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Havana Road Cuban Cafe Reviews List
Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Havana Road Cuban Cafe, a small privately-owned restaurant, features Authentic Cuban Cuisine from the kitchen of first-generation Cubanas Marta and Martha Quintana. Guantanamo-born Marta brings the flavors of Old Cuba to Maryland.
The fare is flavorful, not spicy. Some of the family recipes date back over 200 years, showing their roots from Lebanon, Morocco, Spain, the Americas and the Orient.
Want to cook Cuban at home? Go to havanaroad.com, where Martas cooking videos will take you through every step of this exciting cuisine.
Nominated as one of the five top new restaurants in Maryland, Havana Road offers a menu that features our famous Cuban Sandwich, voted the very Best by Baltimore magazine, as well as our world-class Flan made in house by Ines Quintana.
We look forward to serving you soon.
See more Havana Road Cuban Cafe details
The fare is flavorful, not spicy. Some of the family recipes date back over 200 years, showing their roots from Lebanon, Morocco, Spain, the Americas and the Orient.
Want to cook Cuban at home? Go to havanaroad.com, where Martas cooking videos will take you through every step of this exciting cuisine.
Nominated as one of the five top new restaurants in Maryland, Havana Road offers a menu that features our famous Cuban Sandwich, voted the very Best by Baltimore magazine, as well as our world-class Flan made in house by Ines Quintana.
We look forward to serving you soon.
82 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 82 reviews
5 stars
(26)
4 stars
(33)
3 stars
(16)
2 stars
(6)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Outstanding)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- neighborhood gem(48)
- fit for foodies(30)
- great for lunch(19)
- special occasion(11)
- romantic(9)
- hot spot(5)
Havana Road Cuban Cafe Reviews List
Review 1 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great Cuban Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Broad menu with many choices,although specials are always enticing.
Native Cuban food in nice atmosphere.
Fun place,can tell people are enjoying the food.
Get reservations."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 2 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Havana Road Is a Keeper!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"This was our first time at Havana Road but not our last. Our server Stephanie, made our experience even more enjoyable and tasty by recommending various items on the menu. Due to the limited amount of space, reservations are a must on the weekend."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I am not a lover of Cuban
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I am not a lover of Cuban food so am not the best judge. Others loved their pork and brisket meals. Sadly - the resto was out of the one item that I do LOVE - sweet plantains. Tried 2 yummy cakes - tres leches and rum cake. I think the prices - especially for dessert are a tad high. Still - happy to support an independent restaurant in Towson."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2009
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 4 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The host/owner spoke to us
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The host/owner spoke to us in Spanish which was a plus for me since I had Spanish students with me."
Dined on 04/19/2013
2013
Special Features: great for lunch
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Review 5 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Tres Leches cake, plantains
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Tres Leches cake, plantains and cuban pork sandwich were standouts."
Dined on 04/21/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
My husband & I celebrated
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"My husband & I celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary at Havana Road and it a wonderful experience."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 7 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Poor service
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The waitress did not do a good job. We didn't know that it was BYOB and there was a liquor store right next door not 10 feet from the front door. The questions that we asked the waitress about the food she answered incorrectly. They had 3 juice options on the menu, were out of 2 of them and after 1 glass of juice they were out of that one too! NOT GOOD FOR REPEAT BUSINESS."
Dined on 03/27/2013
2013
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Review 8 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good Cuban food!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Very yummy entree & empanada for an appetizer. "Traditional" bread and dipping sauces for the appetizer was nothing to write home about (bread had a "stale" bread texture) so I would skip it next time. BYOB kept the cost down. Coffee was very good and the desserts sounded good, but I didn't try."
Dined on 03/21/2013
2009
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Review 9 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food was delicious!!
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delicious!! Just make sure to make a reservation - there are not many table in the restaurant so it gets crowded fast. But it's worth it - the food was great."
Dined on 03/15/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 10 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food and Service Good
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"We had the vegetarian platter.It was good but not exceptional. The black beans were good, though. Sweet potato fries--excellent. The Tres Leches cake was excellent but a bit pricey. Overall, I'd say the prices were a bit high, given that this is an informal cafe."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2007
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Review 11 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Have eaten in this restaurant
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Have eaten in this restaurant about 15 times- ususlly it's superb. Our last meal was sub-par. The Lechon Asado pork dish took 45 min to be served, and didn't taste anywhere near as good as it has in the past. Our server said it was "different pork" and had been reheated or something- that it hadn't cooked all day like the menu purports. We'll go back, as hopefully this past experience was a fluke."
