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.
Review Source: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!
Both times I have eaten at Habana Cafe, I have ordered on the food court side of the Market Building - so I have never been in the other side of the restaurant. However, it seems to be crowded on the weekends and appears to have already become a popular late night spot for people downtown. There also usually seems to be a good crowd enjoying their patio seating that is available.
I have been very impressed with the two meals I've had from Habana Cafe. On my first visit, which was during lunch, I ordered the special of the day - a pork stew with large chunks of meat that had been slow cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and various spices. The special came with two sides and a drink and I ordered the black beans & rice and green plantain chips. I enjoyed everything on the plate. The pork was incredibly tender, juicy, and full of flavor and I loved being able to mix it with the beans and rice. The plantain chips were fresh and crunchy and not too sweet - I hate sweet plantains.
I had a similar experience for dinner last night. This time, instead of having a pork stew, I ordered chicken that had been slow cooked with potatoes, tomatoes, and white wine. I stayed loyal to the same two sides because I had enjoyed them so much the first time. Again, the meat was so tender it simply fell off the bone and it was full of great flavor. The flavors of meat when it has been slow cooked is a reminder of how good food can taste when you give it time to marinate and cook. I've never had a home-cooked cuban meal, but I'd imagine it would taste something like this. Suffice to say, I cleaned my plate both times - and for around $8.50, it was a reasonably priced plate to enjoy.
Part of what makes Habana Cafe cool is the fact that everything seems to be truly authentic. The owner, who is Cuban, took the time the design the restaurant himself. He hired his friends and family, who are also Cuban, and that is part of what makes the food so genuine. It is real Cuban cuisine being prepared by people who have grown up making and eating Cuban food. And if places like this continue to succeed, the food scene in the Roanoke Valley looks very bright.
As far as I can tell, this seems to be the only Caribbean (and when I say "Caribbean", I'm talking about Cuban/Dominican/Puerto Rican) restaurant in downtown Roanoke, and it's a good one. My wife and I, who both grew up with Caribbean food, went there for dinner. I got the Churrasco Steak and my wife the Roast Pork. We read the only other review right after ordering and were worried about the decision to order pork, but it turned out well. The pork was neither dry nor tasteless. In fact, I'd say it was well seasoned and moist. Maybe the previous reviewer was there on an off day, or maybe they've improved their pork dish. The steak was also well seasoned and not dry. We ordered the rice/beans side, along with sweet plantains and tostones, both of which were good. The portions were on the large end of the scale, so we're glad we didn't order any appetizers. Overall, this place serves decent Latin food and has a good atmosphere (the drum barstools were a nice touch) and, while it might not necessarily stand out if it were in, say, Miami, it's the only one of its kind in Roanoke. The service was also friendly and prompt. We'll definitely be back if we're in Roanoke again and feel like eating Caribbean food.
Review Source:Awful. Went here based on a friend's recommendation, and found absolutely everything to be below par. My husband and I both ordered pork dishes, a Cuban specialty when done right, but both found it to be dry and tasteless. After a bad stomach ache from the food, I told our friend of our experience, who informed me that the pork was "iffy". I've heard better things about other menu items, but plan on keeping my distance from this disaster in the future.
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