and enchiladas). Both came out in about 10 minutes. I had my steak substituted the fries for rice and beans, which was an okay size portion. The meat was cooked well and came with a side o chimichurri sauce. Yum! For dessert there was the coconut flan which came with whipped cream and strawberries. Delicious! Sometimes flan can taste a little bitter to me but this was sweet and creamy! Total for 2: $49.63 I'd come back definitely. The decor is cute too.
(3)
Savanna R.
Possibly my favorite restaurant! The food is amazing and the mojitos maybe the best in the city! I cannot dine here without ordering a pitcher of mojitos. Chimichangas are so good. I without a doubt recommend them. The guacamole is beyond amazing also! My only gripe is that the place is small and gets packed quick. Every time I've came I've only been able to eat at the bar because tables were packed and typically a 35-45 min wait. Eating at the bar can be a little annoying in such a snug place but the food it worth it.
(5)
Nicole C.
I had lunch here earlier this week and had the best cuban sandwich of my life...so far. I have yet to actually visit Cuba for the real deal. The Torta Cubana (smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, pickles, tomato, lettuce) came served with a mix of plain and sweet potato french fries. The Pollo Empanadas were also very, very good. The chicken was nestled inside of a puff pastry, so it was soft and flaky -- not your typical empanada. This place is going right back on my "To Try" list so that I can go back for dinner and try the guacamole and chimichangas with poblano cream sauce. :)
(4)
Guilherme B.
We had a great time at Havana. There were eight of us there, so we had the opportunity to try a lot of different dishes--they didn't disappoint. The drinks were all tasty (we tried the caipirinhas, the red sangria, and pisco sours)--the pitchers are enough for about 5 servings. The appetizers (empanadas, chimichangas, crab cakes) were flavorful--the empanada had a nice twist as it was made with a flaky puff pastry crust. The mango relish on the crab cakes was a nice touch. I really liked the poblano cream sauce that came with the chimichangas. It was good enough that when a friend met us at the end of dinner, we ordered the chimichangas for him to have a bite. I had the pulled pork for dinner, and the whole dish was well performed--I'm not a fan of cream of corn, but it worked well with the mashed potatoes and pulled pork. The roja--black beans and rice with pulled pork--was also a dish I'd order again. Seriously, I could probably be happy with more than half of their menu. That's reason enough to go back. We left right before the live music started. I wish we would have been able to check that out.
(4)
Suzy D.
We came here for a friends birthday and we had a party of 10. The restaurant was very accomodating and welcoming. However, I was not blown away by the food and the drinks. The mojitos were decent but pretty weak. I had 3 glasses and I am a lightweight and I did not even feel buzzed. The guacamole was very tasty. The ceviche was kind of meh. Nothing really special. I had already eaten dinner at Xoco so I didn't order an entree, but everyone else said the food was okay, nothing amazing though.
(3)
Tony B.
Great service, wonderful atmosphere and amazing food. Nice sized portions...very satisfied. I tried the pulled pork and was glad I did. My wife got the roast pork and loved it...definitely come back when in town
(4)
Ray W.
I was here Saturday, July 24, 2010 and it was amazing! I was visiting from Pittsburgh and initially went to one of the pretentious clubs/restaurants until we tired of waiting in line. We walked a few blocks away and hear this music. It was Vagando playing Bamboleo. We were in and found a booth immediately. We were not there for food, we came to have a few drinks and a good time. The drinks were excellent (actually some of the best mixed drinks I've ever had), the staff the best, and the music jumpin! My only regret was not leaving my little group to dance with the group of gorgeous girls behind me. Apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed them looking to dance but without any suitors, as one of the waitstaff twirled one for a song LOL Even with a dance interlude, we never had to ask or motion for staff. The guys were great. I will definitely go back the next time I'm in the Chi. CHEERS!
(5)
Amber L.
Cool small venue in the middle of river north. The guac was good and the pitcher of mojitos was a good deal for a group, but I got the fish tacos and they were not good. The fish was fried and very dry. My friend got the pork and it was great, but mine was not good...
(3)
Keerthi A.
The mango mojitos are the smoothest! Very yum. Their service is great too, which helps. I always get their Tostados de platanos for an appetizer, which is deep fried plantain chips served with warm black bean dip; it is to die for...very crunchy and light. Easy to share between two people. For main course, I continue to order Pollo a la Caserola - a must-try and is definitely in my top three comfort foods of all time. It is pan fried chicken breast with the most amazingly delicious pepper cream sauce with rice. Definitely a favorite! They have outside seating in the summer which is very nice, it does get a little noisy inside with the bands sometimes, but it is a matter of preference.
(4)
Carlos V.
I've been going to this place for a while and really like it. The manager (Glad Noe is back) and the bartenders are great. Food is good and the mojitos are the best. If i could only suggest one thing would be that when the bands play they really don't need to crank up the volume that much since it is a small place. You would not be able to talk if you are by the bar.
(4)
christine p.
Havana is without a doubt one of my go to restaurants in the city! It is consistently delicious and fun! Their ceviche is one of my favorite things to order as an app, paired with a half order of guac, sooo yummy I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. As far as my fav entrees the halibut, ropa vieja and the Jaleda de mariscos are delicious. I was hesitant to try the Jaleda de mariscos at first because I'm not a big fan of coconut but its actually very mild and thus an A+ in my book! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that they tend to run late on reservations and the restaurant is super tiny and gets packed easily. Regardless I've been here about a bazillion times and I intend to go back for atleast another bazillion meals! they also have good drink specials I think most days have half price pitchers of margaritas or mojitos I think it might say on the website...
(4)
Jenna E.
I have been wanting to go to Havana for about 3 years now and I finally went on my birthday! I went with two friends one of which is not a big fan of any food besides plain chicken and we all ended up loving it. The guac is one of the best in the city. I would highly recommend the Apricot Pork Chops!! So delicious! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Anne N.
Came here for some drinks and dessert on a friday night. So we ordered a pitcher of the regular mojito (it was half off) and their coconut flan. We wanted to try their guava ice cream, but unfortunately they ran out. So, the coconut flan was good and I would have liked the mojito to be a a little bit sweeter, so I guess overall, not too impressed by their food. As far as the atmosphere, I actually really liked it. Their decor had an island theme from their fans to their lamp shades covered in seashells. To our surpise, they had a live band play which I thought was awesome. Anytime there's a live band, it really makes the place that much more worthwhile. So overall, it's a nice place to just relax, drink mojitos, and listen to live music on a friday night.
(3)
JC P.
I recently moved here from San Francisco and previously lived in LA. This place is a small venue with such a high energy! The bar is great with anything from a mojito pitcher to good quality tequilas...Most importantly is their live music! They some how manage to bring live music in this very small space and create a unique, personal atmosphere where everyone gets in the groove. The owner is always present and you can see he enjoys his creation! Excellent job keeping the vibe in your venue!
(4)
Jessica T.
Love the drinks and food. Great atmosphere and music.
(5)
Alaina W.
Food was so delicious we only had appetizers to split with friends... so good! We ordered mojitos which were to die for. We had went for the live music and half priced pitchers of mojitos.... I'm gIvIng only three stars are becsuse I got charge full price for what should've been half priced mojItos (as dId another gIrl In our party) and because it was very very crowded which is odd to me they had a band In such a small place but a bit understandable because clearly it does drive great crowd!
(3)
Sylene I.
NOT A FAN! I was seated in the rear of the restaurant when there were clearly open and empty tables in the front. The restaurant was not very busy, however it took more than 15 minutes for the waiter to even address me. He still hadn't taken my order when the bartender finally came over and took my drink order. The drink was not that good. I ordered the carne asada and the steak was tough and chewy. I spent more money than I should have for this experience and I will not be going back. I love Cuban food. What a disappointment.
(1)
Vee S.
Service was great, along with the chicken empanadas. As far as the main courses, they could be a lot better. We ordered the Ropa Vieja, one of my favorites. The flavor was a bit bland and off. So was the rice and beans that came with it. I ordered the Cuban Torta and it was alright. Not anything spectacular. The fries were good. I don't think I'll be returning.
(2)
Lonnie G.
I met a few friends here using gdine.com . The service here was good. Servers were very attentive. The ceviche was lack luster as it was mostly peppers, tomatoes & onions...not sure were the fish was exactly?! The crab cakes had a good taste though. The guacamole was okay but the chips which accompanied it were not but better than any store purchased ones?! My entree was the carne con tequila which was very good! If you like beef it's a winner!
(3)
Matthew R.
I need to first prelude this review by stating that I only came here for a drink and desert on a saturday night. Anyways came here after dinner for a drink and desert and saw the chips and guac and ordered them....... great idea the guac was very tasty and the salsa was also pretty good. Ordered a mojito and it wasnt out of this world but it was good. The desert was decent, had the key lime pie. Anyways a good experience and I would go back.
(4)
Tabitha G.
I'm trying hard to really like this place. If I had gone just for drinks I would give this place 4 stars, but we ate there and I think that's where they lost a star. It's not that the food is bad, it was just alright for me. The drinks however, were amazing. I ordered the Guava Mojito, as recommended by other yelpers and it didn't disappoint. I'm not a fan of fruity, girly drinks so I was a little weary at first with this one because some guava juices can be intense, but to my surprise it was tart with a little bit of tang combined with the lime. It was quite delicious. I could have ordered several more, but it was a weeknight and didn't want to look an alcoholic compared to my other friends. The food was alright, it wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't great either. I'm used Cuban food that is dominated by savory garlic based sauces, citrus infused onions and basted meats topped over black beans and rice. However, this seemed more like Spanish food than Cuban. I had steak for dinner, but nothing yelled out Cuban...it was steak and french fries - which were a variety of sweet potatoes, yucca and taro. My husband had carne asada, which again, to me at least, is Spanish. For some reason both our steaks were warm, not hot, but warm - almost like it had been sitting out for awhile. My friend had the pork loin, which looked good, but it was over powered by the amount of mashed sweet potatoes. Like I said, drinks 4 stars, food 3! Overall, I'd give this place another try, but unfortunately when a place is just "ok", it's hard to convince my husband to give it another go.
(3)
MJ d.
This place is very A-OK. Prices are moderate, portions are generous, and service was friendly. My friend and I dined here last night. As an impatient Mambo Grill fan, waiting for its reopening, I came in with a lot of expectations and inevitably made comparisons with the former occupant. Havana had a cleaner feel and its tables were well spaced out as opposed to Mambo Grill. Second, my friend and I were overwhelmed with number of entrees on the menu. After 5-10 minutes of deliberating (all the descriptions were enticing), he finally decided on the seafood paella while I opted for the barbecue chicken with rice. I think we both agreed that the rice on our dishes were dismal and the broccoli on my dish did not taste fresh; however, my chicken was delicious. It was not dry and the barbecue-tamarind sauce was tasty: smoky, slightly sweet and tangy, and subtly hot. Personally, I would have preferred a little more heat. We also had sangria, which, happened to be half-off that night. I generally do not like my drinks sweet, but the sangria was surprisingly refreshing and I did not feel like my teeth were rotting on the spot. Though my review may portray Havana as average, I cannot wait to see what else this place has to offer, and am curious to dine here during more busy hours.
(3)
Joe S.
Not too shabby. This is a little known gem I think. We went here with a decent size group for my birthday. The food was fantastic. Service was top notch, the drinks were...so so..We had the sangria and I have definitely had better. We started out with the appetizers and the guac was fantastic as were the empanadas, Calamari was perfect. For dinner I had the peruvian sirloin and it was cooked to perfection. Definitely give this place a shot
(4)
Candice R.
I can see why this place only has three stars, but actually managed three stars. What they have going for them is fantastic staff and customer service. What they don't have is out of this world food. Now, maybe I was wrong to get enchiladas at a Cuban place, but they were not tasty. They were dry, a little too spicy (spice without flavor)and accompanied by beans that were out of a can of la preferida, with white rice swimming in butter. I love me some butter, but not when I expected Spanish rice. Oh well, my server found out I didn't like the meal and even though I ate a little less than half of the enchiladas, she comped both my meal and my glass of wine. I'll come back and give them another shot, since I know they're accommodating and that goes a long way in my book.
(3)
matty z.
When the embargo is finally lifted, I will make the trip. Until then, I will visit this pleasant little restaurant in River North. I was quite impressed with the empanadas-- light, flaky, savory. Wished I had ordered nothing but these, but my entree was fab, as well-- the fish tacos. For 8.95, you receive three HUGE tacos AND guacamole AND beans. What a deal, no? Service was fantastic. The only con about place? It is WAY too bright. I call this type of lighting 'ugly lights lighting'-- there's just no way to look good under such brightness. Turn it down, please. Regardless of how I look, I'm definitely coming back. Just too good to pass up.
(4)
Jon B.
So I'm going to go "Obama Nobel Peace Prize" with Havana Grill, and give it a fourth star for its potential rather than what I saw. I TOTALLY agrree with the first posting on this place: they certainly have the "YES" philosophy of restaurant management. I think that in order to give Havana Grill a fourth star, you need to separate it in your mind from Mambo Grill. Nevermind that you feel like you're walking into an old apartment of yours when you walk in to Havana Grill ("but why don't the booths have high backs? Why is it so spacious in here...it's so quiet"). Get it out of your system now. Mambo has mambo-ed out of our lives at this address. We need to move on... What I actually saw: - Guava + Mojito = easy to drink = drunk - Spacious - Ridiculously friendly and attentive service -Delicious, monster empanadas -OK food What they could be: - an awesome after-work destination - a dangerous way to rationale mojito-pitchers by the dozens, near to work (if you're downtown) - a familiar walk back to the El, where you don't feel the cold because mojito pitchers grant you with special superpowers that make you invincible - A slightly more authentic (in some ways) or adventurous menu And remember, just like you never call a lady by the wrong name,...it's "Havana Grill" not "Mambo Grill".
(4)
Caroline M.
Great atmosphere, service, food, and THE BEST GUACAMOLE in town!
(5)
Janice B.
Havana is one of my favorite places in the city! It's cool, casual atmosphere is exactly what I look for on a Friday after work or relaxing weeknight dinner. Not only do they have great drink specials (half price pitchers of Sangria or Margaritas and half price mojitos depending on what night you go) but I've never had a bad meal there. You can't go wrong with any of their skirt steak dinners, but I CRAVE their Rollitos Manchegos (chicken tenders rolls stuffed with fresh spinach and manchego cheese, served with a vegetable cake and green pepper cream sauce). It is the most delicious thing on the menu and you'll want to come back for it!
(5)
Marcel S.
I just stopped by Friday. Great live music - Vagando Food ok and good mojito. I will be back to check te menu in detail.
(4)
Josh M.
Went here for a birthday party, the server was very nice and the food was excellent but toward the end of dinner a water leak broke over our table and not to mention a centipede had to crushed as he interrupted dinner. The manager did give 50% off our bill and a round of "mystery" shots but idk if I will not be coming back here!
(2)
Tim H.
First time here visiting Chicago. My wife and I very much enjoyed Havana. We had great service and the wait-staff was friendly and prompt. The chicken/spinach dish was AMAZING.
(5)
Michelle F.
We walked and walked and walked and walked in search of food. Everywhere had an hour or more waiting time. Soooo.... hungry.... 1) We were seated right away. 2) There was a great live Latin music ensemble playing. 3) The atmosphere and lighting were comfortable, open, and made us feel right at home. 4) The server was ON IT. Sarah was absolutely amazing - some of the best service I have ever had, which is especially spectacular, since she was running about 15+ tables. Insert mega applause here. 5) They accommodated my gluten-free diet very well and were careful to warn me about oils, etc, in case of cross-contamination (which is irrelevant to me, but if I were Celiac, would be REALLY important. It was good to know they cared). 6) The food was pretty darned good: -- The paella was fair, and the seafood in it was fresh (though I'd never had it with chorizo in it... really nice touch! I'm making my own like this next time. -- The pulled pork on jalapeno mashers was great. The jalapeno was too mild for me, and the pork a little under-seasoned. However, very well cooked and the presentation was excellent. -- Plantains were good, but I think I might have been missing a sauce (because of the gluten-free thing, most likely) -- Chips, salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole were all righteously delicious. From Seattle, Matt & I applaud you, Havana. Well done. We will definitely be returning when we come back to Chicago.
(4)
Helena D.
There may not be vintage Chevy's zipping past nor men with cigar smoke curling from their lips, but in serving authentic, fresh Cuban dishes Havana succeeds. On a balmy Monday night where the humidity is enough to overpower any anti-static-cling product, my friends and I met here after work for a special farewell dinner. The decor is clean, cozy yet rustic with a definite homage to the 1940s and '50s. With a west-facing exposure, this place has great natural light and we were seated at a comfortable window table which allowed us a great vantage point to Clark St and, in the opposite direction, the narrow restaurant and long wooden bar. Highlights from our dinner included the pulled pork that sits on top of a delicious bed of garlic mashed potatos and creamed corn puree, the tilapia, and carne asado. The cold pitchers of sangria are a must have, as well as the chips and guac which is a giant basket filled with warm, tri-colored tortilla chips and 3 generous bowls of dips. Having sampled everybody else's dish, I can vouch for the quality and flavor combinations for those dishes - I couldn't eat enough of mine, though after devouring half of the entree, I was stuffed and thoroughly satisfied. Perhaps it's because I ate so many of the chips and couldn't help dipping it into the fresh, homemade salsa concoction. Surprisingly, there were only a couple of other patrons dining and a couple of older gentlemen at the bar enjoying an after-work spritzer and wine. This is a gem in the River North area that, perhaps because of the location, may be overlooked. However, I recommend that Yelpers stop by and give this place a try. It's located just across the street from the Westin Hotel, just north of the Chicago River, where the Mambo Grill use to be.
(4)
Sam G.
Food was good. Service was ok. Only issue is the portions are very small.
(4)
Jason A.
I have been to Havana two times now, and both experiences have been amazing. The food is always awesome and the drinks are amazing. I love the place and would definitely recommend it to anyone on the fence about looking to try a new place.
(4)
Elizabeth T.
Yummy empenadas and some of the best quacamole in the city. The mojitos are nothing to dismiss either! On my second trip here, I had as great an experience as the first. The service is top-notch, the space nicely decorated and all of the food wonderul. My halibut was perfect with a sauce that was just short of too spicy--ie perfection. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Erin H.
AMAZING. Went here and got a table outside immediately. The food was absolutely delicious, prepared perfectly, and presented beautifully!! The chef really knows great Cuban food. I had a refreshing salad, after great fried plantains as an appetizer. The salmon and paella were great too. The menu was decent sized with a nice variety.
(5)
Smeagles S.
The food is delicious but the service could stand some room for improvement. The pulled pork is fantastic, tender, tons of flavor and presented wonderfully.
(4)
L. B.
OMG...the empanadas- with chicken. Amazing. I could definitely care less for the half ass expensive drinks in tiny glasses... Oh, and the ceviche is delish!
(3)
Viviana R.
Solid dining choice. I definitely plan on going back. The food was tasty. We had tostones for appetizers and the Ropa Vieja and chimichurri steak with fries. The restaurant has a great ambiance and although we were 15 minutes late for our reservation we got seated fairly quickly. So why the 3 stars, you ask? Here's what we were disappointed in: ~ Our dining experience took about 2hrs and it wasn't because we were taking our time. Our waiter would repeatedly disappear for 10-15min at time. ~ The restaurant was out of several dishes that we wanted to try: Halibut, Guava Cheesecake, Guava ice cream. ~ Our dessert took over 20min to arrive at our table. One of our party was allergic to all the available desserts so she just ordered the cafe con leche which didn't arrive until after we had all eaten our desserts and were ready to leave. It was obvious our waiter forgot about it and brought it out as an afterthought. Though to be fair, he told us it was on the house. Overall, I'd say it's worth a visit. Though, I suggest coming during a weekday when they may not be as busy. It's a small place and most people wait to be seated at the front of the restaurant so if your table is at the front, you're screwed.
(3)
Debbie V.
Great drinks, great food and definitely excellent service!! We will return and enjoyed everything we ordered. Chips n Guacamole, Calamari, steak sandwich, Carne Asada, Steak tacos, tilapia was unbelievable good. Not cheap - Sangria pitchers $32.00 a pop. Table of six and no wait!
(5)
Anu M.
What a great night out this was! A bunch of us strolled over after dinner on a Sat night. The band was playing, the drinks were good and People were dancing. I wish they would have cleared the tables in the middle so there could have been more room to dance. The place was a little small but there was some great energy going. We didnt even mind when the band took an extremely long break cause the music was so good and we didn't even need to be salsa dancers to enjoy it.
(4)
Clare T.
I was tootling around on Opentable, looking for a place to make lunch reservations last week when I found Havana. Or, rather, found the place where Mambo Grill used to be. I cannot tell you how relieved I was that there was a cheap cuban restaurant in the area again! I really loved Mambo Grill for a lot of reasons, but location was probably number one. Number two was that I could get in and out of there for $30 or less for a nice business lunch. Havana is an improvement over Mambo in a few ways. First, they have updated the decor quite nicely. It feels much more modern and open now, even though the layout is generally the same. Secondly, they streamlined the menu, so it's a lot easier to make choices now. My friend and I both had the Torta Cubana, and while I was expecting a pressed sandwich, it was served on a brioche roll. It was nevertheless delicious, with juicy roast pork, ham, and a slightly spicy chipotle mayo-like condiment. The fries on the side were a slightly strange mix of sweet potato fries, potato fries, and (I think) yucca fries. They came with a little dipping size chimmichurri that was really really tasty. I need to go back at night just to make sure the margaritas are up to par.
(4)
Santiago M.
Not authentic Cuban at all. Food is mostly average. Not very friendly service. Atmosphere is not bad.
(3)
Ryan P.
We went here after we learned of a 3+ hour wait at Frontera Grill down the street. Not having been to Chicago too much we didn't want to wander too far away and stumbled upon Havana. That, and seeing a sign for 1/2 priced Sangria on Tuesdays ($15 instead of $30) made it an easy win right off the bat. The place has nice tall ceilings and has a well lit interior. The empanada appetizer was killer and the Carne Asada entree was also very good, if not a little different than what I had in my mind. Overall, the meal was great, and the venue is nice, new, and fresh.
(4)
reshma s.
A small restaurant with a great bar! Were told to seat anywhere and of course chose a booth which looked comfy and believe me it was just that! Requested a guacamole and as a bit disappointed since it was premade and not according to my specifications...however don't let that get you down since the food is delicious. Being a vegetarian ordered the stuffed portabella mushrooms - Caserola de Hongo Relleno (Okay...Since I couldn't remember the name for the life of me, had to look this up!) To quench the dry gullet had to try the Guava Mojito first and since that didn't do the trick had to have a house mojito! In order to complete the whole experience of course had to have the Coconut Flan for dessert ......Simply Luxurious! Gave it 4 stars since the food was great and the mojitos are to die for...... but the one thing that lacked the 5 was service!
(4)
Marc A.
Havana does everything totally right when it comes to being in the restaurant business. Shall I list the ways? Yes, why not? 1. Despite being a small place like many of the restaurants are in the city, Havana has a layout nothing short of AWESOME. Mostly booths, and not the lame ass half booths, so you can actually have some privacy. 2. Easily one of the best mojitos in the city. 3. Service was friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. When I requested guacamole without tomatoes, they went and made a fresh batch. That's going the extra distance. 4. Food was wonderful and delicious. Portions were decent, just perfectly sized. Great options for vegetarians I wasn't expecting this place to be quite this good, but it turned out far better than imagined.
(5)
Arlene N.
As soon and we walked into the door hostess made is feel umwelcomed. When we asked the bar tender who the owner was he mentioned hostess was co owner. I have been here once before and food was great, but after the greeting we experienced today I will not be back. There are many other Cuban restaurants in Chicago that make you feel like family and welcomed!
(1)
Rachel G.
This place is right around the corner from my work so went here for lunch with a friend of mine. They have a lunch menu which is nice. My sandwich was called the Torta de Polla and it was very tasty. Chicken wasn't dry and the onion bun gave it a good flavor. The price was right too...food, tax and tip was $10. My friend on the other hand didn't like her food. She ordered the enchiladas and said they were dry and tasteless. But, the waitress gave her the meal and her glass of wine complimentary. Now that is customer service. I will be back and my friend said she would give them a 2nd chance as well. Staff was very friendly and I like my meal! Oh and the decor is really nice too. Very clean and fresh looking with an old world twist.
(4)
Erin L.
Tried to go to Mercadito on a Saturday night without reservations...fail. After deciding a 1.5 hour wait wasn't worth it, my friend and I took off on foot and ended up around the corner at Havana. Serendipity! This place was awesome. We started with the crab cakes, which were a great, flavorful start to the meal. I had the Halibut with the almond crust which was perfectly cooked, tasty as heck with a nice Chipotle sauce, and the best side of sweet potatoes I've ever had in my life. My friend ordered the Tequilla marinated steak with chimichurri, which was heaven in your mouth. But first he was accidentlly brought a pulled pork tower dish served over mashed potatoes, with a Cuban take on gravy, by mistake. Our waiter (who was fabulous) let us keep the dish, which was also incredibly good. We didn't get charged for the mistake, and they had the steak out to us within 10 minutes. The atmosphere was cool, and the cost of the meal was very reasonable considering how darn good it was. My only complaint was that my guava mojito was a little light on the booze, but really, whatev. Go to this resaurant now!
(5)
Jennifer P.
Food was good. Seating was quick. Poor service (neglected by wait staff often during the course of the meal). The alcohol content in the mixed drinks was extremely low (so don't order pitchers of anything). Also used a restaurant.com coupon for the meal, and the server said it came with an automatic 25% gratuity (before the discount was included) even though there were only 2 people (including myself) in my party. Rather than argue with him, I just paid and vowed never to return - which I won't. Can't believe I was ripped off!
(2)
Mindy S.
Havana's food was very flavorful and was of good portions for what you paid. The menu includes pitchers of 4 different kinds of mojotos at a reasonable price - both the house and guava varieties were very tasty. Not too sweet, fresh mint, and well mixed. The full-sized quac appetizer + the ceviche were both really good, and were perfect for 4. The waitress recommended dishes were well received - Steak Cubano (steak with a sweet crusty outside and glaze - so good, and the Rollitos Manchegos - almost like chicken cordon bleu, but stuffed with spinach and manchengo cheese, set in a creamy green sauce which was amazing. The paella and cuban sandwich were also full of flavor. The atmosphere was lively and fun, and it was not too loud (went on a Sat night @ 8pm). Definitely a must try if you're looking for a great dinner option in that area.
(4)
Happy Mama M.
Im hoping we just went on an off night but the service was terrible. We made reservations and still had to wait about 30 min for a table. Then it seemed like we waited another 30 minutes before we could place our drink order. It just seemed like maybe the were missing a few employees or something. The food was OK. The empanadas were really good. The salads were good, but not worth the poor service. We probably wont go back but were glad that we tried it out.
(2)
Kim F.
I arrived here as part of a group of 11 on a Saturday night without reservations, yet they managed to find a way to seat us pretty quickly. The service was friendly, the drinks were strong, and the food was very tasty. The biggest downside was the noise level--it was really, really loud. So much so that I couldn't hear any conversation at the opposite end of the table.
(4)
Amy V.
Just mediocre all around. The restaurant was barely two-thirds full between 8 and 9 on a Saturday night. Atmosphere is cool, and our service was fine, but the food was just incredibly meh. I know it's not traditional Cuban food they're serving, but the side-dish options don't include tostones or yuca, even! My husband thought the sauce on his steak tasted like ketchup. My halibut was good, but the veggies on the side reminded me of the kind you get in the freezer section at Jewel. We did enjoy our mojitos, and there's a nice selection of wine by the glass. I'd return for a drink but not for a meal.
(2)
Dave M.
Amongst Clarke Street's endless parade of corporate cookie cutter franchise eateries you'll find Havana. Authentic, real, a one-only restaurant. Excellent decor, friendly staff and great food at reasonable prices. Try the traditional Cuban Steak sandwich It's awesome. Didn't try the wine - will do next time - but the Wine menu is well laid out with an interesting selection to choose from.
(5)
Todd S.
I love Cuban food and love mojitos so I had to try Havana's. It is small and intimate, and you'll definitely need reservations in order to get seated. First stop was at the bar for a Mojito. I travel to Miami quite a bit for business and have had great mojitos there and Havana's makes them equally as good. For dinner we started out with chips and guacamole. They also serve Pico and verde salsa on the side. The verde was extremely spicy. Very good but hot. Be warned. For the main course my wife and I shared the Pollo Horneado con Platano. It's a spicy chicken breast baked in plantain leaves. It comes with sweet potatoes and a side of sweet plantains. Very flavorful and worth the try. The serving was enough for the both of us. I have no complaints about this restaurant. The food is great and the wait staff is very friendly and prompt. I highly recommend giving this little gem a try.
(4)
Chirag P.
A wonderful place to eat with a date or with friends. Great place to try Cuban food, the corn based dishes were very delicious. You will not be disappointed. If you ever want to try Cuban food this place will give you a great option.
(4)
Lauren W.
The beat of the Gypsy Kings cover band brought us in. Can't remember the actual name of the band but we were swirling around dancing, and clapping so it didn't matter. Bad ass band! Mojito Friday special ($20) ended at 11pm. Great mojitos that sent me to to my happy place!!! The place is small and with the band playing and everyone dancing, we stayed in our little corner near the front and danced. Mixed ages but we noticed a more older crowd, which was fine with us. After leaving other bars with the 20 year olds this was a little more of what we were looking for. Solid.
(5)
Eric G.
The food was great the two times that I've been there. I've had the Cuban sandwich and the chicken torta. Both were delicious, and may be enough to warrant me stopping by occasionally. Now, why am I giving the place only 2 stars if the food is so great? They won't care about you if you don't buy a drink. I prefer the blue line for my nightlife, but our company just moved in a big co-working space around the corner. I was looking for a regular lunch place and I thought this place could really hit the spot. The first time I went here though, I waited over 30 minutes for that Cuban sandwich and 15 minutes of that I was staring at it, sitting on the back counter, wondering if it was my sandwich. When I called over my server, he had to ask what I had ordered. It was very off putting because I was the only customer who had ordered food in those 30 minutes. I still loved the food and wanted to give it another chance. The second time was great and prompted a third visit very quickly. This time we came later in the day, only to be told that it was now dinnertime and our sandwiches were going to be almost twice the price as advertised. Please don't give me the sandwich menu while telling me "They will all be about $6-$8 more than what's on the menu because it's dinnertime." We promptly left and have not been back. This place focuses on drinks and nightlife. It's packed at night when people are drunk, but it's dead and empty during weekday lunch rushes. Why is that the case? The service is not up to par, and I just feel cheated and lied to. No wonder. Food is great, but there are so many delicious places, some less than a block away, that will treat well even if you don't buy a drink.
(2)
Michael K.
Went in for lunch a couple of weeks ago. Started off with the great tostones. My friend had the ropa vieja sandwich and I had the Cuban steak sandwich. Both were very good, but the ropa vieja one was amazing (we each had half of each other's sandwiches to share). The fries were also very good. I had two margaritas on the rocks. They were made correctly. No mix. Tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice. Delicious. The waiters were friendly, the restaurant is clean and the ambiance is fun. Will be back many more times when I'm back in Chicago.
(5)
Diana A.
Nice strong and flavorful traditional mojitos! No fake syrupy tasting mojitos here. Big deal to me since mojitos are my favorite. I've tried the tostones appetizer-yummy, the steak entree- yummy and my wife loves the paella. The ambiance is nice. The live band music even better. We're Latinos in the west loop constantly looking for a more authentic Latin vibe and food. Havana hits the mark!
(5)
Kristen W.
Oh Havana how I wish I would have learned about you sooner! it was raining and cold so we ran into this cozy little place to take cover. We were taken by surprise at the awesome cozy vibe of this Cuban restaurant. We started with sangria and it was filled with nice fresh fruit. We saw all of the wonderful food around us to decided to try the calamari appetizer. I've never had "Latin" calamari before... the spices were great and not what I was expecting, this was better than your average calamari and the dipping sauces were amazing as well. Giving the great appetizer I can't wait to go back and try out more dishes for dinner.
(4)
Suzanne W.
Tasty food with a great mix of flavors. Recommend the Pollo al a Caserola. Chicken cooked perfectly, poblano pepper sauce and guacamole - veggies on the side cooked perfectly.
(5)
Diocelina G.
I wanted to love this place, unfortunately due a number of reasons, Havana didn't please me. First off, it's super narrow! Bumping into people is inevitable and there's virtually no dance floor. They had a cool band that played Latin American themed tunes which was excellent, but then when they took their break the place turns into any other typical bar that's blasting Top 40, if they named the place after Cuba's capital, I expect the joint to be much more festive and true to the culture and music of Cuba. The drinks were nothing special I payed $15.50 for top shelf on the rocks. Didn't get to try their food.
(2)
Kaila B.
Being from a Cuban family I was pretty excited to visit this place. I am a server so I will say that my level of expectation for any restaurant can be a little high, however, I think some things should be done well no matter where you are. For example- Server approaching table in less than 5 minutes. Taking the food order after the drink order. Hot food. Unfortunately, they did not win on any of these. I hate to blame everything on the server but the food was luke-warm so it wasn't just them. I can't say I was enthused with the whole experience. My suggestion would be that they tighten things up a little better. I know restaurants sometimes look at M-Wed nights like they're no big deal but that can really be your opportunity to make repeat customers.
(3)
Nick N.
I love Cuban sandwiches so it's great to have a place in Chicago to get one. I drive from the southside to pick these up and it's worth the trip. I always order take-out here so I can't judge on inside service but the food is very good. It's pretty unique, even with all the other food options around it still stands out. The Cuban, the Fries, and the beans and rice all get kudos. Parking can be tricky down there but really that goes for almost any downtown location.
(5)
Angelica G.
Too small of a place for the amount of people they let in. Can't dance anywhere. (Saturday) You have to dance, mingle, and order in the same spot, lol. Good little band, nothing special, but got the crowd going, which was a good mix of people, old, young, multicolored. The mojito pitcher my sister ordered was mediocre, nothing special but drinkable, the bathrooms are down a steep staircase which I can bet many have tumbled down before. As I stated it was too crowded to do any type of movement, if you had a wedgie you'd be screwed, a clean up guy came by with a wet mop to clean up the tiny dance area and as he passed by he mopped my feet as well....... well least I got a free shoe cleaning!
(3)
Lauren M.
I give it four stars for the food and strong drinks. Could use better service from waitresses. Great for early drinks and dinner before the evening crown starts. Recommend having a reservation. Look forward to going again!
(4)
Mon P.
The drink specials are great and so is the music. The food is average or less than average. There's much better Cuban places around the city. Sadly, there's none in river north but this one. I won't be back to eat. They try to be too modern but they've lost the flavor that goes along with Cuban food. To be clear i had the lechon. It was cool to the touch and chunky with a strange sauce. Could have been an odd night. My friends rave about the place so maybe I'll try it once more.
(2)
Elijah S.
Great place , authentic fresh food . The service is very good . Good prices . Quality of food is good . We jumped in after long day at work and wanted something authentic. We got 2 different dishes and all tasted good . Overall good pace . Will definitely come back for more Cuban food .
(5)
J. Terrell A.
Couple folks from the office decided to stop in for lunch around noon. We were seated promptly and provided water. So far so good. Once we ordered it started to go downhill. I noticed a table that was seated after we ordered received their food before we received ours. After 20-25 mins our food finally arrived. We ate and the server was quick to place the check down. The food was good, but the slow service killed it.
(3)
Yuki Y.
Enjoyed the empanadas, caipirinhas, and skirt steak. Fun, lively atmosphere. A neighborhood staple. Service is good and I have to comment that the older busser was busting his a** and doing a great job. He never stopped and moved at a fast pace and it was already 10:30 and long into his evening. Don't know where he was getting his energy. Management if you are listening, give this guy a raise!
(4)
Diana B.
Had a nice dinner when in town just overnight with my boss The food was delicious. The service wasn't as great as I remembered when I lived there. They were accommodating, though, as we didn't have reservations.
(3)
Helen E.
Recent reviews made me nervous but I needn't have been. Great service, delicious food, bright atmosphere. We had the fish tacos and the pulled pork - we destroyed both, along with the plantain chips appetizer. Would definitely come again if we lived here.
(4)
Peter C.
We walked past this place and noticed the amazing Cuban music Playing. After walking in we noticed it was $20 pitchers of mojitos on Friday. The pitcher was amazing. Hand muddled limes with mint. Absolutely delicious. We got the apps and they were great too. The place was dead though with us being the only ones in there. The sopa de tortilla was great same with the friend plantains. Good place to stop to. Smaller and not packed at all.
(3)
Sarah R.
I made a last minute reservation her for my friend's bachelorette party. Initially, I was worried about the quality of a place in this area with Saturday night reservations opened less than a week out, but Havana exceeded my expectations. Our waiter was phenomena (and cute) and patiently answered so many questions. The specialty drinks were amazing . My friend liked the coffeetini so much she requested it for her wedding. I have a less fancy recipe if anyone is interested. The food did not disappoint. Our group included several spicy lightweights, a hardcore meat-lover, and one vegetarian(hello!) and everyone loved their choice. I really enjoyed the decor as well. We were seated in a center table, but had enough room that no one bumped us. There was also a lower level with more tables as well as a bar up front. I'm not really a River North kinda woman, but Havana was an excellent exception.
(4)
Lauren F.
Loved this place way back when it was Mambo Grill and love this place now as Havana. Fridays are 1/2 price mojito pitchers and they make a pretty mean mojito. The chimichangas are my absolute favorite thing on the menu and I often just order these as my main dish, as does my husband. We also really love their guacamole and salsa starter as well as the Roasted Pulled Pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and creamed corn...I wish they'd add a little more of the creamed corn but it is still delicious! I've also been to Havana for a bachelorette party and they do a really great job accommodating larger groups. The booking is super easy and everyone that attended was super impressed with the menu options. Definitely busy on the weekends so I highly recommend reservations for a guaranteed table!
(4)
Nikola L.
Great food, good service. Mojitos were a little too sweet for my taste. When we complained the girl brought us some soda water :)
(5)
Kristal T.
The food here was delicious. I would normally give this restaurant five stars but the service was horrendous. The waitress literally forgot to put our order in. We waited for over an hour to receive and "oops" and then waited an additional 30 min or so for our food to come out. As someone who previously worked and managed a restaurant I feel that this was unacceptable. I would be more understanding if it had been very busy but there was only one other couple in the place and it was around 8:30 or so. Overall, the food is delicious; but due to the poor service, I doubt I will return.
(3)
Reggie H.
Great chaiperinas and mojitos. Small spot with lively regulars. Food is just fair because the seasoning profiles are very underwhelming. Beef dishes are not always tender either which is sinful with the Ropa Vieja. I want to love this place but can't
(3)
Alan D.
Tonight was my first time at Havana. I'm very picky about food and the atmosphere of a restaurant. This place is already on my list of favorite restaurants. We started with the Calamari which was fantastic. My gf got the Carne con Tequila. It was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. I ordered the Cuban Roasted Pork which I would easily order again. Every part of the dish was cooked perfectly and it all worked well together. Our server Crista was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. There was a party at the tables next to us and she was considerate enough to ask us if we preferred to sit away from them even before they arrived. I will absolutely come back to this restaurant again and will request to sit in Crista's section. What a great experience.
(5)
Gabriel M.
Havana used to be my favorite lounge/restaurant in the city. Good atmosphere and food and awesome Mediterranean music. 4-5 years ago this place was just awesome, but now...the service is atrocious, the food is subpar and for some reason the band has decided to add rock elements to the music and it just sucks. There's a reason why Rhumba or Middle eastern music has 99% acoustic instruments! Why did you guys change?! Sigh...Last 3 Saturday's I was there it was just bad, couldn't even dance, it felt like Vagando wasn't even trying, plus no one likes 10 min songs, especially when they don't sound like they should. Last night I was there for a birthday party, and you guys brought the cake out without even cleaning the table first. One of the young bus boys was just standing around (the one with the mohawk), the girl server had to be asked 5 times for water and lemon (she never brought lemon though)...just like a few Saturdays ago! my girlfriend had to move the empty glasses to another table and only then did the staff clean our table. I mean it was simply disrespectful...I feel bad for the manager cause he's always running around the place trying to accommodate patrons but his staff is letting him down.
(2)
Alli E.
Got the classic mojito and Carne con Tequila- both really good!
(4)
Joan S.
My husband and I went to Havana before seeing a show at the Oriental Theatre. The restaurant is just a short 10 minute walk. We arrived early for our reservation and decided to sit at the bar. We order the Mojito flight, bartenders pick - classic, coconut and guava. The mojito's were awesome!! Another bartender came and started talking to us!. He was very personable and made us feel very welcome! He even made us a sample of chilled mango rum with fresh mango juice - YUM! He is the main reason why we would return! Now the food. My husband and I had recommendations from our waiter. I had the Cuban Roasted Pork which was AWESOME! This dish was plentiful and flavorful. I would definitely recommend it. The rice with beans side was just okay. My husband had the Steak Jibarito which was good but mine was better. The steak was cooked perfectly. The latin fries were tasty. For desert we had some fudge cake which was just okay. I wanted the flan but my husband is not a flan fan. We would return. Thanks for the great freindly customer service at the bar, wish I knew his name! :-)
(4)
Belle M.
Such a great place for drinks, food and dancing. It has very welcoming vibe, I brought my boyfriend in and he is pretty picky about his Cuban food but he loved it. We ordered the Chimichangas and the Ropa Vieja! The Chimichangas were delicious. The drinks they make here are made to keep you around for a while. The Mojitos are the best I have had...ever!! A must go! Highly recommended
(5)
Elyse L.
Yum! There are only two reasons Havana doesn't get 5 stars from me. 1st is their house mojito and second was my dessert. That aside I immensely enjoyed my meal here tonight. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked in garlic, bell peppers, and other spices. I don't care for bell peppers so I was a little skeptical but you can't taste them at all. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. I could eat this meal everyday and never get tired of it. We started with their house mojitos and they were too bitter for me. That's usually my favorite drink, but they were so sour one sip made both my husband and I pucker our lips. Maybe try a flavored kind there. Those might be less harsh. There was a free dessert yelp check in offer and the only thing we both agreed on from being stuffed was the strawberries in cream. I don't know what they make the cream out of but when I took a bite all I tasted was rancid milk. Almost like when you smell spoiled mayo. My husband ate the whole thing and enjoyed it so maybe something in my palate just wasn't playing nice tonight. Either way you need to eat here. The food was delicious
(4)
Gustavo B.
Great place almost hidden from the flashier options in this neighborhood. Go inside for a tranquil, yet lively enough vibe. Awesome food that doesn't stick to the traditional beaten options but still tastes very unique. Drinks weren't good though, maybe it's my fault to order a margarita instead of a Mojito.
(4)
Fadi S.
very chill environment. they're playing Latin music in the background. the food menu was amazing. we had guac and some appetizers at first. the service was good too. would recommend the place of.you happen to be in the area.
(4)
Reynick M.
Mexican-Cuban fusion. Not a true Cuban restaurant. Dishes were overly salted and very oily. I would never recommend this to anyone. We had the Tostones as an app, which were incredibly salty - more so than what you would find at any Cuban restaurant in Miami, Chicago, or NYC. And, the Lechon (roast pork) dish was very greasy. This was really weird because someone else in our party had the Ropa Vieja and found it to be dry as a bone.
(1)
Chrisette L.
I love spanish food . This was a nice intimate setting . Perfect for a first date ! I ordered a seafood dish that was amazing . He ordered the Carne Asada and it was seasoned to perfection.
(4)
Stephen S.
Excellent and unique food with great service. I highly recommend the Carne Asada and Havana Pulled Pork. The mojitos from the bar also can't be beat.
(5)
Austin Y.
I've been to Havana 3 or 4 times and have learned to stick with my favorites. Portions are very generous, and I like the dark, modern decor that's cozy at the same time. Chimichangas ($9) were terrific, perfectly crisp and filled with moist chicken in an addictively good poblano cream sauce. Empanadas ($11) were just ok, the manchego was the best by far while the chicken and ground beef weren't that interesting. Carne con tequila ($18) wasn't great, the steak was slightly overcooked and I wasn't a huge fan of the tequila sauce. The chimichurri was good, but tasted a little weird alongside the tequila. Pulled pork ($17) was a little underwhelming, the pork was tender but not very moist, and the potatoes and creamed corn were good but also added a lot of carb-y, creamy heaviness that wasn't balanced by any sort of acidity. Seafood paella ($21) was a mixed bag. The seafood was plentiful and the chorizo was great with the pineapple, but the dish was a little dry overall and the rice wasn't crusty/crispy. BBQ ribs ($19) were amazing. The ribs were incredibly flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender, and the guava-infused BBQ sauce was tangy and unusual. Jalea de mariscos ($22) was also a fantastic choice, a lot of fresh shellfish including scallops and shrimp in a creamy coconut sauce over rice, I guess it's sort of like Cuban curry. Definitely recommend. Havana has its share of hits and misses, but get the empanadas and either the ribs or jalea de mariscos and you'll leave full and extremely satisfied. I will be back for those.
(3)
Justin B.
Squeezed in for lunch this past Wednesday with a friend to use up my lunch-for-two Gilt City deal. Generally, this was a great meal. We tried both soups on the menu; I thought both were great, but my friend thought that the black bean might have had a slight edge. I tried the Torta Cubana and was very satisfied...the ketchup had a little spice to it, which served the perfectly-cooked fries very well, and the bread the sammie was served on was excellent, as were the fillings. My friend tried the Ropa Vieja...she thought it was good, but "not as good as the spots I used to hit in Miami", whatever that's worth! The only negative was service/food delivery speed...we arrived at about five before noon for our noon reservation, but we didn't get out until just after 1. For soups and sammies over the work day lunch hour, things moved a little slow for my taste. Otherwise, I would come back here; menu prices seem fair and you get a ton of food for the price, at least off the lunch sammie menu.
(4)
Bob R.
Our experience at Havana was exactly what one should expect when going to dinner in the city. Havana is a Cuban restaurant on the southern tip of River North. It is very small - about 10 tables or so on the inside. They also have an area out on the sidewalk with another four tables. There is a large wooden bar that takes up much of the interior space. We were immediately greeted and seated - we had an early dinner, around 5 PM. The sidewalk seats were all taken but it was wide open inside. We had a very nice table by the window so we could watch the foot traffic outside. The waiter asked if we had any questions on the menu or Cuban food in general. Since Cuban is one of our favorite foods, we really did not have any questions. We ordered their large guacamole platter while we decided. My wife and I both ordered caipirinhas. They were tart and excellent. The guacamole platter came with tri-color chips with three salsas - the guacamole itself, fresh pico de gallo and a VERY spicy salsa. I was really torn on what to get. I absolutely love Cuban sandwiches, but we were celebrating, so I ordered Carne con Tequila - a chargrilled skirt steak served with tequila-infused sauce and Latin fries tossed with homemade chimichurri. It was fantastic. In talking to the waiter later in the meal, I asked about Pisco, a South American Liquor I'd never tried. He brought me a shot. It was very good, very similar to white tequila. After dinner, and all of the drinks, I had a Cuban coffee to finish out the meal. There were some earlier reviews that mentioned slow service. I agree, but it was not unbearably slow and we were not in a hurry. The service allowed us a relaxing meal where we could enjoy the decor, the food and the company. This was a great experience, one I am eager to share with others.
(5)
I J.
After coworkers mentioned that the food at this place was worth the terrible service, I decided to try it and I am so glad I did because now I know to never come back and tell others to not waste their money here. The food was okay, but the service was horrendous. Our server was just the worst, he came to our table once and when we told him we weren't huge fans of what we ordered, he did not care. We asked for a side of lemons, and he brought us 3 tiny pieces of limes that looked totally dry. The mojitos were so watered down, and they didn't come out until after our food did. We left so angry. Do not come here please, it's not worth it.
(1)
Stephanie S.
The last few times I've been here have been a major let-down in terms of service. We brought family here on our last visit, and I was a little embarrassed. I'd been raving about this place, and then our server didn't stop by until we'd been at our table for 15 minutes. Then he didn't greet us; just kind of a "Ok, what are we ordering?" He was absent for most of the meal. This isn't the first time it's happened to me here. And they're never busy, so I don't know what's going on. The food is good, but honestly a bit overpriced for what you get.
(3)
Whitney W.
I want to live here. The live music was GREAT. I danced my little butt off. I may or may not have gotten drunk from the Mojitos that I ordered, and the food was great! I ordered about 4-5 different appetizers, one being the crab cakes that were melt in your mouth good. I really can't think of a single negative thing to say.
Great food (especially the paella, empanadas, fried plantains and ceviche) and awesome drink specials most days of the week. Friday's = $20 mojito pitchers! Live salsa music on weekends and you'll see people of all ages taking a twirl on the dance floor when the music start (probably with help of some mojito courage!). A great find in River North, as the atmosphere is more private and intimate than other restaurants in the area. The waiters and food runners are all very nice and sweet, and you never feel rushed out. A great place to come for any occasion, but if you are coming with a larger party, make sure to call ahead for reservations.
(5)
Emily J.
I went here a few nights ago for a birthday dinner and had a great experience! It's down the street from my apartment and I always walk by and love the Latin music playing outside, it puts you in a good mood no matter what! Our group sat on the patio and enjoyed the music mingled with the sounds of the city. Unfortunately the smell of the sewer was also part of the mix, but that's just Chicago for you! The restaurant itself is lovely and you really feel like you've been transported out of Chicago for you dinner (minus the sewage smell!). I would start off with the fired plantain chips with homemade salsas and of course, a pitcher of mojitos. I am in love with the mojitos at Havana-they are perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. I didn't even have a terrible headache for work for the next morning! The food was just so-so, nothing terrible but nothing outstanding either. One of my companions got the paella, which was easily the best dish out of everything ordered, but it wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked it to be. Dessert was also a highlight-it was some type of chocolate/strawberry lava cake for the birthday girl. Our server, Olga, was fantastic and humored our selfie taking antics throughout the meal. I will be back to Havana, but probably just for mojitos and plantain chips. I can't wait to try this place in the winter when I will really need a tropical themed escape, even just for a drink or two!
(4)
Lizz M.
Yum! Popped into Havana with a co-worker on a Thursday night. Service was great. Our waiter was super sweet. They have caipirinhas! Which are traditionally a Brazilian drink, but if it's on the menu, I must have it. I went with the passion fruit kind and was not disappointed. Drinks are strong and delicious. For apps, had the guac and chips, which also come with pico de gallo and a salsa verde, which was fantastic. I need the recipe, please. We also ordered the platanos tostados, which are sliced plantain chips that are served with a side of pureed beans and a pineapple salsa. The beans needed a touch more salt, but were delicious no less. For the main course, I went with the roasted pork that is served with fried yucca, congri, and fried plantains. yum, yum, and more yum. You can't really go wrong with this dish, unless you're not a fan of onions as the pork is topped with a pile of roasted onions. Dessert was a chocolate cake, a perfect ending to a great meal. I'm definitely coming back to give their Cuban sandwich a try!
(4)
Shradha A.
We haven't tried the food but their drinks were good. We were here for their dance night and the live band + music were great! Wish they had more space to move though as it gets quite crowded!
(3)
david O.
12 people for my Fiance's birthday. We were seated a little late but the manager more than made up for it with lots of appetizers that were delicious. Mojito pitchers for $22? Yes please. Highly recommended.
(5)
Dora C.
Had one of the most amazing girls night at Havana! There was a live band performing that provided the best dancing music ever! Our bartender Noel made sure our pitcher mojitos was always filled! We originally planned on only staying for a little while and ending up staying til Havana closed down!
(5)
Faith A.
Upon being stuck going to Chicago for a night in the midst of the Polar Vortex, my company chose Havana as our dining spot for a team dinner. I have to say, I was quite disappointed in this choice. Upon entering the restaurant, it seemed cozy and comfy, however, we were taken downstairs as we had a group of about 12-14 people. It was not the cleanest of spaces and seemed a little musty smelling. Service was okay, and food was mediocre at best. There was calamari and some other app I cannot remember, not good but edible at least. I got the fish tacos... they were okay at best. T I will not be back here given the amount of better options in the River North area.
(2)
Jennifer N.
The food here is full of flavor, and the $20 pitchers of sangria were tasty too. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked with bell peppers & onions. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Omnomnom! Service was a little slow, but all in all, a great Cuban restaurant in River North.
(4)
Lynn H.
Absolutely love it here and so has everyone I have ever brought with me! Can't remember the exact name, but I always get the chicken that is stuffed with spinach and cheese...sooo good! I also come here for drinks only every now and then. Their pitcher deals during the week are the best!
(5)
Bose' A.
We had dinner at Havana last night and it was great. My date and I had the plantanos maduros to start with and they were yummy! We also tried multiple of their specialty beverages and all were tasty. The atmosphere was perfect for our 5th date. Not too loud so we could have a more intimate conversation and it's in a great location. The staff was super friendly as well. We will definitely return for more delicious dinners at Havana!
(5)
Ryan B.
Always a winner for lunch. Good food at non-River North prices. The jibarito, pisto manchego and the torta Cubana are the best things on the menu. Seating is always very tight and service can be slow at times. But this place always delivers.
(4)
Angela S.
Havana is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Every time I have a new guest in town, I take them here. I have never stayed late enough to watch the band (I believe they don't usuLly start until after 11), but the food is fabulous. I would highly recommend getting anything with their poblano cream sauce. I like the atmosphere, it is very cozy. It is small, but that what makes it special. I have heard however, some hispanic friends of mine saying the food didn't quite live up to their expectations on authenticity (and they would know best!) but from an average jos standpoint, I would sat it is outstanding.
I appreciate the business getting in touch with me and that alone deserves an additional star. Original review: service is not very good (good cafe cortadito)
(4)
Giuliana M.
A Great atmosphere and the lunch menu is amazing. The service was fast and the prices were very reasonable!!
(4)
Mili J.
Food was great. But the service was bad. The waitress had an attitude, and was very comfortably denying the little variations my friends were asking for. Felt like she is doing a grand favor on us by serving food. Anyway the food was great, i can go back there for the good food hoping for a different server.
(3)
rebecca g.
Went because of Groupon and was quite impressed. Food wasn't cheap, but quality was great and blows overpriced La Guardia out of the water. The atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired--feels like any other modern yuppie place downtown that happens to be piping in Salsa tunes...but the service was attentive and quick, so can't really complain. I had the Rollitos Manchegos, which I expected to be similar to flautas but were more like crispy sliced roulades, filled with yummy chicken, spinach, and cheese with the most heavenly green pepper cream sauce. Portions looked small at first glance, but were actually pretty filling. I can't remember the name of the tropical cocktail I ordered, but it was good, if a bit on the small side. I'd like to go back, to check out some of their weekly specials.
(4)
Yaw N.
I've been to Havana twice and each time we've gone we have come away more impressed with the restaurant. I am a cocktail snob (trust me this is a curse) and could not stand their mojito. The mint was crushed not muddled releasing all the bitter taste of mint into the cocktail which they tried to mask with sugar and soda. Long story short, don't rely on their drinks if you go there. On the other hand, the food is quite good. The Cuban sandwich is really good and last time we went I had the enchilada which I would definitely order again.
(3)
Chirag P.
I remember when it used to be Mambo Grill and it seems many of the items are very similar (or the same) so I'm wondering if it was just re-branded. Anyways, based on the assumption that it was the same joint I ordered the ribs w/ mashed sweet potatoes, which were probably the best ribs I've ever had (when it was Mambo). The Havana version did not disappoint... though Mambo's had a bit of a kick to it, which was nice to counteract with the sweet potatoes. But still good. The place does get packed, so make a reservation.
(4)
Kristen F.
Came here for lunch with our group from work after searching around on Yelp for some suitable nearby lunch spots that weren't terribly expensive, had gluten free options outside of salad and were within walking distance for us. Havana nailed all three plus it was a place none of us had tried yet. We got some guacamole and calamari as an appeitizer, solid and the calamari had an interesting spice to it. I had their steak sandwich. I was most impressed by the authentic char grilled taste of the meat, just like it came straight off my grill at home. It also came with an oil and cilantro topping that was a super tasty add on. Service was prompt and the restaurant was well decorated with an homage to the 40's or 50's, classy. If I had any criticism it would be that it was a tad noisy which made it hard to hear each other but that was minor I think we'll be back for their drink specials sometime. ;)
(5)
Swati B.
This is the old mambo grill, and it seems to have a lot of the same menu...I like the ambiance and the crowd is a pretty decent mix...it can get a bit loud, and it seems to be fitting for larger groups..didn't see too many couples on a sat. night... For vegetarians they have 2-3 items, I got the dish that had stuffed poblano peppers..pretty decent, but $14? It was quite pricey... The guac/chips are decent... Seemed most of my friends that ate here enjoyed their meals..drinks are great as well, service is quick and friendly..overall a great place but for vegetarians you will have to pay a pretty penny for the food here...
(4)
Marcos L.
Nice room. Decent cocktails, though nothing special. Nice people, though sadly they seem rather bored. And here's why: The food is mediocre. It's too bad. Like I say, it is a nice space, which means it's entirely a kitchen problem. I don't understand how restauranteurs can think they can open such a halfway-there kind of place in a seriously competitive area like River North and hope to make a go of it. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this place closed fairly soon. They can't be making money. If they were to do some interesting and memorable small-plate stuff and make really good cocktails, they'd probably be doing quite well with the after-work crowd. But the menu (& execution) has all the imagination of, well, a restaurant in Havana. (Yes, I've been. In fact, I spend a lot of time there. And let me tell you: No one ever went to Havana for the food. At least not in the past few decades. You can get better Cuban food here in Chicago than in Cuba. Even in this place. But that ain't saying much.) I mean, they give you a limp piece of breaded meat and then sprinkle little garnishes around the plate, all fancy like, as if that will make it taste better. Like magic fairy dust. Doesn't work that way.
(3)
Lisa T.
Half price mojitos, I love you. Seriously.... the mojitos are AWESOME and I actually would pay full price for them. But I don't have to since Havana is amazing and does half price mojito Friday! The food is overall very good. A few bright spots and a few less delicious items, but overall quite good. The calamari appetizer is GREAT... the spicy sauce it's served with is sooooooo good. The plantain chips were so-so. Not the best... just kinda bland. The tequila marinated carne asada was great. It was served with frites and a delicious chimmichuri. The chicken rolled with spinach and manchego was somewhat lacking in flavor. The green pepper sauce it was served with was very good but the chicken itself needed more seasoning. The chipotle mayo/sauce on the cuban sandwich is fantastic.... it makes a delicious sandwich a total knockout. The service was quite good. Extremely attentive water refills, and quick turnaround on our food and drink orders. Random things - they serve their mojitos in small-ish glasses that remind me of juice glasses......... wtf? It's a little odd. I can handle a big girl glass, I promise. And it's a cute space, but a SMALL space. Crowded tables. (to be expected in this neighborhood, but still...) Can't beat the prices, good drink specials, good service, pretty good food. I think I may have found a new fav.
(4)
Jamie Q.
The best Cuban I've ever had I found in Chicago. Fun place friendly staff and excellent price. My next trip to Chicago will include a stop here.
(4)
Jacque R.
Being from Austin, l first have to say I LOVED the live music! There is not much better than a live spanish guitar. Havana's mojitos (made with Pisco) are delious, especially on a warm day. My other favorite is thier latin fries. A mixture of regular french fries and sweet potatoe fries drizzled with a wonderful chimmichurri sauce- everyone at our table of 8 was reaching over to grab fries off my plate!
(4)
Jason H.
Great roasted pork, but the steak sandwich lacked a large portion of meat and the ropa vieja was slightly overcooked. The manager was accommodating and we enjoyed the great ambiance.
(4)
Kathleen C.
This was the BEST & CHEAPEST lunch that I've had in the city. So good that I definitely can't wait to tell people to go there and go back myself for dinner/drinks. It's located along a weird strip of Clark and has an awkward patio out front but we sat inside which was actually pretty nice! We ordered a half order of guacamole for 2 people. Best thing is that it came with salsa and pico de gallo and TONS of chips. For $4. Awesome. The menu had so many choices with a lot of cheaper items for lunch. Both my friend and I ordered tacos which were really good. I definitely preferred the chicken to the seafood tacos though. I would have given them 5 stars but it took 30 minutes for our tacos to come out and then we had to ask for a check. Not the place to go if you are on a time crunch.
(4)
Nicole V.
Very appropriate decor, you walk in and feel as though you have been transported to a Cuban oasis. So dark and inviting! The food was outstanding. I have had a number of items off of the lunch menu and they have been both affordable and delicious. This is a little known loop lunch destination that I hope sticks around for a long time!
(5)
Amanda C.
I have been here twice for drinks/dinner and sat both inside and outside. Both experiences were great and their cocktails have been excellent. The sangria is like candy but with just the right amount of sweetness. It's nice that they have so many specials throughout the week- half priced margaritas, sangria pitchers, mojitos, etc. For dinner I had the spicy chicken cooked in the plantain leaf with sweet potatoes, plantains and habanero sauce. It was awesome. The patio gets a lot of flies but maybe that adds to the authentic atmosphere.
(4)
Laura V.
I'm not impressed with Havana as a weekday lunch option. I came here yesterday and the service was way too slow to contend. Chips and Guac: 30 minutes, entrees: 45 minutes. One of my friends actually had to get a to-go box with her entree because she had to get back to work. That kind of experience is never pleasant. The ambiance was really nice and the food was very decent. The server, though running around the restaurant frantically most of the time, was friendly. Based on the speed of their service and the attractiveness of their drink specials, I think Havana will be an after work appetizer/drink place which, though great, is a shame because I would've loved to add another lunch option in the area.
(3)
Sandra W.
This place was not bad. I'd come back here, actually. I wanted to try the other foods but I didn't have the appetite. Although it was a Cuban restaurant, I definitely ordered something that wasn't Cuban...Chimichangas. haha. yes, they were still great! :) The Mojoitos, on the other hand, were FANTASTIC. We got 3 pitchers shared it, and it was great. The ambiance was really chic-ish and trendy. There was a live band right at the end when we were about to leave. The staff seemed extremely nice. The waitress did mix up our tab, but we got it sorted out in seconds, so it was no biggie. The bathroom is freezing though.
(3)
Sejal P.
Went to Havana for a birthday dinner; it was around 10:30pm. Food here is excellent however the service was a bit slow. It was understandable since they were busy setting-up a live band, which started around 11:30. DRINKS: I ordered Berry mojito and my friend ordered scotch whisky which they didn't carry. * you might want to call ahead to see if they have your drink* My drink was good, not same as original Mojito's. APPETIZER: we ordered Guacamole and Calamari for appetizers; both were excellent, guac was just the right texture and tasty. Calamari were crunchy and tender; their guajillo sauce with chipotle tart was the best. DINNER: i order seafood mix, and my friend had the tequila steak. Both were good, my only regret is going late, this place would be great for group dinner. For us it was too loud, we quickly finished dinner and skipped dessert. Overall it was great food, good service, and good drinks. I would come back again for sure.
(4)
Chioke M.
Food is very good. The atmosphere is nice and the service is very good. If you drink, they often have drink specials. The steak sandwich is my favorite but the soft tacos are nice also. In the evening, they have live music playing. It is just a good place in the city to eat.
(4)
Ann M.
I felt like I was in South Beach - loved it. I work around the corner but had never stopped in until today. I had the Havana Steak sandwich and a mojito. The mojito was a perfect blend of mint and lime and rum - not overly sweet as some can be. The sandwich was seriously delicious - I ordered it without the mayo and it was plenty moist without it. Sandwiches also come with chimichurri sauce which was perfection. I liked the fries: a mix of sweet potato and white potato, although the sweet potato ones were the best, while the white potato were just average frozen potatoes. The service was attentive and friendly, and they didn't even bother to chase us out as we lingered over our ice water.
(4)
Jim V.
Loved the Cuban music that played when we sat outside. Was very impressed with the appetizers, service, price, and drinks that we had during our visit. The sangria pitchers were phenomenal, ceviche was excellent, and the dishes were all top - notch. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Troy B.
Went here last Friday to use the Groupon. Drinks were good. Food was ok, not bad but not wonderful. Maybe it was our fault because we stuck to the basics. Had the calamari starter and it was just like calamari in any restaurant, nothing special. The chimichangas were actually the best thing we had. I had the slow roasted pulled pork and it was not good. The meat was cooked fine but the mashed potatoes were bad. They served it in a ring mold and the potatoes were so mashed down in the mold that it was like eating a solid potato. The plantain sauce that went with it was the only thing with any flavor. The potatoes were supposed to be 'jalapeno mashed'. I can't say I saw or tasted any peppers in mine. My partner had the pork chops. Again the meat was well cooked but the flavors were way off. The sauce tasted like a battery. Service was very good. It was freezing inside the restaurant. I think it was actually warmer outside and this was November 13. The noise level was way too loud for the space and the high ceilings did nothing to dampen it. People were shouting to be heard and it was just not an enjoyable atmosphere. For Cuban food I would go to Cafe Laguardia or Cafe 28 any time, but probably won't be back here.
(2)
Nala B.
Came here recently for an early dinner. Food was good and the drinks were excellent. The prices are higher than they should be although that might be a function of the location and the very large portions. The decor is lovely. Seems like it would be a good place to take a date. I enjoyed my dinner here but will likely not come back, given the wealth of very good restaurants Chicago has to offer.
(3)
Bonnie B.
I really loved everything about this restaurant. The drinks - $4 mojitos on a Friday night? For real? The atmosphere - very pretty, classy looking joint. The FOOD - unbelievable- everything I ate - starting with the calamari and guacamole to my dinner of pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes and roasted creamed corn. SO amazing. I know everyone else I was with was really happy with their food as well. My mom said "best paella I've ever had," and others had the peruvian steak dish and a chicken dish. All amazing. Prices are not bad either. Very reasonable for what you get.
(5)
Andrew B.
Went here before a musical for some appetizers and drinks. The decor is really unique and definitely has the Cuban feel. We sat by the big folding doors at the front of place and had a nice "Cuban" breeze blowing through. The half priced mojitos were awesome and a great value. That is what pushed this place from 3 stars to 4 stars. We had the calamari and chimichangas, both of which were fried to perfection. Calamari was served with nice saffron (I think) sauce. The chimichangas were bite sized and tasty, and recommended by our waitress. Service was great. Value was good. Atmosphere was one of a kind.
(4)
Jackie R.
I had the Chiles en Nogada, stuffed poblanos with mushrooms, onions, cheese, topped with a creamy walnut sauce. Really tasty. I liked that they omitted the deep frying that chile rellenos usually undergo. Drinks are always excellent here, especially the mojitos. Its a cute little spot, and always happening on the weekends. I give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)
Bonnie M.
Last night our family and friends hosted a 30th birthday party at Havanas and from the initial planning to the very end of our evening it was a wonderful and fun experience. The private room downstairs was just right for our party of 35 people. The atmosphere is 1940s Havana, the lighting and seating were impeccable and it was the perfect space to mingle for 2 hours. We also brought in our own party favors, some table decorations and birthday cupcakes which was fine with the restaurant. We opted for the 2 hour appetizer package, including personalized menus for the tables...nice touch. The food was EXCELLENT ( we chose mini beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, tortilla chips with expected dips, chicken quesadillas, portabella quesadillas, and cheviche with plaintain chips...my personal favorite) We didn't buy the drinks package instead opting for pitchers of white and red sangria, mojitos and individual drink orders. Our group then moved upstairs to reserved seating for live entertainment and dancing. The space was cozy and it made for excellent interacting. The band even gave a special shout out to the birthday girl. Our celebration was from 9 pm to 1 am and valet parking was very handy. Special props for excellence in service to Andrea who made it all happen with the planning and personal help & direction during the party. Also to Omar, our server/waiter who went above and beyond during the entire party. Thanks Havana for such a special and memorable night. We will be back!
(5)
Pavan K.
A place to look out for, to have a nice date or hangout with friends !! The Mojito here just tastes like heaven, incomparable to any other place in Chicago! Cheesecake deserts are good too. !!
(5)
Louis V.
Made a reservation for 9pm on 5/18/13. When I got there my name was nowhere to be found and was told I could wait for 45 minutes... I was beyond disappointed & really looking forward to eating there with my wife. On my way out, I overheard a diner on the patio comment that their rice was minute rice. Any Latin restaurant that uses minute rice is horrible.
(1)
Robert B.
This was my first time dining at a Cuban restaurant and I must say, it was a GREAT experience. I loved the atmosphere, I loved the music, oh yeah, and the food was delicious. My girlfriend and I went just because it was close to an event we were attending, and both of us a looking forward to going back. I had the enchiladas, and my girlfriend had the pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes, with roasted cream corn. She washed it down with the red sangria which was really refreshing, and I had the spiced rum martini which was pretty potent! But I loved it I'm looking forward to my next experience!
(5)
Jeff B.
Not a large place which is nice. Valet greets you to take your car. Hostess was friendly. Bartender was already making our mojitos before we sat down. Drinks were outstanding, best outside of the Caribbean. Apps and main course was great. Flavors were not over bearing and had a great balance. Our group tried steak, pork and chicken, each uniquely prepared and delicious. Highly recommend going here for a solid Latin fusion experience.
(5)
Diana D.
Delicious mojoitos! Excellent service! Great, authentic decor. This place has become a place that I can't stopping coming back to. The empandas are very tasty and flavorful.. but my favorite thing to get is the guacamole with plantain chips. Everything I have tried here has been phenomenal - always alongside their praiseworthy cuban mojoito pitchers! Definitely check it out.
(5)
Phallon P.
I enjoyed the food and the decor here. I ordered fish tacos, everything came out on a gorgeous platter. And the dessert was so good! I think it was a guava cheesecake, hands down the best thing I've eaten all year! I'd come back just for the cheesecake alone.
(4)
Natasha L.
This place is hit or miss. Honestly if you end up here - get the mojitos. Its what keeps me coming back.
(3)
Jolynna M.
A couple of Saturdays ago I stumbled across this place quite by accident, after being turned away at the famed Frontera Grill down the street. It was standing room only there, as is typical from what I hear. At any rate, I was hungry, and Havana was nearby. Plus the weather was perfect on a Saturday evening and they had outdoor tables, and even the inside was nice and airy due to the open windows. The decor was very colorful, just as a Cuban restaurant should be, and inviting. I got a seat by the window with a view to the street, so I enjoyed some good people watching while sampling from the fabulous menu. Everything, but everything looked wonderful, as I love Cuban food. But at last I settled for the fried plantains, fresh ceviche and black bean dip with pita wedges. It was all fantastic - really, really, really! Fresh produce, spicy flavors and artfully arranged. I also had a couple of mojitos, which they serve by the glass or the pitcher, making it nice for couples or groups. I am not from Chicago - was there on business, but next time I am in the area, I am putting this one on my list to visit again. Go on - give it a try!
(4)
Ane C.
Just absolutely loved it. delicious food, fantastic service.. kudos to this place.. definately going back again...
(5)
T P.
Fun place. Great service. 1/2 price Mojito pitchers on Friday night. Tasty Empanadas. Loved the garlic sauce. I ordered Pollo Horneado Con Platano. Fun presentation. Will definitely come here again!
(4)
Kasia K.
I really only like to give good reviews, but I was disappointed. The space was really too small for a group and we got crammed downstairs (even though we came with reservations, but the staff still seemed taken aback). We were also hoping for live music (for latin dancing) but they had a dj instead. I was not impressed with the empanadas I got, and some other friends were not impressed with their food either (black bean soup one of them). Mojitos were strong but I have had better quality ones. Frankly, I just had higher expectations..
(2)
Andrea B.
I went to Havana for the first time last week. The atmosphere is pretty nice, and I liked the live music. My food was pretty good; the chicken was tender and well seasoned, but I was a little disappointed with the rice and beans. Also, my caipirinha was probably the worst one I've had in Chicago. Next time I will order a mojito or margarita. I would go back, and just order other items.
(3)
LaLaLaLa L.
I really enjoyed my time at Havana. My mom and I ate here after a convention at the Mart on a Friday night. We saw that they were on Restaurant.com and decided to give them a shot. It was a little crowded, so I would suggest reservations. We sat at the bar until our table was ready and had a pleasant experience. Bartender was super nice.... even gave us a sample mojito, since neither of us have had one before.... fell in love and ended up getting a pitcher! Plus, Friday is half prices pitcher night. Score. We were seated after about 20 minutes. We were near a window, which was nice because we can people watch those that walked by. We ended up splitting a couple apps and an entree and everything was lick-your-plate-clean delicious. We ordered the following- Manchego Empanadas- We actually ordered the Pollo Emanadas, but were accidentally served these... which I'm extremely happy about. OUTSTANDING. Don't let the ingredients scare you.... they're delicious together, I promise. Chipotle Crab Cakes- These were good... nothing spectacular though. The fruit relish was awesome. Chimichangas- just plain awesome. Very good Rollitos Manchegos- this was seriously to die for. Since they messed up the order (sent out the incorrect empanadas, which we said was quite alright) they sent out their El Diablito Fudge Cake. it was euphoric. We left very full (just couldn't put the fork down), a little tipsy and satisfied.
(4)
#NAME?
Wanted to venture out and try something different, made reservations for Friday at 7:00, got right in-But it is so packed up front, very small bar area- It's not that big of a place and it's very LOUD, so this is not a good place for first dates, meeting up with people you haven't see in forver b/c you will not be able to hear them at all- FOOD: I had an entree that had chicken rolled up with spinich and cheese with a cream sauce, it was very good- Not that expensive at all and it had good vibe about the place-A mix of families, tourist and locals- I'd come here again and recommend it to anyone-
(4)
Gagan G.
Nice little hideout in River North that I accidentally stumbled upon. There was a good atmosphere even though it was a Monday night. I got the Chiles Rellenos and it was excellent. Word of warning though, it was spicy! My tolerance for spice is pretty high but I found my mouth watering with the spice, surprising as poblano is one of the milder peppers out there. The service was good and I liked the ambiance. Overall a place that I would definitely go back to.
(4)
Donald L.
Made a reservation here for about eight people on a Friday night for my friend's birthday. We were promptly seated in the middle of the restaurant and brought up to speed on their great drink menu. The server was fantastic and the food was very good. Everyone at the table had a very pleasant experience and it's a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend.
(4)
Anabella J.
I made reservation 2 days prior.not only that we had to wait good 30 minutes but the hostess kept asking my name like 5 times.she even told me couple of times that my table was ready and then when i followed her she turned and said "a couple of more minutes" wtf???then she kept giving tables to other people that came in.finally she told us to follow her and she took us downstairs!!!they gave us the table right next to kitchen door!!that door kept opening and closing all night long and i got to see their nasty kitchen!yuck!!!the food is average!i read reviews and i was thinking to myself this place is a must!the only thing i liked was sangria!i had to drink it to stop being annoyed by slamming kitchen doors!!not worth your money and time!if they take you downstairs runnnnn!!!!just turn and run!!!yuck!
(1)
Jamie B.
Came here on Friday night with our group of 4. Pitchers of mojitos were great... we asked for them sugar free and they were able to accomodate. We ordered appetizers, sadly they never came. Our waiter forgot to put them in. Everyone had really good dishes except for me.. I ordered the special for the everning, which were vegetarian enchiladas with a green chili sauce. They were not very hot temperature wise, they were stuffed with no vegetables other than potatoes, and there was no verde sauce to speak of. Really disappointing, but didn't want to send back since we were with guests. We asked our waiter when he came back to check on the entrees where the appetizers were and he seemed confused...actually asked a guy at the table if we ordered them... yes, yes we did. You even wrote our order down. I would come back and give them another try... the ambiance was fun and lively and so many of their menu items sounded wonderful.
