Shanice Harris

Havana ooh, nah nah….Half of my heart is in Havana, ooh nah nah…

This gem of a restaurant has been in existence way before that song made its debut in 2018, but it perfectly encapsulates the love you’ll feel for this beautiful Cuban restaurant in Chicago’s South Loop.

Havana, located at 412 N Clark, gives off a sexy, cool vibe the second you walk into the narrow corridor into the dining room. The dim-lights, 1940s era decor, and ubiquitous Latin-inspired soundtrack makes you feel like you’re in the middle of a busy street in the largest province in Cuba.

The tasting menu varies from filling appetizers like the chimichangas (the poblano sauce is epic) to Cuban classic desserts like Platanos Maduros. The dinner menu contains fan-favorites like Torta Cubana and traditional enchiladas, but if you want to get a bit creative, try the Pollo Coco Limon— a chicken breast, infused with lemon and coconut milk, and serve with wild rice and roasted vegetables. The meat literally falls off the bone and the mix of elements adds a depth to flavor.

You’ll find a smaller dining room on the first level, with a pretty vast bar along the wall when you first step inside. Steep steps to your right leads you to a slightly larger dining room in the restaurant’s basement, along with their restrooms.

The prices can be costly—depending on what you order—so, be prepared to leave with your wallet a little lighter. But, it’s worth it. Making a reservation is also recommended, as this place gets PACKED, especially around the afternoon into evening.

It’s a treat to find this authenticity in Chicago’s South Loop. Many restaurants in The Loop that hang their hat on Latin cuisine usually miss the mark. Chicagoans—and tourists alike—have to travel to Pilsen or Humboldt Park for that. But Havana has a way of encapsulating the culture of Latin America, without being presumptuous.

Until next time...

Shanice