Central Square is weird place. In both good and sometimes not so good ways.
Havana Club might be one of the weirdest spots within it. In the very best of ways.
No, seriously.
This Greek-American club by day turned Salsa Dance Club on weekend nights attracts such a fascinating variety of people. I mean who wouldn't be lured in by the folding tables and chairs, makeshift bars serving punch out of giant crystal bowl and potentially sketchy bathrooms?
Come early for the beginner, or intermediate (go you!) lesson. Stay 'til closing, or until your feet are literally raw from never getting to sit out a song. Ladies you will be asked to dance every song regardless of dancing skill. If you do manage to sit out a round, catch your breath, try not to eat all of the candy that they've put out on the table for you, and try not to get jealous of the moves of those super skilled salsa couples in the back corner. Remember to bring a bottle of water; and if drinking is on your evening agenda stop in beforehand at Green Street next store. You're going to want to skip the bar here Because of both the $10 watered downed drinks in plastic cups, and the reality that being buzzed does not make you a better dancer, even if it feels that way. But you'll be having too much fun to care.
Let me start this review by stating that I cannot dance. But I still do it. In fact, I enjoy looking silly by [ar]rhythmically undulating my limbs to and fro. Until visiting Havana Club, said dancing was at places that play Ke$ha, LMFAO, ODB (RIP), and so forth. Don't hate.
So, salsa. Personally, I enjoy a good medium heat mango/peach black bean salsa, but I'll certainly settle for one that is chipotle based. ZING.
Havana Club hosts the dance variety of salsa. Walking in, we were greeted by the friendliest doorman in the business and after walking up a few flights of stairs we paid the $12 cover to get in. On my left is a table with assorted bite-sized candies. Party time. We arrived promptly at 9 PM since their website indicated that n00b lessons begin then. The lesson eventually started at 9:20, which was fortunate because I was able to have a drink to loosen up. That's how adults stretch.
After learning some solo steps that even I could perform without face-planting, we partnered up and got all dancypants in our fancypants. One quantity of lulz later, and we were spinning mostly on axis and getting all caliente in each others' respective grilles.
Then 10:20 rolls by. The lessons end and I looked around and suddenly the room is at max capacity. I've never been in a dance joint with such an eclectic group of people. An entire spectrum of age, race, and gender was represented and all participants were happy to be there with one another. I was happy to be there with them. HUGS FOR EVERYONE.
After trying our newly acquired skillz within the primordial salsa soup, refreshments were in order and it was then that I was able to really appreciate how talented some of the patrons were. Wow. One drink, numerous handfuls of Cheetos (two different kinds!!!!1!) and undisclosable quantities of ganders later, we head back to the dance-floor. Regardless of talent level, no one was judging and everyone was there for a fun night.
After twirling more times than spinner rims on a 1991 Honda Civic, my first salsa attempt concluded. Great success.
not bad for a place to dance that offers an alternative to the "usual" club format out there: crowded (both at the bar and on the floor), illusionary long lines outside, pissy bathrooms inside.
yes, you still see single men lurking over trying to grab any opportunity to dance with a woman, but that's to be expected. Â at least the place (well, before we left at 11-something) wasn't crazy packed that one cannot walk by without rubbing off people's sweats. Â and i like that they actually offer free beginners lessons from 9-10pm so people don't feel intimidated. Â that's kudos to the club owner to include everyone!
at $12 admission, a bit steep but considering you get some free dance lesson, it's not too bad. Â drink price is $6-10 depending on what you're ordering; they have a pre-made bowl of sangria ($6), cocktails/mixed drinks ($9-10). Â water is listed at $3 for a tiny bottle so i was sucking on the ice from my fiance's drink. Â at least the bar didn't get too busy and the bartender actually tried to get MY attention so he could serve me.
their free "coat check", really isn't a "check". Â more like two large racks at the back of the club, find-your-own-hanger kind of deal, but at least it's there. bathroom i haven't used, so i don't know what the condition was like. in the main hall, there were tables and chairs along the walls, so people could sit if they're tired. Â a theater stage is in the front where the instructor demonstrate their moves, also housing the itune-generated music.
in all, this format feels more like those high school dance / xmas party kind of event, than a "club" that people go to get smashed/laid. Â it's a healthier dance club (i saw this couple in their 70s flipping and dipping better than all of us combined!), good, clean fun.
the people who work there (from bouncer downstairs, people upstairs) are friendly too. Â also there's a spread of free candies. Â who can beat that!
would consider going again and/or recommend to others!
p.s. parking is relatively easy too w/a gated lot two doors down. $1.50/hour, self-parking. Â we arrived at 9:30pm and were already on the roof top (having passed a few really tight spots in the lower levels)--still had plenty of space left, though. can't say how long before those other spots fill up!
