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Havana Reviews List

Havana

Located in the popular River North neighborhood of Chicago, Havana features a unique 1940s art-deco themed interior and large windows that showcase Clark Street. Along with the large variety of Cuban-American cuisine and specialty drinks, Havana also offers many delectable Cuban desserts and coffees to complement the perfect meal. Whether you're interested in trying the fresh Ceviche Mixto, or just want to share a night out with friends over our mouth-watering mojitos and live music, Havana is the perfect restaurant for you.
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161 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
(161 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 161 reviews
5 stars
(55)
4 stars
(76)
3 stars
(19)
2 stars
(7)
1 star
(4)
Food 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.6 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(56)
  • neighborhood gem(56)
  • good for groups(44)
  • hot spot(38)
  • vibrant bar scene(38)
  • romantic(33)
Havana Reviews List
Review 1 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Loved the live band

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Came here for mothers day 5/11/2013 dinner. Stayed for the band and loved it. Mostly young and modern crowd. My mother is older but she enjoyed this as well. Great drinks, I recommend the mojitos (any flavor), Sangria wasn't great. Food was great as well I really loved the empanada trio for appetizers."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: good for groups, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 2 for Havana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Terrible Service

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were seated immediately when we walked in. We waited 10 minutes before anyone, other than the "water boy" approached our table. We ordered our drinks and ordered food shortly after. We then waited almost 40 minutes for our food, all while watching many other tables receive their food. Our served never bothered to check in with us because he and 6 other servers were watching a ball game. This was by far the worst experience I've had at Havana. They are lucky the food was OK."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Pleasantly Surprise~

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I've visited this restaurant in the past for mojitos and great music but never for dinner. I was pleasantly surprised last night during my first dinner experience with great latin appetizers and entrees. Our server was outstanding as well by recommending great dishes. As a prior restaurateur and current hospitality instructor, wins my vote.
Havanna Cheers :)"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, romantic, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 4 for Havana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

A little too loud!

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was good. Service was so-so. It was so loud we couldn't hear each other. There were four of us. I actually enjoyed sitting at the bar ahead of our reservation more than our booth. The bartenders were attentive and engaging. Drinks were interesting. The food was good but not great. We thought the appetizers were better than the entrees. Overall a lively atmosphere but a little too loud."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Havana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good, not great

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Some of the dishes are really good, like the Jusea de Mariscos(?), some were not (some pork dish that was too sweet). Drinks were good, but sometimes the service was slow. The valet was extremely slow, both in the pick up and drop off. Overall, it was a decent dining experience."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 6 for Havana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Slow

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 3/28/2013
Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was ok and great sangria but we were the only people in the restaurant and still took forever."
Dined on 3/28/2013
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 7 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Second time and going back again

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Second trip to Havana. We enjoyed both meals and look forward to going back to try other dishes. A little on the noisy side, but enjoyable."
Dined on 04/25/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 8 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

This was our first venture

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was our first venture into Cuban food and we thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a small place so when busy tends to be a bit loud but not deafening. I had a chicken breast wrapped in banana leaves, mashed sweet potatoes and fried plantains and my husband had a skirt steak dish all of which was excellent. Will definitely go back."
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 9 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Another lovely evening at

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Another lovely evening at Havana. Great drinks, great food, great service. No complaint from this gal (and her friends). :)"
Dined on 04/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 10 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

A new Chicago favorite

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife and I were looking for a nice place to eat before a show that wouldn't break the bank. We had a fantastic experience at Havana. Really good food, great service, nice ambiance, and reasonable prices. There were so many things on the meny that looked creative and delicious. This is going to be a place we return to often. My only "complaint" would be that it's pretty noisy on a Saturday night, but that's typical of many places in River North."
Dined on 04/20/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 11 for Havana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Solid food with a Latin flair.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Solid food with a Latin flair. But if you are looking to have a conversation with your dining companions--good luck. The noise level is off the charts"
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
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Review 12 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The food was delicious. The

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was delicious. The waiter made suggestions for dinner and answered all of our questions. I would highly recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 04/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 13 for Havana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The food was a little overpriced

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The food was a little overpriced for the quality of the dishes. The food was good but maybe $2-$3 overpriced but to be fair it was downtown so I guess it's expected. Booths are little slim fitting for 2 people to a side. We had 3 people so one person on one side and two on the other and it was a little snug over on the side with 2. I don't think I will be quick to return but not because anything was bad but simply because it was just unmemorable. Try it for yourself though, you may love it, I just wasn't overly impressed."
Dined on 04/11/2013
 2012
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Review 14 for Havana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Good food...bad service

