Cafe Habana

There def. is a long wait when coming to this place but it's quite worth it - $12 for a whole platter of rice and beans and grilled skirt steak that tastes delicious !

Aside from the more than affordable pricing the scene is fun - while your waiting you can sip on a drink & people watch. The hostess with the close cropped hair is really nice and waiters are pleasant.

If your a very picky person you probably won't enjoy the very simple decor - it's very tightly packed and basic seating but sometimes you need the no frill's environment to just enjoy what's in front of you.

Pros: Casual , affordable and delicious

Cons: long wait

I'm sorry, I just didn't like anything about this place. I came here at night with a friend and we hate to wait a long time to sit down. I ordered the corn and some other dish and it was all just Okay. I think it was kind of plain and definitely overpriced. I wouldn't come back.

Pros: Food is just okay at best

Cons: Too crowded, not worth the wait

The food is amazing and their drinks are the best. I highly reccommend the Mexican corn and the Cuban, but everything I have eaten there has been good. The wait staff runs a tight ship, which can been interpreted as rudeness, but they are ALWAYS busy and they do the best they can to accomodate every customer. But even so, getting it for take out is best.

Pros: Cuban Sandwiches, Mexican corn

Cons: Tight space and the wait

Won't ever go here again. There are far too many great Cuban places to eat in this city with enjoyable, non-attitude laden servers. One waitress was so rude, we got up and left.
Get over yourselves.

me and a group of friends came here yesterday for brunch. it was super busy and they had a crowd waiting outside. they set the five of us up in a booth so that one of us had to sit on a chair at the end, in the way of everything. the waitresses had a hard time getting by. the girls working there were beautiful. the black hostess, though, looked so stressed out and was downright rude in her behavior. she looked like she was hungover. i would rather be greeted by someone sweet and calm instead of treated like cattle. they think they're doing a good job?
our waitress was nice, but was ready to get us out of there. other than the rushed service, our food was great. the corn and hot cocoas were the best.
i would come here again when they learn how to not be so aggressive, because it just sets the tone of my meal, which i would like to enjoy.

Pros: good food, hot staff

Cons: rude hostess

This place is TERRIBLE!! The yellow rice in the "vegetarian" burrito actually has chicken stock in it. When I tried substitute it with white rice I was give a serious attitude and informed that the chef would not allow it. So much for a "green" restaurant...

Pros: good corn

Cons: attitude, "vegetarian" burritos with chicken stock

My cousin took me here for my birthday, and it was good. The corn is off the chain. You got to have the corn. It is addictive. I also had a mojito, regular, and it was good! It could have been a litle sweeter, but VERY GOOD. I even believe they used cuban rum. :-) I can't remember what the name of the dish I had, but bascially it was like shreaded chicken, corn tortilla's in a cassarole type set up with crema and cojita cheese on top. It was mixed in with green/verde sauce witch has a bit of a kick to it. It was good, BUT! we came during brunch on a sunday afternoon, and as a result no rice was available, only beans. I'm not a bean type of girl, I love my rice. Will be back and try out the rest of the menu. It is busy, crowded, and tight with space, but that's NYC. I'll be back.

Pros: Corn, Mojito

Cons: wait, tight space, crowded.

I passed by with a friend and we were hungry.....we got cuban sandwiches and they were sooooooooo yummy!

Pros: Sandwich

Cons: too crowded

this is the best spot to take lunch. the grilled chicken wrap is so satisfying. i never get sick of it. it is always hot, fresh and delicious. i never go to the restaurant part. go around the corner where you can get take out and try to snatch a seat at the window. it can get crowded too but if you avoid prime time you'll be fine.

Pros: grilled chicken wrap, the energy and vibe...they're eco-friendly too

Cons: sometimes too crowded

Love their corn! And their hot chocolate is the best in the city. The wait for the restaraunt is ridiculous, but I always go next door and get takeout. There are a couple of benches where you can sit and eat.