(3)
Ashley H.
This is a hidden restaurant that should be a favorite with the Chicago people. It's not very big, but very nice looking inside. You would walk right by it except for the music playing. Drinks are great. Food is amazing! The staff will explain the food and help you decide. The sauce on the food is amazing. Guacamole is good, not amazing. The first time I went, I was craving my meal for days. I had to go back at the end of the week.
(4)
Victoria T.
Sexy, sultry, and live Cuban music!! Food was great, monitors were better!
(5)
Emily B.
Having one of my favorite restaurant interiors in the city, everything about this little gem just adds up to be a total "best-bet" in my opinion. I love the wooden doors that swing into the back, the cozy booths, the Latin music selection, the perfect lighting, the helpful staff, and - of course - the delicious, yet affordable, food. For the same price as a salad from Potbellys, I can post up here and enjoy traditional Cuban food for lunch. Plus, even if you're just there for a half hour, I can guarantee this place makes you feel like you aren't in Chicago anymore. And trust me, when it's 22 degrees and the end of March, it's a much-welcomed little getaway from the grind.
(4)
Jimmy N.
I came here on a restaurant.com coupon. Normally, I have low expectations for places I find on restaurant.com because I know they're on there trying to attract more customers. However, when I came here I was completely blown away. This place did not seem like it would need extra business at all. The atmosphere is great. The lights are appropriately dimmed and the noise level was low enough for conversation. Food and alcoholic beverages are good. I ordered some chicken dish that came with plantains and sweet potato puree ($16) and thought it was very enjoyable. I sat at the bar and had a good conversation with some regulars and the bartender. Nice place to take a 1st date, me thinks. I am taking away 1 star because this place is a bit pricey. Yes, it is in the city, but I really wish everything would be a few dollars less. That way I would be able to visit more often. XOCO is right down the street and an equally great date place that's a bit cheaper. Regardless, I still think Havana is a solid place for drinks and a meal, especially with a restaurant.com coupon, which they took without any hassles. Additional points: 1. Live music after 11 on Fri and Sat. 2. Half price mojito pitchers on Fri (reg 35$) 3. I would call ahead and reserve if you're planning to visit Fri or Sat as the place is rather small and seems to fill quickly
(4)
Bernadette S.
Havana is a solid choice for tasty Cuban inspired food. I love their mojitos by the pitcher too - great to share with some girlfriends. Their paella is very good - I like that they make their rice more of a risotto style, and the pineapple is a unique twist with the traditional flavors. The crab cakes are small but tasty. The pork and ropa vieja dishes are full of flavor but have been dry on occasion. In the end, I eat here fairly regularly and always enjoy the meal.
(4)
Michael C.
Loved this place! Got a good vibe as soon as I walked in. The Guave Mojito was fantastic. The empanada trio was delicious. The staff was very friendly, a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend. Will be back.
(4)
Mia C.
I really liked this restaurant. It's kind of off the beaten path of other restaurants in Chicago in this area but I liked it. The people are very nice and the food is great. I'm not of Hispanic origin but I imagine it's what home cooked Latin/Cuban food tastes like. They always have special deals on pitchers of Sangria and Margaritas but I would suggest getting a mojito! I haven't been on the weekend but I heard they have live Latin music so I bet that would be exciting!
(5)
Gabriela R.
I can only review for the great live music and fun environment. This place is where you find some Spanish pop too! Me gusta, me gusta!
(4)
Char Y.
We came with a groupon, and was surprised the restaurant was completely empty on a week night. We ordered guava mojitos - YUM! but it didn't taste like guava. tostaditos de platano - LOVED the fried plantain chips! roja - shredded beef with beans. YUM The food was great, and the atmosphere was pleasant. What a surprise near michigan avenue!
(4)
Rafael H.
I came to Havana with some coworkers. This was my first time here and was pleasantly surprised that they had a guy playing live music with his guitar. I was really excited to try their Ropa Vieja. I left really disappointed. The food was bland, very little use of garlic or sofrito and the plate was light on the plantains. The shredded beef was ok but it was as bland as the black beans. On the upside, their calamari was quite tasty and so were their crab cake. Now answer me this: why did I see options for chips and guacamole at a cuban restaurant? If I want chips and guac, I'll go to Chipotle. If you're going to do Cuban food, I would think the best way is to do a few dishes well...instead of a lot of dishes that were mediocre. Their flan was decent. There was no taste of egg and was balanced with a splash of rum. If you stumble here for drinks only, I suggest the Caipirinha (the Brazilian version of a mojito). They make them strong and really good. This might be the only reason why I would come back... at least until I find a better Caipirinha elsewhere.
(2)
Tricia R.
my friend and i stopped at havana on another evening wandering the streets in search of dinner in the near north side of chicago. it was a thursday night and there was a reasonable amount of people inside the restaurant. and to my surprise, they had a foursquare special of 1/2 price pitchers of sangria with the order of 2 entrees. DONE! so we got a pitcher of red sangria, and the manchego empanadas to start. i had the ropa vieja which was also unfortunately a little bland. :( except for the plaintains... those are always delicious!! the service was good, nothing to rave about, the sangria was tasty and the best part of dinner!!
(3)
Emm S.
Went on a snowy Monday after work, so we were the only two in the restaurant. Found this place because of their gDine menu ( gdine.com ). Asked for recommendations of the gDine menu (which had TONS of options) and our waitress definitely didn't steer us wrong. Everything was delicious! I recommend the chimichangas from the apps list and the pulled pork from the entree. I wish I had room for dessert. Definitely would go back! Cute decor. Nice service. But the food was definitely the clincher. Very delicious.
(4)
Bridget C.
The food here was good, but not amazing. Ordered the steak sandwich with cuban style fries, which were basically ... normal fries. The sandwich was delicious, but the best part was the pitcher of sangria. It was incredibly well-mixed and did a good job of making you feel like you didn't drink anything until you're wobbling a little on the pavement. There's supposed to be dancing around 11 pm, which sounds like fun!
(4)
Nix F.
Wow. I was really impressed. I didn't think the restaurant would be anything special, but boy was it! The food is all fantastic and filling. Appetizers are huge. Amy the waitress was awesome. Drinks are good. Prices are nice and modest. Took home what i didn't eat and it tasted just as good reheated. I try not to go to the same restaurant more than once whenever possible, but this is one i WANT to go back to multiple times.
(5)
Brad F.
Just went there for lunch after buying the Groupon. The Ceviche was absolutely fantastic. It came in a nicely sized cup with some chips and fried plantains. My burrito was very tasty. It was filled with pulled chicken that was loaded with flavor and spice, and the plate came with a heaping side of guac and tomatillos. My buddy got the fish tacos, but they were not as good. We also enjoyed some Mojitos. Great food, generous portions, reasonable prices, and a nice ambience.
(4)
Marfa B.
We stopped at this place fora drink and ordered a pitcher of mojito. It was very good. The bartender was very nice. We had a very good time.
(5)
Kristen M.
I went here not too long ago for a birthday dinner with an old friend, and we both loved it. The place is neat inside, the staff are really friendly and helpful, and the food was delectable. So was the Cuban coffee, and it helped me stay up afterwards to get work done. :) My friend is still talking about her dish weeks later. My only complaint is I wish they had more vegetarian options, but I appreciate that they at least have a vegetarian section on their menu. What was truly special about our experience was that the bartender overheard my friend say it was my birthday and he must have told our waiter, because at the end of our meal our waiter brought out a delicious flan dessert with "happy birthday" written on the plate with the fruit glaze topping. No embarassing singing or anything, just a delicious and classy way to say happy birthday - and unsolicited at that! I was really impressed. Can't wait to go back when I can try the mojitos!
(4)
Timothy R.
Good food, but it was so loud we could not keep up a conversation. Overall not a pleasant hour.
(2)
Joni J.
Meal portions were perfectly sized, and drinks were great. I had one of the best pisco sours ever.. It was probably the closest pisco sour to the ones I've had in Chile.
(4)
Denise W.
Awesome! came here with a group of girlfriends for my birthday on a Saturday night. Totally accomadating. Mangement was great. Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. Definately recommend for groups or for two. Check it out!!
(4)
Deanna C.
I came here with Beth T. and Alan K. to celebrate my initiation into the grown-up world... a job.... and they were awesome enough to take me out for the night! Great mojitos! After the first pint we were thinking mmm.... another? Okay! I got their salmon which was fairly good, but nothing spectacular. Their guacamole on the other hand was super yummy. I've tried making guacamole at home before, yet for some reason mine always turns out too chunky and/or runny (yes, it can be both at the same time, trust me) and just... funky tasting. I wonder what they use to season this... anyway, it was really fresh and tasty, so I kept picking at it with my fork even after the empenadas were gone. Mmmm, now I'm craving their another one of their mojitos!
(4)
Angela M.
My friends and I came here on a Tuesday. It was lively and had a great ambience. Disclaimer, if you are looking for authentic Cuban food, this may not be for you. Albeit, the food was delicious and it did have some Cuban dishes with their own spin. The skirt steak was amazing. I ordered the steak sandwich for $13, reasonably priced, portion was sufficient but not big. The specialty drinks were also fantastic. My friend ordered a Cuban sandwich which she really enjoyed, as well. The empanadas were pretty tasty, but a bit overpriced. The appetizer only came with two for $9. I would definitely come here again.
(4)
Kristy B.
This whole experience was just kind of bland for me. The decor, the food, the service. Nothing too memorable. We also sat right near the kitchen and they have swinging doors which are super annoying because everytime a server or buser goes into the kitchen, it makes a distracting noise and sight. On the plus side my curry fish was pretty fresh and the restaurant is priced very reasonably and in a convenient location.
(2)
david g.
avoid. went there sat night for dinner. even though there were normal sized tables available, they tried to squeeze the 4 of us into a booth that had a structural support , such that one seat was missing. First sign. I didn't try the drinks, but if they are anything like the food, they're bad and pre-made. The only good part of the food were the black beans, they were yummy. My friend asked for the waiter's recommendation, and he suggested some sort of pulled pork dish which my friend had two bites of and refused to eat anymore. I had the enchiladas, which tasted frozen and microwaved. they were dry and soggy at the same time. Impressive. My wife had the portabella mushroom, which might have been good, were it not COVERED in cheese and way overcooked. The service was average. Only real complaints were 1) when the waiter forgot our soups and salads and insisted we never ordered them, and 2) we asked of several dishes were spicy, and he said not at all, but they were so spicy half our group couldn't eat them. Now, I LOVE spicy food and normally can't even taste any spice, so if I think it's spicy, then it would probably burn most people- definitely not spicy like the waiter suggested. In sum, why bother? Food sucked, service was so-so..
(1)
Thanh L.
The food is pretty bad here. I'm having the worse skirt steak of my life...that includes the one ones I experimented with at home.
(1)
Kimberly G.
Havana was just ok, the menu is murky, it has mexican aspects, cuban aspects, and other latino aspects but not very focused. Our menu was for dinner but they stuck in the lunch menu too, we assumed you could order the lunch menu for dinner too but i just thought that was odd, what, you can't print out a new menu for dinner? The appetizers that our group shared were all good (chips and guac/salsa, fried calamari (very good), chimichangas (okay) The mains were not good. The enchiladas we ordered were extremely dry, it was as if they had barely any sauce on them, the chicken inside was dry too. Other members of our table ordered different items, some of which came with french fries that looked like they were from Burger King. Odd and not very Cuban if you ask me. I thought the variety of the menu could've been better too. The drinks were iffy. I had a guava mojito which was just okay, the capirainha was very good though. Probably would not return, not with the likes of Mercadito and Xoco just around the corner.
(2)
alina k.
Amazing food and drinks!!! It was my first time trying Cuban and it was delicious. I can't wait to go back!
(5)
Mihir P.
I hoping the food would be better but no dice. I got the steak Cubano. The sweet sauce was excellent on first try but as I ate more of, it was just too sweet. The ribeye steak itself was really tough also. The Latino fries or frituras were very dry and flavorless. The black beans were disappointing as they lacked in flavor. I was really looking forward to them as Cuban black beans are super delicious. I will say that the ceviche appetizer was excellent. Our waitress was nice, knowledgeable and helpful. I'd go back for the ceviche and for guava mojitos.
(3)
Amanda Z.
Two VERY important words: Guava. Mojito. $8. Fabulous cocktail for a decent price, I love. Good assortment of appetizers, which was how we chose to dine. Fried plantains? Addictive. Sweet, crispy and light and accompanied by a warm black bean dipping sauce and a fruity salsa, they were delicious. Crab cakes were spicy and well-portioned. The sweet salsa was the perfect complemented the cakes well. Our favorite, by far, was the chimichanga. Fun to say, and even more fun to eat. Truly. Served with a warm, creamy sauce, they were lightly fried and stuffed with chickeny goodness. I like the decor, but think they could turn the lights down a notch to make it a bit more date-like. Good menu, something for everyone on here (including you veggies) and the drinks are stellar. Remember: Guava mojito.
(4)
Michelle M.
Baaaaabaaaaluuuu. Just a small tribute to cuban-american Ricky Ricardo's signature song. The first time I came to Havana we stopped in for drinks. Ordered a Pina colada and I might say they were tasty. We said we would come back to dinner and indeed we did. We stopped by for dinner on a Friday evening and although we arrived around 5:30 there wasn't many people there. PERFECTO! We were seated promptly and our waitress was great. She took our drink orders which I ordered a glass of sangria and he ordered a martini. We ordered the guac as an app and for dinner I had the Havana steak sandwich and he ordered the Tamarindo Glazed Pollo. This place is very charming along with the staff are a great added bonus to this area.
(3)
Sherryl W.
I would maybe give this 2.5 stars. I loooooooooove Paella, but I didn't love the dish I had at Havana. It was lukewarm, with little baby scallops and calarami that tasted really gummy. It was also extremely dry, and I could definitely make a better dish at home. The space is cute, but a little small . I felt bad because I kept knocking people over with my work bag when trying to get to my table. This is one of those places, I probably wouldn't go back to. On the plus side, I enjoyed their wine:-)
(2)
Quantas G.
I like this place. Great decor, decent prices, good service and quality food. I went here for a late lunch with a friend the other day and had a good time. We shared a half-priced margarita pitcher. (Sour, weak. Avoid.) The guac and chips was a good choice. It comes with warm tortilla chips, a large portion of guacamole, fire roasted salsa and pico de gallo. I had the Latin burger. It was a decadent piece of love complete with cheese, grilled onions, and bacon on a brioche bun. Really good stuff. Highly recommend item. I am interested in tasting more of their dishes and maybe stopping by for dinner.
(4)
Vanessa C.
Two stars only for my boyfriend's carne asada, which was cooked perfectly. The rest, from my dry, dull tasteless Ropa Vieja - in my opinion, the benchmark dish for Cuban restaurants - to the dry, dull, tasteless black beans - was just average. They miscalculated AND double-charged our check, forgot to bring leftovers (yes, we tried to take them, I figured I could fix my Ropa at home, how sad) and the acoustics were bad. I will stick to the authentic places from now on (not downtown) and not the places that put more emphasis on drinks.
(2)
Mark H.
Nice little restaurant with friendly staff & PHENOMENAL food! Try the chicken with plantains and sweet potatoes, but go lightly with the salsa - it's habanero based and quite hot! :-D
(5)
Patrick M.
First off, I loved the cozy, narrow, exposed brick, diner type atmosphere. Thought the place was energetic, fun, and a great place for a meal. A little loud, but the noise made close conversation all the more possible. Of course I had mojitos, which were crisp and fresh. Main course was pretty typical fair, the enchiladas were like any other good restaurant. Tasty, but nothing to write home about. Priced very nicely, this is a fun night out.
(4)
Rina P.
This place has great food and drinks, no doubt. But my recent experience left a bad taste in my mouth. We went in on a Wednesday for their half priced margarita pitchers, and lived it up. We must have had 5 pitchers. When the bill came, they were all full price. Omar our piece of crap waiter said "remember I told you you needed to order two entrees to get that deal".. no he DIDN"T. He said that to cover his ass. Then he asked this woman who he said was his manager and she said "well, did they order entrees? then no"... NEVER AGAIN! Considering we have gone there many times for happy hour. THey just lost business, and I will tell everyone, and specifically will tell them about Omar.
(1)
K M.
Buenas Noches mi queridas Please....allow me to slip into something more comfortable before I write this review....those 1/2 price mojitos have got me feeling....a little.... OK just stuffed really. Mambo Grill has risen from the dead, and Havana has pulled it off with style and substance. I always loved the Mambo, but the decor was a little dark and cramped for my tastes. Hello Havana. Light and airy, balanced well with the dark woods of the bar and booths. If I couldn't see all the buildings out the window, I might actually think I was in some classy, tropical locale. Completely up this girl's alley. Our waitress- what a doll, seriously. Sorry I didn't remember your name or I'd give you a shout out here, but you were nothing but sweet and attentive. You didn't mind at all when we took about a half hour to even get around to looking at our menus. I blame the guacamole appetizer for that by the way. Not just guacamole, but a bowl of pico as well. I think this is the same way they served it at Mambo, and I am so glad it didn't change. Happiness in a giant bowl. $4 house mojitos on Fridays. Granted, they are not large, but $12 for all of my drinks in an evening? Please note that their online menu seems a little messed up at the moment. It duplicates 2 pages, and leaves quite a bit out. I had chicken cooked in plantain leaves, and my dining companion had the combo paella. I thought my dish was fantastic, and even without the side of sauce, it had plenty of kick, which was balanced out nicely by the sweet potatoes and plantains. I can't comment on the paella but it seemed to be a hit. We ordered a chocolate cake dessert (I only had a bite, being already full to the point of discomfort- I wasn't blown away, but that may be because I didn't make it to the molten chocolate part in the middle! But I'm not one to pick a dessert over a third mojito) I could just as easily see myself here for Friday happy hour at the bar with mojitos and guacamole as I can for a relaxed and lovely full meal out; I would highly recommend Havana for any River North dining requests. Total was around $60-something for 2 with the appetizer, 2 entrees, 3 mojitos and dessert (I was getting a birthday treat so I don't know the precise amount) Let me go pass out in a happy food and rum coma now. Gracias Havana- I will most definitely be back!
(5)
Brook G.
The food here is outstanding! Unique dishes with great flavor, and quite a few vegetarian options. And the drinks...don't even get me started on those. Fantastico. It does get pretty busy here on a Friday night, so go early and get a good seat at the bar. You will probably be there for a while sucking down delicious mojitos and martinis.
(4)
M A.
Fantastic food (make sure your tongue can handle spicey)! The chicken empanadas are have a deliciously crunchy crust and a very sweet and tangy stuffing. The BBQ Chicken dish was really out of this world. Grab a seat outside and enjoy the amazing weather while you eat some of the best Cuban food around.
(5)
Stacey M.
HALF PRICE PITCHERS OF MOJITOS (Good ones!) on FRIDAYS? Who does that? Oh, Havana Grill does that!! So a year (or more?) ago Mambo Grill closed (sad day) and apparently was going to open in a larger location down the street....but never did. I've been waiting for this and still searching for the perfect mojito now that Mambo has closed. So, I'm a little TICKED OFF that this place opened last September and I am JUST finding out about this! I called for a reservation by the window for me and 2 friends on a Friday evening. We were given our request gladly :) Ordered the chips/salsa appetizer in which you get a MOUND of chips, pico, guac and salsa...this rocks! Ordered a pitcher of mojitos (followed by another, and then another) My friend and i split the skirt steak sandwich - it ROCKED! (and so did the fries.) My other friend got the stuffed portabello mushroom dish - phenomenal! And..LAUREN - our server..rocked. Super friendly and helpful - not pushy - and filled up our mojito glasses regularly :) (she even looked a bit like Farrah Fawcet -the early days..anyone else notice that?) I do take away one star because their bus-boy staff were a bit overzealous in trying to clear our stuff before we were done....but then tried again 5 minutes later. (And then again). But..it WAS a Friday night and they were getting busier..but I don't like to feel rushed out of places. STILL: OVerall fantastic happy hour place - it's basically the exact same as Mambo Grill, just a different name. And smaller (not sure if the downstairs is open). Woot.
(4)
E L.
My boyfriend and I stopped in here for dinner on a Saturday night. I ordered a dish that was described as a choice fillet with a spicy tomato sauce, over rice and beans. My dish came out and it was nothing like the menu described. It was shredded beef and there was no sauce. I would have sent it back, but our waiter never came to ask us how our food was. My dish was not only disappointing And bland, but it was also $17. My boyfriend had the cuban sandwich, he said it was bland also. I think our waiter chose to ignore the fact that we clearly weren't happy, because he never once asked how anything was. Never eating here again.
(1)
Matt B.
Went here with a party of 14 for my wife's birthday. Without asking, they gave us a private room. The pitchers of moijtos were great, along with everyones entree and the service. They were easily able to split the check for us. Great location for headed to nearby River North bars. Would definitely go back!
(4)
Craig R.
The mojitos are pretty good here. I had ropa vieja which was good. Friends had tilapia special, and others had various pork dishes. All were happy with their entrees. The place has a comfortable and laid back atmosphere. This is a nice place to hang with friends, have a few drinks and chill out.
(4)
Sonja S.
I have to admit, i lose my capacity for critical thinking when I fall in love and Havana, darling, I am afraid I fell a little bit in love with you at first site. Your exterior is welcoming and charming - your interior, warm and inviting and oh my! your lighting made my crows feet transform into hummingbird toes! My dinner companion , a mere slip of a girl ( and dear friend ) glowed like a angel in that light and all i could think of was hmm, next date i go on i am going to have him meet me HERE. It didnt hurt that from the start the services was terrific, patient, professional and warm - (see there is that word again). Oh Havana you snuggly thing.... We ordered the calamari appetiser, which was fresh, soft and accompanied by a delicious peppery sauce. We also ordered an unbelievable ceviche that i spooned greedily onto fresh plantain chips- YUMMMY. The glowing ( and wise) Angel ordered a grilled shrimp salad with fabulous fruit, jicama and delightfully fresh baby greens. I ordered the pulled pork with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. I have some small complaints, the creamed corn was too much cream, not enough corn, the mash potato too much and where did you say the jalapenos were? the pork was delicious, but needed more of a kick, I ended up pouring a ton of chimmichurri sauce on it and really, i needed more heat. My last teeny tiny fussiness was the teeeny tiiiiiny glasses they served our cocktails in. Cute, and they were good, but i would have liked a slightly bigger glass. BUT we had SUCH A GREAT TIME!!!!! what a wonderful relaxing, well served, good food , great atmosphere place. Thank you Havana, I will be seeing you again!
(4)
Sarah E.
We went back for food on Friday and it was OUTSTANDING. Also, I was with different friends, but still had the same server. She remembered that couldn't partake in half-price mojitos because of a citrus allergy, AND remembered what I was drinking last week. We had pulled pork, apricot chipotle pork chops, and some other pork loin and the table, and everything was good. The calamari and empanadas we had as appetizers were also good. I will definitely be back.
(5)
julie v.
so, maybe i was here on an off night, because havana seems to have garnered quite a few favorable reviews, but .... both my dining partner and i were underwhelmed by the food and the ambiance. (the servers and the drinks (yummy rioja) were lovely. but not enough to earn an extra star.) food: we shared a manchego empanada to start, which *sounded* amazing but in execution was rather disappointing -- i actually *left* half .... thats a first for me -- empanadas are near the top of my list of diet-killers .... my friend ordered the pulled pork and i ordered the salad with tiger shrimp and pineapple. my salad was fine (nothing to write home about -- i have had significantly better salads at casual chain restaurants), but my friends pork dish was a let down. he didnt finish it and he didnt box it to go .... bummer. ambience: understated (no complaints about the decor, layout, etc.). the acoustics, however, are atrocious -- we had a *lot* of trouble talking (on a thursday night in the not even half-filled dining room). as in, we had to just sit there for spells at times. further, the music was *oppressively* loud (and i *like* the music -- they played a mix of gypsy kings, mana, carlos vives, etc.). finally someone randomly came over and (we think) apologized for the noise level (we smiled and nodded, but couldnt hear much of what was said) and the volume was decreased somewhat, but it crept up again and we finally cut our night short and left. final thoughts: -i would recommend ordering dishes that are consistent raves on yelp to avoid staring at your plate, crestfallen, after the first bite. -i would not bring a date here -- theres no guarantee of being able to have a reasonable conversation .... -for cuban (or cuban fusion, etc.) id stick with cafe laguardia, la unica, coobah ....
(2)
Stacy H.
The only reason I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5 was our server. The food and drinks were amazing! We got the pollo empanadas and split the lomo salteado and both were wonderful! However, it took a good 5 minutes upon being seated before anyone came to our table. I think he was a busboy that ended up taking our entire drink and food order. Our "server" didn't even show up until after we'd received our dinner saying "I'm actually your server, how is everything?" I wanted to order another drink during dinner, but she couldn't be found, and I'm not going to go out of my way to order a drink if they make it difficult. All of the busboys were very attentive with clearing plates and refilling water. But then again it took forever for our server to come back after finishing dinner and ask if we wanted dessert. We had a show to get to so declined. I wish I could have tipped the busboy only instead of our her because she really didn't do anything.
(4)
Rayid G.
I didn't like it much when it was mambo grill and I still don't like it. We tried a few things and nothing really stood out. The ceviche was very oily and didn't seem fresh. The sandwiches were so-so though the chimichurri was decent. Overall, average place but slow service for the lunch crowd.
(2)
David H.
The food was quite good. The menu is nice but a little too heavy on beef choices. Try the Chimichangas, they are great and have a great sauce. Our service could have been a bit more attentive, but overall was ok. When we told our waitress we had to move along for an event, she did pretty well to keep our meals coming.
(4)
Cecilia M.
Called for a 7:30pm dinner reservation on a Friday with only 2hrs notice & had no problem getting in ... probably because it's not suited for an enjoyable dining experience; so noisy you can't hear yourself talk much less your table guests. With a name like "Havana" I expected more authentic Cuban food...I should know having been born in Havana myself & lived in Miami for 18 yrs. For that, go to Sabor a Cuba where the chef is from the island. I will admit the Mojitos were delicious & it didn't hurt that they were 1/2 price on Friday.
(2)
WindyCityGrl T.
Overpriced and just not that great. I recently went for lunch and had the steak sandwich. Very disappointing. The steak was extremely chewy. The guacamole appetizer was $8.95 which was so shocking because the portion was so small. I couldn't believe it. I won't be back. Boo!!!
(2)
LARRY k.
This is a small, neighborhood type of restaurant in downtown Chicago. Its a bit noisy, casual and I have become a big fan. The food was very good. I had the paella which was spiced fantastically. Overall it was a very welcoming restaurant with a good selection of items and is sort of a Cuban-Mexican fusion place. Prices are moderate and I would return again w/o question. Give it a try if you are in the mood for this type of food in a casual setting.
(4)
Zack C.
I ordered the plantain chicken. It came with a spicy sauce on the side. The food was good, but what I really enjoyed about this place was that the Cuban decor made me feel like Dexter, especially during Season 3.
(3)
Ben N.
Food and service was fanastic!!! Would definitely go back. Drinks are also delicious and i would recommend he mojio pitchers for a larger group.
(4)
Ashley H.
Quiet when we arrived around 7pm, dining area grew busier/louder/dimmer as the evening went on, but not obnoxiously so. My mom and I split the half order of tostones, Rollitos Manchegos, a pitcher of mojitos, and El Diablito Fudge Cake. I could have done w/o the appetizer and dessert, but the chicken and mojitos were spectacular. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Heather O.
AWESOME food (got their steak in tequila sauce), AWESOME mojitos, AWESOME dessert, and super friendly staff. The bathroom's in an awkward place being downstairs and all, but that won't keep me away.
(5)
Sharon W.
Half price mojitos, including pitchers (on Friday). Rum Chata. Super nice bar tenders (Arturo and Silvio). Done.
(5)
Amanda Z.
Havana is a great new Cuban restaurant in River North! I planned a dinner here for a group of 6 friends on Sat night, and we all left very happy. I hope more people discover this new little neighborhood gem instead of immediately choosing one of the Bayless places across the street or Mercadito. Havana is significantly less expensive, and has a great menu and ambiance. DRINKS: I had heard about this place on UrbanDaddy.com , saying the mojitos are fab. Well, the mojitos are FAB!! I usually don't like to order mojitos because they aren't that strong and can be too sweet...but not the mojitos at Havana...probably some of the best I've ever had, and 2 was plenty! I didn't order the house one, I got the special one at the bottom of the menu made w/the dark rum (they don't have their website up yet so i can't give you exact names). Everyone else at the table was happy with their drinks, all made pretty stiff. FOOD: I had a cup of black bean soup and the pollo empanadas. The soup was good but nothing special (served its purpose to warm me up!) but the empanadas were amazing! Usually empanadas have a hard, super fried crust...not these babies...soft, flaky pastry shell with melt in your mouth pulled chicken inside. And they were not small...order comes with 2 and I was satisfied between this and the soup (and this girl can EAT). Two friends ordered the carne asada, which I tried and it was good, but not great...I've def had better at Carnivale and a few other places. The meat was not that tender and was overcooked, but the pound of guacamole they slather on top helped save that dish, which was served with tons of black beans and rice. Another friend ordered the tilapia, which was recommended by the waiter, and he literally gasped "oh my God!" when he took his first bite, which led me to taste it. It was probably one of the best fish dishes I've ever had...whatever the yellow sauce was that was allllll over it, was just heavenly. Masked any kind of "fishy" flavor (I'm not a huge fan of fish) and the rice paired with it perfectly. Another friend ordered a vegetarian dish (I don't know what) that had tons of mushrooms and cheese...this dish was phenom! I loooooooooove mushrooms, so next time I go to Havana, I will be ordering this. She also ordered a side of plaintains, which were an entire plate full, and they were warm, super sweet and cinnamony...like a dessert. ATMOSPHERE: nice cream and brown hues throughout, dark wood bar, very small space great for intimate convo and dates, cozy booths and classy decor, sexy ambiance, wonderful location at Clark & Hubbard. SERVICE: this was the only part lacking...although the place is so tiny, somehow our waiter was always MIA. Our water glasses stayed full from the bus boys, but our drinks came out probably 10-15 mins after we ordered them, AFTER they had brought out my appetizer (bean soup). The guy was nice enough and made great recommendations, he was just never around and when we asked for things, it would either take forever to get it, or wouldn't come at all (like the extra tortilla chips I asked for to eat with my soup). Overall I really enjoyed Havana, and so did my entire party, so I will be back soon.
(4)
D. K.
Havana is a solid 3-stars. I'm glad I went because I live in the area and pass by it a lot, but the food wasn't blow-your-socks-off. I liked the ambiance of the restaurant, and it was a fun crowd on a Friday night. The food, though? Just average.
(3)
Natalie G.
ha-vaaaaaaaaaaaaahna... the former mambo grill is truly exquisite with delish food, superb staff, and yummyness of drinks.. it truly is an ahhhhhhhhhh experience. came here for a girls night and it really was wonderful. when we made the reservations, the guy on the other line was already hospitable.. we knew that night was going to be fabulouos. we were about 10 mins late for our 8:30 reservation, but were still pleasantly greeted to our table. the restaurant was fairly busy. ambiance is modern cuban chic with good classic cuban music, and overall a positive and light energy. starting off our meal with a pitcher of their guava mojitos which were delish. light, not too sweet. we ordered the tilapia [light, tasty, well seasoned], the seafood paella [hearty portions of scallops, shrimp, and muscle], bbq salmon [tasty, but seemed a bit too charred on the outside], and stuffed chicken served with plantains and sweet potatoes. BEWARE: the salsa served with that chicken will knock your heels off! it's hot hot hot! however, the owner/manager recommended to take a combo bite of the chix, plantain, potato, and a light dip of the salsa all together.. which balances the heat and sweetness. this place is great for large parties, or intimate dinners. it's fresh, light, and a great addition for the river north area.
(5)
Fawn D.
Love the atmosphere: feels like havana in SOHO NYC, but hey it's river north! The food is pretty good, but maybe i didn't order the right thing. I had the ribs and they were good, but not the best.
(3)
Lauren F.
Very pleasantly surprised! I went here years ago when it was Mambo Grill and I remember it being good, but not good enough for me to return. Last night on a failed attempt to go to Frontera Grill we decided to take a chance and it was the right decision! There were a few tables sat when we got there, but it got more crowded as the night went on, almost to full capacity I believe. ~ Sangria was half off for a pitcher, and it was pretty tasty. We opted for red and it was actually a pink color so Im not sure what type of wine was used but its good none the less. Not too sweet and complimented the food well. My only complaint is that it was very lacking in fruit, but not a dealbreaker. ~Ceviche was good, not great. The seafood was fresh as well as the chips which wouldnt be expected. While the flavors were good, I would have liked a touch more salt or maybe heat? Id order it again, but just wasnt wowed, it need a lil something. ~Pulled Pork was very good like others have mentioned. Again, the pork was cooked to perfection but needed a little more flavor. The combo of the pork, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn was excellent. Its a huge portion, it barely looked like I made a dent in it. ~Chicken in Plantain Leaf was tasty, but not sure I would order it again. Ive never had anything cooked in a leaf before and that flavor is very strong. It came with mashed sweet potatoes, emphasis on the sweet, and fried plantains which were tasty and not greasy. Beware! It comes with this very spicy sauce...one drop is enough to light your mouth on fire. ~We skipped dessert due to overstuffedourface syndrom, but Im looking forward to going back and trying the coconut flan or keylime pie. ~Our server was very sweet and had good suggestions; no complaints on the service at all! All in all, a great addition to the area! Its become a challenge to find good Cuban places and this one is definetely on the list and much easie to get to than 90 MIles Cafe. Im very much looking forward to returning and trying other dishes.
(4)
Laura D.
I went for dinner with a few friends, and had a very good time. We started off with their chips and guacamole appetizer, which was a very generous portion for 3 people, and also came with pico de gallo and a thinner but spicier salsa, and all were delicious! They also have 1/2 price pitchers of sangria on Wednesday nights. The sangria was average, but when you're getting it for half off, it doesn't need to be spectacular. I agree with Dan C. about the "Mexican" leaning with their menu. I hadn't read his review, but I was definitely thinking the same thing as I was choosing my meal. Perhaps it's an attempt to make their menu more universally acceptable? I would prefer to see more traditional Cuban food, which I don't think there is enough exposure to in Chicago. If they're going to supplement it with something, wouldn't it make more sense to add some Caribbean flair? I had the pulled pork, and the flavor of the meat was excellent. The creamed corn, not something I usually eat, went very well with it. I did think that the ratio of potato to pork was opposite from what it should have been; I would have liked less potato. And, like Troy B., I didn't detect any jalapeno flavor in my mashed potatoes. One friend had the chicken tacos, which she was happy with. My other friend got the pork chops, which he said were cooked perfectly and had a great flavor. I think Havana is on it's way to being a great downtown Cuban restaurant. I'd definitely go back.
(3)
Karl J.
Fantastic service, great mojitos and spectacular food.
(5)
Laura M.
I went to Havana with 6 friends to celebrate my birthday. We had good food, good service and really enjoyed ourselves. At the end of the meal I was presented with a birthday treat and a shot of tequila to really kick off the celebration. The mojitos and enchiladas were the fan favorites at our table. I will be back for sure!
(4)
Mike A.
food -- good physical location -- clean, enough spacing between tables, booths + tables service -- good, attentive acoustics -- VERY VERY LOUD, cost them 1 star walked by on my way home from work and saw people with smiles on their face eating outside. stopped in last night and was pleasantly surprised. had the ceviche and the plantains as appetizers. ceviche was basically a "ceviche salsa" but with visible chunks of seafood, slices of avocado on top sided with plantain chips and regular chips. the plantains were perfectly cooked and sweet. completely by accident, but we paired the citrusy ceviche very well with the sweet plantains. we decided to do almost all seafood. had the tilapia which was lightly drizzled with a sweet ...but not to sweet......sauce sided with rice and a mesclun greens. the sweated peppers on top of the fish were great. the other entree was the chicken and seafood and rice combo. very similar to spanish paella but havana's version had pineapple chunks, well seasoned chicken pieces and a more citrusy flaver. there is a lot of food here and more seafood than chicken. of course you must order a pitcher of mojitos. this place isn't going to knock your sucks off but if you want a very nice dinner at a fairly low price (for downtown) surrounded by a young crowd and don't mind some noise around you ....this place is perfect.
(3)
Amy N.
This place is great! It's a little small, but outdoor seating is nice and staff is friendly and speedy. Cuban Sandwich - AMAZING! they have one of, if not the best cubans I've ever tasted. The latin fries that come with it are great, as is the sauce they serve with the fries...not sure exactly what's in there but it's some sort of lime cilantro salsa or something. Chips w/Salsa and Guac - also very very good. I haven't had much else on the menu, but the cuban will keep me coming back for more!
(5)
Mala K.
It was an impulse decision to have dinner last Friday night here, and I must say that it was not too great an experience. What we didn't like there was the ambience: a bit cramped and extremely noisy. The music they were playing and the crowds were very loud. The cocktails were very good, especially the mojitos. The food was alright, but nothing great: we had the manchego empanadas, the stuffed peppers, and the carne con tequila. The last was pretty good, but a really small portion. The service was pretty slow, though the staff is friendly. I don't think we'd go there again, especially on a weekend night if we have a choice.
(3)
Sylwester O.
I visited for dinner last week with my fiance. We asked the server for some recommendations and took her advice. My fiance had the pork, with jalapeno potatoes, and cream corn. The cream corn was good. We were unable to taste any jalapeno flavor out of the potatoes. The potatoes tasted like regular mash potatoes. Finally, the pork on top of the potatoes. There was barely any on there. A small thin layer and then straight to the potatoes and corn. The dish should be advertised as cream corn, mashed potatoes, and a little pork on top of the potatoes as garnish. Over priced for so much potatoes and corn with very little meat. I forget the name of the dish I had. But it was steak with garlic and latin fries. My dish was very simple but not impressive. The latin fries were just regular potatoe and sweet potatoe fries. The whole dish was to garlicy and salty.
(2)
Dan G.
I love Havana, great service (Lauren), delicious food, awesome music, love the pina colada, and desserts . You should try it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
George W.
Gave this former Mambo Grill location a try yesterday evening for cocktails and dinner. The first Caipirinha tasted like a "virgin". Ordered a house specialty "Cuban pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes and creamed corn" with a side of plantanos. The creamed corn at the base of the dish was an overly sweet watery puree, the ring mold used to plate the dish was filled with about 75% to 80% of the bland mashed potatoes and then topped with dried out, old, and greasy tasting pork shards. The plantanos were stuck to the plate! The second Caipirinha was a short pour so this time the bartender actually topped it off with some alchohol; needless to say the two drinks were completely different from one another; the second being more like a shot of rum! If you are into Cuban/Mexican mish mash and old Mambo Grill decor, this is the place for you!
(1)
Ted T.
Went here for lunch during work. It was amazing! The burger is off the hook -- and I really hate saying that phrase.
(5)
Brent B.
Awesome place. Nice cozy atmospere and great food. The steak sandwich, latin burger, enchiladas, or burrito are all winners although my favorite is the burger which comes with cheese, bacon, chimmichurri sauce, regular fries, and sweet potatoe fries! Call for carry out or dine in if you have time.
(4)
Johnny K.
This place was excellent! 5 Stars all the way! We had the crabcakes as an appetizer and we were very pleased we ordered them. They had the perfect blend of temperature and spice. Our entrees were the halibut and the latin burger both of which were cooked to perfection. The halibut came with rice and was very filling. The portions are generous and the service was great. Love the decor and atmosphere! A must go for anyone looking for a fun environment at an affordable price!
(5)
L T.
I've been on a Latin kick lately, and this time I dragged my friends out to eat. It was a nice, cozy but streamlined space. Our server had quite a few tables and was very friendly once we were able to get her attention, but wasn't too quick to see if we needed anything. Loved my paella, though it wasn't your traditional stuff. A bit loud and a little tough to hear each other, but all in all we had a good time. Maybe it's not fair to compare, but I went to Siboney up on Western a few weeks ago, and was totally charmed. Different neighborhoods, different vibes... Havana is a fun place to meet up with friends downtown, and I would definitely go there again.
(3)
Sarah M.
Enjoyed dinner at Havana. I had the Lomo Salteado, which was fine. My husband had the pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes - it was better. The mojitos (half price on Fridays) really made the night - what a deal, and they were probably the best mojitos I have had! The service was great.
(3)
lucky r.
uhm...probably won't go again. atmosphere was nice but food was mediocre
(2)
Tony L.
Appetizers at a great price. Good food and good variety. A little on the expensive side for lunch, but 3 friends ate for right around $40 with tax and tip. I'll definitely be back. Great news for anyone who bought the Groupon a few weeks back!
(5)
Mrs N.
If a restaurant aspires to be in the Cuban category, it needs to start with a great Cuban sandwich. Havana fails miserably. I asked when I ordered if the sandwich was good, if it was true to the authentic recipe. The waitress enthusiastically encouraged me to order it. What a mistake! It was so far from the original...on a roll rather than pressed, without mustard and pickles, and with pork that was dry as sand in the Sahara. The space is beautiful and the waitstaff is attentive, but that's not enough to pull this place up close to average.
(1)
W Q.
To quote my husband just now after having paid the check--thoroughly impressed. From drinks, to food, and service, everything was fantastic; and more importantly, I'm full.
(5)
Jon H.
I gave this place another shot, but still ceased to impress. the dish was bland looking and bland tasting. probably won't give them my business again.
(2)
Erika W.
Wanted to like this place, but was quite disappointed. First, there was a group of 7 of us, which meant we were seated downstairs, which is essentially a cold basement, sandwiched between the kitchen and the bathrooms. And while I realize the restaurant can't entirely control this, there were 2 very large, EXTREMELY LOUD and rowdy parties down there with us, which definitely contributed to my bad experience. Seriously, it was so bad, I thought a manager should've stepped in to ask them to be considerate of other diners, especially given the small enclosed space. There was one server for all of us down there, which meant the service was delayed. She came by to take drink orders, and although we were also ready to order food she left without asking. 20 minutes she came by to take our food orders yet our drinks had not arrived. 25 minutes later after that, still no drinks, although appetizers had started. I finally had to go upstairs to find someone to ask about our drinks. Our food arrived and then about 10 minutes later our drinks finally came, along with an apology from the manager and the first round of drinks on the house. (the one bright spot of the night) As for the food, it was okay, although a little bland. My favorites were probably the appetizers, the empanadas and ceviche. My entree, the tilapia, was okay but not fabulous. A friend said his paella was very disappointing and several people asked for extra hot sauce because their entrees were lacking in flavor. (which I realize is not necessarily Cuban) Someone ordered Key lime Pie, something I normally adore, and it was honestly one of the worst desserts I've ever tasted. Unfortunately the night ended probably on the worst note possible. As we were eating dessert (or in my case NOT eating dessert) some terrible sewage smell began emanating from the bathrooms. At this point we just had to laugh, given the events of the night. I think I also said out loud, "I f(*&ing hate this place." I was done. There was some rush on part of the staff to cover up the smell by closing the doors and trapping us in the room downstairs, followed by a strange woodburning smell. We couldn't leave because we were waiting for our bill. The only good thing about the smells is that the loud and obnoxious party left the room! Staff seemed nice enough but honestly this area is littered with good restaurants. Better food would've saved the other difficulties.
(1)
Steven R.
Place blows. Don't waste your time or money
(2)
Mary S.
Food is delicious. I've been here a number of times, and it was solid every time. It can get a little too loud, and could be tough to get a table, but the food is always yummy.
(5)
Ginger C.
Half price mojito's on Fri night, who could ask for more?! Great fun & ambiance. Calamari was grubbin!
(5)
Jennifer H.
This place is way underrated. Went here on a Saturday night, party of 7. Did have to sit in the basement where they put all large parties but it was lots of groups having fun so not awful. The waitress was a little slow & chatty but once we got our mojito pitchers it was fine. I had the seafood dish with a coconut cream sauce and rice and it was devine. I mean really really good. Everyone I was with really enjoyed their meal. I tried the pulled pork & halibut and both were awesome. Highly recommend this place and I will be back.
(5)
Kate M.
I would rate this 3.5 stars if I could. I went to Havana on a Friday night, the place is small and like most places in River North on a friday night, it was full. I recommend having a reservation, which we did. We were seated quickly in a large booth. They have a special almost everyday, and that night, it was 1/2 priced pitchers of mojitos. My boyfriend and I didn't particularly enjoy our mojitos..next time we won't be coming here to drink. We started out with a half order of guac and chips, which was a great amount for 2 people. They chips were delicious and freshly made. We ordered a chicken caesar salad to share and our waitress had it divided up onto two plates without us even asking..which was very nice. The salad was good, nothing to rave about. For our next course, we asked for our waitress' opinion. She suggested the pork dish (I don't remember the name of it and I no longer see it in the menu, which is a shame). I'm really glad we asked her cause it was very flavorful and oh so yummy. And again, they divided it up onto 2 plates. The meat was great and it was placed on top of corn puree and potatoes which was equally as delicious. I recently bought a groupon for Havana so, I will be back. This place is definitely worth trying!
(3)
Sam W.
A Saturday summer night felt right for some Cuban food, so my sister and I decided to try Havana for the first time. After walking past this establishment almost weekly, we finally caved and were rewarded for our curiosity. Seated immediately next to the window, we were able to sample both the fresh air of the city and the cool air from the AC. We started off with the half order of guacamole. Three small bowls came to our table, one filled with fresh guacamole, one with a spicy tomato salsa and one with a refreshing helping of pico de gallo. Served with tricolor tortilla chips, this was a nice way to start the meal. For dinner, we shared three plates. We ordered the Cuban Salad, which came topped with spicy grilled chicken, julienned jicama, and crispy plantains all soaked (yes, a little too much dressing) in a cilantro dressing. A nice salad and plenty for two. The second dish we chose was the infamous Ropa Vieja. After having made this dish myself at home and having what I consider the best version on Earth at Carnivale, Havana's take was spot on. The meat was fork tender and super-juicy, with an intoxicating aroma that left both my sister and I with runny noses! With a giant scoop of rice and beans below, we were extremely satisfied with the overall balance of flavors. The third dish was more of a side. The Plantanos Maduros (fried sweet plantains) may have had more sugar and butter in them than an entire cake, but they were somehow all gone by the end of the meal. If you are a fan of plantains, please order these and watch them disappear instantly from table to stomach. As usual, we both felt like pregnant mom's after eating so much, so we passed on the typical Cuban dessert offerings of flan. This rating would've been 5 stars if not for the slow service, especially toward the end of the meal. Our server seamed disappointed we passed on ordering alcohol, and from the start we had a vibe that we were going to be treated differently from that point on. In fact, after our entrees were finished and a dessert menu was dropped off, we went a full 15 minutes with no contact with our server. Considering the restaurant is rather small, this makes little sense as to where she went. The table behind us was dealing with the same problem as well, when a manager (the owner?) stepped in and sped the process up. Overall, a great place to hide from the crowd but seem like you're a part of it, while being able to sample some authentic Cuban dishes loaded with flavor and enjoyment.
(4)
Katie M.
I was pleasantly surprised. This place has a pretty good ambiance - dim lighting, not too loud, smaller tables (which was a bit tough for our group of five - but for a group smaller than that it's perfect). The mojitos are better than the margaritas, in my opinion. The empanadas and ceviche were good appetizers - not the best i've ever had of either but they were definitely good. We all ordered different entrees and tried each other's dishes. Our favorites were the apricot pork chops and the halibut. AWESOME! Give this place a try.
(4)
Keane N.
I stumbled upon Havana while trying a place for a little lunch near downtown Chicago that participated in AAdvantage Dining Rewards. Little did I know how fun lunch would be. . . I'll quickly talk about the food. . .I ordered the torta cubana (sandwich w/ smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, and assorted veggies in a brioche bun) served with a mix of french fries and sweet potato fries. The sandwich was balanced in flavor and the fries come with a great chimichurri dipping sauce. However what made lunch and Havana special was the server/bartender Lauren. By far, she is the friendliest and most amiable server I have ever met. Never hesitated in answering questions and willing to strike up a conversation. Best part about Lauren, she finally helped my find a beer that I actually liked. (Long story short: I've spent a long time in the wasteland of Natty Light). She offered me a bottle to try, yet still comped me the drink after finishing the bottle. If you have the luck to be at Havana with Lauren as a server, you're bound to have a great time.
(5)
Sky S.
Pretty overcrowded and extremely loud. Even with a reservation we had to wait an additional 20-25 minutes. Food was fairly mediocre for the price. Great service though and cool scene.
(3)
Susan S.
Check out Havana--it's great!
(5)
Sydnye A.
i was impressed. i wanted to dance because the music selection was so exciting. from the maduros to the arroz con frijoles... yummie! after downing 3 glasses from the pitcher of signature mojitos we ordered, and feeling like i just had some refreshing limeade with mint, i felt like a sucker. not a good business move. i typically drink 1-2 drinks, and all my friends know 2 of anything and i am wasted. i felt like i never had a drink. shame on you! not sure if was the bartender or the management who made the decision, but i will not go back despite the delicious food. we watched 2 people at another table go through a pitcher of sangria and order several more drinks. i wonder if they had a similar experience.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Jennifer N.
The food here is full of flavor, and the $20 pitchers of sangria were tasty too. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked with bell peppers & onions. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Omnomnom! Service was a little slow, but all in all, a great Cuban restaurant in River North.
(4)Emily J.
I went here a few nights ago for a birthday dinner and had a great experience! It's down the street from my apartment and I always walk by and love the Latin music playing outside, it puts you in a good mood no matter what! Our group sat on the patio and enjoyed the music mingled with the sounds of the city. Unfortunately the smell of the sewer was also part of the mix, but that's just Chicago for you! The restaurant itself is lovely and you really feel like you've been transported out of Chicago for you dinner (minus the sewage smell!). I would start off with the fired plantain chips with homemade salsas and of course, a pitcher of mojitos. I am in love with the mojitos at Havana-they are perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. I didn't even have a terrible headache for work for the next morning! The food was just so-so, nothing terrible but nothing outstanding either. One of my companions got the paella, which was easily the best dish out of everything ordered, but it wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked it to be. Dessert was also a highlight-it was some type of chocolate/strawberry lava cake for the birthday girl. Our server, Olga, was fantastic and humored our selfie taking antics throughout the meal. I will be back to Havana, but probably just for mojitos and plantain chips. I can't wait to try this place in the winter when I will really need a tropical themed escape, even just for a drink or two!
(4)Lizz M.
Yum! Popped into Havana with a co-worker on a Thursday night. Service was great. Our waiter was super sweet. They have caipirinhas! Which are traditionally a Brazilian drink, but if it's on the menu, I must have it. I went with the passion fruit kind and was not disappointed. Drinks are strong and delicious. For apps, had the guac and chips, which also come with pico de gallo and a salsa verde, which was fantastic. I need the recipe, please. We also ordered the platanos tostados, which are sliced plantain chips that are served with a side of pureed beans and a pineapple salsa. The beans needed a touch more salt, but were delicious no less. For the main course, I went with the roasted pork that is served with fried yucca, congri, and fried plantains. yum, yum, and more yum. You can't really go wrong with this dish, unless you're not a fan of onions as the pork is topped with a pile of roasted onions. Dessert was a chocolate cake, a perfect ending to a great meal. I'm definitely coming back to give their Cuban sandwich a try!
(4)Shradha A.
We haven't tried the food but their drinks were good. We were here for their dance night and the live band + music were great! Wish they had more space to move though as it gets quite crowded!
(3)david O.
12 people for my Fiance's birthday. We were seated a little late but the manager more than made up for it with lots of appetizers that were delicious. Mojito pitchers for $22? Yes please. Highly recommended.
(5)Dora C.
Had one of the most amazing girls night at Havana! There was a live band performing that provided the best dancing music ever! Our bartender Noel made sure our pitcher mojitos was always filled! We originally planned on only staying for a little while and ending up staying til Havana closed down!
(5)Lynn H.
Absolutely love it here and so has everyone I have ever brought with me! Can't remember the exact name, but I always get the chicken that is stuffed with spinach and cheese...sooo good! I also come here for drinks only every now and then. Their pitcher deals during the week are the best!
(5)Lori C.
Great food (especially the paella, empanadas, fried plantains and ceviche) and awesome drink specials most days of the week. Friday's = $20 mojito pitchers! Live salsa music on weekends and you'll see people of all ages taking a twirl on the dance floor when the music start (probably with help of some mojito courage!). A great find in River North, as the atmosphere is more private and intimate than other restaurants in the area. The waiters and food runners are all very nice and sweet, and you never feel rushed out. A great place to come for any occasion, but if you are coming with a larger party, make sure to call ahead for reservations.
(5)Bose' A.
We had dinner at Havana last night and it was great. My date and I had the plantanos maduros to start with and they were yummy! We also tried multiple of their specialty beverages and all were tasty. The atmosphere was perfect for our 5th date. Not too loud so we could have a more intimate conversation and it's in a great location. The staff was super friendly as well. We will definitely return for more delicious dinners at Havana!
(5)Ryan B.
Always a winner for lunch. Good food at non-River North prices. The jibarito, pisto manchego and the torta Cubana are the best things on the menu. Seating is always very tight and service can be slow at times. But this place always delivers.
(4)Angela S.
Havana is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Every time I have a new guest in town, I take them here. I have never stayed late enough to watch the band (I believe they don't usuLly start until after 11), but the food is fabulous. I would highly recommend getting anything with their poblano cream sauce. I like the atmosphere, it is very cozy. It is small, but that what makes it special. I have heard however, some hispanic friends of mine saying the food didn't quite live up to their expectations on authenticity (and they would know best!) but from an average jos standpoint, I would sat it is outstanding.
(5)Laura C.
Lured in by the sidewalk sign advertising half price pitchers of margaritas, we snacked on Empanada Trio: manchego - manchego cheese, onions, walnuts and raisins pollo - sautéed chicken, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and corn, drizzled with cilantro sour cream picadillo - sautéed ground beef with red and green peppers, onions, olives and raisins AND Chimichangas - fried, chicken-filled tortillas in poblano cream sauce, with cilantro sour cream and pico de gallo Everything was hunky dory until we got the check, with a full priced pitcher. When I asked about the sign outside, we were told that we had to order entrees to get that - which I debated, since it was not stated on the sign. Our server said he would take care of it, but then brought the bill back with no adjustments. I spoke with the manager, and he reluctantly agreed to give us the discount, but after giving me the fifth degree on whether or not the server told us before we ordered. If this incident had not occurred, the rating would have been much higher. We should have stuck by our plan of going to Bub City instead.
(3)Gabriela A.
I appreciate the business getting in touch with me and that alone deserves an additional star. Original review: service is not very good (good cafe cortadito)
(4)Giuliana M.
A Great atmosphere and the lunch menu is amazing. The service was fast and the prices were very reasonable!!
(4)Mili J.
Food was great. But the service was bad. The waitress had an attitude, and was very comfortably denying the little variations my friends were asking for. Felt like she is doing a grand favor on us by serving food. Anyway the food was great, i can go back there for the good food hoping for a different server.
(3)Jen S.
I went to Havana for dinner and the food and ambiance were great. The waitstaff was attentive and very informative. I highly recommend the pollo coco limon or the steak cubano. Both entrees were perfectly cooked and had a lot of flavor. I would go back to try a few more dishes on the menu.
(4)Sid B.
This is one happening place. We were strolling post dinner and this place has some amazing live music playing. A good mix of cuban and salsa music and best mojitos in town.
(5)Michael W.
Havana was pretty awesome. We were a 4 top with a reservation on a busy Saturday night. The mojitos were excellent, The food was on point. Havana is definitely an experience. The restaurant is pretty loud - but maybe appropriately so for a kind of hip Chicago style restaurant. I think we all thought the food was excellent. The service wasn't outstanding, but it wasn't too shabby either. I would tell you to give this place a try, but I would make sure you have a reservation!
(5)Logan N.
The restaurant wasn't packed and the food was ok. I've had better, but it was a busy Friday and all the other restaurants were booked. I ordered the rope vieja and it was edible, but nothing to rave about.
(3)Abishek M.
This restaurant is a hidden gem. Ive been here twice and both times I thought that the food was outstanding. I recently went with a friend who said that it might have been the best meal he had ever had! The drinks were very good as well and you can tell they are made with care. The dimly lit ambiance adds to the charm of this place. I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)Sara L.
Loved the jalea de mnariscos. Went there last Saturday to celebrate my friends birthday and we had a great time, great atmosphere, food and if you like mojitos the coconut mojito is so good!!! THUMBS UP HAVANA
(5)Varun S.
The food was ok, The service wasnt up to par.
(3)Molly S.
Fantastic drinks, helpful service, beautiful entrees!
(4)Sarah W.
We had dinner last night at Havana and everything was great! Servers and bus boys were friendly, always cleared the tables quickly, and kept our waters full. The chimichangas are a must, tortilla soup was delicious, and so were the rollitos manchegos - super flavorful. The carne asada was good as well but the guacamole on top made it a bit cold (recommend serving the guac as a side, vs on top of the steak). Overall, really nice experience and we will definitely be back!
(4)Marie M.
Such great food & service! The wait staff was perfectly attentive. The type of staff that gets you everything you ordered and what you need without being pushy or constantly asking you if there is anything you need. Our waiter didn't write anything down (and we ordered A LOT) and everything came out in good time with nothing missing. Tasted like authentic Cuban food with all the flavor. There were healthy options (I had a great salad with jicama and grilled chicken) and classic dishes. Get the tostones! Friday $20 Mojito pitcher! We sat outside on the little patio. Looks like they had Live music on the weekend. We street parked but there was a valet too. I'd say good for groups or a date night.
(5)Angel A.
I had the pleasure of trying out this establishment while in Chicago on business. I make it a point to try and visit Puerto Rican and/or Cuban cuisines at every destination that I travel too. Okay, he we go. I loved the decor. The establishment was busy which only told me that it's a well known eatery. I began my venture by ordering a nice glass of Sangria. All I can say is EXCELLENT!! As I enjoyed my glass, I decided to order some appetizers. I ordered some Empanadas and they were a treat to eat. I then moved onto my main course. I ordered the roast pork with white rice and red beans. Unfortunately, they indicated that they don't carry red beans only black. You know, a Caribbean restaurant should always have an option- Strike 1. My main plate arrived and the presentation looked like the plates I used to have when I was in the US Army! Picture a line of GI's waiting to have their tray filled with chow and as you walk down the path and present your tray, good is picked up by the massive sized spoon and slopped down on the tray. There you have it- Strike 2. Well as I tried to enjoy my meal, I had to throw out a life server ring in order for me to find the slices of pork. Poor slice was drowning in sauce. Strike 3. I finally had my share of adventure and called it a night. I got back to my hotel room had a glass of water.... And then, the Atomic Bomb set off inside my stomach. After a box of pepto and 24 documented runs to the porcelain god! Day light broke... I felt like Baron Von Dracula looking for my coffin. This is as far as I'm going with this saga.. Hey, all I can say is to try it out. You might have a different experience. Just keep that Pepto near your bedside.
(1)Anna G.
I had never heard of or noticed Havana until walking by it this summer while on my way to dinner somewhere else on Clark St. We finally got around to checking it out last weekend and, overall, I recommend it. The mojitos and caipirinhas were very good. I'll be back for a happy hour for sure. The food was good, it just isn't anything to really rave about. The portions were pretty large. Prices are great for the area! Service started out a little poorly (she forgot 2 of the drink flavors we ordered and the fact that we ordered chips and guac--why don't servers just write things down?!) but she definitely became more attentive after that.
(3)Maegen R.
I love Cuban food, so I was really excited that this place was right across the street from where my friends and I had just enjoyed happy hour. It was a Monday night so fairly empty. Seating wasn't an issue. The atmosphere was chill. Service was fast. The server was friendly and attentive. I had the Carne Con Tequila (Steak and mixed sweet & white potato fries). It was really good. I will note, the steak had a little more gravy/sauce than I typically care for, but it didn't ruin the meal. However, if I ordered it again, I would definitely ask them to go easy on the sauce. My friends and I shared a pitcher of caipirinha on special. I found it tart, but refreshing. Per my friends, it's not suppose to be tart, but instead sweet. It was my time trying it, so I had no comparison. They weren't especially in love with the drink, but found the food quite tasty. Overall, I was pleased and so were my friends. I would definitely dine there again.
(4)eve r.
My two daughters and myself had dinner Friday night. Ordered tilapia, calamari citrus salad (one with fried calamari and the other sautéed), ceviche appetizer. Zero flavor, zero. Calamari - both - very chewy. Tilapia-over sauced. Could not identify anything except avocado in the ceviche. Worst part is my daughter (calamari) began vomiting in the middle if the night and I was (calamari) ill as well. Never again
(1)Jennifer M.
Havana is a darling Cuban themed restaurant. I ordered the Carne con Tequila and my boyfriend ordered the pork chops. Both were cooked perfectly with awesome flavors! We went on a Thursday and they had a drink special for a pitcher of margaritas for $20, score! What takes my rating down a notch or so was the service. It was difficult to find who to go to when we first arrived to be seated and the waiter stopped by with long pauses in between. Also, I had called ahead and informed the restaurant that it was my boyfriend's birthday and wanted to see if they sent out a dessert for the occasion, to which they responded they did and would make a note. I also checked when we arrived at the restaurant and told the individual who seated us. However, lo and behold, our bill came and no dessert was brought out. By that point, it would've taken a while to get our server's attention and I just didn't do it since it was supposed to be a surprise for my boyfriend and would have completely been a mute point by then. That was more disappointing for me than my boyfriend, who said he was full and didn't care, but I was upset that I continuously reminded them and it was forgotten about. Not coming back for celebrations again since it was more work on my end than theirs!
(3)Debbie H.
I revisited Havana after what I now realize was (way) too long. Started off with a cocktail at the modest wooden bar to celebrate the end of a stressful work week and what I hope is the beginning (finally) of spring! The jalepeno margarita doesn't disappoint: it's got the right kick to kick start your night. Moving to a table, my dinner companion and I jumped at the chance to nibble on the trip of empanadas - while surprisingly raisin heavy, that little known ingredient provides a burst of flavor with each bite. Three different types of empanadas (manchego cheese with onions, walnuts and raisins, sautéed chicken with cheddar cheese, tomatoes and corn, and beef with raisins, onions, olives and peppers accompanied by a few plantains thrown in for good measure. A great pairing is their Montgrass Chilean Sauvignon blanc. My companion order the pulled pork and I the rollitos manchego - I'm a sucker for cheese and I recalled having it before (a reason to have had fond memories of Havana). The mashed yucca loos like a vanilla ice cream scoop anchoring the plate, decorated with thick slices of chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese plated around it, all atop a poblano cream sauce that isn't too heavy, nor is the dish swimming in it. The best part? There's enough to take home - a benefit I will shortly be enjoying for lunch. My only (continued) negative is that while the decor and dishes provide a casual yet upscale dining experience, below the main floor lies a very cold, antiquated and uninviting ladies' room (the door didn't even close all the way). It would be worth the investment to upgrade so that from start to finish, head to toe, Havana is a Cuban vacation on Clark.
(4)Christina H.
I like Havana -- hit or miss on the Cuban dishes, but I'm a Cuban so I'm difficult to impress. But Friday nights are great. I love to go for dinner, get the mojito special and stay for the music. Fun place.
(4)Clayton R.
This is my first review, so take it as a grain of salt if you wish. It was my first trip to Havana, and I reserved a table there on a Friday night. It was a date, mind you, and one that I considered to be of importance. I'll walk you through my experience: I arrived a touch earlier than my reservation time in hopes that perhaps I could get a table slightly earlier than planned, or just grab a drink at the bar while I waited. Luckily enough, they did have a table for two ready, and in we went. We started out with some standard mojitos, which were pretty darn good, to say the least. Our waiter, as well as the staff in general, did a great job. They were quick, timely, and accommodating. We started out with the ceviche (a first time item for my date) which was as refreshing as one would want. My date was only able to narrow down her choices to a few items, and seeing as she was observing Lent, they were all fish items. Our waiter was very helpful in narrowing down the choices with his suggestions. She went with the plantain crusted halibut, and "won at dinner". I had the fish tacos, which were exactly what I wanted, but man that halibut was truly one of the better fish dishes I've ever tasted. It ended up being a really great date, and a risk of going to a completely new place ended up being very worthwhile. I hope that their service is as consistent as it was for us, because I do very much recommend it. In the summer months, I am told that they set up some space outside and it ends up being a great place to chill with a drink and eat some refreshing food.
(5)Basil D.
I have tried several Cuban restaurants in Chicago. They all have their unique attributes. This one is no different. COME HERE FOR THE SANGRIA....SANGRIA...DRINK THE SANGRIA!!!!! HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN THE SANGRIA! Seriously, I am a sangria aficionado of sorts. This is the best. don't bother with a glass, just get the damn pitcher, it's only $20 and well worth it. They'll even give you the recipe, though not the amounts. They tell me they put some soda water, rasberry liquor, and triple-sec along with the normal sangria ingredients. It is light, refreshing, very flavorful, and relaxes you completely. Now the food. The Tostones are incredible. Twice fried plantains are cut perfectly, thick enough to be meaty and absorb the dipping sauces, and thin enough to keep the flavor consistent throughout. I recommend sprinkling them with salt then eat without the sauce, which is wonderful, or try the dipping sauces. Their salads are wonderfully fresh and prepared with care, not just thrown together. The tilapia tacos are fantastic (but everyone's doing them, still excellent), the Cuban pork is wonderful and rivals that of 90 Miles also nearby. So many other good things to say, but I shan't bore you. You really must come. It's got a great atmosphere and you can enjoy the best life possible in Chicago, which is River North living baby! Cheers
(4)Douglas B.
So went here with Wifey, brother-in-law and his wife. Preface: If you are looking for authentic Cuban, beware, this is deceiving. This does not even touch Cuban by a mile. It's some "Pan-Latin" something or other.. all I know is that it was not very good. The place is very small... the tables are uncomfortable to sit in and its loud as F*ck in there! The staff is very odd and looks confused half the time. This has to have been created for tourists and for people that don't know better. Also.. If you're going to name your self "Havana" please please please spell the things correctly. They have a border of several different cuban items spelled around the edges of the ceiling. Half of that stuff is misspelled for goodness sake! What the heck is a "Plantanos" it's PLATANOS! And "Marquitas"??? its Mariquitas! Food... We started off with drinks... I ordered my usual Manhattan.. the first one came with some orange in it... I think the bartender has their menu confused. Ordered my second one with out any oranges.. this time I got two pieces. Thanks big guy. We ordered fried calamari and empanada trio to start. The calamari was fried so hard it tasted burnt and was not that great. The empanada was fried just as hard. Then I proceeded to order some concoction of a skirt steak and tequila sauce. Thank goodness I was able to substitute the "Latin Fries" whatever those were with some congri. I also then ordered a side of platanos maduros(sweet plantain). The steak was tender but was soaked in some kind of sweet ass sauce with huge bits of garlic. Not a fan. The congri was ok, I've had better.. it had freakin red peppers in it!?!? wtf is that? and it was spicy.. i don't get it. If i wanted Mexican food, I would have gone to get Mexican food. The even had "Chimichangas" on the menu.. WTF is a chimichanga!?!? The platanos were horrible.. they are already sweet.. but the chef decided that they definitely needed a good dose of honey or brown sugar or whatever that was to make sure my teeth fell out. The food.. terrible. The service... we at least got a table.. but the service is pushy.. i felt rushed.. we wanted to stay for the "live" music.. but I guess the waitress wanted to leave. She was so bland and no character.. I don't blame her.. I wouldn't want to work there either. The only friendly people in there were the bus boys, Put those guys in the front! The live music sucked... they played like 1-2 songs loud as hell and then it was DJ time. I felt like i was stuck in some gaudy bar in wrigleyville... i was just waiting for the flip flops and cub caps to start popping up. Overall this place was uber disappointing. Will def. never go back. Thank goodness parking was only $10. If you're expecting Cuban food.. stay away.. nothing in that place is cuban but the name of the restaurant. Sooo many other better places to go get the Cuban experience.. hit me up and I'll guide you!!!
(1)Ashley C.
Food and drink get 5 stars, but what brings this restaurant's overall rating down to a solid 3 is its service. I made a reservation for a girlfriend and I to eat here last Friday night. Our reservation was for 5:30pm. We were both running just a few minutes late (5-10min) so I called to inform them. The manager onsite gave me a huge guilt trip, going on and on about how the place was getting busier and busier by the minute. I explained that I understood it was a Friday evening and asked that if they could just hold our table until 5:45pm, we'd really appreciate it. He agreed. When we arrived, the place was not busy. There were certainly people dining, but there were at least 6-8 tables completely open and unreserved, and that is a lot for this smaller restaurant. I arrived before my other friend and was pestered by the waitress 4-5 times before she arrived. I currently work in the service industry so I understand the necessity of an initial meet-and-greet; however, once I've let you know that I'm waiting for my other guest to order, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE. When my friend arrived we also felt very pressured to quickly order. It is not difficult to read a table. We were clearly catching up and hadn't even looked over the menus, and yet she asked us if we were ready 3 times! When dinner was over and we were working on our dessert, she tried to take the check away without us even paying yet. It was clear that she wanted us to hurry out of there. Our total dinner time was just over an hour and half. Oh, and when I handed her a $100.000 bill to pay for our $75.00 dinner, she told me she wouldn't be able to break it for me and I needed to pay with card. WHAT? You work at a restaurant on Hubbard St and it's a Friday night. Where is your server bank?! I can't be the only one walking in there with big bills. We ordered chips and guacamole and the empanada trio to start. They were amazing! Food came out quickly and everything was fresh and tasty. For our entree we split the ropa vieja - again delicious. The meat melts in your mouth. You bet we moved on to dessert which was equally as satisfying. Chocolate fudge cake with a side of vanilla ice cream. The dessert menu wasn't as authentic as everything else. Again, excellent food but not-so-good- service. Of course, that manager was nowhere to be found when we we leaving the restaurant, too.
(3)Lisa T.
I've gone here twice within a week of my last visit and ordered the traditional steak enchiladas, which was ok. Although served with a hearty portion of steak, it was not something I would rave over. However,my colleague suggested getting a side of their poblano creme sauce which is simply delicious over rice. My second go around I ordered their chipotle crab cakes and chimichangas which were very flavorful and plentiful. Very crowed the second time we went there for lunch, got the last table inside and service was a little slow, but overall I'd go back again.
(3)M. R.
The food and drinks were delicious. I would go back.
(4)Alexis G.
I really wanted to like this place. If it wasn't for the service it would have probably gotten 3 or 4 stars The food was a mix. The ceviche and salad were great but the pork our waiter recommend was so dried out and flavorless we didn't even eat it. The service...while our waiter was nice, he was never around. After our initial drink order we had to flag him down every time we wanted something. Then, he just disappeared. It also took forever to get any of our food. Fifteen minutes to get a salad? At the end when we once again couldn't find our waiter, a nice woman brought us our check and said that he had left. It really would have been so much better if he had told us he had to leave and someone else would finish taking care of us.
(2)Victoria G.
This place is very loud. We came for the live music and we could hardly hear anything. You have to over scream people around you if you want to talk to your friends. I mean I know bars are loud but this is just too loud. Their appetizers are ok. Mojitos are very good though. Service is a little slow but not too bad.
(3)Heidi H.
Love this little place, came in for a drink and dessert one evening and really wish we had an opportunity to eat dinner here. We had the sautéed plantains and they were very good, not too sweet and the warm ripeness of the plantains hit the spot. They have some pretty good choices on bar drinks and you will not be disappointed in the menu either. The service was great and the outside patio seating was nice on a summer evening. It's pretty busy all around this area in the evening and I feel bad for anyone with a car, but they do offer valet parking for 3 hours. I would certainly come back to explore this menu and the prices are pretty good as well. As far as dessert and drinks I was very pleased. If you check in 3 times they have a free dessert on Yelp when you check in. So if your in area check in a few times before you go then cash in on that.
(5)Aaron H.
We came here with a mid-sized group to celebrate my buddy's birthday and his final days as a Chicagoan. ON the inside, Havana looked like it was pulled right out of Miami (the closest I have ever been to Cuban culture). The servers were very friendly and fast in recommending hot items on the menu. We started with mixed drinks (Mojito, Caipirinha) and an order of ceviche. My main dish course was the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork, which was very juicy. I enjoyed it a lot. I did find myself sharing some of it with my table mates because it was apparently tastier than their entrees (Ropa Vieja and the Pollo Paella Caribeña, among others). Even though I do recall having better Cuban food elsewhere, everything was solid overall, and the food and drink prices were great.
(3)Regina D.
The food was delicious. I stuffed my face and therefore couldn't move or dance afterwards. The live music is nice too.
(5)Sandra H.
My husband and I decided to have a impromptu dinner date. We live in the 'burbs, so we pick our Chicago restaurant adventures very carefully. He's been to Cuba and I thought it would be fun to find a restaurant offering authentic Cuban fare. The interior is awesome - very intimate and old-worldly - like Cuba may be. Service was great. Their mojitos are so very delicious. I had the Ropa Vieja - shredded flank steak simmered in garlic, tomato and bell pepper sauce. The flavors were soulful. My husband the Cuban Roasted Pork - tender deliciousness. I can't wait to go again and try the rest of the menu!
(5)Isis S.
A group of 10 girls visited Havana for dinner to celebrate my 30th bday and it was AWESOME!! The food was soo yummy and our waitress was very nice. I had never heard of the site gdine before until my friend suggested it. Seeing that it was a large group of us, using gdine would def make our dinning experience super easy! Great experience, I loved the fact that we didnt have to worry about how to split the bill at the end of the night, because everyone had paid for their meal individually and hassle free through gdine!! There was a delay from the time that we were given our appetizers and when our entrees were served and had we all been hungrier after those appetizers one of us would have asked why it was taking so long. Luckily we were too busy chatting and drinking to make a big fuss. I had the mango mojito and it was delish!! One of my girlfriends had the sangria and that was very good too. Once our entrees came out, everyone's dish looked and smelled delicious! ! As the bday girl (and having awesome friends), I was able to try pretty much everyone's dish!! Mmmm...I recommend the apricot pork chops, the lechon, the jalapeno mashed potatoes were also yummy!! The empanadas for appetizers were the best!! Everything was so full of flavor :) There was a minor hiccup on our bill, as we had been charged two extra drinks, when in fact they had been part of the gdine package, but the waitress was nice enough to fix the prob. Overall great experience, delicious (and very flavorful) Cuban food!! I def want to come back again!
(5)Gypsy G.
Meh. Disappointed in the food. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back a second time. I enjoyed the Mojito though. Can't believe I paid to valet my car for this. Totally not worth it.
(2)Jackie C.
So we came here with some of our friends for a big group dinner. The food we delicious but the service was terrible. It was super slow and took forever to get our food.
(3)David L.
Sorry for being so late on giving this review. But what I can say is that looks can definitely be deceiving. At first glance driving up to the restaurant, I think that I was thrown off by the size of it. Quite small and doesn't look like much from the outside. Only once approaching the valet my mind was quickly changed. Excellent service through and through. The hostess was real nice, the bartender educated my date and I on our drinks, the waiters were attentive yet not overwhelming. Ordered a ropa-vieja which was juicy and sooo tender. The flavor packed in every bite was amazing. Our dessert we got for free was also nice, thick rich chocolate cake that complimented my espresso shot. Great place, missed the live music by about an hour, can't wait to come back.