I Â went to Havana last night. The hour class was very helpful and I will be back for more. Â By the time class ended it was full in there, and they swung right into the music. Â I really loved the crowd. It was very mixed in terms of age, race, and everyone was dancing with everyone else. With the exception of me and my uptight neurotic self ha ha, I offended one guy, and another persisted and I manage to get out on the floor twice even though I had zero clue what I was doing. I heard the sangria was awesome but I don't think they took cards so next time I will bring plenty of cash so I can get some drinks and loosen up a little bit. Â
The people watching is great, I've never seen so much white people with rhythm in my life. It was awesome. I saw some older guys and you would think they would be stiff, but no they really knew their stuff and were on beat to the music and weren't just doing the steps. Anyway this is the type of place with no judgment so even if you are lacking in rhythm and just like to dance you can still come here and feel good about dancing without anyone making fun of you. Also lots of guys so ladies there will be plenty of people to dance with, and really dance not just have some guy dry humping your backside.
Used to hate this spot, but now I love love love it thanks to that hot blonde bartender i think her name is Donna. She's funny, cool and makes the greatest drinks. As long as she's there, I'll continue to frequent the club. Love the large ballroom and all the people are so friendly, so if you want to dance with some good people, this is the best place to go.
Review Source:I've been going out dancing again more often this year. Â My previous reviews for this club still apply, nothing has really changed too much. Â I would like to comment on the price of drinks now though. Â They no longer serve free water since management has changed (in the last month or two), and they charge $3 for a tiny bottle of water, which is a total rip-off! Â Especially considering the high cover price that people pay for admission ($12 on Fridays, $15 on Saturdays). Â Ryles Jazz Club (which also has salsa nights) only charges $2 for about the same amount of water.
Other than that though, I still love it here and I'm going to keep coming out dancing! :D
Great place for dancers.
I'm not from Boston, but I would have had a hard time to find this place. It must be a dancer's secret - no sign on the door, just a little temporary sign that is put out at night. I guess it's an old warehouse/bldg that they use.
If you are a regular salsa dancer, then you will be fine. Lots of different styles and people to choose from. If you are a beginner or not sure how to dance, then I could see this place being a little intimidating. But definitely go for the lesson.
I took the intermediate lesson and learned some cool shines (fancy footwork) to work into my dancing.
Overall, I had a great time. I got a little annoyed with some guys who will say "no" to dancing with you until they see how good you are, but most people were very friendly. And people were from EVERYWHERE. I danced with guys from Florida, Venezuela, Colombia, Boston, and wherever else.
One last thing - GUYS, please ask girls to dance. Yes, Hurrah, women are independent, but we still like to be asked out on the dance floor.
If you love to Latin Dance, then this is the place to go! Â The music is HOT, HOT, HOT and the dancers are too! Â Not a great deal of guys counting steps here, quite a few dance "al ritmo" (to the rhythm), which is refreshing for a latin girl like me. Â And, of the ones who have been taking lessons, there are plenty of really good-looking ones who dance really well. Â I love it here!
The place is completely understated with a full bar at the back and a stage in the front. Â Occasionally they have a good latin band and usually play really good latin music from the dj booth. Â
Bring an extra shirt and something to tie up your hair because you are guaranteed to sweat if you come here. Â There's no place in Boston that can bring home Havana like the Havana Club. Â Great place!
What a fun place! I'm just sad it took me 3 years almost to come here.
I'll say it, I'm a disgrace. My teacher from back in college would have shook his head in shame and renounced me as his student. Ever. But god was it fun trying and failing. Mainly because there are people of all levels at this place! The front, near the stage, is where most of the experienced dancers are and as you keep going back you'll see the level of proficiency drop...sometimes like a rock. But that's the fun part of it. You get to see people having fun no matter what level they're at!
The crowd is really interesting as well. There are people of all ages, different backgrounds, and dancing levels. And the biggest thing is that everybody is almost here just to dance, not to hit on or pick up anyone. So it makes having fun so much easier :)
Gone are the days when I could tell LA style from NY style, but I can say that most of the night (I went on a Friday) is salsa. There were a few bachatas to give the crowd a bit of rest and one cha cha cha and one merengue for the time that I was there.
