I had Havana 86 while I was in Tampa for work and ended up eating there twice because it was that good. The first night I ordered Uber Eats, and the food arrived well packed, hot, and fresh. I ordered the vaca frita with yellow rice and added sweet plantains. The steak was incredibly tender and full of flavor, and the rice paired perfectly with it. The sweet plantains were spot on, and I honestly devoured the entire meal. It was so good that I took my boss back for lunch in person. He ordered the classic Cubano sandwich, and it was done right -- the ham and pork were perfectly balanced, the bread was fresh, and it was grilled just right. We also shared the sampler platter, which was a great way to try a variety of their tapas and appetizers. Everything we tried was solid. I also ordered a guanábana shake, which was fresh and absolutely delicious -- a flavor I had never had before. I liked it so much that I ordered it two days in a row. If you're looking for authentic Cuban food in Tampa, I definitely recommend Havana 86. The prices were very reasonable for the area, the food was consistently great, and it's already become a new favorite of mine. I'll absolutely be back next time I'm in town. read more

So let's get the simple statement out of the way... Mighty fine Cuban food. I typically love Ropa Vieja... I'm shocked that I didn't order it. I just wasn't in the mood. I was in the mood for a sandwich. But I wasn't in the mood for a Cuban... Oddly enough, I've never really been a big Cuban sandwich fan. Good thing I went with my wife and sister-in-law. Sister-in-law ordered the Ropa. Wife ordered the Cuban sandwich. I got the Lechon sandwich. The pictures speak for themselves. Large sandwiches come with delicious fries. You could definitely share the sandwich if you wanted to. The Ropa Vieja looked like a pretty small portion... It was bigger in reality. Not huge... Not La Teresita huge. The sandwiches are well priced... The Ropa was a little expensive. Service was great. Very kind staff. Tons of servers... Probably too many -- It's not that big of a restaurant. Restaurant is super cute, clean, and the tables are awesome -- Tons of those rounded booth tables. Very comfortable. Probably my only downside... I wouldn't expect the inside of the restaurant based on the outside. If this wasn't a recommendation from my sister-in-law... I would have driven right by. So, maybe you'll see this review and give this restaurant a chance. I would've never gone there if it wasn't for word-of-mouth. read more

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This is definitely one of those spots where the local go to ear... brush up on your Spanish! Yes, the majority language spoken is Spanish but the staff is also fluent in English. Now for the food; the portion of fried pork chucks was relatively big and tasty but perhaps a bit on the over fried side. I asked my server for her recommendation and she suggested the Cuban styled fried chicken ... while not bad, nothing special about it. But don't get me wrong, I want to go back and try some of their other menu options. read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Pollo Frito a la cubana - Fried Chicken Cuban style - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Quality of food. Palomilla steak was like wafer thin. Worst steak sandwich I've ever had!!! No manager came out to speak to us after speaking to two servers about the food. read more

This place is a gem! Found it on Yelp! If you are looking for fabulous authentic Cuban food this is the place for you!! We had a tall male server who was very helpful and nice. The female servers who brought our food were not as friendly. I had the Ox Tail with black beans and rice and the two others had Cubana Sandwiches! Both were sooo good!! Big portion sizes. Everyone too good home. You have the choice of table or booth seating. There is a small bar area. Definitely will be going back when I'm back in town! read more

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The food and service are pretty good. However, the restaurant was full of SEVERAL people talking on FaceTime LOUDLY over the music. Others watching reels on the highest volume. If you are going to allow trash people to sit and disturb others, then you need to charge super low prices for your food. I will never go back here. What restaurant allows this??? read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Just moved to Tampa and stumbled upon Havana 86... what a gem! We ordered delivery and were blown away by how fresh and flavorful everything was. We had the vaca frita, bistec a la milanesa, moros, tostones, and boniato frito, and wow, every bite was a flavor explosion. The tostones with that garlicky sauce? Chef's kiss! My partner has been on a mission to find authentic vaca frita, and this place delivered big time--literally. The only thing I could add is for the price on DoorDash a little more rice would've been nice lol If the food is this good delivered, I can only imagine how amazing it is in person. Can't wait to order again (or stop by)! read more