Dined on 03/13/2013
2006
Special Features: neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 12 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Poor)
1
/
5
The food was very bland and
Food
(Poor)
1
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was very bland and did not have much taste to it. I ordered the ropa vieja (shredded beef), and it looked and tasted like they literally poured a can of tomato sauce on top of the beef. The rice and beans had no taste to them (very very bland)."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2007
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Review 13 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Yummy!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Havana Road serves home-cooking with perfected, passed on, traditional recipes. Lucky these dishes are made available to everyone that's willing to try Cuban food at its finest. Go ahead, step out of the norm and find your new acquired taste. The restaurant is the labor of love and the hard work of its owner, Chef Marta. Just try the El Cubano sandwich and you will be hooked……"
Dined on 03/11/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 14 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent food, Excellent mojitos!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"The food at Havana Road is excellent. Hefty servings and very tasty. Served piping hot. We went next door to purchase our own white wine and a bottle of rum. The Sangria was only so-so, but most definitely they made the best Mojitos any of the four of us has ever had! Fun night. Casual dining. Service is also informal, but very friendly."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 15 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
My friends and I were disappointed
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My friends and I were disappointed with Havana Road - we had expected somewhat spicy dishes, but our entrees were all quite bland. We will not be going back to Havana Road."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
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Review 16 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
A surprise gem.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"It is rare in the Baltimore/ Washington area to find a Cuban restaurant. The pork was the best I've had since "pork was turned into "white meat".
Not only is the food a genuine reflection of Cuban dishes but the owners have added decorative touches to evoke a Cuban feel to the decor."
Dined on 03/03/2013
2005
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 17 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
I still really like this place,
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I still really like this place, but the service WAS SO SLOW. Darn that tres leches cake...it will keep bringing me back. Otherwise I might not bother."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2011
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Review 18 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Terrific Tasty food! I haven't
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Terrific Tasty food! I haven't had Cuban food in years, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The food was bursting with flavor. I was full from my lunch special skirtsteak sandwich, black beans & rice, & plantains. I even had some left to take home. The wait staff was friendly, attentive, and gave good suggestions. The temperature was a bit chilly, otherwise I am looking forward to returning!"
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 19 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Really tasty Cuban cuisine,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Really tasty Cuban cuisine, served simply -- and lots of it. Very good service, even though only one server on a surprisingly busy weeknight."
Dined on 02/26/2013
2010
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 20 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Went on a living social coupon.
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Went on a living social coupon. Had paella seemed processed and not alot of seafood for the price.we also has the dip sample, the dips were good and plentiful but the dipping bread was minimal. Was looking forward to trying it with the hope of returning but not planning to return."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2011
Special Features: romantic
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Review 21 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food was great. Service was
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Food was great. Service was great. Just a little small and cramped."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 22 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food as always with
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food as always with matching GREAT service!"
Dined on 02/17/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 23 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Fabulous Flavors!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"This was my first time going with a friend, and the service, atmosphere and food were all great. Though small in appearance, Havana Road is big in flavor and hospitality. We were treated to Cuban dishes that created their own music. We are already looking forward to our next visit."
Dined on 02/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 24 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
I took my parents here to
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I took my parents here to meet my girlfriend (all 3 first timers here). It occured to me I keep going back to this restaurant again and again with different people. I guess I'm trying to expose my friends and family to a place with great food. I think I've dined here more than any other single restaurant in the last 9 months. Which may not mean much on the surface, but I live an hour away and dine in moderate to upscale restaurants 7-10 monthly."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 25 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Not what it was
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service was rushed, unfriendly and not up to par with our previous experiences. Food was excellent- we'll be doing carry out from now on."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2006
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Review 26 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
absolutely love this place.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"absolutely love this place. The food was incredible and the ambiance was very charming.my only complaint is that they do not sell wine or liquor. However there is a liquor store next door and they allow you to bring your own bottle which they will uncork for you. I will definitely be back. Still dreaming about the tres leche cake..yum!"
Dined on 02/16/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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Review 27 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The food is wonderful in a
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food is wonderful in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Love it!"
Dined on 02/09/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, great for lunch, hot spot
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Review 28 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It's a byob. Only Cuban food
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It's a byob. Only Cuban food around."
Dined on 01/25/2013
2006
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Review 29 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Excellent simple cuban in
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Excellent simple cuban in Towson"
Dined on 01/24/2013
2007
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 30 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was great! Service
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was great! Service wasn't very good. They need to have a regular wait staff that can make a connection with the customers. The restaurant was not full, but the waitress didn't seem like she had time for us. If they got better staff this place would be perfect."
Dined on 01/19/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 31 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Cuban fare. BYO, but
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great Cuban fare. BYO, but small liquor store next door."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2002
Special Features: neighborhood gem, great for lunch
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Review 32 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
We had an amazing birthday
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We had an amazing birthday dinner here for my wife, myself, and two friends. It was Restaurant Week (RW) and both the RW menu and regular menu were incredible. Our waitress, Stephanie, despite being a Steelers fan, was great. Very knowledgable about menu and provided great service. So good that we decided to do the Ray Lewis Special for carryout for the AFC Championship game this Sunday. Towson is lucky to have this tiny gem of a restaurant."
Dined on 01/18/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 33 for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was not slow cooked
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was not slow cooked flavorful like some other Cuban restaurants I frequent. One waitress for the entire restaurant was overworked. Service was slow. Won't likely return.
No liquor license but that is OK as their is a convenient little liquor store next door where you can pick up a bottle of wine."
No liquor license but that is OK as their is a convenient little liquor store next door where you can pick up a bottle of wine."
Dined on 01/17/2013
2009
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Havana Road Cuban Cafe
Based on the average of (49) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
3 out of 4 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate