Havana Club was the IDEAL location for our networking event and the staff was terrific. The appetizers were delicious and delivered in a super-friendly way. Sallyann was a pleasure to work with, even though our attendance was above original expectations. The bartenders downstairs were also excellent and very friendly. Just a great atmosphere all around.
(5)
Nikeita P.
This review is based upon my experience at an event that occurred at Havana Club as I've never attended the club before. My husband's ten year reunion was held here in Nov 2014 and the service was pretty good. Food was served on platters carried by waiters (crab cakes, hamburger sliders, chicken on a stick) and they were prompt in removing dirty plates and napkins. The atmosphere was very sophisticated and the club and restrooms were very clean. The ladies room could have used a refill in the lotion dispenser. The bar is the area that I felt lacked the most. I don't drink often but when I do, I prefer the drink to reflect the amount that is charged. The taste of the drinks were good however being charged $22 for a glass of sangria and vodka and cranberry was very extreme. After speaking with a few attendees, we all agreed that the drinks tasted watered down and were very expensive. I thought tipping the bartender generously would change the quality of the drinks but I did not find that to be true. Overall as stated, I give this place 4 stars. Just be prepared for the bar and above average drink prices.
(4)
Barbara G.
Three middle aged women walk into a bar..... We came to dance. I'd found an "Eventful" Listing : Baltimore's best upscale nightclub gets even better. Havana Club Salsa Fridays with SalsaNow! More than doubling the dance floor space and a rotation of the best DJs on the East Coast. Salsa Lessons 8 - 9:30 PM: Beginner 8 PM, Intermediate 8:45 PM, $10 or Free w/Dinner FREE Admission till 10 PM Valet Parking $7 front door service and garaged parking till 2 AM Drink Specials till 11 PM: Sangria $6, White Zinfandel $5, Corona $5, Domestic Beers $4 DRESS CODE: Strictly adhered to. Dress to Impress. Casual Elegance. No sportswear of any kind. No rips. No T-Shirts or shorts. No caps, headgear or hats. No work boots or flip flops. Only dress jeans are allowed. Cost: Payment required - $10 or FREE with dinner This event repeats weekly on Fridays for 1000 times: Sep 11, Sep 18, Sep 25 Sounds great, right? The garage had a sign out front advertising "$10 parking after 5". My friend arrived at 7-and was charged $15. In fact, the valet parking was NOT $7-it was $10. Minor, but annoying. The dance classes, our server advised us (and she was wonderful) really begin at 8:30, though "we do advertise 8:00." "Dinner" meant dinner from Ruth's Chris (downstairs) NOT from the Havana Club. There were NO drink specials, and the dress code was strictly enforced, UNLESS you were: a. a really hot young woman, or b. a guy Having said that, it was a mostly well dressed crowd. At the very least, you could be pretty sure everyone had taken a shower. The place is clean, lots of dark wood, low lighting, comfy chairs and couches. Not a huge crowd-in fact, the place was more than half empty. Management would not honor any of the advertised offers, explaining that Havana Club had no connection with Eventful. Our server was so sweetly contrite, though, we decided to stay. She was the best part of the evening. The salsa lessons were designed to get you out there dancing right away and, if your partner is dancing salsa, they do just that. I've taken lessons in a number of venues, though never a salsa lesson. The instructors strive for a friendly vibe, choosing different women in the group when demonstrating steps. This instructor was friendly enough, and obviously skilled, running a continuous, encouraging patter. But when he demonstrated a step, he almost always chose one of the two youngest, hottest women in the group, even when there were only about ten couples participating. They sure did get an in depth lesson! He chose some older women-about five percent of the time. After the classes (beginner and intermediate) the dancing began. I was hoping for some Arturo Sandoval, Paquito or Pancho Sanchez. It was mostly a Latin top 40 mix-and REALLY LOUD for the room. And no one-even those who had participated in the lessons-NO ONE danced the salsa that was taught. It was all Bachata. The regular patrons were good dancers, you could dance as often as you liked, but...there was an oiliness, a seediness to it. It felt like an overpriced meat market. Maybe it was the women - of ALL ages - lined up at the bar in skin tight (and I mean skin tight) short, short, short barely-covering-crotches-if-even dresses. Or the men so blatantly eyeing them (and us) up and down. It was uncomfortable. And....sleazy. Maybe it would be different if I had come with a date, but I was there to dance and have fun. Anyway, I danced as much as I wanted, learned some new steps, had two overpriced drinks and left at midnight. Though it is clear that the Havana Club is not particularly interested in courting our business, we really do love to dance, I love Cuban music in particular and had very high hopes for this venue! I don't think I'll be back. I really can't understand all the glowing reviews.
