Cafe Habana Reviews

Arrived for late lunch on Sunday and we were seated immediately. The hostess was having so much fun - her energy was contagious. She was giddily dancing along to the music (a killer mix of 70s classics and Beyonce) and even got a table of 4 non-English speaking tourists to gleefully dance with her. Tried the Mexican corn with tons of Cotija cheese and mayo. While a little pricey (2 for $8), the corn was perfectly grilled and coated. We shared two sandwiches, both $12.95 each. The Cuban came with tons of pulled pork and delicious cheese, pickles and ham on top. The grilled bread was super! The Chicken Diablo was also very tasty- tons of super grilled chicken, roasted red peppers and again, killer grilled bread. Both sandwiches came with a small helping of fries. The sandwiches filled us up quickly- they were so good! Don't be afraid to ask if you need something - we hollered for more water and the staff was quick to refill (but only once we spoke up). Come hungry and enjoy the lively atmosphere as well.

I just went to this place and ordered a number of items to take out. I asked the man if this was my whole order and he said "yes". When I got home, a main item that I ordered was missing. I called the restaurant and told the person that I was missing the item. He said that it was my responsibility to have gone through the order before leaving and that the restaurant takes no responsibility for the missing item For the record, the food is wrapped in aluminum foil so that would mean that I am responsible for unwrapping all of the items before leaving. AMAZING

We visited here because the reviews about the corn sounded amazing so we had to try it for ourselves. We were not disappointed absolutely amazing flavour, 'scummy yummy'

The food was outstanding. On vacation in NYC with a family of 5, and hands down everyone enjoyed this quaint and authentic café. Make this a stop on your NYC tour. You must try the grilled corn -- it is great. And the Enchildas estilo Norteno was sooo tasty -- the grilled skirt steak was season and cooked perfectly and the rice and beans were yummy. Although it was crowded [even on a Tuesday night], service was great.

I love the baja fish tacos from here. It never disappoints. I actually prefer eating at Habana To Go (next door) than their actual restaurant since the prices of the food are cheaper and you don’t have to tip since there is no table service. And I definitely enjoy the very casual setting.

If you come to NYC, you should try their mexican corn. The tasty corn ever. Reccommended. The staff are cool and friendly

My family met up with my cousin and her husband for dinner and drinks at Cafe Habana. It is a really small restaurant, but they did their best to accommodate our table of 6 on a Sunday evening. The staff was super friendly and accommodating. One of the workers even came outside to tell us to come on inside and sit even though we were still waiting on part of our party. As nice as the staff was, I thought my food was somewhat bland and my daughter thought the same. I ordered the roast pork and she ordered the pollo mirador and we both requested some limes to squeeze on the food to add additional flavor. I will admit that we did not order their signature grilled corn and I do wish I would have tried it. I ordered a moscow mule and it tasted fine, but was not served in the typical copper mug (not a big deal). The atmosphere and food were just average, the only thing that was above average was the friendly staff! Not sure I can recommend.

Got some carry out from this restaurant. It was very quick and really yummy! We had the Cuban sandwich YUM and pork tacos YUM and the jicama salad (kinda boring). The tacos were stuffed with delicious pork and one would have been more than enough to satisfy. The sandwich was large and tasty. I’d definitely get a meal here again and definitely recommend it to others.

We visited here about 5 years ago, and then a second visit last weekend. Still great! The corn is incredible. Other food we had was really good as well, and the prices are very good for NYC.

After a great visit to the nearby international Photography museum we looked for a quick bite to eat. This place fit the need perfectly. Awesome Cuban sandwich and fried plantains. Highly recommend

The cafe is small so we felt lucky to grab a table for two. The service is quick and staff helpful and friendly. The shrimp tacos were yummy. I substituted the rice and beans for the fried plaintains which were perfectly cooked with a crusty caramelized texture.

As all restaurants in NYC, tables are small and somewhat close together. Servers worked quickly and efficiently and were more than polite and welcoming. Got the "Grilled Corn Mexican Style" which we know as elote. It was 7 bucks, and two full sized ears of corn covered in deliciousness. Best elote I've ever had. We also got a cuban sandwich, which is their big thing from what I hear. We split it because it was really big, and other than street food I think it was our cheapest meal in NYC with plenty of food. Totally worth it, and will be back.

Excellent food ruined by worst service of our entire trip. Not busy at 2:30pm but we felt like we were disturbing our server from the moment we arrived. The order was correct but we got nothing but food without asking (napkins, for example) and she seemed annoyed by that. We needed water refills but did without as she didn't check on us after bringing food and we didn't want another annoyed look like we got for the napkin request. After waiting a long time for the check, we stood up and put on our coats in hopes she'd know we were ready. She looked right at us and went back to talking to another employee. Would suggest only takeout here.

We have been to this small NoLita cafe a number of times and never been disappointed. Cuban/Mexican food, very casual with excellent servers. Servers and bartender are personable, friendly and informative. Food comes quickly so is always hot. The menu is outstanding with many great choices. Try the Grilled Corn Mexican style. So tasty and easy to eat! Our favourite is the Cubano sandwich. Best we have eaten anywhere easily. Prices are moderate. They don't take reservations so be prepared to wait sometimes. Grab a seat at the bar and watch the cooks in action in the small kitchen. We'll be back.

Not much to complain about - terrific Cuban Sanwich (WAAAY above average, actually) , perhaps the best Cheese Empanada Ive ever had.... Cool vibe - tiny sopt, so people are hanging out eating on the sidewalk. Would love to go back and try their entree dishes, cuz they looked like the real deal.

Legit the nicest sandwich I have even had in my life. It was a very cool place I really liked it. The food came out super super quick. The sandwich was amazing despite a bit of Greece coming from the pulled pork it was still top stuff! No wonder why it was voted the best sandwich in NYC

Place has good food, loved it. Had the corn and tacos. Also had the rice and beans. Son had a burger. Yummy

Sweet baby jesus, I found the perfect cocktail..Bits of Jalapenos and Cucumbers will make your mouth dance with joy..Pay the extra $4 get the large..I swear its equal to 2 strong drinks.. I love the apps here. Tostones and Guacamole are perfect.. and lordy lordy the mexican street corn. Place does look a bit dumpy, like an old diner...service is great as well

We went for breakfast and really enjoyed it! The place is very cute and cozy and service is attentive and friendly. The food came quickly and tasted very nice, especially the homefries are great!! Very tasty. My husband had the Steak & Eggs and were very happy....lots of meat and great taste. I had the early bird breakfast and looooved the homefries. Our daughter had the granola and portion being so big, she could not finish it. We will be back!

