Habana Calle 6 Annex

I moved here from south Florida, home of the best Cuban Food in the country. Born of Cuban immigrants who moved (Legally) to this country in the late 50's. I've been craving Cuban food this afternoon and decided to pay a visit to Habana Cuban Restaurant on 6th st. As I stepped in the front door I was in dis-belief that they would have hanging on the wall a picture of Che Gavera on it's wall. Any Cuban who fled Cuba or have family still in Cuba would be very offended they would glorify someone who helped bring communisim to their country and responsible for thousand of murders and executions of it's political enemies. But it seems that Austin liberals view him as some great revolutionist with grand ideas. It's very scary that educated people would regard this animal with such high regard.\r Anyway, enough of politics and lets talk about my experiance at this restaurant. \r \r I was immediatly struck by the awful smell of pine sole and when the hostest asked if I wanted to eat indoors or out, I couldn't say outdoors fast enough! I was amazed how little the waitress knew about the food. They had little knowledge on how the food was prepared. No Cuban bread! I asked if the Lechon Asado was prepared with Mojo. She tried to tell me Mojo was made from Pork drippings...Oh my God! She had no clue...\r The pork was not made with mojo so it did not taste like Lechon Asado...the rice and black beans weren't bad and the fried plantens no matter how hard you try to screw up, you really can't, tasted good. \r \r Overall, It was overpriced, smelled terrible, politically incorrect to Cuban people and the waitress had no clue of the culture or the food. A poor and embarrasing representation of what is one of the finest foods you can ever eat. Two big thumbs down. more

My wife and I went early on a Sunday, before the band and big crowd arrived. The waitstaff was friendly, but the service was fairly slow. We really liked to decor and the layout., except for the picture of Che Guevarra which is offensive to true Cubans. I could see this place being a lot of fun during happy hour with the size of the place and the patio below. We sat inside, which turned out to be a good call as the patio below smelled like someone had lost their lunch. We found the menu a little pricey and the drink menu did not list any prices. That alone made us avoid asking. We ordered the Mofongo appetizer, which was good with the sofrito salsa. (This tastes like the sauce you'd get with ropa vieja and it was good.) It helped during the wait for the main course, which was longer than expected, seeing as the place was pretty empty. I asked about the lechon asado (roast pork) and was told it was one of the best things on the menu. My wife and I both ordered it, which turned out to be a mistake. The pork was fairly tasteless (compared to what I'm used to.) It was definitely a letdown though the portions were good. The yuca was pretty good once I added a good bit of lime to it. The rice and beans together were dry and tasteless. Seriously avoid these! \r UPDATE: I went with some co-workers about a year after my first review and had forgotten about my poor experience. They all ordered pork and seemed disappointed. It is very tasteless!! The ropa vieja sandwich I had was also bland. Also, it's pretty pricey for lunch. In Los Angeles, I'd eat for nearly half the price and get plantains--none provided here. The gringa waitress suggested I get cheese on my ropa vieja! She didn't have a clue about Cuban food!! Better to stick with good Tex-Mex and enjoy good Cuban food in Miami! Pros: portions, cool location Cons: mediocre Cuban food more

Try anything that has pork in it. Believe me! This pork is something special. Savory! Tender! Creative! The appitizers are great as well. It's a little pricy, but all in all everything on the menu is worth a try. It's fun, ambient, romanitc, and nostalgic to some as well. Give this Caribbean place a chance. Pros: good food, good portions, parking near-by Cons: seating too cramped more

Habana on Calle Seis is a real treat. I have visited on four occasions during the week and never found the service to be a problem. A good cigar is appropriate following a meal here and the ""No Smoking' inside the bar is a pain in the robusto. The food is very good, the service is exemplery and the portions are large. Mojitos are skillfully constructed and as good as any found on South Beach or Calle Ocho. I plan my Austin trips to include dinner at this destination on 6th Street. Pros: great food, good value , ample portions Cons: no smosmoking inside more

I was here last week for a friend's birthday dinner, and I was unimpressed. While the food was delicious (huge portions) the service was so bad that it took away from what would have been a great meal otherwise. I waited almost 20 minutes for a draft beer, and mixed drinks took almost 30 minutes...and we were one of only 4 parties in the restaurant. The waitress was friendly, but gave no recommendations to a group of folks who were clearly having trouble with the menu. Overall, go when you've got some patience, and consider splitting an appetizer and an entree with a friend...it will be plenty of food! Pros: great food, moderatly priced, interesting choices Cons: very slow, difficult menu more

I have been to the new location on 6th street a number of times, and the food and atmosphere never disappoint. However, on almost every occasion, the service has been awful. In my most recent experience, it must have taken at least ten minutes for someone to take our drink order and another fifteen or so just to get our drinks... and the restaurant was not at all packed. Either they are incredibly understaffed, or there is just very little concern for good customer service. Pros: Great food, Nice atmosphere Cons: Poor service more

i (heart) habana! my first experience was just so-so, but every time i have gone since i have loved it! the food is delish and the new location is awesome! great outdoor patio, good value for the food, and yummy mojitos! Pros: taste, patio, location more

I went to this place with my boyfriend who has parents from both Costa Rica and Puerto Rico. He took me there so I could get a taste for Caribbean food. I LOVED it and he felt like he was eating his mom's home cooking. The frozen Mojitos and the Maduros (fried plantains) were my favorite. The atmosphere was very laid back. We ate outside and there was a live band playing that was pretty good. If you like Caribbean food and just want to try something low-key and different I highly recommend it! Pros: Good Caribbean Food, Good Music, Laid Back Atmosphere Cons: Parking on 6th more

I recently went to Habana for the first time since they relocated. It was a Sunday night and the restaurant wasn't that busy but it still took our waiter a good 15 minutes to come back to our table with our drinks. The food cam pretty quickly but mine was barley warm and the portion was really small. There was a great band playing and it was nice to sit outside on such a hot night. I'd go back for drinks and music but not sure I'd do dinner again. I'm hoping I just caught this place on an off night. Pros: atmosphere, music Cons: slow service, small portions more