(3)
Larry H.
Right around the corner from the gaggle of Power Plant bars and restaurants, Havana Club is sits perched 3 floors above Ruth Chris steakhouse. Once upon a time, Havana Club was a cigar bar prior to Maryland's smoking ban in all restaurants and bars back in Feb 1 of 2008. But look closely at the walls and you'll still see the private humidors where cigar aficionados once kept their stashes. Many of the brass placards still have movie and sports celebrity names on them. But I'm not sure how many of those are real, or just put on there to amuse the tourists. The food at Havana Club is an abbreviated menu from the Ruth Chris kitchen downstairs. Good food, albeit at Ruth Chris prices, so it's a bit pricey for what you get. Likewise the drinks are set at Ruth Chris prices too, so expect a mixed drink to set you back $10 and a Martini around $15. Pretty steep when you consider that right around the corner in Power Plant Live you can routinely find $3 drafts, $4 rail mixed drinks, and $5 Jager Bombs. And If you go to Havana Club, be sure you do it before 10:00 pm when the $10 a head cover kicks in, (you get nothing for paying the cover because there's no live music here and the drink specials are usually over with by that time). Atmosphere wise, it's got a cool vibe with a small dance floor, surrounded by low slung leather couches and tables, along with a few private walled off rooms. Unfortunately, on most nights the privilege to sit on one of these couches will set you back a cool $200 bottle service fee. Otherwise, you're pretty much relegated to the bar and the few high top tables or small couches immediately surrounding the bar. Seriously, when is the ultra-lame fad of people being stupid enough to pay $200+ just to say they sat down in something called VIP gonna die out? In summation... At Havana Club the food is overpriced, the drinks are overpriced, the seating is wayyy overpriced, and the cover is just ridiculous. So if throwing away your money to feel "privileged" is your thing, this is just your kinda place. Otherwise, if you want entertainment, dancing, and fun crowds at reasonable prices, then just walk right around the corner to Power Plant Live.
(2)
Chris S.
Interesting place. Attentive service. But don't be fooled by outdated websites. This is no longer a cigar bar. No smoking is allowed. They've been trying to get retroactive grandfathering, but still no cigars as if mid-October 2013.
(3)
Kristen H.
I went here with some girlfriends for a birthday party Friday night for salsa dancing. The place looks very classic and stylish, with lots of sofas and chairs, a dance area and bar. I was a little intimidated by the quality of dancers there, I kind of felt like a total amateur, but that didn't stop us from at least dancing to a few songs. Table service is alright, you have to spend a minimum of $200 on drinks, though. Not sure if I would make the trek all the way here again but it was fun to give it a try.
(3)
Kelly G.
I really liked The Havana Club. It is atop Ruth Chris. You get there via private elevator. There are leather couches and pool tables and a little tiny room off to the side which I dubbed "The First Ladies Suite". The snacks were outstanding. Mini burgers, shrimp, wontons filled with crab and cream cheese, steamship round of beef on rolls, fruit, cheese, you name it. The DJ booth is hidden well enough not to be an eyesore yet you can still find him to put in a special request. I love this place. If it was any closer to DC, I would have a party here. I'm a fan!
(4)
Patrick B.
So, my review might be slightly skewed because I didn't go there for the "scene". I discovered a business related social networking group that was hosted by Baltimore-Networking.com . Interestingly enough I was introduced to this by some people I met at the Yelp! event. The event food was supplied by Ruth Chris. Need I say more? I'm not going to plug everyone involved that should be. It would become too much. Specifically to the Havana Club. The place was upscale. $7 for valet parking didn't seem unreasonable. I was there for over 3 hours. There is an open area where most people converged in front of the bar as well as comfy seats and little alcoves for private discussions. The host's were friendly. I really can't speak to the drinks. I only had one, a Bookers, which was really good and I didn't pay for it. Thank you Mr. S. Being a dive bar kinda of person, this place was super fancy and clean and everyone was professional. I had a great time and can't wait to meet up again with the people I met.
