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Havana Central at The West End Reviews List
Havana Central at The West End
Havana Central at the West End transports you to pre-Revolution Cuba with swanky decor, lively jazz, relaxing bar and beloved recipes. Traditional Cuban cooking is a labor of love: many dishes are slow-cooked over low heat and require constant attention to create that perfect flavor. Executive Chef Stanley Licairac has mastered the patience and style necessary to recreate old-world Cuban classics.
Havana Central at the West End was voted one of the Top 10 Best Places in New York for Groups by OpenTable diners, so gather your loved ones and celebrate the Cuban culture with hot jazz, fine dining and delicious mojiots!
See more Havana Central at The West End details
87 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 87 reviews
5 stars
(24)
4 stars
(34)
3 stars
(22)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- good for groups(41)
- neighborhood gem(36)
- great for lunch(26)
- fit for foodies(25)
- hot spot(22)
- special occasion(21)
Havana Central at The West End Reviews List
Review 1 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Favorite Cuban Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This location is my favorite. I go to this location frequently and always use Open Table to make my reservations. I always have a good time at the West End location. The waiters and staff are awesome. I will be back soon."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 2 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service was okay n food was good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"And the place looks really nice."
Dined on 5/14/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion, kid-friendly
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Review 3 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Where
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my mother and sister to Havana Central for Mother's day 2013. I was highly disappointed with the food. My mother and myself, ordered Garlic shrimp with yellow rice and Moro. The shrimp did not have any garlic flavor and no salt. The moro was bland, again no salt and the rice was sticky...this is supposed to be Spanish rice not chinese or sushi rice! My sister ordered the ropa vieja and it tasted old...like its name. The only highlights were the empanadas or pastelitos as Dominican called them, but for 8 dollars, I can do them myself. The bellini pitcher we order was okay and gave us a nice buzz to really forget the forgettable and overpriced food. The service was excellent but the food will keep me from ever returning. :-("
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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Review 4 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Disappointed
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I made a reservation for 13 ppl the hostess told me we had to wait 15 minutes. I was completely baffled. She proceeded with attitude. At the tbl I noticed it was for 11 ppl, I turned around to look for the hostess she was gone. I waited for her to come back she said I don't know how this happened the reservation only said for 11. I told her I have an email & a vm confirming 13 ppl. She asked us to stand up when we went to have a seat again it was a mess! tbls were all different sizes, wobbling causing our plates to wobble. I told her about it, greasy bench- she walked away. The server-was extraordinary, great, attentive, never forgot anything. Thank goodness we dealt with him and not the hostess for most of our stay."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 5 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
great time
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Loved everything about Havana central!! Food was great, atmosphere was great and the drinks were on point! Can't wait to go back.
:)"
:)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 6 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my mom here for Mother's Day and we had a ball. The place had a live band and was very festive. Our server, Maria, was right-on point with her reccomendations and was very pleasant!
I will be back :-)"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 7 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Choice for Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have tried many things on the menu, but the Mango Salmon, Black Beans, and Yellow Rice are my fav!"
Dined on 1/10/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 8 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Taste the tropics
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Try the sampler.
Good Drinks
Pork Platter"
Good Drinks
Pork Platter"
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had an incredible meal
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had an incredible meal and a wonderful waitress with a fun personality.
I must also add that their lemonades are amazing! particularly the coconut lemonade and passion fruit lemonade. delish!"
I must also add that their lemonades are amazing! particularly the coconut lemonade and passion fruit lemonade. delish!"
Dined on 04/23/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 10 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Drinks are pricey. Food took
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Drinks are pricey. Food took about half hour to arrive and nothing was offered for the table like bread or chips.
Overall enjoyable. Always go with a party if 9 or more.
Friendly staff and good food."
Friendly staff and good food."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Havana Central at The West End
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I never leave with an empty stomach. Love this place,the food and the ambiance."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 12 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service very rushed
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As usual the food was delicious, but this time the service was rushed. We got our drinks, yummy sangria, and one minute later the appetizers came. Then one minute later the main course arrived. Annoying!"
Dined on 04/04/2013
2010
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 13 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Went to Havana Central for
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went to Havana Central for my birthday dinner. I had the ropa vieja (braised beef), which was absolutely delicious. My mother also loved her salmon. I've been here many times and have never been disappointed. HC also has several customer appreciation perks on various occasions, one being a free entree and dessert birthday offer for customers who join their email list. Can't go wrong!"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 14 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
DISHONEST
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"They overcharged me for the drinks I ordered, and their excuse was that prices are being changed, but they haven't changed the prices on the drink menu as yet, poor excuse to me, If you do go to this restaurant, I advise that you check your bill."
