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    Habana Banana

    2.6 (89 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

    Habana Banana Mexican Restaurant Photos

    HABANA BANANA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Touristy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Habana Banana

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    Maricel J.

    We thought we were going to be playing with young cubs. The tigers looked young, but young enough to be small adults. We didn't not even last 2 minutes in the room with them, they were just too aggressively playful. The worker inside the room with us kept encouraging us to play and pet them, but the tigers were just too "playfully biting" us... to the point where i did not feel safe. I would not recommend "petting" or "playing" with any of these wild animals.

    Britt S.

    Very attentive crew here. Food was decent. They really want you to enjoy your visit

    Connie D.

    sorry, but This place just looks so cute with the beautiful view when eating but the food I cannot recommend or... maybe I did not order the best. So there are 2 floors in this place- 2nd floor is the restaurant and 1st floor is different (animals and tequila shots- we tried EVERYTHINg!) Spent $69 for the food, -quesadilla with fries -shrimp marlin something - lol can't remember the name but i'll share the menu pics -shrimp tacos -vegetarian tacos - soup tortilla - 3 bottled water spent $45 for a 6 minute encounter with the cutee bengal tiger(2 person) (-ok I lied didn't try tequila shots) ALL in all it was an ah .. eh.. great experience ! By the way, best effort for the guy who sang our requested coco song

    Shawn C.

    We love coming here every time we're at the blowhole ! The animals are always healthy and playful we love the babies!! Staff is friendly to animals ! Definitely take the opportunity to hold a baby jaguar!! Great place to go!!

    Cuban Fish
    Pradeep M.

    Do not get trapped, they have 4 employees, whose main job is to drag you inside. Food is average, price is above average and overall experience will be below average. This place is like a show business, food is also available. The have exotic animals caged and sedated, they have adult Panther, leopard, lion cub and more, clearly drugged living in gruesome conditions. Food, we ordered the following Veggies Sampler, Whole Cuban Fish, Enchilada, Fish Tacos, Fajitas, Pizzadilla (Pizza + Quesadilla). Everything was just ok, nothing wrong but at the same time nothing was impressive too. Margarita was too light. Kids had fun, in their slide area. Restroom is horrible, especially men restroom is like a dungeon. Overall, this is place is typical tourist trap, stay away.

    Paw
    Jennifer N.

    This is the 2nd time my boyfriend and I came here. I love coming here and playing with the little cubs. We got to hold and take pics with the baby lion cub who was super active. I really wanted to hold the white tiger cub but the worker said that one did not like to be held. They were rolling around and playing with a giant dog rope toy. Such cuties! I paid $60 for two people to go in and take a bunch of pics. We were able to sample some fruity tequilas before coming in for free. I definitely will come back if we ever go back to ensenada.

    LeeAnn B.

    During a small guided tour to go ziplining, our guide suggested we make a pit stop in La Bufadora for lunch. We had a little time to kill after we finished eating so we decided to walk down the street market towards the Blow Hole. We stumbled upon Habana Banana and I was immediately drawn to the bar counter where instead of bar stools, there were swings with vines wrapped around the ropes. It was adorable and totally fit the Mexican Cantina vibe. Once inside, I realized that it was much larger than I expected and it was actually a very interesting place. Inside hosts a bar, a gift store, tequila tasting and a care center for rescued baby felines. Felines as in jaguars, cougars, lions and tigers! After some questions I learned that there are veterinarians on staff 24/7 and most of these babies come from neglect, circuses, abusive situations and families who realize that they can't have a lion as a domesticated pet cat (DUH!). You can pay $25 to go in and play with the cubs and the money goes towards their care, or you can simply watch them through the glass from the outside. The tequila tasting is great. I tried many different types and ended up purchasing a bottle of Quita Penas, which is not available here in the United States. To date, it is the only tequila I have ever tasted that I can drink straight without so much as a wince. It tastes like a margarita all on its own! While Habana Banana is definitely a bit of a tourist trap, it's fun and lively. If you are in the area I'd recommend stopping by! Animals and tequila sounds like a great day to me!

