Havana Central
“It's off of Times Square and if you can brave the touristy maelstrom of the Theatre District, it's worth popping in.”
“For dinner take out, I would order ropa vieja (shredded steak) with white rice and black beans.”
“Rooa Vieja – This is a marinated shredded skirt steak (braised beef) with peppers and onions.”
Havana Central
Takes Reservations: Yes
Delivery: Yes
Take-out: Yes
Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
Bike Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Has TV: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Caters: Yes
PokéStop Nearby: Yes
Price range.
$$ Price range $11-30
8 reviews
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Came here for lunch
Pros:
– The Cuban sandwich was extremely tasty, loved the taste and portion size (huge for $12.95)
– The sangria wasn't strong which was fine with us since we get red really easily (loved how they display the drink)
– The atmosphere is more on the noisy side but if you get a table near a corner it's quieter
– Relatively clean bathroom
– Convenient location (close to so many attractions – great for walking off the food)
Cons:
– We didn't like our waiter – he was a bit pushy and slightly annoyed when we took some time to decide on our meals (we're paying, give us our space!)
Four stars for exceeding my expectations for a Times Square restaurant – and for happy hour. Came with a friend for a quick drink after work around 6p on a Tuesday. There are few things I love more in this world than a good happy hour – and we lucked out.
Not only were select drinks $6 (sangria, mojitos to name a few), but it was empanada Tuesday and each one was a buck. 1) The Sangria was SO GOOD, and definitely packed a punch. 2) The empanadas – choice of chicken or cheese- were HUGE. We had ordered six for the two of us thinking they would be petite, dainty happy hour sized empanadas but not so much to our delight.
If you're looking for a delicious, inexpensive happy hour in Times Square – this is your place!
I am so disappointed in the service I received today. I have been to Havana Central quite a few times and although I wouldn't rate them as the best cuban food in the area (I prefer Victor's Cafe), there food has always been good.
I stopped in for a quick cortadito and decided to pick up a slice of tres leches cake for my coworker while I was there. I placed my order with the hostess and sat down near the bar to wait. The restaurant side was empty while the bar area was pretty full. Desserts are usually already pre-made so I was expecting a quick turn around on my order.
After 10 minutes I checked with the hostess who was chatting it up with the other 3 girls at the hostess stand. She said she would check on my order. She picked up the phone and after a brief conversation, put the phone down and went back to chatting with the other girls. I waited patiently. Five minutes past and she looked at me and realized she never gave me an update and apologized and said she would go to the back and check. She came back a few minutes later and said my order would be right out that they were making the coffee.
Lets just say a total of 25 minutes passed (yes, I was eyeing the clock since I had to go back to work) and I still did not have my order. I am not one to be rude or make scenes in public so I walked to the hostesses stand, handed them my receipt and told them to please cancel the order and I walked out. Luckily I had not paid yet so I did not have to wait for a refund.
It should not take over 25 minutes to serve a slice of pre-made cake and a cup of coffee.
Went here for an event recently and have been in the past (about two other times) and it was great.
The chicken empenadas, kill me…they are so good. The margaritas are STRONG and really good…and the staff so wonderful. I know it could be one of those "kitchy" Times Square places but it really is not. It's pretty darn good food and a great atmosphere.
Oh…for the event there were these MINI FLANS!!! I died a little, they were sooooo good.
Joanna the bartender is fabulous. She works to satisfy all the customers. The bar is very crowded during happy hour (4-7)m-f. And she is moving those appetizers and drinks with her crew. The mojitos are excellent, you get a good buzz. The chicken, beef and empanadas are $1.00 on Tuesday. My Delicioso. The avocado salad has a light vinegarette with olives onions and tomatoes. They have a great selection of beers, the Cuban Hatuey is light and bold. Great Happy Hour if you are in the area.
I've been an Elite Yelp Event in their upstairs area….and am currently smacking down some Corporate Catering, which everyone in the office (even the pickiest of them!) is still raving about.
The service was excellent at the event. The suckling pig was divine. The empanadas were quite good. The sauces very nice.
The catering set up was stellar! HIGHLY impressed that both the Mango Glazed Salmon and Chicken in Garlic Sauce were cooked to perfection! Salmon was moist and flaky, and not too sweet. The chicken was PERFECTLY tender. The rice and beans were on point. The Cubanos were cute and hand sized. The pernil inside was SO good. Empanadas were a knock out. Rices were a bit clumpy….but this will happen with mass catering.
Would I have liked a little more intensity with the flavor/spice profiles? Of course! But it's catering in America from a place that's in Times Square. Still true to authentic Cuban flavors, and good every time!
The Quick: Mixed experiences, a true 3.5 but rounding up since it's in Times Square. Good Cuban food and happy hour specials.
The Details: The spot can be hit or miss. Sometimes the food is amazing and the staff is extremely helpful. Other times the meat is dry and the service is slow and aloof. That being said, it's one of the best options in Times Square that is not overly touristy. I love the vaca fritta and the $1 empanadas on Tuesdays at the bar during happy hour.
The Details: For the area it's a good price. If you keep drinks to a minimum, about $30 per person
Havana Central, I love you but I hate your location. Usually when I'm meeting a friend from out of town they are staying in the times square area. I have no idea why anyone would want to be there but I digress..
I always choose H.C. because it's right in the Times Square area but it's never crowded during happy hour. I guess all the tourists are too busy at all the awful chain restaurants in the area or somehow they miss the giant palm tree sign outside. Their loss, my gain. They have some pretty stellar happy hour prices, $5 sangria and mojitos and on the Tuesday I met up with my girlfriend, they were $1 empanadas. These are not small one bite empanadas, 2 can easily fill you up.
I'm hesitant posting this review because I want Havana Central to remain my private oasis in a very hectic area.