In the heart of soho , I ate outside to have the real New York experience. Corn was to die for, Tacos were flavorful But the best of the best was the rice with the beans. I usually don’t eat the beans but they were so good I finished them all ! If you want a quick food diner … go there

This place never seems to disapoint. Its one of our go to restaurants for Latin food when we travel to New York. We always order the corn and plantaines they are the best. I have never been disapointed by the food wether we go for brunch, lunchor diner all is good. Will defenitly be back.

Every time I'm in NY, we have to come here. Just a lot of flavor and mix of latin dishes. The corn on the cob is a must have. My boy likes el cubano sandwich. Also, yummy plantains. Great fun people watching.

Amazing Tex-Mex food. Very quick and friendly service. We had green enchiladas and fish tacos served with refried beans and rice all amazing. Low prices.

So fun for a mid-day brunch. Latin music, Fun staff, good food & drinks. They’re family friendly and creative to seat larger than 4-people parties. We were a party of 2 and enjoyed the old diner bar stools.

We sought out this place on a trip from Aus to try a Cuban sandwich after watching the film Chef. The food is good but at the end of the day more or less fast food, albeit done well. Reportedly they serve the best Cubans in NY but I cant really work out how you could stuff this up. The whole experience might have been a bit better if the place was not jammed packed with people with almost no personal space and I didn’t discover it is one of a series of 'chain' restaurants (there is one in Dubai!)

Place has gone downhill. Rusty tables (unsafe), unkept ambience. Pretending its Cuban charm, but it’s really just cheap management not keeping the place. Service is horrendous. That being said, food is decent. But won’t come back (used to be a regular 5 years ago).

What a perfect finish to an awesome visit to New York. We had the famous Cuban sandwich, really great crispy fries and a perfect mojito. I haven't been to Cuba, only Miami (Lol) but I would imagined myself there as I was enjoying lunch. The staff was warm and friendly and the atmosphere was very quaint. This was my 2nd time. Can't wait to go back. Fantastic

I liked the food but wasn’t extremely excited about it. The environment is nice and the staff was friendly

Went here specifically to try the Cuban sandwich as it had been lauded as the best in New York, together with the Mexican corn. Had both and disappointed with them both. The best Cuban sandwich is at the Spotted Pig. Go there instead !

It is cheap for NY standards, you can order a full plate which is a good choice. There is no much space to eat inside, so most people just grab food, but there are a few place to sit. The corn is for sure the main dish, but food is good in general. Great option to eat after visiting the New Museum.

Came here for lunch. We were lucky to get a table as this is a very small place that was very busy. service was very friendly and quick. We has theie famous corn on th cob ( we shared as there are 2pieces) and a chicken quesadilla. Both were very tasty and very reasonably priced. fun place!

This place a super very popular Cuban cafe. You can get good Cuban sandwiches. But always a very long line. So be prepared to wait for the line. The service is not good because they are very popular??? LOL Well, be prepared for it too. Nothing fancy, very ordinary small place but very popular.

came here with family for an early dinner on sunday night. they don't take reservations. it's a small, cozy corner mexican restaurant that has a diner type of decor inside. the margarita was great, strong. the plantain chips and guacamole app was the highlight for me. my kids had the enchiladas suiza and shrimp tacos which were both good. my wife had the vegetarian quesadilla which was mediocre. total for 4 of us with tip was $100 - 1 margarita, 1 app, 3 entrees. service was efficient.

I have eaten cuban sandwiches all around Miami and in Ybor City outside of Tampa. This restaurant was recommended in a magazine to try out and the cuban sandwich has a (voted best in NYC) on the menu. It was the worst cuban we have ever eaten! It was flavorless and was not "grilled" like a panini. The bun was soggy with juice, which I have never experienced in an authentic Cuban! We also had the Huevos rancheros, which were fine, but not special. Also, the Pacifico bottles of beer were $6.95 and it was "cash only" once we sat down.

It was pouring rain when the morning we visited so we were delighted to get dry and order breakfast in this local cafe. We ordered two breakfast variations, both with lots of toast and bacon and it was just what we needed. Service was quick and friendly and the food was delicious. Highly recommended the next time you are in Nolita.

Fantastic place for drinks with surprisingly good food. Loud and cramped (like it should be). Priced right and in a very street in Nolita/<soho.

We looked for nice place to eat something healthy (no pizza or burgers) in this area. Very much enjoyed the mijito, the enchilada, the Cuban sandwich, etc. Just not agreeing with the one dollar sign here....

It was a long walk from the nearest subway station but it was worth it. The Cuban sandwich a hit! The elote was also very good.

Looking forward to the Cuban cuisine for a lazy brunch before the New Museum opened. Very hip staff and regular customers appeared to be having a great time but I had a lot of difficulty getting their attention to order and pay. The drinks and food were very authentic in flavour but the chef might like to rethink presentation. Could do better very easily!

The food at Cafe Habana is amazing. Their specially corn is what they're most known for, so be sure to get it. I usually get their fish tacos, which are great. The restaurant is super small, so there's usually quite a long wait - so go early! I live around the block, and have ordered a few times, but every time the food has been cold and soggy.

Wonderfully tasty Cuban influenced food. Really recommend the corn on the cob. The cafe interior is very small and you will have to wait to get a table - but it's worth it!

Everything from hamburgers, Mexican food, and plantains. Good was good, portions filling, about $20 person. Service could have been better. Seems to be very popular with locals.

We went on a weekday night pretty late... approximately 10.30pm. It was still alive and kicking. The restaurant has both vibe and life! If you’re going to have one meal, you wanna have the Cuban Sandwich! It is absolutely delicious and lived up to the hype! It’s been voted the best in NY! My friends also commented on how the rosted corn on the cob was also tasty! This is one to do when in NY for its delectable Mexican cuisine!

The meals they serve are delicious. Place is always full during meal hours. I always come back to this restaurant each time I am in New York City. Highly recommended!

