I ended up going so long I thought maybe I should put a summary: - great local place run by family focused on food and hospitality - incredible empanadas (chorizo was my fave) - big servings, plates offering variety - loved ropa vieja & the salad with chimichurri feta A friend just introduced me to what is likely to be a new favorite go to place -- Havana on Euclid. I have seen it a few times but was always on the way somewhere else or some strange time of day. So glad Gabriela got me in the door. I should say I have a special place in my heart for Cuban food. As a kid a seminal food experience was a party at the home of an uncle's neighbor when I was 6. The neighbor invited our family to join a celebration of a child's birthday and I tasted new flavors the first time. As an adult I became close friends with someone who's a great cook and happens to be Cuban, we've even gone to incredible Cuban restaurants in NY, Miami, etc. Honestly, I worried Havana would not live up to my expectations HOWEVER that fear was unwarranted. Having dinner at the bar at Havana, felt like having dinner with friends. The kind of friends who check in to make sure you are happy but don't want you to feel rushed. The owner (Tamara) and family waited on us and made sure glasses didn't empty and that flavors and temps were on point. We decided to get the happy hour empanadas -- I love empanadas and similar foods from a wide range of cultures. There were three different ones we shared. They were all good but I really loved the chorizo one! The black bean one was really good too and the chicken one would have been great if I didn't have so many to compare with! Ropa vieja is a traditional Cuban dish and I decided to go with it for the down home comfort I know it to bring. The plate had that slow roasted beef, rice, black beans, yucca and plantains! I really wanted to eat it all but couldn't possibly. The black beans alone would be reason to return! It was all amazing. Gabriela had the Cuban Breeze Salad and says she has never gone wrong with that, or the Cuban sandwich or anything. Chimchurri infused feta was so intriguing and sounds so fresh that I have to go back. Besides that, I want to check in on the family.... Such good people! I left saying I will be back and the prices make it clear I should go sooner rather than later! read more

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First off let me state I spent 40 years in Florida and have eaten some amazing Cuban (mostly small places, not just Columbia House). Additionally, like many ethnic foods, taste is highly subjective (mainly, was it as good as mom use to make?). That being said, this place is just OK. Prices for food were fair, food was average, and service was subpar. The lechon was rather flavorless, but the bread, from Tampa, not surprisingly was great. They acted a bit confused when I asked for black beans and rice (not congri). Like I don't think it was a menu item. How? How is black beans and rice not a menu item at a Cuban restaurant? They did serve it to me and it was decent, but it was like it has to be made special, just weird. Finally, the iced tea was served in a tiny glass and there were no refills. As for the service, they are not what you would call attentive. It took a bit to get our menus and then water, but the food came fast. However, after that, we never saw a server and had to find someone to get our bill. A few tweaks and this might be a place I would go back to, but as it is I'll keep hoping St. Louis gets a Cuban restaurant that I want to go to. read more

Wow this place was amazing! I came with some friends and was wowed by everything. We got drinks and food, the waitress was super helpful, and the service was nice and quick! All of the cocktails we got were so nice and fresh. Felt like they were super high quality and made with love. The food was all also super good and flavorful, I especially loved the sauces that they had. read more

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Flavor packed Cuban food! Anywhere that serves plantains and yucca has my heart bu at Havana's Everything was absolutely delightful. Definitely recommend the picadillo. Who knew olives in ground beef could be so tasty? Service was a bit slow but at a smaller, homey restaurant like this that usually means good food cooked with love. And I believe this to be true at Havana's Cuisine read more

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First time trying Cuban food and will definitely be going back! Cute little restaurant with a very helpful staff! We were really impressed with everything we ordered and with their recommendations. The Mojitos are so fresh and crisp! Definitely try multiple of there house made sauces! read more

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What a gorgeous night. We headed to a fun area in St Louis and thought we needed to try some authentic Cuban cuisine. I got the Cuban sandwich with a side of Congri rice. My daughter got empanadas with white rice and my son had the Cuban Frita Burger with a side of yellow rice. Everything was excellent! We all enjoyed the food and since the weather was perfect, we sat outside. The wait staff were all friendly and helpful. And the food came in a good wait time. I'm very glad we went! read more