The PIC shown does not match this Cafe Habana address. The address listed here on Elizabeth St. is for HABANA to GO! Not the restaurant on PRINCE St corner of Elizabeth. While there seems to be a never ending stream of Yuppies, Upper East Siders, Tourists, and B n' T customers waiting to get inside taking over the corner. They can get the same food in an even smaller space at this Habana To Go Spot on Elizabeth. They won't have all the main entries like the PORK but most of the good stuff is here like the CORN. However, I always wondered why this place could never get the hamburger and fries right! There fries are the soggiest you'll ever have. The hamburgers have a funky raw taste even when its well done! I know its a CUBAN place but reviews on here should be for the TO GO spot that caters to the lunch crowd that after repeated visits won't a burger now and then.

Pros: The To Go Place has Soggy Fries and Funky Hamburgers

Cons: The BBQ corn with cheese

It is TEENY in there. But the food is great. The Corn-- yummmmmm! Another favorite would be the cuban sandwich. Even their margaritas and cafe con leche are good. I would recommend just ordering from their to-go store next door. Then you can actually eat your food without getting claustrophobic and bumping your elbows on something/someone.

Pros: Food

Cons: Way too small

Best corn I have ever tasted! The pollo con mole, cheese and avocado and mushroom and cheese tortas are fantastic. Even the imported mexican coke in a glass bottle is good ( different from US coke). I highly recommend this place, the waiting and lack of seating in worth it!

Pros: the taste

Cons: you might not have where to sit

I have been living in New York for five years, and this is by far my favorite restaurant in the city. For awhile the servers and hostesses were rude and unfriendly-however, within the past year, the staff has changed, and they are absolutely fantastic, especially the enthusiastic hostess, which adds to the amazing food. The corn is ridiculously delicious-the cotija cheese is out of this world. The main dishes are all great, particularly the steak enchiladas. The rice is very buttery and delicious. The wait is very long, but in the end, it is worth it because you will have had the best meal of your life. In addition, the hosts are very apologetic about the wait, and we even got free plaintains with our meal because we were so patient for waiting. The restaurant is small, but it's cozy. It's always very busy, but I think that says a lot about the quality of the food. If you are visiting New York, or if you are having visitors from New York, I highly recommend going to this spot for a tasty and filling meal. Also, the bartender is very cute!! (and free toothpicks are provided after you consume your delicious corn).

Go here and get the corn, the rest of the food is not bad either, I had the skirt steak it was pretty good but not the best skirt steak I?ve had. The corn was amazing and I like the drinks they have, some type of flavored pop, I forget the name.

Pros: Corn

Cons: Crowded

Been meaning to try this place for a while, because as everyone notes, the grilled corn is amazing. So, went last nite on a Wed. Arrive a bit after 6. Did not have to wait at all for a table, but the place was semi busy. Had the corn. Almost went to heaven. OMG it was so good! I like corn on the cob in general, but what makes this different is that they add cheese and spices to it...basically to me, it tasted like eating buttered popcorn covered corn. It was sooo delicious. Also had the grilled skirt steak--it was ok, but tasted kinda bland. My friend noted that it was not as bland the last time she had it so I guess that its a h it or miss. Mango margherita was good and the service was decent--no complaints at all. However it was rather muggy and hot and so we were sweating in there...small place, not sure the AC was really on cuz all the windows and doors were open as well. Would def go back for the corn, and try other dishes on the menu! By the time we left (around 730) there was a wait so if you can get there around 6ish you are prob okay.

Pros: the corn!

Cons: def don't go if you can't deal with tight spaces

DEFINITELY NOT WORTH THE WAIT WORST SERVICE EVER... as many people below have written you have to wait 20 - which means an hour minutes to get a table. Once inside the service is HORRIBLE. The waitresses practically throw the plates at you because its so crowded and can't reach your table. Then they come by every 10 minutes to see if you have finished. Our waitress and hostess in particular practically kicked us out saying that we took too long to eat (approximately 45 minutes - including ordering and waiting for our food) and when we complained about the service they basically said who cares don't come back if you don't like it. Sorry but if you are paying for dinner the least you can have is decent service.

Pros: none

Cons: very bad service

Yes, there is a wait to get in. And there will always be a wait to get in. This is known by everyone & it seems everyone thinks it's worth it. The corn on the cob makes it worth the wait. It was soooo good, I ordered one for appetizers, then I had to order another one for dessert! haha We ordered the corn stew & lemon chicken dish. They were ok, nothing to rave about. I've eaten the pork chop w/ goat cheese, the cheese made it a bit salty. But the corn makes up for it all. I would go back to get some corn for take-out. And they are opened late every night as well, so that's a major plus.