Went for dinner.. Started out with the corn and I must say it was the best I ever had. The Cuban sandwich was delicious and Garlic shrimp was also unbelievable.. Overall, the best Cuban food I had in NYC and will be back for sure..

Growing up in south Florida I missed having Cuban cuisine in NYC. Thank goodness for Cafe Habana. Can't miss on the Cuban sandwich or ropa vieja among other items, but do not forget the corn.

Been there on a saturday for lunch, there was a 10 minutes line, but I was alone so i think that if you are a group maybe you have to wait more time because the location is not so big. I went here to try the famous mexican style corn: it was so delicious!!! I've also had a moscow mule but it wasn't so good as I expected. Anyway there are a lot of drinks so you are free to choose the right for you!

The corn is amazing!!! Must try! We also had the shrimp tacos. They were good, but after the corn, a little disappointing. Did I mention we LOVED corn?!

Despite what they tell you on the phone, the takeout counter has a separate entrance and is a couple doors down from the famed corner Cafe Habana. Though the menu online claims cubano sandwich comes with fries, the takeout version is the same price but does not come with fries. Aside from flippant service, this is a reliable tasty local spot for different flavors than the average Nolita fare.

Food was awful! My dog wouldn't eat it. Dry, no flavor, small portions and expensive as far as fast food Mexican goes. Tables are tiny. Dining room is small and very noisy. Service is marginal, not rude but not friendly either. Save yourself a trip and bunch a money, just buy frozen Mexican at your local supermarket I assure you it will be light-years better.

We went for an early dinner so we could easily get a table. The food was very good though the service could have been a bit better. Also it was noisy as you would expect in a small area. The people at the next table had ordered too much food so they shared with us which made a fabulous experience. I would definitely recommend.

I cannot say enough about how amazing this food is! The portions are big, but not ridiculous. Their home made guacamole and grilled corn were exceptional. Flavors ranged from spicy to mild. The staff had no problem accommodating my child's request for no vegetables on his tacos. I would have rated this 5 stars except for the seating. It is very limited. We ate on a bench outside. If I could give 4.5 stars, I would! Definitely visit this restaurant!

We really like everything. Especially grilled corn is great. We were not in the mood for Cuban or Mexican food and decided to give burgers a chance. Their burgers are suprisingly good also.

Great food. Very tasty. I was there 4 times in 2 days for lunch and dinner. steak was my favorite. amazing corn. stop there to eat!

We visited Cafe Habana for a lunch on a Sunday. Found it thru another search site looking for “Mexican Food near us” and decided to try it because of the rave reviews for the Elote corn and because they had black beans. A small hole in the wall with limited seating, but a lot of character showing that it hasn’t changed much since it opened…a good sign to me after 40 plus years. We agreed that we’ve had better street corn (too much mayo, not enough Cojita). Since we had just had a croissant and a cookie at Levian we split the Avocado, Cheese, and Verdi Salsa burrito. I wish we hadn’t! The burrito was stuffed with rice and black beans then pressed and toasted panini style. This was exactly what we were looking for! We agreed that on our next trip to NYC we might need to visit twice…and not split.

Came for the Mexican Corn, stayed for the Cuban sandwich. Bothe were excellent. Best Cuban pork sandwich in NY.

After a long walk we stopped for a late lunch and drinks.The frozen margaritas were great , I had the guava margarita which I loved, following their famous corn on the cob SO good we also had the cuban sandwich which again did not dissapoint. The background music is great which really made it a perfect lunch.

I come to this trendy restaurant every time I visit NYC, but this time I was disappointed. I ordered a cheeseburger which dry and over cooked. The atmosphere is great as ever. I will give them another chance in the future.

I have nothing but nice things to say about Cafe Habana. I always go to the bar and talk up Deivy. He is so nice and always makes me feel right at home. The mix between Mexican and Cuban cuisine works really well. If you go, please try the corn. It will change your life. I also always get the frozen margaritas with guava. The place is not big or fancy, but it has heart. I like how casual it is and there is something on the menu for everyone.

I always have the Cuban corn there whenever I'm in New York! Super small place, very chaotic, lots of charm, great waitresses, best corn ever!! You can't reserve, so just stop by! Maybe you'll have to wait a while but it's worth every single minute!! This time we sat at he bar, and enjoyed this lovely crazy lady!! :-) We'll be back!

Deservedly popular Cuban restaurant. Usual long queues. We managed to get a table after waiting a few minutes at the bar. Not for an intimate dinner as the tables are really packed in but the food is excellent. How can corn taste this good? Maybe it is the excellent cocktails blending with it. A great New York experience.

We discovered this gem purely by accident. Was in the mood for Mexican food, and googled and this was the nearest to our holiday apartment. The service was friendly, the food was excellent. We had the grilled corn (everybody is right to recommend this) and the Enchiladas. Also had our first taste of Shirley Temple's and it was delicious. Highly Recommended.

We had ticket for a performance nearby, but our drive in to the City put us downtown later than planned, and we had only about 45 to eat and get to Dixon Hall. There is a restaurant of the corner of Prince Street, but also a tiny take-out place with about 3 tables next to it on Elizabeth Street. So, we ducked in the take-out and were pleasantly surprised with the menu and the food. I had a chicken and guacamole burrito and my wife had the steak (came with a generous helping of rice and black beans. Both were delicious. It would have been better if we had a bit more time to really enjoy the food in a more relaxed manner, so we are definitely coming back!

Totally recommend! The place is very charming, good service, reasonable price and the food of course is amazing that I even went twice there. I tried both sandwiches and is very good. If you are not too hungry you could share it as there is fries as side.

You should not miss this authentic local place if you're visiting NYC and wandering around the Lower Manhattan/SoHo region. Every local living around knows about this place and love it. Delicious Cuban/Caribbean food. Good for both breakfast or lunch. It's very popular, so be aware of the line in weekends.

We came pretty late and they found us a table. We ordered cocktails to start, both were great. We then had the corn... yes it is just corn and cheese and lime but these guys know what they are doing, it tasted awesome and you can see why people come here for it. The cuban sandwich is just beautiful. Succulent, juicy pork meat completes the experience. Chilled out atmosphere, friendly service and late opening hours make this a late night winner in the NoLita area.

This place was listed as one of the top places to eat cheap in nyc. we weren’t concerned with the price so much as the top notch food. The corn on the cob was amazing, but the rest of the food was sub par. Also be for-warned the corn comes with two cobs. Not just one so be mindful when ordering.