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I will start with the good: The food was delicious! Both my husband and I ordered shrimp: scampi and "enchilado" (red sauce). Black bean w rice, white rice w garbanzos and tostones. The tostones were crispy, crunchy yummy with garlic sauce. Flan: creamy goodness. The bad: We lucked out with probably the worst waitress of the bunch. She dropped off the menus and we told her to return in one minute to get the order. She disappeared to the back and 10 minutes later my husband asked a waiter to please get our waitress for order. She did not return and the waiter took our order. Then we sat and saw all the tables that came in after us get their food, while we waited and waited. No sight of waitress or waiter. By now my husband was upset and complained. Now the waitress came out from the back and became very combative. So we waited some more. Finally another waitress delivered our food and was very attentive. What's sad is the experience could have been great! The food was excellent and the ambiance was authentic Cuban. Nonetheless we might return and hope for a better server. read more

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Very nice folks! Food generally good but I don't recommend the steak sandwich. It's sparse and less than tasty. However the batidos ( shakes) are excellent! Congris is very good as is the café con leche. The staff however make the place. They are very friendly!!! Helpful and kind they go the extra mile. read more

Horrible experience the waitress was very rude and arrogant. we order chicken wings and they were uncooked full of blood when we bite into it. When we asked the waitress, she again got really rude with us and just took the plate without even acknowledged the inconvenience to us. Horrible servicio, la camarera muy arrogante y mal educada. las alitas que pedimos estaban frias y sin cocinar cuando la volvimos a llamar para dejarle saber la camarera se mostro enojada por que nos estabamos quejando y solo se llevo el plato sin preguntar si queriamos otra cosa. muy mal servicio read more

The food was good! Ambience was different. Definitely great try if you are in Tampa!!

Solid experience. Very nice spot and reasonably priced. Nice service but in a very odd area. Clean restaurant but not allowed to sit outside due to weather I guess. Flavor was good but needs some sort of extra flare or kick for me. read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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It's amazing to me being from Miami, how difficult it is to find good Cuban food in Tampa, considering that the Cubans have been in this area since the 1800's with all the cigar factories historically related to Tampa. Yesterday we tried Havana 86 and we're very pleasantly surprised at the quality and flavor of their food. Three teammates came to our table very quickly to attend to us and the food came out nice and hot and quick. The service was excellent, and the food tasted very good. Definitely one to consider if you're in the area for Cuban food. read more

One of the worst restaurant experiences I've ever had. I tried ordering online but ran into a language barrier, so I went in to confirm my order in person. The server was rude and dismissive from the start, and when I picked up my bag, they had written "gringa" on it. When I questioned it, the manager actually said, "Should we just say negra?" Completely unprofessional, offensive, and disgusting behavior. If this is how they treat customers, I'd advise anyone to take their business elsewhere. There are plenty of restaurants that know how to serve food and show respect. read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Food is very good Cuban food. We've become steady customers and one of our best waitress is Rossana. She makes the best cortadito's on Columbus Drive. read more

It was great! We all got what we wanted and were extremely satisfied. The croquettes, soooo delicious, came in 4, gone in 2 seconds. It was my friends first cuban food and they loved it. Each got our own sandwiches, delicious! Also had cafe con leche, amazing. The restaurant itself looked old and the music was obnoxious. Per usual, anywhere in south florida, spanish is almost a must to communicate properly... so know some or make them understand your english. Overall, good experience! read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - El Cubano - Cuban Sandwish - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Ordered a large takeout order from here. The Red Snapper was delicious and the pork very tender. Plenty of extras. The restaurant had the order packed up perfectly and I was in and out quickly. Although I did not stay and eat inside, the place is immaculate. Super clean and the waitstaff is wearing matching black/white uniforms. I will dine in next time. read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - WHOLE Red Snapper in the Togo container. Crisp! - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

I touched down in Tampa last night and the first thing I did was order Spanish food through Uber Eats. The food was delicious and well balanced! Classic Cuban food. The yuca was garlicky, soft, and plentiful. The rice was a little dry but the flavors were fantastic and classic. Lastly, the vaca frita was just what I needed. It was juicy, not too fatty, but as someone mentioned, it could've been a little crispier. Not complaining though because the flavor was on point!! This dish was the perfect size for me to have as dinner and lunch the next day. I'd love to try other menu options here. read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Yuca con mojo, arroz moro, Vaca Frita - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