(4)
K J.
I went here for a birthday party on a Friday night. I loved the decorum of the place. It has a sexy mature vibe which is lacking in the Baltimore night scene. Its great for a date night or ladies night. For some reason, when we went it wasn't that crowded but a friend told me that there's usually a better crowd on Fridays. The dj played top 40 hits with a splash of latin music mixed in. I definitely want to give it another try!
(3)
Le B.
Ok since I love Ruth Chris my opinion may be bias. The drinks here will knock you on your bum! Music is Awesome like I was already buzzed and would dance to anything but this music was jumping Latino and Hip Hop Blend. Crowd was cool I just wish the would bring the cigar smoking back
(4)
Tiffany N.
I came here on Friday night and paid for the Salsa class, and I was extremely impressed all around. The place is extremely clean and nice overall. I loved the fact that it had a nice anteroom where you could change into salsa shoes as well as hang your coats. The food and drinks were good, but they were a little pricey. The salsa class was also a blast even though it was pretty crowded. I am definitely coming back, and I would recommend it to others. I also really liked it because they played a nice variety of latin music so a lot of salsa, merengue, and bachata so it's not like it was bunch of bachata with a couple of merengue and salsa songs sprinkled in between like a lot of other places do.
(4)
Tom D.
This could possibly be the most obnoxious place I have ever been in my entire life. You arrive downstairs and there is this huge spotlight -- a beacon to all of Baltimore that this is the place.... After you pay a $10 cover, you take the elevator upstairs. The upstairs is a series of rooms, couches and seating areas. Some are designated members only, other VIP. Your $10 cover gives you access to the bar, a limited seating area or a small area where you can stand. If you are a VIP or a member, you can sit on a couch. Staff escorting the members and VIPs are a bunch of thugs. Not sure how you become a member or a VIP, but don't have any interest either. Will not return.
(1)
Genevieve B.
The music was garbage...and the ppl was not friendly at all! The waitress took a half hour to bring our first round of drinks forcing us to buy from the bar!!!!! Smh...it was so lame and boring!
(1)
Lia D.
First of all, the smoke is enough to kill even my grandfather, who is rarely seen without his cigar. After my lungs adjusted and I was able to inhale and exhale somewhat regularly, I decided to dance. The DJ was decent, although he had a knack for getting us all out there for 2 or 3 songs, then he'd play something totally ridiculous and we'd all scatter. So weird. He wasn't even apologetic at all...you'd think after clearing the dance floor several times, he'd get the hint and stop playing crap. Not so. Anyway, I don't really "get" this place. It's upscale, but everyone was kind of trashy. I was there with some "members" so I was fortunate to have a slouchy chair for part of the night, but although you want to say "oooooooh", it's not so special. The neat thing to see are the celebrity humidors (among them are Demi Moore and Arnold Schwarzenager (sp?)). The final verdict: I would never pay a cover charge to be in a cigar smoke-filled room, but I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun.
(3)
Danielle M.
So I've been to Havana Club on many occasions. My experience has been mostly positive on previous trips. My sister decided to have her birthday celebration and reserved the red room (the exact name escapes me).. So we arrive and the place was empty about 2 couples on the dance floor ..But we were there at 10 so we figure we were just really early. We got settled in and the waitress who was friendly enough took our orders for food and drink. I was very hungry so decided to order from the Ruths Chris menu. I can say that the Salmon with Crispy shrimp was the best part of my experience there. Delicious. sweet and spicy . I ordered the truffle fries from the happy hour menu .. I thought that they were the thin fries that I've had before and I didn't realize they were wedge fries . The fries were very bland and not cooked all the way through. I had to send them back. I wanted to get the crabcake blt... But when I asked the waitress if I could have it without the bacon, she told me that the bacon was actually in the crabcake?? Later another person in our party ordered this item and that was not in fact the case. Anyway I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with the zucchini fries and it was very very good. Loved the zucchini fries! The food.. Very delish. Back to the club.. Empty all night long. The waitress never came back to see if we needed anything... I would say if you go here, just go. Don't waste your money on bottle service for a reserved section as you will probably have your run of the place. Probably just a Very slow night .. But the service left much to be desired . I would give the food 4 stars but service and experience a 3..