The place is small and intimate, the food is delicious and authentic, it is right in the middle of SoHo and surrounded by shopping areas and attractions. A major pro is that they have opened a little 'to-go' shop next door where you can order many of their dishes, especially their CORN which is mouthwatering grilled corn topped with butter, cotija cheese, and chile powder - ad a little bit of lime for the ultimate taste bud explosion. Con: this place is very popular, and became more so after it got featured in a popular romantic comedy - since the space is small it may be hard to find seating, so prepare to wait sometimes and try to keep your group to a maximum of 4 people.

Our 15-year-old son considers that this was the best food in our entire trip. He had the recommended Cuban sandwich which he raves about and did not let us taste (which he normally would). The limeade and cafe con leche were also excellent. My chicken quesadilla was delicious and so filling I could not finish it. Great location, friendly service, excellent food.

Love coming to Cafe Habana when in NYC. You will not be disappointed. Tiny, quaint and cramped it is always packed. The small bar counter is fun. The Grilled Corn Mexican Style is an absolute must. everything is delicious, so you really can't go wrong. Tostones were good as well. Worth the trip. Every time.

Great one !! Nice music and good vibes. Small place but sliding need more. The toilet is too small though .

I love this diner in Noho. It's small so tables are hard to come by, particularly at the weekend, and it can feel very cramped but it's worth it for the food. I've visited on a few occasions over the past ten years when I've been in NYC and it never disappoints. Especially good for a weekend brunch. Most recently I visited with my 13 year old daughter who had chicken quesadillas (huge portion - very good) and I had the chicken and corn salad (good but I regretted my choice as other dishes looked better). But the piece de resistance is undoubtedly the corn on the cob which is frankly worth the visit in its own right. The only disappointment for my daughter was the lack of soft drink options - only water and orange juice.

I first went here 12 or so years ago and it's still a good spot to keep in mind if you're in Nolita. It has a fun atmosphere and good food at very decent prices for Manhattan.

Ths was recommended in a magazine. Not much to look at inside or out but the margarita cocktails and the food were amazing. cheap food but cocktails were $13 each! They were worth it and it was a treat though!

A nice and busy place with great food! The staff of the pick-up place is super nice and helpful! I recommend trying the portobello burger, it’s delicious!

This is actually the first time, that I believe, an advertisement like "the best ... in NY" is true! They claim it for the Cuban Sandwich and it was indeed excellent. We also enjoyed the chicken enchiladas. No wonder, the place was very busy, which brings me to the only little downside: it's a really small place and gets very noisy whenever it's full. So stay for the food and have your conversations at another place.

I love cafe Habana! It’s one of my go-to’s in the city. My favorite dish is the fish tacos and you MUST get the corn. The corn is what they are known for. The restaurant is small, so I would recommend going at an off peak time, or plan to put your name in and wait outside or at a bar close by.

I love coming to Cafe Habana! They have lots of different options, all very tasty and high quality! The waiting time is not long at all but the food is delicious! It does get quite busy sometimes but if you go at a calmer time you will definitely not regret it!

Many times returning to this trendy restaurant and always having a great meal. Don't miss the unique corn on the cob ,which is the house specialty and tastes great! Not to be missed in Nolita!!

I was walking about looking for breakfast and discovered Cafe Habana just a couple of blocks from my hotel in Nolita. It was about 10 am on a weekday and very quiet. I was greeted warmly by the servers. I sat at the bar and ordered chorizo and eggs with black beans, and coffee. The food arrived quickly and hit the spot. Set me up for a long day of walking the city. Reasonable prices by NYC standards.

The Cuban sandwich...amazing. Also had a cheeseburger here that was delicious. And the mexican corn was great. This is a great place. The servers and workers are all very nice. And big shoutout to owner Sean Meenan...great, great man. We dined in but they offer free delivery.

Last time at NYC we ate lunch and it was wonderful This time (came after breakfast full) so I ate only corn - delicious!! The cold tee was bitter :(

It is a lovely dive-y place that is mostly a take out place. My son and I were in the area wandering after his basketball practice at the Y and stopped here to eat. I adore cuban food and couldn't pass. We ordered a chicken cutlet burrito and a veggie plate. The veggie plate was only so-so, but mostly because I didn't check what was in it before ordering. It just had rice, black beans, and some steamed/sauteed veggies (the cauliflower felt like it was frozen). If I had paid attention, I would have gone for something else including the plantain fritters which I love. My fault but don't order the veggie plate if you are a vegetarian. My son enjoyed his burrito very much! And would like to go back. Me too! And the service was very friendly and the music they play is peppy. A word of warning: there are only a few seats if you plan to eat in than take out. We were early diners and so we didn't have to wait to get seats. Overall, a happy place.

We arrived just before noon Saturday, was here about 4-5 years ago and the food is still delicious. We had our 2 yo with us and she was very polite at the table. I had the blackened chicken sandwich, wife had Baja tacos and we shared the grilled corn (a must have)!!! Space is limited so arrive early. Go !

Went with my friend who used to live in New York. This is a very small hole in the wall restaurant, and seems like it's always packed. I had the cuban corn, and it was amazing. Wow! In fact, I wish I was back in New York right now having one of those! I've never had anything like that on the west coast. Delicious flavors, fresh, hearty. Yum.

Byfar my favorite place to eat in New York. You MUST try the Cuban sandwiches - the bread is thick and crispy, the meat is succulent and delicious, and the sauce is very tasty. I'm not a big Cuban sandwich-eater, but these are a do-not-miss. Additionally, make sure to order some of the corn! Each order comes with two. You may think you'll only want one, but I'd give that a second thought. They are so tasty that you often will want to eat more than your stomach can fit. The place is small so you may have to wait for a table, or you can find an off-time to go. Service is great!

Good breakfast spot. Friendly service. Large servings - we had the omelet and "Pepe's Hangover". Tasty and a good start for the day. Damages for 2 with tip was $40. Food 4/5 Service 5/5 Value 4/5 Cleanliness 5/5

Excellent food. Very friendly staff. I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich, Mexican street corn is a MUST and the margaritas. May take a little bit of waiting but it's completely worth the wait!! Next time I visit NYC, this will be one of my first stops.

