Habana Cafe

This place wasn't bad. But no where near great. Our group decided to try it out and it was nummy. But coming from San Diego it's hard to say that this was an exquisite meal. The town itself is cute But I wish we would've tried another establishment.

Walked up to the window to order. Guy in the back was too busy talking on the cell phone to serve me. I walked on after about 5 minutes of watching him walk and talk. I mean, sure he was the cook, but he could have taken a second to get someone to come help out. According to the reviews, I'm sure the food is delightful... If someone will give it to you, that is.

Simply OUTSTANDING.

The people of Roanoke: listen up. Only in recent years has your culinary landscape expanded to include cultural offerings that are pretty standard fare in many other cities: Japanese Sushi, Mexican, Lebanese, and now Cuban food, among the other, unmentioned ones. More and more ethnic minorities (for this part of the country) are migrating to this small valley in Western Virginia, and as a result, you now have more choices than simply Southern Americana fare. This is a good thing, given the rampant obesity and other health issues created by a diet high in saturated fat, and low in nutritional value.

Cuban cuisine. For someone who lives in Northern California, where there is a large Cuban scene, it came as a pleasant surprise one day to find while driving by Center in the Square, and seeing a sign that said "Habana Cafe", and hearing salsa music blasting, and seeing a couple spinning within the restaurant. THIS is exactly what Roanoke has needed for a LONG time. The owner is from Cuba, and trust me, he has done a very good job making sure their offerings are not only top-notch, but representative of the best of Cuban cuisine.

I went back here on my last night in town, to try the famed, pressed Cubano sandwich that is famous all over South Florida. In addition, I ordered the Ropa Vieja, as I was surprised to see it offered also as a sandwich (is usually a stew). Let me tell you this: they were simply spectacular. This is a very, very, good representation of what the Cuban sandwich - comprised of roasted pork, ham, and swiss chesse, it is then pressed like so many paninis are today, and is tantalizingly good. The sandwiches aren't cheap, but are HUGE, and totally worth it.

And let me say this: the Ropa Vieja SANDWICH? Yeah...probably one of the top ten sandwiches I have ever had in my life. Truly a superstar, really that good. Strings of delicious beef flavored in the traditional sauce that makes the dish so good when served alongside rice, and just as good on a toasted roll.

So let me say this to all the locals, who likely don't stray too far from the "local cuisine" in this area: you are doing yourself a HUGE disservice by not going here and trying ANYTHING off the menu, which is deep with many different dishes.

The place is themed in Cuban adornments, from the wall paintings of old, '50's era US automobiles, to the bar which has stools that are actually LP conga drums that are mounted to the floor, and yes, they are completely tuned and playable. What an awesome design feature, especially for me, an avid lover of Cuban percussive music.

Hands down, the best addition to the dining scene downtown, or anywhere else in town, within the last 20+ years.

Viva la revolucion, and viva Habana Cafe!