(3)
Dawn R.
I can only rate this place based on the Friday night Salsa parties, but for those nights Havana Club can't be beat! The ONLY reason I didnt' give them 5 stars is because of their drink prices....even their specials are a little steep, but if you don't drink a lot or don't care what they cost, you'll love the place. Salsa Now gets together there on Fridays and provides lessons starting at 8:00 for beginners for only $10 (what a deal!), and at 8:45 for those with a little more experience but still not pros. And Niss, the instructor, is the best teacher EVER.
(4)
Patricia R.
Was here last Saturday after a gala with some friends - LOVED IT! There was a nice mix of your hip-hop, both old and new, and Latin music! It wasn't a very large 'club' but made a nice lounge with a small dance floor. There was plenty of seating at the bar, and they actually had some small tables and chairs that you didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for. I was feeling the diverse crowd, it's improved greatly from all these previous reviews as I didn't see anything that the other yelpers did.... Give this place a chance- it's a good look.. No - its not DC, but it really is much better than most of what I've seen in Bmore.
(5)
Victoria Z.
I admit I was not looking forward to going here after reading all the reviews on Yelp. However, I think they are a bit outdated. All the negatives I was worried about were: 1. the smoke 2. the service 3. the music 4. $10 cover for a small area What it was like: 1. smoking is no longer allowed, even their cigars 2. service was slow at times, but not rude 3. the music was fun 4. their was no cover and we had enough space despite not being in the VIP areas Some more positives: On weekdays they have salsa lessons and also have comedians come in. I really enjoyed my pear martini. Some negatives: Older crowd for a bunch of 20-something girls.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Valet Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Loud Music : DJ Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Fri Coat Check : Yes Smoking : Yes Outdoor Seating : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Lowell S.
Havana Club was the IDEAL location for our networking event and the staff was terrific. The appetizers were delicious and delivered in a super-friendly way. Sallyann was a pleasure to work with, even though our attendance was above original expectations. The bartenders downstairs were also excellent and very friendly. Just a great atmosphere all around.
(5)Nikeita P.
This review is based upon my experience at an event that occurred at Havana Club as I've never attended the club before. My husband's ten year reunion was held here in Nov 2014 and the service was pretty good. Food was served on platters carried by waiters (crab cakes, hamburger sliders, chicken on a stick) and they were prompt in removing dirty plates and napkins. The atmosphere was very sophisticated and the club and restrooms were very clean. The ladies room could have used a refill in the lotion dispenser. The bar is the area that I felt lacked the most. I don't drink often but when I do, I prefer the drink to reflect the amount that is charged. The taste of the drinks were good however being charged $22 for a glass of sangria and vodka and cranberry was very extreme. After speaking with a few attendees, we all agreed that the drinks tasted watered down and were very expensive. I thought tipping the bartender generously would change the quality of the drinks but I did not find that to be true. Overall as stated, I give this place 4 stars. Just be prepared for the bar and above average drink prices.
(4)Barbara G.
