If you haven't made it to the Ocho bar at Hotel Havana, you must get there! It is kind of tough to find, but Navigation is your friend and worth it to find this place. They have patio seating which at night is so nice. We also had a chance to check out the "underground" bar (which you need to go down if you use their restrooms :) Gerald was our bartender and he was quite friendly and made us some great drinks. I had a Cosmo, and this was a good one. Also, when we made it out to the patio with some friends they were having a Hemingway party so the Hemingway daiquiris and their margaritas (rocks) were $5. they were both very good. The daiquiris were a little sweet and the margarita was light and refreshing. Perfect for a summer evening on the patio. What a great night! I keep telling more and more people about this place it really is fantastic!
Review Source:Excellent find! Kind of trendy and more of a bar or pub than a restaurant, but a beautiful ambiance with a location right on the water. The food was delicious and well prepared. Drinks were tasty & refreshing. Casual but attentive wait staff who were helpful describing the menu items. Would definitely eat there again if I'm ever in San Antonio.
Review Source:The atmosphere at this place is awesome. We like to sit outside. I wish I could describe the food better, but I had a couple of those Santiago Painkillers. Don't worry about the nutmeg, this cocktail is as balanced as a Wallenda: mine, however was seriously compromised after finishing a couple of these smooth concoctions. I accidentally wandered into the hotel tavern looking for the bathroom . . .spooky. Stick to the open air patio where it's well lit. I'm not sure what goes on in that other place.
Review Source:Recently visited San Antonio and stayed in Hotel Havana upstairs. Â Compared to the touristy riverwalk, Ocho is really quaint and swanky, in a good way. Â It's dark and romantic and I loved that there were a bunch of small seating areas. Â Drank a glass of wine, and it was a great relaxing ending to a fun night.
Review Source:This is a relatively quiet place with a nice view of the river inside Hotel Havana. Â I popped in with my BF and two friends on a Saturday afternoon of bike riding around the city and doing a bit of day drinking. Â This place was super convenient because Hotel Havana has a B-Cycle dock in their parking lot. Â
So, we popped in, hoping to go to the bar, but it wasn't open yet. Â When we heard the bar was closed, the concierge recommended we check out Ocho and I'm glad we did. Â
Service was great. Drinks were tasty. Â Decor was beautiful. Â Really enjoyed the natural light. Â
I'd love to go back for food with just my BF. Â Seems like a nice romantic place to kick off a date night. Â :)
So I was staying on the River Walk for a conference and a colleague and I decided to venture to something different for dinner. Â I wouldn't advise walking (at least from the convention center), especially at night because you go through maybe not the best streets to get there. Â As we walked up we accidentally went into the hotel, but they were super friendly and directed us to the restaurant.
The food/ drinks here were a bit pricey, but I would say worth it. Â I read someone elses review and completely AGREE with them that you must order the chorizo queso. Â The restaurant is very quirky with a romantic quiet feeling to it. It was a week night and a little late, so there weren't very many people, but there were enough to show that we made a good decision coming here. Â Both my friend and I had seafood entrees which were both fresh and tastey. Â Also, although expensive, I would try at least one of their signature cocktails. Â I wasn't sure what to get so I asked our waiter and he made really good suggestions.
All around, and interesting place to eat. Â It may not be for everyone because its so different, but if you're into trying new foods and different dinner atmospheres, then give this place a try.
This is a hidden gem, love the locale, love setting out on the patio listening to live music. Â I like very much that they do offer live music for their patrons. Â The decor is plush, swank and they have some of the strongest drinks I've ever had! Â BAM! Â Nice, friendly service as well. Â I'll be back.
Review Source:Really? A place like this exists? Yep, sho does!
We took a vacay to SAT in April and my BF found this place on yelp our first night. We walked there from the Valencia Hotel and it really wasn't a bad walk. Ocho is located in the Havana Hotel and it's quite discreet. Beautiful setting, beautiful decor...it really transports you. It was a Friday night and not crowded at all. A few tables here and there spread out really let for a romantic night. Thinking about it now, I wish I was back there.