(5)Asta R.
The perfect place for Cuban/Latin fare. Had the pulled pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and chicken in plantain leaves with sweet mashed potatoes and plantains and a pitcher of mojitos. Everything was delicious, the service was excellent & we will definitely be back!
(5)Christina M.
I was very disappointed with my experience at Havana on a Friday evening. Everything we ordered was incredibly bland: mango ceviche, the jibarito sandwich, as well as the Cuban steak sandwich. While both if the sandwiches looked great and were large portions, I can't say we enjoyed them. The worst part of the experience, though, was the service. We sat at the bar and although it wasn't crowded at all, we were not expecting spectacular service. However, our bartender/server (Shannon- not that she ever mentioned her name, as she barely acknowledged us- I had to wait until we got the receipt to find out her name) was so rude, I couldn't help but to document this. She didn't understand my (correct) pronunciation of my order (jibarito sandwich) and responded with a rude "what?" each time I tried to repeat it in a different way to ensure my order would be placed. I eventually had to point at the dish on the menu, and when I looked up she had already turned away, without saying a word. (It seems especially bizarre to me that a server at a Latin restaurant cannot understand the dish names on the menu- I'm sure this has caused a lot of confusion for other patrons.) I was not even sure that any order had been placed, and she seemed very annoyed to have to deal with us. It did, however arrive, but we did not hear anything else from our server for quite a while. However, she and the other bartender did seem to notice our presence as they talked and turned towards us looking quite annoyed several times. Finally, when we asked for the bill, we got no verbal response. Instead she turned away and left the bill on the edge of the bar near us a few minutes later, again without a word. I'm not sure what we could have done to upset her from the very beginning, but this was the first time I felt like I was an annoyance to a server. We didn't make any special requests or substitutions and were quite patient with the unfair way we were treated, so this was very confusing to us. I've never felt so disrespected that I've had to write up a review specifically naming a server, but this was such a bad experience that I needed to document this. I won't go back, but I also to plan to tell my friends who are frequent customers about my terrible experience and hope they choose a much better restaurant than Havana.
(1)Jennifer C.
My only mistake was going during my lunch hour, but Havana is down the street from my office and tempts me with its succulent smells every time I walk by. Curse you and your delicious Caribbean delicacies! My lunch partner dived into his jibarito so deeply that I almost asked if Havana had food bags and SCUBA equipment. Since he couldn't be bothered to look up from me at me to finish that round of conversation, I proceeded to try my winning fish tacos and all talk ceased in an array of yellow rice and black beans. Why were the tacos winning? All the pico and NO LETTUCE! Let me say this once: if you go into any taco joint that is a step up from Taco Bell and they deign to put lettuce on your taco, just walk out and go to the Chipotle next door. It was coming close the end of my lunch, but I could not leave without dessert. I scanned their dessert menu and fell victim to my favorite type of pie: Key Lime. Now, having first tried Key Lime pie in Key West, I'm always hesitant about seeing it on menus in restaurants outside of Florida. My worry subsided when the waiter brought out a container holding the biggest piece of YELLOW Key Lime all covered in graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream. I'm sorry, did you ask if we needed the check? I can't hear you over the OM NOM NOM NOM!
(4)Rick S.
You would expect bold colors and sounds at a Cuban restaurant, but this restaurant was more quaint and romantic. Probably more like it truly is in Cuba - instead of a caricature. I had the passion fruit caipirinha. I was pleasantly surprised by how light and refreshing it was. Our appetizer was the Patanos Maduros. I was disappointed in the plantains that had no flavor - but the black bean dip definitely made up for it. I had the Carne Con Tequila and loved the chimichurri. My girlfriend had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork - the roasted cream corn made the dish! Get the Platanos Maduros side dish!!! It is different than the appetizer. It has brown sugar and honey. You could have it for dessert. SOOO GOOD! Yoandy was our waiter. It was Halloween and he was dressed like King Tut. He was very personable and did a great job.
(5)L M.
I am obsessed with this place! I love the food and the staff are always pleasant. I took my friend and her son and he was dancing up a storm. The staff totally entertained the little guy. After hours with the band is a great time too!
(5)Sheila P.
Although the live music was awesome the drinks were not. I ordered a capharini and saw them put at least a cup sugar in it. My sister ordered a mojito and it was not even drinkable. We left without finishing our drinks.
(3)Jennifer E.
Three Words: Half Price Pitchers!!! (Margarita, Sangria, or Mojito) You can't beat that. And the food...muy delicioso! I had the Cuban Roasted Pork. Cubans know how to do their pork.
(5)Kyle D.
Pretty good little hideaway downtown, Havana is a good place for some Cuban. Their menu is huge, ranging from sandwiches to authentic plates, and the drink list is extensive. The atmosphere is darker and more quiet and intimate. The food itself was great. I had the carne asada plate with plantains and rice, and everything was good. The rest of my group, which was fairly large, all got something different but equally enjoyed their meals. The only blemish of the experience was that the waitress was poor. Overall, great place to go and have some drinks or a good cuban meal. Sure there are probably more authentic places to go, but this place still delivers. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 6/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Marisa P.
I just recently went to Havana with my sister and mom. I had been here once before just for drinks and they were great. Wish i could say the same when dining. I had the calamari salad. I had it fried and at the time it was really good. But regretfully a few hours later i was throwing up. My mom had the same thing except not fried and didnt feel well also. I was very disappointed in the food and service. While the girl was sweet it just took forever and overall wished i had a better experience.
(1)DuSable Dining Club C.
Havana Ratings 1-5 (and I did work these based on our usual scale) 1= Worse than having a slip full of sea weed 5= As great as getting a new jet ski or two Atmosphere: Average rating - 3.6 Service: Average rating: 4 Food: Average rating: 4 Price: Average rating: 4 Would you come again or recommend? Most said yes (no one said no) Maybe-good food "Nice"Remarks please: Missed Tom :( - noted by many Glad Kelli made it! Great spot Loved the pork Cuban salad was great Omar was fantastic and attentive-overall good team there Mollypants got a little uppty when people challenged her ratings Glad JB and Mrs. Schneider ordered grown up margaritas "Loved the tranny in the booth" - JB Slow start, but nice Cuban fellas Excellent all around U kidding me? Even Paul thinks it's a deal? We missed Tom, however it is appropriate on 9/11 that we move on Way too loud, but really good food A steak for what you getGreat food and the price is right, can't beat margaritas for $20 Another great value from our token, Terri These nights are always the highlight of the month
(4)Jesse H.
Poor service. Restaurant was not busy and our waiter just hung out at the bar and neglected his tables. Food was alright but incredibly salty.
(2)Mandy B.
I loved this place! Went with a group of 6 on a Saturday night. Got a sane day reservation and all. We were seated promptly and hada great server. He was knowledgeable of the menu and ingredients. I shared the jalea de mariscos and the rollitos manchego. Both dishes were amazing. I couldn't get enough. I can't wait come back! Passion fruit caipirinhas were delicious as well.
(5)Samantha E.
I was so excited to eat some delicious Cuban food! I came here with a big group for a friends birthday and was so ready for some good drinks and food. The mojitos were pretty good but the food was meh. It was lacking in flavor and overpriced. My search for legit Cuban food in Chicago will just have to continue.
(2)FoodieChic L.
I accidentally found Havana while walking down Clark St with my bf. Heard the drums, the guitar, the singing - thought I was in Dirty Dancing movie. We went in and have been coming here for the last 2 years. Best to come before 11pm and grab a seat by the bar - sit back and enjoy the music and dancers! Only complaint is the layout - it's uber small and when it gets packed you cannot walk through the place. Hence getting a seat before the band performs! Still my go to place for my salsa fix!!!
(5)Amanda M.
The chicken manchego rolls were quite yummy and rather light tasting considering the buttery sauce. Service was okay. Towards the end of our meal (we had a party of 10), we felt we were being rushed out because they were getting busy.
(3)Melissa F.
I think 3.5 stars is a good measure of this place, but I had a good experience here last night, so 4 is OK. The space is sexy and has low lighting, but it's not so loud you can't hear anyone, nor is it "trying too hard." We started with the ceviche, which was delicious and came with interesting plantain chips (as well as regular multi-colored tortilla chips). My date and I both had the ropa vieja. I didn't go hungry at all, but I think the price outpaces the dish to a slight extent. The black beans were good, and the rice was fine. I was worried that the meat would be bland, but it was actually very good, and I enjoyed the tomato broth in which it was cooked. The mojito was almost too strong for me, but it was a perfect blend of mint and lime. Havana isn't a life-changing restaurant, really, but it's a nice option!
(4)Laura K.
Great Latin food! Great vibe - I 'm a fan of Havana! I have gone here on a number of occasions (lunch and dinners - both small groups and large groups) and each time I have been VERY pleased with the service and the food! Good specials (Thursday night half price margaritas), great lunch menu that is pretty cheap considering the other sit-down options in the area (Torta Cubana for $9 - yes please), and a pretty sophisticated dinner menu. All in all, you can't go wrong with Havana.
(4)Vic C.
Cool atmosphere. Service was subpar. Food was good. I had the pollo horneado which consisted of marinated chicken, habanero salsa, plantains and mashed sweet potato. Wouldn't go out of my way to return.
(3)Luiz R.
Amazing restaurant. Great food, great atmosphere. I would probably rank it in my top 3 goto restaurants in the river north area.
(5)Ingrid L.
We came to havana tonight for my mom's 70th birthday and we had an exceptional experience. Jessica, our server, was outstanding.. We started with the fried plantains and the empanadas..both were ridiculously good.. We had pulled pork and the seafood in coconut sauce for dinner..both were ridiculously good. Best of all, the service was outstanding.
(5)Mickey A.
I haven't been here since the place was Mambo Grill. i met a couple co-workers here for dinner. Since it was right after work (around 5-ish), we were seated right away even without reservations. I probably would make one just in case for next time. There's usually a drink special sign outside. I believe the night we went it was buy one pitcher of mojitos and get the next half off. We didn't order drinks but that did seem like a good deal. We ordered guacamole and chips to start as we were starving. I ate way more than I could handle because the guacamole was really good (that or I was so hungry). Just like a Pringles commercial, you just can't stop...or something like that. I ordered the chicken stuffed with spinach and mancheego (sp?) cheese topped with a green pepper creamy sauce. Damn that sauce was so delicious and not very heavy. I mean, I swirled every chicken bite around in that sauce because it was just good. The stuffed chicken pieces were pretty big and I still had so much to bring home. I'm hoping to come back again to try one of their drink specials. Mojitos: I hear you calling my name.
(3)Aditi G.
My friend and I stumbled upon this little place the other night after going into Mercadito around the corner only to find that the wait was over an hour. We didn't want to wait so we came to Havana and got seated at the bar right away which was great. I really love this little place! Love the authentic decor and love that it's a smaller, more intimate place. My friend and I got the friend plantains, some chips and guacamole, and beans and rice and everything was fresh, flavorful and beautiful! Would definitely come back here!
(5)Courtney Z.
With so many great places to eat in Chicago - skip this one!! Confused/rude service, nothing special food, incredibly loud inside. Also, if they bring you to the downstairs to eat - run!! Odd, awkwardly quiet, drab room. I think the only time I'd consider eating here again is if it were in the seats outside - probably a much better experience. The mojitos were very good on a plus side. OH and wouldn't let us use the stupid yelp coupon for dessert. I guess one of the stipulations is only one deal an order (I guess our pitcher of mojitos was a deal). It was just lame though - like really we don't care if we pay an extra 5 bucks but its the point of it... Grappling with us over 5 dollars?? Please...
(1)Mandi P.
Were we forgotten about??? We were here this past weekend with a large group for a birthday dinner. We all met at the bar around 7:30 for 7:45 reservations. The place looked tiny, but cute. Immediately we were made aware of just how tiny the place was as there was not enough room for us to stand at the bar conversing while also allowing the workers and other customers to walk back and forth...not to mention there was a ginormous fake plant right in the walk way by the bar...why??? We were seated before some of our party arrived before 7:45...I think mainly to get us out of the way which was completely fine with us. We were taken downstairs to the basement. Uggghhh...I am so tired of restaurants putting our group in add on rooms in basements or off of the kitchen. I am done with it and it will not happen again! Service at first was really good. Our waiter, Carlos, was attentive and pretty fast at getting us what we needed. Then...after our appetizers came out the service kinda dwindled. My guess is that the upstairs got busy and our waiter was covering our table in addition to multiple tables upstairs. However, as we were in the basement I couldn't honestly say if that was the issue. I won't lie, the food was actually fairly decent. Much better than I anticipated and I actually was full before finishing my dish. I got the chicken tacos and would probably eat it again should I have any notion to every visit Havana again. However, we were never offered coffee or dessert menus. The birthday girl's husband had to flag down someone from the staff just to order two small desserts that said happy birthday for the birthday girl and boy. Also, due to the server not coming back often we were all lacking drinks all througout the dinner. Someone from our table asked how many more rounds of drinks we would have had if we had been offered any more by our server...the vast majority of us stated 2-3...(that's between 20-30 drinks) that's a lot of easy money the restaurant lost that night. Kind of a shame. I can really see Havana's potential. The food is good, but the service is lacking. Oh...and they must get rid of that basement room...kills the mood completely and makes you feel like you are sitting in a friend's house for dinner.
(2)Deanna I.
Went here 2 weeks ago for my anniversary. We were seated right away, and I instantly loved the atmosphere. Our table was in the back and as far away from commotion as possible. The chimichangas appetizer were incredible. My boyfriend ordered the pulled pork, and the combination of sweet and savory was as unique as it was tasty. Downside was a the watermelon-tini, no where on the menu does it mention the extreme sweetness of this drink. It says "refreshing" when it should say, we melted a jolly rancher then added a cup of sugar. However, the waitress was so nice and after getting manager approval let me switch the drink for the margarita, which was very good. Also, it was extremely dark. I get the idea of intimate lighting, but even while we were the manager dimmed the lights even more to a point where im surprised the wait staff wasn't tripping over each other
(4)Laura Z.
We really enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back. We had a pitcher of mojitos and half an order of guacamole. Both our entrees were great: tilapia and ropa vieja. Service was fine and not rushed. The place is small but not too loud. Easy for two people to talk.
(4)Ania W.
Delicious pisco sour!!!
(4)Diana C.
We waited an hour over an hour past our reservation time, and food and drinks were mediocre at best.
(2)Maile M.
The pros: seated quickly (especially for it being a Friday night), we were served very quickly, and the caramelized plantains with honey were delicious and perfectly crisp. I would still consider returning to try out their pitcher specials but the place is tiny so arriving early is a must. The cons (and the reason for such a low rating): we requested an appetizer suggestion from the waitress to which she replied the empanadas... They did not taste good at all. The best one of the three was the beans but it reminded me of the fried burritos that my high school use to serve. We also ordered the ropa vieja which again did not come close to meeting our expectations. Lastly, we ordered a simple coca cola which was bitter! All in all we would definitely not being coming back for dinner... Maybe drinks?
(2)AJ W.
Great spot for a date night. I usually get the cuban steak sandwich and it is always delicious. My fiance' and I frequent this place and I have sent many friends through their doors.
(5)Danielle F.
I went to Havana for the first time last night and it was so much fun! Live salsa dancing and music?? Hell yeah!!
(4)An P.
Dropped in Havana on a Thursday night and was pleased to see they had a margarita pitcher special (delicious!). Empanadas are generously sized and will do the trick to what your appetite. The margarita was spectacular and strong and the capirinha was the same. The real thing I liked best of all things at Havana was the skirt steak dinner. Skirt steak is fairly easy to make but they marinated the hell out of it and every bite was so rich and tasty I could not believe it. The juiciness of the steak was so badass and worked perfectly with the fries on the side. Stop by Havana because it is a great space to go after work and while they might charge downtown prices, you do get bang for your buck. Havana, I like!
(4)Niti B.
This place definitely sets the mood for a hot night out. My boyfriend and I went on a date night to check out the mojitos and good food. He ordered the guava mojito and I had the dragon berry mojito. Both were delicious but would have to say that the dragon berry muddle out the flavor or a true mojito. The guava was perfect not to tart or sweet and definitely tasted the mint. We ordered the calamari since my boyfriend actually planned and researched the place! and previous reviews had stated it was good. We concured! The tangy and spicey sauce for the latin inspired calamari was really good. For dinner we split the halibut and glad we did because the portions are huge! The chipotle sauce that accompanied the almond crusted halibut was great except for the heartburn that followed! And the sweet potato mash was a delightful surprise that neutralized the spicey flavor of the fish. we unfortunately had no room for dessert and called it a night at that but have to say the ambiance is worth it and the food is very colorful!
(4)Mahsa T.
Everything I had here was pretty darn close to fantastic! I don't know much about Cuban food so I can't comment on authenticity, but I can tell you that everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. DRINKS--On Friday nights, they have half-priced mojitos (regular mojitos, not flavored ones). When it's a $4 mojito, you have to have more than one and they are strong, perfectly muddled, and delicious! FOOD--Guacamole, great! Chimichangas with poblano cream sauce, freakin' fantastic! I ordered the carne con tequila--the steak was wonderfully flavorful and tender. My friend ordered the caserola de hongo relleno (stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables) which she liked very much, and a side of the sauteed plantains with butter, brown sugar and honey---yes, they were as amazing as they sound! Fudge cake for dessert, pretty good, I was stuffed by this point. SERVICE--Lauren was not only a great server but a wonderful person, we were best friends by the end of our meal. She was so friendly and kind! She took the time to answer our questions, explain everything on the menu, and she made some really great suggestions! They really deserve an extra star for their fantastic service, from the host to the server. They treat you wonderfully here. DECOR--Clean, classy, tropical, love the fans. I'll definitely be back soon to try the other delicious things on the menu.
(4)Max B.
We went to Havana two nights in a row. The decor is lovely and warm. The food was excellent, and the wine suggested by our waiter was very good. Our waiter was attentive, sweet, charming, and... handsome!
(5)Josh P.
I love the feel of this place just waking in the door. It is small without being crowded or tiny. We had a table right next to the window/door so we could people watch a bit. The half portion of guac and chips was plenty for 2 people and delicious. The bread with spread they serve is also tasty. We each tried a couple different drinks and enjoyed them all. It is fun to try a new drink especially when eating a different style of food from what is typical. This place allows you to do just that For entrees, I went its chicken while my date got the tequila reduction steak. Mine was good, not amazing, and hers was amazing. I, however, loved the sides that came with mine so I have no complaints about the meal. The meals were not just flavorful but also plentiful and neither of us had room for dessert. I'd recommend this spot to anyone going to River North and looking for something beyond the usual sushi or Italian.
(4)Jaime O.
excellent service. I had the guacamole and salsa. Also order the pisco sour. Had the chicken cooked in banana leaf with habanero salsa. Finished off with key lime pie.
(4)Chris J.
I have been here multiple times and both the food and drinks have been very good. I love the atmosphere and have found that it is best to go during less busy days such as monday through thursday. The service was friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. The drinks are also quite good and strong. The atmosphere is great and is definitely a great place for a date.
(5)Desi C.
We came here a couple weeks ago. We had a reservation for a Saturday night. The service was great, we were promptly greeted and after grabbing a drink at the bar, before we had taken one sip we were shown to our table. The food was AMAZING! I had the Rollitos Manchegos and it was to die for!!! My fiance had the Carne Asada, it was spicy but just enough {so delicious}! We used a restaurant.com gift certificate with no problems, so that was a plus. We will definitely be coming back!
(5)Jamie S.
Food was pretty good, service was decent. Will likely go back again.
(4)Ann M.
My roommate and some friends and I came here during the day on St. Pats. We were all pretty dunk but from what I remember it was awesome! We got the guacamole and then I ordered the Caesar salad which was pretty great. Our service was good and the prices weren't terrible. I'm not sure if I'll be back simply because it's not close to wear I live but I did enjoy my experience and I would recommend this place to others if they are in the city.
(3)Heather M.
I had mojitos and appetizers in the party room downstairs, and everything was amazing!!! The mojitos were really great, and they even got the stamp of approval from the Miami Cuban in the group. The empanadas were delicious. I'm a giant carnivore, but I actually preferred the Manchego Empanadas to the chicken ones. But both were great. The crab cakes were also excellent. We also had some black bean dip with plaintain chips that doesn't seem to be on the menu, so maybe that's what they bring when you're having a full meal there. Will definitely go back!
(4)Jon B.
Is there anything less than 1 star. I went there on 3/9/13 with a party of 8 and lets just say from the beginning to the end it was a total disaster. We went to reserve a table and ended up waiting over 4 hours. Of the 8 guest, 6 ended up with food poison. NEVER AGAIN!!!
(1)Mary S.
I'd actually like to give this place a low 3. If you're looking to have tasty, authentic Cuban food, I'd say there are better Cuban restaurants in the city. However, the ambiance is very nice and the live music is definitely a plus. For great food at a great price, go elsewhere. I had the pulled pork entree and it was just ok, though the appetizers were a bit more tasty. If you're looking to go out for dancing and drinks with a group of friends, this is a good place to have fun.
(3)Zeljko D.
I've dined here roughly 4 times in last month. Food is excellent, jibarito, burger, cuban sendwitch as well as cuban coffee and mojitos. It is not too crowdy during lunch hour, which is surprising how great the food and service are. I was introduced to Havana by a friend who said that 'everything they tried was excellent', it was my experience as well. Service is great, very friendly, atmosphere is really good with Cuban music in the background. And prices are not excessive, especially taking into account how good it is.
(5)Lisa E.
We found this gem before heading out to dinner. We ordered chips and guacamole and mixed drinks. The drinks were fantastic and the bartender seemed to be enthusiastic about creating the specialty drinks. I plan on going back.
(5)Mike K.
I love my Cuban food, and Havana does not disappoint. Ropa Vieja was on point. As was the Mojito. Serving size was plenty for 2 meals out of one order. Service was friendly and consistent. Dinning area was a little loud with a large group in the middle, otherwise cool ambiance.
(4)Amy Z.
I had never been to a Cuban restaurant so when my friend suggested it I was all in. We were there on a Thursday night when Margarita pitchers were on special, so we did that of course! They were good - stronger than I would expect for a pitcher. When we go out to dinner we typically do at least one appetizer and then we order two entrees and split them so that we can try as many different things as possible. For appetizers we did the chips with the trio of sauces. All of the sauces were good but the guacamole was by far my favorite! We also did the Chipotle Crab Cakes which I thought were fantastic - the texture and seasoning were perfect, just the right amount of spice and fruit relish was a new a surprisingly wonderful addition!!! I ordered the Jalea de Mariscos and my date ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. Both were very good. The Jalea de Mariscos was loaded with seafood! I can honestly say that I have never order a mixed seafood dish that came with this much seafood. I was able to just eat all the seafood without ever touching the rice and was completely satisfied. In fact, because of this I only had a couple of bites of the Paella, which was also delicious. Rarely do we go out to eat and not have any leftovers but not this time.....we ate it all! I had heard they often have live music and I was excited about that but I guess we were there on a night they weren't having it - that was my only disappointment. Food was good, drinks were good, price was reasonable, service was great, and it was a nice atmosphere. I will definitely go back.
(4)Michael L.
I took my lovely bride here for Valentine's and it was a wonderful experience! We didn't have reservations (sat night Feb 13) and we got there just before 6pm and the Host graciously worked us in without a wait. Our waitress Amber was extremely gracious and attentive and when my wife asked about a particular wine selection, she promptly brought her a sample taste. Nice touch. We ordered the fried plantains with black bean dip as an appetizer and were not disappointed.... Very tasty and a good portion. My wife ordered Paella and it was delicious. I ordered Ropa vieja and it was superb as well. For dessert we split a piece of delightful chocolate cake that was presented splendidly with sliced strawberries and a dab of whipped cream. I am from the south and have eaten at a number of Cuban restaurants and this definitely ranks in the top three. I highly recommend. Thanks to the restaurant staff and owners for a wonderful dining experience!,
(5)Lee W.
Happened by Havana on Friday evening and luckily happy hour was still going on. Outdoor seating is nice and manager type person was very nice about adjusting palm tree so it would not overwhelm our table. There was some confusion about who would wait on our table and I noticed other newly seated diners waiting some time before their orders were taken. Thumbs up for the ceviche appetizer and guacamole appetizer. The pitcher of mohitos was a bit tart and didn't contain a lot of alcohol but luckily it was half price.
(3)Windi L.
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why Baby Jesus, WHY?!? What did I do to offend you so? I'm sorrrrryyyyyyyyyy! The only reason why I'm coming in with 3 stars for Havana is because their wait staff is excellent! In addition (and despite the small size of the establishment) they were able to accommodate a party of TWENTY (20) people, all with different taste buds. Based on the suggestion of some then verified on Yelp, I suggested Havana to my boyfriend's family for a pre-wedding dinner. I felt like a superstar! Beautiful decor, exotic menu and accommodating staff to serve such a large party?! DING DING DING - Michelle was a winner! Then the food came. I hoped that it was just me who hated my food since most of the party thought Chili's was spectacular. NOPE. I was wrong. Everyone was complaining about God awful the food was. I had the Pork Chops w/ Apricot sauce. Verdict? Burnt, slightly bland and over cooked. I was destined to find one good dish so I began sampling other dishes. The pork loin dish also had over cooked pork and the Coconut Curry talapia also over cooked with too much sauce. Appetizers were passed around. Egh, pretty average as well. DING DING DING - Michelle lost the battle to impress her future vanilla in-laws. This restaurant is new so I hope that they just need to work out some kinks. Again, GREAT service! MISC: Valet is available for $12 and the bathrooms are located down very narrow steps
(3)J J.
I work by this place and my buddies and I go here for lunch often. We had lunch here today and my friend forgot his phone on the table. When he came back the table was cleaned and the busboy claimed there was no phone left behind. Back at the office I showed my friend how to get Lockout Plan B software installed remotely on his Android phone and in a couple of minutes he started receiving emails from his phone with a map its location - Havana. We came back here searching for the phone again. Staff made an appearance to help, going through furniture and garbage with us. One of the ladies claimed that her Android phone can send a signal to the lost one and make it sound an alarm. She typed in my friend's number to trigger the alarm but none of us could hear anything. Out of a sudden she and her colleague started yelling that they hear an alarm going off. (we still could hear nothing and we were right by the ladies) Low and behold, shortly after that theatrical fiasco, the busboy got the message and showed up with the phone. Supposedly he had been searching for it all the time and just found in the dirty towels when the alarm went off... These are the facts, you can make your own mind about the quality of service you can expect from staff like this, or from that management that hired it. To each their own, but for me this place lost its appeal with this episode. As for the food, it's greasy at best, no flavor. Mercadito and Xoco are light-years ahead, yet just around the corner and down the block from Havana.
(1)Scott W.
Had lunch with friends at Havana the other day. Even though its close to the office, I'd never been. Really nice looking place. The staff was on point. The tacos and Cubano my friends ordered looked very tasty. My jibarito and spicy sweet potato fries really hit the spot. Plate cleaning delicious. Even better, the prices are really reasonable. Will definitely be back.
(4)Pamela C.
Great 1/2 price Friday mojito deal. Friendly and accommodating staff in a gorgeous environment. Beware of the hot sauce that accompanies the pollo con bbq de tamarindo. PURE FIRE. The hottest sauce I've ever had. Good thing the staff forewarned me. Decent but nothing special. Everyone at the table seemed pleased but not overjoyed with their meal. The empanada appetizer was disappointing, a bit too sweet. The food left a little bit to be desired and after eating at Nacional 27 the following night, it just doesn't hold a candle.
(3)Hrayr A.
Although the food is not authentically Cuban it is flavorful and fresh. The service is excellent and everything they have on the menu was good (there was 18 of us so almost all items were sampled).
(4)T L.
I would give this place 3.5 stars. Started with chipotle crab cakes. Even though we ordered mojitos first, we received them after we ordered the crab cakes. Anyways, the crab cakes were good, crabby, and the fruit relish had an awesome kick. We ordered ropa vieja, and it was tasty and the meat was soft and tender. But when we ordered it, our waiter had to make sure they still had some left. They did, but I think that kind of information should be disclosed as soon as you are seated and given menus. It's easy to say also, the ropa vieja is in such hot demand that there may only be a couple portions left. Served with rice, which some of the rice seemed undercooked. Service was either too much or too little, not very consistent, it was not super busy when we there either so I'm not sure why it was so up and down. Good mojitos. Nice atmosphere. Decent food. Ok Service.
(3)Carol K.
Mambo your way to Havana- the newest addition to the line up of restaurants that have opened in River North as of late. This Pan-Latin eatery is that perfect place to spice up your night (or lunch) with its menu full of tasty foods from our neighbors to the south. They also have a fully stocked mojito bar so throw out all those preconceived notions of what a mojito is and let their bartender mix you up a delicious treat! Some options are a guava infused mojito, a strawberry caipirinha and a Brazilian "margarita" made with cachaca. The manager also told us that they have mojito happy hours so you can try to find your favorite at a reduced price. The menu, while simple, has many recognizable favorites such as empanadas, plantains, carne asada but then also puts a nice spin on things like a Cuban salad (grilled chicken on plantains) sauteed plantains, and even a great tasting vegetarian dish of stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables. We tried a little of this and that and it was all delicious! The guac and chips were a huge basket of tri colored chips served with two kinds of salsa and chunky guacamole. We sampled the carne asada (served over beans and rice, the stuffed portabella mushrooms and the shrimp salad. All were very good! The service was also spot on! Our server, Colleen, was patient and helpful and the manager, Noe, went out of his way to make sure that we had everything that we wanted. The interior is a bit stark (love the lights over the tables, though) with booths along the walls and tables down the center. Huge floor to ceiling windows that open to Clark Street make this place inviting enough to pull you off of the street. But if that isn't enough to get you to try Havana, consider this. Dinner for 4 with drinks was only $100! Amazing! So the next time the lure of Cuba calls to you, think Havana. No. Not that Havana. This one. Right here in our own back yard serving up some great Pan-Latin food and mojitos that make you swear you actually might have made the trip.
(4)Karen M.
Started with a perfectly made Manhattan and carprihaina at the bar. Beautiful atmosphere and excellent service. On to dinner....The empanadas appetizer was greasy and and a little overdone but very flavorful. The red sangria is definitely worth having and is a generous sized glass. Entrees were really good and overall we were happy with our choices. I had the jalea de mariscos which was seafood in a rich coconut cream sauce. The calamari was overdone but the rest of this dish was perfect! My husband had the carne con tequila which was very flavorful and the fries were super crispy and delicious. Ask for the house made hananero sauce. It is crazy hot and has a great flavor.
(4)Abby L.
Amazing (and strong!) drinks, delicious food-- my friend and I split 2 appetizers --plaintains and black bean sauce were soo good! Will for sure be back :)
(4)Noah E.
This was the first time I have tried cuban food and I have not been able to top it since. The food is amazing, the service was great, and the inexpensive pitchers of drinks are a great idea. I will definitely come back!
(5)Allison V.
I went here on a friend date. We had great service. The staff explained drinks and foods and even had recommendations. My friend and I ordered our food, shared our spoils, and enjoyed our cocktails. This place is a hidden gem. I look forward to going back again. Bike parking on street.
(5)Lenny L.
I've eaten in Cuban restaurants in Miami and New York City. Havana restaurant was the worst by far. The ropa vieja was very hard to chew. My daughter's pork was hard to chew. The rice had uncooked kernels like pebbles against my teeth. They don't bring Cuban bread and butter. You have to pay extra. The black beans were fairly good. The restaurant was full, for reasons not clear to me. Perhaps Chicagoans don't understand Cuban food.
(2)Gardenia H.
Fresh Seafood adds a Caribbean taste to the Paella in Havana, Chicago, Illinois.
(5)Sara M.
Havana is a hidden gem in the middle of Chicago on a cold night! I felt like I went away somewhere warm and tropical as soon as I stepped into Havana. It's a cute date restaurant for sure. The bar is fun and the vibe is great. Very loud in there but what restaurant on a Friday night isn't? Since I was observing lent I felt as I couldn't get the full experience with their drinks and meat meals. My husband however had a coconut mojito and loved it! I had the ceviche appetizer and it was good. We both then shared the tilapia entree and it was good as well. I feel their steaks and other meat dishes could have been better so I am going to have to come back to try!! Only con: I was excited about getting my free dessert but the waiter informed me it was only mon-thurs:( I was so sad but it's my fault it said it in tiny print but when I was able to redeem it once I checked in I figured I can use it and didn't pay attention to the fine print! But aside from that we still got their flan. It was delicious and for an extra $5 it was definitely worth it! Next time I'm coming back between mon-thurs to take advantage of the yelp free dessert though!!
(5)Kari F.
Steak sandwich and late night live music. Try them both!!!! That's all I have to say. (My coworkers and I come here on the regular, and I have a very very hard time ordering anything but the steak sandwich here. Trust me, it is scrumptious.)
(4)Meredith K.
I liked it better when it was Mambo Grill. Havana still has mojito pitchers and black bean dip, but the service isn't as good and the food was off. My boyfriend is 1/2 Cuban so this means something to him. He got the pork. I had to get the black bean dip but its runnier than what it used to be. Its just ok. I got the shrimp and mango salad and I think the shrimp was bad. It smelled and had a strange texture. I couldn't eat it. For that reason I'll not be back. We've found better Cuban food at places like D'Cuba.
(2)Giuseppe D.
I'm really kinda' sorta' very disappointed in myself for having not written a review for Havana yet. This has been one of my favorite places to eat at for about 6 months now. I've come here at LEAST a dozen times in that span, including a few back-to-back meals; don't judge me until you try it :) I really don't even know where to start because everything I've had from here has been great. From the cerviche appetizers, to the apricot chipotle pork chops, to the classic Cubano sandwich, I've never been let down. If I MUST pick a favorite, the most memorable would be the ribs! Absolutely phenomenal, literal "melt in your mouth" consistency, equally sweet/spicy sauce, this is a must have. They make all of their mojitos and sangria in-house. You could never go run with a pitcher, or 6, of these :) Though it's very chill throughout the day, Havana turns into a dancing FIESTA at night. Really cool music, plenty of Latin dancing, it's a cool experience for anyone who enjoys Latin music and culture. Amazing service, amazing food, amazing overall. Definitely recommend Havana for your Cuban cravings.
(5)Anne M.
Havana was a mixed bag. Some awesome things (mojitos, chimichangas), some so-so things (enchiladas), some bad things (undercooked/raw pork chops and disappearing server). We kept drawing from the mixed bag the entire evening... My party of four managed to squeeze into a booth on the early end of dinner time, Saturday. The place was packed and loud. Once the mojitos were served, things got better. The chicken chimichangas were awesome - though they were smaller than I'd like (egg roll size), they were delicious. Once the guac / chips platter and crab cake apps arrived, things continued on good wavelengths, but that turned out to be the high point of the meal - from there on out, things were headed downhill. Time for the second pitcher of cocktails. We opted for something different this time - a rum + pineapple juice + lime juice concoction. Should have stuck with the mojitos..... We all agreed, this combo was weird. Still, we drank it. Entrees were disappointing to me. I split the chx enchiladas with someone and there was really nothing special going on. Three decent size enchiladas, but not that meaty and lacking some basic garnish - sour cream? lettuce? tomato? Sides of beans and rice were straight up beans and rice - no flavor; very basic. A pork chop entree was also ordered and to the diner's dismay, he realized the center of the chop (by the bone) was raw. Gross. Couldn't notify our waiter, because he was nowhere to be seen. He was also M.I.A. for a good while when we were trying to pay our bill and leave. Annoying. Finally, we paid up and left. High memories of the chimis and mojitos - everything else was kind of forgettable...
(3)Tim H.
Phenomenal food. Do not order the Jalapeño caipirinha.
(4)Sruts A.
A favorite restaurant of mine. The food is great, atmosphere very relaxed and the service is quick! The guacamole served with chips is delicious, the steak sandwich is mouth watering, but I think my favorite entree here is the Pollo Horneado Con Platano - the chicken has always been perfectly cooked, tender and flavored to perfection! Go during the weekdays if you want to beat the crowd. Weekends are always filled with people to the brim - they even have live music and outdoor seating. Despite the crowd, service is always excellent. Your glass will never be empty, your conversation never interrupted, and your food always deservingly delicious!
(4)Kristen H.
Had an event to attend in the area and wasn't sure where to eat. A friend recommended Havana and luckily I was able to make a same day reservation. Overall the experience was good for what we needed. My friend and I shared 3 things - the calamari, the ceviche mixto and the fish tacos. The calamari had a wonderful sauce to dip with. The ceviche had lots of fresh fish and came with these fun plantain chips and the fish tacos were good too - the fish was nice a crispy. The drinks were strong a fun. I had a Caipirinha - A refreshing Brazilian classic with Rio D Cachaca Rum, fresh lime and sugar - it was good and strong. Overall, it was a quick dining experience, but nonetheless everything was tasty. The service wasn't the best and our seat was a squeezed in table by another big group, hence the 3 stars.
(3)Albert M.
Walked in on a Thursday night, by myself, was seated at the bar immediately. I was torn between two dishes, so I asked one of the bartenders which dish he would recommend and he suggested Pollo A La Caserolas, so I ordered it. Once it arrived I dove right in, soooo good! ...And the poblano cream sauce, yum! I suggest a side of beans with it too.
(5)Heather M.
I had a very special occasion here last night and the staff made it absolutely perfect! The general manager Noe and the hostess Andrea went above and beyond to make it wonderful. Great food, fun atmosphere, and such reasonable prices. My new favorite spot in river north!!!
(5)Chloe Z.
Before I went, Havana's menu really set my expectation high. Yet after the dinner I see why this place is only 3.5 stars We sampled quite a few dishes as they all sounded enticing, yet nothing stood out. The hyped stuffed pepper is just soso. The creamy sauce drawn the peppers and there was too much cheese the payella may be the only highlight of the night the black bean soup was so mediocre, and even my neighborhood cafe can do better than that Maybe this is a better place for a drink a light dinner, but not for foodies for sure!
(3)William V.
I've been to this place several times and recommend it for a unique lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is interesting, though darker than I prefer. The cuisine is decent and seems to be fairly authentic. The service is always prompt and friendly, and the place transforms into a party on Saturday nights. Give it a try.
(3)Melissa S.
Came here one night to watch the basketball game. It was pretty late and this place wasn't as crowded as the sports bar we passed by earlier and the kitchen was still open, so they didn't have to ID us. The bartender was very nice. I can't say anything about the food because we only had beers, but do order their "strawberries and cream" dessert. Delicious! It was a good night - especially coz the Heat won. hehehe
(4)Rachel S.
My boyfriend and I were excited to try this restaurant, made an 8PM Saturday night reservation. We liked the atmosphere, although the music was pretty loud. Food was awesome - I tried the Ropa Vieja and my boyfriend's Rollitos Manchegos was incredible. The ceviche was an exciting and refreshing appetizer. Service started out fine, but dwindled throughout the meal. The server asked us if we'd like another drink halfway through out meal, but we didn't receive the drinks until after we were done eating. I had been saving room for dessert, but the server let us sit at the table without offering for 20 minutes after our plates were cleared. I had given up and decided they didn't have a dessert menu at that point, so imagine my shock when my boyfriend asked for it and it was promptly delivered. Moral of the story: great food, not the best service.
(3)Melanie S.
I don't really know why I don't come here more often, but I'm going to have to remedy that. The prices (especially at lunch) are very reasonable and their cocktails are great. They offer lots of fun varieties (mojitos, sangria, caipirinhas, margaritas), as well as specialty and premium tequilas. Went here today and it had been awhile since I was here. They have a specially-priced lunch menu and nothing on it is more than $8.95. You can get tacos, enchiladas, a cubana sandwich, quesadillas, even a "latin" burger (I guess putting guacamole on it makes it Latin?). It's a lot of food for not a lot of money. The food is generally very tasty. Today I got the tacos and you get a choice of steak, chicken, seafood or vegetable. I asked if I could get three different ones and they happily obliged, so I chose 1 steak, 1 chicken, and 1 vegetable. It comes with a big pile of guacamole and black beans. I didn't think I'd finish everything but it was too good not to. The vegetables in the taco were like fajita fixin's (peppers, onions and mushrooms) and the chicken was shredded and slightly spicy. Even the tortillas were delicious. Service is courteous and efficient. Get a guava mojito, or be like me and get two!
(4)Dominick N.
Another Great Evening Had the Chimichanga appetizer again and the Calamari. My Husband loves the Mojitos and I my Typical Kettle One up with a twist. Great as always. The server was polite and prompt. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time despite the restaurant being PACKED! My hubby had the Carne Asada and I did the Ropa Vieja, awesome. We finished with espresso and a chocolate cake. The waiter was great. Food wonderful. Love it here.
(4)Rachel B.
I love Havana. I go here after work with one of my girlfriends on average once a month. Their pitcher deals are FANTASTIC, especially the red Sangria. Best I've ever had. I haven't had a bad dish here, from the guacamole appetizer to the chiles rellenos meal. The service is great, the ambiance is nice. Overall a great place.
(5)Maren B.
Havana is one of those places my husband and I go every year or so, maybe a little more often. I think he's only tried one of their dishes off the entire menu, but he loves it (it's the pulled pork over mashed potatoes with creamed corn - I'm not crazy about it but he is so I guess it's all a matter of taste). We came back this weekend for a summer date night and were SO disappointed that they stopped serving bread and butter. They used to include this sweet chili butter that was amazing, and to me it was really one of their selling points. When we arrived there was only a half-hour wait or so, so we ordered a pitcher of mojitos at the bar. The mojitos are awesome here, I recommend the mango. The bartender was cool but seemed like he was more interested in schmoozing the people who were planning on staying quite some time at the bar; although he did make sure to give us the bill before we left for our table, which I thought was a little odd. Our server was average - a little bit slow in getting to our table to begin with, but after that she made sure we had everything we needed. I've tried a few things off the menu, and while they were all satisfying, none have been stellar enough for me to mention by name. I will, however, recommend the cortadito coffee as an after-dinner drink. It's a Cuban espresso that's a little better than your average cup of joe.
(3)Jaime N.
Excellent place! The atmosphere was great and the service pretty good. We ate one caribbean paella and drank 4 mojitos (3 mojitos house and 1 guava mojito) and the dessert (coconut rum flan) was extremely awesome! I recommend this place for anybody who wants to try another kind of food in Chicago's Down town.
(5)Neil R.
I had an excellent meal - Rollitos Manchegos - highly recommend this. Also mojito's and other drinks are definitely awesome
(4)R K.
I love Cuban food, but Cuban this is not. It's more of just a generic Latin restaurant with some ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches as well. And the ropa vieja was pretty bad and quite bland. Their plantains were good, although it's pretty hard to mess those up.
(2)Shane T.
Tried this place for the first time whenMa n Pa came to visit. tasty boozy drinks for the whole family
(5)Jackie N.
My first visit to Havana was a success. As a vegetarian, I usually try to avoid Cuban restaurants (typically very meat-centric), yet the options were decent and the accommodating staff was willing to amend several choices. Not to mention that their guacamole is fantastic!
(4)Rohan S.
The steak marinated in tequila was delicious. The pulled pork dish was also solid. Definitely recommend it.
(4)Shawn K.
Best mojito I have ever had. Although I have not have a whole lot of them. We came in here with a large party and the waitstaff was very accommodating to put tables together and get us situated. I look forward to eating here in the future.
(4)Alex S.
I had a nice meal there tonight. Blackbean and rice was nice. Salted nice and tasted very savory.....Service was alright. Bar looked alright.... Music was extreamly load for a resturant. To loud to have a conversation...
(4)Leilo P.
I heard a rumor that this place was a Cuban Dancing Party 24/7... Sadly it was just that, a rumor. While the music played in the background it was not as lively as Carnivale. The food was delicious, however the prices were so high my Abuela would have slapped the waiter if she were still alive! Also, this place is not 100% authentically Cuban because no Cuban ever eats Chile Rellenos, Jalapenos, or 60% of the menu. A bit disrespectful to call it Havana when you're not really exploring Cuban Cuisine. +Good Job on getting the Steak Cubano and the Ropa Vieja just right! Both were delicious and enough food to feed four. + Tostaditos De Platano = Heaven! Except, I preferred Lazy Parrot's version so much more. + Empanada Trio = Best Empanadas in this city! I am NOT kidding. I would go back to this place JUST for the manchego empanada. What a great idea! - It took three Mojitos to do the job and they each came out inconsistent; one was too sweet, the other was too minty; the last was water. - Havana Roasted Pulled Pork= what a terror! Do not put Havana in front of anything that has jalapenos! It is a known fact that Cubans do not eat spicy food and that jalapenos are nowhere on our plate. It was quite traumatizing! I will definitely return to Havana if someone else is paying. It was good, but not good enough for me to pay River North prices for street style food.
(3)Stephanie L.
YUM to Latin food! This place is super cute on the inside and I was pleasantly surprised with everything. The service...great service. Attentive and always checking on us and clearing plates. Waters and drinks were always filled...BONUS The food...Guacamole...YUMMY and only $6.95 for a full. Scallops were actually really good. I was surprised. Large and not gritty at all. The Caserola De Hongo Relleno was FANTASTIC. The melted cheese-y goodness was great and it went perfect with the mushrooms sliced on top. We licked the plate clean. The Cubano torta was really good and had great flavor. The vibe...upbeat and happy on a Friday evening, but not overcrowded. It really was a perfect dining experience. The price...CHEAPY CHEAPY for River North area. I would definitely go back to Havana for a meal or a cocktail sometime.
(4)Ashley W.
If I had to think of one thing that stood out here, it's the appetizers! We had the empanadas and the chimichangas, and both were fantastic, although I'd say I preferred the chimichangas a little more! If I came back, I'd be tempted to order them as my entree, that's how much I loved them! I also had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork which was good, but not great. I would probably try something else another time. Service was attentive, and all in all it was a good experience.
(4)Dani B.
We tried out Havana a few weeks ago on a cold, snowy night and had a really nice time. The music and environment inside made us forget about the weather. Sat at the bar - bartender was attentive and friendly. Love the $20 pitcher specials! Shared two entrees and really enjoyed both. Also checked in on yelp for a free dessert. Will definitely be back and would recommend to others!
(4)Angel G.
I was there for lunch today with some colleagues and loved the ambiance and vibe of the place, but I had the Cuban Steak Sandwich and the meat was a little hard. Guacamole, Salsa and Pico de Gallo with Chips Appetizer was good. I will try again, but next time tasting a different plate.
(3)Andrew T.
Great place for Cuban food. I got the jibaritos which were amazing. The mojitos hit the spot, and they are discounted on Friday evenings. I strongly recommend making reservations during busier hours here as the place was packed the whole time we were there. The service was great, and the environment is laid back and bustling. I would say it is a bit dim for those who do are not into that. They have a huge menu and definitely take your time perusing it.
(4)Ella S.
Absolutely loved it! Very attentive service and the food was great! Make sure to try the crab cake as an appetizer! The portions were large and filling! The atmosphere was very pleasant. Definitely plan on going here again
(5)AnnaMaria V.
I would not recommend going to this restaurant. I ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. It had calamari, shrimp, mussels, scallops, chicken breast and chorizo baked with rice & pineapple. I was completely disappointed. The seafood was hiding under a pile of dry, flavorless rice. The shrimp was bland. The calamari & scallops were small. The chicken was cut into super tiny pieces & the chorizo was dry. I have no desire to give this place a second chance.
(1)Heather P.
Accidentally stumbled upon this place while looking for a yummy dinner in River North. I love Cuban food so this jumped out as soon as I saw a sign advertising half off sangria pitchers while walking down the street. Immediately I liked the looks - it was slightly dark and quaint. The bar looked large and plentifully stocked. Score! My friend announces her oncoming migraine, no drinks for her which just made me feel like a super lush ordering a pitcher of sangria for myself so against my better judgment, I declined a drink. Then she states that she lost her appetite so she's getting the appetizer empanadas and that left me with the unfortunate dilemma - do I get a full out dinner and eat by myself or follow her lead and just get an app. So I went with the latter and got calamari. DISCLAIMER: why in the world would you order calamari at a Cuban restaurant?!?!?! You wouldn't and I shouldn't have - stupid stupid stupid (insert a Chris Farley interviewing Paul Mcartney reenactment here). It was bad. Over fried and dry while still oily enough to leave me feeling like a total greaseball. My friend had what I would consider a very small portion even for an appetizer and she was not at all impressed with her selection either. Feel bad giving it such a bad review based on two appetizers, but either our choices were poor (very possible) or this is an indication of the rest of the menu. The atmosphere was really nice and the server was also pleasant enough. I would give it another shot if I were in the neighborood, but I wouldn't order the calamari or empanadas.
(2)Katelyn E.
This is stop 1 on my dinner club journey throughout the city. It passed with rave reviews. 1. They were able to seat a large group (9 of us) the Thursday before our Saturday reservation. 2. We sat downstairs- very nice ambiance; dimly lit, Cuban music 3. The food was so delicious! It was spicy and full of flavor. I ordered a chicken meal and not only was it mouthwatering, but there was so much of it, I took some home. We also ordered pretty much every single appetizer and there isn't one I wouldn't recommend. 4. MOJITOS. Delicious! We ordered SEVERAL pitchers and they went super quickly! Our waitress suggested we order the berry flavored mojito and we warily agreed. However, it might have been the best choice of the night! 5. VERY reasonably priced. 6. Salsa night. Need I say more? Check it out! Great for large groups and fun nights!
(4)Norma H.
I work near Havana and have been wanting to try this place for a very long time (over 6 years) but I was afraid that it would not be authentic Cuban food. Can't believe I waited so long. This place is fantastic, the food is delicious and I have a long list of things I want to try next. So far I've only had the Ropa Vieja and Havana Roasted Pulled Pork and both were wonderful!! I can't wait to order from there again. You will NOT be dissapointed.
(5)Adam C.
My wife and I love Cuban food and decided to try Havana while spending a weekend downtown. We loved the atmosphere and the vibe of the place. We ordered the empanadas and they were delicious, as were the chips with guacamole and salsas. I ordered a standby favorite for me, which was the Ropa Vieja. It was really flavorful and tasted delicious. My problem with it was that the meat was incredibly tough, making it so that I had to chew each bite about 34 times before it felt safe to swallow it. My wife ordered a chicken with creamy curry sauce and she thought it was wonderful. The food was batting about a B-, but still pretty decent overall. Once we began ordering cocktails, that's when things took a turn for the worse. We tried about 5 different signature cocktails from their menu. I'm not sure if it was because our waitress was doing double-duty as the bartender over lunch hour, or if this is just how the cocktails are supposed to taste, but they were all nearly undrinkable, tasting like paint thinner with a small dash of flavor. I think we will come back again sometime, but probably not before we look for other Cuban options first.
(3)Sarah D.
I was so excited to try Havana as I've been looking for good sangria and Cuban food that compare back to home, but this place doesn't hold a candle. I didn't get to try any of the drinks, but my friend and I split the tostones, a side of yucca and carne asada. The chips were nothing to write home about, and the mojo and garlic sauces were just alright. The steak was overcooked, the rice underdone, and the yucca? A disappointment to Cuban tradition. While the decor was step above the rest and live music could be winning, the service was rather unfriendly. I make much better Cuban food at home, which pretty much sums up this review.
(3)Jessica J.
I've only ever been to Havana on Friday nights. With their half price (and delicious) mojito pitchers, and their location two minutes from work, I can't imagine going any other time! They have decent food (from what I've tried - limited vegetarian options on the menu), and you can't go wrong with chips and guac. Service is always good, decent atmosphere. Friday nights can get a bit crowded (there's seating upstairs and downstairs, and a few tables outside in the summer, but it's not a huge place), so be prepared to wait for a table if you don't have a reservation.
(4)Kelly W.
So, a friend and I randomly stopped here on a Friday afternoon because we saw they had a mojito special. I am so happy I stopped in! The mojitos were amazing (not something I normally say- kind of a snob about them). And we decided to just get an order of guac to tide us over. I can't believe how much food came with that appetizer! Not only did we get guac, but two types of salsa as well and a huge thing of chips. Not bad for $7-8 and when you are splitting it with a friend. I'd love to come back sometime when they have live music and to get dinner.
(4)Jenny H.
Catch me at Havana on friday nights for their half off mojitos! We didn't have a reservation and waited 45 minutes. After walking around for a bit, we returned with a table outside. It happened to work out better for us, since we were deep in conversation. We had two pitchers of their refreshingly yummy mojitos in a backdrop of fabulous live music. The owner himself graced us with his presence in the table right next to us. We ended up getting relocated back inside because their patio closes after midnight. Even though we were seated on the other side, it was super loud and hard to continue the conversation. All-in-all, it was a great night! Another pitcher and I would've joined the group of dancers! Will be back with a bigger group for some more friday night mojito fun!
(4)Yvonne O.
Went here in the middle of August with friends and was somewhat underwhelmed. The server was rushing us like crazy, despite it being 6:30 at a Thursday and no one was really lining-up waiting for a table. We were a group of four and stuck in the very last booth where I was completely smashed. The booth is not made for normal people, let alone me smashed next to the husband in his 48 regular suit. It was like being on an airplane. I ended-up getting the carne asada that was okay, but nothing special. Two others had the chicken tacos and the husband got one of the pork specials that he said was okay, but nothing to rave about. The mojitos were good, but I just feel like there are far better places that have more authentic Cuban food going on.
(2)TJ Y.
I've been to this place a few times already and it never disappoints! Food/Drink - The food is great. It's flavorful and the portions are filling. I ordered the chicken this last time and it was a little dry. If you go, stick with the beef dishes. I've gotten beef the other times I was there and they were always delicious. There are drink specials during the week as well. Last time was half price margarita pitchers and they are quite good. Service - The service, as usual, was great. The servers are always attentive, provide recommendations, and they're just pleasant! Ambiance - It's a small place that gets really crowded on the weekend nights! The tables are tiny and it's tough getting around with so many people. Going on a week day was much better, in my opinion. Apparently, the place turns into a dance floor late at night (although some people start earlier!). On a hot summer night... this place could make you forget that you're in the middle of Chicago. Overall, I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 because the chicken wasn't great and I've been to a few Cuban restaurants on the East coast that were just spectacular!! However, this place is definitely worth checking out.
(4)Thorsten R.
Easy the worst Cuban place we have been to...Go to 90 Miles or Senor Pan instead for great, authentic and reasonable priced Cuban food.
(1)Tom S.
I had such high hopes! It started out good at the bar while we waited. A great Pisco Sour from a nice barkeep. When we were seated, I knew we were in for rough service and a L...o....o....n....g dinner. It took a while for table drinks. Then our appetizers - plantains and bean dip & a trio of empanadas - came in a flash. Ahhhh, hope! Those apps were quite good. Then we ordered the chicken tortilla soup, an odd, muddy soup that first came in a cup despite our ordering a bowl. Quickly corrected by the bus boy who delivered it. That was so hot we couldn't eat it for 10 min. Then we ordered two entrees - the pulled pork and the carne tequila - both delivered at a slow pace. The carne was ordered medium after a discussion about the best way to have it, but delivered very rare. Returned it and waited. While we waited we eat the soup and tried the pork. The pork was quite dry. The soup added to the dish made it much better - great thinking! The steak came back medium and was nice to eat, but the fries accompanying it were damp and mushy from living in the carne gravy. Ugh. With all that my partner ordered a drink. After 15 min and no drink, we asked again. It finally came, with desert. Not the night we wanted and maybe why we still have bad relations with Cuba. Blah.
(2)Andy P.
Excellent drinks and very good Cuban food and very nice ambiance. Music was perfect and service excellent. I was impressed with the knowledge of the waitress and must say mojitos were on the money.
(4)Ahz I.
For great authentic Cuban food check out Havana.... For great hairstyles check out Ahz Hair!!!
(4)Ashley C.
Came here for a lunch one weekday and I was pretty impressed. Our waitress was friendly and pretty quick. The food was good. We started off with the empanada which was very good. I had the steak sandwich and my boyfriend had the cubano sandwich. Both were very good. I really liked the steak sandwich with the spicy mayo. The cubano sandwich was good (although I don't like pickles). I also thought the fries with a mix of potato and sweet potato were very good. Next time we will get the guac too (we got a sampling on the side with a dish). A few sidenotes. I could see how this could get very loud on the weekend. I also wish that they were open for lunch on the weekends (it annoys me that they don't list their hours on their website) - this is a really nice spot for a good, reasonably priced lunch. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Carri C.
Really enjoyed our food and drinks. We started with a tropical salad with fresh ingredients. Great flavored. For our entrees, I had the chicken breast with poblano sauce and rice. Excellent. My husband had the pork chops, which he thought were tasty. We enjoyed the mixed drinks from Brazil-can't recall the name. Staff was attentive. Music was fun, although they did have a problem with the speakers about half way through our meal and there was no music. The prices were reasonable. We will return. Seems like a good place for couples or groups. Fun atmosphere.
(5)Lisa H.
This place is a gem tucked away in a tight spot that delivers more than you would expect just glancing at it from the street. The decor was just perfect - romantic and intimate. The noise level is a little louder than most places, but its not bad. It is a small place, not really good for big groups. We were there on a beautiful summer Saturday night, they left the windows open and the fans spinning - it feels like you are in a village town in Cuba with the breeze pouring in off the ocean. Warm and inviting and energetic. As far as the food, this is the best meal I've had in a long time. Starting with the red sangria - it was fantastic. This is not some premixed crap out of a bottle. We had the pollo empanadas for appetizer - we wanted to ask for two more orders of these they were so good. For our meals, one of us got the pulled pork, the other got the carne con tequila w/ chimichurri fries. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. Incredible flavors. I wanted to lick the plate. Prices were very fair. Service was average, it was a busy night so I'll cut him some slack. We will definitely be going back. I love this place.
(5)Vanessa R.
We went to Havana a while back for dinner before going to see a show at the Cadillac Palace Theater. We made a reservation but it was... totally unnecessary as it was pretty empty on a weeknight. One plus is that you can make reservations online. The ambiance was nice and laid back; definitely had a Cuban vibe to it. Really comfortable booths lined the sides of the restaurant and table seating was in the middle. Havana has a nice bar too with a few flat screens. The service was wonderful. Our waiter was on top of everything all night, from me getting there early and taking my drink order ASAP to checking up on us throughout our meal. Appetizer: We ordered a "full" order of their chips and guacamole. Wow... this serving was huge. If there are only two of you dining, I would recommend getting the half order. It easily could have fed another 4 people. The tri-colored corn tortilla chips were nice and warm and not greasy at all. Super plus. The salsa de arbol was really flavorful with just the right amount of spice; the guacamole was also tasty. Dinner: I figured since we were at "Havana" I'd order the Cuban signature dish, ropa vieja. Unfortunately I was really disappointed. Interestingly I just checked the menu and it no longer appears on there. If so, good riddance! The serving size was tiny unlike the appetizer; it was mostly rice and beans and very little beef. Bland is definitely an understatement; no flavor whatsoever. Also really skimpy on the plantains. If you're looking for some good ropa vieja, go to Café Bolero or Café Laguardia for more flavorful options. I noticed they have several drink specials throughout the week, so I'd probably be up for coming back to take advantage of those (half price mojitos or sangria pitchers). I also tried the piña colada and it was solid. However we'd probably head elsewhere for dinner; lots of other great dining options in the area.
(3)Becky M.
Really enjoyed my visit there. The Mojito's were great - I've had them in Cuba and these were just as good! Ordered the 1/2 order of guac and chips and it was great. Also ordered the chimichangas and these were delicious too - the poblano sauce was amazing. Great service, and as another reviewer said - it's bustling there.
(4)Rosie C.
On Weds. Nov. 20 I enjoyed an early nibble with some colleagues before meeting with our group in their downstairs area. The server was friendly and quite attentive! For dinner we ate Ropa Vieja - absolutely delightful. Enough to share. Soon we went downstairs and five more guests joined us. Our server made certain our Sangria glasses were always filled and the tasty appetizers were great. We will definitely be back!
(4)Sandy R.
I been to many Cuban restaurants and I'm also Puerto Rican so our foods are similar. This was the worst Cuban restaurant in the city. I ordered a "tender" steak sandwich that I couldn't even bite into. I felt bad returning it so I took another bite, I literally had to pull it from my mouth in order to bite into the steak. I ended up returning it. I then ordered Ropa Vieja (the steak is shredded), that was also so rough I needed to chew for about a minute before swallowing. The drinks were good and the waiter was decent. He didn't refill our water but that might have been the busboys fault. Some appetizers didn't come out at all so we canceled those. Needless to say, I will not be returning.
(2)Tera D.
I went to Havana with a group of about 10 for a birthday party on a Thursday night. It couldn't have been more perfect for a group outing. Thursday is half price margarita pitcher night, which was the big draw. They didn't seem very strong, but they were tasty and we had quite a few pitchers. I was a little skeptical about the food because the menu didn't look all that exciting to me, but I was proved wrong. I had the Torta Cubana, which was fantastic! I order Cuban sandwiches a lot, and never before has a place thought to use not only ham, but pulled pork!! Delish. Minus one star for some steep prices and the weak margs, but in general a very enjoyable experience!
(4)Heidi R.
Havana has a great concept. The food is pretty decent, my favorite is the paella and pulled pork. Don't waste your time with the guacamole trio - the salsa is boring and the guac is bland! The white sangria is nothing like any sangria i have had before - its not very tasty but did give us all a slight buzz... over priced too though. The service is AWFUL! Talk about waiting 20 minutes before placing a drink order and at least 25 minutes before getting the checked picked up and thats after we had to ask for the check. The worst part is that Havana claims to be a Mojito bar yet the other night the server could not serve us mojitos because she claimed the shipment of mint had gone BAD. Ew, gross! don't waist your time.
(2)Marisol D.
The ceviche is the best appetizer on the menu - very fresh. I was not a fan of the Tortilla Soup. It was not the traditional broth based soup I was anticipating but rather a thicker bean puree. Also, unless you're a garlic lover like my hubby, beware of the salads which have a garlic-based dressing. Aside from that, our meals were amazing. The Apricot Chipotle Pork Chops were perfectly flavored - my hubby typically takes half his meal to go but devoured both of these chops!. My Pollo Coco Limon was a bit buttery but very flavorful.
(3)David Z.
I am a little torn with this review. First off, I really liked the ambiance and service from Havana. HOWEVER, the meal itself was severely lacking, in my opinion. It'd probably go with 2.5 stars if possible, but I'm going to have to round down in this case. We came on a weeknight and the place was pretty empty, so there was no problem getting seated. I guess our reservation was unnecessary. For an appetizer, we had a large order of their chips & guac. I am usually pretty easy to please when it comes to chips & guac, but these exceeded even my highest expectations. The order was HUGE, and came with salsa, guac, and a cup of diced tomatoes. You could almost make a whole meal out of that app! Good stuff. But then, the bad part - for my main course, I had a tequila infused steak, that also came with fries. To put it nicely, the dish was.....lacking. Not only was it very small, but it was also without flavor. Even the fries were below par. All in all, the main dish was very disappointing to me, especially considering the price. My fiancee was also disappointed with her meal. There were some good things though: the aforementioned appetizer was excellent, and I also felt that the service was top notch. The waiter was very nice and friendly. Our orders came out quickly and were cooked appropriately. Our waters never went empty. Also, we had no problem using our Groupon. Oh, one other thing: I HATED the tiny bathroom that is downstairs. I felt like I was going to get slammed with the door on both the way in and out. Also, the water down there was FREEZING cold and no matter how long I waited, it wasn't getting any warmer. I hate washing my hands with freezing water! I'd consider going back to sit at the bar for drinks, or maybe to just order the chips & guac appetizer again. However, I am not sure if I would get another entree, based on this experience.
(2)John F.
As a fan of Cuban food, I was super disappointed by Havana. The service was friendly, but very slow (we waited about 50 minutes between our appetizer and main course). The atmosphere was a bit underwhelming, as we sat in a downstairs dining area which had more of a basement vibe. I was most disappointed by the food. My tostones didn't have much flavor and were room temperature. The ropa vieja was just plain bad: very tough, flavorless and nothing like the ropa vieja I get in Hoboken. This just isn't how Cuban food is supposed to be done. I hate writing bad reviews, but I have to be honest. I won't be back.
(2)Madison C.
It was Friday night and every restaurants in Chicago were jammed packed. We were hungry and tired so we gave Havana a try. Havana was pretty good. Our wait staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing that really wowed me when was their tostones. The tostones were crispy around the edges and soft and fluffy at the center. Just the way I like it!!
(3)Achyut D.
The food is ok! The place is super small! Had to request a beer 3 times and about 2 hours later finally got it. Service is not good. Overall it's nice to visit new places but don't need to come back here again. Also usually when someone asks how u would like your steak u expect something exact or pretty close. I ordered medium and got well done! Why did the server bother asking me in the first place! Overall didn't really get the Cuban experience and its ashame this restaurant is located in a nice area like Hubbard st. Should be located in some small town like3 hours away from Chicago.
(1)Colleen W.
The food was great, the service was good! We were there for a birthday celebration and all 6 people loved their meals. The only complaint was that the sangria was way too sweet for some. We started with the manchango empanadas and guacamole, which were all excellent. Dinners included ropa vieja, some steak and fries thing, chicken in a banana leaf, ribs (cuban style), a seafood mixture in coconut broth, and roasted pork. The pork dishes were hands down the best of all the meals. If you go, I'd suggest getting the roasted pork with jalapeno mashed taters and creamed corn...I'm drooling just thinking about it, and that wasn't even what I had when I was there! Cuban food is underrated. It's great and Havana is proof!
(4)Nicole C.
Pretty good, liked the sauces, definitely gotta give it another round. Had the coco limon chicken and Cuban roasted pork, both very flavorful and very good portions!
(4)Kimberlie C.
I've been to Havana quite a few times, mostly because it was conveniently located right near my apartment. It's always busy, and the servers are very nice, although slow most of the time. It's very hard to hear people in hear as the noise bounces off the walls. The food is good, not great but good. The best part of Havana is their mojitos, and they have $20 pitchers on Friday nights!
(3)Ben C.
Overall, I had a great experience at Havana Grill. I'm a little bit of a mojito snob and I have to say this place had great drinks. The food was good - we had manchego empanadas, civiche, and mixed sea food paella. Again, the food was good, not great. I'm not an expert food critic but I think there could have been more flavor. The civiche needed more lime and cilantro, but otherwise pretty tasty. The paella had a little too much cumin and curry flavors which made it tough to enjoy the mix of muscles, shrimp, and octopus. The empanadas were well done. I enjoyed sitting outside, the service was friendly, and the prices were reasonable. I will be back to enjoy a mojito and the live entertainment, however I will most likely eat elsewhere.
(3)M K.
Loved the decor and outdoor seating option. Very easy to get to...off several L lines. Food selection was great and I'm a vegetarian. Quantity and quality of food was also above my expectations although not the best mojo or tostones I've had. The manchego empanadas were great as was the guava mojito. Will be going back for sure
(4)Dawn H.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for Cuban inspired cuisine. Just a couple words of advice: 1) Get the guacamole. I'm sad to report it rivals mine. 2) Pass on the Pollo Empanadas and opt for the Manchega (vegetarian)Empanadas. What, no meat? How can this be better? I know, it's ironic, but just take my word for it. 3) Gobble up the Chimichangas and Platanos Maduros. MMMM........ 4) Demand an extra shot of tequila for your margarita. They go skimpy on the liquor here. We even got our server to admit it. Enjoy!
(4)Vishal B.
My 3 stars come only from trying the drinks. People have raved about the food, and I have yet to try any of it! Why only 3 stars for the drinks? Well I was on a hunt for the best Mojito in Chicago. Many signs online pointed to Havana. I tried both, a Caipirinha, and a Mojito. First off, the bartender really gave us our moneys worth by pouring 3 times the rum a Caipirinha that size should have. Maybe thats your thing, but it was just bitter instead of the refreshing lime drink that it is supposed to be. The Mojito wasn't bad however. I would give this place a fair 2nd chance to try the food, as well as have another Mojito along with something to eat.. The ambiance here is very nice if you sit outside on a nice day. The music helps a lot, people walking by stop to dance... you kind of feel away from the city for a bit. Inside, if its crowded, theres no room to really move around, but this is the norm in this part of the city.
(3)Shamika R.
Great music and awesome mojitos !
(5)David R.
Very cool place. I liked the interior quite a bit and would love to come back for dinner or just drinks again. It's handsomely classy and appropriately Havanan, but not swanky or pretentious...maybe like a slightly upscale Hemingway type of place, not an aggressive mambo type of place. (They should ditch the TVs though, seriously.) They make a great use of the space, although when the bar area gets crowded, it causes a traffic problem for the customers and staff trying to pass between the entrance and outside tables and the main area and kitchen. I was meeting some friends for cocktails before heading to dinner somewhere else, and it turned out to be a perfect choice. First, the bar area was busy at times but never packed, so it was easy to get drinks. Second, and most excellently, mojitos are half-price on Fridays. Some of us had, uh, several, and they were some fine cocktails. So, thumbs way up for ambiance, thumbs up for mojitos, and for food..well, I will just have to come back and see which way to turn my thumb.
(4)Curt K.
Was in Chicago for the day and looking for a good authentic Cuban restaurant, and boy did this place deliver. We had ropa viejo which was definitely decent but the true superstar was the Cuban pulled pork served on a bed of creamed corn and jalapeno mashed potatoes. Would definitely go back.
(4)R.B. D.
On my last day in Chicago I popped in for a quick lunch before I headed to the airport. The Cuban sandwich on brioche was excellent. The sweet potato fries were crisp and delicious. To top it all off, when I checked in on Yelp I got a free desert. I ordered the Coconut flan which finished my meal off perfectly. I will go back and try dinner there next time I'm in town.
(4)Claudia C.
Really would give 3.5 stars if I could, but the 3-star rating looked too sad, so I rounded up to 4. Came here on a girl date on a Friday night- waited about 15 minutes for a table for 2 at 7:15, but by the time we left there was probably a 30 minute wait. My caipirinha was awesome, didn't try any other drinks. The pollo empanada app was delicious- the pastry was perfectly crisp and the sauce was perfect. The halibut entree is a must. The crispy exterior definitely made the dish. The pureed sweet potato on the side wasn't my favorite, but the halibut itself is worth it. The stuffed peppers as our second entree was ok. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked, but it wasn't out-of-this-world. The only miss of the evening, really, was the chocolate cake dessert. For some reason it just wasn't that good- I thought it tasted too much of bitter cacao, and my friend tasted some weird spice that she didn't like. The service started off great but then waned by the end of our meal as we tried to order coffee and dessert- maybe the place just got too busy for our server to handle all the tables she had, but it put a negative spin on the end of the meal.
(4)Khadijah L.
Came here for drinks and live music. Great band was playing on Friday night. Gypsy-Spanish-Latin sounds. One of the better live band entertainments hired for restaurant gigs in the city. Trust me.. I've seen some truly sad gigs. I love their vibe. Kept playing all night long. The crowd is your typical standard River North. Maybe older-ish and foreign-ish. I was there with my friends and we had a great time. We even cleared the dance floor with legitimate salsa moves.
(4)Heather J.
The food is incredible. We are definitely coming back when we have more time.
(4)Tinley M.
The salads here are absolutely incredible. The calamari salad might actually be the best salad I've ever had, no exaggeration. I also tried the Cuban salad, which was delicious. I loved the calamari salad so much I went back here two days in a row for lunch before I left the country for 3 weeks! I took away 1 star because on the second day, I went with my mom and she ordered a lunch special (I honestly don't remember which one) which was good, but not outstanding, and the guava cheesecake was mediocre. The Yelp check-in for a free dessert is a great deal, though!
(4)Joel W.
Went late one night when there was a band. Super fan, small place, dancing close is the only way to dance there because the place is smalllll. And then they put the band right at the front--which is cool..but waaay too small. Getting in was nearly impossible. Getting out was a no way. We pulled a reverse Goodfellas and went out the back. GOOD: Band, close dancin' real close, location. BAD: Note: I did not have the food, had only 2 mojitos which were good. My friend held a menu for a few minutes, trying to get someone's attention, a few bussers stopped, but finally the 3rd one tells us they're not making food....any of the bussers could have told us that at the beginning. And the table next to us sat and enjoyed their two plates of food....
(2)Connie B.
I came here for dinner one night with some friends before a show at The Baton. I was so excited to eat some great Cuban food, but was a little disappointed. The restaurant itself is cool...great ambiance. We ordered an appetizer of fried plantains and it was awful...totally dry and tasteless. The chips with guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa was great...some of the best guac I've had in a while. My guava mojito was delicious but at $9 a pop, it was a pretty small drink. I asked the waiter what he recommended and he suggested iI try the Cuban pulled pork. It was tender, but the flavor was nothing special. The plantains that came with my dinner were very good...nothing like those that came as an appetizer. I tasted my friend's Ropa Vieja and it was very tasty. I wish I had ordered that instead. Overall, it was just okay in my opinion. The service was good but I wouldn't be jonesing to go back any time soon.
(3)Nika H.
We had an 8:30 reservation and was not seated until 9. I enjoyed the empanadas, pulled pork, and plantains. Service was not that great and we felt rushed. I suggest trying Havana on a weekday maybe the experience will be more enjoyable.
(3)Ekow M.
Great Drinks, Great Service, Greaet food, and Very reasonable price. Me and my buddies had a great time and can't wait to bring the wife.
(4)Kelly B.
So delicious. So fun. Great drinks, and great plantains!
(5)Christina B.
5 for food!!!! 3.5 service...so delicious and fun had to still give a five! Can't wait to try the rest of menu!!! Slow service but still manageable! Food was piping hot and so flavorful, drinks strong and tasty. Cold draft by window so they brought a floor heater. Such a fun date night and live music is always nice. :) want to go back for lunch for sure too!
(4)Marisa G.
Good service and food comes out really fast! Calamari was ordered and within minutes it came out lightly fried and hot with a hot sauce on the side. Very generous portion of calamari. The entrees were ordered (carne con tequila and enchiladas). Both came out in about 10 minutes. I had my steak substituted the fries for rice and beans, which was an okay size portion. The meat was cooked well and came with a side o chimichurri sauce. Yum! For dessert there was the coconut flan which came with whipped cream and strawberries. Delicious! Sometimes flan can taste a little bitter to me but this was sweet and creamy! Total for 2: $49.63 I'd come back definitely. The decor is cute too.
(3)Savanna R.
Possibly my favorite restaurant! The food is amazing and the mojitos maybe the best in the city! I cannot dine here without ordering a pitcher of mojitos. Chimichangas are so good. I without a doubt recommend them. The guacamole is beyond amazing also! My only gripe is that the place is small and gets packed quick. Every time I've came I've only been able to eat at the bar because tables were packed and typically a 35-45 min wait. Eating at the bar can be a little annoying in such a snug place but the food it worth it.
(5)Maria K.
What a hidden gem - so traditional. We went to celebrate a gf's birthday - she loves loves to dance. The whole group was up and moving and we closed the place down. Small - intimate - great music and the owner is fantastic.
(5)Kristen F.