Three middle aged women walk into a bar..... We came to dance. I'd found an "Eventful" Listing : Baltimore's best upscale nightclub gets even better. Havana Club Salsa Fridays with SalsaNow! More than doubling the dance floor space and a rotation of the best DJs on the East Coast. Salsa Lessons 8 - 9:30 PM: Beginner 8 PM, Intermediate 8:45 PM, $10 or Free w/Dinner FREE Admission till 10 PM Valet Parking $7 front door service and garaged parking till 2 AM Drink Specials till 11 PM: Sangria $6, White Zinfandel $5, Corona $5, Domestic Beers $4 DRESS CODE: Strictly adhered to. Dress to Impress. Casual Elegance. No sportswear of any kind. No rips. No T-Shirts or shorts. No caps, headgear or hats. No work boots or flip flops. Only dress jeans are allowed. Cost: Payment required - $10 or FREE with dinner This event repeats weekly on Fridays for 1000 times: Sep 11, Sep 18, Sep 25 Sounds great, right? The garage had a sign out front advertising "$10 parking after 5". My friend arrived at 7-and was charged $15. In fact, the valet parking was NOT $7-it was $10. Minor, but annoying. The dance classes, our server advised us (and she was wonderful) really begin at 8:30, though "we do advertise 8:00." "Dinner" meant dinner from Ruth's Chris (downstairs) NOT from the Havana Club. There were NO drink specials, and the dress code was strictly enforced, UNLESS you were: a. a really hot young woman, or b. a guy Having said that, it was a mostly well dressed crowd. At the very least, you could be pretty sure everyone had taken a shower. The place is clean, lots of dark wood, low lighting, comfy chairs and couches. Not a huge crowd-in fact, the place was more than half empty. Management would not honor any of the advertised offers, explaining that Havana Club had no connection with Eventful. Our server was so sweetly contrite, though, we decided to stay. She was the best part of the evening. The salsa lessons were designed to get you out there dancing right away and, if your partner is dancing salsa, they do just that. I've taken lessons in a number of venues, though never a salsa lesson. The instructors strive for a friendly vibe, choosing different women in the group when demonstrating steps. This instructor was friendly enough, and obviously skilled, running a continuous, encouraging patter. But when he demonstrated a step, he almost always chose one of the two youngest, hottest women in the group, even when there were only about ten couples participating. They sure did get an in depth lesson! He chose some older women-about five percent of the time. After the classes (beginner and intermediate) the dancing began. I was hoping for some Arturo Sandoval, Paquito or Pancho Sanchez. It was mostly a Latin top 40 mix-and REALLY LOUD for the room. And no one-even those who had participated in the lessons-NO ONE danced the salsa that was taught. It was all Bachata. The regular patrons were good dancers, you could dance as often as you liked, but...there was an oiliness, a seediness to it. It felt like an overpriced meat market. Maybe it was the women - of ALL ages - lined up at the bar in skin tight (and I mean skin tight) short, short, short barely-covering-crotches-if-even dresses. Or the men so blatantly eyeing them (and us) up and down. It was uncomfortable. And....sleazy. Maybe it would be different if I had come with a date, but I was there to dance and have fun. Anyway, I danced as much as I wanted, learned some new steps, had two overpriced drinks and left at midnight. Though it is clear that the Havana Club is not particularly interested in courting our business, we really do love to dance, I love Cuban music in particular and had very high hopes for this venue! I don't think I'll be back. I really can't understand all the glowing reviews.
(3)Larry H.
Right around the corner from the gaggle of Power Plant bars and restaurants, Havana Club is sits perched 3 floors above Ruth Chris steakhouse. Once upon a time, Havana Club was a cigar bar prior to Maryland's smoking ban in all restaurants and bars back in Feb 1 of 2008. But look closely at the walls and you'll still see the private humidors where cigar aficionados once kept their stashes. Many of the brass placards still have movie and sports celebrity names on them. But I'm not sure how many of those are real, or just put on there to amuse the tourists. The food at Havana Club is an abbreviated menu from the Ruth Chris kitchen downstairs. Good food, albeit at Ruth Chris prices, so it's a bit pricey for what you get. Likewise the drinks are set at Ruth Chris prices too, so expect a mixed drink to set you back $10 and a Martini around $15. Pretty steep when you consider that right around the corner in Power Plant Live you can routinely find $3 drafts, $4 rail mixed drinks, and $5 Jager Bombs. And If you go to Havana Club, be sure you do it before 10:00 pm when the $10 a head cover kicks in, (you get nothing for paying the cover because there's no live music here and the drink specials are usually over with by that time). Atmosphere wise, it's got a cool vibe with a small dance floor, surrounded by low slung leather couches and tables, along with a few private walled off rooms. Unfortunately, on most nights the privilege to sit on one of these couches will set you back a cool $200 bottle service fee. Otherwise, you're pretty much relegated to the bar and the few high top tables or small couches immediately surrounding the bar. Seriously, when is the ultra-lame fad of people being stupid enough to pay $200+ just to say they sat down in something called VIP gonna die out? In summation... At Havana Club the food is overpriced, the drinks are overpriced, the seating is wayyy overpriced, and the cover is just ridiculous. So if throwing away your money to feel "privileged" is your thing, this is just your kinda place. Otherwise, if you want entertainment, dancing, and fun crowds at reasonable prices, then just walk right around the corner to Power Plant Live.