Pros: Great corn on the cob, it's the best!

Cons: Small place, very packed & crowded, long wait time

This is one of our favorite places. Everything about it just screams NYC. 35 people seated in a space for 25, long waits, and late night service and a very bohemian crowd...and it's all worth it. Durning warm weather months you couldn't find a groovier spot to have to hang on the corner and people watch while you wait for your table.

The grilled corn is amazing and a "must order" item, as are the guava margarita's. We've had just abour everything on the menu and have never been unhappy. That said, the roast pork and the skirt steak are what we always seem to come back to.

Pros: Low Price, Fresh Ingredients, Great Food

Cons: Crowded, Long Wait

only one thing to say. I fly from Chicago to New York City just to have dinner at Cafe Habana. I flew in on my birthday just to have dinner there that night. Everyone who has dined with me loves it. Yes the place is very small and the wait is long but it is so worth it. I love the love love love love the spinach, the corn, the corn boat thing with the goat cheese and the drinks are insane. TIp: eat first to enjoy the delicious food and then enjoy the drinks!!!!! This place makes me come to New York every two months!!! That's crazy

Cons: Non

No room for large groups, I went with a friend and had a 20 minute wait, but because it's a short meal, the wait is part of the experience, the waitresses know you're standing outside and can see you. Once seated the service is great because the staff is always near. Decor is perfect for what it is, the food is fantastic with off-island prices, their mojitos are top-notch and the crowd is fun. Cafe Habana is a perfect casual meal.

Pros: Service, Crowd

Cons: Crowded

This place is TINY and there's always a wait, but it is worth it! Get the grilled corn on the cob and a mojito. I always get appetizers and munch and drink. The wait staff is nice even though are always rushing about. The food is delicious!!

Pros: mojitos while you wait!

Cons: the wait

The long wait and tiny space, i can tolerate for their great food and cheap price. But what's up with the attitude of the staff? We waited an hour for our food (after waiting 40 min for table, of course), when we finally asked about status of our order, the waitress checked the computer, only to find out that they lost our order in the kitchen. Simple apology would have been nice, instead, she said "it's a simple mistake in the kitchen." First of all, if she has been attentive enough to notice our food hasn't come out for an hour, the least she could do was to check with the kitchen before being asked by customer. Second of all, when she finally realized there has been a mistake, she owes the customer an apology, instead, she sniffs and says "its a simple mistake in the kitchen". No simple "im sorry" or "i apologize", nothing! When she finally brought the food out, she "slammed" it on our table, giving the worst attitude possible. Maybe this place is so popular and busy, they don't care about the service at all? Guess what, NYC is literally full of great restarants with cheap prices, and with decent service as well. If they keep up this nasty attitude, they'll soon have only tourists as their customers. if you wanna try their food, i highly recommend the takeout the next door.

Pros: good food, cheat eats

Cons: terrible service, long wait

It is such a disappointment to write this review- cause I have truly nothing nice to say other then the corn is an A+
Cafe Habana has so much history to any TRUE new yorker- Small restaurant, no frills and great location however the service is just horrendous.
The corn is by far the best and if you can wait an hour+ then i highly recommend this restaurant BUT beware of the wait and don't expect the indie service ladies pop a smile, say THANK YOU or anything.
They are rude and I don't think really care if they have a following which is really SAD.

Pros: Corn and drinks

Cons: SERVICE IS RUDE!!!

This tiny restaurant is so small and tight! The tables are ridiculously small. A friend recommended it and I had to try it. Went in there for lunch and lucky for us we were seated right away. I hear that there's ALWAYS a wait though. The corn on the cob my friend was raving about is really good. I had their cuban style roast pork and was not impressed at all. The meat was too dry for my taste. Maybe I'll try something else on their menu next time. But will definitely order their corn again: it is grilled and prepared with spices, parmasean cheese, and with a lime on the side if you want to add an extra zest of flavor. Our waitress was sweet and friendly. Wish the tables were bigger. But it's a tiny place, so I understand.

