Havana 1957 in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is a Cuban restaurant that aims to transport diners back to the “glory and glamour of old Cuba during the 1950s,” offering a unique and nostalgic dining experience.
Unique Features and History
Havana 1957 is part of a chain of Cuban restaurants under the Vida & Estilo (V&E) Restaurant Group, which began expanding its network in the years following its launch around 2010.
What makes it unique is its immersive atmosphere designed to evoke a feeling of spending “Un Dia En La Habana” (A Day in Havana). This is achieved through:
- 1950s Cuban Nostalgia: The decor is filled with vintage memorabilia, prints, and images of Havana’s biggest legends, decorating the restaurant from floor to ceiling.
- Authentic Cultural Experience: The restaurant combines authentic Cuban cuisine with classic Cuban music (such as Celia Cruz and Benny More) to create a lively ambiance.
- The Mojito Bar: A standout feature, the bar is known to stock over 120 varieties of rum from around the world, specializing in classic cocktails like the Mojito and Cuba Libre.
- Live Entertainment: The Pembroke Pines location often features a House Band and other performances, providing a lively evening experience, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights.
Highlight Menu Items
The menu focuses on authentic Cuban cuisine. Some of the most popular and highlighted dishes include:
- Pollo Havana 1957: Described as a family recipe, this signature dish is roasted chicken marinated in a delicious Cuban gravy, served with white rice, black beans, roasted potatoes, and caramelized sweet plantains.
- Ropa Vieja: Braised and shredded flank steak stewed in criolla sauce.
- Vaca Frita (Crispy Shredded Beef): Braised, shredded, and then griddled until crispy, topped with onions and Cuban mojo (citrus onion sauce), served with rice and black beans.
- Lechón Asado: Slow oven-roasted pork leg with Cuban mojo, served with moro rice and yuca.
- Cuban Sandwich: A classic pressed sandwich with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
- Truffle Yuca Fries: Yuca fries tossed in truffle oil, Parmesan cheese, and rosemary, served with cilantro aioli.
For drinks, the Mojito (including various flavors and a larger “Super Mojito”) is a highlight, along with a wide selection of rums and Cuban coffee classics like Café con Leche.
Customer Feedback
Customer feedback for the Pembroke Pines location is generally positive regarding the quality of the food and the ambiance. Common themes in reviews include:
- Food Quality: Many customers praise the food for being delicious, well-seasoned, and offering generous portions. The black bean soup and the main meat dishes (like Ropa Vieja and Masitas de Cerdo) often receive high marks for being authentic.
- Atmosphere: The vibrant, “old-school” ambiance, the decor, and the live Cuban music are frequently mentioned as positives that contribute to the unique experience.
- Service and Consistency: Like many restaurants, service experiences can be variable. Some reviews mention excellent hospitality, while others note instances of slow service, mix-ups in orders (e.g., rice types), or over-attentive table clearing.
- Pet-Friendly: The location is noted for being dog-friendly on its outside patio, with staff often bringing water for pets.
Significant Events
While a comprehensive, historic list of events is not readily available, the location is known for:
- Live Music Nights: Regularly featuring a house band and late-night sets from DJs (like Tonny Johnny DJ on Fridays and Saturdays), establishing it as a local spot for Cuban entertainment.
- Group Dining and Private Events: The restaurant markets itself as a venue for group gatherings, corporate events, weddings, and parties, leveraging its unique atmosphere and group menus.
- Miami Spice Participation: As part of the restaurant chain in the Miami metro area, it has participated in the annual Miami Spice event, offering specially curated prix-fixe menus at discounted rates during August and September.
Contact Information