Came here for lunch with our group from work after searching around on Yelp for some suitable nearby lunch spots that weren't terribly expensive, had gluten free options outside of salad and were within walking distance for us. Havana nailed all three plus it was a place none of us had tried yet. We got some guacamole and calamari as an appeitizer, solid and the calamari had an interesting spice to it. I had their steak sandwich. I was most impressed by the authentic char grilled taste of the meat, just like it came straight off my grill at home. It also came with an oil and cilantro topping that was a super tasty add on. Service was prompt and the restaurant was well decorated with an homage to the 40's or 50's, classy. If I had any criticism it would be that it was a tad noisy which made it hard to hear each other but that was minor I think we'll be back for their drink specials sometime. ;)
(5)Swati B.
This is the old mambo grill, and it seems to have a lot of the same menu...I like the ambiance and the crowd is a pretty decent mix...it can get a bit loud, and it seems to be fitting for larger groups..didn't see too many couples on a sat. night... For vegetarians they have 2-3 items, I got the dish that had stuffed poblano peppers..pretty decent, but $14? It was quite pricey... The guac/chips are decent... Seemed most of my friends that ate here enjoyed their meals..drinks are great as well, service is quick and friendly..overall a great place but for vegetarians you will have to pay a pretty penny for the food here...
(4)Marcos L.
Nice room. Decent cocktails, though nothing special. Nice people, though sadly they seem rather bored. And here's why: The food is mediocre. It's too bad. Like I say, it is a nice space, which means it's entirely a kitchen problem. I don't understand how restauranteurs can think they can open such a halfway-there kind of place in a seriously competitive area like River North and hope to make a go of it. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this place closed fairly soon. They can't be making money. If they were to do some interesting and memorable small-plate stuff and make really good cocktails, they'd probably be doing quite well with the after-work crowd. But the menu (& execution) has all the imagination of, well, a restaurant in Havana. (Yes, I've been. In fact, I spend a lot of time there. And let me tell you: No one ever went to Havana for the food. At least not in the past few decades. You can get better Cuban food here in Chicago than in Cuba. Even in this place. But that ain't saying much.) I mean, they give you a limp piece of breaded meat and then sprinkle little garnishes around the plate, all fancy like, as if that will make it taste better. Like magic fairy dust. Doesn't work that way.
(3)Amanda C.
I have been here twice for drinks/dinner and sat both inside and outside. Both experiences were great and their cocktails have been excellent. The sangria is like candy but with just the right amount of sweetness. It's nice that they have so many specials throughout the week- half priced margaritas, sangria pitchers, mojitos, etc. For dinner I had the spicy chicken cooked in the plantain leaf with sweet potatoes, plantains and habanero sauce. It was awesome. The patio gets a lot of flies but maybe that adds to the authentic atmosphere.
(4)Lisa T.
Half price mojitos, I love you. Seriously.... the mojitos are AWESOME and I actually would pay full price for them. But I don't have to since Havana is amazing and does half price mojito Friday! The food is overall very good. A few bright spots and a few less delicious items, but overall quite good. The calamari appetizer is GREAT... the spicy sauce it's served with is sooooooo good. The plantain chips were so-so. Not the best... just kinda bland. The tequila marinated carne asada was great. It was served with frites and a delicious chimmichuri. The chicken rolled with spinach and manchego was somewhat lacking in flavor. The green pepper sauce it was served with was very good but the chicken itself needed more seasoning. The chipotle mayo/sauce on the cuban sandwich is fantastic.... it makes a delicious sandwich a total knockout. The service was quite good. Extremely attentive water refills, and quick turnaround on our food and drink orders. Random things - they serve their mojitos in small-ish glasses that remind me of juice glasses......... wtf? It's a little odd. I can handle a big girl glass, I promise. And it's a cute space, but a SMALL space. Crowded tables. (to be expected in this neighborhood, but still...) Can't beat the prices, good drink specials, good service, pretty good food. I think I may have found a new fav.
(4)Jamie Q.
The best Cuban I've ever had I found in Chicago. Fun place friendly staff and excellent price. My next trip to Chicago will include a stop here.
(4)Jacque R.
Being from Austin, l first have to say I LOVED the live music! There is not much better than a live spanish guitar. Havana's mojitos (made with Pisco) are delious, especially on a warm day. My other favorite is thier latin fries. A mixture of regular french fries and sweet potatoe fries drizzled with a wonderful chimmichurri sauce- everyone at our table of 8 was reaching over to grab fries off my plate!
(4)Jason H.
Great roasted pork, but the steak sandwich lacked a large portion of meat and the ropa vieja was slightly overcooked. The manager was accommodating and we enjoyed the great ambiance.
(4)Kathleen C.
This was the BEST & CHEAPEST lunch that I've had in the city. So good that I definitely can't wait to tell people to go there and go back myself for dinner/drinks. It's located along a weird strip of Clark and has an awkward patio out front but we sat inside which was actually pretty nice! We ordered a half order of guacamole for 2 people. Best thing is that it came with salsa and pico de gallo and TONS of chips. For $4. Awesome. The menu had so many choices with a lot of cheaper items for lunch. Both my friend and I ordered tacos which were really good. I definitely preferred the chicken to the seafood tacos though. I would have given them 5 stars but it took 30 minutes for our tacos to come out and then we had to ask for a check. Not the place to go if you are on a time crunch.
(4)Nicole V.
Very appropriate decor, you walk in and feel as though you have been transported to a Cuban oasis. So dark and inviting! The food was outstanding. I have had a number of items off of the lunch menu and they have been both affordable and delicious. This is a little known loop lunch destination that I hope sticks around for a long time!
(5)Laura V.
I'm not impressed with Havana as a weekday lunch option. I came here yesterday and the service was way too slow to contend. Chips and Guac: 30 minutes, entrees: 45 minutes. One of my friends actually had to get a to-go box with her entree because she had to get back to work. That kind of experience is never pleasant. The ambiance was really nice and the food was very decent. The server, though running around the restaurant frantically most of the time, was friendly. Based on the speed of their service and the attractiveness of their drink specials, I think Havana will be an after work appetizer/drink place which, though great, is a shame because I would've loved to add another lunch option in the area.
(3)Sandra W.
This place was not bad. I'd come back here, actually. I wanted to try the other foods but I didn't have the appetite. Although it was a Cuban restaurant, I definitely ordered something that wasn't Cuban...Chimichangas. haha. yes, they were still great! :) The Mojoitos, on the other hand, were FANTASTIC. We got 3 pitchers shared it, and it was great. The ambiance was really chic-ish and trendy. There was a live band right at the end when we were about to leave. The staff seemed extremely nice. The waitress did mix up our tab, but we got it sorted out in seconds, so it was no biggie. The bathroom is freezing though.
(3)Sejal P.
Went to Havana for a birthday dinner; it was around 10:30pm. Food here is excellent however the service was a bit slow. It was understandable since they were busy setting-up a live band, which started around 11:30. DRINKS: I ordered Berry mojito and my friend ordered scotch whisky which they didn't carry. * you might want to call ahead to see if they have your drink* My drink was good, not same as original Mojito's. APPETIZER: we ordered Guacamole and Calamari for appetizers; both were excellent, guac was just the right texture and tasty. Calamari were crunchy and tender; their guajillo sauce with chipotle tart was the best. DINNER: i order seafood mix, and my friend had the tequila steak. Both were good, my only regret is going late, this place would be great for group dinner. For us it was too loud, we quickly finished dinner and skipped dessert. Overall it was great food, good service, and good drinks. I would come back again for sure.
(4)Chioke M.
Food is very good. The atmosphere is nice and the service is very good. If you drink, they often have drink specials. The steak sandwich is my favorite but the soft tacos are nice also. In the evening, they have live music playing. It is just a good place in the city to eat.
(4)Ann M.
I felt like I was in South Beach - loved it. I work around the corner but had never stopped in until today. I had the Havana Steak sandwich and a mojito. The mojito was a perfect blend of mint and lime and rum - not overly sweet as some can be. The sandwich was seriously delicious - I ordered it without the mayo and it was plenty moist without it. Sandwiches also come with chimichurri sauce which was perfection. I liked the fries: a mix of sweet potato and white potato, although the sweet potato ones were the best, while the white potato were just average frozen potatoes. The service was attentive and friendly, and they didn't even bother to chase us out as we lingered over our ice water.
(4)Jim V.
Loved the Cuban music that played when we sat outside. Was very impressed with the appetizers, service, price, and drinks that we had during our visit. The sangria pitchers were phenomenal, ceviche was excellent, and the dishes were all top - notch. Will definitely be back!
(4)Troy B.
Went here last Friday to use the Groupon. Drinks were good. Food was ok, not bad but not wonderful. Maybe it was our fault because we stuck to the basics. Had the calamari starter and it was just like calamari in any restaurant, nothing special. The chimichangas were actually the best thing we had. I had the slow roasted pulled pork and it was not good. The meat was cooked fine but the mashed potatoes were bad. They served it in a ring mold and the potatoes were so mashed down in the mold that it was like eating a solid potato. The plantain sauce that went with it was the only thing with any flavor. The potatoes were supposed to be 'jalapeno mashed'. I can't say I saw or tasted any peppers in mine. My partner had the pork chops. Again the meat was well cooked but the flavors were way off. The sauce tasted like a battery. Service was very good. It was freezing inside the restaurant. I think it was actually warmer outside and this was November 13. The noise level was way too loud for the space and the high ceilings did nothing to dampen it. People were shouting to be heard and it was just not an enjoyable atmosphere. For Cuban food I would go to Cafe Laguardia or Cafe 28 any time, but probably won't be back here.
(2)Nala B.
Came here recently for an early dinner. Food was good and the drinks were excellent. The prices are higher than they should be although that might be a function of the location and the very large portions. The decor is lovely. Seems like it would be a good place to take a date. I enjoyed my dinner here but will likely not come back, given the wealth of very good restaurants Chicago has to offer.
(3)Bonnie B.
I really loved everything about this restaurant. The drinks - $4 mojitos on a Friday night? For real? The atmosphere - very pretty, classy looking joint. The FOOD - unbelievable- everything I ate - starting with the calamari and guacamole to my dinner of pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes and roasted creamed corn. SO amazing. I know everyone else I was with was really happy with their food as well. My mom said "best paella I've ever had," and others had the peruvian steak dish and a chicken dish. All amazing. Prices are not bad either. Very reasonable for what you get.
(5)Andrew B.
Went here before a musical for some appetizers and drinks. The decor is really unique and definitely has the Cuban feel. We sat by the big folding doors at the front of place and had a nice "Cuban" breeze blowing through. The half priced mojitos were awesome and a great value. That is what pushed this place from 3 stars to 4 stars. We had the calamari and chimichangas, both of which were fried to perfection. Calamari was served with nice saffron (I think) sauce. The chimichangas were bite sized and tasty, and recommended by our waitress. Service was great. Value was good. Atmosphere was one of a kind.
(4)Jackie R.
I had the Chiles en Nogada, stuffed poblanos with mushrooms, onions, cheese, topped with a creamy walnut sauce. Really tasty. I liked that they omitted the deep frying that chile rellenos usually undergo. Drinks are always excellent here, especially the mojitos. Its a cute little spot, and always happening on the weekends. I give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)Mihir P.
I hoping the food would be better but no dice. I got the steak Cubano. The sweet sauce was excellent on first try but as I ate more of, it was just too sweet. The ribeye steak itself was really tough also. The Latino fries or frituras were very dry and flavorless. The black beans were disappointing as they lacked in flavor. I was really looking forward to them as Cuban black beans are super delicious. I will say that the ceviche appetizer was excellent. Our waitress was nice, knowledgeable and helpful. I'd go back for the ceviche and for guava mojitos.
(3)Amanda Z.
Two VERY important words: Guava. Mojito. $8. Fabulous cocktail for a decent price, I love. Good assortment of appetizers, which was how we chose to dine. Fried plantains? Addictive. Sweet, crispy and light and accompanied by a warm black bean dipping sauce and a fruity salsa, they were delicious. Crab cakes were spicy and well-portioned. The sweet salsa was the perfect complemented the cakes well. Our favorite, by far, was the chimichanga. Fun to say, and even more fun to eat. Truly. Served with a warm, creamy sauce, they were lightly fried and stuffed with chickeny goodness. I like the decor, but think they could turn the lights down a notch to make it a bit more date-like. Good menu, something for everyone on here (including you veggies) and the drinks are stellar. Remember: Guava mojito.
(4)Michelle M.
Baaaaabaaaaluuuu. Just a small tribute to cuban-american Ricky Ricardo's signature song. The first time I came to Havana we stopped in for drinks. Ordered a Pina colada and I might say they were tasty. We said we would come back to dinner and indeed we did. We stopped by for dinner on a Friday evening and although we arrived around 5:30 there wasn't many people there. PERFECTO! We were seated promptly and our waitress was great. She took our drink orders which I ordered a glass of sangria and he ordered a martini. We ordered the guac as an app and for dinner I had the Havana steak sandwich and he ordered the Tamarindo Glazed Pollo. This place is very charming along with the staff are a great added bonus to this area.
(3)Sherryl W.
I would maybe give this 2.5 stars. I loooooooooove Paella, but I didn't love the dish I had at Havana. It was lukewarm, with little baby scallops and calarami that tasted really gummy. It was also extremely dry, and I could definitely make a better dish at home. The space is cute, but a little small . I felt bad because I kept knocking people over with my work bag when trying to get to my table. This is one of those places, I probably wouldn't go back to. On the plus side, I enjoyed their wine:-)
(2)Tabitha G.
I'm trying hard to really like this place. If I had gone just for drinks I would give this place 4 stars, but we ate there and I think that's where they lost a star. It's not that the food is bad, it was just alright for me. The drinks however, were amazing. I ordered the Guava Mojito, as recommended by other yelpers and it didn't disappoint. I'm not a fan of fruity, girly drinks so I was a little weary at first with this one because some guava juices can be intense, but to my surprise it was tart with a little bit of tang combined with the lime. It was quite delicious. I could have ordered several more, but it was a weeknight and didn't want to look an alcoholic compared to my other friends. The food was alright, it wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't great either. I'm used Cuban food that is dominated by savory garlic based sauces, citrus infused onions and basted meats topped over black beans and rice. However, this seemed more like Spanish food than Cuban. I had steak for dinner, but nothing yelled out Cuban...it was steak and french fries - which were a variety of sweet potatoes, yucca and taro. My husband had carne asada, which again, to me at least, is Spanish. For some reason both our steaks were warm, not hot, but warm - almost like it had been sitting out for awhile. My friend had the pork loin, which looked good, but it was over powered by the amount of mashed sweet potatoes. Like I said, drinks 4 stars, food 3! Overall, I'd give this place another try, but unfortunately when a place is just "ok", it's hard to convince my husband to give it another go.
(3)Lonnie G.
I met a few friends here using gdine.com . The service here was good. Servers were very attentive. The ceviche was lack luster as it was mostly peppers, tomatoes & onions...not sure were the fish was exactly?! The crab cakes had a good taste though. The guacamole was okay but the chips which accompanied it were not but better than any store purchased ones?! My entree was the carne con tequila which was very good! If you like beef it's a winner!
(3)MJ d.
This place is very A-OK. Prices are moderate, portions are generous, and service was friendly. My friend and I dined here last night. As an impatient Mambo Grill fan, waiting for its reopening, I came in with a lot of expectations and inevitably made comparisons with the former occupant. Havana had a cleaner feel and its tables were well spaced out as opposed to Mambo Grill. Second, my friend and I were overwhelmed with number of entrees on the menu. After 5-10 minutes of deliberating (all the descriptions were enticing), he finally decided on the seafood paella while I opted for the barbecue chicken with rice. I think we both agreed that the rice on our dishes were dismal and the broccoli on my dish did not taste fresh; however, my chicken was delicious. It was not dry and the barbecue-tamarind sauce was tasty: smoky, slightly sweet and tangy, and subtly hot. Personally, I would have preferred a little more heat. We also had sangria, which, happened to be half-off that night. I generally do not like my drinks sweet, but the sangria was surprisingly refreshing and I did not feel like my teeth were rotting on the spot. Though my review may portray Havana as average, I cannot wait to see what else this place has to offer, and am curious to dine here during more busy hours.
(3)Joe S.
Not too shabby. This is a little known gem I think. We went here with a decent size group for my birthday. The food was fantastic. Service was top notch, the drinks were...so so..We had the sangria and I have definitely had better. We started out with the appetizers and the guac was fantastic as were the empanadas, Calamari was perfect. For dinner I had the peruvian sirloin and it was cooked to perfection. Definitely give this place a shot
(4)Candice R.
I can see why this place only has three stars, but actually managed three stars. What they have going for them is fantastic staff and customer service. What they don't have is out of this world food. Now, maybe I was wrong to get enchiladas at a Cuban place, but they were not tasty. They were dry, a little too spicy (spice without flavor)and accompanied by beans that were out of a can of la preferida, with white rice swimming in butter. I love me some butter, but not when I expected Spanish rice. Oh well, my server found out I didn't like the meal and even though I ate a little less than half of the enchiladas, she comped both my meal and my glass of wine. I'll come back and give them another shot, since I know they're accommodating and that goes a long way in my book.
(3)matty z.
When the embargo is finally lifted, I will make the trip. Until then, I will visit this pleasant little restaurant in River North. I was quite impressed with the empanadas-- light, flaky, savory. Wished I had ordered nothing but these, but my entree was fab, as well-- the fish tacos. For 8.95, you receive three HUGE tacos AND guacamole AND beans. What a deal, no? Service was fantastic. The only con about place? It is WAY too bright. I call this type of lighting 'ugly lights lighting'-- there's just no way to look good under such brightness. Turn it down, please. Regardless of how I look, I'm definitely coming back. Just too good to pass up.
(4)Jon B.
So I'm going to go "Obama Nobel Peace Prize" with Havana Grill, and give it a fourth star for its potential rather than what I saw. I TOTALLY agrree with the first posting on this place: they certainly have the "YES" philosophy of restaurant management. I think that in order to give Havana Grill a fourth star, you need to separate it in your mind from Mambo Grill. Nevermind that you feel like you're walking into an old apartment of yours when you walk in to Havana Grill ("but why don't the booths have high backs? Why is it so spacious in here...it's so quiet"). Get it out of your system now. Mambo has mambo-ed out of our lives at this address. We need to move on... What I actually saw: - Guava + Mojito = easy to drink = drunk - Spacious - Ridiculously friendly and attentive service -Delicious, monster empanadas -OK food What they could be: - an awesome after-work destination - a dangerous way to rationale mojito-pitchers by the dozens, near to work (if you're downtown) - a familiar walk back to the El, where you don't feel the cold because mojito pitchers grant you with special superpowers that make you invincible - A slightly more authentic (in some ways) or adventurous menu And remember, just like you never call a lady by the wrong name,...it's "Havana Grill" not "Mambo Grill".
(4)Caroline M.
Great atmosphere, service, food, and THE BEST GUACAMOLE in town!
(5)Janice B.
Havana is one of my favorite places in the city! It's cool, casual atmosphere is exactly what I look for on a Friday after work or relaxing weeknight dinner. Not only do they have great drink specials (half price pitchers of Sangria or Margaritas and half price mojitos depending on what night you go) but I've never had a bad meal there. You can't go wrong with any of their skirt steak dinners, but I CRAVE their Rollitos Manchegos (chicken tenders rolls stuffed with fresh spinach and manchego cheese, served with a vegetable cake and green pepper cream sauce). It is the most delicious thing on the menu and you'll want to come back for it!
(5)Marcel S.
I just stopped by Friday. Great live music - Vagando Food ok and good mojito. I will be back to check te menu in detail.
(4)Josh M.
Went here for a birthday party, the server was very nice and the food was excellent but toward the end of dinner a water leak broke over our table and not to mention a centipede had to crushed as he interrupted dinner. The manager did give 50% off our bill and a round of "mystery" shots but idk if I will not be coming back here!
(2)Tim H.
First time here visiting Chicago. My wife and I very much enjoyed Havana. We had great service and the wait-staff was friendly and prompt. The chicken/spinach dish was AMAZING.
(5)Michelle F.
We walked and walked and walked and walked in search of food. Everywhere had an hour or more waiting time. Soooo.... hungry.... 1) We were seated right away. 2) There was a great live Latin music ensemble playing. 3) The atmosphere and lighting were comfortable, open, and made us feel right at home. 4) The server was ON IT. Sarah was absolutely amazing - some of the best service I have ever had, which is especially spectacular, since she was running about 15+ tables. Insert mega applause here. 5) They accommodated my gluten-free diet very well and were careful to warn me about oils, etc, in case of cross-contamination (which is irrelevant to me, but if I were Celiac, would be REALLY important. It was good to know they cared). 6) The food was pretty darned good: -- The paella was fair, and the seafood in it was fresh (though I'd never had it with chorizo in it... really nice touch! I'm making my own like this next time. -- The pulled pork on jalapeno mashers was great. The jalapeno was too mild for me, and the pork a little under-seasoned. However, very well cooked and the presentation was excellent. -- Plantains were good, but I think I might have been missing a sauce (because of the gluten-free thing, most likely) -- Chips, salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole were all righteously delicious. From Seattle, Matt & I applaud you, Havana. Well done. We will definitely be returning when we come back to Chicago.
(4)Helena D.
There may not be vintage Chevy's zipping past nor men with cigar smoke curling from their lips, but in serving authentic, fresh Cuban dishes Havana succeeds. On a balmy Monday night where the humidity is enough to overpower any anti-static-cling product, my friends and I met here after work for a special farewell dinner. The decor is clean, cozy yet rustic with a definite homage to the 1940s and '50s. With a west-facing exposure, this place has great natural light and we were seated at a comfortable window table which allowed us a great vantage point to Clark St and, in the opposite direction, the narrow restaurant and long wooden bar. Highlights from our dinner included the pulled pork that sits on top of a delicious bed of garlic mashed potatos and creamed corn puree, the tilapia, and carne asado. The cold pitchers of sangria are a must have, as well as the chips and guac which is a giant basket filled with warm, tri-colored tortilla chips and 3 generous bowls of dips. Having sampled everybody else's dish, I can vouch for the quality and flavor combinations for those dishes - I couldn't eat enough of mine, though after devouring half of the entree, I was stuffed and thoroughly satisfied. Perhaps it's because I ate so many of the chips and couldn't help dipping it into the fresh, homemade salsa concoction. Surprisingly, there were only a couple of other patrons dining and a couple of older gentlemen at the bar enjoying an after-work spritzer and wine. This is a gem in the River North area that, perhaps because of the location, may be overlooked. However, I recommend that Yelpers stop by and give this place a try. It's located just across the street from the Westin Hotel, just north of the Chicago River, where the Mambo Grill use to be.
(4)Sam G.
Food was good. Service was ok. Only issue is the portions are very small.
(4)Matthew R.
I need to first prelude this review by stating that I only came here for a drink and desert on a saturday night. Anyways came here after dinner for a drink and desert and saw the chips and guac and ordered them....... great idea the guac was very tasty and the salsa was also pretty good. Ordered a mojito and it wasnt out of this world but it was good. The desert was decent, had the key lime pie. Anyways a good experience and I would go back.
(4)Jason A.
I have been to Havana two times now, and both experiences have been amazing. The food is always awesome and the drinks are amazing. I love the place and would definitely recommend it to anyone on the fence about looking to try a new place.
(4)Elizabeth T.
Yummy empenadas and some of the best quacamole in the city. The mojitos are nothing to dismiss either! On my second trip here, I had as great an experience as the first. The service is top-notch, the space nicely decorated and all of the food wonderul. My halibut was perfect with a sauce that was just short of too spicy--ie perfection. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Erin H.
AMAZING. Went here and got a table outside immediately. The food was absolutely delicious, prepared perfectly, and presented beautifully!! The chef really knows great Cuban food. I had a refreshing salad, after great fried plantains as an appetizer. The salmon and paella were great too. The menu was decent sized with a nice variety.
(5)Smeagles S.
The food is delicious but the service could stand some room for improvement. The pulled pork is fantastic, tender, tons of flavor and presented wonderfully.
(4)L. B.
OMG...the empanadas- with chicken. Amazing. I could definitely care less for the half ass expensive drinks in tiny glasses... Oh, and the ceviche is delish!
(3)Viviana R.
Solid dining choice. I definitely plan on going back. The food was tasty. We had tostones for appetizers and the Ropa Vieja and chimichurri steak with fries. The restaurant has a great ambiance and although we were 15 minutes late for our reservation we got seated fairly quickly. So why the 3 stars, you ask? Here's what we were disappointed in: ~ Our dining experience took about 2hrs and it wasn't because we were taking our time. Our waiter would repeatedly disappear for 10-15min at time. ~ The restaurant was out of several dishes that we wanted to try: Halibut, Guava Cheesecake, Guava ice cream. ~ Our dessert took over 20min to arrive at our table. One of our party was allergic to all the available desserts so she just ordered the cafe con leche which didn't arrive until after we had all eaten our desserts and were ready to leave. It was obvious our waiter forgot about it and brought it out as an afterthought. Though to be fair, he told us it was on the house. Overall, I'd say it's worth a visit. Though, I suggest coming during a weekday when they may not be as busy. It's a small place and most people wait to be seated at the front of the restaurant so if your table is at the front, you're screwed.
(3)Debbie V.
Great drinks, great food and definitely excellent service!! We will return and enjoyed everything we ordered. Chips n Guacamole, Calamari, steak sandwich, Carne Asada, Steak tacos, tilapia was unbelievable good. Not cheap - Sangria pitchers $32.00 a pop. Table of six and no wait!
(5)Anu M.
What a great night out this was! A bunch of us strolled over after dinner on a Sat night. The band was playing, the drinks were good and People were dancing. I wish they would have cleared the tables in the middle so there could have been more room to dance. The place was a little small but there was some great energy going. We didnt even mind when the band took an extremely long break cause the music was so good and we didn't even need to be salsa dancers to enjoy it.
(4)Clare T.
I was tootling around on Opentable, looking for a place to make lunch reservations last week when I found Havana. Or, rather, found the place where Mambo Grill used to be. I cannot tell you how relieved I was that there was a cheap cuban restaurant in the area again! I really loved Mambo Grill for a lot of reasons, but location was probably number one. Number two was that I could get in and out of there for $30 or less for a nice business lunch. Havana is an improvement over Mambo in a few ways. First, they have updated the decor quite nicely. It feels much more modern and open now, even though the layout is generally the same. Secondly, they streamlined the menu, so it's a lot easier to make choices now. My friend and I both had the Torta Cubana, and while I was expecting a pressed sandwich, it was served on a brioche roll. It was nevertheless delicious, with juicy roast pork, ham, and a slightly spicy chipotle mayo-like condiment. The fries on the side were a slightly strange mix of sweet potato fries, potato fries, and (I think) yucca fries. They came with a little dipping size chimmichurri that was really really tasty. I need to go back at night just to make sure the margaritas are up to par.
(4)Santiago M.
Not authentic Cuban at all. Food is mostly average. Not very friendly service. Atmosphere is not bad.
(3)Ryan P.
We went here after we learned of a 3+ hour wait at Frontera Grill down the street. Not having been to Chicago too much we didn't want to wander too far away and stumbled upon Havana. That, and seeing a sign for 1/2 priced Sangria on Tuesdays ($15 instead of $30) made it an easy win right off the bat. The place has nice tall ceilings and has a well lit interior. The empanada appetizer was killer and the Carne Asada entree was also very good, if not a little different than what I had in my mind. Overall, the meal was great, and the venue is nice, new, and fresh.
(4)George W.
Gave this former Mambo Grill location a try yesterday evening for cocktails and dinner. The first Caipirinha tasted like a "virgin". Ordered a house specialty "Cuban pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes and creamed corn" with a side of plantanos. The creamed corn at the base of the dish was an overly sweet watery puree, the ring mold used to plate the dish was filled with about 75% to 80% of the bland mashed potatoes and then topped with dried out, old, and greasy tasting pork shards. The plantanos were stuck to the plate! The second Caipirinha was a short pour so this time the bartender actually topped it off with some alchohol; needless to say the two drinks were completely different from one another; the second being more like a shot of rum! If you are into Cuban/Mexican mish mash and old Mambo Grill decor, this is the place for you!
(1)Ted T.
Went here for lunch during work. It was amazing! The burger is off the hook -- and I really hate saying that phrase.
(5)Yannick B.
I tried this restaurant with my girlfriend on a Saturday night, though the review on yelp weren't as good as other places in the area. If this place deserved poor reviews before, not anymore in my experience. The service was very good, both friendly and fast. The food was delicious. I had carne asada, excellent meat and quite a large dish. She had pollo coco lemon, and couldn't finish so I got the last bites out of it and it was excellent too. We also got a shared rhum coco flan desert, which was a good finish. Check: $50 without tip
(5)Cody D.
Horrible service long wait, we were in basement and toilet flooded no one even finished their food.. moved us to another seat by a window was freezing. I made yelp just for this review. Was told manager isn't even here to talk to us.
(1)L T.
I've been on a Latin kick lately, and this time I dragged my friends out to eat. It was a nice, cozy but streamlined space. Our server had quite a few tables and was very friendly once we were able to get her attention, but wasn't too quick to see if we needed anything. Loved my paella, though it wasn't your traditional stuff. A bit loud and a little tough to hear each other, but all in all we had a good time. Maybe it's not fair to compare, but I went to Siboney up on Western a few weeks ago, and was totally charmed. Different neighborhoods, different vibes... Havana is a fun place to meet up with friends downtown, and I would definitely go there again.
(3)Sarah M.
Enjoyed dinner at Havana. I had the Lomo Salteado, which was fine. My husband had the pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes - it was better. The mojitos (half price on Fridays) really made the night - what a deal, and they were probably the best mojitos I have had! The service was great.
(3)lucky r.
uhm...probably won't go again. atmosphere was nice but food was mediocre
(2)Brent B.
Awesome place. Nice cozy atmospere and great food. The steak sandwich, latin burger, enchiladas, or burrito are all winners although my favorite is the burger which comes with cheese, bacon, chimmichurri sauce, regular fries, and sweet potatoe fries! Call for carry out or dine in if you have time.
(4)Johnny K.
This place was excellent! 5 Stars all the way! We had the crabcakes as an appetizer and we were very pleased we ordered them. They had the perfect blend of temperature and spice. Our entrees were the halibut and the latin burger both of which were cooked to perfection. The halibut came with rice and was very filling. The portions are generous and the service was great. Love the decor and atmosphere! A must go for anyone looking for a fun environment at an affordable price!
(5)Tony L.
Appetizers at a great price. Good food and good variety. A little on the expensive side for lunch, but 3 friends ate for right around $40 with tax and tip. I'll definitely be back. Great news for anyone who bought the Groupon a few weeks back!
(5)Mrs N.
If a restaurant aspires to be in the Cuban category, it needs to start with a great Cuban sandwich. Havana fails miserably. I asked when I ordered if the sandwich was good, if it was true to the authentic recipe. The waitress enthusiastically encouraged me to order it. What a mistake! It was so far from the original...on a roll rather than pressed, without mustard and pickles, and with pork that was dry as sand in the Sahara. The space is beautiful and the waitstaff is attentive, but that's not enough to pull this place up close to average.
(1)W Q.
To quote my husband just now after having paid the check--thoroughly impressed. From drinks, to food, and service, everything was fantastic; and more importantly, I'm full.
(5)Jon H.
I gave this place another shot, but still ceased to impress. the dish was bland looking and bland tasting. probably won't give them my business again.
(2)Susan S.
Check out Havana--it's great!
(5)Sydnye A.
i was impressed. i wanted to dance because the music selection was so exciting. from the maduros to the arroz con frijoles... yummie! after downing 3 glasses from the pitcher of signature mojitos we ordered, and feeling like i just had some refreshing limeade with mint, i felt like a sucker. not a good business move. i typically drink 1-2 drinks, and all my friends know 2 of anything and i am wasted. i felt like i never had a drink. shame on you! not sure if was the bartender or the management who made the decision, but i will not go back despite the delicious food. we watched 2 people at another table go through a pitcher of sangria and order several more drinks. i wonder if they had a similar experience.
(2)Joani O.
Once a month we order lunch in for my whole department and today it was Havana again! I was going to try something different but I loved the jibarito so much last time that I got it again. And again, it did not disappoint. The plantains were fried to perfection and while the steak was a bit thinner than I recalled, the total sandwich was perfect for lunch and again, I love the sauce that it comes with. Delicious! The sandwich also comes with fries and chimichurri dipping sauce, which was tasty, but I couldn't eat many of the fries without being too full. Eating lunch at my desk is not so bad when it's awesome Cuban from Havana!
(4)Dave O.
Second time Ive been here and both times have been great. The chicken tacos were out of this world. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars, Is the ice tea tasted a bit off, like it was made with tap water.
(4)Anita C.
Grilled calamari and arugula salad. The salad was a large, filling portion. And I eat a lot. I eat more than my husband. The grilled calamari was super tender. I've never had grilled but I like it more than fried!! They also have pitchers of mojito. We didn't get one but it looked good and every table had one.
(4)Keith B.
The Maduros are cooked perfectly, the food is delicious. The specials of the house , chicken in plantain leaf was delicious. I love the Cuban music and great service
(5)Chris M.
For starters... Tostaditos de Platano = a simple recipe that was executed perfectly! The sauces were great!! For dinner * Pollo a la Caserola = perfectly crispy chicken with a sauce that complemented it perfectly!! * Carne Asada = perfect grill time and the sauce was great!! We will be back!!
(4)Melissa C.
DELICIOUS Caipirinha! Seriously better than a lot of place I've been to in Chicago. Music was just alright, and service was OK.
(3)Morganne B.
What a great Thursday special!! $20 margarita pitchers is EXACTLY what my friends and I needed to celebrate being done with medical board exams. We probably didn't need FOUR of them but they sure went down easy. The chips, guac and salsa were super tasty and the grilled calamari salad was yummy too. The calamari wasn't super chewy and the citrusy dressing was perfect for summer. My friends' mojitos were spot on too. As our party grew in size, the place started to feel a little cramped, but this was definitely a good place to kick off our celebratory weekend.
(4)Steve A.
I loved the ambience of this place, which looks and feels exactly like a cafe in old Havana. Unfortunately, that's where the love stopped. As someone who lives much of the year in Florida, I've had a lot of Cuban food at many different restaurants, and I've never encountered anything like what is served here. First off, the lunch menu has been taken over in part by Tex-Mex items such as quesadillas, not a good sign. Perhaps foolishly, I stuck with something that sounded authentically Cuban, and had the Pollo from the dinner menu, along with a cup of black bean soup. Good black bean soup is smooth, with plenty of whole beans and crispy bits of onion. This gritty slurry had none of those characteristics. Traditional Cuban chicken is roasted, with a crisp, garlic coated skin and moist interior, exactly as described on the menu. What showed up, though was a soggy mess covered in a weird salty white gravy that had almost no flavor. It had more flavor than the "congri," it was served with, though. That mixture of rice and black beans was dry and utterly flavorless. Fried yucca was similarly flavorless, but had a nice crisp exterior. The saving grace on the plate were the ripe plantains, which were perfectly caramelized and still hot from the sauce pan. Sadly, one out of five is not enough to get me to ever return. It's a shame because the service was efficient, and the place looks great. They just need major adjustments in the kitchen.
(2)Tzeittle C.
Ok drinks, not-good food. My friend and I had two mojitos each and shared the yuca con mojo. The mojitos were ok, tasted good but nothing spectacular. The yuca, though, not good at all. Fried yuca should be crispy on the outside, tender on the inside; this was just tough, no crunch, like it had been fried and reheated. The mojo (garlic sauce) didn't taste like garlic, and had this strange sweetness. Their chocolate cake was good though, not amazing, but good. The place itself is really nice and the music was good. It was a very nice night but I wish the food and drinks had been better.
(2)Karina C.
Great Cuban place! I went with my cousins and ordered the empanadas and ceviche for starters. The empanadas were amazing! Seriously!!! We ordered ropa vieja (pulled steak in tomato and garlic and onion sauce, that comes with rice, beans and tajadas) and pollo a la cacerola (chicken in a green sauce topped with guac and served with rice. Food was delicious. Service was ok. The decoration is beautiful and the music is very legit Cuban music. Would definitely recommend it.
(5)Maridel A.
OMG!!! this place is soooooo delicous! (Free dessert when you check-in). Anyways Waz suggested we eat here to try the Jibarito sandwich. We ordered the Steak Jibarito - not knowing what to expect... the food arrives and its a flat steak in between a flat fried banana!!!! OMG so goooood! It also comes with dipping sauce, not sure whats in it, who cares the sandwich was yummy! Its about $13 bucks and def worth it. We also ordered chips and guac... delicious. The rumors are true... chicago does have better food in town. Now im on a mission to find me a Jibarito sandwich in San Diego!
(5)Lauren S.
Delivery took over an hour and a half. The bowl of soup was the size of a cup and half spilled when it arrived. Not very brothy, kind of thick. Got the chimichanga that everyone was talking about and they arrived cold and cut up like an appetizer and the poblano cream already in the bottom of the dish which made the whole thing soggy. Cost $20 for that. Not worth it
(2)Tina M.
If you have ever been to Miami and eaten Cuban food then I DO NOT recommend this place. You can literally see the writing on the wall, turn around and walk out. When you look around at the crown molding in the restaurant, there are different words for the foods they offer. Two stood out immediately, Marquitas (should be Mariquitas) and Plantanos (more like Platanos). If you claim to be a Latin restaurant at least spell the words correctly. Moving on to the food. I was beyond disappointed with my food and service. I ordered Ropa Vieja and had 2 bites of the meat and that was enough for me. I admit I am spoiled by my Cuban mother-in-law, but this is ridiculous. Super fatty, chewy and totally the wrong flavor. The beans were just soaked in water with no salt and no sofrito. According to the group, the Cuban sandwich was good and the pork dish was ok. However, no one would return. Except maybe for the flan and Cuban sandwich. What bothered me the most is that the guy who took my plate ( I'm assuming the manager as he was different from our waiter) saw that I didn't touch my food and said nothing. No, "did you enjoy your meal"?, "can I wrap that"? I'm truly surprised at the good reviews, in fact, I am shocked. I will never be returning here. 90 miles, I'm sorry I cheated on you.
(2)Sasha M.
I had dinner here last night, and I would definitely be wiling to come back. They have a large menu and good vegetarian options. The outside seating is nice, but it's a little cramped. The inside looks lovely. The chiles rellanos have just the right amount of kick, but some of the other favors were a bit overwhelmed by the cheese and cream. The platanos maduros were perfect.
(4)Malinda T.
Excellent food, well all we had was appetizers but they were excellent! We had the ceviche and it had MANGO shrimp and some other stuff but it was totally delish and we also ordered the guacamole and it came with a pico de gallo too... Atmosphere was fun! Drinks were great, we had the mojito pitcher mmmm .... Fun fun fun
(5)Reynick M.
Mexican-Cuban fusion. Not a true Cuban restaurant. Dishes were overly salted and very oily. I would never recommend this to anyone. We had the Tostones as an app, which were incredibly salty - more so than what you would find at any Cuban restaurant in Miami, Chicago, or NYC. And, the Lechon (roast pork) dish was very greasy. This was really weird because someone else in our party had the Ropa Vieja and found it to be dry as a bone.
(1)Chrisette L.
I love spanish food . This was a nice intimate setting . Perfect for a first date ! I ordered a seafood dish that was amazing . He ordered the Carne Asada and it was seasoned to perfection.
(4)Stephen S.
Excellent and unique food with great service. I highly recommend the Carne Asada and Havana Pulled Pork. The mojitos from the bar also can't be beat.
(5)Austin Y.
I've been to Havana 3 or 4 times and have learned to stick with my favorites. Portions are very generous, and I like the dark, modern decor that's cozy at the same time. Chimichangas ($9) were terrific, perfectly crisp and filled with moist chicken in an addictively good poblano cream sauce. Empanadas ($11) were just ok, the manchego was the best by far while the chicken and ground beef weren't that interesting. Carne con tequila ($18) wasn't great, the steak was slightly overcooked and I wasn't a huge fan of the tequila sauce. The chimichurri was good, but tasted a little weird alongside the tequila. Pulled pork ($17) was a little underwhelming, the pork was tender but not very moist, and the potatoes and creamed corn were good but also added a lot of carb-y, creamy heaviness that wasn't balanced by any sort of acidity. Seafood paella ($21) was a mixed bag. The seafood was plentiful and the chorizo was great with the pineapple, but the dish was a little dry overall and the rice wasn't crusty/crispy. BBQ ribs ($19) were amazing. The ribs were incredibly flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender, and the guava-infused BBQ sauce was tangy and unusual. Jalea de mariscos ($22) was also a fantastic choice, a lot of fresh shellfish including scallops and shrimp in a creamy coconut sauce over rice, I guess it's sort of like Cuban curry. Definitely recommend. Havana has its share of hits and misses, but get the empanadas and either the ribs or jalea de mariscos and you'll leave full and extremely satisfied. I will be back for those.
(3)Justin B.
Squeezed in for lunch this past Wednesday with a friend to use up my lunch-for-two Gilt City deal. Generally, this was a great meal. We tried both soups on the menu; I thought both were great, but my friend thought that the black bean might have had a slight edge. I tried the Torta Cubana and was very satisfied...the ketchup had a little spice to it, which served the perfectly-cooked fries very well, and the bread the sammie was served on was excellent, as were the fillings. My friend tried the Ropa Vieja...she thought it was good, but "not as good as the spots I used to hit in Miami", whatever that's worth! The only negative was service/food delivery speed...we arrived at about five before noon for our noon reservation, but we didn't get out until just after 1. For soups and sammies over the work day lunch hour, things moved a little slow for my taste. Otherwise, I would come back here; menu prices seem fair and you get a ton of food for the price, at least off the lunch sammie menu.
(4)Alina S.
I very much enjoyed my lunch at this cozy spot. They have a lunch menu which has many varieties and is very afford-ably priced which is super great for the nicer restaurants. I ordered the 3 Enchiladas with steak. They were nice and moist with strips of beef and covered with both a red & cheese sauce. This also came with white rice and black beans. I finished 1.5 enchildas and took the rest to-go. I would totally come back and try more from this tasty adorable place. Did I mention that the staff rocks! They are all about enhancing your dining experience at Havana. So refreshing! :)
(4)Niki K.
Considering all the great restaurants in Chicago, I wouldn't come back here. The food is okay, nothing special. The service is pretty bad; waitress was hard to track down and our food came out so late. They charge extra for hot sauce, which I've never seen before at a Cuban/Mexican--that's just cheap! And they don't split the bill, which is a huge headache if you're a big group.
(2)Bob R.
Our experience at Havana was exactly what one should expect when going to dinner in the city. Havana is a Cuban restaurant on the southern tip of River North. It is very small - about 10 tables or so on the inside. They also have an area out on the sidewalk with another four tables. There is a large wooden bar that takes up much of the interior space. We were immediately greeted and seated - we had an early dinner, around 5 PM. The sidewalk seats were all taken but it was wide open inside. We had a very nice table by the window so we could watch the foot traffic outside. The waiter asked if we had any questions on the menu or Cuban food in general. Since Cuban is one of our favorite foods, we really did not have any questions. We ordered their large guacamole platter while we decided. My wife and I both ordered caipirinhas. They were tart and excellent. The guacamole platter came with tri-color chips with three salsas - the guacamole itself, fresh pico de gallo and a VERY spicy salsa. I was really torn on what to get. I absolutely love Cuban sandwiches, but we were celebrating, so I ordered Carne con Tequila - a chargrilled skirt steak served with tequila-infused sauce and Latin fries tossed with homemade chimichurri. It was fantastic. In talking to the waiter later in the meal, I asked about Pisco, a South American Liquor I'd never tried. He brought me a shot. It was very good, very similar to white tequila. After dinner, and all of the drinks, I had a Cuban coffee to finish out the meal. There were some earlier reviews that mentioned slow service. I agree, but it was not unbearably slow and we were not in a hurry. The service allowed us a relaxing meal where we could enjoy the decor, the food and the company. This was a great experience, one I am eager to share with others.
(5)I J.
After coworkers mentioned that the food at this place was worth the terrible service, I decided to try it and I am so glad I did because now I know to never come back and tell others to not waste their money here. The food was okay, but the service was horrendous. Our server was just the worst, he came to our table once and when we told him we weren't huge fans of what we ordered, he did not care. We asked for a side of lemons, and he brought us 3 tiny pieces of limes that looked totally dry. The mojitos were so watered down, and they didn't come out until after our food did. We left so angry. Do not come here please, it's not worth it.
(1)Stephanie S.
The last few times I've been here have been a major let-down in terms of service. We brought family here on our last visit, and I was a little embarrassed. I'd been raving about this place, and then our server didn't stop by until we'd been at our table for 15 minutes. Then he didn't greet us; just kind of a "Ok, what are we ordering?" He was absent for most of the meal. This isn't the first time it's happened to me here. And they're never busy, so I don't know what's going on. The food is good, but honestly a bit overpriced for what you get.
(3)Whitney W.
I want to live here. The live music was GREAT. I danced my little butt off. I may or may not have gotten drunk from the Mojitos that I ordered, and the food was great! I ordered about 4-5 different appetizers, one being the crab cakes that were melt in your mouth good. I really can't think of a single negative thing to say.
(5)Erin M.
I went here last night with my dad and I probably never would have dined here if it wasn't for a Gilt City coupon. After reading some of the yelp reviews I was hesitant, but let me tell you-this place is amazing! We started off with a classic mojito, and it was perfect. Not too sweet, not too minty, just the right amount of everything. We ordered the ceviche appetizer and it was really good, especially with the plantains! For my entrée I had the salmon and oh man the flavors were everything. It had a BBQ flavor while tasting fresh and had a kick to it, which I thoroughly enjoyed since I tend to douse my food in hot sauce. The service was perfect, we were enjoying drinks and conversation and were not looking to get in and out. Personally, I think enjoying a meal for a long period time is one of the most relaxing things. Definitely recommend this place as it is provides different flavors than you'll find around River North!
(4)Happiness L.
I love Havana! Went there for lunch and had a very delicious steak sandwich. The food is so very yummy. Then tonight stopped by for music. The person I talked to on the phone said the music goes from 1130 pm to 130 am however you might want to double check this as the person I talked to there said the music goes until 3 or 4. I beleive the music Is just on Frīdays and Sarurdays. When the band plays I am very happy. When the DJ plays the music is fun yet not as awesome as the band. Yay. Would love to come again another time.
(5)Ben R.
The drinks alone get this place a great star review. Margarita. Great. Pomegranate marg. Even more great. The food was really good too! We had the steak skewers, crab cakes, and pulled pork (which is stacked up on top of jalapeño mashed potatoes). The music brings it all together for an all around great experience!
(4)Vic B.
Poor service, waited over 30 min for food when there were not more than 10 people in the restaurant
(1)Rachel A.
Good drinks and food for the most part. The first time I came the chicken I got was really dry but everything else I got was good. Upon returning, I got a sandwich and my fiancé got the other one so I had the chance to try them both. They were both very good and I would recommend them. Along with that, the sweet plantains are so good! The chips and guac appetizer is big so I would suggest getting a half portion. They have a lot of mojito flavors which is awesome!! The service is alright... not spectacular though.
(4)Savanna R.
How can you not love this place? I bring all my out of town friends here. The servings are big and filling. The space is small and gets crowded pretty quickly. The longest I ever waited was 45mins but I felt it was worth it. The margarita pitchers are yummy :)
(4)Rod C.
I stopped here for lunch on a Monday through a colleague's recommendation because XOCO is closed on Mondays. Wow! This place is incredible! The Chimichangas are phenomenal! Who doesnt like fried, chicken-filled tortillas in poblano cream sauce, with cilantro sour cream and pico! I had trouble deciding between the Havana Steak Sandwich (Tender slices of skirt steak with melted cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, and spicy mayonnaise served on onion ciabatta bread) or the Jibarito (which is basically the same as the steak sandwich with the difference being twice-fried green plaintains instead of the ciabatta bread). The Havana Steak Sandwich is OUTSTANDING! I could eat this everyday! I have to come back for dinner when music and dancing is the norm here. I cant wait to try their house drinks! Service was really good, but it was lunch and their were only 4-5 tables occupied.
(5)Kara B.
Do you like screaming across a table? Do you like bland over-priced food? If yes, then this place is for you. Loud Meh, food. Meh, service.
(2)Matt K.
I went for lunch and got the best Cubano sandwich I've had in a long time. Good fries. I'll have to go back and try the Jibarito.
(4)MelBri J.
the food was not the real Mexican like you expect after reading their menu. :(
(2)Casondra L.
Great service ! Good drinks and twenty dollar pitchers!! Salsa, guac and chips was a nice addition to the amazing Caipirinha's ! The flan is ridiculous oh my word!
(5)Kelsey D.
The food was excellent and I love the Hispanic atmosphere. The mojitos were not the best I've had especially for being their specialty drink but the Martinis were delicious.
(4)Laura C.
The place looked nice. The bar had great drinks. The appetizers were good. But, The service was bad and the main courses as well. We ordered ropa vieja and the pork dish. Ropa vieja was very bland and I couldn't even finish the pork because it was hard as a rock. Very disappointed.
(2)Gopal R.
Fantastic restaurant right by hotel. I found this little gem on Yelp and I went to check it out. The restaurant has a very nice ambience and good food. For starters we ordered a guava mojito. I heard so many great reviews about mojitos here, but I was a bit disappointed with my mojito because it tasted a bit watered down. Not bad, but not what I was expecting in mojitos that have rave reviews. For an appetizer, I ordered the fried plantain chips with warm black bean sauce and salsa - Platanos Maduros. Wow! The chips were perfect - crispy and crunchy coated with a spice that gave it the right kick. The black bean sauce and salsa were perfect choice to eat these chips with. Highly recommended! I ordered the black bean soup - Sopa De Frijol, for starters. A wonderful soup that is very flavorful and just yummy. For the main course, I ordered the Chiles Rellenos. Just perfect. Highly recommended if you are a vegetarian. The dishes were amazing with fresh flavors and ingredients. If you are a dessert fan, don't forget to try out the Coconut Rum Flan. All in all, this is a great restaurant and a great dining experience.
(4)Dave M.
Amongst Clarke Street's endless parade of corporate cookie cutter franchise eateries you'll find Havana. Authentic, real, a one-only restaurant. Excellent decor, friendly staff and great food at reasonable prices. Try the traditional Cuban Steak sandwich It's awesome. Didn't try the wine - will do next time - but the Wine menu is well laid out with an interesting selection to choose from.
(5)Todd S.
I love Cuban food and love mojitos so I had to try Havana's. It is small and intimate, and you'll definitely need reservations in order to get seated. First stop was at the bar for a Mojito. I travel to Miami quite a bit for business and have had great mojitos there and Havana's makes them equally as good. For dinner we started out with chips and guacamole. They also serve Pico and verde salsa on the side. The verde was extremely spicy. Very good but hot. Be warned. For the main course my wife and I shared the Pollo Horneado con Platano. It's a spicy chicken breast baked in plantain leaves. It comes with sweet potatoes and a side of sweet plantains. Very flavorful and worth the try. The serving was enough for the both of us. I have no complaints about this restaurant. The food is great and the wait staff is very friendly and prompt. I highly recommend giving this little gem a try.
(4)Chirag P.
A wonderful place to eat with a date or with friends. Great place to try Cuban food, the corn based dishes were very delicious. You will not be disappointed. If you ever want to try Cuban food this place will give you a great option.
(4)Lauren W.
The beat of the Gypsy Kings cover band brought us in. Can't remember the actual name of the band but we were swirling around dancing, and clapping so it didn't matter. Bad ass band! Mojito Friday special ($20) ended at 11pm. Great mojitos that sent me to to my happy place!!! The place is small and with the band playing and everyone dancing, we stayed in our little corner near the front and danced. Mixed ages but we noticed a more older crowd, which was fine with us. After leaving other bars with the 20 year olds this was a little more of what we were looking for. Solid.
(5)Diocelina G.
I wanted to love this place, unfortunately due a number of reasons, Havana didn't please me. First off, it's super narrow! Bumping into people is inevitable and there's virtually no dance floor. They had a cool band that played Latin American themed tunes which was excellent, but then when they took their break the place turns into any other typical bar that's blasting Top 40, if they named the place after Cuba's capital, I expect the joint to be much more festive and true to the culture and music of Cuba. The drinks were nothing special I payed $15.50 for top shelf on the rocks. Didn't get to try their food.
(2)Eric G.
The food was great the two times that I've been there. I've had the Cuban sandwich and the chicken torta. Both were delicious, and may be enough to warrant me stopping by occasionally. Now, why am I giving the place only 2 stars if the food is so great? They won't care about you if you don't buy a drink. I prefer the blue line for my nightlife, but our company just moved in a big co-working space around the corner. I was looking for a regular lunch place and I thought this place could really hit the spot. The first time I went here though, I waited over 30 minutes for that Cuban sandwich and 15 minutes of that I was staring at it, sitting on the back counter, wondering if it was my sandwich. When I called over my server, he had to ask what I had ordered. It was very off putting because I was the only customer who had ordered food in those 30 minutes. I still loved the food and wanted to give it another chance. The second time was great and prompted a third visit very quickly. This time we came later in the day, only to be told that it was now dinnertime and our sandwiches were going to be almost twice the price as advertised. Please don't give me the sandwich menu while telling me "They will all be about $6-$8 more than what's on the menu because it's dinnertime." We promptly left and have not been back. This place focuses on drinks and nightlife. It's packed at night when people are drunk, but it's dead and empty during weekday lunch rushes. Why is that the case? The service is not up to par, and I just feel cheated and lied to. No wonder. Food is great, but there are so many delicious places, some less than a block away, that will treat well even if you don't buy a drink.
(2)Michael K.
Went in for lunch a couple of weeks ago. Started off with the great tostones. My friend had the ropa vieja sandwich and I had the Cuban steak sandwich. Both were very good, but the ropa vieja one was amazing (we each had half of each other's sandwiches to share). The fries were also very good. I had two margaritas on the rocks. They were made correctly. No mix. Tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice. Delicious. The waiters were friendly, the restaurant is clean and the ambiance is fun. Will be back many more times when I'm back in Chicago.
(5)Diana A.
Nice strong and flavorful traditional mojitos! No fake syrupy tasting mojitos here. Big deal to me since mojitos are my favorite. I've tried the tostones appetizer-yummy, the steak entree- yummy and my wife loves the paella. The ambiance is nice. The live band music even better. We're Latinos in the west loop constantly looking for a more authentic Latin vibe and food. Havana hits the mark!
(5)Kristen W.
Oh Havana how I wish I would have learned about you sooner! it was raining and cold so we ran into this cozy little place to take cover. We were taken by surprise at the awesome cozy vibe of this Cuban restaurant. We started with sangria and it was filled with nice fresh fruit. We saw all of the wonderful food around us to decided to try the calamari appetizer. I've never had "Latin" calamari before... the spices were great and not what I was expecting, this was better than your average calamari and the dipping sauces were amazing as well. Giving the great appetizer I can't wait to go back and try out more dishes for dinner.
(4)Suzanne W.
Tasty food with a great mix of flavors. Recommend the Pollo al a Caserola. Chicken cooked perfectly, poblano pepper sauce and guacamole - veggies on the side cooked perfectly.
(5)Kaila B.
Being from a Cuban family I was pretty excited to visit this place. I am a server so I will say that my level of expectation for any restaurant can be a little high, however, I think some things should be done well no matter where you are. For example- Server approaching table in less than 5 minutes. Taking the food order after the drink order. Hot food. Unfortunately, they did not win on any of these. I hate to blame everything on the server but the food was luke-warm so it wasn't just them. I can't say I was enthused with the whole experience. My suggestion would be that they tighten things up a little better. I know restaurants sometimes look at M-Wed nights like they're no big deal but that can really be your opportunity to make repeat customers.
(3)Nick N.
I love Cuban sandwiches so it's great to have a place in Chicago to get one. I drive from the southside to pick these up and it's worth the trip. I always order take-out here so I can't judge on inside service but the food is very good. It's pretty unique, even with all the other food options around it still stands out. The Cuban, the Fries, and the beans and rice all get kudos. Parking can be tricky down there but really that goes for almost any downtown location.
(5)Angelica G.
Too small of a place for the amount of people they let in. Can't dance anywhere. (Saturday) You have to dance, mingle, and order in the same spot, lol. Good little band, nothing special, but got the crowd going, which was a good mix of people, old, young, multicolored. The mojito pitcher my sister ordered was mediocre, nothing special but drinkable, the bathrooms are down a steep staircase which I can bet many have tumbled down before. As I stated it was too crowded to do any type of movement, if you had a wedgie you'd be screwed, a clean up guy came by with a wet mop to clean up the tiny dance area and as he passed by he mopped my feet as well....... well least I got a free shoe cleaning!
(3)Lauren M.
I give it four stars for the food and strong drinks. Could use better service from waitresses. Great for early drinks and dinner before the evening crown starts. Recommend having a reservation. Look forward to going again!
(4)Mon P.
The drink specials are great and so is the music. The food is average or less than average. There's much better Cuban places around the city. Sadly, there's none in river north but this one. I won't be back to eat. They try to be too modern but they've lost the flavor that goes along with Cuban food. To be clear i had the lechon. It was cool to the touch and chunky with a strange sauce. Could have been an odd night. My friends rave about the place so maybe I'll try it once more.
(2)Elijah S.
Great place , authentic fresh food . The service is very good . Good prices . Quality of food is good . We jumped in after long day at work and wanted something authentic. We got 2 different dishes and all tasted good . Overall good pace . Will definitely come back for more Cuban food .
(5)J. Terrell A.
Couple folks from the office decided to stop in for lunch around noon. We were seated promptly and provided water. So far so good. Once we ordered it started to go downhill. I noticed a table that was seated after we ordered received their food before we received ours. After 20-25 mins our food finally arrived. We ate and the server was quick to place the check down. The food was good, but the slow service killed it.
(3)Yuki Y.
Enjoyed the empanadas, caipirinhas, and skirt steak. Fun, lively atmosphere. A neighborhood staple. Service is good and I have to comment that the older busser was busting his a** and doing a great job. He never stopped and moved at a fast pace and it was already 10:30 and long into his evening. Don't know where he was getting his energy. Management if you are listening, give this guy a raise!
(4)Diana B.
Had a nice dinner when in town just overnight with my boss The food was delicious. The service wasn't as great as I remembered when I lived there. They were accommodating, though, as we didn't have reservations.
(3)Helen E.
Recent reviews made me nervous but I needn't have been. Great service, delicious food, bright atmosphere. We had the fish tacos and the pulled pork - we destroyed both, along with the plantain chips appetizer. Would definitely come again if we lived here.
(4)Peter C.
We walked past this place and noticed the amazing Cuban music Playing. After walking in we noticed it was $20 pitchers of mojitos on Friday. The pitcher was amazing. Hand muddled limes with mint. Absolutely delicious. We got the apps and they were great too. The place was dead though with us being the only ones in there. The sopa de tortilla was great same with the friend plantains. Good place to stop to. Smaller and not packed at all.
(3)Sarah R.
I made a last minute reservation her for my friend's bachelorette party. Initially, I was worried about the quality of a place in this area with Saturday night reservations opened less than a week out, but Havana exceeded my expectations. Our waiter was phenomena (and cute) and patiently answered so many questions. The specialty drinks were amazing . My friend liked the coffeetini so much she requested it for her wedding. I have a less fancy recipe if anyone is interested. The food did not disappoint. Our group included several spicy lightweights, a hardcore meat-lover, and one vegetarian(hello!) and everyone loved their choice. I really enjoyed the decor as well. We were seated in a center table, but had enough room that no one bumped us. There was also a lower level with more tables as well as a bar up front. I'm not really a River North kinda woman, but Havana was an excellent exception.
(4)Lauren F.
Loved this place way back when it was Mambo Grill and love this place now as Havana. Fridays are 1/2 price mojito pitchers and they make a pretty mean mojito. The chimichangas are my absolute favorite thing on the menu and I often just order these as my main dish, as does my husband. We also really love their guacamole and salsa starter as well as the Roasted Pulled Pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and creamed corn...I wish they'd add a little more of the creamed corn but it is still delicious! I've also been to Havana for a bachelorette party and they do a really great job accommodating larger groups. The booking is super easy and everyone that attended was super impressed with the menu options. Definitely busy on the weekends so I highly recommend reservations for a guaranteed table!
(4)Nikola L.
Great food, good service. Mojitos were a little too sweet for my taste. When we complained the girl brought us some soda water :)
(5)Kristal T.
The food here was delicious. I would normally give this restaurant five stars but the service was horrendous. The waitress literally forgot to put our order in. We waited for over an hour to receive and "oops" and then waited an additional 30 min or so for our food to come out. As someone who previously worked and managed a restaurant I feel that this was unacceptable. I would be more understanding if it had been very busy but there was only one other couple in the place and it was around 8:30 or so. Overall, the food is delicious; but due to the poor service, I doubt I will return.
(3)Reggie H.
Great chaiperinas and mojitos. Small spot with lively regulars. Food is just fair because the seasoning profiles are very underwhelming. Beef dishes are not always tender either which is sinful with the Ropa Vieja. I want to love this place but can't
(3)Alan D.
Tonight was my first time at Havana. I'm very picky about food and the atmosphere of a restaurant. This place is already on my list of favorite restaurants. We started with the Calamari which was fantastic. My gf got the Carne con Tequila. It was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. I ordered the Cuban Roasted Pork which I would easily order again. Every part of the dish was cooked perfectly and it all worked well together. Our server Crista was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. There was a party at the tables next to us and she was considerate enough to ask us if we preferred to sit away from them even before they arrived. I will absolutely come back to this restaurant again and will request to sit in Crista's section. What a great experience.
(5)Jen B.
Had the perfect dinner! Great atmosphere, lovely cocktails, served in pitchers for our large, mixed group. Delicious food. Great service by Heriberto, who managed our requests with grace, humility and pride. Reasonable cost! Only downside is it is loud inside, but that is because it is full of patrons not wanting to leave!
(5)Gabriel M.
Havana used to be my favorite lounge/restaurant in the city. Good atmosphere and food and awesome Mediterranean music. 4-5 years ago this place was just awesome, but now...the service is atrocious, the food is subpar and for some reason the band has decided to add rock elements to the music and it just sucks. There's a reason why Rhumba or Middle eastern music has 99% acoustic instruments! Why did you guys change?! Sigh...Last 3 Saturday's I was there it was just bad, couldn't even dance, it felt like Vagando wasn't even trying, plus no one likes 10 min songs, especially when they don't sound like they should. Last night I was there for a birthday party, and you guys brought the cake out without even cleaning the table first. One of the young bus boys was just standing around (the one with the mohawk), the girl server had to be asked 5 times for water and lemon (she never brought lemon though)...just like a few Saturdays ago! my girlfriend had to move the empty glasses to another table and only then did the staff clean our table. I mean it was simply disrespectful...I feel bad for the manager cause he's always running around the place trying to accommodate patrons but his staff is letting him down.
(2)Alli E.
Got the classic mojito and Carne con Tequila- both really good!
(4)Joan S.
My husband and I went to Havana before seeing a show at the Oriental Theatre. The restaurant is just a short 10 minute walk. We arrived early for our reservation and decided to sit at the bar. We order the Mojito flight, bartenders pick - classic, coconut and guava. The mojito's were awesome!! Another bartender came and started talking to us!. He was very personable and made us feel very welcome! He even made us a sample of chilled mango rum with fresh mango juice - YUM! He is the main reason why we would return! Now the food. My husband and I had recommendations from our waiter. I had the Cuban Roasted Pork which was AWESOME! This dish was plentiful and flavorful. I would definitely recommend it. The rice with beans side was just okay. My husband had the Steak Jibarito which was good but mine was better. The steak was cooked perfectly. The latin fries were tasty. For desert we had some fudge cake which was just okay. I wanted the flan but my husband is not a flan fan. We would return. Thanks for the great freindly customer service at the bar, wish I knew his name! :-)
(4)Belle M.
Such a great place for drinks, food and dancing. It has very welcoming vibe, I brought my boyfriend in and he is pretty picky about his Cuban food but he loved it. We ordered the Chimichangas and the Ropa Vieja! The Chimichangas were delicious. The drinks they make here are made to keep you around for a while. The Mojitos are the best I have had...ever!! A must go! Highly recommended
(5)Jun J.
cool plc but food was alright. i got the traditional slow cooked pork and it was rough. hard to chew. they tried tho so i give them 2 star.
(2)Tim A.
Easily the best chimichanga (sp) I've ever had. Monitors are pretty good too - by the pitcher.
(5)Elyse L.
Yum! There are only two reasons Havana doesn't get 5 stars from me. 1st is their house mojito and second was my dessert. That aside I immensely enjoyed my meal here tonight. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked in garlic, bell peppers, and other spices. I don't care for bell peppers so I was a little skeptical but you can't taste them at all. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. I could eat this meal everyday and never get tired of it. We started with their house mojitos and they were too bitter for me. That's usually my favorite drink, but they were so sour one sip made both my husband and I pucker our lips. Maybe try a flavored kind there. Those might be less harsh. There was a free dessert yelp check in offer and the only thing we both agreed on from being stuffed was the strawberries in cream. I don't know what they make the cream out of but when I took a bite all I tasted was rancid milk. Almost like when you smell spoiled mayo. My husband ate the whole thing and enjoyed it so maybe something in my palate just wasn't playing nice tonight. Either way you need to eat here. The food was delicious
(4)Gustavo B.
Great place almost hidden from the flashier options in this neighborhood. Go inside for a tranquil, yet lively enough vibe. Awesome food that doesn't stick to the traditional beaten options but still tastes very unique. Drinks weren't good though, maybe it's my fault to order a margarita instead of a Mojito.
(4)Fadi S.
very chill environment. they're playing Latin music in the background. the food menu was amazing. we had guac and some appetizers at first. the service was good too. would recommend the place of.you happen to be in the area.
(4)Susan C.
I went here for a meetup group for dinner during the winter time and met some nice people. I had carna asada which is a chargrilled steak over black beans and rice top with a guajillo sauce and guacamole. It was really delicious and I had it with the drink called a screw driver. The waitstaff was friendly and they provided good service. The menu have good selections for you to choose from. Also they have very good drink selection alcohol wise. I would recommend this place to others for Cuban food if they never had it before.
(4)Nani B.
In town for a conference, my colleagues and I were looking for a place to relax and grab some good food. Havana provided the perfect atmosphere and everyone loved the dishes they picked. Meal portions were perfect as well leaving us "satesfecho"(satisfied as they would say in Cuba) Coming from a Cuban family I was excited to try their black beans and rice and plantain dishes. I ended up ordering the "Ensalada Verano" which was absolutely divine. Then I ordered a series of sides- the black beans and rice, yucca, and maduros which I also shared with the table. They were so rich and delicious! (I should note that I am vegetarian, don't like spicy food, and don't like cilantro) The friday drink deal was a $20 pitcher of the house mojito which also was delicious. We had an amazing time- I recommend! (Will note that we had a 1.5 hour table wait but that was ok we just used that time to chat and grab drinks!)
(5)Darren S.
Delicious meal and experience. Had the pulled pork and my bae had the seafood cream sauce. Bueno service and mojitos to boot! Highly recommended.
(5)reshma s.
A small restaurant with a great bar! Were told to seat anywhere and of course chose a booth which looked comfy and believe me it was just that! Requested a guacamole and as a bit disappointed since it was premade and not according to my specifications...however don't let that get you down since the food is delicious. Being a vegetarian ordered the stuffed portabella mushrooms - Caserola de Hongo Relleno (Okay...Since I couldn't remember the name for the life of me, had to look this up!) To quench the dry gullet had to try the Guava Mojito first and since that didn't do the trick had to have a house mojito! In order to complete the whole experience of course had to have the Coconut Flan for dessert ......Simply Luxurious! Gave it 4 stars since the food was great and the mojitos are to die for...... but the one thing that lacked the 5 was service!
(4)Marc A.
Havana does everything totally right when it comes to being in the restaurant business. Shall I list the ways? Yes, why not? 1. Despite being a small place like many of the restaurants are in the city, Havana has a layout nothing short of AWESOME. Mostly booths, and not the lame ass half booths, so you can actually have some privacy. 2. Easily one of the best mojitos in the city. 3. Service was friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. When I requested guacamole without tomatoes, they went and made a fresh batch. That's going the extra distance. 4. Food was wonderful and delicious. Portions were decent, just perfectly sized. Great options for vegetarians I wasn't expecting this place to be quite this good, but it turned out far better than imagined.
(5)Arlene N.
As soon and we walked into the door hostess made is feel umwelcomed. When we asked the bar tender who the owner was he mentioned hostess was co owner. I have been here once before and food was great, but after the greeting we experienced today I will not be back. There are many other Cuban restaurants in Chicago that make you feel like family and welcomed!
(1)Rachel G.
This place is right around the corner from my work so went here for lunch with a friend of mine. They have a lunch menu which is nice. My sandwich was called the Torta de Polla and it was very tasty. Chicken wasn't dry and the onion bun gave it a good flavor. The price was right too...food, tax and tip was $10. My friend on the other hand didn't like her food. She ordered the enchiladas and said they were dry and tasteless. But, the waitress gave her the meal and her glass of wine complimentary. Now that is customer service. I will be back and my friend said she would give them a 2nd chance as well. Staff was very friendly and I like my meal! Oh and the decor is really nice too. Very clean and fresh looking with an old world twist.
(4)Erin L.
Tried to go to Mercadito on a Saturday night without reservations...fail. After deciding a 1.5 hour wait wasn't worth it, my friend and I took off on foot and ended up around the corner at Havana. Serendipity! This place was awesome. We started with the crab cakes, which were a great, flavorful start to the meal. I had the Halibut with the almond crust which was perfectly cooked, tasty as heck with a nice Chipotle sauce, and the best side of sweet potatoes I've ever had in my life. My friend ordered the Tequilla marinated steak with chimichurri, which was heaven in your mouth. But first he was accidentlly brought a pulled pork tower dish served over mashed potatoes, with a Cuban take on gravy, by mistake. Our waiter (who was fabulous) let us keep the dish, which was also incredibly good. We didn't get charged for the mistake, and they had the steak out to us within 10 minutes. The atmosphere was cool, and the cost of the meal was very reasonable considering how darn good it was. My only complaint was that my guava mojito was a little light on the booze, but really, whatev. Go to this resaurant now!
(5)Jennifer P.
Food was good. Seating was quick. Poor service (neglected by wait staff often during the course of the meal). The alcohol content in the mixed drinks was extremely low (so don't order pitchers of anything). Also used a restaurant.com coupon for the meal, and the server said it came with an automatic 25% gratuity (before the discount was included) even though there were only 2 people (including myself) in my party. Rather than argue with him, I just paid and vowed never to return - which I won't. Can't believe I was ripped off!
(2)Mindy S.
Havana's food was very flavorful and was of good portions for what you paid. The menu includes pitchers of 4 different kinds of mojotos at a reasonable price - both the house and guava varieties were very tasty. Not too sweet, fresh mint, and well mixed. The full-sized quac appetizer + the ceviche were both really good, and were perfect for 4. The waitress recommended dishes were well received - Steak Cubano (steak with a sweet crusty outside and glaze - so good, and the Rollitos Manchegos - almost like chicken cordon bleu, but stuffed with spinach and manchengo cheese, set in a creamy green sauce which was amazing. The paella and cuban sandwich were also full of flavor. The atmosphere was lively and fun, and it was not too loud (went on a Sat night @ 8pm). Definitely a must try if you're looking for a great dinner option in that area.
(4)Happy Mama M.
Im hoping we just went on an off night but the service was terrible. We made reservations and still had to wait about 30 min for a table. Then it seemed like we waited another 30 minutes before we could place our drink order. It just seemed like maybe the were missing a few employees or something. The food was OK. The empanadas were really good. The salads were good, but not worth the poor service. We probably wont go back but were glad that we tried it out.
(2)Kim F.
I arrived here as part of a group of 11 on a Saturday night without reservations, yet they managed to find a way to seat us pretty quickly. The service was friendly, the drinks were strong, and the food was very tasty. The biggest downside was the noise level--it was really, really loud. So much so that I couldn't hear any conversation at the opposite end of the table.
(4)Amy V.
Just mediocre all around. The restaurant was barely two-thirds full between 8 and 9 on a Saturday night. Atmosphere is cool, and our service was fine, but the food was just incredibly meh. I know it's not traditional Cuban food they're serving, but the side-dish options don't include tostones or yuca, even! My husband thought the sauce on his steak tasted like ketchup. My halibut was good, but the veggies on the side reminded me of the kind you get in the freezer section at Jewel. We did enjoy our mojitos, and there's a nice selection of wine by the glass. I'd return for a drink but not for a meal.
(2)Brad F.
Just went there for lunch after buying the Groupon. The Ceviche was absolutely fantastic. It came in a nicely sized cup with some chips and fried plantains. My burrito was very tasty. It was filled with pulled chicken that was loaded with flavor and spice, and the plate came with a heaping side of guac and tomatillos. My buddy got the fish tacos, but they were not as good. We also enjoyed some Mojitos. Great food, generous portions, reasonable prices, and a nice ambience.
(4)Marfa B.
We stopped at this place fora drink and ordered a pitcher of mojito. It was very good. The bartender was very nice. We had a very good time.
(5)Kristen M.
I went here not too long ago for a birthday dinner with an old friend, and we both loved it. The place is neat inside, the staff are really friendly and helpful, and the food was delectable. So was the Cuban coffee, and it helped me stay up afterwards to get work done. :) My friend is still talking about her dish weeks later. My only complaint is I wish they had more vegetarian options, but I appreciate that they at least have a vegetarian section on their menu. What was truly special about our experience was that the bartender overheard my friend say it was my birthday and he must have told our waiter, because at the end of our meal our waiter brought out a delicious flan dessert with "happy birthday" written on the plate with the fruit glaze topping. No embarassing singing or anything, just a delicious and classy way to say happy birthday - and unsolicited at that! I was really impressed. Can't wait to go back when I can try the mojitos!
(4)Timothy R.
Good food, but it was so loud we could not keep up a conversation. Overall not a pleasant hour.
(2)Joni J.
Meal portions were perfectly sized, and drinks were great. I had one of the best pisco sours ever.. It was probably the closest pisco sour to the ones I've had in Chile.
(4)Denise W.
Awesome! came here with a group of girlfriends for my birthday on a Saturday night. Totally accomadating. Mangement was great. Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. Definately recommend for groups or for two. Check it out!!
(4)Deanna C.
I came here with Beth T. and Alan K. to celebrate my initiation into the grown-up world... a job.... and they were awesome enough to take me out for the night! Great mojitos! After the first pint we were thinking mmm.... another? Okay! I got their salmon which was fairly good, but nothing spectacular. Their guacamole on the other hand was super yummy. I've tried making guacamole at home before, yet for some reason mine always turns out too chunky and/or runny (yes, it can be both at the same time, trust me) and just... funky tasting. I wonder what they use to season this... anyway, it was really fresh and tasty, so I kept picking at it with my fork even after the empenadas were gone. Mmmm, now I'm craving their another one of their mojitos!
(4)Angela M.
My friends and I came here on a Tuesday. It was lively and had a great ambience. Disclaimer, if you are looking for authentic Cuban food, this may not be for you. Albeit, the food was delicious and it did have some Cuban dishes with their own spin. The skirt steak was amazing. I ordered the steak sandwich for $13, reasonably priced, portion was sufficient but not big. The specialty drinks were also fantastic. My friend ordered a Cuban sandwich which she really enjoyed, as well. The empanadas were pretty tasty, but a bit overpriced. The appetizer only came with two for $9. I would definitely come here again.
(4)Kristy B.
