Cafe Havana

«Ooh, the actual temperature inside does not match the expected temperature of a room which has a fireplace!» was my first thought after I entered the restaurant and we were seated in the back dining room with the fireplace. Flanking the fireplace, they have these cute pineapple lamps.
When we arrived, we pulled in to the small parking lot which surprisingly had valet parking. «F that!» we said, and parked next door at the burger king and walked the 30 or so feet to the restaurant. I don’t understand why they would need valet here.
Service was great, very attentive. For food, I had the fish tacos (appetizer). It was a nice portion size, the fish was cooked well and not overcooked, but flavor wise the tacos were bland and a bit tasteless which was disappointing. For my drink, I had the cucumber mint martini. So refreshing and delicious, loved it! I was pissed it cost $ 15 though, I thought it would be around half that price, and the drink menu didn’t have prices shown. My friends ordered the seafood paella and the sweet potato stuffed with ground beef with cuban spices with black beans on the side. I didn’t taste their choices, but they were very happy with what they ordered, and the portions were very generous. They looked better than what I picked. I should’ve ordered something instead of the fish tacos.
On the way out, they had one of those old phones from the ‘30s on the hostess’ stand next to the reservation book. nice touch! I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like prank calling people on a phone like that…“hello operator? can you connect me to this number…“
They have a lounge downstairs with another bar, dancing and boom boom music.

I just had the 3^rd bad experience and now I’m done. What used to be my favorite restaurant has gone down hill. I went in with a
gift certificate where u have to order $ 50 worth of food to save $ 25. It says that it can not be combined with any other offer or promotion. I spent well over $ 50 in regular priced food (so I should have qualified to save $ 25) but the manager wouldn’t give it to me because in ADDITION to the$ 50 I also had appetizers that qualified for happy hour. I spent over $ 85 total but she wouldn’t take off the $ 25 because the appetizer was on the same check as the regular priced food. Great job! U just stepped over dollars to pick up pennies. I won’t be back.

I have been here before but I have to say the service I received on my visit last night was the absolute worst. I had a large party and there was only one waitress. She had a lack of customer service. Not only did she not come to check on my table, she also had a bad attitude from the beginning. I love the food but the service was poor!!!

Definitely great Cuban food. My fiancé and I had no complaints. The passion fruit mojito was the best I’ve had yet!

Ate here several times over the last few months. Food was always very good and the service was just ok. Our most recent experience was not good at all. Hoping they just had an off night. Good took almost 2 hours to come and when it did not was bland and dry. Wasn’t even plated like it normally is. Hope this doesn’t mean there is new kitchen staff. Waiter was friendly but 30minutes passes and we don’t see him or any other server. Had to go to the bar to get more drinks. I would have given this last visit 2 stars but the times before that would have been 4 stars. We will give it another shot and hope for the best.

Went out to dinner here with a couple friends, food was great! Good atmosphere, good drinks nice place to go for dinner. Definitely worth going to if your in the Smithtown area.

Absolutely love!!! Great place for cocktails, appetizers, and dinner. Staff is very attentive.

One of my favorite restaurants in the Smithtown area. We went here last night and didn’t realize that it was restaurant week. So we did save a little bit of money. I went with the restaurant week menu and tried the Empanadas appetizer which had a nice flaky dough filled with chicken. If was delicious only wish there was more than just one. I had the Cuban ropa vieja for my main entrée. It was a nicely tender beef, with a side of mofongo it was quite flavorful. Dessert was the flan, again very nice. The only reason I’m giving this a 4 rather than 5 stars is the ridiculous price of $ 14 each for a martini and mojito. Unfortunately they both tasted pretty bad. Next time we’ll skip the mixed drinks and stick with wine. My Husband had the seafood paella which had very little seafood in it. He liked it but it was mostly rice. Overall I enjoyed my food, but I’ve had better here for both of us.

if you’re gonna participate in restaurant week, then participate. Other places we’ve been open their whole menu and sometimes add a small surcharge for the more expensive regular items.
The attitude being, I suppose, give a taste and, if it’s enjoyed, they’ll be back. We always have.
Café Havana limited their restaurant week menu to 3 or 4 items each for app, main and dessert. The food was all very good, though not out of this world. But then I wasn’t expecting Miamis’ Versailles or anything else from Calle Ocho. But it is certainly some of the better Cuban food in the NY area.
The empandas are light and fluffy. The pernil asado was nicely flavored and not salty.
A decent glass of wine could be had for $ 9, probably about twice the cost f the bottle, but that is where many restaurants make big profit.
Unfortunately, they ran out of a signature Cuban dessert, flan, by 9PM. Really? Weak.
They offered no substitute from the regular menu. A tablespoon of espresso (no Cuban coffee) was $ 4.
The staff is friendly and service is fast. The main room is very loud and seats about 75. The coffered ceiling could use some acoustic clouds as could the walls. You cannot hear the person 3 feet away from you without shouting.
Café Havana will not suffer from my lack of return or favorable review. They are packed every Weds, Thurs, Fri and Sun that I pass by.
Your milage may differ.