So we started our meal with the Chorizo Con Queso and let me tell you, this was ooey, gooey, melty, spicy goodness! The BEST we have ever had ANYWHERE!
BF got the Havana Cubano torta and he was very pleased. I had the Hanger Steak A La Plancha and it was Amazing! The green sauce that comes with it really adds to it, unlike anything I've had. The dipping sauce for the potatoes is really buttery..alomost mayonaise like. I wasn't too fond of it. We had wine with dinner which paired well.
After dinner we went to the Havana Bar, downstairs from the restaurant and let me tell you....I wish I could move in! The ambiance is truly breathtaking, dark, sexy and inviting. I so wish there was a place like this on LA, but then i don't because it would be over run by hipsters. In the Bar and restaurant they have lovely afro-cuban music in the background with sets the tone.
While in the bar I had 2 cocktails, BEWARE! If you're a light weight do not order these, they will put you on your booty....quick! I had the Martinique Punch which was pretty and nice and fruity but deadly and then I tried the Santiago Painkiller on a recommendation and it is completely lethal!
Definitely a GEM, and a must visit when in SAT.
I really wish I could give it 5 stars, but out waiter was a totally jerk. For the place not being busy at all, he totally ignored us. He would pass  us by to get to another table and totally dis us. We had to go to the bar to get anything we wanted to needed. The bartender asked us if we had a server and said yes, described and he said "oh, I see" like if that guy was know for that. I'll give him the benefit of the doubt and hope it was just a bad night for him.
I first visited Ocho in April with my husband and baby girl - the setting was very "sex in the city" but welcoming for a young hip family too. The water was attentive and not pushy and the food was unique and tasty. My husband wishes he had got a unique dish instead of the hamburger. I recently went with a girlfriend who had not been to San Antonio river walk in 18 years. She was so impressed and happy with this place. I had the same waiter (good sign) and the atmosphere was hoppin'. Despite the groups there and the fact it was a Friday night, we could still talk comfortably and enjoy the food and drinks at our own pace. I plan on going back and sharing this experience with more family and friends.
Review Source:The Cuban sandwich is awesome. Â I get to bring my dog which is also a huge plus as this is my first stop normally in San Antonio and she has spent a couple hours in the car driving over for Houston. Â My wife had the chicken salad which was not what she expected, but I tried it and it was awesome. Â The meat is smoked and then something else is done to it. Â Back to the Cuban, Â all of the meat is well cooked. Â It is kind of oozy so be careful. Â I did not have a mojito this time, but they are awesome.
Review Source:Wow. We just had an incredible experience at Ocho! We're we really there for 4.5 hours? Yes, we were. Good thing parking was free!
We started out in the sunroom upstairs. Â We each ordered margaritas, and they were the best ones I've had in ages. A little spicy, not too sweet, I mean they were perfect. Gabe made them. Â Gabe also recommended a fried egg to top our Havana Papas Bravas which were to die for! The fried egg on top was definitely worth the $2, what a great recommendation!
Next, we headed downstairs to the darkest bar I have ever been to. It is an underground bar lit up by red candles, and Hector, the bartender, is THE man. Don't order off the menu. He is an absolute cocktail artist/genius and you should let him work his magic! He made a tequila-ginger water-orange liqeuer-blueberry creation for me, and a gin martini for hubby. I hate gin. I loved this. He only uses Hendrick's gin, which he says even gin-haters love, and he was right as far as I am concerned! The atmosphere down there is fantastic, other than the old couple making out in the back...
Back upstairs for dinner time. I had the salmon, which I thought was phenomenal, and then I tried hubby's hangar steak, which changed my frame of reference. Â One thing...steak came with fries. We would have asked to substitute with something else if we knew (it was probably on the menu, maybe we missed it). Anyway, fries were still good.
I ordered Gabe's "Italian margarita", which had a distinct taste, after-taste, and after-after-taste. It really was a great drink. Â When our bill came, and I realized it was $18, I tried not to dwell on that since it was so good, but be warned. I typically wouldn't spend that much on a drink.