So after my friend and I had sufficiently failed and bumped into strangers, and apologized profusely to them, we decided to sit and see what the club looked like from the stage. It's a big room..one giant big room. With a bar on the side, cash only. A few tables on the other side, coat hangers, and that's it folks! Nothing fancy. But my god I've never been so mesmerized at seeing people dance. Great experience all in all and I definitely want to re-learn salsa!
Oh and they do offer classes around 9pm before the night really starts. Friday and Saturday are best nights! Give it a try - go with cash for the entry fee and drinks.
A few friends and I took our first salsa lesson years ago at the Havana Club. Â We went many, many times after that. Â The Havana Club has a totally different vibe than just about anywhere else in the area. Â Lots of fun to go to, and can be a great workout dancing the night away! Â Everyone there is so friendly...great way to meet people. Â I never got a sketchy vibe from any of the guys there. Â Most are really just interested in dancing, and not trying to pick you up like in most other places. Â I sometimes would take a first or second date to a salsa lesson for something different and to see early on what kind of rhythm he had ;)
There is a bar...but I learned to pass on it. Â Very little alcohol in the drinks, and I believe it's cash only. Â If you are looking to drink before or after, go to Cuchi Cuchi to get your drink on. Â Come to Havana for dancing!
I never had a problem with my coat or bag, but most people just put their stuff on tables and chairs, so keep an eye out for your belongings.
Unfortunately, there are relatively few places to truly dance in this town - sure, there are plenty of of douchy clubs, pick up joints and grindfests, but there are few places where people go to simply dance. Mostly salsa, but they also throw in merengue and bachata.
Havana Club is fortunately one of those simple dance joints. No show or pretension, Havana Club is filled with dancers of all demographics - old, young, pro and beginner. You can easily come by yourself and always get a dance partner - it's adorably old school - at every new dance, a new partner asks you on the floor. Some are amazing, some, well, not so much. But you improve your dance skills and (mostly) enjoy your dance.
I was told by one of the men there that I should free to ask the men to dance - I'd get twice as much floor time. However, I get dance offers left and right - any more dancing and I wouldn't be able to feel my feet.
It's true, I've been asked out by at least one guy each time I go, but generally, the crowd there just wants to dance. (And I have agreed to at least two dates, which I really can't complain about).
If you go at 9, you can get a lesson. The lessons aren't the necessarily best, but are often helpful and if you don't go regularly, are good to help you warm up/remember your steps.
Parking in the area isn't too bad, although a reasonably priced garage ($3-$5) is right night door and is generally the easiest, especially if leave late and you don't want a long walk back to your car.
There is a bar - although most people there aren't drinking, but dancing. I would recommend bringing in a bottle of water or two, although the last time I was there, there were pitchers of tap offered.
Only one complaint - There is a bit of show off crew that hangs out closer to the stage. Although they are great to watch, they often emit an attitude that you are crowding *their* dance floor. Ignore them. They only represent 3% of the floor - and there are still plenty of amazing dancers there that are happy to show you a step or two.
So this is a different kind of a club. You need cash for parking, entry to the club and the drinks. They teach basic salsa steps from 9 to 10 PM on fri and sat nights. And then from 10PM onwards it is all dancing!
Nice place to go if you want to do some good salsa dance to a good music.
Let's enter into a hypothetical situation where your salsa dancing friend is visiting from across the country and wants to go dancing. Organized dancing. Requiring coordination from both hands and feet. And another person.
Ok, don't panic, Havana is here for you.
Show up at 9 and mill around on Green Street for a bit, sketchily looking for the entrance, pay $12 (cash, thx) and prepare to DANCE! ...awkwardly. Clammy hands and painful toes are in your future and, if you're lucky, you'll maybe come out knowing how to execute a shoulder-displacing turn.
Then again, it could also go extremely well. After an hour lesson that covers the basic steps, as well as some advanced stuff, if you're so inclined, you're thrown into the fray of fancy footwork and gyrating hips. Salsa music is the norm with some meringue and bachata to mix it up. The dancers range from terrible to jaw-dropping, the people from I-was-dragged-here-with-my-girlfriend to interesting-choice-of-handlebar-moustache. As long as you have the mindset to have fun and learn a thing or two, you'll be just fine.
As for me, I've been back twice now and can now execute turns with my shoulder remaining firmly in socket.
Went there on a Saturday night for the first time and it is a good place if you want to have fun dancing. Music is good for Salsa and saw people who could  hardly dance to pretty good dancers.