Pros: corn on the cob

Cons: size of restaurant and tables

I have been to Cafe Habana my past 3 trips to NYC and plan to go back everytime I'm there! I was just there last Friday for a late dinner. The corn is a must! I also love the dish that is a corn "boat" filled with goat cheese & other things. Also the mojitos are great! We got in very quickly this week, but sometimes there is quite a wait as it is a small tight space. My friends have seem celebrities such as Owen Wilson and Kirsten Dunst there. Service was great and friendly!

Pros: the corn & mojitos

Cons: small place, might be a wait

I just went there for brunch yesterday. I was lucky, didn't wait for too long. I ordered their famous corn, which was just ok to me. My friend had the omlette with plantain. It's good. Overall, the food is ok, not bad, but not impressive either. The price is good. The crowds are hip and trendy but the place is not. It is small and not very clean. I saw lots of flies. I won't go back for their brunch, but "maybe" go back for their dinner or something to see why there is such a hive.

Pros: cheap, the portion is about right

Cons: the place is dirty and crowded

Definitely recommend it! The restaurant is small, but its worth it! Also you have to wait in line for it...

Love these types of places..no trendy design, great eclectic music, young hip and no-frills crowd. Oh yeh, and the food is surprisingly great. Corn on the cob as appetizer is sweet, hot and the right amount of spicy. Steak enchilladas are filling and delicious- the sour cream and meat perfectly accented with avocado and cilantro. Also tried spicy shrimp- great as well. And don't miss cafe con leche (just as for it in a cup instead of a tall, uncomfortable glass)
Overall- great, not-so-hidden (anymore) find.

Pros: food, coffee, crowd

Cons: can be crowded- lines

I came her on a friday night. Crowded, but the food was insane. (try the grilled corn) The mango magarita was the best I ever had. Fresh mango pieces! Yummy.

Pros: food and drink delicious

Cons: small space

The food here is fantastic and the price is right. It gets crowded late in the week and all day on weekends. Don't go with too big of a group. And try the breakfast!

Every time I go to this restaurant I expect a bit of a wait, good drinks while I do so, and very good food for the price. Definitely get the corn! I don't even like corn on the cob that much but I get this every time I go; it's delicious... I also really love the pork chop with goat cheese, and a mushroom au poivre sauce. It's something that's different from your average latin food. Sometimes it's so crowded that it effects the service, but it never gets to me. (although it is very hard if you are in a party of 5 or more) Most all the employees are very nice and accomodating because they're used to it being crazy. Definitely recommended!

Pros: corn on the cob, value, friendly service

Cons: long wait

the enchilladas were a bit too salty. i was expecting cuban food, but most of the items on this menu were mexican. there wasn't plenty that was cuban about this place. only desserts available are flan, tres de leches was not unfortunately.
tried much better cuban - cafecito and havana alma de cuba!

Pros: price

Cons: food average, not much variety, too mexican

The three of us went for dinner here on a Friday night. Waited more than 1 hour for the table. I think this place use to be a diner before it became a Cuban restaurant. Dark and not all that attractive inside. The music was also extremely loud. I ordered a grilled steak...medium well. Steak was over cooked and tasted bitter. Everything else we ordered were also average. The only thing that was good was the grilled corn. The waitress was pretty nice, but over all....I would not come back.

I really like this place. The corn is do die for. If you want to avoid the long lines, and desire corn, go next door to the take out section. Overall, fun, cramped, and good food! The place is worth your time. Staff can have an attitude, so dont go looking to make friends

Not worth it at all. We waited over an hour for a miniscule table, so small that I got to rub elbows with the guy next to me. The food wasn't even good, in fact, it was disgusting. The corn was burnt and flavorless. I ordered the chilaquiles. It tasted like something you buy at the frozen food section at D'Agostino's. I don't understand the hype. Although if you can get enough margaritas down, it probably wouldn't be so bad.

Pros: Price

Cons: Too many to list.

I don't care that the staff are brisk with you, the food here is AMAZING! I recommend the veggie plate (garlic spinach), Mole Chicken and Roast Pork. Plantains are fab too, as are the corn on the cobs. Avoid it at your peril!!!