I wish I had liked the food more. Had vegetarian tacos and they were OK but nothing to come back for. Corn on the cob probably the best item on the menu. Others at the table had fish tacos and Cuban sandwiches, all just OK. But it's a likable place, on a corner in a busy area, very nice staff, overall an enjoyable experience.

We always try to go by Cafe Habana when we are in NYC and this place never lets us down. Best Corn I have tasted in the US and the Cuban Sandwiches are great. Fish tacos are also nice.

My favorite meal in NYC! Our friend who teaches at NYU recommended it and we loved everything he ordered for the table-- my kids loved it too! I remember thinking the mojito was perfection and I would definitely go back!

We tried the Cuban Sandwich and Huevos Rancheros and both were excellent choices to try. They were both delicious and the prices are modest. The place always a little bit crowded but this is never a problem. The staff was very helpful.

Nice atmosphere in this restaurant, opened on the street, very nice service. I was not fully convinced by the food though. The cuban sandwich is filled with very good pulled pork, but also with a slice of cheap ham. It would probably be better without it. The "chilaquiles verde con pollo" was not really tasty (although good chicken meat), a bit plain compared to usual central american food. To be fair we might not have chosen the best food (the grilled corn looked really yummy, as well as the chicken diablo). The portions are huge (for europeens ;-) we felt like it was a full day of food in one single meal. But if you really are hungry, it is a good place to go

This is a brilliant place to stop by for dinner and drinks. I had the cubano sandwich, which was delicious - something you must try! Also, the corn is just as good as people say it is, so you should get that too. The cocktails are also very nice.

So many of our friends had recommended this place that we had to try it! Luckily it wasn't so busy when we arrived but the place is some and cosy so I would imagine one would usually wait for a table. The food was delicious. My friend really enjoyed her famous Cuban Sandwich of pulled pork. I don't really east pork so I can definitely recommend the steak sandwich. Honestly some of the best food I ate in the whole of NYC. The service also great, we went twice and both times the servers was polite and attentive. Great atmosphere, great food and reasonable prices.

First time to eat this kind of cooking corn on the cob. Very strange but good! Really worth to try when you are in soho. The restaurant is very very small and you need to wait quite a long time during lunch time.

This was a last minute walk back to the hotel, as they say everything is open in NYC. The prices are reasonable and the portions are huge. I would definitely stop there again, spread the word of how delicious the food was. It is a must visit multiple times.

My wife had the chicken tacos; i had the chicken with mole plate. We both loved them. Very reasonable price for NYC. Good service. This restaurant is probably as much about take-out as it is for sit down. The number of tables is limited. Going in off-peak might be best strategy.

My family and I enjoyed our lunch at Cafe Habana. We had Cuban sandwiches (really good) while my wife enjoyed a Mexican dish. The restaurant itself is small and crowded but the service is professional and pleasant. A great place for lunch and reasonably priced for NY City (we're from LA). Enjoy.

After work with a party of two as I was lured by lavish high praise of Cafe Habana's corn on the cob which compelled me for a visit. In the midst of summer's blazing heat and humidity I highly desired a frozen Piña Colada for a cool down. Cafe Habana has been on my Yelp "to try" bookmark list for sometime and I am finally making a dent. This little Mexican cafe is very quaint with an appearance of 1950s Retro diner metal bar stools bolted to the ground with upholstered seat filled with retro 1950s era dinette booth, chairs, stools, tables of metal banding. Nota bene: The tables are microscopic small as it cannot uphold too many items or plates. I do not suggest large parties of four or more since this is a cafe- not restaurant size. The facade and entrance is very discreet which at first we cast doubt if Yelp steered us incorrectly as the business name is not noticeable. Our server Christina is very attentive, informative, accommodating who exhibit patience and sharing knowledge as neither of us are experts in Mexican cuisine. Living in New York City gives access to experience a very diversified and multi cultural immersion of food, language, cultural traditions without the need to travel afar and with the will and open mind Cafe Habana allows patrons to immerse in authentic Mexican cuisine. Background music is somewhat loud. Hot sauce, chili, ketchup, salt and pepper are readily available for condiments. Postcard serves as a business card and is distributed with the bill. Mexican Corn on the Cob (Elote) $9.95 Two large grilled corn on the cobs were no disappointment. It contains mayonnaise sprinkled with cotija cheese, cilantro, and smoked paprika embedded with skewers served with two lime wedges. This is my first experience of corn on the cob other than the American version of the standard salted butter, but it was very good and enticingly delicious. For the corn on the cob enthusiast your expectation will be exceeded and satisfied. I prefer boiled corn on the cob, but occasionally grilled is a good attempt. However, it was very messy during consumption and I suggest moist towelettes to be distributed like BBQ chicken served with moist towelettes. Patrons will endure the Elote moustache as that is the best description of how messy this appetizer can become. Frozen Mango Margarita $13 Ice cold drink to beat the heat. Despite my request for a salt glass rim, I sipped this drink with a straw. Sauza Margarita $12.95 Base ingredient is Patron $6 which was good, but my friend opt out for salt on the glass rim and the server embedded salt disregarding the specific request. Arrachera, grilled skirt steak $23 Served with rice and beans, lime wedge, a slice of tomato, a slice of cucumber. The meat was deliciously enjoyed by my friend as it was seasoned well. The meat portion was very abundant as Cafe Habana do not ration nor shrinkage on meat. Fresh Hand Cut French Fries $3.95 This was my meal as I did not have the appetite for a entree but a side or small plate. These French Fries was okay but somewhat burnt as it was a whole platter not a side dish as described in their dinner menu. "Just close your eyes and keep your mind wide open." ― Katherine Paterson, "Bridge to Terabithia"

The best rice and beans I have had! Very well seasoned, not overwhelming, fresh veggies and delicious sandwiches.

We specifically checked out Café Habana on our 5 day trip to LES because of TA reviews. The tables are too close together which you can put up with if the food is good. We love Cuban food and have enjoyed many dishes on trips to Florida, but the food here was bland and instantly forgettable.

I went with my girlfriend and we loved the sandwiches a lot! And we ate corn too. The restaurant has a good location, near the SoHo. There are two places. We went to the little bar. I recommend to visit and enjoy these sandwiches!

A magic two grilled corn with cheese and spices,it was so tasty,douze points. The area is also beautiful,soho,so who needs more..

