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Cafe Havana
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
5 reviews for Cafe Havana
5 reviews in English
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Review from Belle B.
Newton, MA
4/7/2012
I remember when Cafe Havana first opened down the street next to El Jibarito Grocery on 15th Street. This was in the 90s. Back then, the now owners were kids just like I was. The restaurant was run by their father and mother. I also remember coming here with my dad and having the most delicious black bean soup with fresh chopped onions. Back then Cafe Havana was tiny and super cheap.
While it still remains rather inexpensive the Quintanas moved to a much larger location just a few blocks down on the same street. They now offer a much larger dining area as well as a larger menu.
Everything I have ever had here has been wonderful. The Cuban sandwich is delicious and rather large. The guarapo de caña (sugar cane juice) is freshly squeeze right in front of you. It reminds me of the sugar cane juices I'd get back home on the side of the highway after school when traveling from Old San Juan to El Condado in Puerto Rico. Every sip brings me back to those memories. It's raw and pure unlike the canned junk you buy in stores. The black bean soup is still the same way I remember it back in the 90s. They also sell quesitos and other pastries which are usually hard to find in Bradenton.
The food is authentic. The atmosphere is casual. The price is right. The portions are generous. Great place! Now that I live in Boston every time I am back in Bradenton I stop here for a quick fix. Sometimes I go to Cafe Havana straight from SRQ before even getting to my destination. It's that good! -
Review from Coty S.
Located in the beautiful town of Onecco, you will find a small shop that looks like a diner attached to the back of a gas station. Only come here if you have some time to spend, otherwise you can do pick-up. It has taken us up to two hours to eat here before during the lunch rush. It may not look crowded, but it is more than they can handle.
I recommend this joint for dinner because there are a lot less customers and a relaxed atmosphere. There are coolers in the back where you can pick out your favorite ethnic soda, I recommend Young Coconut Juice or a can of Watermelon Soda ($1.50 import). They make amazing milkshakes ($2.75) in flavors like guanabana, papaya, and mango. They also have Sugar Cane Juice that are made to order.
If you are into Yucca fries, they sure have some great ones, served with Mojo dipping sauce. I recommend their Chicken Empanada ($2.50) filled with shredded dark meat chicken, lime juice, cilantro, and green olives. Their Ham Croquettes ($1.50 for two), deep fried and crusted, filled with a soft blend of ham and starch. Their Spicy Crab Ball is also great too, filled with spicy red crab meat covered in breadcrumbs. Their Maduro (Sweet Plantains) are the best I have yet to have at a restaurant. They are ripe and sweet covered in a chewy sticky sugar coating.
They have many sandwiches ($6.00) to choose from, and they are sure crispy , delicious, and filling. However, I recommend getting their special for the day, which is usually a meat with a side of rice and beans with some plantains. I definitely recommend their yellow rice, it is flavorful and buttery. I am not fond of their beans, they taste bland to me, but their maduro is amazing.
There are many places in the area that will charge an arm and a leg for Columbian or Cuban food. This is not one of them, and it is not pretentious or discriminating either. Be prepared to have an enjoyable home cooked meal, and to be treated like part of the family.Listed in: Best of Bradenton, FL
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Review from Adam C.
Venice, FL
Excellent food, inexpensive, and quiet atmosphere. It is truly a hidden gem in bradenton. I recommend any of the daily specials and finishing off your meal with a small espresso for the perfect touch
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Review from Ana M.
Parrish, FL
7/27/2010
The black beans and rice tasted like my Cuban mother made them. The yuca frita was tasty. We have gone back a few times already. Great place.
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Review from Sylvia S.
Portland, OR
3/21/2009
Tasty cuban and great prices. The grouper cuban and chicken with mojo special are perfect. The owners are really nice and their pastries and deserts are a must.