For dessert we split the banana bread. I'm starting to get embarrassed about admitting to this much eating/drinking on a public forum. I don't even like bananas. Hubby loves them and loves dessert, so I conceded. I scarfed down my half in no time. The pecans were the icing on the cake, so to speak.
Back downstairs for the grande finale. Hector made me a Cavendar, a vodka and champagne cocktail with an orange twist that he invented for his upcoming bartender competition that's coming up next week. It will win. Hubby had the "Mann-hector", which was a "special" manhattan that Hector invented. Great whisky cocktail. We made some friends at the bar and stayed out way too late for a Monday night.
Overall, I could not have chosen a better way to spend my last night out on my 3 week stay in San Antonio. And we've been all over the place. I wish we would have discovered Ocho sooner, but we will definitely be back next time we are in the area!
Absolute A+ for ambience. Â This place is super cute & I wish I had a similar area at home or nearby to chillax in. The service was pretty good but then again we were the only ones there at the time which was late on a Sunday night.
 Unfortunately the food rated as a C +.  It  just wasn't as good as I was expecting.  We ordered the Cuban which looked nothing like the pics here where it looks pretty hearty.  My husband was like where's the meat?  We also ordered fish which we thought would be the whole fish but ended up being a really small piece. Some of the chips in the salsa platter were chewy & soggy. The salsas were also way to spicy for us. I'm thinking that maybe the food wasn't great because it was late on a Sunday & the kitchen staff were ready to go.  Also I was disappointed because they usually have sangria but did not that night.
 I would definitely go back for atmosphere and to try the food at a regular meal time.  Unfortunately I won't be back in San Antonio any time soon.  I wish we had a place with similar ambience closer to home.
One of the best Brunches in San Antonio! Â My husband and I work Downtown Saturday and Sunday mornings and are always looking for a fun and tasty place to have brunch. Â The atmosphere at Ocho is perfect. Â There are indoor and outdoor dining options and its located on a quiet section of the River Walk. Â The waitstaff was friendly, knowledgable of the menu, and provided fabulous service. Â Can't wait to come back.
Review Source:The food is not all good here. However, the sangria is pretty good and I was given a sample beforehand.
I read on their website that there are two levels to this establishment. I was situated on the upper level, "conservatory" looking space which honestly awed me on that beautiful San Antonio day. They were playing a good mix of jazz and other rich, soft music. It is on a quiet part of the riverwalk which was a plus and gave a serene kind of feeling. I highly recommend anyone in the area to jump on this place for some cocktails at least once if you enjoy a beautiful space.
Ocho is a Little Havana unto itself. Tucked in the Hotel Havana, it's got the quiet, relaxed, trendy vibe of the northern section of the Riverwalk. They allow well behaved dogs out on the patio overlooking the river.
Service is laid-back, but I wouldn't classify it as poor since they do keep the libations and water fresh. Speaking of libations, they're fantastic - especially the Trace of Cin - bourbon, lemon, with a bit of grapefruit. Use it to off-set the richness of the Cuban sandwich, which has gooey cheese, smokey pulled pork, and thick cut ham. I've also been treated to the posole - a traditional, delicious variation. Again, the pork just falls apart from being so tender. The chopped salad is fresh and light. The only critique - I asked for chicken on the salad...and got pulled barbecue chicken. A little odd, but it was spicy and savory nonetheless.
Food is great! Soooo addicting! I went once and can not stop, even the coffee! My recommendations are breakfast: Toasted Jo's Banana Bread or Plantain Griddle Cakes. Lunch/dinner:Havana Cubano...can you say Yummmmmm. And the fries are so great they are made in house. Hope you enjoy like I do!!
Review Source:this is not  a real cuban restaurant-- I know I am cuban-- This is more a cocktail place than a restaurant-- way over priced for the portions you get-- tostones for $6?  really?  I would not go here to be satisfied, but if you want to drop $11 on a glass of wine -- knock yourself out..
Never going back here again-- way over priced and trying too much to resemble cuban-- did a poor job of it...
What a gorgeous and interesting space! Beautifully designed, greenhouse-esque room which opens out onto the river. Bright and interesting furniture, including some plush chairs outfitted with horns.
