Are you searching for “Cuban Food Near Me” and dreaming of a vibrant, flavorful escape? Sometimes, the best culinary adventures happen when you least expect them. We were in Times Square, New York City, hungry and yearning for something beyond the usual tourist fare. Pizza and burgers were off the list. We wanted good food. Really good food. And we wanted something unique, perhaps a taste of New York we couldn’t find just anywhere.
Instead of endless scrolling on our phones with limited data, we enlisted the help of our daughter back in London, Ontario. A quick text with our location (near Times Square) and the request for “reasonably priced” options, and within minutes, she delivered. Among her suggestions, one immediately jumped out: authentic Cuban cuisine just half a block from the bustling heart of Times Square.
Havana Central Cuban Restaurant Sign in Times Square NYC – Find Cuban Food Near Me
Discovering Authentic Cuban Flavors Near You at Havana Central
The name? Havana Central. The moment I saw it, a wave of nostalgia washed over me. Over 25 years prior, a business trip to NYC had introduced me to the wonders of Cuban food, and the memory lingered. A quick scan of online reviews confirmed our excitement – TripAdvisor was buzzing with positive feedback. It seemed like the perfect answer to our “Cuban food near me” quest.
Finding the entrance was a bit of an adventure in itself! Initially, we walked right past it, mistaking it for a small, possibly closed storefront. Disappointment flickered – could this be it? Could it really be closed on a Wednesday night? Then, we looked up. And there it was: a large, vibrant sign adorned with a palm tree and “Havana” in bright neon lights. The unassuming entrance is deceptive, because stepping inside is like stepping back in time to the glamorous 1950s.
Atmosphere inside Havana Central Cuban Restaurant in Times Square – Best Cuban Food Near Me
The interior is a feast for the senses. Potted palm trees sway gently, soft mood lighting creates an intimate ambiance, and a live band fills the air with infectious Cuban rhythms. Chandeliers sparkle overhead, illuminating tables filled with families, couples, and groups of friends, all gathered to savor delicious food, lively conversation, and a truly enjoyable time. If you’re looking for “Cuban food near me” with atmosphere, Havana Central delivers in spades.
For the best experience, especially if you want to chat, I recommend requesting a table on the balcony. From this elevated vantage point, you get a fantastic overview of the entire restaurant. You can watch the bartenders expertly crafting their famous mojitos and pitchers of vibrant sangria, all while enjoying the music at a comfortable volume for conversation. We arrived after 8 pm and were grateful we made a reservation (easily done online via OpenTable – link below!). It’s definitely a popular spot, and for good reason.
Live Cuban Music at Havana Central Restaurant Times Square – Authentic Cuban Food Near Me
Savoring the Flavors of Cuba: Mojitos and Must-Try Dishes
Our culinary journey began with their signature Passion Fruit Mojito. Served with a charming piece of sugar cane and a playful “pink lady pin-up” stir stick, it was the epitome of 1950s flair.
Ordering Tip: This isn’t just any mojito; it’s a $11.50 indulgence. While the menu might list it at $10.50, they use premium rum or liqueur as a default, resulting in a slight surcharge on the bill. A minor detail, but worth noting. It was worth every penny, though – just be aware of the potential upcharge.
Delicious Cuban Food at Havana Central Restaurant in Times Square NYC – Cuban Cuisine Near Me
Browsing the menu, I couldn’t resist the appetizer sampler. It was a delightful exploration of Cuban flavors: crispy chicharrón, both savory and sweet plantains, grilled corn, flavorful empanadas, and spicy chorizo. The standout for me was the grilled corn on the cob – slathered in creamy mayonnaise and generously rolled in parmesan cheese (and perhaps breadcrumbs?). Decadent? Absolutely. Delicious? Without a doubt. If you’re looking to sample a bit of everything when searching for “Cuban food near me,” this sampler is a fantastic choice. It’s definitely shareable, or could even serve as a satisfying main course paired with a couple of those fantastic mojitos.
Cuban Appetizer Sampler at Havana Central – Must-Try Cuban Food Near Me
For our main courses, we opted for the Vaca Frita and the Extraordinario Sandwich de Pollo. The Vaca Frita (Crispy Shredded Beef) was described as marinated pulled beef sautéed until crispy with lime, ajicito peppers, garlic, and onions, served with cilantro-flavored rice and a fried egg.
The beef itself was incredibly flavorful, though perhaps a touch dry on its own. However, a drizzle of the delicious cilantro sauce from the appetizer platter elevated it to perfection. The cilantro-flavored rice was a standout side dish – fragrant and delicious. The fried egg on top was a nice touch, but not essential to the dish’s overall success. This was a hearty and satisfying meal, packed with flavor and generous portions. If you’re craving a substantial and authentic Cuban dish when searching for “Cuban food near me,” the Vaca Frita is an excellent choice.
Vaca Frita (Crispy Shredded Beef) Cuban Dish at Havana Central – Authentic Cuban Food Near Me
My friend chose the EXTRAORDINARIO SANDWICH DE POLLO (Extraordinary Grilled Chicken Cuban Sandwich) with sweet potato fries. “Extraordinary” is no exaggeration! This sandwich was massive and bursting with a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Grilled chicken breast, red peppers, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato were layered between perfectly grilled Cuban bread and dressed with a savory mayo. Pressed like a panini, all the ingredients melted together into a gooey, delicious masterpiece. If you’re in the mood for a truly satisfying sandwich when looking for “Cuban food near me,” this Cuban sandwich is a must-try.
Extraordinario Cuban Sandwich at Havana Central Restaurant – Popular Cuban Food Near Me
More Than Just a Meal: An Experience
Our visit to Havana Central was more than just finding “Cuban food near me”; it was a truly memorable experience. We fell in love with the vibrant atmosphere, the lively music, and especially the incredible food and drinks. I’ve already recommended Havana Central to friends twice since our visit!
While they have multiple locations, the Times Square location provided the perfect post-dinner entertainment. Stuffed and happy, a walk around the dazzling lights of Times Square was the perfect way to cap off a fantastic evening in New York City.
Fun Facts about Havana Central:
- First Location Opened: June 24th, 2002
- Mojitos Sold: Over 700,000
- Empanadas Sold: Over 1 million
- Cuban Sandwiches Sold: Over 800,000
- Pork Cooked Annually: Over 4,000 pounds
- Limes Used Annually (mostly for Mojitos): Over 130,000
- Avocados Eaten Annually: Over 40,000
Havana Central – Times Square Location
Address: 151 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, United States
Phone: +1 212-398-7440
Hours: Open Daily: 11:30 am – 12:00 am
Reservations: opentable.com
Menu: havanacentral.com
If you’re searching for “Cuban food near me” in Times Square, look no further than Havana Central. It’s a taste of Cuba in the heart of NYC that you won’t want to miss.