Talk about surprising. We tried Café Havana to check out something new having no idea just how good it was going to be. First off the cocktail selection is tropical and fun. Fruity martinis and classic libations are on the menu and were pretty tasty. Then you must order the empanadas. Ay Caramba! Wonderfully flaky dough encasing some glorious meats. Next, I had the Ropa Vieja which was truly the best I have ever tasted. My boyfriends Cuban Steak was also excellent!
Now my only criticism would be the dining room we were in, which was near the bar. It lacked a bit of ambiance so that’s the only thing I would change. But since the food blew me away, I had to give this place 5 stars based on that alone. I’m starting to salivate thinking about my meal again…

Food ok… service spotty. overpriced $ 450 for
7 persons. and they asked for more. no class. never again

Beautiful restaurant with an amazing menu, delicious food, drinks, and impeccable service! I will definitely make this place a regular!

I ate here once. Nothing good or bad to say about it. The service was average. The food was better than average. All together, OK. If you like the food, eat here. If you don’t like the food, then why are you reading this review?

Okay, so from the pictures on Unilocal this place looks NOTHING like what I thought it was. I thought it was going to be a tiny café with Spanish food. When I drove up to this restaurant, I realized I was totally wrong. The parking lot was packed. I didn’t know where I was going to park my car, until I went around and ended up at Valet, which was free — thank God. I walk into the front entrance and there’s only two ways you can walk, up or down a flight of stairs. It’s absolutely beautiful inside. I didn’t expect that at all. There was coat check in the restaurant, too.
We sit down and there was candles and roses on the table. It was a very busy place for 9:30 in the night. I would say this place is perfect for a first date. I didn’t think the menu had a very good variety, it was hard choosing what I wanted. I did end up getting the Chicken and Arroz, Guacamole was the appetizer. The food wasn’t that great. I wasn’t pleased with it at all. But their Sangria was totally on-​point! I would say their prices were decent. But nothing I would want to pay for terrible food. When we were done eating, we went downstairs which was actually a club! It was really awesome. It was freezing outside, so they closed much earlier. But the bartender was great, our drinks were good. Earlier when we had gotten there, they were playing hits that we knew, but by the time we got down there they were only playing salsa music. We sat at the bar which we sat on tall drums! I thought it’s a cute décor.
I would come here again, maybe for the club? I wouldn’t ever come back for the food. Everything else except for the food was absolutely perfect!

Very, very good food from appetizers to desserts. The drinks are yummy and service is excellent. I love the Caribbean inspired ambiance! You definitely need a reservation as the place gets very crowded and the parking is quite difficult. But once you’re in, you’ll be back a second time! :))

Great place. Love the food and atmosphere. Thanks Gabi, Thalia and the crew.

we had such a great time here. The parking situation needs to be revamped :). The bar was packed and rum was flowing from glass to glass. From the zombie to crimson crush to the old reliable monitor all fantastic drinks here. We started the dinner with guava wings that were perfectly crispy and moist with a bit of heat. The clams were spicy hot with jalapeños. Last app was shrimp ceviche great flavor well balanced. For dinner we each tried our own. Shrimp Mofongo was my choice and my first Mofongo… very good the entire table took a stab at it. shrimp was perfectly cooked. Skirt steak was cooked med rare as asked and delish. Halibut with corn was also well seasoned. The shrimp curry was also very good and not spicy. Desserts were off the charts, flan and bananas not a crumb left. our service was also great. Vanessa knew the menu and offered advice when we asked about items. all around a great evening out and we will be back again for sure!

Outstanding
Very good food including coconut martini, chicken empanadas, plantain chips and salsa, steak risotto and shrimp/​scallop skewers
Remarkable service from Emily and Edgar with spot-​on recommendations (very nice house Pinot Noir 667) for first-​timers, timely presentations.
Crowded Saturday night, but secured reservations through Open Table early in the afternoon.
A little noisy, but nice ambience, delicious food and truly terrific service.
We’ll be back

I had made reservations for a party of 17 people at 730pm on a Saturday 3 nights in advance the person on the phone then told me to call back with a credit card and a definite head count so they could make sure the space was available when I called back to leave the information they told me I had to choose between 6 and 830 which is aggravating but none the less I made the 830 reservation I then got a call back the day before and they tell me that I now after giving them a cc and a confirmed head count they tell me I now have to choose between 5 pm and 10pm at this point I am furious I had people taking a train from the city and because of their idiocy I am thoroughly humiliated on top of not being able to have my birthday dinner where I wanted it I will never attempt to go here ever again and suggest you do the same they have no regard for people and how much planning has to go into making 17 people with 17 different life’s get together for one night when most of these people I can only see 2 times a year very disappointing and feel very disrespected

EXCELLENT! Food, drinks and service are all perfect!