We ate breakfast there twice, and I would say stick with the cuban inspired meals. The cubano was absolutely fantastic- orange marinated pork over ham. The choriza torta was delicious as well. Straight up eggs and home fries are a bit boring. Nice spicy bloody mary.
Service is friendly but a bit clumsy, especially considering the place was nearly empty both times.
Very cool little atrium bar along the Riverwalk. This little hideaway is connected to the Havana Hotel, which is a small boutique hotel in a quieter part of the river. This place offers a full bar and food including appetizers, salads and sandwiches. They occasionally have live music, including somewhat big names like Alejandro Escovedo. Expect to pay downtown prices here but enjoy the view and atmosphere.
Review Source:Devoured my food before I had a chance to take a picture! The waiter told me I wouldn't be able to think of a word to describe how amazing my food was, he was right. Truly... SPENDIFEROUS! Do yourself a favor and eat the banana bread french toast any way you can get it, as a desert or breakfast!!!
Review Source:We had such an amazing time here. Even though I never went to Cuba pre-Castro, this is what I imagined it would be like. Excellent drinks, great service and an amazing atmosphere. I saw many couples here and I would definitely recommend it for dates. The location is so romantic, just by the Riverwalk and in what seems to be a really antique building. Also the food was delicious. We ordered several plates from the snacks menu and enjoyed all of them. The waiter was friendly and did what he could to make our meal a good experience. I could not recommend it highly enough!
Review Source:Stop by for a margarita at this bar and restaurant. Â The parking here is free and a good start to walking around the area and the Alamo and Riverwalk areas.
You park at the hotel parking lot for free and come around to the front of the hotel and to the left is the entrance to the restaurant. Â I got here in the late morning time and sat down and quenched my thirst with of their margaritas which I was told was among the best along the RiverWalk.
Situated in the non-touristy part of the RiverWalk, if you don't like crowds, this would be the place to "get away from it all." Â I was too full to order from the menu, but from what I was told, everything on their gourmet-latin-fusion menu was very good. Â
Service was OK and not too friendly. Â The restaurant has a casual-upscale-trendy feel.
Pretty sure this underground bar was the inspiration for Blade. The upstairs part is quite different but holds it's own charm. Made me feel like I was in Miami in the 40's. Glass walls looking over a secluded part of the riverwalk, trendy refinished furniture and a nice option of cocktails (and topo chico which could have very well given this place an extra star for me). The food was just so-so for us but we went for breakfast, would be willing to try lunch. All in all I really enjoyed how it wasn't super touristy and brought some "austin character" to the SA riverwalk.
Review Source:I came here for a quick lunch before hitting a trade show, and I do NOT regret it! Ocho is situated behind Hotel Havana and is overlooking the riverwalk. BEAUTIFUL. The decor was amazing, and I can imagine how awesome this place would be at night.
I ordered the Tostones and Havana Cubano sandwich. The tostones were perfectly fried with just the right amount of plaintain flesh inside. The garlic aioli was amazing. I could eat 3 servings of those for lunch alone. The cubano sandwich was also amazing. The pork had good flavor, and the mixture of meats together was just so delicious. I liked the chips on the side, but they weren't too memorable.
I will be back!!!
If ever there was a hidden gem, it's the Ocho Lounge at the Hotel Havana. And where to start...
The ambience at Ocho is like stepping into a small lounge in Havana pre-Fidel. Or what I assume would be pre-Fidel since my reference point is The Godfather, Part 2. A small area conservatory that looks as if it was a recent addition overlooks a portion of the famed River Walk and features colorful velvet-covered banquettes and easy chairs along with a smattering of small tables. The area lends itself to romantic dinner for two. The slightly jazzy Cuban background music is an addition and not a distraction. Maybe late at night the noise level is up. But for early evening diners or drinkers the Ocho strikes a lovely balance and conversation does not require shouting.
Service on our many visits ranges from exceptional to awesome. If you stop in and Ray or Hector is working you can expect attentive service sans the hovering that can occur. All staff have been very good so it may be a bit unfair to just mention two.