(2)Chris S.
Interesting place. Attentive service. But don't be fooled by outdated websites. This is no longer a cigar bar. No smoking is allowed. They've been trying to get retroactive grandfathering, but still no cigars as if mid-October 2013.
(3)Kristen H.
I went here with some girlfriends for a birthday party Friday night for salsa dancing. The place looks very classic and stylish, with lots of sofas and chairs, a dance area and bar. I was a little intimidated by the quality of dancers there, I kind of felt like a total amateur, but that didn't stop us from at least dancing to a few songs. Table service is alright, you have to spend a minimum of $200 on drinks, though. Not sure if I would make the trek all the way here again but it was fun to give it a try.
(3)Kelly G.
I really liked The Havana Club. It is atop Ruth Chris. You get there via private elevator. There are leather couches and pool tables and a little tiny room off to the side which I dubbed "The First Ladies Suite". The snacks were outstanding. Mini burgers, shrimp, wontons filled with crab and cream cheese, steamship round of beef on rolls, fruit, cheese, you name it. The DJ booth is hidden well enough not to be an eyesore yet you can still find him to put in a special request. I love this place. If it was any closer to DC, I would have a party here. I'm a fan!
(4)Patrick B.
So, my review might be slightly skewed because I didn't go there for the "scene". I discovered a business related social networking group that was hosted by Baltimore-Networking.com . Interestingly enough I was introduced to this by some people I met at the Yelp! event. The event food was supplied by Ruth Chris. Need I say more? I'm not going to plug everyone involved that should be. It would become too much. Specifically to the Havana Club. The place was upscale. $7 for valet parking didn't seem unreasonable. I was there for over 3 hours. There is an open area where most people converged in front of the bar as well as comfy seats and little alcoves for private discussions. The host's were friendly. I really can't speak to the drinks. I only had one, a Bookers, which was really good and I didn't pay for it. Thank you Mr. S. Being a dive bar kinda of person, this place was super fancy and clean and everyone was professional. I had a great time and can't wait to meet up again with the people I met.
(4)K J.
I went here for a birthday party on a Friday night. I loved the decorum of the place. It has a sexy mature vibe which is lacking in the Baltimore night scene. Its great for a date night or ladies night. For some reason, when we went it wasn't that crowded but a friend told me that there's usually a better crowd on Fridays. The dj played top 40 hits with a splash of latin music mixed in. I definitely want to give it another try!
(3)Le B.
Ok since I love Ruth Chris my opinion may be bias. The drinks here will knock you on your bum! Music is Awesome like I was already buzzed and would dance to anything but this music was jumping Latino and Hip Hop Blend. Crowd was cool I just wish the would bring the cigar smoking back
(4)Tiffany N.
I came here on Friday night and paid for the Salsa class, and I was extremely impressed all around. The place is extremely clean and nice overall. I loved the fact that it had a nice anteroom where you could change into salsa shoes as well as hang your coats. The food and drinks were good, but they were a little pricey. The salsa class was also a blast even though it was pretty crowded. I am definitely coming back, and I would recommend it to others. I also really liked it because they played a nice variety of latin music so a lot of salsa, merengue, and bachata so it's not like it was bunch of bachata with a couple of merengue and salsa songs sprinkled in between like a lot of other places do.
(4)Tom D.
This could possibly be the most obnoxious place I have ever been in my entire life. You arrive downstairs and there is this huge spotlight -- a beacon to all of Baltimore that this is the place.... After you pay a $10 cover, you take the elevator upstairs. The upstairs is a series of rooms, couches and seating areas. Some are designated members only, other VIP. Your $10 cover gives you access to the bar, a limited seating area or a small area where you can stand. If you are a VIP or a member, you can sit on a couch. Staff escorting the members and VIPs are a bunch of thugs. Not sure how you become a member or a VIP, but don't have any interest either. Will not return.