    Lacie R.

    Went and visited Ensenada and was told to go to La Bufadora which was amazing and totally fun. A few of the girls on our trip wanted to see the tigers... I was horrified when I walked in and saw them in tiny cages smaller than my master bedroom. Two tigers were heavily sedated and couldn't even keep their eyes open. I believe one of the workers was trying to arouse them with a round sharp hook and the tiger could barely raise its paw. The blue macaw and parrot had plucked all their feathers out (sign of stress) and were in a room the size of a bathroom. Their was a small baby tiger that was being man handled and even was picked up by the neck by some tourists. I say avoid at all costs!

    $35/ 2 people. I played w/ Zambia- 6 month old black panther.
    Joanne P.

    Our brief stop at Habana Banana wasn't what I expected. But- I'm glad it's what I was really looking for (even though I didn't have to look that hard to get it.) Let me explain.... Habana Banana is the biggest restaurant/ establishment along the row/ aisle of mercados (stores) leading up to La Bufadora in Ensenada. Ensenada was one of the ports our Carnival Cruise ship stopped at- & I figured all the times we came to Ensenada- we just never ventured to La Bufadora. But! A friend of ours posted a collage on his IG account & in that collage was a picture of him & what I thought was a taxidermy mountain lion. I inquired about it & he said it's at La Bufadora. That was it. He couldn't give specifics. Now- mind you- this was really the main reason why I booked the La Bufadora excursion because I WANTED TO TAKE PICTURES WITH AN EXOTIC ANIMAL! Funny thing is- I didn't go and ask anyone (not the tour guide or other vendors). With less than 30 minutes to spare before returning back on the bus- I told hubby that I needed to use the restroom. And Habana Banana looked like the place to do so because it was very clean, well lit, & there's a bar. So, we did sit at the bar & ordered a cold one each. The bartender was very nice & there's plenty of specialty drinks listed on the wall written in colorful chalk markers. Although we sat at the very end of the bar- closest to the aisle of the mercados- I caught something in the peripheral of my left eye. I actually got up from my bar stool- and there they were. The exotic animals! I shrieked! There are 3 enclosures. The first one was empty. The second one had a baby white tiger pup. Cutest thing ever! But, there was already a couple inside w/ the handler posing & playing w/ it. For $25 2 people can hang out w/ the pups. Then there was Zambia. A black panther 6 months old. $35 for 2 people to play & pose. Habana Banana is partnered w/ the local zoos to help nurture the animals who've been abandoned by their mothers. This is according to Zambia's handler. Guests can use their cameras fort he videos/ photos. You are given plenty of hand sanitizer & are even sprayed w/ Lysol prior to entering the enclosure. Yes, I even used the restroom upstairs. There's even a slide you can even take if you don't want to actually take the stairs to get back to the bar on the street level.

    Bacon wrapped shrimp
    Eddy T.

    THERE IS NO MORE BABY CUBS HERE! I came into the establishment with hopes of an up-close and personal experience with the wildlife but to my dismay they've discontinued the exhibit. I did enjoy the restaurant upstairs. The men's restroom is minuscule and doesn't have separated urinals. I chose a seat right above the bar near the window and enjoyed the wonderful service and food with the current girlfriend. After our meals we took a short walk to La Bufadora. It was tough to get a good view, considering all the people that were trying to get the same glance at the water show.

    Little Lion cub
    Samuel C.

    Place is wild. Bar downstairs, restaurant upstairs, and tons of exotic animals to play with. They have plenty of cool features like the hanging bar "stools" and a slide between floors

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    3 years ago

    I want to purchase your tshirts ! Please consider putting them in a website to sell thank you YES I LOVE YOUR FOOD

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    Stay away from this restaurant !!!!!!Took forever for the food to come out. Food was horrible!!!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Review Highlights - Habana Banana

    These animals were wide awake and loved the attention...