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"While the food was very good, the service was abysmal. Perhaps they were understaffed. It was a Tuesday night, but the place was full. We were one of the first tables in, got drinks quickly, and ordered entrees before most of the other tables even arrived. Then we waited...and waited...and waited over 45 minutes for our food. Meanwhile the waiter never came over to check in, refill waters, order more drinks, etc. When the food final came out my fries were cold. I asked that they bring another order which they did and they were hot and delicious. The food overall was good, but did not make up for the lack of service.
We've been many times before, but this experience will make me think twice before going back."
Dined on 04/16/2013
 2010
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Review 15 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Our group of four was immediately

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our group of four was immediately shown to our table, right on time, although the stylish Havana was bustling and full. The wait staff was attentive and helpful throughout. We started with the delicious house made guacamole, with two salsas. For entrees, I had the Cuban Roast Pork, which was succulent slices of pork loin topped with sautéed onions, accompanied by rice with beans, fired plantains and yucca. Equal to the best I've had in Miami. My companions had a superior ropa vieja, and a spicy chicken wrapped in banana leaves , which was juicy and complex. Of course, the pitcher of excellent mojitos added to the overall lovely evening. Highly recommended."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 16 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

We were on our way to Frontera

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We were on our way to Frontera but a 3 hour wait had us looking for somewhere else. We took a chance on Havana & it paid off. Great Cuban flavor. Staff was super friendly. Great service. Seating was a little tight but it wasn't enough to ruin a good time."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2011
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 17 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food and service! Amazing

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food and service! Amazing Mojitos. Can't go wrong here."
Dined on 04/05/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 18 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Sit at a table, not a booth.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Very good food. Very good service. The booths were not comfortable, so I would recommend sitting at a table. The music was too loud. I would eat there again."
Dined on 03/30/2013
 2013
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Review 19 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We waited a little bomit for

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We waited a little bomit for our table and they were
So kind and comped us two appetizers! The
Pitchers of mojitos are AMAZING! We love Havana!
"
Dined on 03/29/2013
 2010
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Review 20 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great food, great music and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food, great music and great service."
Dined on 03/28/2013
 2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 21 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great Cuban!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Fantastic food and atmosphere. Really good Ropa, best cuban in
Chicago.
"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 22 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food and service. Yes,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great food and service. Yes, there's Cuban food but they serve other Latino dishes as well. Great Mojitos!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 23 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great place, amazing food,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great place, amazing food, nice live music and vibrant atmosphere. Definitely coming back again."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2003
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, late-night find, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 24 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic food! I keep coming

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Fantastic food! I keep coming back over and over again. Gotta try the chimichangas, empanadas and the havana pulled pork!"
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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Review 25 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

We had a party for 8 in the

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"We had a party for 8 in the lower level which is much quieter for large groups. Loved the food. I went with pork chops. Spicy and perfectly cooked."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2004
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, hot spot
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Review 26 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great food. Service was a

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Great food. Service was a little slow-- took about 15 min to get our check but otherwise great place for a date."
Dined on 03/15/2013
 2010
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Review 27 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Quality Cuban cuisine

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Excellent meal early afternoon. We had just arrived to Chicago and were looking for something good, convenient, and different. We got exactly what we were looking for in Havana. Would recommend to anyone interested in Cuban cuisine."
Dined on 03/07/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 28 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Havana has some of the best

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Havana has some of the best mojitos i've had at a restaurant! Definitely try the Steak Jibarito!"
Dined on 03/13/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 29 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Loved the steak sandwich.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Loved the steak sandwich. Good service too"
Dined on 03/12/2013
 2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 30 for Havana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Reservation not honored timely

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I had an 8:30 reservation and was not seated until 9:00pm. The food was great and the Waitstaff. Felt rushed due to standing patrons waiting to be seated."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 31 for Havana
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Should have gone to Carnivale !

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This Restaurant was way over booked, we had a 9:30 reservation and were not seated until 10:30 and another 15 minutes before our server showed up. We had three appetizers and shared an dinner, (Cevieche Mixto, Black Beans & Salsa w/ Plantain Chips & Rojo Viejo) all four lacked the flavor you would normally expect from Latin cuisine. We know and love Latin cuisine and this was definately a disappointment. To make matters worse, when leaving, we waited a half hour for valet parking to retrieve our car."
Dined on 03/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 32 for Havana
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Highly disappointing

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Too loud. Drinks are great. Horrible choice for a birthday dinner."
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2013
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Review 33 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great atmosphere, fun party

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great atmosphere, fun party feeling place. Tortilla soup very good. 1st time we came with a group of 6 and our CHOW Time friends. 2nd time just the 2 of us. Would recommend!"
Dined on 03/08/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups, hot spot
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Review 34 for Havana
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

I had the pork, their specialty

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I had the pork, their specialty according to the waiter. It was dry and relatively flavorless...My date's tilapia special was nice though, as was the calamari app."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, hot spot
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Review 35 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Our meals were both amazing!!!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Our meals were both amazing!!! Serving size is more than ample so we took home "doggie bags". Will definitely revisit Havana!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups
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Review 36 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The booths are too small and