This whole experience was just kind of bland for me. The decor, the food, the service. Nothing too memorable. We also sat right near the kitchen and they have swinging doors which are super annoying because everytime a server or buser goes into the kitchen, it makes a distracting noise and sight. On the plus side my curry fish was pretty fresh and the restaurant is priced very reasonably and in a convenient location.
(2)david g.
avoid. went there sat night for dinner. even though there were normal sized tables available, they tried to squeeze the 4 of us into a booth that had a structural support , such that one seat was missing. First sign. I didn't try the drinks, but if they are anything like the food, they're bad and pre-made. The only good part of the food were the black beans, they were yummy. My friend asked for the waiter's recommendation, and he suggested some sort of pulled pork dish which my friend had two bites of and refused to eat anymore. I had the enchiladas, which tasted frozen and microwaved. they were dry and soggy at the same time. Impressive. My wife had the portabella mushroom, which might have been good, were it not COVERED in cheese and way overcooked. The service was average. Only real complaints were 1) when the waiter forgot our soups and salads and insisted we never ordered them, and 2) we asked of several dishes were spicy, and he said not at all, but they were so spicy half our group couldn't eat them. Now, I LOVE spicy food and normally can't even taste any spice, so if I think it's spicy, then it would probably burn most people- definitely not spicy like the waiter suggested. In sum, why bother? Food sucked, service was so-so..
(1)Thanh L.
The food is pretty bad here. I'm having the worse skirt steak of my life...that includes the one ones I experimented with at home.
(1)Kimberly G.
Havana was just ok, the menu is murky, it has mexican aspects, cuban aspects, and other latino aspects but not very focused. Our menu was for dinner but they stuck in the lunch menu too, we assumed you could order the lunch menu for dinner too but i just thought that was odd, what, you can't print out a new menu for dinner? The appetizers that our group shared were all good (chips and guac/salsa, fried calamari (very good), chimichangas (okay) The mains were not good. The enchiladas we ordered were extremely dry, it was as if they had barely any sauce on them, the chicken inside was dry too. Other members of our table ordered different items, some of which came with french fries that looked like they were from Burger King. Odd and not very Cuban if you ask me. I thought the variety of the menu could've been better too. The drinks were iffy. I had a guava mojito which was just okay, the capirainha was very good though. Probably would not return, not with the likes of Mercadito and Xoco just around the corner.
(2)alina k.
Amazing food and drinks!!! It was my first time trying Cuban and it was delicious. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Jennifer H.
This place is way underrated. Went here on a Saturday night, party of 7. Did have to sit in the basement where they put all large parties but it was lots of groups having fun so not awful. The waitress was a little slow & chatty but once we got our mojito pitchers it was fine. I had the seafood dish with a coconut cream sauce and rice and it was devine. I mean really really good. Everyone I was with really enjoyed their meal. I tried the pulled pork & halibut and both were awesome. Highly recommend this place and I will be back.
(5)Erika W.
Wanted to like this place, but was quite disappointed. First, there was a group of 7 of us, which meant we were seated downstairs, which is essentially a cold basement, sandwiched between the kitchen and the bathrooms. And while I realize the restaurant can't entirely control this, there were 2 very large, EXTREMELY LOUD and rowdy parties down there with us, which definitely contributed to my bad experience. Seriously, it was so bad, I thought a manager should've stepped in to ask them to be considerate of other diners, especially given the small enclosed space. There was one server for all of us down there, which meant the service was delayed. She came by to take drink orders, and although we were also ready to order food she left without asking. 20 minutes she came by to take our food orders yet our drinks had not arrived. 25 minutes later after that, still no drinks, although appetizers had started. I finally had to go upstairs to find someone to ask about our drinks. Our food arrived and then about 10 minutes later our drinks finally came, along with an apology from the manager and the first round of drinks on the house. (the one bright spot of the night) As for the food, it was okay, although a little bland. My favorites were probably the appetizers, the empanadas and ceviche. My entree, the tilapia, was okay but not fabulous. A friend said his paella was very disappointing and several people asked for extra hot sauce because their entrees were lacking in flavor. (which I realize is not necessarily Cuban) Someone ordered Key lime Pie, something I normally adore, and it was honestly one of the worst desserts I've ever tasted. Unfortunately the night ended probably on the worst note possible. As we were eating dessert (or in my case NOT eating dessert) some terrible sewage smell began emanating from the bathrooms. At this point we just had to laugh, given the events of the night. I think I also said out loud, "I f(*&ing hate this place." I was done. There was some rush on part of the staff to cover up the smell by closing the doors and trapping us in the room downstairs, followed by a strange woodburning smell. We couldn't leave because we were waiting for our bill. The only good thing about the smells is that the loud and obnoxious party left the room! Staff seemed nice enough but honestly this area is littered with good restaurants. Better food would've saved the other difficulties.
(1)Steven R.
Place blows. Don't waste your time or money
(2)Mary S.
Food is delicious. I've been here a number of times, and it was solid every time. It can get a little too loud, and could be tough to get a table, but the food is always yummy.
(5)Ginger C.
Half price mojito's on Fri night, who could ask for more?! Great fun & ambiance. Calamari was grubbin!
(5)Katie M.
I was pleasantly surprised. This place has a pretty good ambiance - dim lighting, not too loud, smaller tables (which was a bit tough for our group of five - but for a group smaller than that it's perfect). The mojitos are better than the margaritas, in my opinion. The empanadas and ceviche were good appetizers - not the best i've ever had of either but they were definitely good. We all ordered different entrees and tried each other's dishes. Our favorites were the apricot pork chops and the halibut. AWESOME! Give this place a try.
(4)Kate M.
I would rate this 3.5 stars if I could. I went to Havana on a Friday night, the place is small and like most places in River North on a friday night, it was full. I recommend having a reservation, which we did. We were seated quickly in a large booth. They have a special almost everyday, and that night, it was 1/2 priced pitchers of mojitos. My boyfriend and I didn't particularly enjoy our mojitos..next time we won't be coming here to drink. We started out with a half order of guac and chips, which was a great amount for 2 people. They chips were delicious and freshly made. We ordered a chicken caesar salad to share and our waitress had it divided up onto two plates without us even asking..which was very nice. The salad was good, nothing to rave about. For our next course, we asked for our waitress' opinion. She suggested the pork dish (I don't remember the name of it and I no longer see it in the menu, which is a shame). I'm really glad we asked her cause it was very flavorful and oh so yummy. And again, they divided it up onto 2 plates. The meat was great and it was placed on top of corn puree and potatoes which was equally as delicious. I recently bought a groupon for Havana so, I will be back. This place is definitely worth trying!
(3)Sam W.
A Saturday summer night felt right for some Cuban food, so my sister and I decided to try Havana for the first time. After walking past this establishment almost weekly, we finally caved and were rewarded for our curiosity. Seated immediately next to the window, we were able to sample both the fresh air of the city and the cool air from the AC. We started off with the half order of guacamole. Three small bowls came to our table, one filled with fresh guacamole, one with a spicy tomato salsa and one with a refreshing helping of pico de gallo. Served with tricolor tortilla chips, this was a nice way to start the meal. For dinner, we shared three plates. We ordered the Cuban Salad, which came topped with spicy grilled chicken, julienned jicama, and crispy plantains all soaked (yes, a little too much dressing) in a cilantro dressing. A nice salad and plenty for two. The second dish we chose was the infamous Ropa Vieja. After having made this dish myself at home and having what I consider the best version on Earth at Carnivale, Havana's take was spot on. The meat was fork tender and super-juicy, with an intoxicating aroma that left both my sister and I with runny noses! With a giant scoop of rice and beans below, we were extremely satisfied with the overall balance of flavors. The third dish was more of a side. The Plantanos Maduros (fried sweet plantains) may have had more sugar and butter in them than an entire cake, but they were somehow all gone by the end of the meal. If you are a fan of plantains, please order these and watch them disappear instantly from table to stomach. As usual, we both felt like pregnant mom's after eating so much, so we passed on the typical Cuban dessert offerings of flan. This rating would've been 5 stars if not for the slow service, especially toward the end of the meal. Our server seamed disappointed we passed on ordering alcohol, and from the start we had a vibe that we were going to be treated differently from that point on. In fact, after our entrees were finished and a dessert menu was dropped off, we went a full 15 minutes with no contact with our server. Considering the restaurant is rather small, this makes little sense as to where she went. The table behind us was dealing with the same problem as well, when a manager (the owner?) stepped in and sped the process up. Overall, a great place to hide from the crowd but seem like you're a part of it, while being able to sample some authentic Cuban dishes loaded with flavor and enjoyment.
(4)Keane N.
I stumbled upon Havana while trying a place for a little lunch near downtown Chicago that participated in AAdvantage Dining Rewards. Little did I know how fun lunch would be. . . I'll quickly talk about the food. . .I ordered the torta cubana (sandwich w/ smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, and assorted veggies in a brioche bun) served with a mix of french fries and sweet potato fries. The sandwich was balanced in flavor and the fries come with a great chimichurri dipping sauce. However what made lunch and Havana special was the server/bartender Lauren. By far, she is the friendliest and most amiable server I have ever met. Never hesitated in answering questions and willing to strike up a conversation. Best part about Lauren, she finally helped my find a beer that I actually liked. (Long story short: I've spent a long time in the wasteland of Natty Light). She offered me a bottle to try, yet still comped me the drink after finishing the bottle. If you have the luck to be at Havana with Lauren as a server, you're bound to have a great time.
(5)Sky S.
Pretty overcrowded and extremely loud. Even with a reservation we had to wait an additional 20-25 minutes. Food was fairly mediocre for the price. Great service though and cool scene.
(3)Quantas G.
I like this place. Great decor, decent prices, good service and quality food. I went here for a late lunch with a friend the other day and had a good time. We shared a half-priced margarita pitcher. (Sour, weak. Avoid.) The guac and chips was a good choice. It comes with warm tortilla chips, a large portion of guacamole, fire roasted salsa and pico de gallo. I had the Latin burger. It was a decadent piece of love complete with cheese, grilled onions, and bacon on a brioche bun. Really good stuff. Highly recommend item. I am interested in tasting more of their dishes and maybe stopping by for dinner.
(4)Vanessa C.
Two stars only for my boyfriend's carne asada, which was cooked perfectly. The rest, from my dry, dull tasteless Ropa Vieja - in my opinion, the benchmark dish for Cuban restaurants - to the dry, dull, tasteless black beans - was just average. They miscalculated AND double-charged our check, forgot to bring leftovers (yes, we tried to take them, I figured I could fix my Ropa at home, how sad) and the acoustics were bad. I will stick to the authentic places from now on (not downtown) and not the places that put more emphasis on drinks.
(2)Mark H.
Nice little restaurant with friendly staff & PHENOMENAL food! Try the chicken with plantains and sweet potatoes, but go lightly with the salsa - it's habanero based and quite hot! :-D
(5)Patrick M.
First off, I loved the cozy, narrow, exposed brick, diner type atmosphere. Thought the place was energetic, fun, and a great place for a meal. A little loud, but the noise made close conversation all the more possible. Of course I had mojitos, which were crisp and fresh. Main course was pretty typical fair, the enchiladas were like any other good restaurant. Tasty, but nothing to write home about. Priced very nicely, this is a fun night out.
(4)Rina P.
This place has great food and drinks, no doubt. But my recent experience left a bad taste in my mouth. We went in on a Wednesday for their half priced margarita pitchers, and lived it up. We must have had 5 pitchers. When the bill came, they were all full price. Omar our piece of crap waiter said "remember I told you you needed to order two entrees to get that deal".. no he DIDN"T. He said that to cover his ass. Then he asked this woman who he said was his manager and she said "well, did they order entrees? then no"... NEVER AGAIN! Considering we have gone there many times for happy hour. THey just lost business, and I will tell everyone, and specifically will tell them about Omar.
(1)K M.
Buenas Noches mi queridas Please....allow me to slip into something more comfortable before I write this review....those 1/2 price mojitos have got me feeling....a little.... OK just stuffed really. Mambo Grill has risen from the dead, and Havana has pulled it off with style and substance. I always loved the Mambo, but the decor was a little dark and cramped for my tastes. Hello Havana. Light and airy, balanced well with the dark woods of the bar and booths. If I couldn't see all the buildings out the window, I might actually think I was in some classy, tropical locale. Completely up this girl's alley. Our waitress- what a doll, seriously. Sorry I didn't remember your name or I'd give you a shout out here, but you were nothing but sweet and attentive. You didn't mind at all when we took about a half hour to even get around to looking at our menus. I blame the guacamole appetizer for that by the way. Not just guacamole, but a bowl of pico as well. I think this is the same way they served it at Mambo, and I am so glad it didn't change. Happiness in a giant bowl. $4 house mojitos on Fridays. Granted, they are not large, but $12 for all of my drinks in an evening? Please note that their online menu seems a little messed up at the moment. It duplicates 2 pages, and leaves quite a bit out. I had chicken cooked in plantain leaves, and my dining companion had the combo paella. I thought my dish was fantastic, and even without the side of sauce, it had plenty of kick, which was balanced out nicely by the sweet potatoes and plantains. I can't comment on the paella but it seemed to be a hit. We ordered a chocolate cake dessert (I only had a bite, being already full to the point of discomfort- I wasn't blown away, but that may be because I didn't make it to the molten chocolate part in the middle! But I'm not one to pick a dessert over a third mojito) I could just as easily see myself here for Friday happy hour at the bar with mojitos and guacamole as I can for a relaxed and lovely full meal out; I would highly recommend Havana for any River North dining requests. Total was around $60-something for 2 with the appetizer, 2 entrees, 3 mojitos and dessert (I was getting a birthday treat so I don't know the precise amount) Let me go pass out in a happy food and rum coma now. Gracias Havana- I will most definitely be back!
(5)Brook G.
The food here is outstanding! Unique dishes with great flavor, and quite a few vegetarian options. And the drinks...don't even get me started on those. Fantastico. It does get pretty busy here on a Friday night, so go early and get a good seat at the bar. You will probably be there for a while sucking down delicious mojitos and martinis.
(4)M A.
Fantastic food (make sure your tongue can handle spicey)! The chicken empanadas are have a deliciously crunchy crust and a very sweet and tangy stuffing. The BBQ Chicken dish was really out of this world. Grab a seat outside and enjoy the amazing weather while you eat some of the best Cuban food around.
(5)Stacey M.
HALF PRICE PITCHERS OF MOJITOS (Good ones!) on FRIDAYS? Who does that? Oh, Havana Grill does that!! So a year (or more?) ago Mambo Grill closed (sad day) and apparently was going to open in a larger location down the street....but never did. I've been waiting for this and still searching for the perfect mojito now that Mambo has closed. So, I'm a little TICKED OFF that this place opened last September and I am JUST finding out about this! I called for a reservation by the window for me and 2 friends on a Friday evening. We were given our request gladly :) Ordered the chips/salsa appetizer in which you get a MOUND of chips, pico, guac and salsa...this rocks! Ordered a pitcher of mojitos (followed by another, and then another) My friend and i split the skirt steak sandwich - it ROCKED! (and so did the fries.) My other friend got the stuffed portabello mushroom dish - phenomenal! And..LAUREN - our server..rocked. Super friendly and helpful - not pushy - and filled up our mojito glasses regularly :) (she even looked a bit like Farrah Fawcet -the early days..anyone else notice that?) I do take away one star because their bus-boy staff were a bit overzealous in trying to clear our stuff before we were done....but then tried again 5 minutes later. (And then again). But..it WAS a Friday night and they were getting busier..but I don't like to feel rushed out of places. STILL: OVerall fantastic happy hour place - it's basically the exact same as Mambo Grill, just a different name. And smaller (not sure if the downstairs is open). Woot.
(4)E L.
My boyfriend and I stopped in here for dinner on a Saturday night. I ordered a dish that was described as a choice fillet with a spicy tomato sauce, over rice and beans. My dish came out and it was nothing like the menu described. It was shredded beef and there was no sauce. I would have sent it back, but our waiter never came to ask us how our food was. My dish was not only disappointing And bland, but it was also $17. My boyfriend had the cuban sandwich, he said it was bland also. I think our waiter chose to ignore the fact that we clearly weren't happy, because he never once asked how anything was. Never eating here again.
(1)Matt B.
Went here with a party of 14 for my wife's birthday. Without asking, they gave us a private room. The pitchers of moijtos were great, along with everyones entree and the service. They were easily able to split the check for us. Great location for headed to nearby River North bars. Would definitely go back!
(4)Craig R.
The mojitos are pretty good here. I had ropa vieja which was good. Friends had tilapia special, and others had various pork dishes. All were happy with their entrees. The place has a comfortable and laid back atmosphere. This is a nice place to hang with friends, have a few drinks and chill out.
(4)Sonja S.
I have to admit, i lose my capacity for critical thinking when I fall in love and Havana, darling, I am afraid I fell a little bit in love with you at first site. Your exterior is welcoming and charming - your interior, warm and inviting and oh my! your lighting made my crows feet transform into hummingbird toes! My dinner companion , a mere slip of a girl ( and dear friend ) glowed like a angel in that light and all i could think of was hmm, next date i go on i am going to have him meet me HERE. It didnt hurt that from the start the services was terrific, patient, professional and warm - (see there is that word again). Oh Havana you snuggly thing.... We ordered the calamari appetiser, which was fresh, soft and accompanied by a delicious peppery sauce. We also ordered an unbelievable ceviche that i spooned greedily onto fresh plantain chips- YUMMMY. The glowing ( and wise) Angel ordered a grilled shrimp salad with fabulous fruit, jicama and delightfully fresh baby greens. I ordered the pulled pork with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. I have some small complaints, the creamed corn was too much cream, not enough corn, the mash potato too much and where did you say the jalapenos were? the pork was delicious, but needed more of a kick, I ended up pouring a ton of chimmichurri sauce on it and really, i needed more heat. My last teeny tiny fussiness was the teeeny tiiiiiny glasses they served our cocktails in. Cute, and they were good, but i would have liked a slightly bigger glass. BUT we had SUCH A GREAT TIME!!!!! what a wonderful relaxing, well served, good food , great atmosphere place. Thank you Havana, I will be seeing you again!
(4)Sarah E.
We went back for food on Friday and it was OUTSTANDING. Also, I was with different friends, but still had the same server. She remembered that couldn't partake in half-price mojitos because of a citrus allergy, AND remembered what I was drinking last week. We had pulled pork, apricot chipotle pork chops, and some other pork loin and the table, and everything was good. The calamari and empanadas we had as appetizers were also good. I will definitely be back.
(5)julie v.
so, maybe i was here on an off night, because havana seems to have garnered quite a few favorable reviews, but .... both my dining partner and i were underwhelmed by the food and the ambiance. (the servers and the drinks (yummy rioja) were lovely. but not enough to earn an extra star.) food: we shared a manchego empanada to start, which *sounded* amazing but in execution was rather disappointing -- i actually *left* half .... thats a first for me -- empanadas are near the top of my list of diet-killers .... my friend ordered the pulled pork and i ordered the salad with tiger shrimp and pineapple. my salad was fine (nothing to write home about -- i have had significantly better salads at casual chain restaurants), but my friends pork dish was a let down. he didnt finish it and he didnt box it to go .... bummer. ambience: understated (no complaints about the decor, layout, etc.). the acoustics, however, are atrocious -- we had a *lot* of trouble talking (on a thursday night in the not even half-filled dining room). as in, we had to just sit there for spells at times. further, the music was *oppressively* loud (and i *like* the music -- they played a mix of gypsy kings, mana, carlos vives, etc.). finally someone randomly came over and (we think) apologized for the noise level (we smiled and nodded, but couldnt hear much of what was said) and the volume was decreased somewhat, but it crept up again and we finally cut our night short and left. final thoughts: -i would recommend ordering dishes that are consistent raves on yelp to avoid staring at your plate, crestfallen, after the first bite. -i would not bring a date here -- theres no guarantee of being able to have a reasonable conversation .... -for cuban (or cuban fusion, etc.) id stick with cafe laguardia, la unica, coobah ....
(2)Stacy H.
The only reason I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5 was our server. The food and drinks were amazing! We got the pollo empanadas and split the lomo salteado and both were wonderful! However, it took a good 5 minutes upon being seated before anyone came to our table. I think he was a busboy that ended up taking our entire drink and food order. Our "server" didn't even show up until after we'd received our dinner saying "I'm actually your server, how is everything?" I wanted to order another drink during dinner, but she couldn't be found, and I'm not going to go out of my way to order a drink if they make it difficult. All of the busboys were very attentive with clearing plates and refilling water. But then again it took forever for our server to come back after finishing dinner and ask if we wanted dessert. We had a show to get to so declined. I wish I could have tipped the busboy only instead of our her because she really didn't do anything.
(4)Rayid G.
I didn't like it much when it was mambo grill and I still don't like it. We tried a few things and nothing really stood out. The ceviche was very oily and didn't seem fresh. The sandwiches were so-so though the chimichurri was decent. Overall, average place but slow service for the lunch crowd.
(2)David H.
The food was quite good. The menu is nice but a little too heavy on beef choices. Try the Chimichangas, they are great and have a great sauce. Our service could have been a bit more attentive, but overall was ok. When we told our waitress we had to move along for an event, she did pretty well to keep our meals coming.
(4)Cecilia M.
Called for a 7:30pm dinner reservation on a Friday with only 2hrs notice & had no problem getting in ... probably because it's not suited for an enjoyable dining experience; so noisy you can't hear yourself talk much less your table guests. With a name like "Havana" I expected more authentic Cuban food...I should know having been born in Havana myself & lived in Miami for 18 yrs. For that, go to Sabor a Cuba where the chef is from the island. I will admit the Mojitos were delicious & it didn't hurt that they were 1/2 price on Friday.
(2)Ashley H.
Quiet when we arrived around 7pm, dining area grew busier/louder/dimmer as the evening went on, but not obnoxiously so. My mom and I split the half order of tostones, Rollitos Manchegos, a pitcher of mojitos, and El Diablito Fudge Cake. I could have done w/o the appetizer and dessert, but the chicken and mojitos were spectacular. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Heather O.
AWESOME food (got their steak in tequila sauce), AWESOME mojitos, AWESOME dessert, and super friendly staff. The bathroom's in an awkward place being downstairs and all, but that won't keep me away.
(5)Sharon W.
Half price mojitos, including pitchers (on Friday). Rum Chata. Super nice bar tenders (Arturo and Silvio). Done.
(5)Amanda Z.
Havana is a great new Cuban restaurant in River North! I planned a dinner here for a group of 6 friends on Sat night, and we all left very happy. I hope more people discover this new little neighborhood gem instead of immediately choosing one of the Bayless places across the street or Mercadito. Havana is significantly less expensive, and has a great menu and ambiance. DRINKS: I had heard about this place on UrbanDaddy.com , saying the mojitos are fab. Well, the mojitos are FAB!! I usually don't like to order mojitos because they aren't that strong and can be too sweet...but not the mojitos at Havana...probably some of the best I've ever had, and 2 was plenty! I didn't order the house one, I got the special one at the bottom of the menu made w/the dark rum (they don't have their website up yet so i can't give you exact names). Everyone else at the table was happy with their drinks, all made pretty stiff. FOOD: I had a cup of black bean soup and the pollo empanadas. The soup was good but nothing special (served its purpose to warm me up!) but the empanadas were amazing! Usually empanadas have a hard, super fried crust...not these babies...soft, flaky pastry shell with melt in your mouth pulled chicken inside. And they were not small...order comes with 2 and I was satisfied between this and the soup (and this girl can EAT). Two friends ordered the carne asada, which I tried and it was good, but not great...I've def had better at Carnivale and a few other places. The meat was not that tender and was overcooked, but the pound of guacamole they slather on top helped save that dish, which was served with tons of black beans and rice. Another friend ordered the tilapia, which was recommended by the waiter, and he literally gasped "oh my God!" when he took his first bite, which led me to taste it. It was probably one of the best fish dishes I've ever had...whatever the yellow sauce was that was allllll over it, was just heavenly. Masked any kind of "fishy" flavor (I'm not a huge fan of fish) and the rice paired with it perfectly. Another friend ordered a vegetarian dish (I don't know what) that had tons of mushrooms and cheese...this dish was phenom! I loooooooooove mushrooms, so next time I go to Havana, I will be ordering this. She also ordered a side of plaintains, which were an entire plate full, and they were warm, super sweet and cinnamony...like a dessert. ATMOSPHERE: nice cream and brown hues throughout, dark wood bar, very small space great for intimate convo and dates, cozy booths and classy decor, sexy ambiance, wonderful location at Clark & Hubbard. SERVICE: this was the only part lacking...although the place is so tiny, somehow our waiter was always MIA. Our water glasses stayed full from the bus boys, but our drinks came out probably 10-15 mins after we ordered them, AFTER they had brought out my appetizer (bean soup). The guy was nice enough and made great recommendations, he was just never around and when we asked for things, it would either take forever to get it, or wouldn't come at all (like the extra tortilla chips I asked for to eat with my soup). Overall I really enjoyed Havana, and so did my entire party, so I will be back soon.
(4)D. K.
Havana is a solid 3-stars. I'm glad I went because I live in the area and pass by it a lot, but the food wasn't blow-your-socks-off. I liked the ambiance of the restaurant, and it was a fun crowd on a Friday night. The food, though? Just average.
(3)Natalie G.
ha-vaaaaaaaaaaaaahna... the former mambo grill is truly exquisite with delish food, superb staff, and yummyness of drinks.. it truly is an ahhhhhhhhhh experience. came here for a girls night and it really was wonderful. when we made the reservations, the guy on the other line was already hospitable.. we knew that night was going to be fabulouos. we were about 10 mins late for our 8:30 reservation, but were still pleasantly greeted to our table. the restaurant was fairly busy. ambiance is modern cuban chic with good classic cuban music, and overall a positive and light energy. starting off our meal with a pitcher of their guava mojitos which were delish. light, not too sweet. we ordered the tilapia [light, tasty, well seasoned], the seafood paella [hearty portions of scallops, shrimp, and muscle], bbq salmon [tasty, but seemed a bit too charred on the outside], and stuffed chicken served with plantains and sweet potatoes. BEWARE: the salsa served with that chicken will knock your heels off! it's hot hot hot! however, the owner/manager recommended to take a combo bite of the chix, plantain, potato, and a light dip of the salsa all together.. which balances the heat and sweetness. this place is great for large parties, or intimate dinners. it's fresh, light, and a great addition for the river north area.
(5)Fawn D.
Love the atmosphere: feels like havana in SOHO NYC, but hey it's river north! The food is pretty good, but maybe i didn't order the right thing. I had the ribs and they were good, but not the best.
(3)Lauren F.
Very pleasantly surprised! I went here years ago when it was Mambo Grill and I remember it being good, but not good enough for me to return. Last night on a failed attempt to go to Frontera Grill we decided to take a chance and it was the right decision! There were a few tables sat when we got there, but it got more crowded as the night went on, almost to full capacity I believe. ~ Sangria was half off for a pitcher, and it was pretty tasty. We opted for red and it was actually a pink color so Im not sure what type of wine was used but its good none the less. Not too sweet and complimented the food well. My only complaint is that it was very lacking in fruit, but not a dealbreaker. ~Ceviche was good, not great. The seafood was fresh as well as the chips which wouldnt be expected. While the flavors were good, I would have liked a touch more salt or maybe heat? Id order it again, but just wasnt wowed, it need a lil something. ~Pulled Pork was very good like others have mentioned. Again, the pork was cooked to perfection but needed a little more flavor. The combo of the pork, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn was excellent. Its a huge portion, it barely looked like I made a dent in it. ~Chicken in Plantain Leaf was tasty, but not sure I would order it again. Ive never had anything cooked in a leaf before and that flavor is very strong. It came with mashed sweet potatoes, emphasis on the sweet, and fried plantains which were tasty and not greasy. Beware! It comes with this very spicy sauce...one drop is enough to light your mouth on fire. ~We skipped dessert due to overstuffedourface syndrom, but Im looking forward to going back and trying the coconut flan or keylime pie. ~Our server was very sweet and had good suggestions; no complaints on the service at all! All in all, a great addition to the area! Its become a challenge to find good Cuban places and this one is definetely on the list and much easie to get to than 90 MIles Cafe. Im very much looking forward to returning and trying other dishes.
(4)WindyCityGrl T.
Overpriced and just not that great. I recently went for lunch and had the steak sandwich. Very disappointing. The steak was extremely chewy. The guacamole appetizer was $8.95 which was so shocking because the portion was so small. I couldn't believe it. I won't be back. Boo!!!
(2)LARRY k.
This is a small, neighborhood type of restaurant in downtown Chicago. Its a bit noisy, casual and I have become a big fan. The food was very good. I had the paella which was spiced fantastically. Overall it was a very welcoming restaurant with a good selection of items and is sort of a Cuban-Mexican fusion place. Prices are moderate and I would return again w/o question. Give it a try if you are in the mood for this type of food in a casual setting.
(4)Zack C.
I ordered the plantain chicken. It came with a spicy sauce on the side. The food was good, but what I really enjoyed about this place was that the Cuban decor made me feel like Dexter, especially during Season 3.
(3)Ben N.
Food and service was fanastic!!! Would definitely go back. Drinks are also delicious and i would recommend he mojio pitchers for a larger group.
(4)Laura D.
I went for dinner with a few friends, and had a very good time. We started off with their chips and guacamole appetizer, which was a very generous portion for 3 people, and also came with pico de gallo and a thinner but spicier salsa, and all were delicious! They also have 1/2 price pitchers of sangria on Wednesday nights. The sangria was average, but when you're getting it for half off, it doesn't need to be spectacular. I agree with Dan C. about the "Mexican" leaning with their menu. I hadn't read his review, but I was definitely thinking the same thing as I was choosing my meal. Perhaps it's an attempt to make their menu more universally acceptable? I would prefer to see more traditional Cuban food, which I don't think there is enough exposure to in Chicago. If they're going to supplement it with something, wouldn't it make more sense to add some Caribbean flair? I had the pulled pork, and the flavor of the meat was excellent. The creamed corn, not something I usually eat, went very well with it. I did think that the ratio of potato to pork was opposite from what it should have been; I would have liked less potato. And, like Troy B., I didn't detect any jalapeno flavor in my mashed potatoes. One friend had the chicken tacos, which she was happy with. My other friend got the pork chops, which he said were cooked perfectly and had a great flavor. I think Havana is on it's way to being a great downtown Cuban restaurant. I'd definitely go back.
(3)Karl J.
Fantastic service, great mojitos and spectacular food.
(5)Laura M.
I went to Havana with 6 friends to celebrate my birthday. We had good food, good service and really enjoyed ourselves. At the end of the meal I was presented with a birthday treat and a shot of tequila to really kick off the celebration. The mojitos and enchiladas were the fan favorites at our table. I will be back for sure!
(4)Mike A.
food -- good physical location -- clean, enough spacing between tables, booths + tables service -- good, attentive acoustics -- VERY VERY LOUD, cost them 1 star walked by on my way home from work and saw people with smiles on their face eating outside. stopped in last night and was pleasantly surprised. had the ceviche and the plantains as appetizers. ceviche was basically a "ceviche salsa" but with visible chunks of seafood, slices of avocado on top sided with plantain chips and regular chips. the plantains were perfectly cooked and sweet. completely by accident, but we paired the citrusy ceviche very well with the sweet plantains. we decided to do almost all seafood. had the tilapia which was lightly drizzled with a sweet ...but not to sweet......sauce sided with rice and a mesclun greens. the sweated peppers on top of the fish were great. the other entree was the chicken and seafood and rice combo. very similar to spanish paella but havana's version had pineapple chunks, well seasoned chicken pieces and a more citrusy flaver. there is a lot of food here and more seafood than chicken. of course you must order a pitcher of mojitos. this place isn't going to knock your sucks off but if you want a very nice dinner at a fairly low price (for downtown) surrounded by a young crowd and don't mind some noise around you ....this place is perfect.
(3)Amy N.
This place is great! It's a little small, but outdoor seating is nice and staff is friendly and speedy. Cuban Sandwich - AMAZING! they have one of, if not the best cubans I've ever tasted. The latin fries that come with it are great, as is the sauce they serve with the fries...not sure exactly what's in there but it's some sort of lime cilantro salsa or something. Chips w/Salsa and Guac - also very very good. I haven't had much else on the menu, but the cuban will keep me coming back for more!
(5)Mala K.
It was an impulse decision to have dinner last Friday night here, and I must say that it was not too great an experience. What we didn't like there was the ambience: a bit cramped and extremely noisy. The music they were playing and the crowds were very loud. The cocktails were very good, especially the mojitos. The food was alright, but nothing great: we had the manchego empanadas, the stuffed peppers, and the carne con tequila. The last was pretty good, but a really small portion. The service was pretty slow, though the staff is friendly. I don't think we'd go there again, especially on a weekend night if we have a choice.
(3)Sylwester O.
I visited for dinner last week with my fiance. We asked the server for some recommendations and took her advice. My fiance had the pork, with jalapeno potatoes, and cream corn. The cream corn was good. We were unable to taste any jalapeno flavor out of the potatoes. The potatoes tasted like regular mash potatoes. Finally, the pork on top of the potatoes. There was barely any on there. A small thin layer and then straight to the potatoes and corn. The dish should be advertised as cream corn, mashed potatoes, and a little pork on top of the potatoes as garnish. Over priced for so much potatoes and corn with very little meat. I forget the name of the dish I had. But it was steak with garlic and latin fries. My dish was very simple but not impressive. The latin fries were just regular potatoe and sweet potatoe fries. The whole dish was to garlicy and salty.
(2)Dan G.
I love Havana, great service (Lauren), delicious food, awesome music, love the pina colada, and desserts . You should try it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Faith A.
Upon being stuck going to Chicago for a night in the midst of the Polar Vortex, my company chose Havana as our dining spot for a team dinner. I have to say, I was quite disappointed in this choice. Upon entering the restaurant, it seemed cozy and comfy, however, we were taken downstairs as we had a group of about 12-14 people. It was not the cleanest of spaces and seemed a little musty smelling. Service was okay, and food was mediocre at best. There was calamari and some other app I cannot remember, not good but edible at least. I got the fish tacos... they were okay at best. T I will not be back here given the amount of better options in the River North area.
(2)Diana D.
Delicious mojoitos! Excellent service! Great, authentic decor. This place has become a place that I can't stopping coming back to. The empandas are very tasty and flavorful.. but my favorite thing to get is the guacamole with plantain chips. Everything I have tried here has been phenomenal - always alongside their praiseworthy cuban mojoito pitchers! Definitely check it out.
(5)Phallon P.
I enjoyed the food and the decor here. I ordered fish tacos, everything came out on a gorgeous platter. And the dessert was so good! I think it was a guava cheesecake, hands down the best thing I've eaten all year! I'd come back just for the cheesecake alone.
(4)Natasha L.
This place is hit or miss. Honestly if you end up here - get the mojitos. Its what keeps me coming back.
(3)Bonnie M.
Last night our family and friends hosted a 30th birthday party at Havanas and from the initial planning to the very end of our evening it was a wonderful and fun experience. The private room downstairs was just right for our party of 35 people. The atmosphere is 1940s Havana, the lighting and seating were impeccable and it was the perfect space to mingle for 2 hours. We also brought in our own party favors, some table decorations and birthday cupcakes which was fine with the restaurant. We opted for the 2 hour appetizer package, including personalized menus for the tables...nice touch. The food was EXCELLENT ( we chose mini beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, tortilla chips with expected dips, chicken quesadillas, portabella quesadillas, and cheviche with plaintain chips...my personal favorite) We didn't buy the drinks package instead opting for pitchers of white and red sangria, mojitos and individual drink orders. Our group then moved upstairs to reserved seating for live entertainment and dancing. The space was cozy and it made for excellent interacting. The band even gave a special shout out to the birthday girl. Our celebration was from 9 pm to 1 am and valet parking was very handy. Special props for excellence in service to Andrea who made it all happen with the planning and personal help & direction during the party. Also to Omar, our server/waiter who went above and beyond during the entire party. Thanks Havana for such a special and memorable night. We will be back!
(5)Pavan K.
A place to look out for, to have a nice date or hangout with friends !! The Mojito here just tastes like heaven, incomparable to any other place in Chicago! Cheesecake deserts are good too. !!
(5)Louis V.
Made a reservation for 9pm on 5/18/13. When I got there my name was nowhere to be found and was told I could wait for 45 minutes... I was beyond disappointed & really looking forward to eating there with my wife. On my way out, I overheard a diner on the patio comment that their rice was minute rice. Any Latin restaurant that uses minute rice is horrible.
(1)Robert B.
This was my first time dining at a Cuban restaurant and I must say, it was a GREAT experience. I loved the atmosphere, I loved the music, oh yeah, and the food was delicious. My girlfriend and I went just because it was close to an event we were attending, and both of us a looking forward to going back. I had the enchiladas, and my girlfriend had the pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes, with roasted cream corn. She washed it down with the red sangria which was really refreshing, and I had the spiced rum martini which was pretty potent! But I loved it I'm looking forward to my next experience!
(5)Jeff B.
Not a large place which is nice. Valet greets you to take your car. Hostess was friendly. Bartender was already making our mojitos before we sat down. Drinks were outstanding, best outside of the Caribbean. Apps and main course was great. Flavors were not over bearing and had a great balance. Our group tried steak, pork and chicken, each uniquely prepared and delicious. Highly recommend going here for a solid Latin fusion experience.
(5)Jolynna M.
A couple of Saturdays ago I stumbled across this place quite by accident, after being turned away at the famed Frontera Grill down the street. It was standing room only there, as is typical from what I hear. At any rate, I was hungry, and Havana was nearby. Plus the weather was perfect on a Saturday evening and they had outdoor tables, and even the inside was nice and airy due to the open windows. The decor was very colorful, just as a Cuban restaurant should be, and inviting. I got a seat by the window with a view to the street, so I enjoyed some good people watching while sampling from the fabulous menu. Everything, but everything looked wonderful, as I love Cuban food. But at last I settled for the fried plantains, fresh ceviche and black bean dip with pita wedges. It was all fantastic - really, really, really! Fresh produce, spicy flavors and artfully arranged. I also had a couple of mojitos, which they serve by the glass or the pitcher, making it nice for couples or groups. I am not from Chicago - was there on business, but next time I am in the area, I am putting this one on my list to visit again. Go on - give it a try!
(4)Ane C.
Just absolutely loved it. delicious food, fantastic service.. kudos to this place.. definately going back again...
(5)T P.
Fun place. Great service. 1/2 price Mojito pitchers on Friday night. Tasty Empanadas. Loved the garlic sauce. I ordered Pollo Horneado Con Platano. Fun presentation. Will definitely come here again!
(4)Kasia K.
I really only like to give good reviews, but I was disappointed. The space was really too small for a group and we got crammed downstairs (even though we came with reservations, but the staff still seemed taken aback). We were also hoping for live music (for latin dancing) but they had a dj instead. I was not impressed with the empanadas I got, and some other friends were not impressed with their food either (black bean soup one of them). Mojitos were strong but I have had better quality ones. Frankly, I just had higher expectations..
(2)Andrea B.
I went to Havana for the first time last week. The atmosphere is pretty nice, and I liked the live music. My food was pretty good; the chicken was tender and well seasoned, but I was a little disappointed with the rice and beans. Also, my caipirinha was probably the worst one I've had in Chicago. Next time I will order a mojito or margarita. I would go back, and just order other items.
(3)Char Y.
We came with a groupon, and was surprised the restaurant was completely empty on a week night. We ordered guava mojitos - YUM! but it didn't taste like guava. tostaditos de platano - LOVED the fried plantain chips! roja - shredded beef with beans. YUM The food was great, and the atmosphere was pleasant. What a surprise near michigan avenue!
(4)LaLaLaLa L.
I really enjoyed my time at Havana. My mom and I ate here after a convention at the Mart on a Friday night. We saw that they were on Restaurant.com and decided to give them a shot. It was a little crowded, so I would suggest reservations. We sat at the bar until our table was ready and had a pleasant experience. Bartender was super nice.... even gave us a sample mojito, since neither of us have had one before.... fell in love and ended up getting a pitcher! Plus, Friday is half prices pitcher night. Score. We were seated after about 20 minutes. We were near a window, which was nice because we can people watch those that walked by. We ended up splitting a couple apps and an entree and everything was lick-your-plate-clean delicious. We ordered the following- Manchego Empanadas- We actually ordered the Pollo Emanadas, but were accidentally served these... which I'm extremely happy about. OUTSTANDING. Don't let the ingredients scare you.... they're delicious together, I promise. Chipotle Crab Cakes- These were good... nothing spectacular though. The fruit relish was awesome. Chimichangas- just plain awesome. Very good Rollitos Manchegos- this was seriously to die for. Since they messed up the order (sent out the incorrect empanadas, which we said was quite alright) they sent out their El Diablito Fudge Cake. it was euphoric. We left very full (just couldn't put the fork down), a little tipsy and satisfied.
(4)#NAME?
Wanted to venture out and try something different, made reservations for Friday at 7:00, got right in-But it is so packed up front, very small bar area- It's not that big of a place and it's very LOUD, so this is not a good place for first dates, meeting up with people you haven't see in forver b/c you will not be able to hear them at all- FOOD: I had an entree that had chicken rolled up with spinich and cheese with a cream sauce, it was very good- Not that expensive at all and it had good vibe about the place-A mix of families, tourist and locals- I'd come here again and recommend it to anyone-
(4)Gagan G.
Nice little hideout in River North that I accidentally stumbled upon. There was a good atmosphere even though it was a Monday night. I got the Chiles Rellenos and it was excellent. Word of warning though, it was spicy! My tolerance for spice is pretty high but I found my mouth watering with the spice, surprising as poblano is one of the milder peppers out there. The service was good and I liked the ambiance. Overall a place that I would definitely go back to.
(4)Donald L.
Made a reservation here for about eight people on a Friday night for my friend's birthday. We were promptly seated in the middle of the restaurant and brought up to speed on their great drink menu. The server was fantastic and the food was very good. Everyone at the table had a very pleasant experience and it's a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend.
(4)Anabella J.
I made reservation 2 days prior.not only that we had to wait good 30 minutes but the hostess kept asking my name like 5 times.she even told me couple of times that my table was ready and then when i followed her she turned and said "a couple of more minutes" wtf???then she kept giving tables to other people that came in.finally she told us to follow her and she took us downstairs!!!they gave us the table right next to kitchen door!!that door kept opening and closing all night long and i got to see their nasty kitchen!yuck!!!the food is average!i read reviews and i was thinking to myself this place is a must!the only thing i liked was sangria!i had to drink it to stop being annoyed by slamming kitchen doors!!not worth your money and time!if they take you downstairs runnnnn!!!!just turn and run!!!yuck!
(1)Jamie B.
Came here on Friday night with our group of 4. Pitchers of mojitos were great... we asked for them sugar free and they were able to accomodate. We ordered appetizers, sadly they never came. Our waiter forgot to put them in. Everyone had really good dishes except for me.. I ordered the special for the everning, which were vegetarian enchiladas with a green chili sauce. They were not very hot temperature wise, they were stuffed with no vegetables other than potatoes, and there was no verde sauce to speak of. Really disappointing, but didn't want to send back since we were with guests. We asked our waiter when he came back to check on the entrees where the appetizers were and he seemed confused...actually asked a guy at the table if we ordered them... yes, yes we did. You even wrote our order down. I would come back and give them another try... the ambiance was fun and lively and so many of their menu items sounded wonderful.
(3)Ashley H.
This is a hidden restaurant that should be a favorite with the Chicago people. It's not very big, but very nice looking inside. You would walk right by it except for the music playing. Drinks are great. Food is amazing! The staff will explain the food and help you decide. The sauce on the food is amazing. Guacamole is good, not amazing. The first time I went, I was craving my meal for days. I had to go back at the end of the week.
(4)Victoria T.
Sexy, sultry, and live Cuban music!! Food was great, monitors were better!
(5)Emily B.
Having one of my favorite restaurant interiors in the city, everything about this little gem just adds up to be a total "best-bet" in my opinion. I love the wooden doors that swing into the back, the cozy booths, the Latin music selection, the perfect lighting, the helpful staff, and - of course - the delicious, yet affordable, food. For the same price as a salad from Potbellys, I can post up here and enjoy traditional Cuban food for lunch. Plus, even if you're just there for a half hour, I can guarantee this place makes you feel like you aren't in Chicago anymore. And trust me, when it's 22 degrees and the end of March, it's a much-welcomed little getaway from the grind.
(4)Gabriela R.
I can only review for the great live music and fun environment. This place is where you find some Spanish pop too! Me gusta, me gusta!
(4)Jimmy N.
I came here on a restaurant.com coupon. Normally, I have low expectations for places I find on restaurant.com because I know they're on there trying to attract more customers. However, when I came here I was completely blown away. This place did not seem like it would need extra business at all. The atmosphere is great. The lights are appropriately dimmed and the noise level was low enough for conversation. Food and alcoholic beverages are good. I ordered some chicken dish that came with plantains and sweet potato puree ($16) and thought it was very enjoyable. I sat at the bar and had a good conversation with some regulars and the bartender. Nice place to take a 1st date, me thinks. I am taking away 1 star because this place is a bit pricey. Yes, it is in the city, but I really wish everything would be a few dollars less. That way I would be able to visit more often. XOCO is right down the street and an equally great date place that's a bit cheaper. Regardless, I still think Havana is a solid place for drinks and a meal, especially with a restaurant.com coupon, which they took without any hassles. Additional points: 1. Live music after 11 on Fri and Sat. 2. Half price mojito pitchers on Fri (reg 35$) 3. I would call ahead and reserve if you're planning to visit Fri or Sat as the place is rather small and seems to fill quickly
(4)Bernadette S.
Havana is a solid choice for tasty Cuban inspired food. I love their mojitos by the pitcher too - great to share with some girlfriends. Their paella is very good - I like that they make their rice more of a risotto style, and the pineapple is a unique twist with the traditional flavors. The crab cakes are small but tasty. The pork and ropa vieja dishes are full of flavor but have been dry on occasion. In the end, I eat here fairly regularly and always enjoy the meal.
(4)Michael C.
Loved this place! Got a good vibe as soon as I walked in. The Guave Mojito was fantastic. The empanada trio was delicious. The staff was very friendly, a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend. Will be back.
(4)Mia C.
I really liked this restaurant. It's kind of off the beaten path of other restaurants in Chicago in this area but I liked it. The people are very nice and the food is great. I'm not of Hispanic origin but I imagine it's what home cooked Latin/Cuban food tastes like. They always have special deals on pitchers of Sangria and Margaritas but I would suggest getting a mojito! I haven't been on the weekend but I heard they have live Latin music so I bet that would be exciting!
(5)Rafael H.
I came to Havana with some coworkers. This was my first time here and was pleasantly surprised that they had a guy playing live music with his guitar. I was really excited to try their Ropa Vieja. I left really disappointed. The food was bland, very little use of garlic or sofrito and the plate was light on the plantains. The shredded beef was ok but it was as bland as the black beans. On the upside, their calamari was quite tasty and so were their crab cake. Now answer me this: why did I see options for chips and guacamole at a cuban restaurant? If I want chips and guac, I'll go to Chipotle. If you're going to do Cuban food, I would think the best way is to do a few dishes well...instead of a lot of dishes that were mediocre. Their flan was decent. There was no taste of egg and was balanced with a splash of rum. If you stumble here for drinks only, I suggest the Caipirinha (the Brazilian version of a mojito). They make them strong and really good. This might be the only reason why I would come back... at least until I find a better Caipirinha elsewhere.
(2)Tricia R.
my friend and i stopped at havana on another evening wandering the streets in search of dinner in the near north side of chicago. it was a thursday night and there was a reasonable amount of people inside the restaurant. and to my surprise, they had a foursquare special of 1/2 price pitchers of sangria with the order of 2 entrees. DONE! so we got a pitcher of red sangria, and the manchego empanadas to start. i had the ropa vieja which was also unfortunately a little bland. :( except for the plaintains... those are always delicious!! the service was good, nothing to rave about, the sangria was tasty and the best part of dinner!!
(3)Emm S.
Went on a snowy Monday after work, so we were the only two in the restaurant. Found this place because of their gDine menu ( gdine.com ). Asked for recommendations of the gDine menu (which had TONS of options) and our waitress definitely didn't steer us wrong. Everything was delicious! I recommend the chimichangas from the apps list and the pulled pork from the entree. I wish I had room for dessert. Definitely would go back! Cute decor. Nice service. But the food was definitely the clincher. Very delicious.
(4)Bridget C.
The food here was good, but not amazing. Ordered the steak sandwich with cuban style fries, which were basically ... normal fries. The sandwich was delicious, but the best part was the pitcher of sangria. It was incredibly well-mixed and did a good job of making you feel like you didn't drink anything until you're wobbling a little on the pavement. There's supposed to be dancing around 11 pm, which sounds like fun!
(4)Nix F.
Wow. I was really impressed. I didn't think the restaurant would be anything special, but boy was it! The food is all fantastic and filling. Appetizers are huge. Amy the waitress was awesome. Drinks are good. Prices are nice and modest. Took home what i didn't eat and it tasted just as good reheated. I try not to go to the same restaurant more than once whenever possible, but this is one i WANT to go back to multiple times.
(5)connie m.
I know Cuban food and this was not good. The ropa vieja was bland. The cuban pork was awful..no mojo, the onions must have been cooked in sugar because they were so sweet it overpowered everything. I don't expect Miami quality cuban food at any restaurant in Chicago but it should at least kill my craving for it. The rice tasted like instant. Based on the other reviews , I probably should have stuck to the fusion Latin choices on the menu. Even bigger than the bad food problem was the real problem..our waiter was actually the bartender. It wasn't super busy when we ordered so everything was fine until we got our food. When he came to check on us, I told him I was disappointed in my entree (cuban pork) and he said oh, I'm sorry and said have a good dinner and walked away. No offer to change it or fix it- are you kidding me! Then We NEVER saw him again. I finally had to grab another waitress who had to finish out the meal so we could get service. There were people in the restaurant that looked like regulars or friends of who I am assuming was the owner/manager and they were catered too. Bottom line, service makes up for mediocre food and maybe if you don't like your dish you may give the place one more shot but they blew it for me.
(1)Anna P.
I had been wanting to try this place for a while, as I absolutely LOVE cuban food but it is really tough to find someplace legit outside of Miami. I don't think this place is "it" necessarily (where's the ropa vieja!?) but it is a nice little getaway from the chilly Chicago winter. I went here with a Groupon for drinks and a light dinner and everything was great - the mojitos ARE really delicious, and the salad (ensaladas con camarones) and pollo empanadas were very tasty. The service was really good, too - we had the cutest waiter ever, who just seemed so happy to serve us!
(3)Christopher B.
This place was clean and the people are nice. If you are looking for authentic Cuban food, unfortunately this is not the place. :-(. I had the pork shoulder aka "'pernil"... Was awful. It was really pork tenderloin. Congris was not exactly congris... Something was missing. It just tasted like black beans and rice. Pretty disappointing simply because I was really expecting authentic Cuban tastes and this was not it.
(1)Zach M.
This is an amazing place for dinner a margarita or two. The restaurant is small, but has a really neat, open feel. Would be a great place for special occasions with small groups. Check beforehand on their drink specials. During the week, you can get half price margarita's or mojito's depending on what day you dine. They make there own margarita mix in house(really delicious!) For dinner, I had the Apricote Chipotle Pork Chops....amazing. Two eight ounce pork chops marinated with apricot chipotle sauce, served with jalapeno and potato hash browns and steamed broccoli. Highly recommend.
(4)Valerie R.
I tried Havana for the first time today, and love it! The veggie tacos were tasty, fresh and SUPER filling. The servers were all very friendly and the prices are reasonable. Havana? Yes, please!
(5)Justine L.
Not sure if my review is accurate, because I came here with my family... and this is def not a family place. It's more of a bar with a full menu. The food was alright. My comparison points were to places I've eaten during a recent visit to Miami, so maybe it's skewed. I had the ropa vieja, which didn't have much flavor and came with less plantains that I would have hoped. My sisters had the seafood paella, which was perfectly spicy and had good amount of large sized seafood, including shrimp, muscles, and more. Another family member had the halibut, which was surprisingly very spicy. It was tasty, but the spicy sauce over the entire fish covered all of the other flavors. We also had mojitos, which were good but rather weak. We're not big drinkers, but are fans of mojitos, and these barely hit the spot. The service was great, however. It was a very busy night, but the wait staff was attentive and very friendly. Next time I come, it will be with friends for drinks and a snack.
(3)Lars F.
We were walking down the street Saturday night looking for some place interesting to eat and came across Havana. Menu looked good, so we went in. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait if the people who made reservations did not show up, but thankfully two spots at the bar opened up. The mojitos were very good and we ordered the plantains to start. A bit sweet with the honey, but very nice none the less. I ordered the pulled pork which came out like icing on a cake of mashed potatoes surrounded by sweet corn cream. It was incredible. Nice presentation and a really good dish. The atmosphere was energetic, except for the drunk old guy at the bar making whooping noises and scaring off the hostess. His own party didn't even want to stand near him. Work the next morning, so we could not stick around for the live music at 11:00. Next time!
(5)Nicole C.
I had lunch here earlier this week and had the best cuban sandwich of my life...so far. I have yet to actually visit Cuba for the real deal. The Torta Cubana (smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, pickles, tomato, lettuce) came served with a mix of plain and sweet potato french fries. The Pollo Empanadas were also very, very good. The chicken was nestled inside of a puff pastry, so it was soft and flaky -- not your typical empanada. This place is going right back on my "To Try" list so that I can go back for dinner and try the guacamole and chimichangas with poblano cream sauce. :)
(4)Keerthi A.
The mango mojitos are the smoothest! Very yum. Their service is great too, which helps. I always get their Tostados de platanos for an appetizer, which is deep fried plantain chips served with warm black bean dip; it is to die for...very crunchy and light. Easy to share between two people. For main course, I continue to order Pollo a la Caserola - a must-try and is definitely in my top three comfort foods of all time. It is pan fried chicken breast with the most amazingly delicious pepper cream sauce with rice. Definitely a favorite! They have outside seating in the summer which is very nice, it does get a little noisy inside with the bands sometimes, but it is a matter of preference.
(4)Guilherme B.
We had a great time at Havana. There were eight of us there, so we had the opportunity to try a lot of different dishes--they didn't disappoint. The drinks were all tasty (we tried the caipirinhas, the red sangria, and pisco sours)--the pitchers are enough for about 5 servings. The appetizers (empanadas, chimichangas, crab cakes) were flavorful--the empanada had a nice twist as it was made with a flaky puff pastry crust. The mango relish on the crab cakes was a nice touch. I really liked the poblano cream sauce that came with the chimichangas. It was good enough that when a friend met us at the end of dinner, we ordered the chimichangas for him to have a bite. I had the pulled pork for dinner, and the whole dish was well performed--I'm not a fan of cream of corn, but it worked well with the mashed potatoes and pulled pork. The roja--black beans and rice with pulled pork--was also a dish I'd order again. Seriously, I could probably be happy with more than half of their menu. That's reason enough to go back. We left right before the live music started. I wish we would have been able to check that out.
(4)Suzy D.
We came here for a friends birthday and we had a party of 10. The restaurant was very accomodating and welcoming. However, I was not blown away by the food and the drinks. The mojitos were decent but pretty weak. I had 3 glasses and I am a lightweight and I did not even feel buzzed. The guacamole was very tasty. The ceviche was kind of meh. Nothing really special. I had already eaten dinner at Xoco so I didn't order an entree, but everyone else said the food was okay, nothing amazing though.
(3)Tony B.
Great service, wonderful atmosphere and amazing food. Nice sized portions...very satisfied. I tried the pulled pork and was glad I did. My wife got the roast pork and loved it...definitely come back when in town
(4)Ray W.
I was here Saturday, July 24, 2010 and it was amazing! I was visiting from Pittsburgh and initially went to one of the pretentious clubs/restaurants until we tired of waiting in line. We walked a few blocks away and hear this music. It was Vagando playing Bamboleo. We were in and found a booth immediately. We were not there for food, we came to have a few drinks and a good time. The drinks were excellent (actually some of the best mixed drinks I've ever had), the staff the best, and the music jumpin! My only regret was not leaving my little group to dance with the group of gorgeous girls behind me. Apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed them looking to dance but without any suitors, as one of the waitstaff twirled one for a song LOL Even with a dance interlude, we never had to ask or motion for staff. The guys were great. I will definitely go back the next time I'm in the Chi. CHEERS!
(5)Amber L.
Cool small venue in the middle of river north. The guac was good and the pitcher of mojitos was a good deal for a group, but I got the fish tacos and they were not good. The fish was fried and very dry. My friend got the pork and it was great, but mine was not good...
(3)Carlos V.
I've been going to this place for a while and really like it. The manager (Glad Noe is back) and the bartenders are great. Food is good and the mojitos are the best. If i could only suggest one thing would be that when the bands play they really don't need to crank up the volume that much since it is a small place. You would not be able to talk if you are by the bar.
(4)christine p.
Havana is without a doubt one of my go to restaurants in the city! It is consistently delicious and fun! Their ceviche is one of my favorite things to order as an app, paired with a half order of guac, sooo yummy I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. As far as my fav entrees the halibut, ropa vieja and the Jaleda de mariscos are delicious. I was hesitant to try the Jaleda de mariscos at first because I'm not a big fan of coconut but its actually very mild and thus an A+ in my book! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that they tend to run late on reservations and the restaurant is super tiny and gets packed easily. Regardless I've been here about a bazillion times and I intend to go back for atleast another bazillion meals! they also have good drink specials I think most days have half price pitchers of margaritas or mojitos I think it might say on the website...
(4)Jenna E.
I have been wanting to go to Havana for about 3 years now and I finally went on my birthday! I went with two friends one of which is not a big fan of any food besides plain chicken and we all ended up loving it. The guac is one of the best in the city. I would highly recommend the Apricot Pork Chops!! So delicious! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Anne N.
Came here for some drinks and dessert on a friday night. So we ordered a pitcher of the regular mojito (it was half off) and their coconut flan. We wanted to try their guava ice cream, but unfortunately they ran out. So, the coconut flan was good and I would have liked the mojito to be a a little bit sweeter, so I guess overall, not too impressed by their food. As far as the atmosphere, I actually really liked it. Their decor had an island theme from their fans to their lamp shades covered in seashells. To our surpise, they had a live band play which I thought was awesome. Anytime there's a live band, it really makes the place that much more worthwhile. So overall, it's a nice place to just relax, drink mojitos, and listen to live music on a friday night.
(3)JC P.
I recently moved here from San Francisco and previously lived in LA. This place is a small venue with such a high energy! The bar is great with anything from a mojito pitcher to good quality tequilas...Most importantly is their live music! They some how manage to bring live music in this very small space and create a unique, personal atmosphere where everyone gets in the groove. The owner is always present and you can see he enjoys his creation! Excellent job keeping the vibe in your venue!
(4)Jessica T.
Love the drinks and food. Great atmosphere and music.
(5)Alaina W.
Food was so delicious we only had appetizers to split with friends... so good! We ordered mojitos which were to die for. We had went for the live music and half priced pitchers of mojitos.... I'm gIvIng only three stars are becsuse I got charge full price for what should've been half priced mojItos (as dId another gIrl In our party) and because it was very very crowded which is odd to me they had a band In such a small place but a bit understandable because clearly it does drive great crowd!
(3)Sylene I.
NOT A FAN! I was seated in the rear of the restaurant when there were clearly open and empty tables in the front. The restaurant was not very busy, however it took more than 15 minutes for the waiter to even address me. He still hadn't taken my order when the bartender finally came over and took my drink order. The drink was not that good. I ordered the carne asada and the steak was tough and chewy. I spent more money than I should have for this experience and I will not be going back. I love Cuban food. What a disappointment.
(1)Vee S.
Service was great, along with the chicken empanadas. As far as the main courses, they could be a lot better. We ordered the Ropa Vieja, one of my favorites. The flavor was a bit bland and off. So was the rice and beans that came with it. I ordered the Cuban Torta and it was alright. Not anything spectacular. The fries were good. I don't think I'll be returning.
(2)rebecca g.
Went because of Groupon and was quite impressed. Food wasn't cheap, but quality was great and blows overpriced La Guardia out of the water. The atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired--feels like any other modern yuppie place downtown that happens to be piping in Salsa tunes...but the service was attentive and quick, so can't really complain. I had the Rollitos Manchegos, which I expected to be similar to flautas but were more like crispy sliced roulades, filled with yummy chicken, spinach, and cheese with the most heavenly green pepper cream sauce. Portions looked small at first glance, but were actually pretty filling. I can't remember the name of the tropical cocktail I ordered, but it was good, if a bit on the small side. I'd like to go back, to check out some of their weekly specials.
(4)Yaw N.
I've been to Havana twice and each time we've gone we have come away more impressed with the restaurant. I am a cocktail snob (trust me this is a curse) and could not stand their mojito. The mint was crushed not muddled releasing all the bitter taste of mint into the cocktail which they tried to mask with sugar and soda. Long story short, don't rely on their drinks if you go there. On the other hand, the food is quite good. The Cuban sandwich is really good and last time we went I had the enchilada which I would definitely order again.
(3)Chirag P.
I remember when it used to be Mambo Grill and it seems many of the items are very similar (or the same) so I'm wondering if it was just re-branded. Anyways, based on the assumption that it was the same joint I ordered the ribs w/ mashed sweet potatoes, which were probably the best ribs I've ever had (when it was Mambo). The Havana version did not disappoint... though Mambo's had a bit of a kick to it, which was nice to counteract with the sweet potatoes. But still good. The place does get packed, so make a reservation.
(4)Dave O.
Second time Ive been here and both times have been great. The chicken tacos were out of this world. The only reason this doesn't get 5 stars, Is the ice tea tasted a bit off, like it was made with tap water.
(4)Anita C.
Grilled calamari and arugula salad. The salad was a large, filling portion. And I eat a lot. I eat more than my husband. The grilled calamari was super tender. I've never had grilled but I like it more than fried!! They also have pitchers of mojito. We didn't get one but it looked good and every table had one.
(4)Chris M.
For starters... Tostaditos de Platano = a simple recipe that was executed perfectly! The sauces were great!! For dinner * Pollo a la Caserola = perfectly crispy chicken with a sauce that complemented it perfectly!! * Carne Asada = perfect grill time and the sauce was great!! We will be back!!
(4)Melissa C.
DELICIOUS Caipirinha! Seriously better than a lot of place I've been to in Chicago. Music was just alright, and service was OK.
(3)Morganne B.
What a great Thursday special!! $20 margarita pitchers is EXACTLY what my friends and I needed to celebrate being done with medical board exams. We probably didn't need FOUR of them but they sure went down easy. The chips, guac and salsa were super tasty and the grilled calamari salad was yummy too. The calamari wasn't super chewy and the citrusy dressing was perfect for summer. My friends' mojitos were spot on too. As our party grew in size, the place started to feel a little cramped, but this was definitely a good place to kick off our celebratory weekend.
(4)Steve A.
I loved the ambience of this place, which looks and feels exactly like a cafe in old Havana. Unfortunately, that's where the love stopped. As someone who lives much of the year in Florida, I've had a lot of Cuban food at many different restaurants, and I've never encountered anything like what is served here. First off, the lunch menu has been taken over in part by Tex-Mex items such as quesadillas, not a good sign. Perhaps foolishly, I stuck with something that sounded authentically Cuban, and had the Pollo from the dinner menu, along with a cup of black bean soup. Good black bean soup is smooth, with plenty of whole beans and crispy bits of onion. This gritty slurry had none of those characteristics. Traditional Cuban chicken is roasted, with a crisp, garlic coated skin and moist interior, exactly as described on the menu. What showed up, though was a soggy mess covered in a weird salty white gravy that had almost no flavor. It had more flavor than the "congri," it was served with, though. That mixture of rice and black beans was dry and utterly flavorless. Fried yucca was similarly flavorless, but had a nice crisp exterior. The saving grace on the plate were the ripe plantains, which were perfectly caramelized and still hot from the sauce pan. Sadly, one out of five is not enough to get me to ever return. It's a shame because the service was efficient, and the place looks great. They just need major adjustments in the kitchen.
(2)Tzeittle C.
Ok drinks, not-good food. My friend and I had two mojitos each and shared the yuca con mojo. The mojitos were ok, tasted good but nothing spectacular. The yuca, though, not good at all. Fried yuca should be crispy on the outside, tender on the inside; this was just tough, no crunch, like it had been fried and reheated. The mojo (garlic sauce) didn't taste like garlic, and had this strange sweetness. Their chocolate cake was good though, not amazing, but good. The place itself is really nice and the music was good. It was a very nice night but I wish the food and drinks had been better.
(2)Karina C.
Great Cuban place! I went with my cousins and ordered the empanadas and ceviche for starters. The empanadas were amazing! Seriously!!! We ordered ropa vieja (pulled steak in tomato and garlic and onion sauce, that comes with rice, beans and tajadas) and pollo a la cacerola (chicken in a green sauce topped with guac and served with rice. Food was delicious. Service was ok. The decoration is beautiful and the music is very legit Cuban music. Would definitely recommend it.
(5)Maridel A.
OMG!!! this place is soooooo delicous! (Free dessert when you check-in). Anyways Waz suggested we eat here to try the Jibarito sandwich. We ordered the Steak Jibarito - not knowing what to expect... the food arrives and its a flat steak in between a flat fried banana!!!! OMG so goooood! It also comes with dipping sauce, not sure whats in it, who cares the sandwich was yummy! Its about $13 bucks and def worth it. We also ordered chips and guac... delicious. The rumors are true... chicago does have better food in town. Now im on a mission to find me a Jibarito sandwich in San Diego!
(5)Lauren S.
Delivery took over an hour and a half. The bowl of soup was the size of a cup and half spilled when it arrived. Not very brothy, kind of thick. Got the chimichanga that everyone was talking about and they arrived cold and cut up like an appetizer and the poblano cream already in the bottom of the dish which made the whole thing soggy. Cost $20 for that. Not worth it
(2)Tina M.
If you have ever been to Miami and eaten Cuban food then I DO NOT recommend this place. You can literally see the writing on the wall, turn around and walk out. When you look around at the crown molding in the restaurant, there are different words for the foods they offer. Two stood out immediately, Marquitas (should be Mariquitas) and Plantanos (more like Platanos). If you claim to be a Latin restaurant at least spell the words correctly. Moving on to the food. I was beyond disappointed with my food and service. I ordered Ropa Vieja and had 2 bites of the meat and that was enough for me. I admit I am spoiled by my Cuban mother-in-law, but this is ridiculous. Super fatty, chewy and totally the wrong flavor. The beans were just soaked in water with no salt and no sofrito. According to the group, the Cuban sandwich was good and the pork dish was ok. However, no one would return. Except maybe for the flan and Cuban sandwich. What bothered me the most is that the guy who took my plate ( I'm assuming the manager as he was different from our waiter) saw that I didn't touch my food and said nothing. No, "did you enjoy your meal"?, "can I wrap that"? I'm truly surprised at the good reviews, in fact, I am shocked. I will never be returning here. 90 miles, I'm sorry I cheated on you.
(2)Sasha M.
I had dinner here last night, and I would definitely be wiling to come back. They have a large menu and good vegetarian options. The outside seating is nice, but it's a little cramped. The inside looks lovely. The chiles rellanos have just the right amount of kick, but some of the other favors were a bit overwhelmed by the cheese and cream. The platanos maduros were perfect.
(4)Malinda T.
Excellent food, well all we had was appetizers but they were excellent! We had the ceviche and it had MANGO shrimp and some other stuff but it was totally delish and we also ordered the guacamole and it came with a pico de gallo too... Atmosphere was fun! Drinks were great, we had the mojito pitcher mmmm .... Fun fun fun
(5)Happiness L.
I love Havana! Went there for lunch and had a very delicious steak sandwich. The food is so very yummy. Then tonight stopped by for music. The person I talked to on the phone said the music goes from 1130 pm to 130 am however you might want to double check this as the person I talked to there said the music goes until 3 or 4. I beleive the music Is just on Frīdays and Sarurdays. When the band plays I am very happy. When the DJ plays the music is fun yet not as awesome as the band. Yay. Would love to come again another time.
(5)Ben R.
The drinks alone get this place a great star review. Margarita. Great. Pomegranate marg. Even more great. The food was really good too! We had the steak skewers, crab cakes, and pulled pork (which is stacked up on top of jalapeño mashed potatoes). The music brings it all together for an all around great experience!
(4)Vic B.
Poor service, waited over 30 min for food when there were not more than 10 people in the restaurant
(1)Rod C.
I stopped here for lunch on a Monday through a colleague's recommendation because XOCO is closed on Mondays. Wow! This place is incredible! The Chimichangas are phenomenal! Who doesnt like fried, chicken-filled tortillas in poblano cream sauce, with cilantro sour cream and pico! I had trouble deciding between the Havana Steak Sandwich (Tender slices of skirt steak with melted cheese, lettuce, grilled onions, and spicy mayonnaise served on onion ciabatta bread) or the Jibarito (which is basically the same as the steak sandwich with the difference being twice-fried green plaintains instead of the ciabatta bread). The Havana Steak Sandwich is OUTSTANDING! I could eat this everyday! I have to come back for dinner when music and dancing is the norm here. I cant wait to try their house drinks! Service was really good, but it was lunch and their were only 4-5 tables occupied.
(5)Kara B.
Do you like screaming across a table? Do you like bland over-priced food? If yes, then this place is for you. Loud Meh, food. Meh, service.
(2)Matt K.
I went for lunch and got the best Cubano sandwich I've had in a long time. Good fries. I'll have to go back and try the Jibarito.
(4)MelBri J.
the food was not the real Mexican like you expect after reading their menu. :(
(2)Casondra L.
Great service ! Good drinks and twenty dollar pitchers!! Salsa, guac and chips was a nice addition to the amazing Caipirinha's ! The flan is ridiculous oh my word!
(5)Kelsey D.
The food was excellent and I love the Hispanic atmosphere. The mojitos were not the best I've had especially for being their specialty drink but the Martinis were delicious.
(4)Laura C.
The place looked nice. The bar had great drinks. The appetizers were good. But, The service was bad and the main courses as well. We ordered ropa vieja and the pork dish. Ropa vieja was very bland and I couldn't even finish the pork because it was hard as a rock. Very disappointed.
(2)Gopal R.
Fantastic restaurant right by hotel. I found this little gem on Yelp and I went to check it out. The restaurant has a very nice ambience and good food. For starters we ordered a guava mojito. I heard so many great reviews about mojitos here, but I was a bit disappointed with my mojito because it tasted a bit watered down. Not bad, but not what I was expecting in mojitos that have rave reviews. For an appetizer, I ordered the fried plantain chips with warm black bean sauce and salsa - Platanos Maduros. Wow! The chips were perfect - crispy and crunchy coated with a spice that gave it the right kick. The black bean sauce and salsa were perfect choice to eat these chips with. Highly recommended! I ordered the black bean soup - Sopa De Frijol, for starters. A wonderful soup that is very flavorful and just yummy. For the main course, I ordered the Chiles Rellenos. Just perfect. Highly recommended if you are a vegetarian. The dishes were amazing with fresh flavors and ingredients. If you are a dessert fan, don't forget to try out the Coconut Rum Flan. All in all, this is a great restaurant and a great dining experience.
(4)Alina S.
I very much enjoyed my lunch at this cozy spot. They have a lunch menu which has many varieties and is very afford-ably priced which is super great for the nicer restaurants. I ordered the 3 Enchiladas with steak. They were nice and moist with strips of beef and covered with both a red & cheese sauce. This also came with white rice and black beans. I finished 1.5 enchildas and took the rest to-go. I would totally come back and try more from this tasty adorable place. Did I mention that the staff rocks! They are all about enhancing your dining experience at Havana. So refreshing! :)
(4)Niki K.
Considering all the great restaurants in Chicago, I wouldn't come back here. The food is okay, nothing special. The service is pretty bad; waitress was hard to track down and our food came out so late. They charge extra for hot sauce, which I've never seen before at a Cuban/Mexican--that's just cheap! And they don't split the bill, which is a huge headache if you're a big group.
(2)Keith B.
The Maduros are cooked perfectly, the food is delicious. The specials of the house , chicken in plantain leaf was delicious. I love the Cuban music and great service
(5)Ashley C.
Food and drink get 5 stars, but what brings this restaurant's overall rating down to a solid 3 is its service. I made a reservation for a girlfriend and I to eat here last Friday night. Our reservation was for 5:30pm. We were both running just a few minutes late (5-10min) so I called to inform them. The manager onsite gave me a huge guilt trip, going on and on about how the place was getting busier and busier by the minute. I explained that I understood it was a Friday evening and asked that if they could just hold our table until 5:45pm, we'd really appreciate it. He agreed. When we arrived, the place was not busy. There were certainly people dining, but there were at least 6-8 tables completely open and unreserved, and that is a lot for this smaller restaurant. I arrived before my other friend and was pestered by the waitress 4-5 times before she arrived. I currently work in the service industry so I understand the necessity of an initial meet-and-greet; however, once I've let you know that I'm waiting for my other guest to order, PLEASE LEAVE ME ALONE. When my friend arrived we also felt very pressured to quickly order. It is not difficult to read a table. We were clearly catching up and hadn't even looked over the menus, and yet she asked us if we were ready 3 times! When dinner was over and we were working on our dessert, she tried to take the check away without us even paying yet. It was clear that she wanted us to hurry out of there. Our total dinner time was just over an hour and half. Oh, and when I handed her a $100.000 bill to pay for our $75.00 dinner, she told me she wouldn't be able to break it for me and I needed to pay with card. WHAT? You work at a restaurant on Hubbard St and it's a Friday night. Where is your server bank?! I can't be the only one walking in there with big bills. We ordered chips and guacamole and the empanada trio to start. They were amazing! Food came out quickly and everything was fresh and tasty. For our entree we split the ropa vieja - again delicious. The meat melts in your mouth. You bet we moved on to dessert which was equally as satisfying. Chocolate fudge cake with a side of vanilla ice cream. The dessert menu wasn't as authentic as everything else. Again, excellent food but not-so-good- service. Of course, that manager was nowhere to be found when we we leaving the restaurant, too.
(3)Lisa T.
I've gone here twice within a week of my last visit and ordered the traditional steak enchiladas, which was ok. Although served with a hearty portion of steak, it was not something I would rave over. However,my colleague suggested getting a side of their poblano creme sauce which is simply delicious over rice. My second go around I ordered their chipotle crab cakes and chimichangas which were very flavorful and plentiful. Very crowed the second time we went there for lunch, got the last table inside and service was a little slow, but overall I'd go back again.
(3)Cody D.
Horrible service long wait, we were in basement and toilet flooded no one even finished their food.. moved us to another seat by a window was freezing. I made yelp just for this review. Was told manager isn't even here to talk to us.
(1)Susan C.
I went here for a meetup group for dinner during the winter time and met some nice people. I had carna asada which is a chargrilled steak over black beans and rice top with a guajillo sauce and guacamole. It was really delicious and I had it with the drink called a screw driver. The waitstaff was friendly and they provided good service. The menu have good selections for you to choose from. Also they have very good drink selection alcohol wise. I would recommend this place to others for Cuban food if they never had it before.
(4)Nani B.