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Solid and authentic tasting Cuban food. Food: I've gotten the chicken and the Cuban sandwich. They were a little dry but overall not bad. Their French fries are pretty good. Their portions are pretty big, especially of the sandwiches, so the value is pretty good. Service: always had very accommodating service when I've been here. The wait staff has always been nice. Ambiance: very cozy and unique atmosphere. You can really feel the Cuban influence. read more

Wow!!! At my old job we used Havana's for catering and I loved it. Realizing I hadn't yet been to the restaurant, I decided yesterday would be the day. Since I was in a pinch for time, I placed my order online (Ropa Vieja). When I arrived, I walked in to this aroma of spices, Latin music playing, and the ambiance of everyone enjoying themselves. I walked up to the bar and let them know I was here for my carryout. They gave me my food and off I went. I didn't even bother waiting until I got home because the smells coming from the bag were so enticing. First of all, kudos on the heavy duty to-go plate! When I took my dish out of the bag, I was blown away. It was full, fresh, hot, and I couldn't wait to dig in. I took a few bites of the yuca and was in heaven. It was crispy yet flavorful and the maduros matched. I decided it would probably be best for me to wait until I got home to finish eating my plate. Once I got home, that's when I finally got the full taste of Cuban food. The ropa vieja (shredded beef) was easily the best I've EVER had. It was incredibly tender, juicy, flavorful and paired well with the rice and black bean soup. I can tell the cooks who made it really knew what they were doing. Sadly, I woofed it down within a few minutes (yes, I was hungry but it was also THAT good!) The menu offers a ton of options and I can't wait to go back and dine in next time! read more

Havana's Cuisine - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

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I always get the Cuban (or Tampa Cuban) when I come here, but we were feeling a little guilty about not trying the other foods. This time, we decided to split a Cuban, but also split the "Signature Shreddable Feast: Cuban Food Lover's Plate". It was a lot of food (we ended up taking some home). The Food Lover's Plate consists of Ropa Vieja, Mojo Pork, Arroz con Pollo, Black Beans, Plantains. Every bit of it was delicious! The Mojo pork was pork and onions, the Ropa Vieja was shredded beef in tomato-based sauce with onions, bell peppers, garlic and a blend of spices, and the Arroz con Pollo was yellow rice, chicken, and a creamy sauce. I think the Ropa Vieja was my favorite because of the spices, but I enjoyed all of it (twice!). For desert, we got the Guava and Cream Cheese Pastries. There were two of them. The pastry was ridiculously flakey, and the Guava and cream cheese filling was sweet and tart, and just the right amount. You should definitely try these too. read more

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The food and service were both amazing. The ambiance was very quaint and the servers were so kind

When I went here I didn't know what to expect. I had Cuban food before and it was fine, but nothing special. One of my co-workers though raved about Havana's Cuisine so I decided to give it a try. Am I ever thankful that I listed to him! The restaurant sits on Euclid in the Central West end. Anyone who works in the area knows that there is a shortage of good restaurants to pop into for lunch. You can order food to go (I've done so) but I would recommend just going and sitting down in the restaurant. There isn't a ton of space inside, maybe a dozen tables or so. The service though was prompt and turnover was reasonable. Still, I wouldn't go with a large crowd, and think about going a bit early or late to dodge the rush. Every time I've been there has been a decent crowd although I've been able to get a table without a wait at lunch each time. There is a lot of variety on the menu but there are stables like plantains, beans and rice, and my personal favorite empanadas. Everything I've gotten has been outstanding. Not just good, but really fantastic. Even all of the sides have been mouth watering. On top of the quality of the food, I have to mention that the portions are large and the prices are reasonable. Just writing this review now makes me salivate thinking about stopping in for lechón asado or a cuban sandwich. read more

One of my new favorite spots in stl. I don't think I can say enough amazing things about Havanas! I recently stopped by for lunch and treated myself to a Cuban sandwich and empanadas. The Cuban sandwich was INCREDIBLE. The pressed bread is such a great start (and it's from Tampa). The pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, mustard make this such a great flavor combo- and it's served with a Cuban flag! I love touches like that. The empanadas were mouth watering. They're made fresh, fluffy and crispy with cheese pulls for dreams. I got the beef and cheese, but they also have chorizo and black beans. Service was wonderful and it was such a treat to be here. I'll definitely return! read more