. This place is a def must go! I will def be back that’s for sure… Wasn’t in the best mood and the staff music and atmosphere was so good I actually in a better mood and so glad I came. A++

As much as I go here I’m surprised I never made a review. Never a bad night! Oh how I love thee! I really love this restaurant. The food is flavorful, the ambience is to die for and such wonderful service! yum my faves are the coconut shrimp and the churrasco with sangrias! My whole family loves this place. Also Ariel is such a great waitress.

Enjoyed the place, food and service. Would go back again.

One of the best places to eat on long island. I have never had a bad meal here. The drinks are amazing, and the whole snapper fish is to die for. My last visit here I got the seafood paella it had a whole lobster in it! It by far was the best seafood i have ever had, and trust me I am very picky. Great Service!

The atmoshere is great but the food blows. I guess if you’re not Puerto Rican or Cuban you won’t realize how bad the food is. My abuelita would never cook this and my abuelo would have thrown it out or gave it to the dog. I don’t mind paying a lot for food when I go out so long as it tastes good. if I could give it less than a star I would.

Waitress Aryelle was extremely friendly and helpful. Recommendations were great.
Food was delicious. Not a long wait and not rushed.
If you come here ask for Aryelle.

I go there almost every other week. Its right around the corner from my house. The food is great and so are their drinks. I love the coconut shrimp and the empanadas. Their steak salad was very good.
Mojitos are awesome!!! They have a great dj on Fridays and Saturdays if you want to stay for a drink or dance a little…

Came here for some drinks and an app based on a fellow Unilocalers recommendation and it did not disappoint. Ultimate margarita in a Cuban joint made me happy. Wings were requested extra crispy and were served up to perfection. I seriously wanted another three orders. So good. (Don’t mean to sound like a 14 year old but like so good). Carlos behind the bar was extremely well educated on their various tequilas and rums so needless to left very happy and look forward to returning for a full on meal.

Wow, just a great night with my girlfriend. We went for the later happy hour from 5 – 8 which is so much better than other happy hours in the area, usually from 4 – 7. We sat at the bar and I wish I got our bartneder’s name, she was one of the best I have ever had. Super friendly, attentive and even worked with us to change one of the TVs at the bar to the New York Ranger game. Plus while we waited after we placed a food order, plantains and salsa.
The drinks were crazy strong but still not over powering. We tried a few of the mojitos, guava being my favorite I tried. Also had a gin and soda which was basically 75% gin! No complaints on any of the drinks and for $ 5 you can’t beat it.
The food was even better! They have about 8 different options for $ 6 for their happy hour food specials and we totally took advantage of that. Had the ceviche, wish it came with bread to sop up all the extra juice. Tried the mini Cuban sandwich which was delicious. Our second time around the menu was even better. Had two suggestions from our bartender; the Cuban sliders which are burgers served on fried giant plantains with dressing and the best of all, the Cuban quesadilla! The pork was great, came with guac, sour cream and a relish.
Overall, I wish this place was busier because the food, the drinks, and the service deserve more business than they are getting. If you like Cuban food, especially pork and strong mojitos, Café Havana is your spot!

Went here with my boyfriend and we sat at the bar for a great happy hour: $ 5 drinks and $ 6 food specials! The food was delicious I lived the Cuban sandwich and the Cuban quesadillas! They have a great selection of mojitos and the bartender was very friendly! She went out of her way to put the Rangers on for us. Will be back!

Location sucks but beautiful restaurant. Two floors and great food. No complaints on the service.
I started with an original Mojito which was pretty good not too sweet which is good for me.
Had the coconut shrimp for our appetizer with an actual coconut! The dipping sauce was so yummy with real coconut creaminess, not the mayo dip other places have.
I ordered the seafood paella which was so filling I had to bring it home. There was a little weird sand thing from the mussels which always puts me off about mussels.
The tres leches for dessert was pretty good though I have had better.
Definitely recommend this place and I’m interested in how the dance nights are!

Today, I was promoted; luckily a celebration was in store. We traveled to Café Havana in hopes of finding a meal that would relinquish the fury of Fidel Castro upon my rebellious colon. I was ecstatic.
Waitresses from Casablanca greeted my pasty pile of pale flesh; snail antennas sprouted from my forehead and scanned the menu. After bypassing a few contenders like the pressed Cuban sandwich or stuffed chicken, I settled on a champion sweet potato picadillo; a football sized yam that must’ve been filled with more testosterone injections than Major League Baseball.
The 6 pound aggressive root vegetable was packed with a raisin covered, beef chili; enough power and force to resurrect Che Guevara or satisfy the roundest of men. Which ever you prefer, it was a memorable delight worth chewing.
Garlic soaked Yucca in second place.