While in the vicinity the wife and I tried a fairly new Cuban restaurant I saw on social media. They have a nice selection of authentic foods, sandwiches and Cuban pizza. Bring and extra serving of patience because these girls are in no hurry whatsoever to tend to the customer, unless they know you. They will wander around aimlessly for a while for no apparent reason. We ordered sandwiches and a chorizo pizza. The pizza was small with a very thick crust, a mediocre cheese and the chorizo was very bland. Not recommended. The sandwiches on the other hand were very flavorful. Loved the flavors on my Steak sandwich, the perfect combination of ingredients. The palomilla however was very tough and chewy. My wifes Lechon sandwich was perfect. A fairly non-descirpt ambiance. You can sit at a table or cozy up to the counter for your meal. The service is faster at the counter. I would not make a special trip to this place but I would stop in again if I am in the area as it is better than La Teresita read more

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The food was cold and they gave me a half empty tray we bought other food before here but this was so bad never buying here again. read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Arroz Moro rice and black beans - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Delicious food and great service! We had a variety of appetizers and the roast pork and a Cuban sandwich. The croquettes were the best I've had. Empanadas needed more filling in them, but the flavor was great. Roast pork was fork tender. Cuban sandwich was spot on. Definitely worth a stop on your way too or from the Tampa airport. read more

The food was delicious, hot, visually appealing and plentiful ( I took some home for lunch the next day). The service was good and the music (salsa) enjoyable. It was a bit loud due to many customers speaking loudly (as I and most Latino's do unconsciously). Prices were great, however please check your receipts, as I had to have mine adjusted twice as they had added two items that I didn't order or consume. All in all a good place to eat! Going back next week to celebrate my daughter's and our wedding anniversary. The fact that it's open till midnight is also a plus. It's just a great casual family friendly Restaurant! read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Breaded steak, mixed rice and black beans and ripe sweet bananas. Yum! Palomilla Steak - Bistec de Palomilla - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

The Cuban food was authentic and delicious! I had 3 other persons with me eating different Cuban foods like black beans ropa vieja, vaca frita maduros, tostones, all delicious and tasted like mom made it!!!! read more

I went there at 9:28 because it says OPEN on maps. When I arrived the place is closed. Why say you open at 9 when you don't? I'm tired of restaurants wasting my damn time and gas. read more

Wow, it was my first time dining in this place. I loved my experience. It was my first time visiting from Texas and I was definitely looking for great Cuban place. This was it! I enjoy great Cuban restaurant back in my town, but I'm so glad I found a place similar to it! I'm definitely will go back to this place in future! The food was excellent The drinks looked great! I had Sangria and it was yummy. The service was very well and I appreciate servers very well. It was lovely experience! The place has great vibes at night too. read more

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The food here is so delicious! We had the Beef Guisado and pork asado, both were so good. The place has quick service and everything is very affordable. Definitely worth a try! read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Place is always clean, waitstaff is very friendly. Favorite Cuban spot in Tampa. Selection of draft and bottled beers. Can't go wrong with pollo asada con arroz y frijoles. read more

This Cuban joint has been my go-to since 2017 @havana86_ is one of the best authentic Cuban spots I've hit in Tampa. All the servers are staff are Cuban, and they serve the dishes that remind me of family (I'm so the cuisine is similar)! My favorites: - Cuban pizza - Pollo Saltado (chicken fajitas) - Carne Saltado (beef fajitas) - Yellow Rice - Rice and beans - Sweet Plantains - Empanadas - Skirt steak with shrimp - Steak sandwich (has a great garlic sauce and served on a delicious Cuban bread) RATINGS 〰Food - 9.5/10 〰Service - a little slower but the servers are very sweet and usually busy unless you come for lunch. 〰Ambiance - very casual, authentic vibes. 9/10 read more

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When I tell you it's the best baked chicken I've ever had, it's the BEST. My bf got the Cuban sandwich, they use homemade bread! Everything here is authentic, homemade and delicious flavor. Thank you to the owner and chefs, we will be back asap. Wow. Amazing. Delicious. Amazing prices. Havana 86! read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Pollo Asado - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Had the palomilla steak ($9.99) like 10 minutes ago (12/13/2021.) It literally tasted rancid and my stomach already hurts and we're still in the parking lot. I had my husband taste it and he said it tasted weird. This is the 3rd palomilla steak I've had in less than a week, so it's not like I'm just unaware of what this dish tastes like, the meat tasted legitimately rancid. Side of beans and sweet plantains tasted fine but service was bad too. No water refill until we had already finished eating. My Spanish isn't good enough to be able to complain about my dish when the waitress asked my husband something in Spanish when she noticed the steak still on the plate when he said he was done. I am going to be so mad if I get sick. *Edit: ended up having to pull over to throw up not even 10 minutes after writing this review. Steak was definitely off read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Palomilla steak tasted rancid. $9.99 12/13/2021 - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This is the restaurant we have visited sometime ago and finally I have sometime to write about it. Havana 86 is the restaurant may be open during pandemic. We visited two months ago. I like the restaurant because it has good Cuban cuisine. Especially this area has already many Cuban restaurants close. I am happy they open their door. We started with Tostones Rellenos - stuff fried green plantain. We got the stuffing at lobster. It comes with 5 pieces and delicious to share. For the main course, we have Vaca Frita and Churrasco ala Cubana. The vaca frita can be a little crispy by pan grilled longer. The skirt steak is delicious. Overall the food is good. It is close to 4.5 stars. Price is affordable. Hopefully they keep it this way. Service is ok nothing jump out. read more