The Ocho Lounge has a small but excellent selection of wines and beers. It it the only venue we have found that carries my husband's favorite Mexican beer, Victoria. The wine selection lets you know you the bottle you picked up at Walgreen's on Navarro really is a bottle of plonk.
A small but interesting menu has many choices that are wonderful and generous. For diners whose appetites are not huge sharing a chopped salad and the fantastic Cubano will more than suffice. A combination of a couple of offerings from the snack (think tapas) menu provides another excellent meal.
In short, this is a venue that deserves a large following. But one that hopefully will not be so large that finding a table on our next visit to San Antonio is not a major challenge,.
Thank You Yelp. I saw a review for this place and just had the best Cubano sandwich ever, even better than any in Miami. I loved it, particularly the slightly unusual pulled pork, which was crispy and very well seasoned. Â Beyond the amazing sandwich, the fries were crispy and the setting was great. The place looks like it has a great vibe at night. Loved it.
Review Source:Full disclosure. Â I grew up in Miami and know what a Cuban sandwich should taste like. Ocho has hit a homerun with thiers. They actually use pulled pork instead of the traditional sliced, but I think it makes for a better sandwich. Also love the fries...crispy and tasty.
The service was very good. Â The restaurant was pretty empty so we had multiple servers taking care of us and they were all great.
Finally, love the vibe at Ocho. Â My wife and I chose it for date night and it was a nice romantic setting. Â It was also relaxed and friendly...and just enough off the beaten path to be non touristy.
Do yourself a favor and get.down there soon!
My boyfriend and I found this place on Yelp, and it definitely lived up to its stellar reviews! We went for dinner, and liked it so much that we went to a concert and then came back for drinks at the bar.
Major points for atmosphere-- every aspect of the design has been thoroughly thought out, and it's just a fun place to be.
It's also a fantastic location-- off the beaten path, but still right on the Riverwalk so you can head further downtown after dinner. Free parking is a major plus (hard to find downtown!)
Our food and drinks were fantastic, and our waiter went out of his way to make sure we were comfortable.
I'm sure I'll be returning to Ocho many times!
The side entrance to the left of Hotel Havana makes Ocho a little hard to find. It's a pretty intimate place with circa1920's style couches and seats. You get that feeling that you are standing in someones living room. Dim lighting and  the close, luxurious seating give Ocho a very swanky vibe and positions the place for great conversation.There are floor to ceiling windows that make for an interesting view of the riverwalk at night.
The drink menu is a bit limited but the bar tenders seem knowledgeable enough to make whatever you have in mind. I had the Santiago Pain Killer which was strong but tasted great. Check this place out if you are in the area and want to relax with a quality drink.
My husband and I stayed in San Antonio for a few days for our anniversary and we ended up eating at Ocho twice. The gorgeous floor to ceiling glass windows and French chic lounge was already more than enough to make us want to go there, but I have to say I had the BEST burger of my LIFE here. No joke. And I am always on the hunt for good burgers.
This place is a quaint and beautiful romantic setting, but I was a little annoyed by the group of middle aged drunk women next to us yelling and gossiping the entire night. It was a little upsetting...but as for the service, food, and setting it was wonderful. Can't always control who sits next to you I guess...
We also ate here for breakfast and had some very yummy churros and husband had the banana bread. Everything we ate here was fantastic and our waiters both days were really great.
During a recent stay in San Antonio for our wedding anniversary, my husband and I spent some quality time at Ocho. Of course, it was simple to just take the elevator down to the lounge, as we stayed at Hotel Havana.
We chose the Stay A Little Longer package at the hotel, which includes a complimentary drink coupon for each guest. How could we pass up that deal?
When we arrived in the very dark (I'm a bit blind...), sexy lounge, we were the only guests. We pulled up two barstools and sat back for a fab time with Hector, the resident mixologist.
Hector offered up a slew of off-menu drinks he had crafted himself. The care he gave to each of the fresh-made steps showed how much he loves his job. For each of his concotions, he had a story. See Cavendar Martini, ManHector and Rosemary Cucumber Gimlet. He was a chatty Cathy, but then, my husband is, too. As others started to trickle in, it was apparent he likes everybody.