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The booths are too small and more than a little uncomfortable."
Dined on 02/28/2013
 2009
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Review 37 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

"I love the energetic feel

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
""I love the energetic feel of this place - fun, bright and cozy! I definitely would return to try more dishes. I've been here on two occasions and each time that I've returned, teh food gets better and better. As an appetizer, please try the Guacamole & Chips...the Guacamole is FANTASTIC! I love their Calamari, it Delectable!! As an entree, you must try the Tilapia, Salmon and the Pollo Horneado Con Platano. IT IS SIMPLY DELICIOUS! Everyone loved the Costillitas Con Barbeque. Service was well-timed and friendly, wines were affordable!"
Dined on 02/25/2013
 2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 38 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The energy and music create

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The energy and music create a memorable atmosphere. A great place to take less adventuresome foodies. Took advantage of the 1/2 price Mojitos on Friday night. Ordered several dishes to eat family style. Our taste buds were bombarded with different textures and flavors. Ate the Empanada Trio, Ceviche and Calamari for appetizers. The Jalea de Mariscos seafood combo was in a coconut cream sauce but with the spices it was our favorite. The Cubano sandwich and sweet potato fries always a winner. The pulled pork with mashed potatoes was very good. The Pollo Horneado was spicy hot but our friends raved about it! Topped it all off with flan. Excellent service and did not wait long for our table. Live music at 11:00 pm but did not stay."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, good for groups, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 39 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Food is great. Empanada trio

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Food is great. Empanada trio is a must. Won't be sorry if you get the steak jabarito."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2012
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 40 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I love the food & service

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I love the food & service will come back again....."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 41 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

I really enjoyed Havana.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I really enjoyed Havana. There were a few families (with kids) when we arrived at 6 on a Saturday. So it was a little Oder thAn we anticipated, but the food,,tequila, and ambiance made it very easy to get lost in our own conversation."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 42 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing Cuban food! I will

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Amazing Cuban food! I will definitely be returning for their pulled pork! Do not miss this restaurant!"
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
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Review 43 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Chicago favorite

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Flavorful food, great mojitos, fun music. We bring out of town guests here for dinner and love to sit on the patio during the summertime. I highly recommend the fried plantains!"
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot
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Review 44 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The service is always superb

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The service is always superb and the food is always exquisite. The half-price pitchers of sangria on Mondays & Tuesdays bring people in, but the food keeps people as returning customers. Looking forward to summer when the patio will reopen with the live band!"
Dined on 02/18/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 45 for Havana
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

My wife and I decided to give

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife and I decided to give Havana a try, because we both enjoy Latin food. We were fortunate to get a reservation and we're thoroughly impressed. Delicious drinks, service was attentive and informative, and the food was delicious. The dining area is small and tight and noisy, but if you enjoy Latin food it would be worth your time to check it out."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 46 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

The food was amazing, this

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"The food was amazing, this was my first encounter with Cuban food and I love it. For Valentines day they set a really good mood."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, late-night find
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Review 47 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My wife and I LOVE Cuban food,

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"My wife and I LOVE Cuban food, and we remember this place when it was Mambo Grill. The food is still outrageously good, and our waiter was very helpful answering any questions we had. The guava mojitos were just tart enough, so much so that my wife ordered a second one, which she usually never does. The tortilla soup was the perfect blend of spice and flavor, and the plantain-crusted halibut was off the charts. We will definitely return."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 48 for Havana
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

I was disappointed in the

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I was disappointed in the food overall. Some of the plantains were not ripe and the rice/beans tasted very generic lacking seasoning. While the sangria was good-it was very expensive per pitcher. I don't recommend this place although the service was very good."
Dined on 02/08/2013
 2006
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Review 49 for Havana
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

I was pleasantly surprised

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I was pleasantly surprised how knowledgeable our waiter was at Havana. He was very young but he knew his food and beverages like someone at a 5-star dining establishment. The service was excellent and it made the experience here that much more enjoyable. Either the waiter had this interest in culinary arts of Cuba and Latin America all on his own, or the training of the waitstaff at this restaurant is exemplary or maybe a bit of both."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 50 for Havana
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Think Again... This is not Cuban

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"I was born and raised in Cuba and I got really exited when I saw a restaurant called "Havana" visiting Chicago. The ambiance was good, the waiter was really friendly, but the food was horrible. That is not Cuban food. After talking with the waiter, which by the way was very hospitable, I realized that a Mexican Chef was cooking Cuban food... what a disaster.
However, for those of you that do not know what Cuban food taste like, this restaurant should be OK. But do not get fooled. That is not how Cuban food taste like.
"
Dined on 02/02/2013
 2013
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