Totally agree about the comment below about the owner being sketchy about IDs. This guy came over to us and asked the three of us to show IDs. He looked like a pimp the way he was dressed and was eager to see the ID of my friend. Out of so many people there he wanted to see only our IDs, and we don't even look below 21, unless we do and that's a compliment. There wasn't anything offensive about it, but highly unacceptable for targeting completely sober group of people hanging out. Taking a star out for that.
The drinks are ridiculous. Beers are good, 5$ for the regular beers, but other drinks were 10$! There was no tap water, and if you are doing Salsa, you ought to sweat and get thirsty. There is only 500ml bottled water for 3$ which is quiet steep for a limited bar. Bring your own water if you end up going here, plus its not a great idea to be tipsy if you want to do Salsa anyways.
15$ is a bit steep for a place like this with no proper bar( I want tap water), mediocre music. Good place for dancing and having fun. Had a good time doing the Salsa but I will want to try some place better next time.
Havana Club makes me happy! I first moved to Cambridge in September and I came to Havana Club a little frightened that I would make a fool of myself (not being a Salsa Dancer). My first experience was absolutely AMAZING, I cannot emphasize that enough. $12 dollars later, I was walking into the club and immediately got asked to dance. After a few dances and being breathless, I realized that the Havana Club was unlike any venue I had been to before. There were no age, race or shyness barriers. EVERYONE danced with EVERYONE and none of the men really tried to pick you up. Everyone was there to have a fun time, meet some new people and learn some sexy moves. Since that experience I have been back about half a dozen times and I get a little bit better every time.
Cons:
- "On-the-floor" coat rack (easily steal-able coats)
- Expensive watered-down drinks. $6 for watered down sangria.
- Only open till 1 AM.
My recommendation, come to Havana Club for the dancing!!!!!! And come early, they have a beginners and intermediate dance lesson starting at 9 PM!
Fun place to go dancing (esp salsa) at an affordable price.
Not really walking distance from campus but a short drive away.
They let under 21 yr olds in w/o ID which was pretty cool.
We didn't drink but we did have a wonderful time dancing on the 2nd floor.
Met some good dancers/ cool peeps.
They teach some basics classes,
there's a bar,
very social atmosphere, and plenty of chairs to sit in.
So what are you waiting for, get your dancing shoes on, get a partner and get on the dance floor!
Loved my first salsa club experience.
--- 1 hr class in a non-intimidating environment.: entry $12.
--- Suitable to all ages, levels. My mom had a blast and so did we!
--- Fun, fun fun without the icky club feel. People just wanna have fun and dance (except for that 65+ yr old man who keep hitting on me)
---Bar w/ decent prices - altho, I didn't notice much as I was having too much fun trying to dance.
Come one, come all. Come here, learn how to dance, burn a few calories and try something new on a Saturday night!
My fiance and I love this place! we've only been a few times, but every time we go we drag our friends because it's so much fun. You get a salsa lesson that gives you enough of the basics to have a GREAT time the rest of the night! Also they change up the basic class from week to week, so you can slowly build on what you've learned.
I have to say sometimes it's kind of intimidating being around some of the dancers there -- they're amazing! but once you get over yourself, you have a great time dancing the night away.
Also people there aren't shy, so if you're single you can still go and have a good time. People are happy to dance with anyone (even beginners)
So why 4 stars? relatively expensive bar drinks. if you're looking to be a little tipsy while you dance, I suggest a little pre-gaming.
Once in a while, you wanna go out and you don't really feel like getting fucked up, but you still wanna meet people. What to do, what to do??
HAVANA CLUB!!
It closed down for about two years and opened up again in 2009. Every Friday and Saturday night, they host a huge salsa party for $10-$15. And when I say huge, I mean at least 3,000 wooden square feet (or more). Lucky for you, they just got their air conditioner to work so it's definitely not as hellish as it used to get when they had a few industry size fans and an open window!
In the winter time, it's the best way to warm up, wear a cute tank, meet people and have respectful but sexy dancing without worrying about stupid ass drunks grinding on you (not including the occasional douche bag who doesn't 'get it' about 2% of the time). And in the summer, come in with your sexy shorts and tank top to get your dance on under that giant air conditioner. There's also a lesson an hour before the band or DJ starts.
Check it out, it's always a good way to get your dance on or just watch a lot of other people practice their sexy dance moves.
So I'm a regular at Havana, as according to my estimates 30%+ of the patrons are, and I keep coming despite the sweatiness of the atmosphere... (hey, I contribute to that as well... can't complain).