I like to sit at the counter especially in NYC to watch all that is going on and chat. We got there about 10am and the place is busy but they turn tables quickly. So as we got there and 2 others had just left. We started out with a Jalapeno Margarita and ate the Huevos con Chorizo Scrambled eggs with spicy Mexican sausage served with black beans plus an order of fruit to share. This was perfect breakfast for us. Spicy and we added a bit of fire with hot sauce. Everything was cooked just right, the chorizo was not greasy which is perfect plus the service was fast and personable. This place deserves the 5 stars that I had seen in other reviews!

Been coming to this place for years and after a 4 year absence it was still just as good if not better. Consistent and does the job!

For all of you skeptics saying, "It's just overpriced corn and cheese. How good could it possibly be?", just give it a chance! It's as good as everyone says it is! It deffo is a tad overpriced (2 for $7.95) but it was worth every penny. It does get messy, and you will get corn stuck in your teeth, so don't say I didn't warn you. For my entree, I ordered the Cuban sammie (citrus marinated roast pork, ham, swiss cheese, chipotle mayonnaise and pickle, on toasted roll). I didn't taste any citrus notes but it was still really good. The bread was toasted to perfection (think of a REALLY good panini). The only thing is - you have to eat it fast. The juices from the pork, mixed with the chipotle mayo will make the bread from your second half a little soggy. The fries were kind of soggy too, but not for the same reason. It just tasted like they weren't completely fried. But other than that, I really liked Cafe Habana. I was really expecting it to be over-hyped, but it wasn't. Would deffo come back and I would order the same exact meal. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

When I initially saw the place I was not confident that I would get good food but as they say looks are deceptive. The food is great and amazing and worth the money. Loved the corn as well as the grilled chicken entrée. Though I stay 40 miles away from this place I am definitely going to come back

I was traveling to New York alone, on a work trip, and wanted a place to grab something quickly that I could take back to my hotel. The Cuban was delicious (and quite large) and the Mexican corn blew me away! The corn was supple yet crunchy, the charred chipotle flavor was exquisite, and the coat of cotija = cherry on top. The food was prepared quickly and it managed to stay warm for my entire 10-minute walk back to Chinatown in the pouring rain. I did not dine in the sit-down restaurant, but enjoyed watching the vibe and camaraderie. I will be back!

You have to try the corn! The plate comes with two ears of corn. It is so delicious! And they even include toothpicks when they bring them out! You'll need them! We also ordered the tostones, which came with guacamole and mayonnaise. Really good too. I ordered the chicken enchilladas and they were super tasty as well. I was only able to eat one (of the two of them) and only half of my beans/rice because the appetizers were pretty filling. Our table also had the roast pork, cuban sandwich and one of the steak dishes that had egg on it. Everyone really liked their dishes. The restaurant is small and tight, with small tables. It's not really child-friendly, but we brought an 8-month old and he did fine with no high chair because they gave us a booth. The food comes out pretty quickly. The service was just ok at first and then got much better. Great little restaurant.

We at at the 'To Go' version of Cafe Habana, and of course got the grilled corn. This is a must thing to eat when here. It's never the same or right anywhere else and forget trying to make it yourself at home as it just doesn't turn out. This place is on the list of must visit when in NYC. Of course the cafe is nice, and it's better if you can get a seat in there but it's always so busy and we usually don't have a lot of time to wait around. There is a reason why this place is busy, and if you have the time, then stay and enjoy it.

The restaurant is little but confortable and hospitable. We eaten both mexican and american food. The ambient is great we have spent a great moment there.

What a gem! Had a brunch there with my husband and was pleasantly surprised with the service, the food quality and prices. It's not a fancy place, but rather a hole in the wall type of thing. Yet, we totally enjoyed our experience. Fish tacos and pork tacos were yummy! Margaritas ($10 each) were to die for. Grilled corn and sweet plantains were delicious as well. We will definitely return!

We loved this place! The staff makes you feel like an old friend, the music makes you smile and the food sings in your mouth. Don't miss it!

It is worth a long trip and worth a wait for a table to try the delicious Cuban food cooked here. The grilled corn with cheese and paprika is a must as are the fish tacos. Everything is actually pretty delicious. It is also a small restaurant that is always packed with people. It is painted and decorated in a fun, young-spirited way with Cuban themes. FUN. The only downside is that some of the staff are trying so hard to be so totally hip that they forget about you... I was there again the other day and one of the waiters took over my seat (after I went to the restroom). He was talking so much about his super trendy nonsense that he didn't even notice that he had taken my spot or that I was standing next to him for several minutes. I finished my meal standing up next to my food and then left. Unbelievable.

Stopped in around three in the afternoon so it was not crowded at all and we lucked into a nice shaded spot on the patio. The cuban sandwich is big enough to share and the Frozen Morita, a combination Margarita and Mojito, was a terrific discovery on a hot New York afternoon. It is an order at the counter, cash only place with a subway stop right outside the door.

The best place for breakfast and a snack. Always like to go there for a sandwich and breakfast because that’s when it’s less busy. I enjoyed the small place and the staff service

Brunched at Cafe Habana whilst weekending in NYC, great vibe, service and food - really enjoyed our dishes and cocktails - would highly recommend.

My son and I were looking for breakfast and decided to try out Cafe Habana. Casual and reasonably priced, Cafe Habana is the perfect choice in Nolita! Huevos con Chorizo are DELISH! Highly recommend if you are nearby.

Go at an off hour to skip the lines, if you can, but this little place is fresh and delicious. The service is wonderful.

Great cosy environment. Great quesadillas, great corn. Great food and staff is awesome. Big portions and competitive prices. Cocktails are not that good and expensive. With beer it is a great place downtown!

The music, the food, the alcahol, its like being in Havana. We really enjoued our margaritas, the service and especially the vibe. The place has it all with good food and great service!

Cafe habana is a small restaurant, but turnover seemed quick and we were able to get a table without booking. The service was excellent, both friendly and speedy, and the food was outstanding! Definitely worth a visit

Looking for something different in NYC? Visit this place, ask for the mexican corn, get David to tell him your favourite coctail and you'll get a night what you deserved... Tip: at the end you'll be full with the signature "shimps with beans with black rice" and margarita, so never go by car...