The Huitlacoche Quesadilla was out of this world, but a bit on the smaller side. I could have an enjoyed entree portion, but this was meant as a bar snack. The Tostones (fried plaintains with a savory aioli) were nomilicious. There were only a few items that could accomodate our vegetarian diet, but what we tried was great!
We did test a few of the cocktails on the menu and to be honest, we would take Hector's cocktails over the menu cocktails.
We stopped in the next night and experienced a much different experience with an unpersonable bartender who couldn't make drinks to save his life.
Ocho's ambiance was fitting to the Havana theme with hundreds of candles, which I can imagine takes great care to light individually each night. However, it was WAY TOO DARK.
The basement lounge of Ocho was the perfect place for a Ladies night. Candlelit rooms, pretty retro furniture, and strong drinks all enhanced the romantic intimate vibe.
As I walked down into the basement lounge it felt as I was there for secret rendezvous. My eyes quickly adjusted and focused on the bar bottles illuminated by candle light. Pulled up a bar stool and quickly welcomed by a well knowledge bartender. She was very friendly I might add and made amazing strong drinks.
First drink I had was the Hemingway Daiquiri. It has a punch to it but smooth. Second drink I decided to get more girly and order the Martinique punch. Made with cava, rum, and fresh fruit this was defiantly my favorite of the two. While there of course I had to sample the fare and share/steal off the other girls. The Chorizo & Queso and Papas Brazas were delicious as well as all the dishes we sampled. No complaints for girls who evaulate a lot.
Ocho will be added to my list for future romantic dates with the hubby and gossip catch up with the girls. That and to spend some time in the upper dining room that took my breath away as I walked through it.
Maybe it's because I'm a closet-romantic, maybe it's because my sensitive eyes gravitate to candelit rooms or maybe it's because being in the Ocho basement lounge made me feel like I was in a secret place where you need a codeword to get in but oh, Ocho, you've stolen my heart. Â
I've read a lot of favorable reviews for Ocho and chose the location for our Ladies Nite purely based on them. Â Yelpers, once again you led me to something wonderful, and for that, I thank you. Â When faced with the options of their outdoor patio area or their dark, cool lounge I of course went with the one that had A.C. Small and intimate describes the bar to a T. Â The bar and the bottles behind it were lightly illuminated with candles which made the atmosphere perfect. Â
"Sure, the place is cute," you're probably thinking but get this, they also have amazing and amazingly strong drinks. Â I tried the Mojito, Martinique Punch and a Margarita and they were all excellently crafted by our wonderful bartender. Â As I mentioned, them drinks were strong.. To counteract them, we ordered a variety of apps like the Papas Bravas, Chorizo & Queso, Huitlacoche Quesadilla and a (couple..) orders of Tostones. Â Each dish was delicious and each plate was scrapped clean, although my gals claimed they were full..
The patio area is gorgeous and with their great drink and food menu, I'll be there (regularly..) when the weather cools down.
New favorite restraint ever!
Food:
While the menu is small, it is extremely well done. One can tell that the chef has hand crafted the choices to the traditional Cuban pallet with a pinch of modern flair. Ingredients used where not only fresh for both dinner and breakfast, but prepared in a way all of their flavors shown through the dishes.
Drinks:
One of the nest mojitos I have ever had...wine list limited, but well paired with the menu.
Atmosphere:
While we did not spend time in the basement, the upper level overlooking the river was open and airy. You have a feeling of a miniature Crystal Garden full of retro furniture and are. The vintage fish bowel on the bar really bring it all together.
Would recommend this place to everyone...but not to loudly...the fact that it is not better known is what lends to the atmosphere and the extra cool e of the place.
Note:
If you are staying in the "wine glass" of the river walk, it is a much better walk along the river to the hotel than to go the direct way.
Three-and-a-half years ago while visiting NYC on Valentine's Day, I met a sexy Colombian named Alejandro... and three-and-a-half hours later, after much dancing, close conversation and nearly drowning in pheromones, I updated my Facebook status with a thinly-veiled attempt at appearing cryptic: 'smitten kitten'.