I don't take the lessons, but I do sometimes get there a bit earlier than usual. I sometimes feel it is my duty to guide some of the choreographically impaired beauties in their first salsa experience :P. Most people who come here often don't drink any alcoholic beverage, which is why despite the loyalty of their customers, you still have a cover charge of $12. But if you also take the lessons, it's like a bargain!
This is not a sketchy place at all. Very recommendable for women who are tired of the male grindness of mainstream clubs and, who knows, you may discover your passion for salsa here.
$15 bucks for lessons, and a whole night of partying....
I usually talk about bars, but a good thing Latin people have is that you don't have to drink to have fun and dance...
I've had SOooooo Many good times at Havana that it has become one of my favorite places. Â Not sketchy at all, and its really diverse.
I seriously recommend it to anyone looking for a good (out of the ordinary) date.
Keep up the good work.
So far I've only managed to get to Havana Club on odd Saturdays, when normally that whole crew is in the South End Saturday nights. But, every now and then the stars align, and both Havana Club Salsa and I end up in Central Square together to dance the night away.
As other reviewers have mentioned, the place is not swanky, but it's got the charm of middle-school cafeteria dances. Fake wood paneling, a little stage up front... but don't let appearances fool you. This is no middle-school dance, some of these guys mean business.
Part of the beauty of Havana Club, unlike some of the other venues I've been to in the area, is that there is truly a healthy diversity of dancers in the room, not the clique of ballroom competitors that can be anxiety-inducing elsewhere. There are the handful that you watch in awe, as they writhe and spin across the floor with amazing precision and calm; there are the guys (and gals) who have never been dancing before in their lives, and have an hour's lesson under their belts; and the room is filled to capacity with every possibility in between. The hour-long lesson at the beginning of the night (9pm) is a great way to get in the swing of things, and because it's broken into 2 levels (beginner and intermediate), it's definitely worth your while (unless you're one of those dancing gods, in which case we bow down to you). The only downside is that the "serious" dancing crowd shows up between 10 and 11:30, and if you start the night at 9 and aren't used to dancing much, you'll be getting tired just when the intermediate+ guys, full of fun tricks and complicated spins, start showing up.
In terms of cost, it's not a discount evening, but it won't break the bank. Entry is $12, and that includes the hour-long lesson if you come early. Sometimes there's even a dance show (last time there were belly-dancers)! Soda ($2) and water ($3) are not particularly cheap, but boy, are they necessary to keep you going throughout the night - as the crowd piles in, the sweat starts dripping and the heat keeps rising. Though they have beer and mixed drinks, I'm always afraid to get one because I have enough trouble keeping up with the better dancers sober - so I can't speak to their prices (or quality).
The music (mostly Salsa with a mix of merengue, cha-cha, and others) is great, the instructors friendly and gracious, and the crowd is a riot. If you're on the prowl, you can probably score a few connections (it's so much better than speed dating, I promise), and if you're just looking for a good time you can't go wrong. And there's always the hope that if you keep coming, one day you too will become a sexy salsa god(dess). You know you want it.
OMGooooodness. I went here on a Friday night with a bunch of girls. 9pm is an hour long lesson, broken into beginner and intermediate... the instructors are so helpful, they will even dance with you to help you get the steps down! With music, without music, again, do it again! It was so easy to pick up the basics! THen at 10pm, the club literally fills to the brim with people, all ages all races all shapes and sizes, some who can dance like pros, some who have never been before... and everyone in the room is so supportive. No judgement here!
It is $12 to get in, take an hour long lesson, and then dance the night away. Â I suggest this to anyone, and we will be back again this Friday... although I really wish I had some real dancing shoes.. (OUCH!).
Somewhere above the Greek American Club in Central Square exists a portal to another dimension full of friendly people... I don't know how else to explain the fact that I met more affable and socially well-adjusted strangers at the Havana Club than any other bar, party or night club in Boston, ever. Â This says a lot as I've been living here for 8 years now.
Salsa dancing is a great way to meet new people who aren't going to unwantedly grope you or try and slip roofies into your drink. The men there (mostly) just want to dance with you, I promise. And they will in a charmingly old fashioned way ask you to dance. If you are a girl you won't sit still all night, terrific if you are a beginner trying to learn.
The attitude here is very beginner friendly. There is a great beginner's lesson before the dancing starts.This is not to say that there aren't plenty of super skilled dancers there because there are and unlike in other salsa clubs, the advanced dancers will actually ask you to dance with them. They were totally patient about my abundance of left feet and seemed happy to show me some new moves.