In town for a conference, my colleagues and I were looking for a place to relax and grab some good food. Havana provided the perfect atmosphere and everyone loved the dishes they picked. Meal portions were perfect as well leaving us "satesfecho"(satisfied as they would say in Cuba) Coming from a Cuban family I was excited to try their black beans and rice and plantain dishes. I ended up ordering the "Ensalada Verano" which was absolutely divine. Then I ordered a series of sides- the black beans and rice, yucca, and maduros which I also shared with the table. They were so rich and delicious! (I should note that I am vegetarian, don't like spicy food, and don't like cilantro) The friday drink deal was a $20 pitcher of the house mojito which also was delicious. We had an amazing time- I recommend! (Will note that we had a 1.5 hour table wait but that was ok we just used that time to chat and grab drinks!)
(5)Darren S.
Delicious meal and experience. Had the pulled pork and my bae had the seafood cream sauce. Bueno service and mojitos to boot! Highly recommended.
(5)Jun J.
cool plc but food was alright. i got the traditional slow cooked pork and it was rough. hard to chew. they tried tho so i give them 2 star.
(2)Tim A.
Easily the best chimichanga (sp) I've ever had. Monitors are pretty good too - by the pitcher.
(5)Jen B.
Had the perfect dinner! Great atmosphere, lovely cocktails, served in pitchers for our large, mixed group. Delicious food. Great service by Heriberto, who managed our requests with grace, humility and pride. Reasonable cost! Only downside is it is loud inside, but that is because it is full of patrons not wanting to leave!
(5)M. R.
The food and drinks were delicious. I would go back.
(4)Alexis G.
I really wanted to like this place. If it wasn't for the service it would have probably gotten 3 or 4 stars The food was a mix. The ceviche and salad were great but the pork our waiter recommend was so dried out and flavorless we didn't even eat it. The service...while our waiter was nice, he was never around. After our initial drink order we had to flag him down every time we wanted something. Then, he just disappeared. It also took forever to get any of our food. Fifteen minutes to get a salad? At the end when we once again couldn't find our waiter, a nice woman brought us our check and said that he had left. It really would have been so much better if he had told us he had to leave and someone else would finish taking care of us.
(2)Victoria G.
This place is very loud. We came for the live music and we could hardly hear anything. You have to over scream people around you if you want to talk to your friends. I mean I know bars are loud but this is just too loud. Their appetizers are ok. Mojitos are very good though. Service is a little slow but not too bad.
(3)Heidi H.
Love this little place, came in for a drink and dessert one evening and really wish we had an opportunity to eat dinner here. We had the sautéed plantains and they were very good, not too sweet and the warm ripeness of the plantains hit the spot. They have some pretty good choices on bar drinks and you will not be disappointed in the menu either. The service was great and the outside patio seating was nice on a summer evening. It's pretty busy all around this area in the evening and I feel bad for anyone with a car, but they do offer valet parking for 3 hours. I would certainly come back to explore this menu and the prices are pretty good as well. As far as dessert and drinks I was very pleased. If you check in 3 times they have a free dessert on Yelp when you check in. So if your in area check in a few times before you go then cash in on that.
(5)Aaron H.
We came here with a mid-sized group to celebrate my buddy's birthday and his final days as a Chicagoan. ON the inside, Havana looked like it was pulled right out of Miami (the closest I have ever been to Cuban culture). The servers were very friendly and fast in recommending hot items on the menu. We started with mixed drinks (Mojito, Caipirinha) and an order of ceviche. My main dish course was the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork, which was very juicy. I enjoyed it a lot. I did find myself sharing some of it with my table mates because it was apparently tastier than their entrees (Ropa Vieja and the Pollo Paella Caribeña, among others). Even though I do recall having better Cuban food elsewhere, everything was solid overall, and the food and drink prices were great.
(3)Asta R.
The perfect place for Cuban/Latin fare. Had the pulled pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and chicken in plantain leaves with sweet mashed potatoes and plantains and a pitcher of mojitos. Everything was delicious, the service was excellent & we will definitely be back!
(5)Isis S.
A group of 10 girls visited Havana for dinner to celebrate my 30th bday and it was AWESOME!! The food was soo yummy and our waitress was very nice. I had never heard of the site gdine before until my friend suggested it. Seeing that it was a large group of us, using gdine would def make our dinning experience super easy! Great experience, I loved the fact that we didnt have to worry about how to split the bill at the end of the night, because everyone had paid for their meal individually and hassle free through gdine!! There was a delay from the time that we were given our appetizers and when our entrees were served and had we all been hungrier after those appetizers one of us would have asked why it was taking so long. Luckily we were too busy chatting and drinking to make a big fuss. I had the mango mojito and it was delish!! One of my girlfriends had the sangria and that was very good too. Once our entrees came out, everyone's dish looked and smelled delicious! ! As the bday girl (and having awesome friends), I was able to try pretty much everyone's dish!! Mmmm...I recommend the apricot pork chops, the lechon, the jalapeno mashed potatoes were also yummy!! The empanadas for appetizers were the best!! Everything was so full of flavor :) There was a minor hiccup on our bill, as we had been charged two extra drinks, when in fact they had been part of the gdine package, but the waitress was nice enough to fix the prob. Overall great experience, delicious (and very flavorful) Cuban food!! I def want to come back again!
(5)Gypsy G.
Meh. Disappointed in the food. Nothing special. Wouldn't come back a second time. I enjoyed the Mojito though. Can't believe I paid to valet my car for this. Totally not worth it.
(2)Jackie C.
So we came here with some of our friends for a big group dinner. The food we delicious but the service was terrible. It was super slow and took forever to get our food.
(3)David L.
Sorry for being so late on giving this review. But what I can say is that looks can definitely be deceiving. At first glance driving up to the restaurant, I think that I was thrown off by the size of it. Quite small and doesn't look like much from the outside. Only once approaching the valet my mind was quickly changed. Excellent service through and through. The hostess was real nice, the bartender educated my date and I on our drinks, the waiters were attentive yet not overwhelming. Ordered a ropa-vieja which was juicy and sooo tender. The flavor packed in every bite was amazing. Our dessert we got for free was also nice, thick rich chocolate cake that complimented my espresso shot. Great place, missed the live music by about an hour, can't wait to come back.
(5)Regina D.
The food was delicious. I stuffed my face and therefore couldn't move or dance afterwards. The live music is nice too.
(5)Sandra H.
My husband and I decided to have a impromptu dinner date. We live in the 'burbs, so we pick our Chicago restaurant adventures very carefully. He's been to Cuba and I thought it would be fun to find a restaurant offering authentic Cuban fare. The interior is awesome - very intimate and old-worldly - like Cuba may be. Service was great. Their mojitos are so very delicious. I had the Ropa Vieja - shredded flank steak simmered in garlic, tomato and bell pepper sauce. The flavors were soulful. My husband the Cuban Roasted Pork - tender deliciousness. I can't wait to go again and try the rest of the menu!
(5)Christina M.
I was very disappointed with my experience at Havana on a Friday evening. Everything we ordered was incredibly bland: mango ceviche, the jibarito sandwich, as well as the Cuban steak sandwich. While both if the sandwiches looked great and were large portions, I can't say we enjoyed them. The worst part of the experience, though, was the service. We sat at the bar and although it wasn't crowded at all, we were not expecting spectacular service. However, our bartender/server (Shannon- not that she ever mentioned her name, as she barely acknowledged us- I had to wait until we got the receipt to find out her name) was so rude, I couldn't help but to document this. She didn't understand my (correct) pronunciation of my order (jibarito sandwich) and responded with a rude "what?" each time I tried to repeat it in a different way to ensure my order would be placed. I eventually had to point at the dish on the menu, and when I looked up she had already turned away, without saying a word. (It seems especially bizarre to me that a server at a Latin restaurant cannot understand the dish names on the menu- I'm sure this has caused a lot of confusion for other patrons.) I was not even sure that any order had been placed, and she seemed very annoyed to have to deal with us. It did, however arrive, but we did not hear anything else from our server for quite a while. However, she and the other bartender did seem to notice our presence as they talked and turned towards us looking quite annoyed several times. Finally, when we asked for the bill, we got no verbal response. Instead she turned away and left the bill on the edge of the bar near us a few minutes later, again without a word. I'm not sure what we could have done to upset her from the very beginning, but this was the first time I felt like I was an annoyance to a server. We didn't make any special requests or substitutions and were quite patient with the unfair way we were treated, so this was very confusing to us. I've never felt so disrespected that I've had to write up a review specifically naming a server, but this was such a bad experience that I needed to document this. I won't go back, but I also to plan to tell my friends who are frequent customers about my terrible experience and hope they choose a much better restaurant than Havana.
(1)Jennifer C.
My only mistake was going during my lunch hour, but Havana is down the street from my office and tempts me with its succulent smells every time I walk by. Curse you and your delicious Caribbean delicacies! My lunch partner dived into his jibarito so deeply that I almost asked if Havana had food bags and SCUBA equipment. Since he couldn't be bothered to look up from me at me to finish that round of conversation, I proceeded to try my winning fish tacos and all talk ceased in an array of yellow rice and black beans. Why were the tacos winning? All the pico and NO LETTUCE! Let me say this once: if you go into any taco joint that is a step up from Taco Bell and they deign to put lettuce on your taco, just walk out and go to the Chipotle next door. It was coming close the end of my lunch, but I could not leave without dessert. I scanned their dessert menu and fell victim to my favorite type of pie: Key Lime. Now, having first tried Key Lime pie in Key West, I'm always hesitant about seeing it on menus in restaurants outside of Florida. My worry subsided when the waiter brought out a container holding the biggest piece of YELLOW Key Lime all covered in graham cracker crumbs and whipped cream. I'm sorry, did you ask if we needed the check? I can't hear you over the OM NOM NOM NOM!
(4)Rick S.
You would expect bold colors and sounds at a Cuban restaurant, but this restaurant was more quaint and romantic. Probably more like it truly is in Cuba - instead of a caricature. I had the passion fruit caipirinha. I was pleasantly surprised by how light and refreshing it was. Our appetizer was the Patanos Maduros. I was disappointed in the plantains that had no flavor - but the black bean dip definitely made up for it. I had the Carne Con Tequila and loved the chimichurri. My girlfriend had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork - the roasted cream corn made the dish! Get the Platanos Maduros side dish!!! It is different than the appetizer. It has brown sugar and honey. You could have it for dessert. SOOO GOOD! Yoandy was our waiter. It was Halloween and he was dressed like King Tut. He was very personable and did a great job.
(5)L M.
I am obsessed with this place! I love the food and the staff are always pleasant. I took my friend and her son and he was dancing up a storm. The staff totally entertained the little guy. After hours with the band is a great time too!
(5)Sheila P.
Although the live music was awesome the drinks were not. I ordered a capharini and saw them put at least a cup sugar in it. My sister ordered a mojito and it was not even drinkable. We left without finishing our drinks.
(3)Jennifer E.
Three Words: Half Price Pitchers!!! (Margarita, Sangria, or Mojito) You can't beat that. And the food...muy delicioso! I had the Cuban Roasted Pork. Cubans know how to do their pork.
(5)Kyle D.
Pretty good little hideaway downtown, Havana is a good place for some Cuban. Their menu is huge, ranging from sandwiches to authentic plates, and the drink list is extensive. The atmosphere is darker and more quiet and intimate. The food itself was great. I had the carne asada plate with plantains and rice, and everything was good. The rest of my group, which was fairly large, all got something different but equally enjoyed their meals. The only blemish of the experience was that the waitress was poor. Overall, great place to go and have some drinks or a good cuban meal. Sure there are probably more authentic places to go, but this place still delivers. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 6/10 Food: 8/10
(4)Marisa P.
I just recently went to Havana with my sister and mom. I had been here once before just for drinks and they were great. Wish i could say the same when dining. I had the calamari salad. I had it fried and at the time it was really good. But regretfully a few hours later i was throwing up. My mom had the same thing except not fried and didnt feel well also. I was very disappointed in the food and service. While the girl was sweet it just took forever and overall wished i had a better experience.
(1)DuSable Dining Club C.
Havana Ratings 1-5 (and I did work these based on our usual scale) 1= Worse than having a slip full of sea weed 5= As great as getting a new jet ski or two Atmosphere: Average rating - 3.6 Service: Average rating: 4 Food: Average rating: 4 Price: Average rating: 4 Would you come again or recommend? Most said yes (no one said no) Maybe-good food "Nice"Remarks please: Missed Tom :( - noted by many Glad Kelli made it! Great spot Loved the pork Cuban salad was great Omar was fantastic and attentive-overall good team there Mollypants got a little uppty when people challenged her ratings Glad JB and Mrs. Schneider ordered grown up margaritas "Loved the tranny in the booth" - JB Slow start, but nice Cuban fellas Excellent all around U kidding me? Even Paul thinks it's a deal? We missed Tom, however it is appropriate on 9/11 that we move on Way too loud, but really good food A steak for what you getGreat food and the price is right, can't beat margaritas for $20 Another great value from our token, Terri These nights are always the highlight of the month
(4)Jesse H.
Poor service. Restaurant was not busy and our waiter just hung out at the bar and neglected his tables. Food was alright but incredibly salty.
(2)Mandy B.
I loved this place! Went with a group of 6 on a Saturday night. Got a sane day reservation and all. We were seated promptly and hada great server. He was knowledgeable of the menu and ingredients. I shared the jalea de mariscos and the rollitos manchego. Both dishes were amazing. I couldn't get enough. I can't wait come back! Passion fruit caipirinhas were delicious as well.
(5)Samantha E.
I was so excited to eat some delicious Cuban food! I came here with a big group for a friends birthday and was so ready for some good drinks and food. The mojitos were pretty good but the food was meh. It was lacking in flavor and overpriced. My search for legit Cuban food in Chicago will just have to continue.
(2)FoodieChic L.
I accidentally found Havana while walking down Clark St with my bf. Heard the drums, the guitar, the singing - thought I was in Dirty Dancing movie. We went in and have been coming here for the last 2 years. Best to come before 11pm and grab a seat by the bar - sit back and enjoy the music and dancers! Only complaint is the layout - it's uber small and when it gets packed you cannot walk through the place. Hence getting a seat before the band performs! Still my go to place for my salsa fix!!!
(5)Amanda M.
The chicken manchego rolls were quite yummy and rather light tasting considering the buttery sauce. Service was okay. Towards the end of our meal (we had a party of 10), we felt we were being rushed out because they were getting busy.
(3)Joani O.
Once a month we order lunch in for my whole department and today it was Havana again! I was going to try something different but I loved the jibarito so much last time that I got it again. And again, it did not disappoint. The plantains were fried to perfection and while the steak was a bit thinner than I recalled, the total sandwich was perfect for lunch and again, I love the sauce that it comes with. Delicious! The sandwich also comes with fries and chimichurri dipping sauce, which was tasty, but I couldn't eat many of the fries without being too full. Eating lunch at my desk is not so bad when it's awesome Cuban from Havana!
(4)Rachel A.
Good drinks and food for the most part. The first time I came the chicken I got was really dry but everything else I got was good. Upon returning, I got a sandwich and my fiancé got the other one so I had the chance to try them both. They were both very good and I would recommend them. Along with that, the sweet plantains are so good! The chips and guac appetizer is big so I would suggest getting a half portion. They have a lot of mojito flavors which is awesome!! The service is alright... not spectacular though.
(4)Savanna R.
How can you not love this place? I bring all my out of town friends here. The servings are big and filling. The space is small and gets crowded pretty quickly. The longest I ever waited was 45mins but I felt it was worth it. The margarita pitchers are yummy :)
(4)Jen S.
I went to Havana for dinner and the food and ambiance were great. The waitstaff was attentive and very informative. I highly recommend the pollo coco limon or the steak cubano. Both entrees were perfectly cooked and had a lot of flavor. I would go back to try a few more dishes on the menu.
(4)Sid B.
This is one happening place. We were strolling post dinner and this place has some amazing live music playing. A good mix of cuban and salsa music and best mojitos in town.
(5)Michael W.
Havana was pretty awesome. We were a 4 top with a reservation on a busy Saturday night. The mojitos were excellent, The food was on point. Havana is definitely an experience. The restaurant is pretty loud - but maybe appropriately so for a kind of hip Chicago style restaurant. I think we all thought the food was excellent. The service wasn't outstanding, but it wasn't too shabby either. I would tell you to give this place a try, but I would make sure you have a reservation!
(5)Logan N.
The restaurant wasn't packed and the food was ok. I've had better, but it was a busy Friday and all the other restaurants were booked. I ordered the rope vieja and it was edible, but nothing to rave about.
(3)Abishek M.
This restaurant is a hidden gem. Ive been here twice and both times I thought that the food was outstanding. I recently went with a friend who said that it might have been the best meal he had ever had! The drinks were very good as well and you can tell they are made with care. The dimly lit ambiance adds to the charm of this place. I will definitely be back here soon.
(5)Sara L.
Loved the jalea de mnariscos. Went there last Saturday to celebrate my friends birthday and we had a great time, great atmosphere, food and if you like mojitos the coconut mojito is so good!!! THUMBS UP HAVANA
(5)Varun S.
The food was ok, The service wasnt up to par.
(3)Molly S.
Fantastic drinks, helpful service, beautiful entrees!
(4)Sarah W.
We had dinner last night at Havana and everything was great! Servers and bus boys were friendly, always cleared the tables quickly, and kept our waters full. The chimichangas are a must, tortilla soup was delicious, and so were the rollitos manchegos - super flavorful. The carne asada was good as well but the guacamole on top made it a bit cold (recommend serving the guac as a side, vs on top of the steak). Overall, really nice experience and we will definitely be back!
(4)Marie M.
Such great food & service! The wait staff was perfectly attentive. The type of staff that gets you everything you ordered and what you need without being pushy or constantly asking you if there is anything you need. Our waiter didn't write anything down (and we ordered A LOT) and everything came out in good time with nothing missing. Tasted like authentic Cuban food with all the flavor. There were healthy options (I had a great salad with jicama and grilled chicken) and classic dishes. Get the tostones! Friday $20 Mojito pitcher! We sat outside on the little patio. Looks like they had Live music on the weekend. We street parked but there was a valet too. I'd say good for groups or a date night.
(5)Angel A.
I had the pleasure of trying out this establishment while in Chicago on business. I make it a point to try and visit Puerto Rican and/or Cuban cuisines at every destination that I travel too. Okay, he we go. I loved the decor. The establishment was busy which only told me that it's a well known eatery. I began my venture by ordering a nice glass of Sangria. All I can say is EXCELLENT!! As I enjoyed my glass, I decided to order some appetizers. I ordered some Empanadas and they were a treat to eat. I then moved onto my main course. I ordered the roast pork with white rice and red beans. Unfortunately, they indicated that they don't carry red beans only black. You know, a Caribbean restaurant should always have an option- Strike 1. My main plate arrived and the presentation looked like the plates I used to have when I was in the US Army! Picture a line of GI's waiting to have their tray filled with chow and as you walk down the path and present your tray, good is picked up by the massive sized spoon and slopped down on the tray. There you have it- Strike 2. Well as I tried to enjoy my meal, I had to throw out a life server ring in order for me to find the slices of pork. Poor slice was drowning in sauce. Strike 3. I finally had my share of adventure and called it a night. I got back to my hotel room had a glass of water.... And then, the Atomic Bomb set off inside my stomach. After a box of pepto and 24 documented runs to the porcelain god! Day light broke... I felt like Baron Von Dracula looking for my coffin. This is as far as I'm going with this saga.. Hey, all I can say is to try it out. You might have a different experience. Just keep that Pepto near your bedside.
(1)Maegen R.
I love Cuban food, so I was really excited that this place was right across the street from where my friends and I had just enjoyed happy hour. It was a Monday night so fairly empty. Seating wasn't an issue. The atmosphere was chill. Service was fast. The server was friendly and attentive. I had the Carne Con Tequila (Steak and mixed sweet & white potato fries). It was really good. I will note, the steak had a little more gravy/sauce than I typically care for, but it didn't ruin the meal. However, if I ordered it again, I would definitely ask them to go easy on the sauce. My friends and I shared a pitcher of caipirinha on special. I found it tart, but refreshing. Per my friends, it's not suppose to be tart, but instead sweet. It was my time trying it, so I had no comparison. They weren't especially in love with the drink, but found the food quite tasty. Overall, I was pleased and so were my friends. I would definitely dine there again.
(4)eve r.
My two daughters and myself had dinner Friday night. Ordered tilapia, calamari citrus salad (one with fried calamari and the other sautéed), ceviche appetizer. Zero flavor, zero. Calamari - both - very chewy. Tilapia-over sauced. Could not identify anything except avocado in the ceviche. Worst part is my daughter (calamari) began vomiting in the middle if the night and I was (calamari) ill as well. Never again
(1)Jennifer M.
Havana is a darling Cuban themed restaurant. I ordered the Carne con Tequila and my boyfriend ordered the pork chops. Both were cooked perfectly with awesome flavors! We went on a Thursday and they had a drink special for a pitcher of margaritas for $20, score! What takes my rating down a notch or so was the service. It was difficult to find who to go to when we first arrived to be seated and the waiter stopped by with long pauses in between. Also, I had called ahead and informed the restaurant that it was my boyfriend's birthday and wanted to see if they sent out a dessert for the occasion, to which they responded they did and would make a note. I also checked when we arrived at the restaurant and told the individual who seated us. However, lo and behold, our bill came and no dessert was brought out. By that point, it would've taken a while to get our server's attention and I just didn't do it since it was supposed to be a surprise for my boyfriend and would have completely been a mute point by then. That was more disappointing for me than my boyfriend, who said he was full and didn't care, but I was upset that I continuously reminded them and it was forgotten about. Not coming back for celebrations again since it was more work on my end than theirs!
(3)Debbie H.
I revisited Havana after what I now realize was (way) too long. Started off with a cocktail at the modest wooden bar to celebrate the end of a stressful work week and what I hope is the beginning (finally) of spring! The jalepeno margarita doesn't disappoint: it's got the right kick to kick start your night. Moving to a table, my dinner companion and I jumped at the chance to nibble on the trip of empanadas - while surprisingly raisin heavy, that little known ingredient provides a burst of flavor with each bite. Three different types of empanadas (manchego cheese with onions, walnuts and raisins, sautéed chicken with cheddar cheese, tomatoes and corn, and beef with raisins, onions, olives and peppers accompanied by a few plantains thrown in for good measure. A great pairing is their Montgrass Chilean Sauvignon blanc. My companion order the pulled pork and I the rollitos manchego - I'm a sucker for cheese and I recalled having it before (a reason to have had fond memories of Havana). The mashed yucca loos like a vanilla ice cream scoop anchoring the plate, decorated with thick slices of chicken stuffed with spinach and cheese plated around it, all atop a poblano cream sauce that isn't too heavy, nor is the dish swimming in it. The best part? There's enough to take home - a benefit I will shortly be enjoying for lunch. My only (continued) negative is that while the decor and dishes provide a casual yet upscale dining experience, below the main floor lies a very cold, antiquated and uninviting ladies' room (the door didn't even close all the way). It would be worth the investment to upgrade so that from start to finish, head to toe, Havana is a Cuban vacation on Clark.
(4)Christina H.
I like Havana -- hit or miss on the Cuban dishes, but I'm a Cuban so I'm difficult to impress. But Friday nights are great. I love to go for dinner, get the mojito special and stay for the music. Fun place.
(4)Clayton R.
This is my first review, so take it as a grain of salt if you wish. It was my first trip to Havana, and I reserved a table there on a Friday night. It was a date, mind you, and one that I considered to be of importance. I'll walk you through my experience: I arrived a touch earlier than my reservation time in hopes that perhaps I could get a table slightly earlier than planned, or just grab a drink at the bar while I waited. Luckily enough, they did have a table for two ready, and in we went. We started out with some standard mojitos, which were pretty darn good, to say the least. Our waiter, as well as the staff in general, did a great job. They were quick, timely, and accommodating. We started out with the ceviche (a first time item for my date) which was as refreshing as one would want. My date was only able to narrow down her choices to a few items, and seeing as she was observing Lent, they were all fish items. Our waiter was very helpful in narrowing down the choices with his suggestions. She went with the plantain crusted halibut, and "won at dinner". I had the fish tacos, which were exactly what I wanted, but man that halibut was truly one of the better fish dishes I've ever tasted. It ended up being a really great date, and a risk of going to a completely new place ended up being very worthwhile. I hope that their service is as consistent as it was for us, because I do very much recommend it. In the summer months, I am told that they set up some space outside and it ends up being a great place to chill with a drink and eat some refreshing food.
(5)Anna G.
I had never heard of or noticed Havana until walking by it this summer while on my way to dinner somewhere else on Clark St. We finally got around to checking it out last weekend and, overall, I recommend it. The mojitos and caipirinhas were very good. I'll be back for a happy hour for sure. The food was good, it just isn't anything to really rave about. The portions were pretty large. Prices are great for the area! Service started out a little poorly (she forgot 2 of the drink flavors we ordered and the fact that we ordered chips and guac--why don't servers just write things down?!) but she definitely became more attentive after that.
(3)Basil D.
I have tried several Cuban restaurants in Chicago. They all have their unique attributes. This one is no different. COME HERE FOR THE SANGRIA....SANGRIA...DRINK THE SANGRIA!!!!! HAPPINESS IS FOUND IN THE SANGRIA! Seriously, I am a sangria aficionado of sorts. This is the best. don't bother with a glass, just get the damn pitcher, it's only $20 and well worth it. They'll even give you the recipe, though not the amounts. They tell me they put some soda water, rasberry liquor, and triple-sec along with the normal sangria ingredients. It is light, refreshing, very flavorful, and relaxes you completely. Now the food. The Tostones are incredible. Twice fried plantains are cut perfectly, thick enough to be meaty and absorb the dipping sauces, and thin enough to keep the flavor consistent throughout. I recommend sprinkling them with salt then eat without the sauce, which is wonderful, or try the dipping sauces. Their salads are wonderfully fresh and prepared with care, not just thrown together. The tilapia tacos are fantastic (but everyone's doing them, still excellent), the Cuban pork is wonderful and rivals that of 90 Miles also nearby. So many other good things to say, but I shan't bore you. You really must come. It's got a great atmosphere and you can enjoy the best life possible in Chicago, which is River North living baby! Cheers
(4)Douglas B.
So went here with Wifey, brother-in-law and his wife. Preface: If you are looking for authentic Cuban, beware, this is deceiving. This does not even touch Cuban by a mile. It's some "Pan-Latin" something or other.. all I know is that it was not very good. The place is very small... the tables are uncomfortable to sit in and its loud as F*ck in there! The staff is very odd and looks confused half the time. This has to have been created for tourists and for people that don't know better. Also.. If you're going to name your self "Havana" please please please spell the things correctly. They have a border of several different cuban items spelled around the edges of the ceiling. Half of that stuff is misspelled for goodness sake! What the heck is a "Plantanos" it's PLATANOS! And "Marquitas"??? its Mariquitas! Food... We started off with drinks... I ordered my usual Manhattan.. the first one came with some orange in it... I think the bartender has their menu confused. Ordered my second one with out any oranges.. this time I got two pieces. Thanks big guy. We ordered fried calamari and empanada trio to start. The calamari was fried so hard it tasted burnt and was not that great. The empanada was fried just as hard. Then I proceeded to order some concoction of a skirt steak and tequila sauce. Thank goodness I was able to substitute the "Latin Fries" whatever those were with some congri. I also then ordered a side of platanos maduros(sweet plantain). The steak was tender but was soaked in some kind of sweet ass sauce with huge bits of garlic. Not a fan. The congri was ok, I've had better.. it had freakin red peppers in it!?!? wtf is that? and it was spicy.. i don't get it. If i wanted Mexican food, I would have gone to get Mexican food. The even had "Chimichangas" on the menu.. WTF is a chimichanga!?!? The platanos were horrible.. they are already sweet.. but the chef decided that they definitely needed a good dose of honey or brown sugar or whatever that was to make sure my teeth fell out. The food.. terrible. The service... we at least got a table.. but the service is pushy.. i felt rushed.. we wanted to stay for the "live" music.. but I guess the waitress wanted to leave. She was so bland and no character.. I don't blame her.. I wouldn't want to work there either. The only friendly people in there were the bus boys, Put those guys in the front! The live music sucked... they played like 1-2 songs loud as hell and then it was DJ time. I felt like i was stuck in some gaudy bar in wrigleyville... i was just waiting for the flip flops and cub caps to start popping up. Overall this place was uber disappointing. Will def. never go back. Thank goodness parking was only $10. If you're expecting Cuban food.. stay away.. nothing in that place is cuban but the name of the restaurant. Sooo many other better places to go get the Cuban experience.. hit me up and I'll guide you!!!
(1)Yannick B.
I tried this restaurant with my girlfriend on a Saturday night, though the review on yelp weren't as good as other places in the area. If this place deserved poor reviews before, not anymore in my experience. The service was very good, both friendly and fast. The food was delicious. I had carne asada, excellent meat and quite a large dish. She had pollo coco lemon, and couldn't finish so I got the last bites out of it and it was excellent too. We also got a shared rhum coco flan desert, which was a good finish. Check: $50 without tip
(5)Melissa F.
I think 3.5 stars is a good measure of this place, but I had a good experience here last night, so 4 is OK. The space is sexy and has low lighting, but it's not so loud you can't hear anyone, nor is it "trying too hard." We started with the ceviche, which was delicious and came with interesting plantain chips (as well as regular multi-colored tortilla chips). My date and I both had the ropa vieja. I didn't go hungry at all, but I think the price outpaces the dish to a slight extent. The black beans were good, and the rice was fine. I was worried that the meat would be bland, but it was actually very good, and I enjoyed the tomato broth in which it was cooked. The mojito was almost too strong for me, but it was a perfect blend of mint and lime. Havana isn't a life-changing restaurant, really, but it's a nice option!
(4)Laura K.
Great Latin food! Great vibe - I 'm a fan of Havana! I have gone here on a number of occasions (lunch and dinners - both small groups and large groups) and each time I have been VERY pleased with the service and the food! Good specials (Thursday night half price margaritas), great lunch menu that is pretty cheap considering the other sit-down options in the area (Torta Cubana for $9 - yes please), and a pretty sophisticated dinner menu. All in all, you can't go wrong with Havana.
(4)Vic C.
Cool atmosphere. Service was subpar. Food was good. I had the pollo horneado which consisted of marinated chicken, habanero salsa, plantains and mashed sweet potato. Wouldn't go out of my way to return.
(3)Luiz R.
Amazing restaurant. Great food, great atmosphere. I would probably rank it in my top 3 goto restaurants in the river north area.
(5)Ingrid L.
We came to havana tonight for my mom's 70th birthday and we had an exceptional experience. Jessica, our server, was outstanding.. We started with the fried plantains and the empanadas..both were ridiculously good.. We had pulled pork and the seafood in coconut sauce for dinner..both were ridiculously good. Best of all, the service was outstanding.
(5)Mickey A.
I haven't been here since the place was Mambo Grill. i met a couple co-workers here for dinner. Since it was right after work (around 5-ish), we were seated right away even without reservations. I probably would make one just in case for next time. There's usually a drink special sign outside. I believe the night we went it was buy one pitcher of mojitos and get the next half off. We didn't order drinks but that did seem like a good deal. We ordered guacamole and chips to start as we were starving. I ate way more than I could handle because the guacamole was really good (that or I was so hungry). Just like a Pringles commercial, you just can't stop...or something like that. I ordered the chicken stuffed with spinach and mancheego (sp?) cheese topped with a green pepper creamy sauce. Damn that sauce was so delicious and not very heavy. I mean, I swirled every chicken bite around in that sauce because it was just good. The stuffed chicken pieces were pretty big and I still had so much to bring home. I'm hoping to come back again to try one of their drink specials. Mojitos: I hear you calling my name.
(3)Aditi G.
My friend and I stumbled upon this little place the other night after going into Mercadito around the corner only to find that the wait was over an hour. We didn't want to wait so we came to Havana and got seated at the bar right away which was great. I really love this little place! Love the authentic decor and love that it's a smaller, more intimate place. My friend and I got the friend plantains, some chips and guacamole, and beans and rice and everything was fresh, flavorful and beautiful! Would definitely come back here!
(5)Courtney Z.
With so many great places to eat in Chicago - skip this one!! Confused/rude service, nothing special food, incredibly loud inside. Also, if they bring you to the downstairs to eat - run!! Odd, awkwardly quiet, drab room. I think the only time I'd consider eating here again is if it were in the seats outside - probably a much better experience. The mojitos were very good on a plus side. OH and wouldn't let us use the stupid yelp coupon for dessert. I guess one of the stipulations is only one deal an order (I guess our pitcher of mojitos was a deal). It was just lame though - like really we don't care if we pay an extra 5 bucks but its the point of it... Grappling with us over 5 dollars?? Please...
(1)Mandi P.
Were we forgotten about??? We were here this past weekend with a large group for a birthday dinner. We all met at the bar around 7:30 for 7:45 reservations. The place looked tiny, but cute. Immediately we were made aware of just how tiny the place was as there was not enough room for us to stand at the bar conversing while also allowing the workers and other customers to walk back and forth...not to mention there was a ginormous fake plant right in the walk way by the bar...why??? We were seated before some of our party arrived before 7:45...I think mainly to get us out of the way which was completely fine with us. We were taken downstairs to the basement. Uggghhh...I am so tired of restaurants putting our group in add on rooms in basements or off of the kitchen. I am done with it and it will not happen again! Service at first was really good. Our waiter, Carlos, was attentive and pretty fast at getting us what we needed. Then...after our appetizers came out the service kinda dwindled. My guess is that the upstairs got busy and our waiter was covering our table in addition to multiple tables upstairs. However, as we were in the basement I couldn't honestly say if that was the issue. I won't lie, the food was actually fairly decent. Much better than I anticipated and I actually was full before finishing my dish. I got the chicken tacos and would probably eat it again should I have any notion to every visit Havana again. However, we were never offered coffee or dessert menus. The birthday girl's husband had to flag down someone from the staff just to order two small desserts that said happy birthday for the birthday girl and boy. Also, due to the server not coming back often we were all lacking drinks all througout the dinner. Someone from our table asked how many more rounds of drinks we would have had if we had been offered any more by our server...the vast majority of us stated 2-3...(that's between 20-30 drinks) that's a lot of easy money the restaurant lost that night. Kind of a shame. I can really see Havana's potential. The food is good, but the service is lacking. Oh...and they must get rid of that basement room...kills the mood completely and makes you feel like you are sitting in a friend's house for dinner.
(2)Deanna I.
Went here 2 weeks ago for my anniversary. We were seated right away, and I instantly loved the atmosphere. Our table was in the back and as far away from commotion as possible. The chimichangas appetizer were incredible. My boyfriend ordered the pulled pork, and the combination of sweet and savory was as unique as it was tasty. Downside was a the watermelon-tini, no where on the menu does it mention the extreme sweetness of this drink. It says "refreshing" when it should say, we melted a jolly rancher then added a cup of sugar. However, the waitress was so nice and after getting manager approval let me switch the drink for the margarita, which was very good. Also, it was extremely dark. I get the idea of intimate lighting, but even while we were the manager dimmed the lights even more to a point where im surprised the wait staff wasn't tripping over each other
(4)Laura Z.
We really enjoyed our meal and would definitely come back. We had a pitcher of mojitos and half an order of guacamole. Both our entrees were great: tilapia and ropa vieja. Service was fine and not rushed. The place is small but not too loud. Easy for two people to talk.
(4)Ania W.
Delicious pisco sour!!!
(4)Diana C.
We waited an hour over an hour past our reservation time, and food and drinks were mediocre at best.
(2)Maile M.
The pros: seated quickly (especially for it being a Friday night), we were served very quickly, and the caramelized plantains with honey were delicious and perfectly crisp. I would still consider returning to try out their pitcher specials but the place is tiny so arriving early is a must. The cons (and the reason for such a low rating): we requested an appetizer suggestion from the waitress to which she replied the empanadas... They did not taste good at all. The best one of the three was the beans but it reminded me of the fried burritos that my high school use to serve. We also ordered the ropa vieja which again did not come close to meeting our expectations. Lastly, we ordered a simple coca cola which was bitter! All in all we would definitely not being coming back for dinner... Maybe drinks?
(2)Meredith K.
I liked it better when it was Mambo Grill. Havana still has mojito pitchers and black bean dip, but the service isn't as good and the food was off. My boyfriend is 1/2 Cuban so this means something to him. He got the pork. I had to get the black bean dip but its runnier than what it used to be. Its just ok. I got the shrimp and mango salad and I think the shrimp was bad. It smelled and had a strange texture. I couldn't eat it. For that reason I'll not be back. We've found better Cuban food at places like D'Cuba.
(2)Abby L.
Amazing (and strong!) drinks, delicious food-- my friend and I split 2 appetizers --plaintains and black bean sauce were soo good! Will for sure be back :)
(4)Giuseppe D.
I'm really kinda' sorta' very disappointed in myself for having not written a review for Havana yet. This has been one of my favorite places to eat at for about 6 months now. I've come here at LEAST a dozen times in that span, including a few back-to-back meals; don't judge me until you try it :) I really don't even know where to start because everything I've had from here has been great. From the cerviche appetizers, to the apricot chipotle pork chops, to the classic Cubano sandwich, I've never been let down. If I MUST pick a favorite, the most memorable would be the ribs! Absolutely phenomenal, literal "melt in your mouth" consistency, equally sweet/spicy sauce, this is a must have. They make all of their mojitos and sangria in-house. You could never go run with a pitcher, or 6, of these :) Though it's very chill throughout the day, Havana turns into a dancing FIESTA at night. Really cool music, plenty of Latin dancing, it's a cool experience for anyone who enjoys Latin music and culture. Amazing service, amazing food, amazing overall. Definitely recommend Havana for your Cuban cravings.
(5)Anne M.
Havana was a mixed bag. Some awesome things (mojitos, chimichangas), some so-so things (enchiladas), some bad things (undercooked/raw pork chops and disappearing server). We kept drawing from the mixed bag the entire evening... My party of four managed to squeeze into a booth on the early end of dinner time, Saturday. The place was packed and loud. Once the mojitos were served, things got better. The chicken chimichangas were awesome - though they were smaller than I'd like (egg roll size), they were delicious. Once the guac / chips platter and crab cake apps arrived, things continued on good wavelengths, but that turned out to be the high point of the meal - from there on out, things were headed downhill. Time for the second pitcher of cocktails. We opted for something different this time - a rum + pineapple juice + lime juice concoction. Should have stuck with the mojitos..... We all agreed, this combo was weird. Still, we drank it. Entrees were disappointing to me. I split the chx enchiladas with someone and there was really nothing special going on. Three decent size enchiladas, but not that meaty and lacking some basic garnish - sour cream? lettuce? tomato? Sides of beans and rice were straight up beans and rice - no flavor; very basic. A pork chop entree was also ordered and to the diner's dismay, he realized the center of the chop (by the bone) was raw. Gross. Couldn't notify our waiter, because he was nowhere to be seen. He was also M.I.A. for a good while when we were trying to pay our bill and leave. Annoying. Finally, we paid up and left. High memories of the chimis and mojitos - everything else was kind of forgettable...
(3)Tim H.
Phenomenal food. Do not order the Jalapeño caipirinha.
(4)Sruts A.
A favorite restaurant of mine. The food is great, atmosphere very relaxed and the service is quick! The guacamole served with chips is delicious, the steak sandwich is mouth watering, but I think my favorite entree here is the Pollo Horneado Con Platano - the chicken has always been perfectly cooked, tender and flavored to perfection! Go during the weekdays if you want to beat the crowd. Weekends are always filled with people to the brim - they even have live music and outdoor seating. Despite the crowd, service is always excellent. Your glass will never be empty, your conversation never interrupted, and your food always deservingly delicious!
(4)Kristen H.
Had an event to attend in the area and wasn't sure where to eat. A friend recommended Havana and luckily I was able to make a same day reservation. Overall the experience was good for what we needed. My friend and I shared 3 things - the calamari, the ceviche mixto and the fish tacos. The calamari had a wonderful sauce to dip with. The ceviche had lots of fresh fish and came with these fun plantain chips and the fish tacos were good too - the fish was nice a crispy. The drinks were strong a fun. I had a Caipirinha - A refreshing Brazilian classic with Rio D Cachaca Rum, fresh lime and sugar - it was good and strong. Overall, it was a quick dining experience, but nonetheless everything was tasty. The service wasn't the best and our seat was a squeezed in table by another big group, hence the 3 stars.
(3)Albert M.
Walked in on a Thursday night, by myself, was seated at the bar immediately. I was torn between two dishes, so I asked one of the bartenders which dish he would recommend and he suggested Pollo A La Caserolas, so I ordered it. Once it arrived I dove right in, soooo good! ...And the poblano cream sauce, yum! I suggest a side of beans with it too.
(5)Heather M.
I had a very special occasion here last night and the staff made it absolutely perfect! The general manager Noe and the hostess Andrea went above and beyond to make it wonderful. Great food, fun atmosphere, and such reasonable prices. My new favorite spot in river north!!!
(5)Chloe Z.
Before I went, Havana's menu really set my expectation high. Yet after the dinner I see why this place is only 3.5 stars We sampled quite a few dishes as they all sounded enticing, yet nothing stood out. The hyped stuffed pepper is just soso. The creamy sauce drawn the peppers and there was too much cheese the payella may be the only highlight of the night the black bean soup was so mediocre, and even my neighborhood cafe can do better than that Maybe this is a better place for a drink a light dinner, but not for foodies for sure!
(3)William V.
I've been to this place several times and recommend it for a unique lunch or dinner. The atmosphere is interesting, though darker than I prefer. The cuisine is decent and seems to be fairly authentic. The service is always prompt and friendly, and the place transforms into a party on Saturday nights. Give it a try.
(3)Melissa S.
Came here one night to watch the basketball game. It was pretty late and this place wasn't as crowded as the sports bar we passed by earlier and the kitchen was still open, so they didn't have to ID us. The bartender was very nice. I can't say anything about the food because we only had beers, but do order their "strawberries and cream" dessert. Delicious! It was a good night - especially coz the Heat won. hehehe
(4)Rachel S.
My boyfriend and I were excited to try this restaurant, made an 8PM Saturday night reservation. We liked the atmosphere, although the music was pretty loud. Food was awesome - I tried the Ropa Vieja and my boyfriend's Rollitos Manchegos was incredible. The ceviche was an exciting and refreshing appetizer. Service started out fine, but dwindled throughout the meal. The server asked us if we'd like another drink halfway through out meal, but we didn't receive the drinks until after we were done eating. I had been saving room for dessert, but the server let us sit at the table without offering for 20 minutes after our plates were cleared. I had given up and decided they didn't have a dessert menu at that point, so imagine my shock when my boyfriend asked for it and it was promptly delivered. Moral of the story: great food, not the best service.
(3)Melanie S.
I don't really know why I don't come here more often, but I'm going to have to remedy that. The prices (especially at lunch) are very reasonable and their cocktails are great. They offer lots of fun varieties (mojitos, sangria, caipirinhas, margaritas), as well as specialty and premium tequilas. Went here today and it had been awhile since I was here. They have a specially-priced lunch menu and nothing on it is more than $8.95. You can get tacos, enchiladas, a cubana sandwich, quesadillas, even a "latin" burger (I guess putting guacamole on it makes it Latin?). It's a lot of food for not a lot of money. The food is generally very tasty. Today I got the tacos and you get a choice of steak, chicken, seafood or vegetable. I asked if I could get three different ones and they happily obliged, so I chose 1 steak, 1 chicken, and 1 vegetable. It comes with a big pile of guacamole and black beans. I didn't think I'd finish everything but it was too good not to. The vegetables in the taco were like fajita fixin's (peppers, onions and mushrooms) and the chicken was shredded and slightly spicy. Even the tortillas were delicious. Service is courteous and efficient. Get a guava mojito, or be like me and get two!
(4)Dominick N.
Another Great Evening Had the Chimichanga appetizer again and the Calamari. My Husband loves the Mojitos and I my Typical Kettle One up with a twist. Great as always. The server was polite and prompt. The food came out in a reasonable amount of time despite the restaurant being PACKED! My hubby had the Carne Asada and I did the Ropa Vieja, awesome. We finished with espresso and a chocolate cake. The waiter was great. Food wonderful. Love it here.
(4)Rachel B.
I love Havana. I go here after work with one of my girlfriends on average once a month. Their pitcher deals are FANTASTIC, especially the red Sangria. Best I've ever had. I haven't had a bad dish here, from the guacamole appetizer to the chiles rellenos meal. The service is great, the ambiance is nice. Overall a great place.
(5)Maren B.
Havana is one of those places my husband and I go every year or so, maybe a little more often. I think he's only tried one of their dishes off the entire menu, but he loves it (it's the pulled pork over mashed potatoes with creamed corn - I'm not crazy about it but he is so I guess it's all a matter of taste). We came back this weekend for a summer date night and were SO disappointed that they stopped serving bread and butter. They used to include this sweet chili butter that was amazing, and to me it was really one of their selling points. When we arrived there was only a half-hour wait or so, so we ordered a pitcher of mojitos at the bar. The mojitos are awesome here, I recommend the mango. The bartender was cool but seemed like he was more interested in schmoozing the people who were planning on staying quite some time at the bar; although he did make sure to give us the bill before we left for our table, which I thought was a little odd. Our server was average - a little bit slow in getting to our table to begin with, but after that she made sure we had everything we needed. I've tried a few things off the menu, and while they were all satisfying, none have been stellar enough for me to mention by name. I will, however, recommend the cortadito coffee as an after-dinner drink. It's a Cuban espresso that's a little better than your average cup of joe.
(3)Jaime N.
Excellent place! The atmosphere was great and the service pretty good. We ate one caribbean paella and drank 4 mojitos (3 mojitos house and 1 guava mojito) and the dessert (coconut rum flan) was extremely awesome! I recommend this place for anybody who wants to try another kind of food in Chicago's Down town.
(5)Neil R.
I had an excellent meal - Rollitos Manchegos - highly recommend this. Also mojito's and other drinks are definitely awesome
(4)R K.
I love Cuban food, but Cuban this is not. It's more of just a generic Latin restaurant with some ropa vieja and Cuban sandwiches as well. And the ropa vieja was pretty bad and quite bland. Their plantains were good, although it's pretty hard to mess those up.
(2)Shane T.
Tried this place for the first time whenMa n Pa came to visit. tasty boozy drinks for the whole family
(5)Jackie N.
My first visit to Havana was a success. As a vegetarian, I usually try to avoid Cuban restaurants (typically very meat-centric), yet the options were decent and the accommodating staff was willing to amend several choices. Not to mention that their guacamole is fantastic!
(4)Rohan S.
The steak marinated in tequila was delicious. The pulled pork dish was also solid. Definitely recommend it.
(4)Shawn K.
Best mojito I have ever had. Although I have not have a whole lot of them. We came in here with a large party and the waitstaff was very accommodating to put tables together and get us situated. I look forward to eating here in the future.
(4)Alex S.
I had a nice meal there tonight. Blackbean and rice was nice. Salted nice and tasted very savory.....Service was alright. Bar looked alright.... Music was extreamly load for a resturant. To loud to have a conversation...
(4)Noah E.
This was the first time I have tried cuban food and I have not been able to top it since. The food is amazing, the service was great, and the inexpensive pitchers of drinks are a great idea. I will definitely come back!
(5)Allison V.
I went here on a friend date. We had great service. The staff explained drinks and foods and even had recommendations. My friend and I ordered our food, shared our spoils, and enjoyed our cocktails. This place is a hidden gem. I look forward to going back again. Bike parking on street.
(5)Leilo P.
I heard a rumor that this place was a Cuban Dancing Party 24/7... Sadly it was just that, a rumor. While the music played in the background it was not as lively as Carnivale. The food was delicious, however the prices were so high my Abuela would have slapped the waiter if she were still alive! Also, this place is not 100% authentically Cuban because no Cuban ever eats Chile Rellenos, Jalapenos, or 60% of the menu. A bit disrespectful to call it Havana when you're not really exploring Cuban Cuisine. +Good Job on getting the Steak Cubano and the Ropa Vieja just right! Both were delicious and enough food to feed four. + Tostaditos De Platano = Heaven! Except, I preferred Lazy Parrot's version so much more. + Empanada Trio = Best Empanadas in this city! I am NOT kidding. I would go back to this place JUST for the manchego empanada. What a great idea! - It took three Mojitos to do the job and they each came out inconsistent; one was too sweet, the other was too minty; the last was water. - Havana Roasted Pulled Pork= what a terror! Do not put Havana in front of anything that has jalapenos! It is a known fact that Cubans do not eat spicy food and that jalapenos are nowhere on our plate. It was quite traumatizing! I will definitely return to Havana if someone else is paying. It was good, but not good enough for me to pay River North prices for street style food.
(3)Stephanie L.
YUM to Latin food! This place is super cute on the inside and I was pleasantly surprised with everything. The service...great service. Attentive and always checking on us and clearing plates. Waters and drinks were always filled...BONUS The food...Guacamole...YUMMY and only $6.95 for a full. Scallops were actually really good. I was surprised. Large and not gritty at all. The Caserola De Hongo Relleno was FANTASTIC. The melted cheese-y goodness was great and it went perfect with the mushrooms sliced on top. We licked the plate clean. The Cubano torta was really good and had great flavor. The vibe...upbeat and happy on a Friday evening, but not overcrowded. It really was a perfect dining experience. The price...CHEAPY CHEAPY for River North area. I would definitely go back to Havana for a meal or a cocktail sometime.
(4)Ashley W.
If I had to think of one thing that stood out here, it's the appetizers! We had the empanadas and the chimichangas, and both were fantastic, although I'd say I preferred the chimichangas a little more! If I came back, I'd be tempted to order them as my entree, that's how much I loved them! I also had the Havana Roasted Pulled Pork which was good, but not great. I would probably try something else another time. Service was attentive, and all in all it was a good experience.
(4)Dani B.
We tried out Havana a few weeks ago on a cold, snowy night and had a really nice time. The music and environment inside made us forget about the weather. Sat at the bar - bartender was attentive and friendly. Love the $20 pitcher specials! Shared two entrees and really enjoyed both. Also checked in on yelp for a free dessert. Will definitely be back and would recommend to others!
(4)Angel G.
I was there for lunch today with some colleagues and loved the ambiance and vibe of the place, but I had the Cuban Steak Sandwich and the meat was a little hard. Guacamole, Salsa and Pico de Gallo with Chips Appetizer was good. I will try again, but next time tasting a different plate.
(3)Andrew T.
Great place for Cuban food. I got the jibaritos which were amazing. The mojitos hit the spot, and they are discounted on Friday evenings. I strongly recommend making reservations during busier hours here as the place was packed the whole time we were there. The service was great, and the environment is laid back and bustling. I would say it is a bit dim for those who do are not into that. They have a huge menu and definitely take your time perusing it.
(4)Ella S.
Absolutely loved it! Very attentive service and the food was great! Make sure to try the crab cake as an appetizer! The portions were large and filling! The atmosphere was very pleasant. Definitely plan on going here again
(5)AnnaMaria V.
I would not recommend going to this restaurant. I ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. It had calamari, shrimp, mussels, scallops, chicken breast and chorizo baked with rice & pineapple. I was completely disappointed. The seafood was hiding under a pile of dry, flavorless rice. The shrimp was bland. The calamari & scallops were small. The chicken was cut into super tiny pieces & the chorizo was dry. I have no desire to give this place a second chance.
(1)Heather P.
Accidentally stumbled upon this place while looking for a yummy dinner in River North. I love Cuban food so this jumped out as soon as I saw a sign advertising half off sangria pitchers while walking down the street. Immediately I liked the looks - it was slightly dark and quaint. The bar looked large and plentifully stocked. Score! My friend announces her oncoming migraine, no drinks for her which just made me feel like a super lush ordering a pitcher of sangria for myself so against my better judgment, I declined a drink. Then she states that she lost her appetite so she's getting the appetizer empanadas and that left me with the unfortunate dilemma - do I get a full out dinner and eat by myself or follow her lead and just get an app. So I went with the latter and got calamari. DISCLAIMER: why in the world would you order calamari at a Cuban restaurant?!?!?! You wouldn't and I shouldn't have - stupid stupid stupid (insert a Chris Farley interviewing Paul Mcartney reenactment here). It was bad. Over fried and dry while still oily enough to leave me feeling like a total greaseball. My friend had what I would consider a very small portion even for an appetizer and she was not at all impressed with her selection either. Feel bad giving it such a bad review based on two appetizers, but either our choices were poor (very possible) or this is an indication of the rest of the menu. The atmosphere was really nice and the server was also pleasant enough. I would give it another shot if I were in the neighborood, but I wouldn't order the calamari or empanadas.
(2)Katelyn E.
This is stop 1 on my dinner club journey throughout the city. It passed with rave reviews. 1. They were able to seat a large group (9 of us) the Thursday before our Saturday reservation. 2. We sat downstairs- very nice ambiance; dimly lit, Cuban music 3. The food was so delicious! It was spicy and full of flavor. I ordered a chicken meal and not only was it mouthwatering, but there was so much of it, I took some home. We also ordered pretty much every single appetizer and there isn't one I wouldn't recommend. 4. MOJITOS. Delicious! We ordered SEVERAL pitchers and they went super quickly! Our waitress suggested we order the berry flavored mojito and we warily agreed. However, it might have been the best choice of the night! 5. VERY reasonably priced. 6. Salsa night. Need I say more? Check it out! Great for large groups and fun nights!
(4)Norma H.
I work near Havana and have been wanting to try this place for a very long time (over 6 years) but I was afraid that it would not be authentic Cuban food. Can't believe I waited so long. This place is fantastic, the food is delicious and I have a long list of things I want to try next. So far I've only had the Ropa Vieja and Havana Roasted Pulled Pork and both were wonderful!! I can't wait to order from there again. You will NOT be dissapointed.
(5)Adam C.
My wife and I love Cuban food and decided to try Havana while spending a weekend downtown. We loved the atmosphere and the vibe of the place. We ordered the empanadas and they were delicious, as were the chips with guacamole and salsas. I ordered a standby favorite for me, which was the Ropa Vieja. It was really flavorful and tasted delicious. My problem with it was that the meat was incredibly tough, making it so that I had to chew each bite about 34 times before it felt safe to swallow it. My wife ordered a chicken with creamy curry sauce and she thought it was wonderful. The food was batting about a B-, but still pretty decent overall. Once we began ordering cocktails, that's when things took a turn for the worse. We tried about 5 different signature cocktails from their menu. I'm not sure if it was because our waitress was doing double-duty as the bartender over lunch hour, or if this is just how the cocktails are supposed to taste, but they were all nearly undrinkable, tasting like paint thinner with a small dash of flavor. I think we will come back again sometime, but probably not before we look for other Cuban options first.
(3)Sarah D.
I was so excited to try Havana as I've been looking for good sangria and Cuban food that compare back to home, but this place doesn't hold a candle. I didn't get to try any of the drinks, but my friend and I split the tostones, a side of yucca and carne asada. The chips were nothing to write home about, and the mojo and garlic sauces were just alright. The steak was overcooked, the rice underdone, and the yucca? A disappointment to Cuban tradition. While the decor was step above the rest and live music could be winning, the service was rather unfriendly. I make much better Cuban food at home, which pretty much sums up this review.
(3)Jessica J.
I've only ever been to Havana on Friday nights. With their half price (and delicious) mojito pitchers, and their location two minutes from work, I can't imagine going any other time! They have decent food (from what I've tried - limited vegetarian options on the menu), and you can't go wrong with chips and guac. Service is always good, decent atmosphere. Friday nights can get a bit crowded (there's seating upstairs and downstairs, and a few tables outside in the summer, but it's not a huge place), so be prepared to wait for a table if you don't have a reservation.
(4)Kelly W.
So, a friend and I randomly stopped here on a Friday afternoon because we saw they had a mojito special. I am so happy I stopped in! The mojitos were amazing (not something I normally say- kind of a snob about them). And we decided to just get an order of guac to tide us over. I can't believe how much food came with that appetizer! Not only did we get guac, but two types of salsa as well and a huge thing of chips. Not bad for $7-8 and when you are splitting it with a friend. I'd love to come back sometime when they have live music and to get dinner.
(4)Jenny H.
Catch me at Havana on friday nights for their half off mojitos! We didn't have a reservation and waited 45 minutes. After walking around for a bit, we returned with a table outside. It happened to work out better for us, since we were deep in conversation. We had two pitchers of their refreshingly yummy mojitos in a backdrop of fabulous live music. The owner himself graced us with his presence in the table right next to us. We ended up getting relocated back inside because their patio closes after midnight. Even though we were seated on the other side, it was super loud and hard to continue the conversation. All-in-all, it was a great night! Another pitcher and I would've joined the group of dancers! Will be back with a bigger group for some more friday night mojito fun!
(4)Yvonne O.
Went here in the middle of August with friends and was somewhat underwhelmed. The server was rushing us like crazy, despite it being 6:30 at a Thursday and no one was really lining-up waiting for a table. We were a group of four and stuck in the very last booth where I was completely smashed. The booth is not made for normal people, let alone me smashed next to the husband in his 48 regular suit. It was like being on an airplane. I ended-up getting the carne asada that was okay, but nothing special. Two others had the chicken tacos and the husband got one of the pork specials that he said was okay, but nothing to rave about. The mojitos were good, but I just feel like there are far better places that have more authentic Cuban food going on.
(2)Kimberlie C.
I've been to Havana quite a few times, mostly because it was conveniently located right near my apartment. It's always busy, and the servers are very nice, although slow most of the time. It's very hard to hear people in hear as the noise bounces off the walls. The food is good, not great but good. The best part of Havana is their mojitos, and they have $20 pitchers on Friday nights!
(3)TJ Y.
I've been to this place a few times already and it never disappoints! Food/Drink - The food is great. It's flavorful and the portions are filling. I ordered the chicken this last time and it was a little dry. If you go, stick with the beef dishes. I've gotten beef the other times I was there and they were always delicious. There are drink specials during the week as well. Last time was half price margarita pitchers and they are quite good. Service - The service, as usual, was great. The servers are always attentive, provide recommendations, and they're just pleasant! Ambiance - It's a small place that gets really crowded on the weekend nights! The tables are tiny and it's tough getting around with so many people. Going on a week day was much better, in my opinion. Apparently, the place turns into a dance floor late at night (although some people start earlier!). On a hot summer night... this place could make you forget that you're in the middle of Chicago. Overall, I gave this place 4 stars instead of 5 because the chicken wasn't great and I've been to a few Cuban restaurants on the East coast that were just spectacular!! However, this place is definitely worth checking out.
(4)Thorsten R.
Easy the worst Cuban place we have been to...Go to 90 Miles or Senor Pan instead for great, authentic and reasonable priced Cuban food.
(1)Tom S.
I had such high hopes! It started out good at the bar while we waited. A great Pisco Sour from a nice barkeep. When we were seated, I knew we were in for rough service and a L...o....o....n....g dinner. It took a while for table drinks. Then our appetizers - plantains and bean dip & a trio of empanadas - came in a flash. Ahhhh, hope! Those apps were quite good. Then we ordered the chicken tortilla soup, an odd, muddy soup that first came in a cup despite our ordering a bowl. Quickly corrected by the bus boy who delivered it. That was so hot we couldn't eat it for 10 min. Then we ordered two entrees - the pulled pork and the carne tequila - both delivered at a slow pace. The carne was ordered medium after a discussion about the best way to have it, but delivered very rare. Returned it and waited. While we waited we eat the soup and tried the pork. The pork was quite dry. The soup added to the dish made it much better - great thinking! The steak came back medium and was nice to eat, but the fries accompanying it were damp and mushy from living in the carne gravy. Ugh. With all that my partner ordered a drink. After 15 min and no drink, we asked again. It finally came, with desert. Not the night we wanted and maybe why we still have bad relations with Cuba. Blah.
(2)Andy P.
Excellent drinks and very good Cuban food and very nice ambiance. Music was perfect and service excellent. I was impressed with the knowledge of the waitress and must say mojitos were on the money.
(4)Ahz I.
For great authentic Cuban food check out Havana.... For great hairstyles check out Ahz Hair!!!
(4)Ashley C.
Came here for a lunch one weekday and I was pretty impressed. Our waitress was friendly and pretty quick. The food was good. We started off with the empanada which was very good. I had the steak sandwich and my boyfriend had the cubano sandwich. Both were very good. I really liked the steak sandwich with the spicy mayo. The cubano sandwich was good (although I don't like pickles). I also thought the fries with a mix of potato and sweet potato were very good. Next time we will get the guac too (we got a sampling on the side with a dish). A few sidenotes. I could see how this could get very loud on the weekend. I also wish that they were open for lunch on the weekends (it annoys me that they don't list their hours on their website) - this is a really nice spot for a good, reasonably priced lunch. We'll definitely be back.
(4)Lenny L.
I've eaten in Cuban restaurants in Miami and New York City. Havana restaurant was the worst by far. The ropa vieja was very hard to chew. My daughter's pork was hard to chew. The rice had uncooked kernels like pebbles against my teeth. They don't bring Cuban bread and butter. You have to pay extra. The black beans were fairly good. The restaurant was full, for reasons not clear to me. Perhaps Chicagoans don't understand Cuban food.
(2)Gardenia H.
Fresh Seafood adds a Caribbean taste to the Paella in Havana, Chicago, Illinois.
(5)Sara M.
Havana is a hidden gem in the middle of Chicago on a cold night! I felt like I went away somewhere warm and tropical as soon as I stepped into Havana. It's a cute date restaurant for sure. The bar is fun and the vibe is great. Very loud in there but what restaurant on a Friday night isn't? Since I was observing lent I felt as I couldn't get the full experience with their drinks and meat meals. My husband however had a coconut mojito and loved it! I had the ceviche appetizer and it was good. We both then shared the tilapia entree and it was good as well. I feel their steaks and other meat dishes could have been better so I am going to have to come back to try!! Only con: I was excited about getting my free dessert but the waiter informed me it was only mon-thurs:( I was so sad but it's my fault it said it in tiny print but when I was able to redeem it once I checked in I figured I can use it and didn't pay attention to the fine print! But aside from that we still got their flan. It was delicious and for an extra $5 it was definitely worth it! Next time I'm coming back between mon-thurs to take advantage of the yelp free dessert though!!
(5)Kari F.
Steak sandwich and late night live music. Try them both!!!! That's all I have to say. (My coworkers and I come here on the regular, and I have a very very hard time ordering anything but the steak sandwich here. Trust me, it is scrumptious.)
(4)Madison C.
It was Friday night and every restaurants in Chicago were jammed packed. We were hungry and tired so we gave Havana a try. Havana was pretty good. Our wait staff was friendly and helpful. The only thing that really wowed me when was their tostones. The tostones were crispy around the edges and soft and fluffy at the center. Just the way I like it!!
(3)Achyut D.
The food is ok! The place is super small! Had to request a beer 3 times and about 2 hours later finally got it. Service is not good. Overall it's nice to visit new places but don't need to come back here again. Also usually when someone asks how u would like your steak u expect something exact or pretty close. I ordered medium and got well done! Why did the server bother asking me in the first place! Overall didn't really get the Cuban experience and its ashame this restaurant is located in a nice area like Hubbard st. Should be located in some small town like3 hours away from Chicago.
(1)Colleen W.
The food was great, the service was good! We were there for a birthday celebration and all 6 people loved their meals. The only complaint was that the sangria was way too sweet for some. We started with the manchango empanadas and guacamole, which were all excellent. Dinners included ropa vieja, some steak and fries thing, chicken in a banana leaf, ribs (cuban style), a seafood mixture in coconut broth, and roasted pork. The pork dishes were hands down the best of all the meals. If you go, I'd suggest getting the roasted pork with jalapeno mashed taters and creamed corn...I'm drooling just thinking about it, and that wasn't even what I had when I was there! Cuban food is underrated. It's great and Havana is proof!
(4)Nicole C.
Pretty good, liked the sauces, definitely gotta give it another round. Had the coco limon chicken and Cuban roasted pork, both very flavorful and very good portions!
(4)Ben C.
Overall, I had a great experience at Havana Grill. I'm a little bit of a mojito snob and I have to say this place had great drinks. The food was good - we had manchego empanadas, civiche, and mixed sea food paella. Again, the food was good, not great. I'm not an expert food critic but I think there could have been more flavor. The civiche needed more lime and cilantro, but otherwise pretty tasty. The paella had a little too much cumin and curry flavors which made it tough to enjoy the mix of muscles, shrimp, and octopus. The empanadas were well done. I enjoyed sitting outside, the service was friendly, and the prices were reasonable. I will be back to enjoy a mojito and the live entertainment, however I will most likely eat elsewhere.
(3)M K.
Loved the decor and outdoor seating option. Very easy to get to...off several L lines. Food selection was great and I'm a vegetarian. Quantity and quality of food was also above my expectations although not the best mojo or tostones I've had. The manchego empanadas were great as was the guava mojito. Will be going back for sure
(4)Dawn H.
What can I say? I'm a sucker for Cuban inspired cuisine. Just a couple words of advice: 1) Get the guacamole. I'm sad to report it rivals mine. 2) Pass on the Pollo Empanadas and opt for the Manchega (vegetarian)Empanadas. What, no meat? How can this be better? I know, it's ironic, but just take my word for it. 3) Gobble up the Chimichangas and Platanos Maduros. MMMM........ 4) Demand an extra shot of tequila for your margarita. They go skimpy on the liquor here. We even got our server to admit it. Enjoy!
(4)Vishal B.
My 3 stars come only from trying the drinks. People have raved about the food, and I have yet to try any of it! Why only 3 stars for the drinks? Well I was on a hunt for the best Mojito in Chicago. Many signs online pointed to Havana. I tried both, a Caipirinha, and a Mojito. First off, the bartender really gave us our moneys worth by pouring 3 times the rum a Caipirinha that size should have. Maybe thats your thing, but it was just bitter instead of the refreshing lime drink that it is supposed to be. The Mojito wasn't bad however. I would give this place a fair 2nd chance to try the food, as well as have another Mojito along with something to eat.. The ambiance here is very nice if you sit outside on a nice day. The music helps a lot, people walking by stop to dance... you kind of feel away from the city for a bit. Inside, if its crowded, theres no room to really move around, but this is the norm in this part of the city.
(3)Shamika R.
Great music and awesome mojitos !
(5)David R.
Very cool place. I liked the interior quite a bit and would love to come back for dinner or just drinks again. It's handsomely classy and appropriately Havanan, but not swanky or pretentious...maybe like a slightly upscale Hemingway type of place, not an aggressive mambo type of place. (They should ditch the TVs though, seriously.) They make a great use of the space, although when the bar area gets crowded, it causes a traffic problem for the customers and staff trying to pass between the entrance and outside tables and the main area and kitchen. I was meeting some friends for cocktails before heading to dinner somewhere else, and it turned out to be a perfect choice. First, the bar area was busy at times but never packed, so it was easy to get drinks. Second, and most excellently, mojitos are half-price on Fridays. Some of us had, uh, several, and they were some fine cocktails. So, thumbs way up for ambiance, thumbs up for mojitos, and for food..well, I will just have to come back and see which way to turn my thumb.
(4)Curt K.
Was in Chicago for the day and looking for a good authentic Cuban restaurant, and boy did this place deliver. We had ropa viejo which was definitely decent but the true superstar was the Cuban pulled pork served on a bed of creamed corn and jalapeno mashed potatoes. Would definitely go back.
(4)R.B. D.
On my last day in Chicago I popped in for a quick lunch before I headed to the airport. The Cuban sandwich on brioche was excellent. The sweet potato fries were crisp and delicious. To top it all off, when I checked in on Yelp I got a free desert. I ordered the Coconut flan which finished my meal off perfectly. I will go back and try dinner there next time I'm in town.
(4)Claudia C.
Really would give 3.5 stars if I could, but the 3-star rating looked too sad, so I rounded up to 4. Came here on a girl date on a Friday night- waited about 15 minutes for a table for 2 at 7:15, but by the time we left there was probably a 30 minute wait. My caipirinha was awesome, didn't try any other drinks. The pollo empanada app was delicious- the pastry was perfectly crisp and the sauce was perfect. The halibut entree is a must. The crispy exterior definitely made the dish. The pureed sweet potato on the side wasn't my favorite, but the halibut itself is worth it. The stuffed peppers as our second entree was ok. Well seasoned and perfectly cooked, but it wasn't out-of-this-world. The only miss of the evening, really, was the chocolate cake dessert. For some reason it just wasn't that good- I thought it tasted too much of bitter cacao, and my friend tasted some weird spice that she didn't like. The service started off great but then waned by the end of our meal as we tried to order coffee and dessert- maybe the place just got too busy for our server to handle all the tables she had, but it put a negative spin on the end of the meal.
(4)Khadijah L.
Came here for drinks and live music. Great band was playing on Friday night. Gypsy-Spanish-Latin sounds. One of the better live band entertainments hired for restaurant gigs in the city. Trust me.. I've seen some truly sad gigs. I love their vibe. Kept playing all night long. The crowd is your typical standard River North. Maybe older-ish and foreign-ish. I was there with my friends and we had a great time. We even cleared the dance floor with legitimate salsa moves.
(4)Heather J.
The food is incredible. We are definitely coming back when we have more time.
(4)Tinley M.
The salads here are absolutely incredible. The calamari salad might actually be the best salad I've ever had, no exaggeration. I also tried the Cuban salad, which was delicious. I loved the calamari salad so much I went back here two days in a row for lunch before I left the country for 3 weeks! I took away 1 star because on the second day, I went with my mom and she ordered a lunch special (I honestly don't remember which one) which was good, but not outstanding, and the guava cheesecake was mediocre. The Yelp check-in for a free dessert is a great deal, though!
(4)Jon B.
Is there anything less than 1 star. I went there on 3/9/13 with a party of 8 and lets just say from the beginning to the end it was a total disaster. We went to reserve a table and ended up waiting over 4 hours. Of the 8 guest, 6 ended up with food poison. NEVER AGAIN!!!
(1)An P.
Dropped in Havana on a Thursday night and was pleased to see they had a margarita pitcher special (delicious!). Empanadas are generously sized and will do the trick to what your appetite. The margarita was spectacular and strong and the capirinha was the same. The real thing I liked best of all things at Havana was the skirt steak dinner. Skirt steak is fairly easy to make but they marinated the hell out of it and every bite was so rich and tasty I could not believe it. The juiciness of the steak was so badass and worked perfectly with the fries on the side. Stop by Havana because it is a great space to go after work and while they might charge downtown prices, you do get bang for your buck. Havana, I like!
(4)Niti B.
This place definitely sets the mood for a hot night out. My boyfriend and I went on a date night to check out the mojitos and good food. He ordered the guava mojito and I had the dragon berry mojito. Both were delicious but would have to say that the dragon berry muddle out the flavor or a true mojito. The guava was perfect not to tart or sweet and definitely tasted the mint. We ordered the calamari since my boyfriend actually planned and researched the place! and previous reviews had stated it was good. We concured! The tangy and spicey sauce for the latin inspired calamari was really good. For dinner we split the halibut and glad we did because the portions are huge! The chipotle sauce that accompanied the almond crusted halibut was great except for the heartburn that followed! And the sweet potato mash was a delightful surprise that neutralized the spicey flavor of the fish. we unfortunately had no room for dessert and called it a night at that but have to say the ambiance is worth it and the food is very colorful!
(4)Mahsa T.
Everything I had here was pretty darn close to fantastic! I don't know much about Cuban food so I can't comment on authenticity, but I can tell you that everything was perfectly prepared and delicious. DRINKS--On Friday nights, they have half-priced mojitos (regular mojitos, not flavored ones). When it's a $4 mojito, you have to have more than one and they are strong, perfectly muddled, and delicious! FOOD--Guacamole, great! Chimichangas with poblano cream sauce, freakin' fantastic! I ordered the carne con tequila--the steak was wonderfully flavorful and tender. My friend ordered the caserola de hongo relleno (stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables) which she liked very much, and a side of the sauteed plantains with butter, brown sugar and honey---yes, they were as amazing as they sound! Fudge cake for dessert, pretty good, I was stuffed by this point. SERVICE--Lauren was not only a great server but a wonderful person, we were best friends by the end of our meal. She was so friendly and kind! She took the time to answer our questions, explain everything on the menu, and she made some really great suggestions! They really deserve an extra star for their fantastic service, from the host to the server. They treat you wonderfully here. DECOR--Clean, classy, tropical, love the fans. I'll definitely be back soon to try the other delicious things on the menu.
(4)Max B.
We went to Havana two nights in a row. The decor is lovely and warm. The food was excellent, and the wine suggested by our waiter was very good. Our waiter was attentive, sweet, charming, and... handsome!
(5)Josh P.
I love the feel of this place just waking in the door. It is small without being crowded or tiny. We had a table right next to the window/door so we could people watch a bit. The half portion of guac and chips was plenty for 2 people and delicious. The bread with spread they serve is also tasty. We each tried a couple different drinks and enjoyed them all. It is fun to try a new drink especially when eating a different style of food from what is typical. This place allows you to do just that For entrees, I went its chicken while my date got the tequila reduction steak. Mine was good, not amazing, and hers was amazing. I, however, loved the sides that came with mine so I have no complaints about the meal. The meals were not just flavorful but also plentiful and neither of us had room for dessert. I'd recommend this spot to anyone going to River North and looking for something beyond the usual sushi or Italian.
(4)Jaime O.
excellent service. I had the guacamole and salsa. Also order the pisco sour. Had the chicken cooked in banana leaf with habanero salsa. Finished off with key lime pie.
(4)Chris J.
I have been here multiple times and both the food and drinks have been very good. I love the atmosphere and have found that it is best to go during less busy days such as monday through thursday. The service was friendly and the food was absolutely delicious. The drinks are also quite good and strong. The atmosphere is great and is definitely a great place for a date.
(5)Joel W.
Went late one night when there was a band. Super fan, small place, dancing close is the only way to dance there because the place is smalllll. And then they put the band right at the front--which is cool..but waaay too small. Getting in was nearly impossible. Getting out was a no way. We pulled a reverse Goodfellas and went out the back. GOOD: Band, close dancin' real close, location. BAD: Note: I did not have the food, had only 2 mojitos which were good. My friend held a menu for a few minutes, trying to get someone's attention, a few bussers stopped, but finally the 3rd one tells us they're not making food....any of the bussers could have told us that at the beginning. And the table next to us sat and enjoyed their two plates of food....
(2)AJ W.
Great spot for a date night. I usually get the cuban steak sandwich and it is always delicious. My fiance' and I frequent this place and I have sent many friends through their doors.
(5)Danielle F.
I went to Havana for the first time last night and it was so much fun! Live salsa dancing and music?? Hell yeah!!
(4)Marisol D.
The ceviche is the best appetizer on the menu - very fresh. I was not a fan of the Tortilla Soup. It was not the traditional broth based soup I was anticipating but rather a thicker bean puree. Also, unless you're a garlic lover like my hubby, beware of the salads which have a garlic-based dressing. Aside from that, our meals were amazing. The Apricot Chipotle Pork Chops were perfectly flavored - my hubby typically takes half his meal to go but devoured both of these chops!. My Pollo Coco Limon was a bit buttery but very flavorful.
(3)Desi C.
We came here a couple weeks ago. We had a reservation for a Saturday night. The service was great, we were promptly greeted and after grabbing a drink at the bar, before we had taken one sip we were shown to our table. The food was AMAZING! I had the Rollitos Manchegos and it was to die for!!! My fiance had the Carne Asada, it was spicy but just enough {so delicious}! We used a restaurant.com gift certificate with no problems, so that was a plus. We will definitely be coming back!
(5)Jamie S.
