Havana is located at 5331 Menaul Blvd NE Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110. The location is less than to be desired; it is in a desolate corner of a strip mall however we walked in and were warmly greeted by a Cuban gentleman who encouraged us to pick a table (of which they were all open). He followed us to our desired table and began telling us about the day's specials. One was chicken and salsa served with rice and the second was explained in Spanish so we had no idea what they actually were...
I ordered the "natural lemonade" to drink and it is absolutely delicious and refreshing on this 65 degree February day...sorry rest of the country...
Decor: poor, the decor is kind of a hodgepodge of stuff...there are two zebra hides, Christmas lights line the booths on the wall, and curtains line the opposite wall. So the location is highly decorated just not exactly cohesive. Only two "problems" would be the booths and chairs are cracked and old, the tablecloths have holes and the tables are covered in the thick plastic table protectors.
Cleanliness: good, the tables themselves were clean as was the floor.
Food appearance: good, the food was brought out and you can tell the cooks paid attention to detail. Look at these pictures and tell me the food doesn't look great!
Food taste: excellent, I ordered the cubano sandwich and it was everything I could've hoped for! The bread was crisp and crunchy, the meats tender and warm, the cheese melty and gooey, the pickles crisp and sour. Nate ordered the chicken and salsa and I'm a little disappointed I didn't order it myself. The dish was a stew of chicken pieces and potatoes in a spicy broth served with white rice and fried plantains. The chicken pieces were so tender they practically melted in your mouth, the broth was delicious and flavorful and the potato just soaked up all that great flavor. The plantains, which I have never eaten before today, were fried to perfection and had a starchy texture and a flavor I couldn't quite place.
Service: excellent, the Cuban man was attentive, friendly, and entertaining because he periodically broke into song.
Total: 11/15
While Havana received low marks for decor, the food and service is clearly where they excel; I urge you, dear readers to venture to this lonely corner of the strip mall and enjoy this delicious meal; I guarantee you will leave full and with a smile.
Speaking of hole in the wall places you guys should check out Pollito Con Papas on Gibson near Kirkland. Not an expansive menu (the name pretty much sums it up lol) but its fantastic Peruvian food
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try some Cuban food when we're there.
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