My experience at Havana club totally redeems the only other salsa experience I've ever had, at an unnamed club where I learned two dance moves in a crappy lesson that I got tired of doing after like 5 minutes and spent the rest of the night sitting there with my equally inexperienced date watching the rock star salsa dancers strut their stuff as we were very clearly sent the message that we beginners were just taking up space on the dance floor.
I am now no longer traumatized by salsa dancing and would totally give it a try. If you want a 'tude free salsa experience, this is the place to be.
We went to Central Square on Friday night and had a blast! Â The lessons started around 8:15/30 with a big group rueda lesson (basically dancing salsa in a circle). Â It was very middle-school-dance like but as long as you can laugh at yourself, its a great time. Â The regular salsa lessons started around 9 with beginner or intermediate level (we did beginner for my sake). Â This was also great fun and the time seemed to fly by. Â For rueda, you will switch partners often but with salsa you can stick with whoever you came with. Â Both are fine -- come with an open mind and be ready to just enjoy yourself.
Around 10pm the lessons are over and the DJ plays latin music until 1am. Â The dancing is great and the people-watching is even better. Â Whenever your feet need a rest you can sit by the side and watch some really amazing dancers.
Leave your inhibitions at home and you are bound to have a ton of fun. Â There were the most beginning of beginners here up through basically professionals, so wherever you are you'll be in good company.
Tip: bar is cash only, $7 for (pretty strong) mixed drinks, $3 soda, not sure about beer.
This place is a true gem- I hope at attain some semblance of dancing ability, as up until now I danced as well as Ernest Borgnine falling down a flight of stairs-
But thus far I've visited Havana Club for 2 consecutive Fridays- and found the Salsa lessons highly informative, enjoyable and fun!
Slowly but surely I'm picking up the foundations of Salsa dancing.
It's really a lot of fun- and don't be shy, you'll be dancing with everyone.
I will try and be there every friday, so hopfully by this time next year I'll be able to say I can really dance, as opposed to looking like a clueless  oaf on the dance floor.
Havana Club is a great go-to place for dancers. Â
On Friday nights in Central Square there is a mix of people of different skill levels and ethnic backgrounds dancing to DJ music that reminds me of Ryles in Inman Square. Â It is a good crowd and good fun and I would give it four stars. Â
On Saturday nights at a converted church in Boston the place is pulsing with live music and more of a latin crowd. Â This is the five star night! Â The skills of the band and the dancers are amazing. Â It is fun to go up to the balcony and just watch for awhile, then head back down to the dance floor to try out some of the moves I've just seen. Â
The people are friendly to new comers and are focused much more on dancing than on finding the next conquest. Â On Friday night there are a couple of sketchy old guys who have wandering hands, but once you figure out who they are you can avoid them or at least be firm about making sure their hands stay in appropriate places.
There is a good dance floor in both locations. Â Please bring your dance shoes so we can keep it that way.
On Friday night there is a parking garage on Green St. that is only a few doors down. Â The place is rather unassuming, has almost no signage and is up on the 2nd floor. Â Just follow the people carrying dance shoe bags to find it.
On Saturday night the street parking in Boston is a bit tricky. Â They run a shuttle to a parking lot that is about a mile(?) away. Â I haven't managed to figure out where to catch the shuttle, so I hoof it.
You want a swanky club with LED lighting where Busch-light doused guys in striped American Eagle button-down shirts grind on you, this ain't it.
The bulk of the crowd here is here to dance, and can do it pretty well. I love that they have a live band instead of a DJ most nights, and in my experience, the band tends to be good at feeling the crowd out and keeping the music varied over the course of the night. Expect to sweat, wear your derrière right off, and have your face hurt from smiling so much.
That said, if you're a beginner, the Tuesday nights at Ryles or Wednesdays at An Tua Na might be better bets since they have more of a lesson, and less of the club-atmosphere that Havana Club has.
Havana Club can work too, but I'd say definitely go to the lessons beforehand -- they're worth it, and make a difference once the open dancing begins. And even at this point, unless you really can't dance or don't believe in deodorant, the regulars tend to be willing to help you learn as you're dancing with them -- granted this might be a gender-dependent experience. But hey man, you want me to swallow all associated connotations and let you "lead," you better know how.
Smoking, smoking, smoking!
This review is not for Friday night at Central sq, but for Saturday night at Jose Fernandez Cultural Center in South End.