The corn is incredible, butter, cheese and roasted to delicious perfection. The cuban sandwich is crunchy with just enough ham, pork and cheese and a crunchy sour pickle to make it a great combo. Fries were well done and crispy. The drinks were absolutely great margarita was just right. The service was okay, fast seating (for two), looked like a group nearby had been there a long time. One of the waitstaff spilled a huge drink on the floor that splattered everyone nearby, no offering of apology was made or to foot the drycleaning bill and no comp was offered either. Who is managing this place? It's way too crowded, hot and loud in there. The hostess bustles you out really fast and clears the table without asking if you are done yet. Eat and get out fast. The food is great.

Pros: food is great, drinks are just right

Cons: service is just rude, needs better managing, waitstaff is rude

Corn is a given as well as the spicy shrimp! Be prepared to chill as you wait for a table and to feel cozy with your neighbor since seating is tight. If you're a high maintenance person than this is not the place for you. The servers are cute and fun to chat with as well as being well schooled on the menu. I noticed that regulars were treated like gold as well as newcomers.This is an upscale diner no more no less and the energy is great. Kudos to the fab waitress with the afro and killer smile who suggested the perfect meal along with the tall drink of water making margaritas like a mad man behind the bar. As long as you go with the attitude of taking it easy than you will have a great time.

Pros: cool hot waitresses, drinks, corn and shrimp

Cons: tight seating, wait for a table

we had to wait 20 minutes for our table in the crowded restaurant but it was worth it. the corn on the cob had a cheese and spicey topping. the heat caught me off guard because it slowly buildings. i had the skirt steak with rice and beans. i requested medium well but when it came, it was medium rare. the mango margarita slush drink was great.

Pros: tasty food, fast table turnover

Cons: small space

my favorite is the pork adobo sandwich and the corn. the chilli powder on it makes it sooo tasty. if you go on the take out side, i reccomend you have someone hold your seat while you're waiting on line.

Pros: value

Cons: wait time

This was, a while back, a hot spot. People still line up here, but I have no clue for what. The 'famous' grilled corn is often served burned and covered in thick layers of butter and cheese, no corn taste whatsoever. Cuban sandwiches come on cool bread, not pressed as they are supposed to be, and with dry chunks of pork. Frozen margs are watery. There're plenty of better Mexican alternatives (that's right, this place is primarily Mexican) in the neighborhood.

Cons: Mediocre Food, Watery Drinks

The Mexican style grilled corn (that's right, I said grilled corn) is worth a visit alone! I have never had the likes of it before, it's absolutely amazing! Service was fine, and about on par with what you'd expect from this casual a setting. I'd go back anytime!!!!

THEY MAKE THE BEST BURRITOS, ESPECIALLY VEGETARIAN BURRITOS (GO VEG PEOPLE) my favorite thing is the avocado and white cheese burrito, i swear, i have never had a better burrito. BEST place for burritos and the MANGO DRINK, WOW, SO GOOD, get take out, and you only wait like 5-10 minutes, i have never waited longer!

Pros: BURRITOS, funny Castro shirts, MANGO DRINK

Cons: nothing!!

went here thursday afternoon and the waitress was a little hottie. anyway, as they serve breakfast pretty late, i went for the steak and eggs which were very tasty. the unexpected surprise was that the home fries were AWESOME. my friend had the huevos rancheros (delicious). beware of the hibiscus ice tea, unless of course you're already familiar with it. did i mention that the waitress was a hottie?

Pros: serve late breakfast, tasty food, cute waitress

Cons: very tight seating, cramped space

Okay. The weekends are insane, especially in the summer, but it's still a strong contender with good food.

this place is ok. but is not cuban by any means. So stop saying you are!!!!

Pros: not cuban

Cons: not cuban

Ok, the food is good BUT do I really have to pay to get treated as if they are doing ME a favor??? Come on the food is really not that good I usually dont complain about service because I dont intend to marry the staff, but the things you have to endure at Cafe Havana, besides the 20-minutes-means-one-hour wait, are really not worth my time nor money!

Cons: Bad service, terrible service, Did I say service?