Havana Cafe – Cuban
Step into a sun-drenched sanctuary where the rhythmic pulse of salsa and the intoxicating aroma of garlic-laced mojo transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Old Havana. Golden-fried plantains and succulent, slow-roasted lechón anchor an experience that celebrates the soulful flavors of the Caribbean, all served within a warm, nostalgic space that feels like a spirited family gathering.
1247 Castle Hill Avenue +1-718-822-4800 https://www.ubereats.com/store/havana-cafe-takeout/8iDF0SlCR-G_CaLTa_cCqA?srsltid=AfmBOoqjDmM5AE1Gvme9aOvLqOmhQIU5stpG29aM3_hiM8lJrJgktoT1Rating: 4.3/5 (1499 reviews)
Cuisine: Cuban
Price range: $$
Dietary options: high-protein, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, keto, low-carb, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free, paleo, whole30, diabetic, pescatarian, plant-based, clean-eating, atkins, south-beach, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, carnivore, aip, volumetrics, low-fodmap, slow-carb, candida, lectin-free, mayo-clinic
Currently closed
What diners are saying
Guests have mixed but generally positive experiences, praising standout dishes like the vegan paella, calamari, steak tacos, and the unique fried chicken sushi roll. While some long-time patrons express concern over menu changes shifting away from authentic Cuban staples, many still find the food delicious, highlighting the mofongo and brunch options. Service receives varied feedback, ranging from attentive bartending with strong drinks to occasionally slow or overworked waitstaff. Despite some inconsistencies with delivery orders, diners appreciate the nice atmosphere and express a willingnes
Menu
Family Combos
Large trays designed for groups of 5-6 people
- Fajita Trio Half Tray - $55: Shrimp, steak, chicken, yellow rice, sour cream, guacamole, chips Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Fried Platter Half Tray - $55: Fried cheese, longaniza, bone-in chicken chunks, fried green plantains Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Trio Fried Rice Half Tray - $55: Beef, chicken and shrimp fried rice with a 16oz potato salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- BBQ Ribs Half Tray - $55: Pork ribs, yellow rice Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Fried Pork Chops Half Tray - $47: Fried pork chops, steamed cassava with onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Pasta Station Half Tray: Half Tray (5-6 people). Priced by add-ons. Dietary tags: Nut-Free
Castle Hill Specials
Popular local favorites and combos
- Family Deal - $34: Whole rotisserie chicken or pepper steak (Add $5), with your choice of 3 sides and a 2 liter beverage. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Half Chicken Combo - $17: Choice of two sides and beverages. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Quarter Chicken Combo - $14: Rotisserie chicken with two sides. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Fried Chicken Chunks with Bone Combo - $15: Fried chicken chunks with bone, white rice, black beans Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Fried Pork Chop Combo - $15: Fried pork chop, white rice, black beans Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Pepper Steak Combo - $16: Choice of two sides and beverages. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Oxtail Combo - $18: Choice of two sides and beverages. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Crispy Chicken Parmagiana - $22: Panko-crusted boneless chicken breast, house marinara, fresh mozzarella, pasta Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Roast Pork (BOGO) - $28: Baked roast pork with skin with rice and beans. Buy one get one offer. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating
- Pasta Combo (BOGO) - $18: Buy one get one offer. Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Quarter Chicken Combo (BOGO) - $20: Juicy quarter chicken served with a side. Buy one get one offer. Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Pasta Combo - $14: A delightful pasta selection featuring a variety of flavors. Dietary tags: Nut-Free
- Ribs Combo - $17: BBQ Pork ribs with rice and potato salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free
- Rotisserie Whole Chicken Only - $24: Whole rotisserie chicken Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Carnivore, AIP, Slow-Carb, Candida, Lectin-Free
Appetizers
Small bites and starters
- 3 Empanadas - $8: Three savory turnovers Dietary tags: Nut-Free
Soups and Salads
Fresh salads and traditional soups
- Sancocho - $13: Traditional hearty meat and vegetable soup Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Cuban Classics
Traditional Cuban and Latin American entrees
- Pastelon - $15: Sweet plantain lasagna Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free
- Arroz con Pollo Dinner - $20: Chicken and rice dinner Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Pollo al Mojo - $22: Chicken in garlic citrus sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, South-Beach
Sides
Accompaniments and side dishes
- Sweet Plantains - $6: Fried sweet plantains Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap
Frequently Asked Questions about Havana Cafe
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking a spirited family atmosphere with diverse dietary needs, including vegan and keto options, would enjoy this moderately priced 4.3/5 rated restaurant.
- What are this restaurant's hours of operation?
- The provided data for Havana Cafe does not contain specific information regarding the restaurant's daily hours of operation.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Havana Cafe offers moderate ($$) pricing and a 4.3/5 rating, providing value through family deals and BOGO roast pork options.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Havana Cafe offers a casual dining experience with a moderate ($$) price level and a warm, spirited family gathering atmosphere.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- Havana Cafe has a total of 1499 reviews and maintains an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Havana Cafe offers half trays and family deals alongside 27 dietary options including vegan paella, keto Pollo al Mojo, and gluten-free Sancocho.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customers expressed concerns regarding menu changes shifting away from authentic Cuban staples and service being occasionally slow or overworked.
- Does this restaurant offer good ambiance?
- Havana Cafe features a warm, nostalgic space with salsa music, contributing to a generally positive guest experience rated 4.3/5.
- What are the standout dishes based on the menu?
- Standout dishes include vegan paella, calamari, steak tacos, fried chicken sushi roll, mofongo, roast pork, and the oxtail combo.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- Keto, vegan, and gluten-free options include Pollo al Mojo, vegan paella, Sancocho, and the Arroz con Pollo Dinner.