(1)Genevieve B.
The music was garbage...and the ppl was not friendly at all! The waitress took a half hour to bring our first round of drinks forcing us to buy from the bar!!!!! Smh...it was so lame and boring!
(1)Lia D.
First of all, the smoke is enough to kill even my grandfather, who is rarely seen without his cigar. After my lungs adjusted and I was able to inhale and exhale somewhat regularly, I decided to dance. The DJ was decent, although he had a knack for getting us all out there for 2 or 3 songs, then he'd play something totally ridiculous and we'd all scatter. So weird. He wasn't even apologetic at all...you'd think after clearing the dance floor several times, he'd get the hint and stop playing crap. Not so. Anyway, I don't really "get" this place. It's upscale, but everyone was kind of trashy. I was there with some "members" so I was fortunate to have a slouchy chair for part of the night, but although you want to say "oooooooh", it's not so special. The neat thing to see are the celebrity humidors (among them are Demi Moore and Arnold Schwarzenager (sp?)). The final verdict: I would never pay a cover charge to be in a cigar smoke-filled room, but I would be lying if I said I didn't have fun.
(3)Danielle M.
So I've been to Havana Club on many occasions. My experience has been mostly positive on previous trips. My sister decided to have her birthday celebration and reserved the red room (the exact name escapes me).. So we arrive and the place was empty about 2 couples on the dance floor ..But we were there at 10 so we figure we were just really early. We got settled in and the waitress who was friendly enough took our orders for food and drink. I was very hungry so decided to order from the Ruths Chris menu. I can say that the Salmon with Crispy shrimp was the best part of my experience there. Delicious. sweet and spicy . I ordered the truffle fries from the happy hour menu .. I thought that they were the thin fries that I've had before and I didn't realize they were wedge fries . The fries were very bland and not cooked all the way through. I had to send them back. I wanted to get the crabcake blt... But when I asked the waitress if I could have it without the bacon, she told me that the bacon was actually in the crabcake?? Later another person in our party ordered this item and that was not in fact the case. Anyway I ordered the grilled chicken sandwich with the zucchini fries and it was very very good. Loved the zucchini fries! The food.. Very delish. Back to the club.. Empty all night long. The waitress never came back to see if we needed anything... I would say if you go here, just go. Don't waste your money on bottle service for a reserved section as you will probably have your run of the place. Probably just a Very slow night .. But the service left much to be desired . I would give the food 4 stars but service and experience a 3..
(3)Dawn R.
I can only rate this place based on the Friday night Salsa parties, but for those nights Havana Club can't be beat! The ONLY reason I didnt' give them 5 stars is because of their drink prices....even their specials are a little steep, but if you don't drink a lot or don't care what they cost, you'll love the place. Salsa Now gets together there on Fridays and provides lessons starting at 8:00 for beginners for only $10 (what a deal!), and at 8:45 for those with a little more experience but still not pros. And Niss, the instructor, is the best teacher EVER.
(4)Patricia R.
Was here last Saturday after a gala with some friends - LOVED IT! There was a nice mix of your hip-hop, both old and new, and Latin music! It wasn't a very large 'club' but made a nice lounge with a small dance floor. There was plenty of seating at the bar, and they actually had some small tables and chairs that you didn't have to pay an arm and a leg for. I was feeling the diverse crowd, it's improved greatly from all these previous reviews as I didn't see anything that the other yelpers did.... Give this place a chance- it's a good look.. No - its not DC, but it really is much better than most of what I've seen in Bmore.
(5)Victoria Z.
I admit I was not looking forward to going here after reading all the reviews on Yelp. However, I think they are a bit outdated. All the negatives I was worried about were: 1. the smoke 2. the service 3. the music 4. $10 cover for a small area What it was like: 1. smoking is no longer allowed, even their cigars 2. service was slow at times, but not rude 3. the music was fun 4. their was no cover and we had enough space despite not being in the VIP areas Some more positives: On weekdays they have salsa lessons and also have comedians come in. I really enjoyed my pear martini. Some negatives: Older crowd for a bunch of 20-something girls.
(3)