This place is fantastic! The Cuban sandwich is the best around. Also tried the grilled Mexican corn that is covered with generous amounts of cotija cheese and a chiplotle mayo that supplies some heat. My son tried the Diablo chicken—also very tasty. The service is friendly. It’s a small place and there may be a wait, but it’s worth it.

First time at Cafe Habana with a friend of mine. Really enjoyed the cuban sandwich and cant wait to go back and try the corn!

Went there for a quick dinner, having the famous Habana Sandwich! Great choice, juicy sandwich stuffed with pulled pork, ham and cheese - excellent! This time we had the „luck“ to have one of the unfriendliest, most bored and annoyed waitress ever! Instead of getting a nice welcome she just seated us to the table, handed over two menu cards without saying something and put two glasses of ice water on the table, great! Who invented that tradition in the US? If I would offer some sort of chlored water in Europe, my guests would never show up again. However, when the waitress popped up again to take the order, she did it without any smile or saying thank you. Well - waiting for the menu at least she had some time to refresh her lipstick - never saw such a behavior in a restaurant before. Once we finished the dinner, she put the bill on the table, again - no comment. I tipped her with 3 Dollars, less than 5 percent. Another waiter took the money, asked for change and I said "not needed". He looked at me, presented the money to the waitress and mentioned: „no change“. She commented with a nasty laugher. What exactly did she expect? To get tipped for unfriendliness? At least the tip was not included on the bill already, one of the worst things a restaurant can do. She got exactly what she could expect, to be honest, i should not have spend that amount. Hope she get fired soon.

Enjoyed dining at the Cafe Habana! It’s a very lively energetic place. Outdoor seating was fine but you can sit indoors if you like. The food was good! The night we went they didn’t take credit cards so check before going if you plan to use credit card! Fun place with good food!

The best Grilled Mexican Street Corn ever and a Cuban Sandwich like you've never had! If you haven't made a stop at Cafe Habana when in NY then put it on your list for your next visit. You won't be disappointed. If you can find a place to sit inside then you lucked out but there are lots of places to sit outside which is where most people end up eating. Be prepared to wait on the weekends but the line moves quickly and it's well worth any wait you may have. A top choice when you have a big appetite!

Small, really friendly place with excellent food.....thank you Iris! Great atmosphere. The corn is a must, and the margaritas are pretty good too. Go!

This place boasts "Best Cuban Sandwich" in NYC Award. They're right! I missed the vote but I'd add Best Pork Taco to the accolades. Cafe has a 3-person counter and 3 tables so most patrons take their food to-go. We sat huddled in a corner with the front door opening and closing every few minutes. Not a place to linger. Authentic Cuban Environs; tight, old, cramped storefront with folding chairs and wobbly tables. We had a delicious meal at a fair price. Pork tacos at $2.75/each. The clerks at surrounding stores all agreed with my assessment as we went shopping in this chic NYC neighborhood.

I want to be sure that I'm being clear that this place is definitely excellent except for just one thing! We got lost on the subway during one of the hottest days on NY on a weekend. We had traveled for almost 40 mins lost and hungry. We called ahead to make sure they were open. We showed up literally 1 minute late and they said sorry we're closed! That led to a bunch of bad, starving , craving food choices and didn't end up eating for about another hour or so. We decided that night that we would come back to Cafe Habana for brunch. Now this was the best choice we made. My wife and I ordered the Cuban Sandwich. I've had many sandwiches and tried many types of differently prepared versions of this. I also decided to add in a Mojito. First off the Cuban was amazing, such a well blend of flavors if you can wrap your whole mouth into the whole sandwich. Ham, pulled pork, cheese, chipotle mayo, and pickle make for a taste that's unbelievable. I didn't bother with the side salad or fries. But we do regret not getting the elote ( corn on the cob) The Mojito was perfect for such a hot day, and a parched throat. Put me over just a bit which made the rest of our day a little more enjoyable. The atmosphere was my favorite. Elvis Crespo, Selena and a blend of Latin oldies were bumping on the speakers. The service was great, greeted with smile, quickly seated and food not to far behind. The décor is what reminded me of what a Cuban restaurant would look like with the mother Mary, Guadalupe and luchadores plastered on the walls and bathrooms. The food was fairly priced, I can't complain for great taste. ( also eating in New York) We really wanted to go back but there were other places we had to hit first. My tip to avoid lines is show up around noon on the weekend. We were seated immediately.

Really enjoyed our meal! As others have said, the corn alone is worth going there, but our entrees were really good too. The music and atmosphere is fun; service could do with being a bit more attentive, but friendly nonetheless. Would absolutely go back!

This a very small restaurant. Seating is tight but we found very comfortable booth seats in the back. We started with the excellent grilled corn and both had Cuban Sandwiches. They were delicious. The way I judge a restaurant is would I go back and I'm definitely looking forward to going back.

Good restaurant. The corn appetizer that they are known for is very good, but not incredible. Everyone's entrees we're very good, but were all served cold, as if they had been sitting for some time. We could say "well, they were busy that day," but Cafe Habana is busy every day, all the time, so there should be a way to serve the food hot. The waitstaff was very friendly and great. Would be 5 stars if any of the food (appetizers and entrees included) had been served hot.

great food, reasonable price, good service.. what more do you need? I had the juevos divorcidados, both the red and the green sauces were tasty and authentic.. yum.. the cafe con leche is good but a bit pricey at nearly $4. I suppose I would have skippe

Cubano sandwich and chips really good and the corn was fantastic. A little over priced and not very friendly service but overall delightful food.

We love this place. Ate here frequently 7 years ago, and he food is better than ever. We had a Cuban style breakfast to start a busy day. Every dish is wonderful.

Excellent breakfast place! Warm and helpful staff! The food is also very nice! Needs to open a bit early though! 9:00 am is too late for breakfast!

This restaurant used to be great, but the service is sorely lacking, try the other Cuban restaurants with better prices.

When I looked at the place did not have much hope for the food, any how we enter the staff is having fun and there is great music. It is probably one of the best Cuban Sandwich tasted before. Must try is the corn though, love it.

We just stopped in for a cafe cubano. It was great! I used my Spanish with the waiter, so Nicaraguan Spanish also works in Cuba. The coffee was ok. The place was very attractive, nice ambience. I would not have found this place if it were not for my friends who love it. Next time, I will be eating dinner here.