Croatian salsa instructor is not only smoking dancer but also great teacher. We often take it for granted but greater performer and greater teacher often fail to come in one package. But he is great teacher and it's even easy for dittzy guy like me to get all those moves he teaches.
Dance party after the lesson is also something I really admire about. The salsa band was not smoking... but burning!!! Pardon me for being a music snob(sorry, I can't help it because I went to music school), but their chemistry and passion sound so strong that I can literally feel that heat of their sound.
Well... scientifically sound alone cannot cause the heat, but it definitely gets me moving on that very tempting groove.
Although they said you don't need a partner, (especially for guys) it's more enjoyable if you bring a partner who has just about same skill set as you or who wouldn't mind that you are novice/beginner. I don't know if I could enjoy this much if I didn't have my friend(partner) with me. (FYI, I label myself "eternal beginner" and want to break out of that cocoon.)
Lastly, the reason I have been enjoying this lately was that I found it as the great way to stay sober and to get an extra exercise done on Saturday night. They do serve liquor but I honestly(and naturally) have urge of water than booze while I am dancing. And it helps me wake up better next morning. It's a win-win and -win!! (1st win = staying sober, 2nd win = waking up better following morning, 3rd win = having fun!)
For $10 on a Friday night, you can come to the Havana Club and learn beginner salsa moves, and then cut a rug until midnight. I wish it were open a little later on Fridays, but it is a great deal!
Saturday nights are fun too, with a live salsa band, salsa lessons, and Latin and salsa dancing until 2am. No need to bring a partner. Just enjoy the whorish nature of the beginner salsa class, where they will encourage you to dance with multiple partners and change often, to get a sense of many different styles. Once the lessons are over, dance with whoever you want. Especially for the ladies, you'll have your choice of men.
The place attracts all different levels, so feel free to come with no skillz at all, but there are plenty of more experienced dancers there too for those who want to show off their more advanced moves. Just have fun with it! Sure, it's not the most glamorous place, with its makeshift bar and coat racks in the middle of the room. But it's functional, and good clean fun. Bring some friends and learn to salsa! It's sexy.
This used to be my place. The really hot guy who teaches on Friday nights was my private instructor and he is awesome and great to look at. This is a place solely for gringos who can't dance. There are a few people who are really good but mostly it is so crowded with people who suck the people like me can't have fun. There was a period where they started being weird about ID's and the drinks are overpriced. The owner is this poser who can't dance and spend the whole night acting like he is taking pics but he is really chasing around the pretty girls so he can hit on them. Lame. I stopped going. If you really want to learn to dance check out the clubs frequented by a mostly latin clientele. The men would love to teach you to dance hahah ;) ONLY OPEN FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
Review Source:I'll preface this by saying that I'm NOT a dance club person. Though I like to go out for dinner and drinks, I'm not into the head-pounding, ears-ringing, overcrowded, overheated club scene full of drunk college kids. Luckily, Havana Club is far from "that" type of club. It's a more mature audience (I'd guess 50% 30-somethings, and 25% each of the 20's and 40's crowds). The atmosphere is more like an old-school ballroom than a techno nightclub.
The 2 hours of salsa dance lessons on a Friday night are a fun, active, educational and low-key way to spend the evening, followed by a whole night of salsa music and dancing. No experience required, which is great. By oneself, with friends or with a dance partner, it seems like a good time is had by all.
Get there early or you'll be standing in line outside waiting to get in (at least on the Friday I was there, in early February). I didn't sample the free burritos or buy any drinks, but those who did seemed to be enjoying them. And the parking garage next door is cheap and convenient...huge bonus in Cambridge!
I'm inspired to take regular salsa lessons so I can enjoy the Havana Club even more next time.
!Salsa! Â not the kind you eat but the kind you dance! Â It's all Salsa at Havana Club - you'll get strange looks if you try busting out the pony or top rocking (like I embarrassingly did).
Friday night starts with 2 hours of solid lessons which is great if you were born with the endemic caucasian affliction of white man's groove.  After learning the basics and a little bit of flavor, expect to salsa with lots of strangers, most of whom are there just to dance rather than booty grind for three songs before making an awkward "invitation."  Refreshing really. . .  Take a moment to people watch and you'll observe some really amazing  artisans spice up the dance floor.
Drinks were just a little expensive. Â Stick with Corona or just get high on salsa for the night.
I've learned more from one night of dancing at havana club than a semester-long class of intro to salsa and merengue at my school. Granted that it helps to know SOME basic steps, but you really feel like a professional dancer here! The atmosphere is superb. Unlike any other club, there is no pressure of meeting people to hook-up or anything like that; people are just here to dance. The funniest thing is that I always find the old creepy-looking guys to be the best dancers!
