Cuban restaurant
SoHoManhattan
SoHo
Manhattan
The brief
Folks line up at this NoLita mainstay for its grilled corn and other well-priced Cuban-Mexican eats.
4.6
out of 5
4,637 community reviews
Rating aggregated from community reviews across platforms. Read full reviews on Google or Yelp for detailed diner experiences.
Reviews
15 verified Google reviews · 15 with owner responses
4.3
15 reviews
Amazing! Really good and taco Tuesday was a great deal! Would recommend
Response from the owner
Hi Julia Rourke, thank you so much for your amazing review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed Taco Tuesday and found it to be a great deal. Your recommendation means the world to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back to Café Habana soon!
We came here for the first time. There were two servers and one bartender. We were waiting to be seated or at least acknowledged, we waited about a minute or two before being seated and it wasn’t busy. There was no hi or welcome in from the staff and we were just told to sit anywhere after waiting the 2min. The service wasn’t the best, but everyone else seemed to have great service and acknowledged once they came in. We still left 20% tip and the food was great with a great atmosphere. I would say just treat everyone equally or with the same level of service.
Response from the owner
Hi Kari,<br><br>Thank you for sharing your experience at Café Habana. We're glad to hear that you enjoyed the food and atmosphere during your visit, but we're truly sorry to learn about the service shortcomings you encountered. It’s disappointing to hear that the staff did not provide the attentive and welcoming experience we strive for.<br><br>We value your feedback, and it is essential for us to understand specific instances where we can improve. If you could provide us with more details about your visit, please fill out this form https://go.momos.com/CIOQ3 and our team will follow up with you soon.<br><br>Thanks again for your input, and we hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future!
Roberto is excellent!! He greeted and helped me order— also was so attentive while the resturaunt was hitting it’s lunch rush. The food was incredible and so quick. For sure will be back.
Response from the owner
Hi Katie, thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an excellent experience at Café Habana, especially with Roberto's attentive service during the lunch rush. It's wonderful to know you enjoyed the incredible food and promptness of our staff. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!
The Cubáno has a good amount of succulent pork and the bread is nicely toasted. The accompanying fries are so-so. But at $26.67 (tax included), that’s quite a bit for a sandwich. Café Habana is clearly popular, judging from its steady stream of patrons, takeout orders and food delivery pickups. Maybe dining outside is better given the inside reminds one of a worn out diner. The appeal, sadly, escapes me.
Response from the owner
Dear Augusto Paulino, thank you for your thoughtful review! We're delighted to hear you enjoyed the Cubáno and found the pork succulent. We appreciate your feedback about the fries and the pricing, as insights like yours help us improve. We're glad to know that Café Habana is popular and attracting many guests; we strive to create an inviting atmosphere for everyone. Your comments on the dining environment are noted, and we'll take them into consideration as we continue to enhance our space. We hope to see you again soon to provide an even better experience!
Cafe Habana is such a cute East Village spot 🌮✨<br><br>They have both outdoor and indoor seating, and the inside is adorable. It honestly gives cozy diner vibes in the best way, super casual and fun.<br><br>The corn is a must. So flavorful and easily one of the highlights 🌽🔥<br>I also loved the fried plantains… perfectly sweet and so satisfying.<br><br>My friends ordered the avocado panini and the shrimp and pork tacos, and both looked really good. I went with the chicken tacos, which were just okay. There was a lot of guacamole, but it didn’t taste super fresh and felt a bit overly blended, so that threw it off for me.<br><br>That said, everything else hit, and the overall vibe makes it worth it. Great location, great energy, and a really cute spot to hang out with friends 💛
Response from the owner
Hi Plate Cleaner Club, thank you for your lovely review! We're glad you enjoyed the cozy vibe and the delicious corn and fried plantains. Your feedback about the chicken tacos is also appreciated, and we hope to continue improving. We can’t wait to have you back soon for another fun hangout with friends!
I love corn and this corn made me remember why I love corn. If you’re seated by the window or outside, this place is great for people watching.<br><br>Tried the steak torta, it was ok. The shrimp & fish taco??? FIRE. But seriously, I love this corn.
Response from the owner
Hi Unagi, thank you so much for your amazing review! We're thrilled to hear that our corn brought back fond memories and that you enjoyed the shrimp and fish tacos. It’s fantastic that you also appreciated the people-watching from our seating. Your feedback means the world to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back to Café Habana for another delightful meal soon!
Café Habana was just as good as I remember it to have been 23years ago! Happy to wait 15 mins for a table for 4. Cubano, some kind of white cheese & avocado sandwich, chips & guac was our order along with a large margarita…. All were full of flavor! The large margarita container was too wide and I kept almost spilling it until the very end when a small sour was left. However, the attendant was quick to offer a refill… was an unexpected action. Overall: always a fun place to eat… they bring the food out quick, so not a hang out spot when busy.
Response from the owner
Dear Ana Cordova, thank you so much for your kind review! We're delighted to hear that Café Habana brought back such great memories for you after 23 years. It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed the flavors of your meal and that our team was attentive during your visit. We appreciate your feedback regarding the margarita container; we will certainly take that into consideration. We hope to welcome you back again soon for another delicious meal!