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Always a fantastic meal here. One of our favorite places to go in St. Louis. Cuisine. They were having their anniversary specials going on so I decided to go ahead and try that. I ordered the Cuban Caldosa Soup and Chicken Croquettes. These were both delicious. The soup was nice and hearty. We noticed a couple other people at tables by us ordering the churro cake with Cuban style papaya syrup from the anniversary special menu. We had to try it. This did not disappoint! It was absolutely amazing. It was warm and cinnamon and papaya just perfect. I hope they add this to their normal menu because I would love to try it again. read more

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I'm not the biggest fan of pulled meat to be honest but these were large portions. Could use more sauce. I enjoyed the plantains read more

Havana's Cuisine - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

Got the Ropa Viega Plate on a whim for takeout while in the area. It turned out to be one of the best things I've ever eaten! Ropa Viega apparently means "old clothes" in Spanish because of how soft the texture of the beef is. It's slow cooked beef in a savory tomato sauce with peppers, onions, and spices), which came with delicious flavored rice, baked beans, plantains, and yucca fries. Everything was INCREDIBLE. How have I never eaten this before??? Will be coming back for sure to eat in person. The interior is small but super cute and nicely decorated!!! Friendly staff! I'm now obsessed! Edit: came back to eat at Havanas the next day :) still so delicious. Fiance got the Cuban sandwich which was super cute (had a lil Cuban flag holding the bread together, nice sauce, sandwich played on Cuban newsprint -- an aesthetic touch!) I got a shredded pork plate that was marinated in citrus. I still think the Ropa Viega is my all time favorite but the other two were also great read more

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Food was really great, but the service was as bad as the food was good. Highly recommended for take out or delivery, but sitting around waiting to be ignored by the wait staff or having things forgotten was infuriating. I really wanted to order some drinks, but the waitress wouldn't ever come by, and the person at the bar would just look down when I went to order direct. At the end of the night an older woman I assume was the owner asked how things were, offered to bring some boxes, and just left out the front door and didn't come back. read more

Havana's Cuisine - Lechon Asado - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

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One of my absolute favorites!!! If I could go everyday I would! Incredible staff with the most perfect food and drinks!!! read more

Havana's Cuisine - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

My experience at Havana's Cuisine Restaurant was 10/10. To drink, I ordered the Old Havana iced tea. It tasted like most iced teas you ordered at restaurants, but overall refreshing. For food, I started with the empanadas, one beef and cheese and one chorizo and cheese. Served with a sweet mayo dressing, these empanadas were some of the best I've had -- flavorful and perfectly completed by the dressing. For my entree, I ordered the Havana's Picadillo, which features seasoned ground beef, olives, and aromatic spices; it's paired with white rice, black beans soup, maduros (sweet plantains) and fried yucca. All components were wonderful. The beef, rice, and bean soup were warm, hearty, and comforting. The plantains offered a sweetness that cut the saltiness of the yucca. The food came out in less than 10 minutes and the wait staff was very kind. The ambiance inside features Cuban-themed decor with pops of red. It's a small interior and intimate. I will for sure be coming back, and bringing friends and family to enjoy the experience as well. read more

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Service was excellent! Owner greeted us with a happy smile! Food was stellar. We ordered the Tampa Cuban sandwich and a Ropa Vieja. Would order again. read more

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First time here, and I already know I want to try EVERYTHING on the menu. My first order here had to be the lover's plate because I am indecisive and wanted to try all three entrees. It exceeded my expectations. The Ropa Vieja is my favorite. Everything is so flavorful and tasty!! I tried La Segunda's bread when we were in Tampa and am excited to see it on Havana's menu; must try next. Service was excellent and staff members were very kind. Till next time! read more

Havana's Cuisine - The Signature Shreddable Feast Cuban Food Lover Plate - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

If you're craving bold, bright, soul-warming Cuban flavors, look no further. From the moment you walk in, the ambience transports you straight to Havana, with vibrant energy, warm hospitality, and a rhythm that makes you want to linger long after the meal is over. The food? Incredible. Every dish bursts with layers of rich flavor, citrus-kissed marinades, perfectly seasoned meats, and sides that make you immediately think, I need more of this in my life. And the drinks deserve their own spotlight. Expertly mixed, refreshing, and balanced, they elevate the entire experience. A true destination restaurant that brings Cuba to the heart of the Midwest. Highly recommend! read more