Dined on 03/29/2013
2012
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Review 15 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I dream of.... Havana Central
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"As always, the food at Havana Central, is sensational and an absolute must! The food is always amazingly good, the ambiance, live music and hostess/'s are always charming and welcoming. I have nothing but fabulous comments to say about this phenomenal Cuban Restaurant!!! :)I would have given 5 stars all the way across the board; however, for the first time ever, we had a disinterested and absent waitress, thus, the only reason I gave the service a lower rating this time. Otherwise, the place deserves a solid 5 stars! :) The Mojitos are a must have!"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, great for outdoor dining, late-night find, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 16 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We found our Cuban Cuisine
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"All the teen cousins from NY, Massachusetts and Tennessee, aunt and uncle got-together longing to eat Cuban cuisine and we were all very impressed with the food, the service and the atmosphere. It was a very memorable moment. Kudos to Havaana Central!"
Dined on 03/26/2013
2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 17 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great cultural experience.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The place has a lot of potential. The band sonido costeno was excellent, so they should turn off the TV sets by the band. Some waiters are great and some are awful. Overall , a nice experience."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
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Review 18 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our waiter Carlos made the
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Our waiter Carlos made the evening....and the food and drinks were excellent! Always live music on saturday and the atmosphere is vibrant. Great place to meet friends and enjoy...."
Dined on 03/16/2013
2010
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 19 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Lovely time at an amazing restauran
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I have been to all of the Havana Central restaurants. I loved this one because there is an ambiance about this one. The feel of the restaurant seems like a restaurant in Havana. We had a group of five. We all enjoyed the drinks, the appetizers and the dessert sampler. Thank you for a wonderful experience after a busy day at work."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 20 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
HAVANA CENTRAL IS A MUST!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Amazing latin cuisine! Sunday brunch menu quite diverse. Live cuban band was fantastic and made for a great time out. The wait staff are very friendly and professional. Prices are also very reasonable and for the entire experience it is a great bargain. I highly recommend Havana Central (upper west side)."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, kid-friendly, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 21 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
entire dining experience was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"entire dining experience was excellent. wait staff was attentive. food was delicious. band was really good. one of our favorite places to dine in."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 22 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Gave this a third try. Sadly,
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Gave this a third try. Sadly, the food was Very disappointing."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2008
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Review 23 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent empanadas begin
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent empanadas begin a Cuban meal of high standards. The pork dishes excel while the fish is fresh and cooked well. Remember that Cuban food is less sophisticated than hearty and you will have a great time here."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 24 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The service and food my daughter
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The service and food my daughter and I received for our Valentine's Day dinner was superb. The staff was super courteous and very attentive. Will be back soon!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, scenic view
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Review 25 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Great waitstaff and Manager
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Great waitstaff and Manager very nice but good is Bad Cuban and way overpriced. Head to Amor Cubano on third avenue for good Cuban."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2013
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Review 26 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Drinks are pricey. I also
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
"Drinks are pricey. I also didn't like the fact, that the price on the menu was less than what I was actually billed. It was more"
Dined on 02/01/2013
2008
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Review 27 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food was great. We came specificall
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was great. We came specifically for the live music though, but unfortunately, the band didn't show up."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2011
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Review 28 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Took some friends who were
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Took some friends who were tired of the same old place in the Bronx. I guaranteed that they would love the place, especially the food. The mojitos were the best they ever tasted, almost beat the ones in Puerto Rico. They were so glad I brought them there and would like to return and bring more friends. The food is delicious and service is quick. You would think the quality of the food required a longer time for cooking, however the food was delicious, well prepared, and proportioned."
Dined on 02/02/2013
2013
Special Features: special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 29 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing time for my birthday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Amazing time for my birthday dinner. servers Jose Alberto and Anthony were more then amazing. It was worth every penny from the service, to the food, to the live band."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2011
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 30 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
ehh...
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Poor)
1
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was good but the service was NOT! The waitress took way too long to even come by our table and introduce herself. Then she brought the wrong appetizer and then she was MIA for pretty much the rest of the night...she definitely seemed spread too thin (we saw her going back and forth a lot and she seemed very busy). We were there on Friday night and while we were there they brought a live band which was pretty good but way too loud. We had a good time but it was mainly because of the company I was with and the decent food..."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 31 for Havana Central at The West End
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very happy with our choice....loved
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Very happy with our choice....loved the online reservation! Will definitely recommend :)"
Dined on 01/19/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Havana Central at The West End
Based on the average of (56) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
9 out of 9 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.6
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic