Located in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood, Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina offers a vibrant and authentic Cuban dining experience, bringing the rich flavors of Cuba to the city’s eclectic dining scene. With its lively atmosphere, welcoming ambiance, and mouthwatering dishes, this Cuban restaurant has quickly become a favorite for both locals and tourists looking to indulge in traditional Cuban cuisine with a modern twist.
From flavorful mojitos and refreshing cocktails to savory Cuban sandwiches and ropa vieja, Old’s Havana is a fantastic destination for anyone seeking a taste of Cuba in the heart of Miami. Whether you’re looking for a casual meal with friends or a fun night out with drinks and music, Old’s Havana delivers a memorable experience that blends Cuba’s culinary traditions with the vibrancy of Miami’s diverse dining culture.
This review will dive into everything that makes Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina a standout choice, including its ambiance, food offerings, cocktails, service, and overall dining experience.
Ambiance: A Lively and Colorful Cuban Escape
The moment you step into Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina, you’re instantly transported to the lively streets of Havana. The vibrant interior captures the essence of Cuban culture, with bold colors, retro furnishings, and eye-catching murals adorning the walls. The restaurant’s design is inspired by Havana’s lively bar scene, with a blend of classic Cuban aesthetics and modern touches that give the space an energetic and welcoming vibe.
The atmosphere is relaxed yet full of energy, with music playing in the background to create an immersive dining experience. The open-air seating area enhances the vibrant ambiance, allowing guests to enjoy the lively Wynwood neighborhood while dining on delicious Cuban fare. The space is well-suited for both intimate dinners and larger group gatherings, with cozy booths, long communal tables, and bar seating available.
Old’s Havana embraces the spirit of Cuba with its colorful decor and laid-back, yet festive atmosphere. Whether you’re enjoying a casual lunch or spending an evening with friends, the ambiance is designed to make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a lively Cuban cantina.
Cuisine: Authentic Cuban Flavors with a Modern Twist
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina stays true to its Cuban roots while adding a contemporary twist to some of the classic dishes. The menu is a celebration of Cuban cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and traditional cooking techniques. The restaurant’s offerings span a variety of Cuban favorites, from tacos and empanadas to hearty entrees such as ropa vieja, lechón asado, and arroz con pollo.
Appetizers: The Perfect Start to a Cuban Feast
To begin your meal at Old’s Havana, you’ll want to dive into some of their signature appetizers. One of the standout dishes is the Tostones, a classic Cuban appetizer made from crispy twice-fried plantains. These golden, crunchy tostones are served with a tangy garlic dipping sauce that adds just the right amount of flavor and spice. The plantains are perfectly crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender on the inside—a satisfying snack to start your meal.
Another favorite is the Cuban Empanadas, which are golden pockets filled with savory fillings such as beef, chicken, or cheese. The empanadas are crispy on the outside and generously stuffed, offering a delicious bite-sized snack that is perfect for sharing.
For a lighter option, the Yuca Fries are a must-try. Served with a garlic dipping sauce, these crispy yuca fries are soft on the inside, with a slightly earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy sauce.
Main Dishes: Traditional Cuban Classics with Bold Flavors
When it comes to the main course, Old’s Havana delivers a variety of Cuban classics that transport you straight to the heart of Cuba. One of the most popular dishes is the Ropa Vieja, a slow-cooked shredded beef dish served with a savory tomato-based sauce. The beef is incredibly tender, and the rich, flavorful sauce adds depth and complexity to the dish. It’s often paired with rice and black beans, making for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Another standout dish is the Lechón Asado, a Cuban-style roasted pork that is marinated with garlic, citrus, and a variety of spices before being slow-cooked to perfection. The pork is tender and juicy, with crispy, caramelized skin that gives the dish a delightful crunch. The smoky flavor of the pork is balanced by the tanginess of the marinade, making for a mouthwatering dish that’s full of flavor.
For seafood lovers, the Camarones al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) is a great choice. The shrimp are sautéed in a fragrant garlic sauce that’s rich and aromatic, offering a savory, bold flavor that pairs perfectly with white rice or plantains.
Arroz con Pollo is another popular choice at Old’s Havana. This Cuban-style rice and chicken dish is cooked with bell peppers, peas, and saffron, resulting in a savory, flavorful dish that is both filling and comforting. The rice is fluffy and aromatic, with the chicken cooked until it is tender and juicy, making it a satisfying and classic Cuban option.
If you’re in the mood for something a bit lighter, the Cuban Salad is a fresh and vibrant option. The salad is made with a mix of crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado, all drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette. It’s a great side dish that complements the rich flavors of the other main courses.
Cuban Sandwiches: A Miami Classic
You can’t visit Old’s Havana without trying one of their signature Cuban sandwiches. The Cuban Sandwich here is made with tender roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed together on a Cuban bread roll. The sandwich is perfectly balanced, with the salty pork and ham contrasting beautifully with the tangy pickles and the creamy cheese. The bread is toasted to perfection, creating a crispy, crunchy exterior that adds texture to each bite.
For a twist on the classic, Old’s Havana also offers the Medianoche Sandwich, which is similar to the Cuban Sandwich but made with sweet, soft bread. The flavors are the same, but the texture of the bread adds a unique touch to this beloved Cuban favorite.
Drinks: Signature Cocktails and Cuban-Inspired Sips
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina also offers a fantastic selection of signature cocktails that complement the bold flavors of the Cuban dishes. The bar specializes in rum-based drinks, with mojitos, daiquiris, and classic Cuba Libres taking center stage.
The Mojito is a standout drink at Old’s Havana. Made with fresh mint, lime, sugar, rum, and soda water, the mojito is refreshing and light, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The mint adds a fragrant, cooling element that pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine.
For something a little more indulgent, try the Frozen Daiquiri, which comes in a variety of tropical flavors like strawberry and mango. This frozen concoction is the perfect way to cool off and enjoy a refreshing treat on a warm Miami day.
For those who prefer something stronger, the Cuba Libre, made with rum, cola, and lime, is a classic Cuban cocktail that is simple, yet satisfying. The sweet and fizzy cola is balanced by the tangy lime and the kick of rum, creating a smooth, refreshing drink.
If you’re in the mood to explore further, Old’s Havana offers a well-curated selection of Cuban beers and spirits, allowing guests to experience the authentic flavors of Cuba in liquid form.
Service: Friendly and Attentive
The service at Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable. The staff is always happy to offer recommendations from the menu or suggest a drink pairing to enhance the meal. They are quick to attend to your needs without being intrusive, ensuring that your dining experience is both enjoyable and relaxed.
The atmosphere is lively and energetic, but the service remains professional and efficient, ensuring that guests feel well taken care of throughout the meal. The waitstaff is especially knowledgeable about Cuban cuisine and happy to share insights on the dishes, making the overall dining experience feel personalized and engaging.
Pricing and Accessibility: Affordable Cuban Dining with Great Value
Old’s Havana offers affordable pricing for the quality of food and the experience it provides. Appetizers typically range from $8 to $15, with most main dishes falling between $15 and $30. The Cuban sandwiches are reasonably priced, with most of them ranging from $10 to $15.
Signature cocktails and mojitos are priced around $10 to $12, while the selection of Cuban beers is also reasonably priced, ranging from $4 to $7. The prices are fairly accessible for the quality and authenticity of the food, making it a great option for those seeking a delicious Cuban meal without breaking the bank.
Why Old’s Havana Stands Out
Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina is a standout Cuban restaurant in Miami, offering a vibrant and authentic Cuban experience that’s hard to match. The combination of delicious Cuban food, signature cocktails, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for anyone looking to explore the rich culinary traditions of Cuba while enjoying the energy of one of Miami’s most exciting neighborhoods.
Final Verdict and Rating
For those looking to experience the flavors and culture of Cuba, Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina is a must-visit destination in Miami. With its delicious food, creative cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere, it provides an authentic Cuban dining experience that’s both affordable and unforgettable.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)
Old’s Havana offers an exceptional Cuban dining experience, and while the atmosphere can get quite lively, it is an excellent spot for enjoying classic Cuban dishes in a fun and vibrant setting. The flavorful food and excellent cocktails make it a standout choice in