Food was pretty good, service was decent. Will likely go back again.
(4)Ann M.
My roommate and some friends and I came here during the day on St. Pats. We were all pretty dunk but from what I remember it was awesome! We got the guacamole and then I ordered the Caesar salad which was pretty great. Our service was good and the prices weren't terrible. I'm not sure if I'll be back simply because it's not close to wear I live but I did enjoy my experience and I would recommend this place to others if they are in the city.
(3)Heather M.
I had mojitos and appetizers in the party room downstairs, and everything was amazing!!! The mojitos were really great, and they even got the stamp of approval from the Miami Cuban in the group. The empanadas were delicious. I'm a giant carnivore, but I actually preferred the Manchego Empanadas to the chicken ones. But both were great. The crab cakes were also excellent. We also had some black bean dip with plaintain chips that doesn't seem to be on the menu, so maybe that's what they bring when you're having a full meal there. Will definitely go back!
(4)Mary S.
I'd actually like to give this place a low 3. If you're looking to have tasty, authentic Cuban food, I'd say there are better Cuban restaurants in the city. However, the ambiance is very nice and the live music is definitely a plus. For great food at a great price, go elsewhere. I had the pulled pork entree and it was just ok, though the appetizers were a bit more tasty. If you're looking to go out for dancing and drinks with a group of friends, this is a good place to have fun.
(3)Zeljko D.
I've dined here roughly 4 times in last month. Food is excellent, jibarito, burger, cuban sendwitch as well as cuban coffee and mojitos. It is not too crowdy during lunch hour, which is surprising how great the food and service are. I was introduced to Havana by a friend who said that 'everything they tried was excellent', it was my experience as well. Service is great, very friendly, atmosphere is really good with Cuban music in the background. And prices are not excessive, especially taking into account how good it is.
(5)Lisa E.
We found this gem before heading out to dinner. We ordered chips and guacamole and mixed drinks. The drinks were fantastic and the bartender seemed to be enthusiastic about creating the specialty drinks. I plan on going back.
(5)Mike K.
I love my Cuban food, and Havana does not disappoint. Ropa Vieja was on point. As was the Mojito. Serving size was plenty for 2 meals out of one order. Service was friendly and consistent. Dinning area was a little loud with a large group in the middle, otherwise cool ambiance.
(4)Amy Z.
I had never been to a Cuban restaurant so when my friend suggested it I was all in. We were there on a Thursday night when Margarita pitchers were on special, so we did that of course! They were good - stronger than I would expect for a pitcher. When we go out to dinner we typically do at least one appetizer and then we order two entrees and split them so that we can try as many different things as possible. For appetizers we did the chips with the trio of sauces. All of the sauces were good but the guacamole was by far my favorite! We also did the Chipotle Crab Cakes which I thought were fantastic - the texture and seasoning were perfect, just the right amount of spice and fruit relish was a new a surprisingly wonderful addition!!! I ordered the Jalea de Mariscos and my date ordered the Combo Paella Caribena. Both were very good. The Jalea de Mariscos was loaded with seafood! I can honestly say that I have never order a mixed seafood dish that came with this much seafood. I was able to just eat all the seafood without ever touching the rice and was completely satisfied. In fact, because of this I only had a couple of bites of the Paella, which was also delicious. Rarely do we go out to eat and not have any leftovers but not this time.....we ate it all! I had heard they often have live music and I was excited about that but I guess we were there on a night they weren't having it - that was my only disappointment. Food was good, drinks were good, price was reasonable, service was great, and it was a nice atmosphere. I will definitely go back.
(4)Michael L.
I took my lovely bride here for Valentine's and it was a wonderful experience! We didn't have reservations (sat night Feb 13) and we got there just before 6pm and the Host graciously worked us in without a wait. Our waitress Amber was extremely gracious and attentive and when my wife asked about a particular wine selection, she promptly brought her a sample taste. Nice touch. We ordered the fried plantains with black bean dip as an appetizer and were not disappointed.... Very tasty and a good portion. My wife ordered Paella and it was delicious. I ordered Ropa vieja and it was superb as well. For dessert we split a piece of delightful chocolate cake that was presented splendidly with sliced strawberries and a dab of whipped cream. I am from the south and have eaten at a number of Cuban restaurants and this definitely ranks in the top three. I highly recommend. Thanks to the restaurant staff and owners for a wonderful dining experience!,
(5)Lee W.
Happened by Havana on Friday evening and luckily happy hour was still going on. Outdoor seating is nice and manager type person was very nice about adjusting palm tree so it would not overwhelm our table. There was some confusion about who would wait on our table and I noticed other newly seated diners waiting some time before their orders were taken. Thumbs up for the ceviche appetizer and guacamole appetizer. The pitcher of mohitos was a bit tart and didn't contain a lot of alcohol but luckily it was half price.
(3)Windi L.
NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why Baby Jesus, WHY?!? What did I do to offend you so? I'm sorrrrryyyyyyyyyy! The only reason why I'm coming in with 3 stars for Havana is because their wait staff is excellent! In addition (and despite the small size of the establishment) they were able to accommodate a party of TWENTY (20) people, all with different taste buds. Based on the suggestion of some then verified on Yelp, I suggested Havana to my boyfriend's family for a pre-wedding dinner. I felt like a superstar! Beautiful decor, exotic menu and accommodating staff to serve such a large party?! DING DING DING - Michelle was a winner! Then the food came. I hoped that it was just me who hated my food since most of the party thought Chili's was spectacular. NOPE. I was wrong. Everyone was complaining about God awful the food was. I had the Pork Chops w/ Apricot sauce. Verdict? Burnt, slightly bland and over cooked. I was destined to find one good dish so I began sampling other dishes. The pork loin dish also had over cooked pork and the Coconut Curry talapia also over cooked with too much sauce. Appetizers were passed around. Egh, pretty average as well. DING DING DING - Michelle lost the battle to impress her future vanilla in-laws. This restaurant is new so I hope that they just need to work out some kinks. Again, GREAT service! MISC: Valet is available for $12 and the bathrooms are located down very narrow steps
(3)J J.
I work by this place and my buddies and I go here for lunch often. We had lunch here today and my friend forgot his phone on the table. When he came back the table was cleaned and the busboy claimed there was no phone left behind. Back at the office I showed my friend how to get Lockout Plan B software installed remotely on his Android phone and in a couple of minutes he started receiving emails from his phone with a map its location - Havana. We came back here searching for the phone again. Staff made an appearance to help, going through furniture and garbage with us. One of the ladies claimed that her Android phone can send a signal to the lost one and make it sound an alarm. She typed in my friend's number to trigger the alarm but none of us could hear anything. Out of a sudden she and her colleague started yelling that they hear an alarm going off. (we still could hear nothing and we were right by the ladies) Low and behold, shortly after that theatrical fiasco, the busboy got the message and showed up with the phone. Supposedly he had been searching for it all the time and just found in the dirty towels when the alarm went off... These are the facts, you can make your own mind about the quality of service you can expect from staff like this, or from that management that hired it. To each their own, but for me this place lost its appeal with this episode. As for the food, it's greasy at best, no flavor. Mercadito and Xoco are light-years ahead, yet just around the corner and down the block from Havana.
(1)Scott W.
Had lunch with friends at Havana the other day. Even though its close to the office, I'd never been. Really nice looking place. The staff was on point. The tacos and Cubano my friends ordered looked very tasty. My jibarito and spicy sweet potato fries really hit the spot. Plate cleaning delicious. Even better, the prices are really reasonable. Will definitely be back.
(4)Pamela C.
Great 1/2 price Friday mojito deal. Friendly and accommodating staff in a gorgeous environment. Beware of the hot sauce that accompanies the pollo con bbq de tamarindo. PURE FIRE. The hottest sauce I've ever had. Good thing the staff forewarned me. Decent but nothing special. Everyone at the table seemed pleased but not overjoyed with their meal. The empanada appetizer was disappointing, a bit too sweet. The food left a little bit to be desired and after eating at Nacional 27 the following night, it just doesn't hold a candle.
(3)Hrayr A.
Although the food is not authentically Cuban it is flavorful and fresh. The service is excellent and everything they have on the menu was good (there was 18 of us so almost all items were sampled).
(4)T L.
I would give this place 3.5 stars. Started with chipotle crab cakes. Even though we ordered mojitos first, we received them after we ordered the crab cakes. Anyways, the crab cakes were good, crabby, and the fruit relish had an awesome kick. We ordered ropa vieja, and it was tasty and the meat was soft and tender. But when we ordered it, our waiter had to make sure they still had some left. They did, but I think that kind of information should be disclosed as soon as you are seated and given menus. It's easy to say also, the ropa vieja is in such hot demand that there may only be a couple portions left. Served with rice, which some of the rice seemed undercooked. Service was either too much or too little, not very consistent, it was not super busy when we there either so I'm not sure why it was so up and down. Good mojitos. Nice atmosphere. Decent food. Ok Service.
(3)Carol K.
Mambo your way to Havana- the newest addition to the line up of restaurants that have opened in River North as of late. This Pan-Latin eatery is that perfect place to spice up your night (or lunch) with its menu full of tasty foods from our neighbors to the south. They also have a fully stocked mojito bar so throw out all those preconceived notions of what a mojito is and let their bartender mix you up a delicious treat! Some options are a guava infused mojito, a strawberry caipirinha and a Brazilian "margarita" made with cachaca. The manager also told us that they have mojito happy hours so you can try to find your favorite at a reduced price. The menu, while simple, has many recognizable favorites such as empanadas, plantains, carne asada but then also puts a nice spin on things like a Cuban salad (grilled chicken on plantains) sauteed plantains, and even a great tasting vegetarian dish of stuffed portabella mushrooms with sauteed vegetables. We tried a little of this and that and it was all delicious! The guac and chips were a huge basket of tri colored chips served with two kinds of salsa and chunky guacamole. We sampled the carne asada (served over beans and rice, the stuffed portabella mushrooms and the shrimp salad. All were very good! The service was also spot on! Our server, Colleen, was patient and helpful and the manager, Noe, went out of his way to make sure that we had everything that we wanted. The interior is a bit stark (love the lights over the tables, though) with booths along the walls and tables down the center. Huge floor to ceiling windows that open to Clark Street make this place inviting enough to pull you off of the street. But if that isn't enough to get you to try Havana, consider this. Dinner for 4 with drinks was only $100! Amazing! So the next time the lure of Cuba calls to you, think Havana. No. Not that Havana. This one. Right here in our own back yard serving up some great Pan-Latin food and mojitos that make you swear you actually might have made the trip.
(4)Karen M.
Started with a perfectly made Manhattan and carprihaina at the bar. Beautiful atmosphere and excellent service. On to dinner....The empanadas appetizer was greasy and and a little overdone but very flavorful. The red sangria is definitely worth having and is a generous sized glass. Entrees were really good and overall we were happy with our choices. I had the jalea de mariscos which was seafood in a rich coconut cream sauce. The calamari was overdone but the rest of this dish was perfect! My husband had the carne con tequila which was very flavorful and the fries were super crispy and delicious. Ask for the house made hananero sauce. It is crazy hot and has a great flavor.
(4)Connie B.
I came here for dinner one night with some friends before a show at The Baton. I was so excited to eat some great Cuban food, but was a little disappointed. The restaurant itself is cool...great ambiance. We ordered an appetizer of fried plantains and it was awful...totally dry and tasteless. The chips with guacamole, pico de gallo and salsa was great...some of the best guac I've had in a while. My guava mojito was delicious but at $9 a pop, it was a pretty small drink. I asked the waiter what he recommended and he suggested iI try the Cuban pulled pork. It was tender, but the flavor was nothing special. The plantains that came with my dinner were very good...nothing like those that came as an appetizer. I tasted my friend's Ropa Vieja and it was very tasty. I wish I had ordered that instead. Overall, it was just okay in my opinion. The service was good but I wouldn't be jonesing to go back any time soon.
(3)Nika H.
We had an 8:30 reservation and was not seated until 9. I enjoyed the empanadas, pulled pork, and plantains. Service was not that great and we felt rushed. I suggest trying Havana on a weekday maybe the experience will be more enjoyable.
(3)Carri C.
Really enjoyed our food and drinks. We started with a tropical salad with fresh ingredients. Great flavored. For our entrees, I had the chicken breast with poblano sauce and rice. Excellent. My husband had the pork chops, which he thought were tasty. We enjoyed the mixed drinks from Brazil-can't recall the name. Staff was attentive. Music was fun, although they did have a problem with the speakers about half way through our meal and there was no music. The prices were reasonable. We will return. Seems like a good place for couples or groups. Fun atmosphere.
(5)Lisa H.
This place is a gem tucked away in a tight spot that delivers more than you would expect just glancing at it from the street. The decor was just perfect - romantic and intimate. The noise level is a little louder than most places, but its not bad. It is a small place, not really good for big groups. We were there on a beautiful summer Saturday night, they left the windows open and the fans spinning - it feels like you are in a village town in Cuba with the breeze pouring in off the ocean. Warm and inviting and energetic. As far as the food, this is the best meal I've had in a long time. Starting with the red sangria - it was fantastic. This is not some premixed crap out of a bottle. We had the pollo empanadas for appetizer - we wanted to ask for two more orders of these they were so good. For our meals, one of us got the pulled pork, the other got the carne con tequila w/ chimichurri fries. Both dishes were absolutely amazing. Incredible flavors. I wanted to lick the plate. Prices were very fair. Service was average, it was a busy night so I'll cut him some slack. We will definitely be going back. I love this place.
(5)Tera D.
I went to Havana with a group of about 10 for a birthday party on a Thursday night. It couldn't have been more perfect for a group outing. Thursday is half price margarita pitcher night, which was the big draw. They didn't seem very strong, but they were tasty and we had quite a few pitchers. I was a little skeptical about the food because the menu didn't look all that exciting to me, but I was proved wrong. I had the Torta Cubana, which was fantastic! I order Cuban sandwiches a lot, and never before has a place thought to use not only ham, but pulled pork!! Delish. Minus one star for some steep prices and the weak margs, but in general a very enjoyable experience!
(4)Heidi R.
Havana has a great concept. The food is pretty decent, my favorite is the paella and pulled pork. Don't waste your time with the guacamole trio - the salsa is boring and the guac is bland! The white sangria is nothing like any sangria i have had before - its not very tasty but did give us all a slight buzz... over priced too though. The service is AWFUL! Talk about waiting 20 minutes before placing a drink order and at least 25 minutes before getting the checked picked up and thats after we had to ask for the check. The worst part is that Havana claims to be a Mojito bar yet the other night the server could not serve us mojitos because she claimed the shipment of mint had gone BAD. Ew, gross! don't waist your time.
(2)Vanessa R.
We went to Havana a while back for dinner before going to see a show at the Cadillac Palace Theater. We made a reservation but it was... totally unnecessary as it was pretty empty on a weeknight. One plus is that you can make reservations online. The ambiance was nice and laid back; definitely had a Cuban vibe to it. Really comfortable booths lined the sides of the restaurant and table seating was in the middle. Havana has a nice bar too with a few flat screens. The service was wonderful. Our waiter was on top of everything all night, from me getting there early and taking my drink order ASAP to checking up on us throughout our meal. Appetizer: We ordered a "full" order of their chips and guacamole. Wow... this serving was huge. If there are only two of you dining, I would recommend getting the half order. It easily could have fed another 4 people. The tri-colored corn tortilla chips were nice and warm and not greasy at all. Super plus. The salsa de arbol was really flavorful with just the right amount of spice; the guacamole was also tasty. Dinner: I figured since we were at "Havana" I'd order the Cuban signature dish, ropa vieja. Unfortunately I was really disappointed. Interestingly I just checked the menu and it no longer appears on there. If so, good riddance! The serving size was tiny unlike the appetizer; it was mostly rice and beans and very little beef. Bland is definitely an understatement; no flavor whatsoever. Also really skimpy on the plantains. If you're looking for some good ropa vieja, go to Café Bolero or Café Laguardia for more flavorful options. I noticed they have several drink specials throughout the week, so I'd probably be up for coming back to take advantage of those (half price mojitos or sangria pitchers). I also tried the piña colada and it was solid. However we'd probably head elsewhere for dinner; lots of other great dining options in the area.
(3)Becky M.
Really enjoyed my visit there. The Mojito's were great - I've had them in Cuba and these were just as good! Ordered the 1/2 order of guac and chips and it was great. Also ordered the chimichangas and these were delicious too - the poblano sauce was amazing. Great service, and as another reviewer said - it's bustling there.
(4)Rosie C.
On Weds. Nov. 20 I enjoyed an early nibble with some colleagues before meeting with our group in their downstairs area. The server was friendly and quite attentive! For dinner we ate Ropa Vieja - absolutely delightful. Enough to share. Soon we went downstairs and five more guests joined us. Our server made certain our Sangria glasses were always filled and the tasty appetizers were great. We will definitely be back!
(4)Sandy R.
I been to many Cuban restaurants and I'm also Puerto Rican so our foods are similar. This was the worst Cuban restaurant in the city. I ordered a "tender" steak sandwich that I couldn't even bite into. I felt bad returning it so I took another bite, I literally had to pull it from my mouth in order to bite into the steak. I ended up returning it. I then ordered Ropa Vieja (the steak is shredded), that was also so rough I needed to chew for about a minute before swallowing. The drinks were good and the waiter was decent. He didn't refill our water but that might have been the busboys fault. Some appetizers didn't come out at all so we canceled those. Needless to say, I will not be returning.
(2)David Z.
I am a little torn with this review. First off, I really liked the ambiance and service from Havana. HOWEVER, the meal itself was severely lacking, in my opinion. It'd probably go with 2.5 stars if possible, but I'm going to have to round down in this case. We came on a weeknight and the place was pretty empty, so there was no problem getting seated. I guess our reservation was unnecessary. For an appetizer, we had a large order of their chips & guac. I am usually pretty easy to please when it comes to chips & guac, but these exceeded even my highest expectations. The order was HUGE, and came with salsa, guac, and a cup of diced tomatoes. You could almost make a whole meal out of that app! Good stuff. But then, the bad part - for my main course, I had a tequila infused steak, that also came with fries. To put it nicely, the dish was.....lacking. Not only was it very small, but it was also without flavor. Even the fries were below par. All in all, the main dish was very disappointing to me, especially considering the price. My fiancee was also disappointed with her meal. There were some good things though: the aforementioned appetizer was excellent, and I also felt that the service was top notch. The waiter was very nice and friendly. Our orders came out quickly and were cooked appropriately. Our waters never went empty. Also, we had no problem using our Groupon. Oh, one other thing: I HATED the tiny bathroom that is downstairs. I felt like I was going to get slammed with the door on both the way in and out. Also, the water down there was FREEZING cold and no matter how long I waited, it wasn't getting any warmer. I hate washing my hands with freezing water! I'd consider going back to sit at the bar for drinks, or maybe to just order the chips & guac appetizer again. However, I am not sure if I would get another entree, based on this experience.
(2)John F.
As a fan of Cuban food, I was super disappointed by Havana. The service was friendly, but very slow (we waited about 50 minutes between our appetizer and main course). The atmosphere was a bit underwhelming, as we sat in a downstairs dining area which had more of a basement vibe. I was most disappointed by the food. My tostones didn't have much flavor and were room temperature. The ropa vieja was just plain bad: very tough, flavorless and nothing like the ropa vieja I get in Hoboken. This just isn't how Cuban food is supposed to be done. I hate writing bad reviews, but I have to be honest. I won't be back.
(2)connie m.
I know Cuban food and this was not good. The ropa vieja was bland. The cuban pork was awful..no mojo, the onions must have been cooked in sugar because they were so sweet it overpowered everything. I don't expect Miami quality cuban food at any restaurant in Chicago but it should at least kill my craving for it. The rice tasted like instant. Based on the other reviews , I probably should have stuck to the fusion Latin choices on the menu. Even bigger than the bad food problem was the real problem..our waiter was actually the bartender. It wasn't super busy when we ordered so everything was fine until we got our food. When he came to check on us, I told him I was disappointed in my entree (cuban pork) and he said oh, I'm sorry and said have a good dinner and walked away. No offer to change it or fix it- are you kidding me! Then We NEVER saw him again. I finally had to grab another waitress who had to finish out the meal so we could get service. There were people in the restaurant that looked like regulars or friends of who I am assuming was the owner/manager and they were catered too. Bottom line, service makes up for mediocre food and maybe if you don't like your dish you may give the place one more shot but they blew it for me.
(1)Anna P.
I had been wanting to try this place for a while, as I absolutely LOVE cuban food but it is really tough to find someplace legit outside of Miami. I don't think this place is "it" necessarily (where's the ropa vieja!?) but it is a nice little getaway from the chilly Chicago winter. I went here with a Groupon for drinks and a light dinner and everything was great - the mojitos ARE really delicious, and the salad (ensaladas con camarones) and pollo empanadas were very tasty. The service was really good, too - we had the cutest waiter ever, who just seemed so happy to serve us!
(3)Christopher B.
This place was clean and the people are nice. If you are looking for authentic Cuban food, unfortunately this is not the place. :-(. I had the pork shoulder aka "'pernil"... Was awful. It was really pork tenderloin. Congris was not exactly congris... Something was missing. It just tasted like black beans and rice. Pretty disappointing simply because I was really expecting authentic Cuban tastes and this was not it.
(1)Zach M.
This is an amazing place for dinner a margarita or two. The restaurant is small, but has a really neat, open feel. Would be a great place for special occasions with small groups. Check beforehand on their drink specials. During the week, you can get half price margarita's or mojito's depending on what day you dine. They make there own margarita mix in house(really delicious!) For dinner, I had the Apricote Chipotle Pork Chops....amazing. Two eight ounce pork chops marinated with apricot chipotle sauce, served with jalapeno and potato hash browns and steamed broccoli. Highly recommend.
(4)Valerie R.
I tried Havana for the first time today, and love it! The veggie tacos were tasty, fresh and SUPER filling. The servers were all very friendly and the prices are reasonable. Havana? Yes, please!
(5)Justine L.
Not sure if my review is accurate, because I came here with my family... and this is def not a family place. It's more of a bar with a full menu. The food was alright. My comparison points were to places I've eaten during a recent visit to Miami, so maybe it's skewed. I had the ropa vieja, which didn't have much flavor and came with less plantains that I would have hoped. My sisters had the seafood paella, which was perfectly spicy and had good amount of large sized seafood, including shrimp, muscles, and more. Another family member had the halibut, which was surprisingly very spicy. It was tasty, but the spicy sauce over the entire fish covered all of the other flavors. We also had mojitos, which were good but rather weak. We're not big drinkers, but are fans of mojitos, and these barely hit the spot. The service was great, however. It was a very busy night, but the wait staff was attentive and very friendly. Next time I come, it will be with friends for drinks and a snack.
(3)Lars F.
We were walking down the street Saturday night looking for some place interesting to eat and came across Havana. Menu looked good, so we went in. We were told it would be a 20 minute wait if the people who made reservations did not show up, but thankfully two spots at the bar opened up. The mojitos were very good and we ordered the plantains to start. A bit sweet with the honey, but very nice none the less. I ordered the pulled pork which came out like icing on a cake of mashed potatoes surrounded by sweet corn cream. It was incredible. Nice presentation and a really good dish. The atmosphere was energetic, except for the drunk old guy at the bar making whooping noises and scaring off the hostess. His own party didn't even want to stand near him. Work the next morning, so we could not stick around for the live music at 11:00. Next time!
(5)Maria K.
What a hidden gem - so traditional. We went to celebrate a gf's birthday - she loves loves to dance. The whole group was up and moving and we closed the place down. Small - intimate - great music and the owner is fantastic.
(5)Ekow M.
Great Drinks, Great Service, Greaet food, and Very reasonable price. Me and my buddies had a great time and can't wait to bring the wife.
(4)Kelly B.
So delicious. So fun. Great drinks, and great plantains!
(5)Christina B.
5 for food!!!! 3.5 service...so delicious and fun had to still give a five! Can't wait to try the rest of menu!!! Slow service but still manageable! Food was piping hot and so flavorful, drinks strong and tasty. Cold draft by window so they brought a floor heater. Such a fun date night and live music is always nice. :) want to go back for lunch for sure too!
(4)Marisa G.
Good service and food comes out really fast! Calamari was ordered and within minutes it came out lightly fried and hot with a hot sauce on the side. Very generous portion of calamari. The entrees were ordered (carne con tequila and enchiladas). Both came out in about 10 minutes. I had my steak substituted the fries for rice and beans, which was an okay size portion. The meat was cooked well and came with a side o chimichurri sauce. Yum! For dessert there was the coconut flan which came with whipped cream and strawberries. Delicious! Sometimes flan can taste a little bitter to me but this was sweet and creamy! Total for 2: $49.63 I'd come back definitely. The decor is cute too.
(3)Savanna R.
Possibly my favorite restaurant! The food is amazing and the mojitos maybe the best in the city! I cannot dine here without ordering a pitcher of mojitos. Chimichangas are so good. I without a doubt recommend them. The guacamole is beyond amazing also! My only gripe is that the place is small and gets packed quick. Every time I've came I've only been able to eat at the bar because tables were packed and typically a 35-45 min wait. Eating at the bar can be a little annoying in such a snug place but the food it worth it.
(5)Nicole C.
I had lunch here earlier this week and had the best cuban sandwich of my life...so far. I have yet to actually visit Cuba for the real deal. The Torta Cubana (smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, pickles, tomato, lettuce) came served with a mix of plain and sweet potato french fries. The Pollo Empanadas were also very, very good. The chicken was nestled inside of a puff pastry, so it was soft and flaky -- not your typical empanada. This place is going right back on my "To Try" list so that I can go back for dinner and try the guacamole and chimichangas with poblano cream sauce. :)
(4)Guilherme B.
We had a great time at Havana. There were eight of us there, so we had the opportunity to try a lot of different dishes--they didn't disappoint. The drinks were all tasty (we tried the caipirinhas, the red sangria, and pisco sours)--the pitchers are enough for about 5 servings. The appetizers (empanadas, chimichangas, crab cakes) were flavorful--the empanada had a nice twist as it was made with a flaky puff pastry crust. The mango relish on the crab cakes was a nice touch. I really liked the poblano cream sauce that came with the chimichangas. It was good enough that when a friend met us at the end of dinner, we ordered the chimichangas for him to have a bite. I had the pulled pork for dinner, and the whole dish was well performed--I'm not a fan of cream of corn, but it worked well with the mashed potatoes and pulled pork. The roja--black beans and rice with pulled pork--was also a dish I'd order again. Seriously, I could probably be happy with more than half of their menu. That's reason enough to go back. We left right before the live music started. I wish we would have been able to check that out.
(4)Suzy D.
We came here for a friends birthday and we had a party of 10. The restaurant was very accomodating and welcoming. However, I was not blown away by the food and the drinks. The mojitos were decent but pretty weak. I had 3 glasses and I am a lightweight and I did not even feel buzzed. The guacamole was very tasty. The ceviche was kind of meh. Nothing really special. I had already eaten dinner at Xoco so I didn't order an entree, but everyone else said the food was okay, nothing amazing though.
(3)Tony B.
Great service, wonderful atmosphere and amazing food. Nice sized portions...very satisfied. I tried the pulled pork and was glad I did. My wife got the roast pork and loved it...definitely come back when in town
(4)Ray W.
I was here Saturday, July 24, 2010 and it was amazing! I was visiting from Pittsburgh and initially went to one of the pretentious clubs/restaurants until we tired of waiting in line. We walked a few blocks away and hear this music. It was Vagando playing Bamboleo. We were in and found a booth immediately. We were not there for food, we came to have a few drinks and a good time. The drinks were excellent (actually some of the best mixed drinks I've ever had), the staff the best, and the music jumpin! My only regret was not leaving my little group to dance with the group of gorgeous girls behind me. Apparently I wasn't the only one who noticed them looking to dance but without any suitors, as one of the waitstaff twirled one for a song LOL Even with a dance interlude, we never had to ask or motion for staff. The guys were great. I will definitely go back the next time I'm in the Chi. CHEERS!
(5)Amber L.
Cool small venue in the middle of river north. The guac was good and the pitcher of mojitos was a good deal for a group, but I got the fish tacos and they were not good. The fish was fried and very dry. My friend got the pork and it was great, but mine was not good...
(3)Keerthi A.
The mango mojitos are the smoothest! Very yum. Their service is great too, which helps. I always get their Tostados de platanos for an appetizer, which is deep fried plantain chips served with warm black bean dip; it is to die for...very crunchy and light. Easy to share between two people. For main course, I continue to order Pollo a la Caserola - a must-try and is definitely in my top three comfort foods of all time. It is pan fried chicken breast with the most amazingly delicious pepper cream sauce with rice. Definitely a favorite! They have outside seating in the summer which is very nice, it does get a little noisy inside with the bands sometimes, but it is a matter of preference.
(4)Carlos V.
I've been going to this place for a while and really like it. The manager (Glad Noe is back) and the bartenders are great. Food is good and the mojitos are the best. If i could only suggest one thing would be that when the bands play they really don't need to crank up the volume that much since it is a small place. You would not be able to talk if you are by the bar.
(4)christine p.
Havana is without a doubt one of my go to restaurants in the city! It is consistently delicious and fun! Their ceviche is one of my favorite things to order as an app, paired with a half order of guac, sooo yummy I'm getting hungry just thinking about it. As far as my fav entrees the halibut, ropa vieja and the Jaleda de mariscos are delicious. I was hesitant to try the Jaleda de mariscos at first because I'm not a big fan of coconut but its actually very mild and thus an A+ in my book! The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that they tend to run late on reservations and the restaurant is super tiny and gets packed easily. Regardless I've been here about a bazillion times and I intend to go back for atleast another bazillion meals! they also have good drink specials I think most days have half price pitchers of margaritas or mojitos I think it might say on the website...
(4)Jenna E.
I have been wanting to go to Havana for about 3 years now and I finally went on my birthday! I went with two friends one of which is not a big fan of any food besides plain chicken and we all ended up loving it. The guac is one of the best in the city. I would highly recommend the Apricot Pork Chops!! So delicious! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Anne N.
Came here for some drinks and dessert on a friday night. So we ordered a pitcher of the regular mojito (it was half off) and their coconut flan. We wanted to try their guava ice cream, but unfortunately they ran out. So, the coconut flan was good and I would have liked the mojito to be a a little bit sweeter, so I guess overall, not too impressed by their food. As far as the atmosphere, I actually really liked it. Their decor had an island theme from their fans to their lamp shades covered in seashells. To our surpise, they had a live band play which I thought was awesome. Anytime there's a live band, it really makes the place that much more worthwhile. So overall, it's a nice place to just relax, drink mojitos, and listen to live music on a friday night.
(3)JC P.
I recently moved here from San Francisco and previously lived in LA. This place is a small venue with such a high energy! The bar is great with anything from a mojito pitcher to good quality tequilas...Most importantly is their live music! They some how manage to bring live music in this very small space and create a unique, personal atmosphere where everyone gets in the groove. The owner is always present and you can see he enjoys his creation! Excellent job keeping the vibe in your venue!
(4)Jessica T.
Love the drinks and food. Great atmosphere and music.
(5)Alaina W.
Food was so delicious we only had appetizers to split with friends... so good! We ordered mojitos which were to die for. We had went for the live music and half priced pitchers of mojitos.... I'm gIvIng only three stars are becsuse I got charge full price for what should've been half priced mojItos (as dId another gIrl In our party) and because it was very very crowded which is odd to me they had a band In such a small place but a bit understandable because clearly it does drive great crowd!
(3)Sylene I.
NOT A FAN! I was seated in the rear of the restaurant when there were clearly open and empty tables in the front. The restaurant was not very busy, however it took more than 15 minutes for the waiter to even address me. He still hadn't taken my order when the bartender finally came over and took my drink order. The drink was not that good. I ordered the carne asada and the steak was tough and chewy. I spent more money than I should have for this experience and I will not be going back. I love Cuban food. What a disappointment.
(1)Vee S.
Service was great, along with the chicken empanadas. As far as the main courses, they could be a lot better. We ordered the Ropa Vieja, one of my favorites. The flavor was a bit bland and off. So was the rice and beans that came with it. I ordered the Cuban Torta and it was alright. Not anything spectacular. The fries were good. I don't think I'll be returning.
(2)Lonnie G.
I met a few friends here using gdine.com . The service here was good. Servers were very attentive. The ceviche was lack luster as it was mostly peppers, tomatoes & onions...not sure were the fish was exactly?! The crab cakes had a good taste though. The guacamole was okay but the chips which accompanied it were not but better than any store purchased ones?! My entree was the carne con tequila which was very good! If you like beef it's a winner!
(3)Matthew R.
I need to first prelude this review by stating that I only came here for a drink and desert on a saturday night. Anyways came here after dinner for a drink and desert and saw the chips and guac and ordered them....... great idea the guac was very tasty and the salsa was also pretty good. Ordered a mojito and it wasnt out of this world but it was good. The desert was decent, had the key lime pie. Anyways a good experience and I would go back.
(4)Tabitha G.
I'm trying hard to really like this place. If I had gone just for drinks I would give this place 4 stars, but we ate there and I think that's where they lost a star. It's not that the food is bad, it was just alright for me. The drinks however, were amazing. I ordered the Guava Mojito, as recommended by other yelpers and it didn't disappoint. I'm not a fan of fruity, girly drinks so I was a little weary at first with this one because some guava juices can be intense, but to my surprise it was tart with a little bit of tang combined with the lime. It was quite delicious. I could have ordered several more, but it was a weeknight and didn't want to look an alcoholic compared to my other friends. The food was alright, it wasn't bad by any means, but it wasn't great either. I'm used Cuban food that is dominated by savory garlic based sauces, citrus infused onions and basted meats topped over black beans and rice. However, this seemed more like Spanish food than Cuban. I had steak for dinner, but nothing yelled out Cuban...it was steak and french fries - which were a variety of sweet potatoes, yucca and taro. My husband had carne asada, which again, to me at least, is Spanish. For some reason both our steaks were warm, not hot, but warm - almost like it had been sitting out for awhile. My friend had the pork loin, which looked good, but it was over powered by the amount of mashed sweet potatoes. Like I said, drinks 4 stars, food 3! Overall, I'd give this place another try, but unfortunately when a place is just "ok", it's hard to convince my husband to give it another go.
(3)MJ d.
This place is very A-OK. Prices are moderate, portions are generous, and service was friendly. My friend and I dined here last night. As an impatient Mambo Grill fan, waiting for its reopening, I came in with a lot of expectations and inevitably made comparisons with the former occupant. Havana had a cleaner feel and its tables were well spaced out as opposed to Mambo Grill. Second, my friend and I were overwhelmed with number of entrees on the menu. After 5-10 minutes of deliberating (all the descriptions were enticing), he finally decided on the seafood paella while I opted for the barbecue chicken with rice. I think we both agreed that the rice on our dishes were dismal and the broccoli on my dish did not taste fresh; however, my chicken was delicious. It was not dry and the barbecue-tamarind sauce was tasty: smoky, slightly sweet and tangy, and subtly hot. Personally, I would have preferred a little more heat. We also had sangria, which, happened to be half-off that night. I generally do not like my drinks sweet, but the sangria was surprisingly refreshing and I did not feel like my teeth were rotting on the spot. Though my review may portray Havana as average, I cannot wait to see what else this place has to offer, and am curious to dine here during more busy hours.
(3)Joe S.
Not too shabby. This is a little known gem I think. We went here with a decent size group for my birthday. The food was fantastic. Service was top notch, the drinks were...so so..We had the sangria and I have definitely had better. We started out with the appetizers and the guac was fantastic as were the empanadas, Calamari was perfect. For dinner I had the peruvian sirloin and it was cooked to perfection. Definitely give this place a shot
(4)Candice R.
I can see why this place only has three stars, but actually managed three stars. What they have going for them is fantastic staff and customer service. What they don't have is out of this world food. Now, maybe I was wrong to get enchiladas at a Cuban place, but they were not tasty. They were dry, a little too spicy (spice without flavor)and accompanied by beans that were out of a can of la preferida, with white rice swimming in butter. I love me some butter, but not when I expected Spanish rice. Oh well, my server found out I didn't like the meal and even though I ate a little less than half of the enchiladas, she comped both my meal and my glass of wine. I'll come back and give them another shot, since I know they're accommodating and that goes a long way in my book.
(3)matty z.
When the embargo is finally lifted, I will make the trip. Until then, I will visit this pleasant little restaurant in River North. I was quite impressed with the empanadas-- light, flaky, savory. Wished I had ordered nothing but these, but my entree was fab, as well-- the fish tacos. For 8.95, you receive three HUGE tacos AND guacamole AND beans. What a deal, no? Service was fantastic. The only con about place? It is WAY too bright. I call this type of lighting 'ugly lights lighting'-- there's just no way to look good under such brightness. Turn it down, please. Regardless of how I look, I'm definitely coming back. Just too good to pass up.
(4)Jon B.
So I'm going to go "Obama Nobel Peace Prize" with Havana Grill, and give it a fourth star for its potential rather than what I saw. I TOTALLY agrree with the first posting on this place: they certainly have the "YES" philosophy of restaurant management. I think that in order to give Havana Grill a fourth star, you need to separate it in your mind from Mambo Grill. Nevermind that you feel like you're walking into an old apartment of yours when you walk in to Havana Grill ("but why don't the booths have high backs? Why is it so spacious in here...it's so quiet"). Get it out of your system now. Mambo has mambo-ed out of our lives at this address. We need to move on... What I actually saw: - Guava + Mojito = easy to drink = drunk - Spacious - Ridiculously friendly and attentive service -Delicious, monster empanadas -OK food What they could be: - an awesome after-work destination - a dangerous way to rationale mojito-pitchers by the dozens, near to work (if you're downtown) - a familiar walk back to the El, where you don't feel the cold because mojito pitchers grant you with special superpowers that make you invincible - A slightly more authentic (in some ways) or adventurous menu And remember, just like you never call a lady by the wrong name,...it's "Havana Grill" not "Mambo Grill".
(4)Caroline M.
Great atmosphere, service, food, and THE BEST GUACAMOLE in town!
(5)Janice B.
Havana is one of my favorite places in the city! It's cool, casual atmosphere is exactly what I look for on a Friday after work or relaxing weeknight dinner. Not only do they have great drink specials (half price pitchers of Sangria or Margaritas and half price mojitos depending on what night you go) but I've never had a bad meal there. You can't go wrong with any of their skirt steak dinners, but I CRAVE their Rollitos Manchegos (chicken tenders rolls stuffed with fresh spinach and manchego cheese, served with a vegetable cake and green pepper cream sauce). It is the most delicious thing on the menu and you'll want to come back for it!
(5)Marcel S.
I just stopped by Friday. Great live music - Vagando Food ok and good mojito. I will be back to check te menu in detail.
(4)Josh M.
Went here for a birthday party, the server was very nice and the food was excellent but toward the end of dinner a water leak broke over our table and not to mention a centipede had to crushed as he interrupted dinner. The manager did give 50% off our bill and a round of "mystery" shots but idk if I will not be coming back here!
(2)Tim H.
First time here visiting Chicago. My wife and I very much enjoyed Havana. We had great service and the wait-staff was friendly and prompt. The chicken/spinach dish was AMAZING.
(5)Michelle F.
We walked and walked and walked and walked in search of food. Everywhere had an hour or more waiting time. Soooo.... hungry.... 1) We were seated right away. 2) There was a great live Latin music ensemble playing. 3) The atmosphere and lighting were comfortable, open, and made us feel right at home. 4) The server was ON IT. Sarah was absolutely amazing - some of the best service I have ever had, which is especially spectacular, since she was running about 15+ tables. Insert mega applause here. 5) They accommodated my gluten-free diet very well and were careful to warn me about oils, etc, in case of cross-contamination (which is irrelevant to me, but if I were Celiac, would be REALLY important. It was good to know they cared). 6) The food was pretty darned good: -- The paella was fair, and the seafood in it was fresh (though I'd never had it with chorizo in it... really nice touch! I'm making my own like this next time. -- The pulled pork on jalapeno mashers was great. The jalapeno was too mild for me, and the pork a little under-seasoned. However, very well cooked and the presentation was excellent. -- Plantains were good, but I think I might have been missing a sauce (because of the gluten-free thing, most likely) -- Chips, salsa, pico de gallo and guacamole were all righteously delicious. From Seattle, Matt & I applaud you, Havana. Well done. We will definitely be returning when we come back to Chicago.
(4)Helena D.
There may not be vintage Chevy's zipping past nor men with cigar smoke curling from their lips, but in serving authentic, fresh Cuban dishes Havana succeeds. On a balmy Monday night where the humidity is enough to overpower any anti-static-cling product, my friends and I met here after work for a special farewell dinner. The decor is clean, cozy yet rustic with a definite homage to the 1940s and '50s. With a west-facing exposure, this place has great natural light and we were seated at a comfortable window table which allowed us a great vantage point to Clark St and, in the opposite direction, the narrow restaurant and long wooden bar. Highlights from our dinner included the pulled pork that sits on top of a delicious bed of garlic mashed potatos and creamed corn puree, the tilapia, and carne asado. The cold pitchers of sangria are a must have, as well as the chips and guac which is a giant basket filled with warm, tri-colored tortilla chips and 3 generous bowls of dips. Having sampled everybody else's dish, I can vouch for the quality and flavor combinations for those dishes - I couldn't eat enough of mine, though after devouring half of the entree, I was stuffed and thoroughly satisfied. Perhaps it's because I ate so many of the chips and couldn't help dipping it into the fresh, homemade salsa concoction. Surprisingly, there were only a couple of other patrons dining and a couple of older gentlemen at the bar enjoying an after-work spritzer and wine. This is a gem in the River North area that, perhaps because of the location, may be overlooked. However, I recommend that Yelpers stop by and give this place a try. It's located just across the street from the Westin Hotel, just north of the Chicago River, where the Mambo Grill use to be.
(4)Sam G.
Food was good. Service was ok. Only issue is the portions are very small.
(4)Jason A.
I have been to Havana two times now, and both experiences have been amazing. The food is always awesome and the drinks are amazing. I love the place and would definitely recommend it to anyone on the fence about looking to try a new place.
(4)Elizabeth T.
Yummy empenadas and some of the best quacamole in the city. The mojitos are nothing to dismiss either! On my second trip here, I had as great an experience as the first. The service is top-notch, the space nicely decorated and all of the food wonderul. My halibut was perfect with a sauce that was just short of too spicy--ie perfection. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Erin H.
AMAZING. Went here and got a table outside immediately. The food was absolutely delicious, prepared perfectly, and presented beautifully!! The chef really knows great Cuban food. I had a refreshing salad, after great fried plantains as an appetizer. The salmon and paella were great too. The menu was decent sized with a nice variety.
(5)Smeagles S.
The food is delicious but the service could stand some room for improvement. The pulled pork is fantastic, tender, tons of flavor and presented wonderfully.
(4)L. B.
OMG...the empanadas- with chicken. Amazing. I could definitely care less for the half ass expensive drinks in tiny glasses... Oh, and the ceviche is delish!
(3)Viviana R.
Solid dining choice. I definitely plan on going back. The food was tasty. We had tostones for appetizers and the Ropa Vieja and chimichurri steak with fries. The restaurant has a great ambiance and although we were 15 minutes late for our reservation we got seated fairly quickly. So why the 3 stars, you ask? Here's what we were disappointed in: ~ Our dining experience took about 2hrs and it wasn't because we were taking our time. Our waiter would repeatedly disappear for 10-15min at time. ~ The restaurant was out of several dishes that we wanted to try: Halibut, Guava Cheesecake, Guava ice cream. ~ Our dessert took over 20min to arrive at our table. One of our party was allergic to all the available desserts so she just ordered the cafe con leche which didn't arrive until after we had all eaten our desserts and were ready to leave. It was obvious our waiter forgot about it and brought it out as an afterthought. Though to be fair, he told us it was on the house. Overall, I'd say it's worth a visit. Though, I suggest coming during a weekday when they may not be as busy. It's a small place and most people wait to be seated at the front of the restaurant so if your table is at the front, you're screwed.
(3)Debbie V.
Great drinks, great food and definitely excellent service!! We will return and enjoyed everything we ordered. Chips n Guacamole, Calamari, steak sandwich, Carne Asada, Steak tacos, tilapia was unbelievable good. Not cheap - Sangria pitchers $32.00 a pop. Table of six and no wait!
(5)Anu M.
What a great night out this was! A bunch of us strolled over after dinner on a Sat night. The band was playing, the drinks were good and People were dancing. I wish they would have cleared the tables in the middle so there could have been more room to dance. The place was a little small but there was some great energy going. We didnt even mind when the band took an extremely long break cause the music was so good and we didn't even need to be salsa dancers to enjoy it.
(4)Clare T.
I was tootling around on Opentable, looking for a place to make lunch reservations last week when I found Havana. Or, rather, found the place where Mambo Grill used to be. I cannot tell you how relieved I was that there was a cheap cuban restaurant in the area again! I really loved Mambo Grill for a lot of reasons, but location was probably number one. Number two was that I could get in and out of there for $30 or less for a nice business lunch. Havana is an improvement over Mambo in a few ways. First, they have updated the decor quite nicely. It feels much more modern and open now, even though the layout is generally the same. Secondly, they streamlined the menu, so it's a lot easier to make choices now. My friend and I both had the Torta Cubana, and while I was expecting a pressed sandwich, it was served on a brioche roll. It was nevertheless delicious, with juicy roast pork, ham, and a slightly spicy chipotle mayo-like condiment. The fries on the side were a slightly strange mix of sweet potato fries, potato fries, and (I think) yucca fries. They came with a little dipping size chimmichurri that was really really tasty. I need to go back at night just to make sure the margaritas are up to par.
(4)Santiago M.
Not authentic Cuban at all. Food is mostly average. Not very friendly service. Atmosphere is not bad.
(3)Ryan P.
We went here after we learned of a 3+ hour wait at Frontera Grill down the street. Not having been to Chicago too much we didn't want to wander too far away and stumbled upon Havana. That, and seeing a sign for 1/2 priced Sangria on Tuesdays ($15 instead of $30) made it an easy win right off the bat. The place has nice tall ceilings and has a well lit interior. The empanada appetizer was killer and the Carne Asada entree was also very good, if not a little different than what I had in my mind. Overall, the meal was great, and the venue is nice, new, and fresh.
(4)reshma s.
A small restaurant with a great bar! Were told to seat anywhere and of course chose a booth which looked comfy and believe me it was just that! Requested a guacamole and as a bit disappointed since it was premade and not according to my specifications...however don't let that get you down since the food is delicious. Being a vegetarian ordered the stuffed portabella mushrooms - Caserola de Hongo Relleno (Okay...Since I couldn't remember the name for the life of me, had to look this up!) To quench the dry gullet had to try the Guava Mojito first and since that didn't do the trick had to have a house mojito! In order to complete the whole experience of course had to have the Coconut Flan for dessert ......Simply Luxurious! Gave it 4 stars since the food was great and the mojitos are to die for...... but the one thing that lacked the 5 was service!
(4)Marc A.
Havana does everything totally right when it comes to being in the restaurant business. Shall I list the ways? Yes, why not? 1. Despite being a small place like many of the restaurants are in the city, Havana has a layout nothing short of AWESOME. Mostly booths, and not the lame ass half booths, so you can actually have some privacy. 2. Easily one of the best mojitos in the city. 3. Service was friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. When I requested guacamole without tomatoes, they went and made a fresh batch. That's going the extra distance. 4. Food was wonderful and delicious. Portions were decent, just perfectly sized. Great options for vegetarians I wasn't expecting this place to be quite this good, but it turned out far better than imagined.
(5)Arlene N.
As soon and we walked into the door hostess made is feel umwelcomed. When we asked the bar tender who the owner was he mentioned hostess was co owner. I have been here once before and food was great, but after the greeting we experienced today I will not be back. There are many other Cuban restaurants in Chicago that make you feel like family and welcomed!
(1)Rachel G.
This place is right around the corner from my work so went here for lunch with a friend of mine. They have a lunch menu which is nice. My sandwich was called the Torta de Polla and it was very tasty. Chicken wasn't dry and the onion bun gave it a good flavor. The price was right too...food, tax and tip was $10. My friend on the other hand didn't like her food. She ordered the enchiladas and said they were dry and tasteless. But, the waitress gave her the meal and her glass of wine complimentary. Now that is customer service. I will be back and my friend said she would give them a 2nd chance as well. Staff was very friendly and I like my meal! Oh and the decor is really nice too. Very clean and fresh looking with an old world twist.
(4)Erin L.
Tried to go to Mercadito on a Saturday night without reservations...fail. After deciding a 1.5 hour wait wasn't worth it, my friend and I took off on foot and ended up around the corner at Havana. Serendipity! This place was awesome. We started with the crab cakes, which were a great, flavorful start to the meal. I had the Halibut with the almond crust which was perfectly cooked, tasty as heck with a nice Chipotle sauce, and the best side of sweet potatoes I've ever had in my life. My friend ordered the Tequilla marinated steak with chimichurri, which was heaven in your mouth. But first he was accidentlly brought a pulled pork tower dish served over mashed potatoes, with a Cuban take on gravy, by mistake. Our waiter (who was fabulous) let us keep the dish, which was also incredibly good. We didn't get charged for the mistake, and they had the steak out to us within 10 minutes. The atmosphere was cool, and the cost of the meal was very reasonable considering how darn good it was. My only complaint was that my guava mojito was a little light on the booze, but really, whatev. Go to this resaurant now!
(5)Jennifer P.
Food was good. Seating was quick. Poor service (neglected by wait staff often during the course of the meal). The alcohol content in the mixed drinks was extremely low (so don't order pitchers of anything). Also used a restaurant.com coupon for the meal, and the server said it came with an automatic 25% gratuity (before the discount was included) even though there were only 2 people (including myself) in my party. Rather than argue with him, I just paid and vowed never to return - which I won't. Can't believe I was ripped off!
(2)Mindy S.
Havana's food was very flavorful and was of good portions for what you paid. The menu includes pitchers of 4 different kinds of mojotos at a reasonable price - both the house and guava varieties were very tasty. Not too sweet, fresh mint, and well mixed. The full-sized quac appetizer + the ceviche were both really good, and were perfect for 4. The waitress recommended dishes were well received - Steak Cubano (steak with a sweet crusty outside and glaze - so good, and the Rollitos Manchegos - almost like chicken cordon bleu, but stuffed with spinach and manchengo cheese, set in a creamy green sauce which was amazing. The paella and cuban sandwich were also full of flavor. The atmosphere was lively and fun, and it was not too loud (went on a Sat night @ 8pm). Definitely a must try if you're looking for a great dinner option in that area.
(4)Happy Mama M.
Im hoping we just went on an off night but the service was terrible. We made reservations and still had to wait about 30 min for a table. Then it seemed like we waited another 30 minutes before we could place our drink order. It just seemed like maybe the were missing a few employees or something. The food was OK. The empanadas were really good. The salads were good, but not worth the poor service. We probably wont go back but were glad that we tried it out.
(2)Kim F.
I arrived here as part of a group of 11 on a Saturday night without reservations, yet they managed to find a way to seat us pretty quickly. The service was friendly, the drinks were strong, and the food was very tasty. The biggest downside was the noise level--it was really, really loud. So much so that I couldn't hear any conversation at the opposite end of the table.
(4)Amy V.
Just mediocre all around. The restaurant was barely two-thirds full between 8 and 9 on a Saturday night. Atmosphere is cool, and our service was fine, but the food was just incredibly meh. I know it's not traditional Cuban food they're serving, but the side-dish options don't include tostones or yuca, even! My husband thought the sauce on his steak tasted like ketchup. My halibut was good, but the veggies on the side reminded me of the kind you get in the freezer section at Jewel. We did enjoy our mojitos, and there's a nice selection of wine by the glass. I'd return for a drink but not for a meal.
(2)Dave M.
Amongst Clarke Street's endless parade of corporate cookie cutter franchise eateries you'll find Havana. Authentic, real, a one-only restaurant. Excellent decor, friendly staff and great food at reasonable prices. Try the traditional Cuban Steak sandwich It's awesome. Didn't try the wine - will do next time - but the Wine menu is well laid out with an interesting selection to choose from.
(5)Todd S.
I love Cuban food and love mojitos so I had to try Havana's. It is small and intimate, and you'll definitely need reservations in order to get seated. First stop was at the bar for a Mojito. I travel to Miami quite a bit for business and have had great mojitos there and Havana's makes them equally as good. For dinner we started out with chips and guacamole. They also serve Pico and verde salsa on the side. The verde was extremely spicy. Very good but hot. Be warned. For the main course my wife and I shared the Pollo Horneado con Platano. It's a spicy chicken breast baked in plantain leaves. It comes with sweet potatoes and a side of sweet plantains. Very flavorful and worth the try. The serving was enough for the both of us. I have no complaints about this restaurant. The food is great and the wait staff is very friendly and prompt. I highly recommend giving this little gem a try.
(4)Chirag P.
A wonderful place to eat with a date or with friends. Great place to try Cuban food, the corn based dishes were very delicious. You will not be disappointed. If you ever want to try Cuban food this place will give you a great option.
(4)Lauren W.
The beat of the Gypsy Kings cover band brought us in. Can't remember the actual name of the band but we were swirling around dancing, and clapping so it didn't matter. Bad ass band! Mojito Friday special ($20) ended at 11pm. Great mojitos that sent me to to my happy place!!! The place is small and with the band playing and everyone dancing, we stayed in our little corner near the front and danced. Mixed ages but we noticed a more older crowd, which was fine with us. After leaving other bars with the 20 year olds this was a little more of what we were looking for. Solid.
(5)Eric G.
The food was great the two times that I've been there. I've had the Cuban sandwich and the chicken torta. Both were delicious, and may be enough to warrant me stopping by occasionally. Now, why am I giving the place only 2 stars if the food is so great? They won't care about you if you don't buy a drink. I prefer the blue line for my nightlife, but our company just moved in a big co-working space around the corner. I was looking for a regular lunch place and I thought this place could really hit the spot. The first time I went here though, I waited over 30 minutes for that Cuban sandwich and 15 minutes of that I was staring at it, sitting on the back counter, wondering if it was my sandwich. When I called over my server, he had to ask what I had ordered. It was very off putting because I was the only customer who had ordered food in those 30 minutes. I still loved the food and wanted to give it another chance. The second time was great and prompted a third visit very quickly. This time we came later in the day, only to be told that it was now dinnertime and our sandwiches were going to be almost twice the price as advertised. Please don't give me the sandwich menu while telling me "They will all be about $6-$8 more than what's on the menu because it's dinnertime." We promptly left and have not been back. This place focuses on drinks and nightlife. It's packed at night when people are drunk, but it's dead and empty during weekday lunch rushes. Why is that the case? The service is not up to par, and I just feel cheated and lied to. No wonder. Food is great, but there are so many delicious places, some less than a block away, that will treat well even if you don't buy a drink.
(2)Michael K.
Went in for lunch a couple of weeks ago. Started off with the great tostones. My friend had the ropa vieja sandwich and I had the Cuban steak sandwich. Both were very good, but the ropa vieja one was amazing (we each had half of each other's sandwiches to share). The fries were also very good. I had two margaritas on the rocks. They were made correctly. No mix. Tequila, Grand Marnier, and lime juice. Delicious. The waiters were friendly, the restaurant is clean and the ambiance is fun. Will be back many more times when I'm back in Chicago.
(5)Diana A.
Nice strong and flavorful traditional mojitos! No fake syrupy tasting mojitos here. Big deal to me since mojitos are my favorite. I've tried the tostones appetizer-yummy, the steak entree- yummy and my wife loves the paella. The ambiance is nice. The live band music even better. We're Latinos in the west loop constantly looking for a more authentic Latin vibe and food. Havana hits the mark!
(5)Kristen W.
Oh Havana how I wish I would have learned about you sooner! it was raining and cold so we ran into this cozy little place to take cover. We were taken by surprise at the awesome cozy vibe of this Cuban restaurant. We started with sangria and it was filled with nice fresh fruit. We saw all of the wonderful food around us to decided to try the calamari appetizer. I've never had "Latin" calamari before... the spices were great and not what I was expecting, this was better than your average calamari and the dipping sauces were amazing as well. Giving the great appetizer I can't wait to go back and try out more dishes for dinner.
(4)Suzanne W.
Tasty food with a great mix of flavors. Recommend the Pollo al a Caserola. Chicken cooked perfectly, poblano pepper sauce and guacamole - veggies on the side cooked perfectly.
(5)Diocelina G.
I wanted to love this place, unfortunately due a number of reasons, Havana didn't please me. First off, it's super narrow! Bumping into people is inevitable and there's virtually no dance floor. They had a cool band that played Latin American themed tunes which was excellent, but then when they took their break the place turns into any other typical bar that's blasting Top 40, if they named the place after Cuba's capital, I expect the joint to be much more festive and true to the culture and music of Cuba. The drinks were nothing special I payed $15.50 for top shelf on the rocks. Didn't get to try their food.
(2)Kaila B.
Being from a Cuban family I was pretty excited to visit this place. I am a server so I will say that my level of expectation for any restaurant can be a little high, however, I think some things should be done well no matter where you are. For example- Server approaching table in less than 5 minutes. Taking the food order after the drink order. Hot food. Unfortunately, they did not win on any of these. I hate to blame everything on the server but the food was luke-warm so it wasn't just them. I can't say I was enthused with the whole experience. My suggestion would be that they tighten things up a little better. I know restaurants sometimes look at M-Wed nights like they're no big deal but that can really be your opportunity to make repeat customers.
(3)Nick N.
I love Cuban sandwiches so it's great to have a place in Chicago to get one. I drive from the southside to pick these up and it's worth the trip. I always order take-out here so I can't judge on inside service but the food is very good. It's pretty unique, even with all the other food options around it still stands out. The Cuban, the Fries, and the beans and rice all get kudos. Parking can be tricky down there but really that goes for almost any downtown location.
(5)Angelica G.
Too small of a place for the amount of people they let in. Can't dance anywhere. (Saturday) You have to dance, mingle, and order in the same spot, lol. Good little band, nothing special, but got the crowd going, which was a good mix of people, old, young, multicolored. The mojito pitcher my sister ordered was mediocre, nothing special but drinkable, the bathrooms are down a steep staircase which I can bet many have tumbled down before. As I stated it was too crowded to do any type of movement, if you had a wedgie you'd be screwed, a clean up guy came by with a wet mop to clean up the tiny dance area and as he passed by he mopped my feet as well....... well least I got a free shoe cleaning!
(3)Lauren M.
I give it four stars for the food and strong drinks. Could use better service from waitresses. Great for early drinks and dinner before the evening crown starts. Recommend having a reservation. Look forward to going again!
(4)Mon P.
The drink specials are great and so is the music. The food is average or less than average. There's much better Cuban places around the city. Sadly, there's none in river north but this one. I won't be back to eat. They try to be too modern but they've lost the flavor that goes along with Cuban food. To be clear i had the lechon. It was cool to the touch and chunky with a strange sauce. Could have been an odd night. My friends rave about the place so maybe I'll try it once more.
(2)Elijah S.
Great place , authentic fresh food . The service is very good . Good prices . Quality of food is good . We jumped in after long day at work and wanted something authentic. We got 2 different dishes and all tasted good . Overall good pace . Will definitely come back for more Cuban food .
(5)J. Terrell A.
Couple folks from the office decided to stop in for lunch around noon. We were seated promptly and provided water. So far so good. Once we ordered it started to go downhill. I noticed a table that was seated after we ordered received their food before we received ours. After 20-25 mins our food finally arrived. We ate and the server was quick to place the check down. The food was good, but the slow service killed it.
(3)Yuki Y.
Enjoyed the empanadas, caipirinhas, and skirt steak. Fun, lively atmosphere. A neighborhood staple. Service is good and I have to comment that the older busser was busting his a** and doing a great job. He never stopped and moved at a fast pace and it was already 10:30 and long into his evening. Don't know where he was getting his energy. Management if you are listening, give this guy a raise!
(4)Diana B.
Had a nice dinner when in town just overnight with my boss The food was delicious. The service wasn't as great as I remembered when I lived there. They were accommodating, though, as we didn't have reservations.
(3)Helen E.
Recent reviews made me nervous but I needn't have been. Great service, delicious food, bright atmosphere. We had the fish tacos and the pulled pork - we destroyed both, along with the plantain chips appetizer. Would definitely come again if we lived here.
(4)Peter C.
We walked past this place and noticed the amazing Cuban music Playing. After walking in we noticed it was $20 pitchers of mojitos on Friday. The pitcher was amazing. Hand muddled limes with mint. Absolutely delicious. We got the apps and they were great too. The place was dead though with us being the only ones in there. The sopa de tortilla was great same with the friend plantains. Good place to stop to. Smaller and not packed at all.
(3)Sarah R.
I made a last minute reservation her for my friend's bachelorette party. Initially, I was worried about the quality of a place in this area with Saturday night reservations opened less than a week out, but Havana exceeded my expectations. Our waiter was phenomena (and cute) and patiently answered so many questions. The specialty drinks were amazing . My friend liked the coffeetini so much she requested it for her wedding. I have a less fancy recipe if anyone is interested. The food did not disappoint. Our group included several spicy lightweights, a hardcore meat-lover, and one vegetarian(hello!) and everyone loved their choice. I really enjoyed the decor as well. We were seated in a center table, but had enough room that no one bumped us. There was also a lower level with more tables as well as a bar up front. I'm not really a River North kinda woman, but Havana was an excellent exception.
(4)Lauren F.
Loved this place way back when it was Mambo Grill and love this place now as Havana. Fridays are 1/2 price mojito pitchers and they make a pretty mean mojito. The chimichangas are my absolute favorite thing on the menu and I often just order these as my main dish, as does my husband. We also really love their guacamole and salsa starter as well as the Roasted Pulled Pork with jalapeño mashed potatoes and creamed corn...I wish they'd add a little more of the creamed corn but it is still delicious! I've also been to Havana for a bachelorette party and they do a really great job accommodating larger groups. The booking is super easy and everyone that attended was super impressed with the menu options. Definitely busy on the weekends so I highly recommend reservations for a guaranteed table!
(4)Nikola L.
Great food, good service. Mojitos were a little too sweet for my taste. When we complained the girl brought us some soda water :)
(5)Kristal T.
The food here was delicious. I would normally give this restaurant five stars but the service was horrendous. The waitress literally forgot to put our order in. We waited for over an hour to receive and "oops" and then waited an additional 30 min or so for our food to come out. As someone who previously worked and managed a restaurant I feel that this was unacceptable. I would be more understanding if it had been very busy but there was only one other couple in the place and it was around 8:30 or so. Overall, the food is delicious; but due to the poor service, I doubt I will return.
(3)Reggie H.
Great chaiperinas and mojitos. Small spot with lively regulars. Food is just fair because the seasoning profiles are very underwhelming. Beef dishes are not always tender either which is sinful with the Ropa Vieja. I want to love this place but can't
(3)Alan D.
Tonight was my first time at Havana. I'm very picky about food and the atmosphere of a restaurant. This place is already on my list of favorite restaurants. We started with the Calamari which was fantastic. My gf got the Carne con Tequila. It was perfectly cooked and very flavorful. I ordered the Cuban Roasted Pork which I would easily order again. Every part of the dish was cooked perfectly and it all worked well together. Our server Crista was super friendly and very knowledgeable of the menu. There was a party at the tables next to us and she was considerate enough to ask us if we preferred to sit away from them even before they arrived. I will absolutely come back to this restaurant again and will request to sit in Crista's section. What a great experience.
(5)Gabriel M.
Havana used to be my favorite lounge/restaurant in the city. Good atmosphere and food and awesome Mediterranean music. 4-5 years ago this place was just awesome, but now...the service is atrocious, the food is subpar and for some reason the band has decided to add rock elements to the music and it just sucks. There's a reason why Rhumba or Middle eastern music has 99% acoustic instruments! Why did you guys change?! Sigh...Last 3 Saturday's I was there it was just bad, couldn't even dance, it felt like Vagando wasn't even trying, plus no one likes 10 min songs, especially when they don't sound like they should. Last night I was there for a birthday party, and you guys brought the cake out without even cleaning the table first. One of the young bus boys was just standing around (the one with the mohawk), the girl server had to be asked 5 times for water and lemon (she never brought lemon though)...just like a few Saturdays ago! my girlfriend had to move the empty glasses to another table and only then did the staff clean our table. I mean it was simply disrespectful...I feel bad for the manager cause he's always running around the place trying to accommodate patrons but his staff is letting him down.
(2)Alli E.
Got the classic mojito and Carne con Tequila- both really good!
(4)Joan S.
My husband and I went to Havana before seeing a show at the Oriental Theatre. The restaurant is just a short 10 minute walk. We arrived early for our reservation and decided to sit at the bar. We order the Mojito flight, bartenders pick - classic, coconut and guava. The mojito's were awesome!! Another bartender came and started talking to us!. He was very personable and made us feel very welcome! He even made us a sample of chilled mango rum with fresh mango juice - YUM! He is the main reason why we would return! Now the food. My husband and I had recommendations from our waiter. I had the Cuban Roasted Pork which was AWESOME! This dish was plentiful and flavorful. I would definitely recommend it. The rice with beans side was just okay. My husband had the Steak Jibarito which was good but mine was better. The steak was cooked perfectly. The latin fries were tasty. For desert we had some fudge cake which was just okay. I wanted the flan but my husband is not a flan fan. We would return. Thanks for the great freindly customer service at the bar, wish I knew his name! :-)
(4)Belle M.
Such a great place for drinks, food and dancing. It has very welcoming vibe, I brought my boyfriend in and he is pretty picky about his Cuban food but he loved it. We ordered the Chimichangas and the Ropa Vieja! The Chimichangas were delicious. The drinks they make here are made to keep you around for a while. The Mojitos are the best I have had...ever!! A must go! Highly recommended
(5)Elyse L.
Yum! There are only two reasons Havana doesn't get 5 stars from me. 1st is their house mojito and second was my dessert. That aside I immensely enjoyed my meal here tonight. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked in garlic, bell peppers, and other spices. I don't care for bell peppers so I was a little skeptical but you can't taste them at all. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with white rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. I could eat this meal everyday and never get tired of it. We started with their house mojitos and they were too bitter for me. That's usually my favorite drink, but they were so sour one sip made both my husband and I pucker our lips. Maybe try a flavored kind there. Those might be less harsh. There was a free dessert yelp check in offer and the only thing we both agreed on from being stuffed was the strawberries in cream. I don't know what they make the cream out of but when I took a bite all I tasted was rancid milk. Almost like when you smell spoiled mayo. My husband ate the whole thing and enjoyed it so maybe something in my palate just wasn't playing nice tonight. Either way you need to eat here. The food was delicious
(4)Gustavo B.
Great place almost hidden from the flashier options in this neighborhood. Go inside for a tranquil, yet lively enough vibe. Awesome food that doesn't stick to the traditional beaten options but still tastes very unique. Drinks weren't good though, maybe it's my fault to order a margarita instead of a Mojito.
(4)Fadi S.
very chill environment. they're playing Latin music in the background. the food menu was amazing. we had guac and some appetizers at first. the service was good too. would recommend the place of.you happen to be in the area.
(4)Reynick M.
Mexican-Cuban fusion. Not a true Cuban restaurant. Dishes were overly salted and very oily. I would never recommend this to anyone. We had the Tostones as an app, which were incredibly salty - more so than what you would find at any Cuban restaurant in Miami, Chicago, or NYC. And, the Lechon (roast pork) dish was very greasy. This was really weird because someone else in our party had the Ropa Vieja and found it to be dry as a bone.
(1)Chrisette L.
I love spanish food . This was a nice intimate setting . Perfect for a first date ! I ordered a seafood dish that was amazing . He ordered the Carne Asada and it was seasoned to perfection.
(4)Stephen S.
Excellent and unique food with great service. I highly recommend the Carne Asada and Havana Pulled Pork. The mojitos from the bar also can't be beat.
(5)Austin Y.
I've been to Havana 3 or 4 times and have learned to stick with my favorites. Portions are very generous, and I like the dark, modern decor that's cozy at the same time. Chimichangas ($9) were terrific, perfectly crisp and filled with moist chicken in an addictively good poblano cream sauce. Empanadas ($11) were just ok, the manchego was the best by far while the chicken and ground beef weren't that interesting. Carne con tequila ($18) wasn't great, the steak was slightly overcooked and I wasn't a huge fan of the tequila sauce. The chimichurri was good, but tasted a little weird alongside the tequila. Pulled pork ($17) was a little underwhelming, the pork was tender but not very moist, and the potatoes and creamed corn were good but also added a lot of carb-y, creamy heaviness that wasn't balanced by any sort of acidity. Seafood paella ($21) was a mixed bag. The seafood was plentiful and the chorizo was great with the pineapple, but the dish was a little dry overall and the rice wasn't crusty/crispy. BBQ ribs ($19) were amazing. The ribs were incredibly flavorful and fall-off-the-bone tender, and the guava-infused BBQ sauce was tangy and unusual. Jalea de mariscos ($22) was also a fantastic choice, a lot of fresh shellfish including scallops and shrimp in a creamy coconut sauce over rice, I guess it's sort of like Cuban curry. Definitely recommend. Havana has its share of hits and misses, but get the empanadas and either the ribs or jalea de mariscos and you'll leave full and extremely satisfied. I will be back for those.
(3)Justin B.
Squeezed in for lunch this past Wednesday with a friend to use up my lunch-for-two Gilt City deal. Generally, this was a great meal. We tried both soups on the menu; I thought both were great, but my friend thought that the black bean might have had a slight edge. I tried the Torta Cubana and was very satisfied...the ketchup had a little spice to it, which served the perfectly-cooked fries very well, and the bread the sammie was served on was excellent, as were the fillings. My friend tried the Ropa Vieja...she thought it was good, but "not as good as the spots I used to hit in Miami", whatever that's worth! The only negative was service/food delivery speed...we arrived at about five before noon for our noon reservation, but we didn't get out until just after 1. For soups and sammies over the work day lunch hour, things moved a little slow for my taste. Otherwise, I would come back here; menu prices seem fair and you get a ton of food for the price, at least off the lunch sammie menu.
(4)Bob R.
Our experience at Havana was exactly what one should expect when going to dinner in the city. Havana is a Cuban restaurant on the southern tip of River North. It is very small - about 10 tables or so on the inside. They also have an area out on the sidewalk with another four tables. There is a large wooden bar that takes up much of the interior space. We were immediately greeted and seated - we had an early dinner, around 5 PM. The sidewalk seats were all taken but it was wide open inside. We had a very nice table by the window so we could watch the foot traffic outside. The waiter asked if we had any questions on the menu or Cuban food in general. Since Cuban is one of our favorite foods, we really did not have any questions. We ordered their large guacamole platter while we decided. My wife and I both ordered caipirinhas. They were tart and excellent. The guacamole platter came with tri-color chips with three salsas - the guacamole itself, fresh pico de gallo and a VERY spicy salsa. I was really torn on what to get. I absolutely love Cuban sandwiches, but we were celebrating, so I ordered Carne con Tequila - a chargrilled skirt steak served with tequila-infused sauce and Latin fries tossed with homemade chimichurri. It was fantastic. In talking to the waiter later in the meal, I asked about Pisco, a South American Liquor I'd never tried. He brought me a shot. It was very good, very similar to white tequila. After dinner, and all of the drinks, I had a Cuban coffee to finish out the meal. There were some earlier reviews that mentioned slow service. I agree, but it was not unbearably slow and we were not in a hurry. The service allowed us a relaxing meal where we could enjoy the decor, the food and the company. This was a great experience, one I am eager to share with others.
(5)I J.
After coworkers mentioned that the food at this place was worth the terrible service, I decided to try it and I am so glad I did because now I know to never come back and tell others to not waste their money here. The food was okay, but the service was horrendous. Our server was just the worst, he came to our table once and when we told him we weren't huge fans of what we ordered, he did not care. We asked for a side of lemons, and he brought us 3 tiny pieces of limes that looked totally dry. The mojitos were so watered down, and they didn't come out until after our food did. We left so angry. Do not come here please, it's not worth it.
(1)Stephanie S.
The last few times I've been here have been a major let-down in terms of service. We brought family here on our last visit, and I was a little embarrassed. I'd been raving about this place, and then our server didn't stop by until we'd been at our table for 15 minutes. Then he didn't greet us; just kind of a "Ok, what are we ordering?" He was absent for most of the meal. This isn't the first time it's happened to me here. And they're never busy, so I don't know what's going on. The food is good, but honestly a bit overpriced for what you get.
(3)Whitney W.
I want to live here. The live music was GREAT. I danced my little butt off. I may or may not have gotten drunk from the Mojitos that I ordered, and the food was great! I ordered about 4-5 different appetizers, one being the crab cakes that were melt in your mouth good. I really can't think of a single negative thing to say.
(5)Erin M.
I went here last night with my dad and I probably never would have dined here if it wasn't for a Gilt City coupon. After reading some of the yelp reviews I was hesitant, but let me tell you-this place is amazing! We started off with a classic mojito, and it was perfect. Not too sweet, not too minty, just the right amount of everything. We ordered the ceviche appetizer and it was really good, especially with the plantains! For my entrée I had the salmon and oh man the flavors were everything. It had a BBQ flavor while tasting fresh and had a kick to it, which I thoroughly enjoyed since I tend to douse my food in hot sauce. The service was perfect, we were enjoying drinks and conversation and were not looking to get in and out. Personally, I think enjoying a meal for a long period time is one of the most relaxing things. Definitely recommend this place as it is provides different flavors than you'll find around River North!
(4)Lori C.
Great food (especially the paella, empanadas, fried plantains and ceviche) and awesome drink specials most days of the week. Friday's = $20 mojito pitchers! Live salsa music on weekends and you'll see people of all ages taking a twirl on the dance floor when the music start (probably with help of some mojito courage!). A great find in River North, as the atmosphere is more private and intimate than other restaurants in the area. The waiters and food runners are all very nice and sweet, and you never feel rushed out. A great place to come for any occasion, but if you are coming with a larger party, make sure to call ahead for reservations.
(5)Emily J.
I went here a few nights ago for a birthday dinner and had a great experience! It's down the street from my apartment and I always walk by and love the Latin music playing outside, it puts you in a good mood no matter what! Our group sat on the patio and enjoyed the music mingled with the sounds of the city. Unfortunately the smell of the sewer was also part of the mix, but that's just Chicago for you! The restaurant itself is lovely and you really feel like you've been transported out of Chicago for you dinner (minus the sewage smell!). I would start off with the fired plantain chips with homemade salsas and of course, a pitcher of mojitos. I am in love with the mojitos at Havana-they are perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. I didn't even have a terrible headache for work for the next morning! The food was just so-so, nothing terrible but nothing outstanding either. One of my companions got the paella, which was easily the best dish out of everything ordered, but it wasn't as flavorful as I would have liked it to be. Dessert was also a highlight-it was some type of chocolate/strawberry lava cake for the birthday girl. Our server, Olga, was fantastic and humored our selfie taking antics throughout the meal. I will be back to Havana, but probably just for mojitos and plantain chips. I can't wait to try this place in the winter when I will really need a tropical themed escape, even just for a drink or two!
(4)Lizz M.