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Yo ha probado varias pizzas cubanas en esta ciudad pero este lugar tiene el punto exacto. Suave tostada con su queso al rededor sin eso cantidad de grasa está espectacular la verdad y un servicio especial muy familiares. Me encantó el servicio y la pizza de chorizo. read more

Extremely Disappointed -- Unacceptable Behavior from Staff I've been a regular at Havana 86 for a long time. It's always been a place I bring family when they're in town, and the food has consistently been good. Unfortunately, after our recent experience, I can confidently say I'll never return. My daughter called in an order -- she doesn't speak Spanish fluently, but understands enough to communicate. When my son went to pick it up, not only was the server incredibly rude, but she also wrote the word "gringa" in large letters on the takeout bag and the receipt -- a clear and unnecessary comment directed at my daughter. That term, especially used in this context, felt discriminatory and inappropriate. When we asked to speak to the manager to calmly explain the situation, we were met with even more rudeness. Instead of listening and addressing the issue professionally, he insinuated we were just trying to get free food or have the server fired -- which was never our intention. We simply wanted him to acknowledge the unacceptable behavior and speak to his staff about how to treat customers, regardless of language or background. At one point, when my son was trying to explain what happened, the manager actually told him to "shut up." That was the final straw. This isn't just about a misunderstanding or language barrier -- it's about basic respect. No customer should be treated this way, especially not at a place they've supported over the years. While the kitchen staff may do a great job, when the front-of-house treats people with such disregard, it ruins the entire experience. We've since discovered a wonderful alternative -- The Caribbean Twist. Their food is excellent and their service is welcoming, respectful, and professional. From now on, they'll be getting all of our business and referrals. read more

Great spot for authentic Cuban comfort food. Attentive service. Give it a try, you won't be disappointed!

La peor comida de tampa en mis 10 añios en la ciudad, pedimos sangria roja y nos trajeron blanca sin preguntar si queriamos porque la roja se acabo , una falta de respeto total, la comida mala , mi bistec de res uruguayo crudo total , el arroz amarillo sin sal , sin sabor , las croquetas quemadas .. No puede ser peor la elaboraciion . Nunca mas regresaremos y no recomiendo comer nada en ese lugar, las meseras chismeando sin atender nada read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - Bistec de res uruguayo crudo , no pude comerlo - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Visited the Havana 86 for the first time. The Cuban sandwich was standard. Simple and nothing special, but was still pretty solid; however, the steak was disappointingly dry and grainy, clearly overcooked. On a positive note, the rice was flavorful, and the service was friendly, although the wait for food was a bit lengthy. Overall, a mixed experience. read more

HAVANA 86 - Authentic Cuban Flavor - El Cubano - Cuban Sandwich - Cuban Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Food was good, asses were even better ! Recruiter / Hiring Manager needs a raise. Come for the congri, leave with plenty of material for the spank bank. read more

Came by for quick lunch ordered up some appetizers. I can see how this can be a cool place to drink but with the abundance of Cuban food in this area I would do research next time. The Tamal Masa Frita( with fried pork) was good but the fried pork a little hard and dry. Tostones go nice with the garlic butter sauce and empanadas good size one can be shared with two people. Overalll decent but not the best I have had in Florida read more

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Great food, friendly staff and healthy portions! I got the pollo ala Blanche and the yuca is * chef's kiss * !

Cuban Sandwich was really good, however everything else we ordered was crap. Bistec de Pallomilla was so dry you would think it had been dehydrated, really could have used a sauce. The chuleta de cerdo was an unseasoned chunk of ham that we literally could not eat. Food took over 30 mins to come & the service was bad. They were not busy at all but the server did not check on us once. We sat down & immediately were asked what we wanted to drink & order, felt very rushed only to wait forever for the food. Not sure I would return read more