Let's not discuss how incredibly corny that was.
Though A and I made plans to see each other the following night, I ended up bailing as I had just started seeing someone back home in Chicago but mostly because the rational me didn't like the math (distance + $$$ divided by infrequent visits = too much pain). We kept in touch via text and email for a few months until my relationship grew more serious and eventually, A stopped crossing my mind. Case closed.
Until - UNTIL - oh, shoot... it was just a dream. But recently, I dreamt that A and I were reunited by sheer serendipity at the Latin lounge where we first met, except that it was the Ocho Lounge at the Hotel Havana in San Antonio. Though I had just visited Ocho less than a month ago on a prior business trip, I was punch-drunk on my own high spirits when my dining-companion-to-be suggested we go back. REALLY? Sure!
Ocho is a lounge built on all those impossible ideals and notions of romance that only a few books and movies could ever possibly fulfill - consider the sweeping panorama of an un-touristy stretch of the River Walk, the delicate balance of steel and glass architecting a Tiffany blue bird cage, the luminous lighting by way of several awe-inspiring chandeliers, the jewel-toned upholstered velvet seating. Whether a woman actually admits it, we're all suckers for the Notebook and Ocho steals a page from the sleeper hit and remixes it with heady Latin influences, giving it a more overt brand of passion. Because sometimes, we just want to be grabbed.
Don't mistake Ocho for all beauty and no brains, though - the food and cocktails can hold their own even without Ocho's glitzy good looks. I've said it twice now and I'll say it again: The Cubano sandwich is one of the best I've had. And with well-curated selections like the Hemingway Daiquiri, St. Feuillien Saison beer or a glass of sultry Tempranillo, even the most discerning drinker will agree the cocktail program makes the grade.
Luckily, I don't have to wait to dream about the Ocho Lounge to see it again. And those 70 miles separating me from San Antonio? That's nothing... the heart only grows fonder.
Why "Ocho"? A faint obsession with Nadya Sulemon (octo-mom)? Something to do with the fascinating octothorpe (#)? Who knows.
Gotan Project and Afro Cuban beats stream from this oasis just slightly off the Riverwalk's beaten path. Forego the average fair for these seriously inspired Caribbean Latino dishes and drinks: they've had us stop in at Ocho thrice so far. Â Anytime we're sort of kind of in the area, a plan is hatched that involves Ocho. Their color scheme is fantastic, the food is affordably delicious, and the -
Wait. Did you say you wanted to try Jo's Banana Bread at brunch but weren't totally sure, because it seemed way too simple to be good? Â I can see where you're coming from, except that you'd be completely wrong. This is decadence on a plate: peanut butter, honey, and something very far from "bread" the top these with. More like "Magic Mike (the upcoming film) in food form. It's not right, but it's ok said Whitney. And I believe her: it is more than ok. It's heaven and a half.
Everything about this place is right. The staff is friendly, the ceviche fresh, and the ambiance a constant reminder that you are enjoying the perfect little wonders in life. Yum.
My first experience at Hotel Havana was down in the basement lounge before Ocho (the restaurant part) opened. I was immediately enchanted by the dimly lit room with mismatched sofas and coffee tables, the gruff but interesting and knowledgeable bartender, and the most delicious, fresh tasting mojito these lips had ever met.
And then came Ocho... AND THE HEAVENS OPENED.
Truly a gem of San Antonio's bar and dining scene. I've been here many times, but felt compelled to finally write a review after my friend deemed the cubano sandwich, "the best she ever had". And she is a Cuban connoisseur (the sandwich, that is...).
The salsa sampler sounds simple but is not to be overlooked, and the chorizo con queso beats any other I've had in San Antonio, and of course, is accompanied by the most delicate, delightful, homemade tortillas. As others have yelped, the atmosphere overlooking the river cannot be beat, and the best perk of all is their private (Read:free!) parking lot.
Go here alone, go here on a date, go here with a large group. JUST GO.
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