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    Restaurante Blanquita

    Restaurante Blanquita

    2.9(28 reviews)
    0.1 km

    Their baked clams are never a disappointment.. the servers are friendly and great. Can't wait to go…read moreback sooner than later

    So I have been to La Bufadora hundreds of times as a kid and young adult but I don't come as often…read moreanymore. I was on a cruise with some family members and usually find a place to eat in Ensenada. On this occasion we brought someone that had never been here and we really enjoyed our trip; none better than coming to Blanquita. We ordered two orders of the famous clams. Each order is two clams [for those who have had too many cervezas, that's a total of 4 large clams for the four of us]. Each order [2 clams] is $180 pesos or about $10 dollars. These are some of the best clams I have ever had, barring maybe New Orleans. Even my daughter, who was reluctant, loved it. We also had some fish and shrimp tacos and everyone was happy with everything we tasted. The tacos were $50 pesos which is a little over $2.50 in dollars. NOT cheap but considering the location, very reasonable. There are a bunch of men out there trying to get you seated. Once they seat you, you are theirs. In other words, they are going to serve you and they get commissions and tips. Our guy was good, Tony Montana [no cocaine jokes please] and he was pretty good. I will say, I understand the culture here and they are selling, selling, selling. The restaurant did charge us 80 pesos or more than $4 dollars for a soda, which is a crime but airports and other places do it all the time. And the views, well that has to account for something. But the beers were the same price so that was a great deal. Today's life lesson: More beer less soda!!! I wish I would have taken a picture of the menu prices.

    Photos
    Restaurante Blanquita
    Restaurante Blanquita - Clams

    Clams

    Restaurante Blanquita - The view was the only good thing from this place

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    The view was the only good thing from this place

    Gordos Cantina - Lobster Molcajete

    Gordos Cantina

    4.3(9 reviews)
    0.3 km

    Gordos has truly become one of those places that defines the community here at La Bufadora. If…read moreyou've spent any time up this way, you already know its reputation runs deep--this isn't just another restaurant and bar, it's a landmark, a meeting point, and for many of us, a second home. Over the years, Gordos has reinvented itself more times than I can count, each era adding another layer to its identity. And now, under its current ownership, it's clearer than ever that this iteration might just be the best one yet. The owner brings a level of passion and intention that you can feel the moment you walk in. She genuinely invests her time, heart, and relentless hustle into making this a polished, welcoming space where everyone--locals and travelers alike--feel like part of the crew. It's not just professionally run, it's thoughtfully run. The service is warm, the staff is sharp, and the atmosphere strikes that perfect balance between laid-back coastal hangout and well-oiled hospitality. One of the coolest parts? Gordos celebrates the community by employing local talent and giving them a stage to shine. You'll catch familiar faces behind the bar, in the kitchen, or cruising the floor making sure glasses are full and plates are clean. It's amazing to see a business here that doesn't just exist in the community, but actively supports it. And the food--man, you can always count on it. Every dish comes out with that signature freshness that makes you grateful you skipped breakfast. You can tell the ingredients aren't sitting around waiting for their moment... they're used at their peak. And the drinks? Let's just say Gordos doesn't play around. They pour with confidence. If you like your cocktails stiff enough to put hair on your chest, you're in the right place. Between the daily happy hour, the weekly food specials, the good music, the salty-air breeze rolling in, and the nonstop good vibes, it's hard not to have a great time here. Whether you're grabbing a cold cerveza after exploring the coast, fueling up before heading to the lookout points, or settling in for a long night of laughs with friends, Gordos delivers--every single time. Do yourself a favor and stop by. It's the kind of place that fills your belly, lifts your spirit, and leaves you already planning your next visit. Highly recommend--10/10 for the food, the pours, and the people that make it all come together.