There's a $12 charge so you might as well get your night's worth by being here from 8-2. 8pm beginning lessons, 9pm intermediate lessons. Club starts from 10pm-2am. Between 1am-2am, the place starts dying down and it's mostly just bachata.
There is a bar but the drinks are not the focus at all. I have seriously not come out of havana disappointed. What a great place!
Just went here last night for the first time and had to rave about it! Â I'd been sad that Boston seemed to be just a strong bar scene with few places to really bust a move...until I went here. Â Granted, you've gotta be down with the salsa, merengue, and bachata and the willingness to pay $12 cover. Â (I've been spoiled in Houston--fair number of places to dance to live salsa music with drink special and I've never paid cover.) Â But people who come for the love of dance don't tend to want to mess up their coordination, so I understand the need to charge to pay rent. Â And there were plenty of $2 water bottles for sale so they are definitely creating a welcoming atmosphere for dancers. Â
As for logistics on a Friday night here: Â some MIT kids teach rueda at 8:30, another group teaches basic salsa at 9:30 and then there's open dancing to a dj starting at 10:30. Â The dance floor is huge, there had to have been 300-400 people there, all different skill levels dancing. Â People were friendly and considerate, willing to teach and learn. Â Music was almost all salsa, with a little merengue and bachata mixed in, and one Shakira song. Â Floor clears up a lot around 12:30 when the last red line subway leaves Central Square. Â So splurge for a cab or make friends with someone with a car because there's a lot more room to dance and how off after that! Â I didn't give 5 stars because of the dj'd music, as opposed to a live band. Â However, Saturday nights have a live band so I'll have to come back then!
"You dance like a horse." Â This opinion, dropped unmaliciously but matter-of-factly at a friend's graduation party in the tail end of my high school days, effectively ceased the possibility of any future dancing in my life. Â I've been table or wall-bound at every party and wedding since, living in fear of further equine comments, until my recent company Holiday Party where, suddenly, I said what the hell and, for better or worse, tore up the dance floor. Â Ah booze, you delicious motivator.
Apparently, someone at the party thought I had potential, cause the next thing I knew I was invited to salsa lessons at that most unlikely sounding venue, the Greek American Political Club in Central Square. Â There, for $12, every Friday at 9:30pm, a couple calling themselves Salsa y Control take the stage and give hopeless cases like myself the confidence necessary to try and grasp this rhythmic movement thing. Â And it works. Â In fact, the space has the perfect size, amount of light, and turnout of others who seem very much in my boat, or should I say, stable. Â I was never self-conscious or concerned when I messed up. Â It helped that I went with friends, but there were some singles who were paired up as well, so don't be shy to fly solo here.
Did I get it? Â No; like horseback riding or learning to drive stick, it takes time. Â But this definitely seems the right place to try and try again. Â Plus, after the lessons, a multitude of dancers from amateur to advanced take the floor, and the crowd seemed much more fun than sketch. Â I saw this one guy, who looked like Paul Giamatti with glasses, dance with 3 different lovely single women. Â He's my new hero. Â There is a full bar, but take it from me--you'll probably learn more sober, so save inebriety for The Field down the street.
Although the Havana Club rents out space in the building where it's located, which is usually the Greek American Political Club, I feel it needs its own thread so more people can hear about it.
On Friday and Saturday nights, (and Mondays during the summer), they offer salsa lessons, which are good for dancers of any level.
I went on a Friday night with my boyfriend and best friend, and we loved it. Â We're all recent college grads, but the age range is pretty big. Â The group of people is really diverse, with new dancers, people looking to show off their skills, older couples, groups of friends going out for the night...etc.
Friday night lessons will set you back $12. Â Rueda lessons start at 8:30, salsa lessons start at 9:30, and at 10:30 there's s dj spinning salsa, with the occasional bachata or cha cha song. Â Get there early to get your money's worth! Â The salsa lesson splits up halfway through, so if you already know the basic steps you can join the intermediate group.
It's totally non-pretentious, which is the best part. Â It's always crowded, but not suffocating, and people seem to be there to dance and have fun. Â My single friend was never sitting for lack of a dance partner, and people are eager to dance with you even if you don't totally know what you're doing. Â Nobody is going to laugh at you for having white-girl rhythm (which is my main problem.)
The ambiance is really nice, with tables sprinkled with candy, and well-worn wooden floors for dancing. Â There's also free burritos!
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