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Here are our 5 STAR FAPS: Food (F): This was our first time trying Cuban food, and we are so glad it was at Havana's! The sandwiches had crisp and toasted bread, the right amount of juicy meat, and a taste that was delicious! The plantains were also a must eat side! Ambience (A): lots of families and friends enjoying bite that made the restaurant warm and inviting! Clean bathrooms and lots of indoor seating to get away from the summer humidity and heat! Parking (P): Unsure, we walked from our hotel. Service (S): Such kind and warm people! They were attentive and smiley! read more

Havana's Cuisine - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

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Havana's was above and beyond - so delicious! The black bean soup is flavorful and perfect on a cold day (or any day!) and the tostones - let me just say - I would happily eat an obscene amount of these and suffer the consequences of being too full to move. Staff and owners are excellent and the atmosphere is fun and unique. read more

If you're looking for a delicious, authentic Cuban meal, Havana's Cuisine at 12 S Euclid is it! It's in the CWE, so there's little to no parking, so if you order online for pickup, I'd take someone with you to run in to get the food while you circle the block. I pretty much got one of every appetizer and entree on the menu, there was nothing I didn't like. Well, there was one thing, the "Havana tea" was a big disappointment, it tastes like regular Lipton tea with no sugar, not special at all. read more

Havana's Cuisine - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

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Havana's Cuisine is definitely a solid spot, and is super unique for Missouri! I had the chorizo frita burger with yuca fries, and while the burger was a bit on the dry side, the yuca fries were absolutely fantastic--crispy and full of flavor. The rest of my group felt the same about their meals: pretty tasty but slightly dry overall. That said, the server was incredibly friendly and welcoming, and the whole place had an authentic, laid-back vibe that added to the experience. I've had better Cuban food in Florida, so I'd rate this 3 stars by Florida standards, but for Missouri, it's closer to 5 stars. Splitting the difference at 4 stars feels about right. Definitely worth checking out if you're in the area! read more

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If you went to Havanas on Wash Ave, this is a different experience. So many things have been upgraded, now you have wait service, a more robust menu, and alcohol. Fantastic food, huge portions and excellent service still remain! The ambience is casual, warm and inviting. Tamara also did some of the artwork herself! I loved the picadillo so much, I was saving part of it until the very end. I know this is silly, but I was kind of eating in a circle around the plate to absorb each flavor but not completely finishing a section until I was completely done. That being said, I also love a plate with different flavor experiences, from the black bean soup around to the picadillo, it was all fantastic. read more

Havana's Cuisine - Picadillo, also on the plate, yucca, maduros, black bean soup - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

Oh yes, this is exactly the kind of place I can see myself eating at often! Cuban food is one of my favorite cuisines and the food here is very authentic. When we arrived, it was sort of busy, but we did find the last open table so we walked over and took our seats. Our server came to take our drink order and shortly after the chef came out to the table to talk with us. She was helping deliver drinks and let us know that it was just her and her daughter working that day so they were a little short staffed. However, we did not even notice. We had a round of mojitos and ordered a cuban, arroz con pollo and rope vieja for our meals. We also opted for some empanadas for an app. Honestly, this meal was wonderful and I am so glad that it is a place close enough for me to visit whenever I want to get off campus for lunch. I will def be back soon! The food was so delicious and it was nice talking with the chef (owner). What a special treat. read more

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Delicious, fresh, and authentic Cuban food. I've been trying to find a place like this in the area & hands down best choice for Cuban cuisine 5 stars hands down read more

Havana's Cuisine - Tostones, Havana veggie wrap - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

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A hidden gem in the CWE! I've walked past Havana's Cuisine plenty of times and just recently discovered it. The servers are welcoming and attentive. The empanadas are delicious and you can get the sampler during their daily happy hour. The soup was okay. Definitely expected more flavor. I was there for a work dinner so only partook in having a mocktail. The ¡Sandunga! was light and refreshing, it took me to sitting on a beach. I'll be back for a cocktail, empanadas and plantains. read more

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Been to Havana's twice and have had mixed experiences on the food, but service is friendly each time. The Cuban sandwich was amazing and the portion size even more impressive. However, the mojo chicken sandwich was dry and lacking in flavor. Hope to be back to try some of their plates read more