    What a Gem! Came here by chance and man did I get lucky. Their specials were amazing!…read more This is a place with a great friendly vibe. This is the type of place where you can have some drinks and enjoy the ambience in a place where they'll remember you. The food though was unmatched. They know their food and will leave you satisfied. This is the type of food you want to enjoy when you're in Baja

    Photos
    Gordos Cantina
    Gordos Cantina - Entrance to the Bufadora - right next to Gordo's

    Entrance to the Bufadora - right next to Gordo's

    Gordos Cantina - View from Gordo's

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    View from Gordo's

    Los Panchos - Shrimp & octopus cocktail

    Los Panchos

    2.4(23 reviews)
    0.0 km
    $$$$

    Awesome location, with extraordinary views make this place special whenever dining in. Menu items…read moreare typical of this place, in terms of seafood, but in a nice place with either patio or indoor seating. Excellent service and portions! I had fish soup and shrimp/octopus cocktail and was extremely satisfied. Well woodruff the drive; will return again.

    First time here, visiting La Buffadora. Party of 5, we sat at the Terrace. The Ocean view was…read moreBeautiful! Service was Excellent, the waiter was very attentive. We ordered agua fresca Jamaica "hibiscus water", right on flavor, not too sweet. Chips and salsa kept coming, very Delicious! The Fish tostada was fresh and Delicious. The order of tacos Gobernador were perfect, lots of shrimp and melted cheese. The shrimp al ajillo with octopus was full of flavor, minced garlic, butter and the kick of chile de arbol.The cocktail "Coctel"campechana was very well portioned with shrimp, octopus and topped with a fresh oyster on a shell. The entrees all came along with white rice, chopped jalapeno, refried beans and a crispy salad. They have a big variety of alcoholic drinks ie: Pina colada, Michelada "Cubana", any beer , it has a splash of Worcestershire sauce, salt, lemon juice, salsa maggi! Definitely would recommend this Restaurant , very Authentic Mexican Seafood! Reviewing from a true Mexican point of view! They also have very clean Bathrooms well stocked with hand soap, toilet paper. They only accept cash.

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    Los Panchos - Tarjeta de negocio

    Tarjeta de negocio

    Los Panchos - Recibo

    Recibo

    Los Panchos - Breaded shrimp

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    Breaded shrimp

    Restaurante El Faro

    Restaurante El Faro

    4.0(16 reviews)
    7.7 km
    $

    This Yelp page is unclaimed by the restaurant, which means it's not being updated or maintained by…read morethem. Not open. The days and hours list are not accurate. There's a sign in the window saying they are open on Friday. Today is Friday. They were not open this afternoon or evening. Bummed. We visit the area a couple times a year. This was always a great little family owned-run place. I hope they family is ok.

    RESTAURANTE EL FARO: Calamari to Die For! If you happen to…read morebe in Ensenada and taking a trip to the south end of the Bahia to visit La Bufadora, the world's second largest blowhole, don't miss the opportunity to visit El Faro Restaurant in the small Poblado of Esteban Cantu located a few miles before you reach Punta Banda. This small and unassuming family-owned eatery has become renowned for its delightfully authentic Mexican cuisine and local seafood dishes. Located next door to Sharkey's Bar & Grill, they are situated facing the Estero on the left side of the road. One of their signature dishes is their fried calamari, which consists of a generous, crispy and tender breaded fillet done 'abalone style' in garlic butter. It is served with fresh veggies from the local farms, rice, baked potato and sour cream, and toasty garlic bread. The price for this sumptuous feast is 150 pesos, which is only about $8.00 U.S. at the current exchange rate of 19 pesos to the dollar. The most amazing feature is that El Faro offers a different 2 for 1 menu item each weekday; and on Fridays, calamari is the designated special. That's right, 2 calamari dinners for only 150 pesos! On one occasion, a buddy of mine and I showed up there with a couple pints of Heineken (no corkage fees at El Faro) and took advantage of this mind-numbing value. It was ABSOLUTELY delicious, and we waddled out the door after paying the 150-peso check and leaving a 25% gratuity. Yep, a total of 200 pesos ...about 12 bucks tip included for a couple of the best calamari I've had in years. If you're in the neighborhood, give 'em a try!