There are so many things that I can not fit into this review but I’m just gonna go with the main stuff, to start of their corn is the best corn I have had in my entire life, the cheese and tahien coding makes it awesome! Then the atmosphere is kinda dirty and one slightly inappropriate painting, then the staff there is so helpful and good at what the do so overall it’s amazing and you should totally go here
Response from the owner
Hi Hudson, thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our corn dish and found our staff to be helpful. Your feedback about the atmosphere is very important to us, and we take it seriously to ensure a pleasant dining experience for all our guests. We hope to welcome you back to Café Habana soon for another amazing meal!
Omg best Cuban sandwich in NYC! Bar has cool and hip vibe and Roberto was so sweet and gave the most magnificent service. I currently live in East village but I lived in Miami for two decades and have tried a lot of Cuban restaurants but this is the best!
Response from the owner
Dear Cherie Hinson, thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the best Cuban sandwich in NYC and that Roberto provided you with magnificent service. It’s wonderful to know you appreciate our cool and hip vibe, especially as a former Miami resident. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we look forward to welcoming you back to Café Habana for another great experience soon!
This place use to be off the charts incredible, that wasn’t the vibe I experienced my last visit .<br><br>The burrito was not what I remembered or expected. It was bland and the chicken was dry, pretty lack luster. Chipotle’s probably would have hit the spot more. I took home half and doctored it up. They do still serve their famous corn which was our favorite before heading home on a late night.<br><br>The staff served a purpose but felt they were more bothered by waiting on people.
Response from the owner
Hi Carin,<br><br>Thank you for sharing your experience at Café Habana. We genuinely appreciate your feedback and are sorry to hear that your recent visit did not meet the expectations you once had. The taste and quality of our food are very important to us, and we would like to look more into your comments regarding the burrito.<br><br>If you could provide us with additional details about your visit, please fill out this form https://go.momos.com/eArTX so we can address your feedback appropriately with our team.<br><br>Thanks again for taking the time to reach out, and we hope to welcome you back for a better experience in the future.<br><br>Best, <br>Café Habana Team
This is one of my Favorite spots! I have been coming here since 2015...It truly never disappoints...the servicers are always super friendly. The food wow where do I start! #1 street corn. The best.<br>Literally Drive from NJ to NYC for corn. Tacos are delish...hubby really likes the Cubano. Rice and beans yum!!!<br>Overall 5 star!
Response from the owner
Hi Angelica, thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that Café Habana has been one of your favorite spots since 2015 and that you consistently enjoy our friendly service and delicious food. It's wonderful to know that you love the street corn, tacos, and the Cubano as well! Your feedback truly means a lot to us, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another delightful experience soon!
Had an amazing time here! The vibes and service were on point, but the food really stole the show. We ordered the elote, flautas, the pressed sandwich with tostones, and the steak plate with rice and beans. Every dish had bold flavors and came out at the perfect temperature. Solid 8/10 experience, I highly recommend!
Response from the owner
Dear Thoithoi Shougrakpam, thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're delighted to hear that you had an amazing experience at Café Habana and that our service and ambiance met your expectations. It’s wonderful to know that you truly enjoyed the bold flavors of the dishes you ordered. Your feedback means a lot to us, and we appreciate your recommendation. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another delightful meal!
Really enjoyed this spot for an early dinner. Everything was delicious but the main highlight was definitely the corn, I'd go back just for that. Had a really nice lemonade too. Service was also really good, super friendly and fun. Great spot 💫💫💫💫💫
Response from the owner
Hi Harriet, thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your early dinner with us at Café Habana. It's wonderful to know that our corn was a highlight for you, and we're glad you loved the lemonade as well. We're proud of our friendly and fun service, and your feedback means a lot to us. We can't wait to welcome you back for another delicious meal soon!
While out on a morning casual stroll and doing a little shopping, we decided to pop into this café for a light breakfast.<br><br>It’s a cool little local spot with a perfect corner location. It’s small inside, but pretty cozy. They also offer outdoor seating if it gets too crowded.<br><br>I had the Huevos con Chorizo with a glass of Agua de Jamaica, while my wife had the Breakfast Tacos and a glass of lemonade. Our food was hot, fresh, and delicious. Everything was made from scratch and cooked to order. The beverages really hit the spot, and based on the flavors, I’d say there are no powdered drinks served here.<br><br>If you’re looking for frills and thrills, this isn’t the place for you. But if you want fast, casual service with good, fresh food, I definitely recommend checking them out.
Response from the owner
Hi James Johnson, thank you so much for your lovely review of Café Habana! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our cozy atmosphere and the fresh, delicious breakfast options. Your feedback about the prompt service and the quality of our meals truly means a lot to us. We're glad that you appreciated our made-from-scratch approach and that everything hit the spot for you and your wife. We can't wait to welcome you back for another visit soon!
This is one of the rare places that wasn't gentrified and keep the spirit of NY Soho of 1970-1980s. Tiny spot with a huge flavor and ambiance. Typical Cuban food at its perfection. My personal favorite is corn on the knob covered with cotija cheese and chili powder. Love this place since I got there in late 1990s.
Response from the owner
Alex Serebrov, thank you for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear that you love the authentic spirit of our establishment and that our Cuban food brings back fond memories for you. Your favorite dish, the corn on the knob with cotija cheese and chili powder, is indeed a crowd favorite! We truly appreciate your support over the years and look forward to welcoming you back for more delicious experiences in the future!
Reviews sourced from Google. Displayed for informational purposes. Ratings reflect reviewer opinions at the time of posting.
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Café Habana is listed in the Eat Real Food NYC directory — a curated database of healthy restaurants in Manhattan, verified with official NYC Department of Health inspection data.