I said I'd come back in my previous review, and here I am. This kitchen is the real deal - today I tried the ropa vieja and enjoyed a flavorful, varied and filling meal for a solid price! Glad that Havana's is in the neighborhood. P.S. the espresso here is a great deal :D read more

Havana's Cuisine - un plato de ropa vieja y un cortadito también - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

Service was great, very friendly Food was awesome, loved the black bean soup, shrimp empanadas and yellow rice. Will go back for sure read more

Their food is great and portion sizes generous. We had the ropa vieja (shredded beef) and the arroz con pollo, as well as the arroz con leche (rice pudding with side of churros), and I can recommend all of these dishes. The decorations were fun too! It can be a little confusing when you eat there though - whether to grab a seat or to go to the counter, and whether to pay upfront or wait for the check, but the staff are very friendly. read more

Wow wow wow wow wow. I cannot express how immaculate EVERY SINGLE thing on the menu was. It's not Michelin rated (yet), but absolutely should be. We are only here for a few days on business, but this food alone is worth another trip to STL. We started with the croquetas and empanadas, both cooked to perfection. Then enjoyed a side of congri rice, maduros, and their seasonal soup. All magnificent. My Cuban husband said their Cuban sandwich is the best he's had in his life; AND they import their bread from a Cuban bakery in Tampa. We finished our perfect meal with cafe con leche and flan, which were as good as the rest of the meal. The service was warm, friendly and attentive. The owner is amazingly kind, and she cooks with love. It shines through in her food. This creates a cozy environment that quickly becomes addicting. Run, don't walk to Havanas, it will be the best culinary decision of your life. read more

Havana's Cuisine - The best Cuban food in the country! - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

The food is incredible. Every dish is seasoned perfectly and Tamara is always warm & welcoming. The only downside is that it's so hard to choose a dish! Today I opted for the vegan plate and was amazed that a simple plate of beans, rice, yucca and plantains could be so satisfying. read more

Havana's Cuisine - Vegan plate - Cuban Near Me - Central West, Missouri

Saw the Cuban resturant on search and had to try it out! Walked in just as they opened. Finally get to try a Cubano sandwich!! I was not disappointed. The whole family enjoyed their food and just kept my mouth watering. The fried Plantains were a great side item. As we were eating the place started filling up! The service was super friendly and the food was a home-run in my books!! Makes me want to come back here again and again read more

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I had a taste for something different for lunch and I noticed this place was across the street from my workplace so I decided to try it! I had the veggie plate and black bean soup The food is very flavorful and the black beans are delicious! The veggie plate consist of yellow rice, yuka and plantains. The staff was very helpful in helping me navigate the menu and made suggestions to fit my dietary needs. The food was prepared and ready in less than 15 minutes. The ambiance is family style seating and very quaint with picture of old style Cuban and old cars. Very cute. There's street parking however parking may be a challenge because the restaurant is near a major hospital and clinics as well as other eateries in the area. However I say give a try , it's worth the drive around looking for a parking space . read more

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Very good Cuban spot. Was in love with their maduros and empanadas. While the Cuban was good, I would actually recommend skipping it and ordering the ropa vieja sandwich instead. Super tasty and cheesy. While I did find some of their flavors to be a bit mild, namely their mojo wings and the flan, this place still has a lot going for it. Favorite dishes: Ropa vieja sandwich, maduros, empanadas read more

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Food was yummy and flavorful at a reasonable price. I had the ropa vieja: portion wasn't huge, but was very nice and popped with flavor. Service was nice: employees were friendly, and it's a cute little location! read more

I don't usually leave harsh reviews, but our experience at Havana's was terrible from start to finish. When we walked in, the sign said "Please wait to be seated." We waited, but the woman at the front--who seemed to be the manager or maybe an owner--just stared at us silently. No greeting, no acknowledgment. After an uncomfortable pause, she finally gestured vaguely and said we could sit wherever. It felt cold and unwelcoming. Unfortunately, things only went downhill from there. They served Minute Rice--yes, instant rice--which is completely unacceptable anywhere. The entire meal was excessively salty. The plantains and yucca were fried in cheap seed oils, leaving them greasy and heavy. The meat tasted old and slightly sour, like it had been sitting too long. And the sauces were just awful. The mojo sauce served with the yucca was especially disappointing--made with vegetable oil and jarred garlic, instead of fresh citrus, herbs, and real olive oil like it should be. Waste of money and will not be returning. read more