The burrito I’ve ate in my life! Ask for the “Sloppy Jose”, it’s fu**ing amazing! And about the “grilled corn”, no words to describe it, just ask one, or more!!! The homemade lemonade is ok.

We visited this great diner twice - last year and this year on our visits to the Big Apple. It is located in a vibrant neighbourhood and feels like a local hangout where most people seem to be regulars. We sat at the bar to get a good look at all the action in the kitchen as they serve up tasty plates to share while we sip mojitos that carries a punch. The corn is a must have!

I should have know when it is a mix of Cuban and Mexican to be wary. There is nothing Cuban about the food in this café. And I had the worst, supposedly, Cuban sandwich ever. I like nouvelle cuisine, but this is a travesty. Pulled pork and a slice of ham with chipotle mayonnaise on toasted bread that is not the type used on a real Cuban sandwich does not make a Cuban sandwich. I should have returned the sandwich when I saw it, but decided to try it. It was too greasy, which a real Cuban sandwich with roasted pork and a nice of thick sliced ham is not supposed to be. The fries were soggy and greasy. Come to think of it, I really should have returned the plate. But, needless to say, I will never be going there again.

My husband and I initially went to the cafe and waited for a table. A table for four was occupied by a couple, they left, the table was cleared yet we were still waiting and waiting for a table. Surely if that table was given to a couple before, we could now have it? It wasn't reserved but they wouldn't give us the table. Very unhelpful staff. We walked out and went to their take-out branch next door. We order the Sloppy Jose and the Cuban sandwich ($24 altogether). We were tempted to get he corn as well but I'm glad we didn't as those two sarnies were divine but massive. We struggled to finish them. We ate them on the bench outside enjoying every single morsel. Would definitely visit again, but I'd just make a beeline for the take-out place.

So, was told by our son in San Francisco (who used to live in NYC), to go here for the cubano sandwich.. it was a good as everyone say's it is.... nice staff, strong (and expensive) drinks, and good food.... that will work!

I love this place, it is a staple in NYC. My standard order is the corn and the Cuban sandwich. The homemade limeade is good to wash everything down with. All the food is consistently well done and tasty. I feel it can get a bit pricey than your standard fare, $9.95 for two ears of corn and $15 for the sandwich, but for NYC it is ok and I like coming here to keep good, delicious long standing local businesses like this going. I always leave happy and full. Service is friendly and quick, on a Sunday evening. Waits can be long during weekends and peak dinner hours, so plan accordingly. Tip: You can order out next door!

Popular place with a queue outside but as I was the only solo eater I got the solo bar space no one wanted. This is a very friendly place to come as a solo traveler, I had a great time sitting at the bar and talked to the staff as well as the friendly diners next to me. The drinks were lovely, could easily have had too many mojitos. The food whilst not mind blowingly good is very moorish and I had difficulties making my mind up because everything sounded nice, in the end I asked the staff to recommend something to me. Would come again.

the photos deceive are only done well. The food is poor and unpleasant even the rice is not good. Avoid it

Probely the best Cuban Sandwich I ever had our will have in the future. The staff seemed like they where having a great time at work and the food was really tasty.

Ventured to the smaller shop next to the main restaurant. The place gets pretty packed but the young ladies behind the registers move quickly. I called ahead for their famous Cuban and two orders of the corn. The corn is a must have it was grilled to perfection with a slight char, the perfect amount of queso ,mayo, and cayenne with a small squeeze of lime 😋. One isn't enough especially if you're from out of town. The Cuban was also super good but the corn was the star to me. Can't wait to visit again.

Teeny, tiny inside but same restaurant exists next door so check out either space. Fast and loud inside with upbeat music and staff. The Cuban sandwich and chicken diablo sandwiches were outstanding. They both came with ample, crispy fries. And the grilled corn will be in my dreams for quite some time! Two per order for $10 but worth it! Friendly staff. Just bring a shoehorn for seating!

In a vast city of being on the go, Cafe Havana is the place you want to make sure you have time for. Due to it's awesome location, cute size and popular choice there is a small wait. And I am happy to say it is absolutely worth the wait. Every time I go I am absolutely happy for my dish to be as tasty as the first time I had it. My particular favorite: Pollo Mirador. Flavorful of garlic with a punch of lemon chicken! (Drink lots of water after!) Even on crazy busy days I find that the service is always great as long as you treat your server with patience and understanding. Definitely come back again... & ...... again....... & again......!

Great atmosphere and the highly recommended (on here) Corn on the cob is now very highly recommended by myself and my girlfriend 👍

It was a bit crowded and quite close quarters for lunch. The meal was excellent and we enjoyed our salad as well as the Cuban sandwich. It says it was ranked the best in NYC for the sandwich, not so sure about that.

We had a variety of food as we have both carnivores and vegetarians in our family. Lots of choices for both. The guacamole and chips were wonderful. The tacos amazing. We tried the Cuban sandwiches too and they were very good. Yum!

A very small and quiet place. The Spanish speaking service. A good place to try a different and very delicious Cuban sandwich

Great Cuban place. It is a small place with a simple interior. We had to wait outside to get a table. But the food is very delicious. I would recommend this place.

Popped in for a quick lunch and absolutely loved it. Had the Cuban and roast pork and it was delicious. Will be coming back next time I'm in the area. Corn looked amazing too!

Meet a friend who suggested this little place kinda out of the way for a tourist, more a local hidden gem. Beautiful margaritas on the rocks to start. All our food was exceptional, special mention goes to the grilled corn! A must!! Great decor & staff are on the ball & super friendly & down to earth. We dined in restaurant.

If you are looking for authentic and real Mexican food, this is the place. I recommend the elote and the torts de queso

It's a popular restaurant without reservation in advance. We ordered Mexican style corn and Cuban sandwich. The corn is the best corn I have ever tried.

Seriously, go there for the corn 🌽 🌽🌽 It is the best you'll ever have. They make some pretty amazing sarmies too. We popped it late one Sunday night and they helped us with a smile. Also in n great little neighborhood for all types of restaurants and bars

We squeezed into this popular restaurant for an early Saturday dinner. The grilled corn is amazing! Everything we had was delicious. Seating is very tight, but everyone around us, including the servers, were good sports about being in each others' space. Highly recommend.