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    Restaurante El Faro - Shrimp Ranchero Mmmm!

    Shrimp Ranchero Mmmm!

    Restaurante El Faro
    Restaurante El Faro

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    La Cocina de Doña Esthela

    La Cocina de Doña Esthela

    4.6(531 reviews)
    33.2 km
    $$

    For starters, this place is Michelin recognized, and was rated best breakfast in the world in 2015…read moreby FoodieHub. I told myself if I'm ever in the area again, I have to make an effort to eat at this place. Well, the opportunity arose as I was staying at a nearby winery. The biggest problem I encountered was finding a ride to get to this restaurant. Taxis are nonexistent in the area. Ubers are only in the area when someone from Ensenada requests a round trip to the area, so no they are not available to others. Therefore, I expressed my frustration with the front desk at my winery hotel and they took on the task of finding me private transportation. About 40 minutes later, they called my room to inform me that they located a driver. Unfortunately, he requested an inflated price for the to and from the restaurant. Private drivers down here know that you have few choices, therefore, they can ask inflated prices. Yes, I was in a pickle, but I really wanted to go. I did not rent a car because many of the roads hug cliffs and everyone drives fast, because they know where all of the mountain curves are. Being from Chicago, where we also drive fast but don't have mountain cliff roads decided to play it safe and let others do the driving for me. Anyhow, I debated, and in the end agreed to the expensive terms because when I going to get the opportunity again to eat at a place rated best breakfast in the world? How was the breakfast? It was absolutely delicious, everything was made from scratch. I ordered the cafe de la olla which interprets into coffee from the pot because typically it is prepared with raw sugar (piloncillo), canella (cinnamon sticks), and orange zest. How was the coffee? Delicious. I had some machaca (small bits of dried beef) with eggs which came with delicious refried beans. I also ordered the excellent chilaquiles with an egg and a side of bacon. I also needed to order the one thing most talk about on their menu which is the corn bread pancakes. They used the recipe for a typical corn bread sold down here called pan de elote to make the pancakes, and yes, they were excellent. Turning the batter from this recipe into pancakes was a brilliant idea. Also, I cannot leave out the great tasting freshly made corn tortillas that came with the food. The tortillas down here taste different from the ones back in Chicago because down here a white heirloom corn is utilized rather than the sweet yellow dent corn from the Midwest. Was it the best breakfast that I have ever had in Mexico, or anywhere else for that matter? Well, it definitely lived up to the hype the breakfast was amazing and I do highly recommend it. If you do decide to visit, my best advice is show up early because a line forms very early. I have been lucky to have also had other amazing breakfasts in Mexico and other places in my travels. The secret to this restaurant sits right behind it. On the restaurant grounds is an active ranch, which also doubles as a small zoo, where they source their milk and meats from. Yes, they raise their own animals which later become items on the menu. Does that fresh matter? Yes, it absolutely does make all of the difference. Does it sound cruel? Well, that is a whole other conversation. Let's just say the animals are treated humanely. All of the livestock looked happy as they roamed around the grounds. Unlike the way livestock is treated inhumanly in the United States in dirty overcrowded housing where some never get to see the sun or roam freely in the open air. Livestock in the US are constantly given antibiotics and growth hormones, also fed gmo feed with questionable health implications for those that consume them.

    We came here for my moms birthday with a group of 16 and I was not expecting it to be this good. I…read morecan only speak for my borrego tatemado, but everyone in our group was very happy with their food. They have a ton of staff that's taking care of your throughout. Filling chips, awesome tortillas, delicious salsas, and anything else you could want for a complete meal. This is very homey food and great for any type of occasion. 10/10 and recommend it to anyone that's in the area for wine tasting.

    Photos
    La Cocina de Doña Esthela
    La Cocina de Doña Esthela - Machaca plate

    Machaca plate

    La Cocina de Doña Esthela - Entry sign to this outstanding restaurant.

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    Entry sign to this outstanding restaurant.

    Habana Banana - mexican - Updated May 2026

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