Yum! Popped into Havana with a co-worker on a Thursday night. Service was great. Our waiter was super sweet. They have caipirinhas! Which are traditionally a Brazilian drink, but if it's on the menu, I must have it. I went with the passion fruit kind and was not disappointed. Drinks are strong and delicious. For apps, had the guac and chips, which also come with pico de gallo and a salsa verde, which was fantastic. I need the recipe, please. We also ordered the platanos tostados, which are sliced plantain chips that are served with a side of pureed beans and a pineapple salsa. The beans needed a touch more salt, but were delicious no less. For the main course, I went with the roasted pork that is served with fried yucca, congri, and fried plantains. yum, yum, and more yum. You can't really go wrong with this dish, unless you're not a fan of onions as the pork is topped with a pile of roasted onions. Dessert was a chocolate cake, a perfect ending to a great meal. I'm definitely coming back to give their Cuban sandwich a try!
(4)Shradha A.
We haven't tried the food but their drinks were good. We were here for their dance night and the live band + music were great! Wish they had more space to move though as it gets quite crowded!
(3)david O.
12 people for my Fiance's birthday. We were seated a little late but the manager more than made up for it with lots of appetizers that were delicious. Mojito pitchers for $22? Yes please. Highly recommended.
(5)Dora C.
Had one of the most amazing girls night at Havana! There was a live band performing that provided the best dancing music ever! Our bartender Noel made sure our pitcher mojitos was always filled! We originally planned on only staying for a little while and ending up staying til Havana closed down!
(5)Faith A.
Upon being stuck going to Chicago for a night in the midst of the Polar Vortex, my company chose Havana as our dining spot for a team dinner. I have to say, I was quite disappointed in this choice. Upon entering the restaurant, it seemed cozy and comfy, however, we were taken downstairs as we had a group of about 12-14 people. It was not the cleanest of spaces and seemed a little musty smelling. Service was okay, and food was mediocre at best. There was calamari and some other app I cannot remember, not good but edible at least. I got the fish tacos... they were okay at best. T I will not be back here given the amount of better options in the River North area.
(2)Jennifer N.
The food here is full of flavor, and the $20 pitchers of sangria were tasty too. I ordered the Ropa Vieja which is shredded flank steak cooked with bell peppers & onions. It's simply super tender and incredibly flavorful beef. It came with rice, black beans, and sweet plantains. Omnomnom! Service was a little slow, but all in all, a great Cuban restaurant in River North.
(4)Lynn H.
Absolutely love it here and so has everyone I have ever brought with me! Can't remember the exact name, but I always get the chicken that is stuffed with spinach and cheese...sooo good! I also come here for drinks only every now and then. Their pitcher deals during the week are the best!
(5)Bose' A.
We had dinner at Havana last night and it was great. My date and I had the plantanos maduros to start with and they were yummy! We also tried multiple of their specialty beverages and all were tasty. The atmosphere was perfect for our 5th date. Not too loud so we could have a more intimate conversation and it's in a great location. The staff was super friendly as well. We will definitely return for more delicious dinners at Havana!
(5)Ryan B.
Always a winner for lunch. Good food at non-River North prices. The jibarito, pisto manchego and the torta Cubana are the best things on the menu. Seating is always very tight and service can be slow at times. But this place always delivers.
(4)Angela S.
Havana is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago! Every time I have a new guest in town, I take them here. I have never stayed late enough to watch the band (I believe they don't usuLly start until after 11), but the food is fabulous. I would highly recommend getting anything with their poblano cream sauce. I like the atmosphere, it is very cozy. It is small, but that what makes it special. I have heard however, some hispanic friends of mine saying the food didn't quite live up to their expectations on authenticity (and they would know best!) but from an average jos standpoint, I would sat it is outstanding.
(5)Laura C.
Lured in by the sidewalk sign advertising half price pitchers of margaritas, we snacked on Empanada Trio: manchego - manchego cheese, onions, walnuts and raisins pollo - sautéed chicken, cheddar cheese, tomatoes and corn, drizzled with cilantro sour cream picadillo - sautéed ground beef with red and green peppers, onions, olives and raisins AND Chimichangas - fried, chicken-filled tortillas in poblano cream sauce, with cilantro sour cream and pico de gallo Everything was hunky dory until we got the check, with a full priced pitcher. When I asked about the sign outside, we were told that we had to order entrees to get that - which I debated, since it was not stated on the sign. Our server said he would take care of it, but then brought the bill back with no adjustments. I spoke with the manager, and he reluctantly agreed to give us the discount, but after giving me the fifth degree on whether or not the server told us before we ordered. If this incident had not occurred, the rating would have been much higher. We should have stuck by our plan of going to Bub City instead.
(3)Gabriela A.
I appreciate the business getting in touch with me and that alone deserves an additional star. Original review: service is not very good (good cafe cortadito)
(4)Giuliana M.
A Great atmosphere and the lunch menu is amazing. The service was fast and the prices were very reasonable!!
(4)Mili J.
Food was great. But the service was bad. The waitress had an attitude, and was very comfortably denying the little variations my friends were asking for. Felt like she is doing a grand favor on us by serving food. Anyway the food was great, i can go back there for the good food hoping for a different server.
(3)rebecca g.
Went because of Groupon and was quite impressed. Food wasn't cheap, but quality was great and blows overpriced La Guardia out of the water. The atmosphere leaves a bit to be desired--feels like any other modern yuppie place downtown that happens to be piping in Salsa tunes...but the service was attentive and quick, so can't really complain. I had the Rollitos Manchegos, which I expected to be similar to flautas but were more like crispy sliced roulades, filled with yummy chicken, spinach, and cheese with the most heavenly green pepper cream sauce. Portions looked small at first glance, but were actually pretty filling. I can't remember the name of the tropical cocktail I ordered, but it was good, if a bit on the small side. I'd like to go back, to check out some of their weekly specials.
(4)Yaw N.
I've been to Havana twice and each time we've gone we have come away more impressed with the restaurant. I am a cocktail snob (trust me this is a curse) and could not stand their mojito. The mint was crushed not muddled releasing all the bitter taste of mint into the cocktail which they tried to mask with sugar and soda. Long story short, don't rely on their drinks if you go there. On the other hand, the food is quite good. The Cuban sandwich is really good and last time we went I had the enchilada which I would definitely order again.
(3)Chirag P.
I remember when it used to be Mambo Grill and it seems many of the items are very similar (or the same) so I'm wondering if it was just re-branded. Anyways, based on the assumption that it was the same joint I ordered the ribs w/ mashed sweet potatoes, which were probably the best ribs I've ever had (when it was Mambo). The Havana version did not disappoint... though Mambo's had a bit of a kick to it, which was nice to counteract with the sweet potatoes. But still good. The place does get packed, so make a reservation.
(4)Kristen F.
Came here for lunch with our group from work after searching around on Yelp for some suitable nearby lunch spots that weren't terribly expensive, had gluten free options outside of salad and were within walking distance for us. Havana nailed all three plus it was a place none of us had tried yet. We got some guacamole and calamari as an appeitizer, solid and the calamari had an interesting spice to it. I had their steak sandwich. I was most impressed by the authentic char grilled taste of the meat, just like it came straight off my grill at home. It also came with an oil and cilantro topping that was a super tasty add on. Service was prompt and the restaurant was well decorated with an homage to the 40's or 50's, classy. If I had any criticism it would be that it was a tad noisy which made it hard to hear each other but that was minor I think we'll be back for their drink specials sometime. ;)
(5)Swati B.
This is the old mambo grill, and it seems to have a lot of the same menu...I like the ambiance and the crowd is a pretty decent mix...it can get a bit loud, and it seems to be fitting for larger groups..didn't see too many couples on a sat. night... For vegetarians they have 2-3 items, I got the dish that had stuffed poblano peppers..pretty decent, but $14? It was quite pricey... The guac/chips are decent... Seemed most of my friends that ate here enjoyed their meals..drinks are great as well, service is quick and friendly..overall a great place but for vegetarians you will have to pay a pretty penny for the food here...
(4)Marcos L.
Nice room. Decent cocktails, though nothing special. Nice people, though sadly they seem rather bored. And here's why: The food is mediocre. It's too bad. Like I say, it is a nice space, which means it's entirely a kitchen problem. I don't understand how restauranteurs can think they can open such a halfway-there kind of place in a seriously competitive area like River North and hope to make a go of it. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this place closed fairly soon. They can't be making money. If they were to do some interesting and memorable small-plate stuff and make really good cocktails, they'd probably be doing quite well with the after-work crowd. But the menu (& execution) has all the imagination of, well, a restaurant in Havana. (Yes, I've been. In fact, I spend a lot of time there. And let me tell you: No one ever went to Havana for the food. At least not in the past few decades. You can get better Cuban food here in Chicago than in Cuba. Even in this place. But that ain't saying much.) I mean, they give you a limp piece of breaded meat and then sprinkle little garnishes around the plate, all fancy like, as if that will make it taste better. Like magic fairy dust. Doesn't work that way.
(3)Lisa T.
Half price mojitos, I love you. Seriously.... the mojitos are AWESOME and I actually would pay full price for them. But I don't have to since Havana is amazing and does half price mojito Friday! The food is overall very good. A few bright spots and a few less delicious items, but overall quite good. The calamari appetizer is GREAT... the spicy sauce it's served with is sooooooo good. The plantain chips were so-so. Not the best... just kinda bland. The tequila marinated carne asada was great. It was served with frites and a delicious chimmichuri. The chicken rolled with spinach and manchego was somewhat lacking in flavor. The green pepper sauce it was served with was very good but the chicken itself needed more seasoning. The chipotle mayo/sauce on the cuban sandwich is fantastic.... it makes a delicious sandwich a total knockout. The service was quite good. Extremely attentive water refills, and quick turnaround on our food and drink orders. Random things - they serve their mojitos in small-ish glasses that remind me of juice glasses......... wtf? It's a little odd. I can handle a big girl glass, I promise. And it's a cute space, but a SMALL space. Crowded tables. (to be expected in this neighborhood, but still...) Can't beat the prices, good drink specials, good service, pretty good food. I think I may have found a new fav.
(4)Jamie Q.
The best Cuban I've ever had I found in Chicago. Fun place friendly staff and excellent price. My next trip to Chicago will include a stop here.
(4)Jacque R.
Being from Austin, l first have to say I LOVED the live music! There is not much better than a live spanish guitar. Havana's mojitos (made with Pisco) are delious, especially on a warm day. My other favorite is thier latin fries. A mixture of regular french fries and sweet potatoe fries drizzled with a wonderful chimmichurri sauce- everyone at our table of 8 was reaching over to grab fries off my plate!
(4)Jason H.
Great roasted pork, but the steak sandwich lacked a large portion of meat and the ropa vieja was slightly overcooked. The manager was accommodating and we enjoyed the great ambiance.
(4)Kathleen C.
This was the BEST & CHEAPEST lunch that I've had in the city. So good that I definitely can't wait to tell people to go there and go back myself for dinner/drinks. It's located along a weird strip of Clark and has an awkward patio out front but we sat inside which was actually pretty nice! We ordered a half order of guacamole for 2 people. Best thing is that it came with salsa and pico de gallo and TONS of chips. For $4. Awesome. The menu had so many choices with a lot of cheaper items for lunch. Both my friend and I ordered tacos which were really good. I definitely preferred the chicken to the seafood tacos though. I would have given them 5 stars but it took 30 minutes for our tacos to come out and then we had to ask for a check. Not the place to go if you are on a time crunch.
(4)Nicole V.
Very appropriate decor, you walk in and feel as though you have been transported to a Cuban oasis. So dark and inviting! The food was outstanding. I have had a number of items off of the lunch menu and they have been both affordable and delicious. This is a little known loop lunch destination that I hope sticks around for a long time!
(5)Amanda C.
I have been here twice for drinks/dinner and sat both inside and outside. Both experiences were great and their cocktails have been excellent. The sangria is like candy but with just the right amount of sweetness. It's nice that they have so many specials throughout the week- half priced margaritas, sangria pitchers, mojitos, etc. For dinner I had the spicy chicken cooked in the plantain leaf with sweet potatoes, plantains and habanero sauce. It was awesome. The patio gets a lot of flies but maybe that adds to the authentic atmosphere.
(4)Laura V.
I'm not impressed with Havana as a weekday lunch option. I came here yesterday and the service was way too slow to contend. Chips and Guac: 30 minutes, entrees: 45 minutes. One of my friends actually had to get a to-go box with her entree because she had to get back to work. That kind of experience is never pleasant. The ambiance was really nice and the food was very decent. The server, though running around the restaurant frantically most of the time, was friendly. Based on the speed of their service and the attractiveness of their drink specials, I think Havana will be an after work appetizer/drink place which, though great, is a shame because I would've loved to add another lunch option in the area.
(3)Sandra W.
This place was not bad. I'd come back here, actually. I wanted to try the other foods but I didn't have the appetite. Although it was a Cuban restaurant, I definitely ordered something that wasn't Cuban...Chimichangas. haha. yes, they were still great! :) The Mojoitos, on the other hand, were FANTASTIC. We got 3 pitchers shared it, and it was great. The ambiance was really chic-ish and trendy. There was a live band right at the end when we were about to leave. The staff seemed extremely nice. The waitress did mix up our tab, but we got it sorted out in seconds, so it was no biggie. The bathroom is freezing though.
(3)Sejal P.
Went to Havana for a birthday dinner; it was around 10:30pm. Food here is excellent however the service was a bit slow. It was understandable since they were busy setting-up a live band, which started around 11:30. DRINKS: I ordered Berry mojito and my friend ordered scotch whisky which they didn't carry. * you might want to call ahead to see if they have your drink* My drink was good, not same as original Mojito's. APPETIZER: we ordered Guacamole and Calamari for appetizers; both were excellent, guac was just the right texture and tasty. Calamari were crunchy and tender; their guajillo sauce with chipotle tart was the best. DINNER: i order seafood mix, and my friend had the tequila steak. Both were good, my only regret is going late, this place would be great for group dinner. For us it was too loud, we quickly finished dinner and skipped dessert. Overall it was great food, good service, and good drinks. I would come back again for sure.
(4)Chioke M.
Food is very good. The atmosphere is nice and the service is very good. If you drink, they often have drink specials. The steak sandwich is my favorite but the soft tacos are nice also. In the evening, they have live music playing. It is just a good place in the city to eat.
(4)Ann M.
I felt like I was in South Beach - loved it. I work around the corner but had never stopped in until today. I had the Havana Steak sandwich and a mojito. The mojito was a perfect blend of mint and lime and rum - not overly sweet as some can be. The sandwich was seriously delicious - I ordered it without the mayo and it was plenty moist without it. Sandwiches also come with chimichurri sauce which was perfection. I liked the fries: a mix of sweet potato and white potato, although the sweet potato ones were the best, while the white potato were just average frozen potatoes. The service was attentive and friendly, and they didn't even bother to chase us out as we lingered over our ice water.
(4)Jim V.
Loved the Cuban music that played when we sat outside. Was very impressed with the appetizers, service, price, and drinks that we had during our visit. The sangria pitchers were phenomenal, ceviche was excellent, and the dishes were all top - notch. Will definitely be back!
(4)Troy B.
Went here last Friday to use the Groupon. Drinks were good. Food was ok, not bad but not wonderful. Maybe it was our fault because we stuck to the basics. Had the calamari starter and it was just like calamari in any restaurant, nothing special. The chimichangas were actually the best thing we had. I had the slow roasted pulled pork and it was not good. The meat was cooked fine but the mashed potatoes were bad. They served it in a ring mold and the potatoes were so mashed down in the mold that it was like eating a solid potato. The plantain sauce that went with it was the only thing with any flavor. The potatoes were supposed to be 'jalapeno mashed'. I can't say I saw or tasted any peppers in mine. My partner had the pork chops. Again the meat was well cooked but the flavors were way off. The sauce tasted like a battery. Service was very good. It was freezing inside the restaurant. I think it was actually warmer outside and this was November 13. The noise level was way too loud for the space and the high ceilings did nothing to dampen it. People were shouting to be heard and it was just not an enjoyable atmosphere. For Cuban food I would go to Cafe Laguardia or Cafe 28 any time, but probably won't be back here.
(2)Nala B.
Came here recently for an early dinner. Food was good and the drinks were excellent. The prices are higher than they should be although that might be a function of the location and the very large portions. The decor is lovely. Seems like it would be a good place to take a date. I enjoyed my dinner here but will likely not come back, given the wealth of very good restaurants Chicago has to offer.
(3)Bonnie B.
I really loved everything about this restaurant. The drinks - $4 mojitos on a Friday night? For real? The atmosphere - very pretty, classy looking joint. The FOOD - unbelievable- everything I ate - starting with the calamari and guacamole to my dinner of pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes and roasted creamed corn. SO amazing. I know everyone else I was with was really happy with their food as well. My mom said "best paella I've ever had," and others had the peruvian steak dish and a chicken dish. All amazing. Prices are not bad either. Very reasonable for what you get.
(5)Andrew B.
Went here before a musical for some appetizers and drinks. The decor is really unique and definitely has the Cuban feel. We sat by the big folding doors at the front of place and had a nice "Cuban" breeze blowing through. The half priced mojitos were awesome and a great value. That is what pushed this place from 3 stars to 4 stars. We had the calamari and chimichangas, both of which were fried to perfection. Calamari was served with nice saffron (I think) sauce. The chimichangas were bite sized and tasty, and recommended by our waitress. Service was great. Value was good. Atmosphere was one of a kind.
(4)Jackie R.
I had the Chiles en Nogada, stuffed poblanos with mushrooms, onions, cheese, topped with a creamy walnut sauce. Really tasty. I liked that they omitted the deep frying that chile rellenos usually undergo. Drinks are always excellent here, especially the mojitos. Its a cute little spot, and always happening on the weekends. I give it a solid 4 stars.
(4)Bonnie M.
Last night our family and friends hosted a 30th birthday party at Havanas and from the initial planning to the very end of our evening it was a wonderful and fun experience. The private room downstairs was just right for our party of 35 people. The atmosphere is 1940s Havana, the lighting and seating were impeccable and it was the perfect space to mingle for 2 hours. We also brought in our own party favors, some table decorations and birthday cupcakes which was fine with the restaurant. We opted for the 2 hour appetizer package, including personalized menus for the tables...nice touch. The food was EXCELLENT ( we chose mini beef empanadas, cheese empanadas, tortilla chips with expected dips, chicken quesadillas, portabella quesadillas, and cheviche with plaintain chips...my personal favorite) We didn't buy the drinks package instead opting for pitchers of white and red sangria, mojitos and individual drink orders. Our group then moved upstairs to reserved seating for live entertainment and dancing. The space was cozy and it made for excellent interacting. The band even gave a special shout out to the birthday girl. Our celebration was from 9 pm to 1 am and valet parking was very handy. Special props for excellence in service to Andrea who made it all happen with the planning and personal help & direction during the party. Also to Omar, our server/waiter who went above and beyond during the entire party. Thanks Havana for such a special and memorable night. We will be back!
(5)Pavan K.
A place to look out for, to have a nice date or hangout with friends !! The Mojito here just tastes like heaven, incomparable to any other place in Chicago! Cheesecake deserts are good too. !!
(5)Louis V.
Made a reservation for 9pm on 5/18/13. When I got there my name was nowhere to be found and was told I could wait for 45 minutes... I was beyond disappointed & really looking forward to eating there with my wife. On my way out, I overheard a diner on the patio comment that their rice was minute rice. Any Latin restaurant that uses minute rice is horrible.
(1)Robert B.
This was my first time dining at a Cuban restaurant and I must say, it was a GREAT experience. I loved the atmosphere, I loved the music, oh yeah, and the food was delicious. My girlfriend and I went just because it was close to an event we were attending, and both of us a looking forward to going back. I had the enchiladas, and my girlfriend had the pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes, with roasted cream corn. She washed it down with the red sangria which was really refreshing, and I had the spiced rum martini which was pretty potent! But I loved it I'm looking forward to my next experience!
(5)Jeff B.
Not a large place which is nice. Valet greets you to take your car. Hostess was friendly. Bartender was already making our mojitos before we sat down. Drinks were outstanding, best outside of the Caribbean. Apps and main course was great. Flavors were not over bearing and had a great balance. Our group tried steak, pork and chicken, each uniquely prepared and delicious. Highly recommend going here for a solid Latin fusion experience.
(5)Diana D.
Delicious mojoitos! Excellent service! Great, authentic decor. This place has become a place that I can't stopping coming back to. The empandas are very tasty and flavorful.. but my favorite thing to get is the guacamole with plantain chips. Everything I have tried here has been phenomenal - always alongside their praiseworthy cuban mojoito pitchers! Definitely check it out.
(5)Phallon P.
I enjoyed the food and the decor here. I ordered fish tacos, everything came out on a gorgeous platter. And the dessert was so good! I think it was a guava cheesecake, hands down the best thing I've eaten all year! I'd come back just for the cheesecake alone.
(4)Natasha L.
This place is hit or miss. Honestly if you end up here - get the mojitos. Its what keeps me coming back.
(3)Jolynna M.
A couple of Saturdays ago I stumbled across this place quite by accident, after being turned away at the famed Frontera Grill down the street. It was standing room only there, as is typical from what I hear. At any rate, I was hungry, and Havana was nearby. Plus the weather was perfect on a Saturday evening and they had outdoor tables, and even the inside was nice and airy due to the open windows. The decor was very colorful, just as a Cuban restaurant should be, and inviting. I got a seat by the window with a view to the street, so I enjoyed some good people watching while sampling from the fabulous menu. Everything, but everything looked wonderful, as I love Cuban food. But at last I settled for the fried plantains, fresh ceviche and black bean dip with pita wedges. It was all fantastic - really, really, really! Fresh produce, spicy flavors and artfully arranged. I also had a couple of mojitos, which they serve by the glass or the pitcher, making it nice for couples or groups. I am not from Chicago - was there on business, but next time I am in the area, I am putting this one on my list to visit again. Go on - give it a try!
(4)Ane C.
Just absolutely loved it. delicious food, fantastic service.. kudos to this place.. definately going back again...
(5)T P.
Fun place. Great service. 1/2 price Mojito pitchers on Friday night. Tasty Empanadas. Loved the garlic sauce. I ordered Pollo Horneado Con Platano. Fun presentation. Will definitely come here again!
(4)Kasia K.
I really only like to give good reviews, but I was disappointed. The space was really too small for a group and we got crammed downstairs (even though we came with reservations, but the staff still seemed taken aback). We were also hoping for live music (for latin dancing) but they had a dj instead. I was not impressed with the empanadas I got, and some other friends were not impressed with their food either (black bean soup one of them). Mojitos were strong but I have had better quality ones. Frankly, I just had higher expectations..
(2)Andrea B.
I went to Havana for the first time last week. The atmosphere is pretty nice, and I liked the live music. My food was pretty good; the chicken was tender and well seasoned, but I was a little disappointed with the rice and beans. Also, my caipirinha was probably the worst one I've had in Chicago. Next time I will order a mojito or margarita. I would go back, and just order other items.
(3)LaLaLaLa L.
I really enjoyed my time at Havana. My mom and I ate here after a convention at the Mart on a Friday night. We saw that they were on Restaurant.com and decided to give them a shot. It was a little crowded, so I would suggest reservations. We sat at the bar until our table was ready and had a pleasant experience. Bartender was super nice.... even gave us a sample mojito, since neither of us have had one before.... fell in love and ended up getting a pitcher! Plus, Friday is half prices pitcher night. Score. We were seated after about 20 minutes. We were near a window, which was nice because we can people watch those that walked by. We ended up splitting a couple apps and an entree and everything was lick-your-plate-clean delicious. We ordered the following- Manchego Empanadas- We actually ordered the Pollo Emanadas, but were accidentally served these... which I'm extremely happy about. OUTSTANDING. Don't let the ingredients scare you.... they're delicious together, I promise. Chipotle Crab Cakes- These were good... nothing spectacular though. The fruit relish was awesome. Chimichangas- just plain awesome. Very good Rollitos Manchegos- this was seriously to die for. Since they messed up the order (sent out the incorrect empanadas, which we said was quite alright) they sent out their El Diablito Fudge Cake. it was euphoric. We left very full (just couldn't put the fork down), a little tipsy and satisfied.
(4)#NAME?
Wanted to venture out and try something different, made reservations for Friday at 7:00, got right in-But it is so packed up front, very small bar area- It's not that big of a place and it's very LOUD, so this is not a good place for first dates, meeting up with people you haven't see in forver b/c you will not be able to hear them at all- FOOD: I had an entree that had chicken rolled up with spinich and cheese with a cream sauce, it was very good- Not that expensive at all and it had good vibe about the place-A mix of families, tourist and locals- I'd come here again and recommend it to anyone-
(4)Gagan G.
Nice little hideout in River North that I accidentally stumbled upon. There was a good atmosphere even though it was a Monday night. I got the Chiles Rellenos and it was excellent. Word of warning though, it was spicy! My tolerance for spice is pretty high but I found my mouth watering with the spice, surprising as poblano is one of the milder peppers out there. The service was good and I liked the ambiance. Overall a place that I would definitely go back to.
(4)Donald L.
Made a reservation here for about eight people on a Friday night for my friend's birthday. We were promptly seated in the middle of the restaurant and brought up to speed on their great drink menu. The server was fantastic and the food was very good. Everyone at the table had a very pleasant experience and it's a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend.
(4)Anabella J.
I made reservation 2 days prior.not only that we had to wait good 30 minutes but the hostess kept asking my name like 5 times.she even told me couple of times that my table was ready and then when i followed her she turned and said "a couple of more minutes" wtf???then she kept giving tables to other people that came in.finally she told us to follow her and she took us downstairs!!!they gave us the table right next to kitchen door!!that door kept opening and closing all night long and i got to see their nasty kitchen!yuck!!!the food is average!i read reviews and i was thinking to myself this place is a must!the only thing i liked was sangria!i had to drink it to stop being annoyed by slamming kitchen doors!!not worth your money and time!if they take you downstairs runnnnn!!!!just turn and run!!!yuck!
(1)Jamie B.
Came here on Friday night with our group of 4. Pitchers of mojitos were great... we asked for them sugar free and they were able to accomodate. We ordered appetizers, sadly they never came. Our waiter forgot to put them in. Everyone had really good dishes except for me.. I ordered the special for the everning, which were vegetarian enchiladas with a green chili sauce. They were not very hot temperature wise, they were stuffed with no vegetables other than potatoes, and there was no verde sauce to speak of. Really disappointing, but didn't want to send back since we were with guests. We asked our waiter when he came back to check on the entrees where the appetizers were and he seemed confused...actually asked a guy at the table if we ordered them... yes, yes we did. You even wrote our order down. I would come back and give them another try... the ambiance was fun and lively and so many of their menu items sounded wonderful.
(3)Ashley H.
This is a hidden restaurant that should be a favorite with the Chicago people. It's not very big, but very nice looking inside. You would walk right by it except for the music playing. Drinks are great. Food is amazing! The staff will explain the food and help you decide. The sauce on the food is amazing. Guacamole is good, not amazing. The first time I went, I was craving my meal for days. I had to go back at the end of the week.
(4)Victoria T.
Sexy, sultry, and live Cuban music!! Food was great, monitors were better!
(5)Emily B.
Having one of my favorite restaurant interiors in the city, everything about this little gem just adds up to be a total "best-bet" in my opinion. I love the wooden doors that swing into the back, the cozy booths, the Latin music selection, the perfect lighting, the helpful staff, and - of course - the delicious, yet affordable, food. For the same price as a salad from Potbellys, I can post up here and enjoy traditional Cuban food for lunch. Plus, even if you're just there for a half hour, I can guarantee this place makes you feel like you aren't in Chicago anymore. And trust me, when it's 22 degrees and the end of March, it's a much-welcomed little getaway from the grind.
(4)Jimmy N.
I came here on a restaurant.com coupon. Normally, I have low expectations for places I find on restaurant.com because I know they're on there trying to attract more customers. However, when I came here I was completely blown away. This place did not seem like it would need extra business at all. The atmosphere is great. The lights are appropriately dimmed and the noise level was low enough for conversation. Food and alcoholic beverages are good. I ordered some chicken dish that came with plantains and sweet potato puree ($16) and thought it was very enjoyable. I sat at the bar and had a good conversation with some regulars and the bartender. Nice place to take a 1st date, me thinks. I am taking away 1 star because this place is a bit pricey. Yes, it is in the city, but I really wish everything would be a few dollars less. That way I would be able to visit more often. XOCO is right down the street and an equally great date place that's a bit cheaper. Regardless, I still think Havana is a solid place for drinks and a meal, especially with a restaurant.com coupon, which they took without any hassles. Additional points: 1. Live music after 11 on Fri and Sat. 2. Half price mojito pitchers on Fri (reg 35$) 3. I would call ahead and reserve if you're planning to visit Fri or Sat as the place is rather small and seems to fill quickly
(4)Bernadette S.
Havana is a solid choice for tasty Cuban inspired food. I love their mojitos by the pitcher too - great to share with some girlfriends. Their paella is very good - I like that they make their rice more of a risotto style, and the pineapple is a unique twist with the traditional flavors. The crab cakes are small but tasty. The pork and ropa vieja dishes are full of flavor but have been dry on occasion. In the end, I eat here fairly regularly and always enjoy the meal.
(4)Michael C.
Loved this place! Got a good vibe as soon as I walked in. The Guave Mojito was fantastic. The empanada trio was delicious. The staff was very friendly, a place I would defnitely recommend to a friend. Will be back.
(4)Mia C.
I really liked this restaurant. It's kind of off the beaten path of other restaurants in Chicago in this area but I liked it. The people are very nice and the food is great. I'm not of Hispanic origin but I imagine it's what home cooked Latin/Cuban food tastes like. They always have special deals on pitchers of Sangria and Margaritas but I would suggest getting a mojito! I haven't been on the weekend but I heard they have live Latin music so I bet that would be exciting!
(5)Gabriela R.
I can only review for the great live music and fun environment. This place is where you find some Spanish pop too! Me gusta, me gusta!
(4)Char Y.
We came with a groupon, and was surprised the restaurant was completely empty on a week night. We ordered guava mojitos - YUM! but it didn't taste like guava. tostaditos de platano - LOVED the fried plantain chips! roja - shredded beef with beans. YUM The food was great, and the atmosphere was pleasant. What a surprise near michigan avenue!
(4)Rafael H.
I came to Havana with some coworkers. This was my first time here and was pleasantly surprised that they had a guy playing live music with his guitar. I was really excited to try their Ropa Vieja. I left really disappointed. The food was bland, very little use of garlic or sofrito and the plate was light on the plantains. The shredded beef was ok but it was as bland as the black beans. On the upside, their calamari was quite tasty and so were their crab cake. Now answer me this: why did I see options for chips and guacamole at a cuban restaurant? If I want chips and guac, I'll go to Chipotle. If you're going to do Cuban food, I would think the best way is to do a few dishes well...instead of a lot of dishes that were mediocre. Their flan was decent. There was no taste of egg and was balanced with a splash of rum. If you stumble here for drinks only, I suggest the Caipirinha (the Brazilian version of a mojito). They make them strong and really good. This might be the only reason why I would come back... at least until I find a better Caipirinha elsewhere.
(2)Tricia R.
my friend and i stopped at havana on another evening wandering the streets in search of dinner in the near north side of chicago. it was a thursday night and there was a reasonable amount of people inside the restaurant. and to my surprise, they had a foursquare special of 1/2 price pitchers of sangria with the order of 2 entrees. DONE! so we got a pitcher of red sangria, and the manchego empanadas to start. i had the ropa vieja which was also unfortunately a little bland. :( except for the plaintains... those are always delicious!! the service was good, nothing to rave about, the sangria was tasty and the best part of dinner!!
(3)Emm S.
Went on a snowy Monday after work, so we were the only two in the restaurant. Found this place because of their gDine menu ( gdine.com ). Asked for recommendations of the gDine menu (which had TONS of options) and our waitress definitely didn't steer us wrong. Everything was delicious! I recommend the chimichangas from the apps list and the pulled pork from the entree. I wish I had room for dessert. Definitely would go back! Cute decor. Nice service. But the food was definitely the clincher. Very delicious.
(4)Bridget C.
The food here was good, but not amazing. Ordered the steak sandwich with cuban style fries, which were basically ... normal fries. The sandwich was delicious, but the best part was the pitcher of sangria. It was incredibly well-mixed and did a good job of making you feel like you didn't drink anything until you're wobbling a little on the pavement. There's supposed to be dancing around 11 pm, which sounds like fun!
(4)Nix F.
Wow. I was really impressed. I didn't think the restaurant would be anything special, but boy was it! The food is all fantastic and filling. Appetizers are huge. Amy the waitress was awesome. Drinks are good. Prices are nice and modest. Took home what i didn't eat and it tasted just as good reheated. I try not to go to the same restaurant more than once whenever possible, but this is one i WANT to go back to multiple times.
(5)Brad F.
Just went there for lunch after buying the Groupon. The Ceviche was absolutely fantastic. It came in a nicely sized cup with some chips and fried plantains. My burrito was very tasty. It was filled with pulled chicken that was loaded with flavor and spice, and the plate came with a heaping side of guac and tomatillos. My buddy got the fish tacos, but they were not as good. We also enjoyed some Mojitos. Great food, generous portions, reasonable prices, and a nice ambience.
(4)Marfa B.
We stopped at this place fora drink and ordered a pitcher of mojito. It was very good. The bartender was very nice. We had a very good time.
(5)Kristen M.
I went here not too long ago for a birthday dinner with an old friend, and we both loved it. The place is neat inside, the staff are really friendly and helpful, and the food was delectable. So was the Cuban coffee, and it helped me stay up afterwards to get work done. :) My friend is still talking about her dish weeks later. My only complaint is I wish they had more vegetarian options, but I appreciate that they at least have a vegetarian section on their menu. What was truly special about our experience was that the bartender overheard my friend say it was my birthday and he must have told our waiter, because at the end of our meal our waiter brought out a delicious flan dessert with "happy birthday" written on the plate with the fruit glaze topping. No embarassing singing or anything, just a delicious and classy way to say happy birthday - and unsolicited at that! I was really impressed. Can't wait to go back when I can try the mojitos!
(4)Timothy R.
Good food, but it was so loud we could not keep up a conversation. Overall not a pleasant hour.
(2)Joni J.
Meal portions were perfectly sized, and drinks were great. I had one of the best pisco sours ever.. It was probably the closest pisco sour to the ones I've had in Chile.
(4)Denise W.
Awesome! came here with a group of girlfriends for my birthday on a Saturday night. Totally accomadating. Mangement was great. Fantastic food, service and atmosphere. Definately recommend for groups or for two. Check it out!!
(4)Deanna C.
I came here with Beth T. and Alan K. to celebrate my initiation into the grown-up world... a job.... and they were awesome enough to take me out for the night! Great mojitos! After the first pint we were thinking mmm.... another? Okay! I got their salmon which was fairly good, but nothing spectacular. Their guacamole on the other hand was super yummy. I've tried making guacamole at home before, yet for some reason mine always turns out too chunky and/or runny (yes, it can be both at the same time, trust me) and just... funky tasting. I wonder what they use to season this... anyway, it was really fresh and tasty, so I kept picking at it with my fork even after the empenadas were gone. Mmmm, now I'm craving their another one of their mojitos!
(4)Angela M.
My friends and I came here on a Tuesday. It was lively and had a great ambience. Disclaimer, if you are looking for authentic Cuban food, this may not be for you. Albeit, the food was delicious and it did have some Cuban dishes with their own spin. The skirt steak was amazing. I ordered the steak sandwich for $13, reasonably priced, portion was sufficient but not big. The specialty drinks were also fantastic. My friend ordered a Cuban sandwich which she really enjoyed, as well. The empanadas were pretty tasty, but a bit overpriced. The appetizer only came with two for $9. I would definitely come here again.
(4)Kristy B.
This whole experience was just kind of bland for me. The decor, the food, the service. Nothing too memorable. We also sat right near the kitchen and they have swinging doors which are super annoying because everytime a server or buser goes into the kitchen, it makes a distracting noise and sight. On the plus side my curry fish was pretty fresh and the restaurant is priced very reasonably and in a convenient location.
(2)david g.
avoid. went there sat night for dinner. even though there were normal sized tables available, they tried to squeeze the 4 of us into a booth that had a structural support , such that one seat was missing. First sign. I didn't try the drinks, but if they are anything like the food, they're bad and pre-made. The only good part of the food were the black beans, they were yummy. My friend asked for the waiter's recommendation, and he suggested some sort of pulled pork dish which my friend had two bites of and refused to eat anymore. I had the enchiladas, which tasted frozen and microwaved. they were dry and soggy at the same time. Impressive. My wife had the portabella mushroom, which might have been good, were it not COVERED in cheese and way overcooked. The service was average. Only real complaints were 1) when the waiter forgot our soups and salads and insisted we never ordered them, and 2) we asked of several dishes were spicy, and he said not at all, but they were so spicy half our group couldn't eat them. Now, I LOVE spicy food and normally can't even taste any spice, so if I think it's spicy, then it would probably burn most people- definitely not spicy like the waiter suggested. In sum, why bother? Food sucked, service was so-so..
(1)Thanh L.
The food is pretty bad here. I'm having the worse skirt steak of my life...that includes the one ones I experimented with at home.
(1)Kimberly G.
Havana was just ok, the menu is murky, it has mexican aspects, cuban aspects, and other latino aspects but not very focused. Our menu was for dinner but they stuck in the lunch menu too, we assumed you could order the lunch menu for dinner too but i just thought that was odd, what, you can't print out a new menu for dinner? The appetizers that our group shared were all good (chips and guac/salsa, fried calamari (very good), chimichangas (okay) The mains were not good. The enchiladas we ordered were extremely dry, it was as if they had barely any sauce on them, the chicken inside was dry too. Other members of our table ordered different items, some of which came with french fries that looked like they were from Burger King. Odd and not very Cuban if you ask me. I thought the variety of the menu could've been better too. The drinks were iffy. I had a guava mojito which was just okay, the capirainha was very good though. Probably would not return, not with the likes of Mercadito and Xoco just around the corner.
(2)alina k.
Amazing food and drinks!!! It was my first time trying Cuban and it was delicious. I can't wait to go back!
(5)Mihir P.
I hoping the food would be better but no dice. I got the steak Cubano. The sweet sauce was excellent on first try but as I ate more of, it was just too sweet. The ribeye steak itself was really tough also. The Latino fries or frituras were very dry and flavorless. The black beans were disappointing as they lacked in flavor. I was really looking forward to them as Cuban black beans are super delicious. I will say that the ceviche appetizer was excellent. Our waitress was nice, knowledgeable and helpful. I'd go back for the ceviche and for guava mojitos.
(3)Amanda Z.
Two VERY important words: Guava. Mojito. $8. Fabulous cocktail for a decent price, I love. Good assortment of appetizers, which was how we chose to dine. Fried plantains? Addictive. Sweet, crispy and light and accompanied by a warm black bean dipping sauce and a fruity salsa, they were delicious. Crab cakes were spicy and well-portioned. The sweet salsa was the perfect complemented the cakes well. Our favorite, by far, was the chimichanga. Fun to say, and even more fun to eat. Truly. Served with a warm, creamy sauce, they were lightly fried and stuffed with chickeny goodness. I like the decor, but think they could turn the lights down a notch to make it a bit more date-like. Good menu, something for everyone on here (including you veggies) and the drinks are stellar. Remember: Guava mojito.
(4)Michelle M.
Baaaaabaaaaluuuu. Just a small tribute to cuban-american Ricky Ricardo's signature song. The first time I came to Havana we stopped in for drinks. Ordered a Pina colada and I might say they were tasty. We said we would come back to dinner and indeed we did. We stopped by for dinner on a Friday evening and although we arrived around 5:30 there wasn't many people there. PERFECTO! We were seated promptly and our waitress was great. She took our drink orders which I ordered a glass of sangria and he ordered a martini. We ordered the guac as an app and for dinner I had the Havana steak sandwich and he ordered the Tamarindo Glazed Pollo. This place is very charming along with the staff are a great added bonus to this area.
(3)Sherryl W.
I would maybe give this 2.5 stars. I loooooooooove Paella, but I didn't love the dish I had at Havana. It was lukewarm, with little baby scallops and calarami that tasted really gummy. It was also extremely dry, and I could definitely make a better dish at home. The space is cute, but a little small . I felt bad because I kept knocking people over with my work bag when trying to get to my table. This is one of those places, I probably wouldn't go back to. On the plus side, I enjoyed their wine:-)
(2)Quantas G.
I like this place. Great decor, decent prices, good service and quality food. I went here for a late lunch with a friend the other day and had a good time. We shared a half-priced margarita pitcher. (Sour, weak. Avoid.) The guac and chips was a good choice. It comes with warm tortilla chips, a large portion of guacamole, fire roasted salsa and pico de gallo. I had the Latin burger. It was a decadent piece of love complete with cheese, grilled onions, and bacon on a brioche bun. Really good stuff. Highly recommend item. I am interested in tasting more of their dishes and maybe stopping by for dinner.
(4)Vanessa C.
Two stars only for my boyfriend's carne asada, which was cooked perfectly. The rest, from my dry, dull tasteless Ropa Vieja - in my opinion, the benchmark dish for Cuban restaurants - to the dry, dull, tasteless black beans - was just average. They miscalculated AND double-charged our check, forgot to bring leftovers (yes, we tried to take them, I figured I could fix my Ropa at home, how sad) and the acoustics were bad. I will stick to the authentic places from now on (not downtown) and not the places that put more emphasis on drinks.
(2)Mark H.
Nice little restaurant with friendly staff & PHENOMENAL food! Try the chicken with plantains and sweet potatoes, but go lightly with the salsa - it's habanero based and quite hot! :-D
(5)Patrick M.
First off, I loved the cozy, narrow, exposed brick, diner type atmosphere. Thought the place was energetic, fun, and a great place for a meal. A little loud, but the noise made close conversation all the more possible. Of course I had mojitos, which were crisp and fresh. Main course was pretty typical fair, the enchiladas were like any other good restaurant. Tasty, but nothing to write home about. Priced very nicely, this is a fun night out.
(4)Rina P.
This place has great food and drinks, no doubt. But my recent experience left a bad taste in my mouth. We went in on a Wednesday for their half priced margarita pitchers, and lived it up. We must have had 5 pitchers. When the bill came, they were all full price. Omar our piece of crap waiter said "remember I told you you needed to order two entrees to get that deal".. no he DIDN"T. He said that to cover his ass. Then he asked this woman who he said was his manager and she said "well, did they order entrees? then no"... NEVER AGAIN! Considering we have gone there many times for happy hour. THey just lost business, and I will tell everyone, and specifically will tell them about Omar.
(1)K M.
Buenas Noches mi queridas Please....allow me to slip into something more comfortable before I write this review....those 1/2 price mojitos have got me feeling....a little.... OK just stuffed really. Mambo Grill has risen from the dead, and Havana has pulled it off with style and substance. I always loved the Mambo, but the decor was a little dark and cramped for my tastes. Hello Havana. Light and airy, balanced well with the dark woods of the bar and booths. If I couldn't see all the buildings out the window, I might actually think I was in some classy, tropical locale. Completely up this girl's alley. Our waitress- what a doll, seriously. Sorry I didn't remember your name or I'd give you a shout out here, but you were nothing but sweet and attentive. You didn't mind at all when we took about a half hour to even get around to looking at our menus. I blame the guacamole appetizer for that by the way. Not just guacamole, but a bowl of pico as well. I think this is the same way they served it at Mambo, and I am so glad it didn't change. Happiness in a giant bowl. $4 house mojitos on Fridays. Granted, they are not large, but $12 for all of my drinks in an evening? Please note that their online menu seems a little messed up at the moment. It duplicates 2 pages, and leaves quite a bit out. I had chicken cooked in plantain leaves, and my dining companion had the combo paella. I thought my dish was fantastic, and even without the side of sauce, it had plenty of kick, which was balanced out nicely by the sweet potatoes and plantains. I can't comment on the paella but it seemed to be a hit. We ordered a chocolate cake dessert (I only had a bite, being already full to the point of discomfort- I wasn't blown away, but that may be because I didn't make it to the molten chocolate part in the middle! But I'm not one to pick a dessert over a third mojito) I could just as easily see myself here for Friday happy hour at the bar with mojitos and guacamole as I can for a relaxed and lovely full meal out; I would highly recommend Havana for any River North dining requests. Total was around $60-something for 2 with the appetizer, 2 entrees, 3 mojitos and dessert (I was getting a birthday treat so I don't know the precise amount) Let me go pass out in a happy food and rum coma now. Gracias Havana- I will most definitely be back!
(5)Brook G.
The food here is outstanding! Unique dishes with great flavor, and quite a few vegetarian options. And the drinks...don't even get me started on those. Fantastico. It does get pretty busy here on a Friday night, so go early and get a good seat at the bar. You will probably be there for a while sucking down delicious mojitos and martinis.
(4)M A.
Fantastic food (make sure your tongue can handle spicey)! The chicken empanadas are have a deliciously crunchy crust and a very sweet and tangy stuffing. The BBQ Chicken dish was really out of this world. Grab a seat outside and enjoy the amazing weather while you eat some of the best Cuban food around.
(5)Stacey M.
HALF PRICE PITCHERS OF MOJITOS (Good ones!) on FRIDAYS? Who does that? Oh, Havana Grill does that!! So a year (or more?) ago Mambo Grill closed (sad day) and apparently was going to open in a larger location down the street....but never did. I've been waiting for this and still searching for the perfect mojito now that Mambo has closed. So, I'm a little TICKED OFF that this place opened last September and I am JUST finding out about this! I called for a reservation by the window for me and 2 friends on a Friday evening. We were given our request gladly :) Ordered the chips/salsa appetizer in which you get a MOUND of chips, pico, guac and salsa...this rocks! Ordered a pitcher of mojitos (followed by another, and then another) My friend and i split the skirt steak sandwich - it ROCKED! (and so did the fries.) My other friend got the stuffed portabello mushroom dish - phenomenal! And..LAUREN - our server..rocked. Super friendly and helpful - not pushy - and filled up our mojito glasses regularly :) (she even looked a bit like Farrah Fawcet -the early days..anyone else notice that?) I do take away one star because their bus-boy staff were a bit overzealous in trying to clear our stuff before we were done....but then tried again 5 minutes later. (And then again). But..it WAS a Friday night and they were getting busier..but I don't like to feel rushed out of places. STILL: OVerall fantastic happy hour place - it's basically the exact same as Mambo Grill, just a different name. And smaller (not sure if the downstairs is open). Woot.
(4)E L.
My boyfriend and I stopped in here for dinner on a Saturday night. I ordered a dish that was described as a choice fillet with a spicy tomato sauce, over rice and beans. My dish came out and it was nothing like the menu described. It was shredded beef and there was no sauce. I would have sent it back, but our waiter never came to ask us how our food was. My dish was not only disappointing And bland, but it was also $17. My boyfriend had the cuban sandwich, he said it was bland also. I think our waiter chose to ignore the fact that we clearly weren't happy, because he never once asked how anything was. Never eating here again.
(1)Matt B.
Went here with a party of 14 for my wife's birthday. Without asking, they gave us a private room. The pitchers of moijtos were great, along with everyones entree and the service. They were easily able to split the check for us. Great location for headed to nearby River North bars. Would definitely go back!
(4)Craig R.
The mojitos are pretty good here. I had ropa vieja which was good. Friends had tilapia special, and others had various pork dishes. All were happy with their entrees. The place has a comfortable and laid back atmosphere. This is a nice place to hang with friends, have a few drinks and chill out.
(4)Sonja S.
I have to admit, i lose my capacity for critical thinking when I fall in love and Havana, darling, I am afraid I fell a little bit in love with you at first site. Your exterior is welcoming and charming - your interior, warm and inviting and oh my! your lighting made my crows feet transform into hummingbird toes! My dinner companion , a mere slip of a girl ( and dear friend ) glowed like a angel in that light and all i could think of was hmm, next date i go on i am going to have him meet me HERE. It didnt hurt that from the start the services was terrific, patient, professional and warm - (see there is that word again). Oh Havana you snuggly thing.... We ordered the calamari appetiser, which was fresh, soft and accompanied by a delicious peppery sauce. We also ordered an unbelievable ceviche that i spooned greedily onto fresh plantain chips- YUMMMY. The glowing ( and wise) Angel ordered a grilled shrimp salad with fabulous fruit, jicama and delightfully fresh baby greens. I ordered the pulled pork with mashed potatoes and creamed corn. I have some small complaints, the creamed corn was too much cream, not enough corn, the mash potato too much and where did you say the jalapenos were? the pork was delicious, but needed more of a kick, I ended up pouring a ton of chimmichurri sauce on it and really, i needed more heat. My last teeny tiny fussiness was the teeeny tiiiiiny glasses they served our cocktails in. Cute, and they were good, but i would have liked a slightly bigger glass. BUT we had SUCH A GREAT TIME!!!!! what a wonderful relaxing, well served, good food , great atmosphere place. Thank you Havana, I will be seeing you again!
(4)Sarah E.
We went back for food on Friday and it was OUTSTANDING. Also, I was with different friends, but still had the same server. She remembered that couldn't partake in half-price mojitos because of a citrus allergy, AND remembered what I was drinking last week. We had pulled pork, apricot chipotle pork chops, and some other pork loin and the table, and everything was good. The calamari and empanadas we had as appetizers were also good. I will definitely be back.
(5)julie v.
so, maybe i was here on an off night, because havana seems to have garnered quite a few favorable reviews, but .... both my dining partner and i were underwhelmed by the food and the ambiance. (the servers and the drinks (yummy rioja) were lovely. but not enough to earn an extra star.) food: we shared a manchego empanada to start, which *sounded* amazing but in execution was rather disappointing -- i actually *left* half .... thats a first for me -- empanadas are near the top of my list of diet-killers .... my friend ordered the pulled pork and i ordered the salad with tiger shrimp and pineapple. my salad was fine (nothing to write home about -- i have had significantly better salads at casual chain restaurants), but my friends pork dish was a let down. he didnt finish it and he didnt box it to go .... bummer. ambience: understated (no complaints about the decor, layout, etc.). the acoustics, however, are atrocious -- we had a *lot* of trouble talking (on a thursday night in the not even half-filled dining room). as in, we had to just sit there for spells at times. further, the music was *oppressively* loud (and i *like* the music -- they played a mix of gypsy kings, mana, carlos vives, etc.). finally someone randomly came over and (we think) apologized for the noise level (we smiled and nodded, but couldnt hear much of what was said) and the volume was decreased somewhat, but it crept up again and we finally cut our night short and left. final thoughts: -i would recommend ordering dishes that are consistent raves on yelp to avoid staring at your plate, crestfallen, after the first bite. -i would not bring a date here -- theres no guarantee of being able to have a reasonable conversation .... -for cuban (or cuban fusion, etc.) id stick with cafe laguardia, la unica, coobah ....
(2)Stacy H.
The only reason I'm giving it a 4 instead of a 5 was our server. The food and drinks were amazing! We got the pollo empanadas and split the lomo salteado and both were wonderful! However, it took a good 5 minutes upon being seated before anyone came to our table. I think he was a busboy that ended up taking our entire drink and food order. Our "server" didn't even show up until after we'd received our dinner saying "I'm actually your server, how is everything?" I wanted to order another drink during dinner, but she couldn't be found, and I'm not going to go out of my way to order a drink if they make it difficult. All of the busboys were very attentive with clearing plates and refilling water. But then again it took forever for our server to come back after finishing dinner and ask if we wanted dessert. We had a show to get to so declined. I wish I could have tipped the busboy only instead of our her because she really didn't do anything.
(4)Rayid G.
I didn't like it much when it was mambo grill and I still don't like it. We tried a few things and nothing really stood out. The ceviche was very oily and didn't seem fresh. The sandwiches were so-so though the chimichurri was decent. Overall, average place but slow service for the lunch crowd.
(2)David H.
The food was quite good. The menu is nice but a little too heavy on beef choices. Try the Chimichangas, they are great and have a great sauce. Our service could have been a bit more attentive, but overall was ok. When we told our waitress we had to move along for an event, she did pretty well to keep our meals coming.
(4)Cecilia M.
Called for a 7:30pm dinner reservation on a Friday with only 2hrs notice & had no problem getting in ... probably because it's not suited for an enjoyable dining experience; so noisy you can't hear yourself talk much less your table guests. With a name like "Havana" I expected more authentic Cuban food...I should know having been born in Havana myself & lived in Miami for 18 yrs. For that, go to Sabor a Cuba where the chef is from the island. I will admit the Mojitos were delicious & it didn't hurt that they were 1/2 price on Friday.
(2)WindyCityGrl T.
Overpriced and just not that great. I recently went for lunch and had the steak sandwich. Very disappointing. The steak was extremely chewy. The guacamole appetizer was $8.95 which was so shocking because the portion was so small. I couldn't believe it. I won't be back. Boo!!!
(2)LARRY k.
This is a small, neighborhood type of restaurant in downtown Chicago. Its a bit noisy, casual and I have become a big fan. The food was very good. I had the paella which was spiced fantastically. Overall it was a very welcoming restaurant with a good selection of items and is sort of a Cuban-Mexican fusion place. Prices are moderate and I would return again w/o question. Give it a try if you are in the mood for this type of food in a casual setting.
(4)Zack C.
I ordered the plantain chicken. It came with a spicy sauce on the side. The food was good, but what I really enjoyed about this place was that the Cuban decor made me feel like Dexter, especially during Season 3.
(3)Ben N.
Food and service was fanastic!!! Would definitely go back. Drinks are also delicious and i would recommend he mojio pitchers for a larger group.
(4)Ashley H.
Quiet when we arrived around 7pm, dining area grew busier/louder/dimmer as the evening went on, but not obnoxiously so. My mom and I split the half order of tostones, Rollitos Manchegos, a pitcher of mojitos, and El Diablito Fudge Cake. I could have done w/o the appetizer and dessert, but the chicken and mojitos were spectacular. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Heather O.
AWESOME food (got their steak in tequila sauce), AWESOME mojitos, AWESOME dessert, and super friendly staff. The bathroom's in an awkward place being downstairs and all, but that won't keep me away.
(5)Sharon W.
Half price mojitos, including pitchers (on Friday). Rum Chata. Super nice bar tenders (Arturo and Silvio). Done.
(5)Amanda Z.
Havana is a great new Cuban restaurant in River North! I planned a dinner here for a group of 6 friends on Sat night, and we all left very happy. I hope more people discover this new little neighborhood gem instead of immediately choosing one of the Bayless places across the street or Mercadito. Havana is significantly less expensive, and has a great menu and ambiance. DRINKS: I had heard about this place on UrbanDaddy.com , saying the mojitos are fab. Well, the mojitos are FAB!! I usually don't like to order mojitos because they aren't that strong and can be too sweet...but not the mojitos at Havana...probably some of the best I've ever had, and 2 was plenty! I didn't order the house one, I got the special one at the bottom of the menu made w/the dark rum (they don't have their website up yet so i can't give you exact names). Everyone else at the table was happy with their drinks, all made pretty stiff. FOOD: I had a cup of black bean soup and the pollo empanadas. The soup was good but nothing special (served its purpose to warm me up!) but the empanadas were amazing! Usually empanadas have a hard, super fried crust...not these babies...soft, flaky pastry shell with melt in your mouth pulled chicken inside. And they were not small...order comes with 2 and I was satisfied between this and the soup (and this girl can EAT). Two friends ordered the carne asada, which I tried and it was good, but not great...I've def had better at Carnivale and a few other places. The meat was not that tender and was overcooked, but the pound of guacamole they slather on top helped save that dish, which was served with tons of black beans and rice. Another friend ordered the tilapia, which was recommended by the waiter, and he literally gasped "oh my God!" when he took his first bite, which led me to taste it. It was probably one of the best fish dishes I've ever had...whatever the yellow sauce was that was allllll over it, was just heavenly. Masked any kind of "fishy" flavor (I'm not a huge fan of fish) and the rice paired with it perfectly. Another friend ordered a vegetarian dish (I don't know what) that had tons of mushrooms and cheese...this dish was phenom! I loooooooooove mushrooms, so next time I go to Havana, I will be ordering this. She also ordered a side of plaintains, which were an entire plate full, and they were warm, super sweet and cinnamony...like a dessert. ATMOSPHERE: nice cream and brown hues throughout, dark wood bar, very small space great for intimate convo and dates, cozy booths and classy decor, sexy ambiance, wonderful location at Clark & Hubbard. SERVICE: this was the only part lacking...although the place is so tiny, somehow our waiter was always MIA. Our water glasses stayed full from the bus boys, but our drinks came out probably 10-15 mins after we ordered them, AFTER they had brought out my appetizer (bean soup). The guy was nice enough and made great recommendations, he was just never around and when we asked for things, it would either take forever to get it, or wouldn't come at all (like the extra tortilla chips I asked for to eat with my soup). Overall I really enjoyed Havana, and so did my entire party, so I will be back soon.
(4)D. K.
Havana is a solid 3-stars. I'm glad I went because I live in the area and pass by it a lot, but the food wasn't blow-your-socks-off. I liked the ambiance of the restaurant, and it was a fun crowd on a Friday night. The food, though? Just average.
(3)Natalie G.
ha-vaaaaaaaaaaaaahna... the former mambo grill is truly exquisite with delish food, superb staff, and yummyness of drinks.. it truly is an ahhhhhhhhhh experience. came here for a girls night and it really was wonderful. when we made the reservations, the guy on the other line was already hospitable.. we knew that night was going to be fabulouos. we were about 10 mins late for our 8:30 reservation, but were still pleasantly greeted to our table. the restaurant was fairly busy. ambiance is modern cuban chic with good classic cuban music, and overall a positive and light energy. starting off our meal with a pitcher of their guava mojitos which were delish. light, not too sweet. we ordered the tilapia [light, tasty, well seasoned], the seafood paella [hearty portions of scallops, shrimp, and muscle], bbq salmon [tasty, but seemed a bit too charred on the outside], and stuffed chicken served with plantains and sweet potatoes. BEWARE: the salsa served with that chicken will knock your heels off! it's hot hot hot! however, the owner/manager recommended to take a combo bite of the chix, plantain, potato, and a light dip of the salsa all together.. which balances the heat and sweetness. this place is great for large parties, or intimate dinners. it's fresh, light, and a great addition for the river north area.
(5)Fawn D.
Love the atmosphere: feels like havana in SOHO NYC, but hey it's river north! The food is pretty good, but maybe i didn't order the right thing. I had the ribs and they were good, but not the best.
(3)Lauren F.
Very pleasantly surprised! I went here years ago when it was Mambo Grill and I remember it being good, but not good enough for me to return. Last night on a failed attempt to go to Frontera Grill we decided to take a chance and it was the right decision! There were a few tables sat when we got there, but it got more crowded as the night went on, almost to full capacity I believe. ~ Sangria was half off for a pitcher, and it was pretty tasty. We opted for red and it was actually a pink color so Im not sure what type of wine was used but its good none the less. Not too sweet and complimented the food well. My only complaint is that it was very lacking in fruit, but not a dealbreaker. ~Ceviche was good, not great. The seafood was fresh as well as the chips which wouldnt be expected. While the flavors were good, I would have liked a touch more salt or maybe heat? Id order it again, but just wasnt wowed, it need a lil something. ~Pulled Pork was very good like others have mentioned. Again, the pork was cooked to perfection but needed a little more flavor. The combo of the pork, mashed potatoes, and creamed corn was excellent. Its a huge portion, it barely looked like I made a dent in it. ~Chicken in Plantain Leaf was tasty, but not sure I would order it again. Ive never had anything cooked in a leaf before and that flavor is very strong. It came with mashed sweet potatoes, emphasis on the sweet, and fried plantains which were tasty and not greasy. Beware! It comes with this very spicy sauce...one drop is enough to light your mouth on fire. ~We skipped dessert due to overstuffedourface syndrom, but Im looking forward to going back and trying the coconut flan or keylime pie. ~Our server was very sweet and had good suggestions; no complaints on the service at all! All in all, a great addition to the area! Its become a challenge to find good Cuban places and this one is definetely on the list and much easie to get to than 90 MIles Cafe. Im very much looking forward to returning and trying other dishes.
(4)Laura D.
I went for dinner with a few friends, and had a very good time. We started off with their chips and guacamole appetizer, which was a very generous portion for 3 people, and also came with pico de gallo and a thinner but spicier salsa, and all were delicious! They also have 1/2 price pitchers of sangria on Wednesday nights. The sangria was average, but when you're getting it for half off, it doesn't need to be spectacular. I agree with Dan C. about the "Mexican" leaning with their menu. I hadn't read his review, but I was definitely thinking the same thing as I was choosing my meal. Perhaps it's an attempt to make their menu more universally acceptable? I would prefer to see more traditional Cuban food, which I don't think there is enough exposure to in Chicago. If they're going to supplement it with something, wouldn't it make more sense to add some Caribbean flair? I had the pulled pork, and the flavor of the meat was excellent. The creamed corn, not something I usually eat, went very well with it. I did think that the ratio of potato to pork was opposite from what it should have been; I would have liked less potato. And, like Troy B., I didn't detect any jalapeno flavor in my mashed potatoes. One friend had the chicken tacos, which she was happy with. My other friend got the pork chops, which he said were cooked perfectly and had a great flavor. I think Havana is on it's way to being a great downtown Cuban restaurant. I'd definitely go back.
(3)Karl J.
Fantastic service, great mojitos and spectacular food.
(5)Laura M.
I went to Havana with 6 friends to celebrate my birthday. We had good food, good service and really enjoyed ourselves. At the end of the meal I was presented with a birthday treat and a shot of tequila to really kick off the celebration. The mojitos and enchiladas were the fan favorites at our table. I will be back for sure!
(4)Mike A.
food -- good physical location -- clean, enough spacing between tables, booths + tables service -- good, attentive acoustics -- VERY VERY LOUD, cost them 1 star walked by on my way home from work and saw people with smiles on their face eating outside. stopped in last night and was pleasantly surprised. had the ceviche and the plantains as appetizers. ceviche was basically a "ceviche salsa" but with visible chunks of seafood, slices of avocado on top sided with plantain chips and regular chips. the plantains were perfectly cooked and sweet. completely by accident, but we paired the citrusy ceviche very well with the sweet plantains. we decided to do almost all seafood. had the tilapia which was lightly drizzled with a sweet ...but not to sweet......sauce sided with rice and a mesclun greens. the sweated peppers on top of the fish were great. the other entree was the chicken and seafood and rice combo. very similar to spanish paella but havana's version had pineapple chunks, well seasoned chicken pieces and a more citrusy flaver. there is a lot of food here and more seafood than chicken. of course you must order a pitcher of mojitos. this place isn't going to knock your sucks off but if you want a very nice dinner at a fairly low price (for downtown) surrounded by a young crowd and don't mind some noise around you ....this place is perfect.
(3)Amy N.
This place is great! It's a little small, but outdoor seating is nice and staff is friendly and speedy. Cuban Sandwich - AMAZING! they have one of, if not the best cubans I've ever tasted. The latin fries that come with it are great, as is the sauce they serve with the fries...not sure exactly what's in there but it's some sort of lime cilantro salsa or something. Chips w/Salsa and Guac - also very very good. I haven't had much else on the menu, but the cuban will keep me coming back for more!
(5)Mala K.
It was an impulse decision to have dinner last Friday night here, and I must say that it was not too great an experience. What we didn't like there was the ambience: a bit cramped and extremely noisy. The music they were playing and the crowds were very loud. The cocktails were very good, especially the mojitos. The food was alright, but nothing great: we had the manchego empanadas, the stuffed peppers, and the carne con tequila. The last was pretty good, but a really small portion. The service was pretty slow, though the staff is friendly. I don't think we'd go there again, especially on a weekend night if we have a choice.
(3)Sylwester O.
I visited for dinner last week with my fiance. We asked the server for some recommendations and took her advice. My fiance had the pork, with jalapeno potatoes, and cream corn. The cream corn was good. We were unable to taste any jalapeno flavor out of the potatoes. The potatoes tasted like regular mash potatoes. Finally, the pork on top of the potatoes. There was barely any on there. A small thin layer and then straight to the potatoes and corn. The dish should be advertised as cream corn, mashed potatoes, and a little pork on top of the potatoes as garnish. Over priced for so much potatoes and corn with very little meat. I forget the name of the dish I had. But it was steak with garlic and latin fries. My dish was very simple but not impressive. The latin fries were just regular potatoe and sweet potatoe fries. The whole dish was to garlicy and salty.
(2)Dan G.
I love Havana, great service (Lauren), delicious food, awesome music, love the pina colada, and desserts . You should try it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)George W.
Gave this former Mambo Grill location a try yesterday evening for cocktails and dinner. The first Caipirinha tasted like a "virgin". Ordered a house specialty "Cuban pulled pork over jalapeno mashed potatoes and creamed corn" with a side of plantanos. The creamed corn at the base of the dish was an overly sweet watery puree, the ring mold used to plate the dish was filled with about 75% to 80% of the bland mashed potatoes and then topped with dried out, old, and greasy tasting pork shards. The plantanos were stuck to the plate! The second Caipirinha was a short pour so this time the bartender actually topped it off with some alchohol; needless to say the two drinks were completely different from one another; the second being more like a shot of rum! If you are into Cuban/Mexican mish mash and old Mambo Grill decor, this is the place for you!
(1)Ted T.
Went here for lunch during work. It was amazing! The burger is off the hook -- and I really hate saying that phrase.
(5)Brent B.
Awesome place. Nice cozy atmospere and great food. The steak sandwich, latin burger, enchiladas, or burrito are all winners although my favorite is the burger which comes with cheese, bacon, chimmichurri sauce, regular fries, and sweet potatoe fries! Call for carry out or dine in if you have time.
(4)Johnny K.
This place was excellent! 5 Stars all the way! We had the crabcakes as an appetizer and we were very pleased we ordered them. They had the perfect blend of temperature and spice. Our entrees were the halibut and the latin burger both of which were cooked to perfection. The halibut came with rice and was very filling. The portions are generous and the service was great. Love the decor and atmosphere! A must go for anyone looking for a fun environment at an affordable price!
(5)L T.
I've been on a Latin kick lately, and this time I dragged my friends out to eat. It was a nice, cozy but streamlined space. Our server had quite a few tables and was very friendly once we were able to get her attention, but wasn't too quick to see if we needed anything. Loved my paella, though it wasn't your traditional stuff. A bit loud and a little tough to hear each other, but all in all we had a good time. Maybe it's not fair to compare, but I went to Siboney up on Western a few weeks ago, and was totally charmed. Different neighborhoods, different vibes... Havana is a fun place to meet up with friends downtown, and I would definitely go there again.
(3)Sarah M.
Enjoyed dinner at Havana. I had the Lomo Salteado, which was fine. My husband had the pulled pork with jalapeno mashed potatoes - it was better. The mojitos (half price on Fridays) really made the night - what a deal, and they were probably the best mojitos I have had! The service was great.
(3)lucky r.
uhm...probably won't go again. atmosphere was nice but food was mediocre
(2)Tony L.
Appetizers at a great price. Good food and good variety. A little on the expensive side for lunch, but 3 friends ate for right around $40 with tax and tip. I'll definitely be back. Great news for anyone who bought the Groupon a few weeks back!
(5)Mrs N.
If a restaurant aspires to be in the Cuban category, it needs to start with a great Cuban sandwich. Havana fails miserably. I asked when I ordered if the sandwich was good, if it was true to the authentic recipe. The waitress enthusiastically encouraged me to order it. What a mistake! It was so far from the original...on a roll rather than pressed, without mustard and pickles, and with pork that was dry as sand in the Sahara. The space is beautiful and the waitstaff is attentive, but that's not enough to pull this place up close to average.
(1)W Q.
To quote my husband just now after having paid the check--thoroughly impressed. From drinks, to food, and service, everything was fantastic; and more importantly, I'm full.
(5)Jon H.
I gave this place another shot, but still ceased to impress. the dish was bland looking and bland tasting. probably won't give them my business again.
(2)Erika W.
Wanted to like this place, but was quite disappointed. First, there was a group of 7 of us, which meant we were seated downstairs, which is essentially a cold basement, sandwiched between the kitchen and the bathrooms. And while I realize the restaurant can't entirely control this, there were 2 very large, EXTREMELY LOUD and rowdy parties down there with us, which definitely contributed to my bad experience. Seriously, it was so bad, I thought a manager should've stepped in to ask them to be considerate of other diners, especially given the small enclosed space. There was one server for all of us down there, which meant the service was delayed. She came by to take drink orders, and although we were also ready to order food she left without asking. 20 minutes she came by to take our food orders yet our drinks had not arrived. 25 minutes later after that, still no drinks, although appetizers had started. I finally had to go upstairs to find someone to ask about our drinks. Our food arrived and then about 10 minutes later our drinks finally came, along with an apology from the manager and the first round of drinks on the house. (the one bright spot of the night) As for the food, it was okay, although a little bland. My favorites were probably the appetizers, the empanadas and ceviche. My entree, the tilapia, was okay but not fabulous. A friend said his paella was very disappointing and several people asked for extra hot sauce because their entrees were lacking in flavor. (which I realize is not necessarily Cuban) Someone ordered Key lime Pie, something I normally adore, and it was honestly one of the worst desserts I've ever tasted. Unfortunately the night ended probably on the worst note possible. As we were eating dessert (or in my case NOT eating dessert) some terrible sewage smell began emanating from the bathrooms. At this point we just had to laugh, given the events of the night. I think I also said out loud, "I f(*&ing hate this place." I was done. There was some rush on part of the staff to cover up the smell by closing the doors and trapping us in the room downstairs, followed by a strange woodburning smell. We couldn't leave because we were waiting for our bill. The only good thing about the smells is that the loud and obnoxious party left the room! Staff seemed nice enough but honestly this area is littered with good restaurants. Better food would've saved the other difficulties.
(1)Steven R.
Place blows. Don't waste your time or money
(2)Mary S.
Food is delicious. I've been here a number of times, and it was solid every time. It can get a little too loud, and could be tough to get a table, but the food is always yummy.
(5)Ginger C.
Half price mojito's on Fri night, who could ask for more?! Great fun & ambiance. Calamari was grubbin!
(5)Jennifer H.
This place is way underrated. Went here on a Saturday night, party of 7. Did have to sit in the basement where they put all large parties but it was lots of groups having fun so not awful. The waitress was a little slow & chatty but once we got our mojito pitchers it was fine. I had the seafood dish with a coconut cream sauce and rice and it was devine. I mean really really good. Everyone I was with really enjoyed their meal. I tried the pulled pork & halibut and both were awesome. Highly recommend this place and I will be back.
(5)Kate M.
I would rate this 3.5 stars if I could. I went to Havana on a Friday night, the place is small and like most places in River North on a friday night, it was full. I recommend having a reservation, which we did. We were seated quickly in a large booth. They have a special almost everyday, and that night, it was 1/2 priced pitchers of mojitos. My boyfriend and I didn't particularly enjoy our mojitos..next time we won't be coming here to drink. We started out with a half order of guac and chips, which was a great amount for 2 people. They chips were delicious and freshly made. We ordered a chicken caesar salad to share and our waitress had it divided up onto two plates without us even asking..which was very nice. The salad was good, nothing to rave about. For our next course, we asked for our waitress' opinion. She suggested the pork dish (I don't remember the name of it and I no longer see it in the menu, which is a shame). I'm really glad we asked her cause it was very flavorful and oh so yummy. And again, they divided it up onto 2 plates. The meat was great and it was placed on top of corn puree and potatoes which was equally as delicious. I recently bought a groupon for Havana so, I will be back. This place is definitely worth trying!
(3)Sam W.
A Saturday summer night felt right for some Cuban food, so my sister and I decided to try Havana for the first time. After walking past this establishment almost weekly, we finally caved and were rewarded for our curiosity. Seated immediately next to the window, we were able to sample both the fresh air of the city and the cool air from the AC. We started off with the half order of guacamole. Three small bowls came to our table, one filled with fresh guacamole, one with a spicy tomato salsa and one with a refreshing helping of pico de gallo. Served with tricolor tortilla chips, this was a nice way to start the meal. For dinner, we shared three plates. We ordered the Cuban Salad, which came topped with spicy grilled chicken, julienned jicama, and crispy plantains all soaked (yes, a little too much dressing) in a cilantro dressing. A nice salad and plenty for two. The second dish we chose was the infamous Ropa Vieja. After having made this dish myself at home and having what I consider the best version on Earth at Carnivale, Havana's take was spot on. The meat was fork tender and super-juicy, with an intoxicating aroma that left both my sister and I with runny noses! With a giant scoop of rice and beans below, we were extremely satisfied with the overall balance of flavors. The third dish was more of a side. The Plantanos Maduros (fried sweet plantains) may have had more sugar and butter in them than an entire cake, but they were somehow all gone by the end of the meal. If you are a fan of plantains, please order these and watch them disappear instantly from table to stomach. As usual, we both felt like pregnant mom's after eating so much, so we passed on the typical Cuban dessert offerings of flan. This rating would've been 5 stars if not for the slow service, especially toward the end of the meal. Our server seamed disappointed we passed on ordering alcohol, and from the start we had a vibe that we were going to be treated differently from that point on. In fact, after our entrees were finished and a dessert menu was dropped off, we went a full 15 minutes with no contact with our server. Considering the restaurant is rather small, this makes little sense as to where she went. The table behind us was dealing with the same problem as well, when a manager (the owner?) stepped in and sped the process up. Overall, a great place to hide from the crowd but seem like you're a part of it, while being able to sample some authentic Cuban dishes loaded with flavor and enjoyment.
(4)Katie M.
I was pleasantly surprised. This place has a pretty good ambiance - dim lighting, not too loud, smaller tables (which was a bit tough for our group of five - but for a group smaller than that it's perfect). The mojitos are better than the margaritas, in my opinion. The empanadas and ceviche were good appetizers - not the best i've ever had of either but they were definitely good. We all ordered different entrees and tried each other's dishes. Our favorites were the apricot pork chops and the halibut. AWESOME! Give this place a try.
(4)Keane N.
I stumbled upon Havana while trying a place for a little lunch near downtown Chicago that participated in AAdvantage Dining Rewards. Little did I know how fun lunch would be. . . I'll quickly talk about the food. . .I ordered the torta cubana (sandwich w/ smoked ham, pork loin, melted cheese, spicy mayo, and assorted veggies in a brioche bun) served with a mix of french fries and sweet potato fries. The sandwich was balanced in flavor and the fries come with a great chimichurri dipping sauce. However what made lunch and Havana special was the server/bartender Lauren. By far, she is the friendliest and most amiable server I have ever met. Never hesitated in answering questions and willing to strike up a conversation. Best part about Lauren, she finally helped my find a beer that I actually liked. (Long story short: I've spent a long time in the wasteland of Natty Light). She offered me a bottle to try, yet still comped me the drink after finishing the bottle. If you have the luck to be at Havana with Lauren as a server, you're bound to have a great time.
(5)Sky S.
Pretty overcrowded and extremely loud. Even with a reservation we had to wait an additional 20-25 minutes. Food was fairly mediocre for the price. Great service though and cool scene.
(3)Susan S.
Check out Havana--it's great!
(5)Sydnye A.
i was impressed. i wanted to dance because the music selection was so exciting. from the maduros to the arroz con frijoles... yummie! after downing 3 glasses from the pitcher of signature mojitos we ordered, and feeling like i just had some refreshing limeade with mint, i felt like a sucker. not a good business move. i typically drink 1-2 drinks, and all my friends know 2 of anything and i am wasted. i felt like i never had a drink. shame on you! not sure if was the bartender or the management who made the decision, but i will not go back despite the delicious food. we watched 2 people at another table go through a pitcher of sangria and order several more drinks. i wonder if they had a similar experience.
(2)