1. In the day time, great spot for lunch outside, great authentic Cubano-style mojitos. 2. In the evening, they sometimes have a live latin band playing and the salsa and bachata and cha cha cha dancers here are legit! 3. Also in the evening, the baddest girls in Manila hang out here, except that they're not quite girls and also they are hookers. Okay, have fun! read more

From Authentic Havana Atmosphere to Just Another Themed Cafe Very disappointing, and frankly a major loss of what made this place worth visiting. I came to Havana Cafe in February and genuinely enjoyed it. Sitting down with a drink and a proper Cuban cigar felt completely natural in a venue built around Havana and Cuban culture. I returned in August specifically looking forward to doing the same, only to find that smoking is now banned. Before management replies with the predictable "these are the new regulations," let me be clear: I am not asking Havana Cafe to break the law, ignore health regulations, or allow smoking where it is prohibited. My criticism is that a venue trading so heavily on Havana and Cuban identity apparently did not even make the effort to provide a pleasant, properly designated area for cigar smokers where legally possible. That is the part I find difficult to understand. Cigars are not some random accessory added to Cuban culture. They are one of the things Cuba and Havana are internationally famous for. Running a Havana-themed venue while making no meaningful accommodation for cigar aficionados feels like running a traditional Russian bar and deciding vodka is no longer part of the experience. And before the answer is "not everyone wants to smell smoke," of course they do not. That is exactly why designated and separated smoking areas exist. Nobody is suggesting people should be forced to sit next to cigar smoke. I had actually spent a considerable amount buying good Cuban cigars in Australia and brought them to the Philippines partly because I was looking forward to enjoying one again at Havana Cafe. So the issue is not simply that "smoking rules changed." The issue is how the venue responded to that change. A place genuinely committed to its Havana identity could have looked for a reasonable, tasteful and legally compliant way to accommodate cigar enthusiasts rather than simply removing that part of the experience altogether. If regulations genuinely make even a designated cigar area impossible, then management should simply say that clearly. But if there was any lawful option available and the venue simply chose not to bother, then that is extremely disappointing. For me, the character of the place has changed completely. What once felt distinctive and authentic now feels like another themed cafe using Havana imagery without one of the most obvious elements associated with Havana culture. Sadly, I now have very little reason to return. read more

I have eaten here an average of 2-3 times a year the last three years and each time I come back it gets a little worse. I keep hoping it will get better. This was my last time. There are too many other great places to try in Makati. This time I sat outside. Ordered a light beer and a Cuban sandwhich with garlic soap to go. The soup was surprisingly really good. The sandwich was the worst Cuban sandwich I have ever had. Sad because I was really craving one. I won't eat here again, but perhaps sit for drinks and people watching. It's a great location despite there being some business construction going on. read more

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The first time I went to Cafe Havana, I made the mistake of sitting outside by myself while waiting for my friends. I had just ordered food when some scary men approached me thinking I was a hooker. This just doesn't happen to women. Some men also sit alone outside and the hookers themselves approach them. If you don't mind these strange happenings, then, sit outside. People continue coming here for the food. I have to say their breakfast buffets are really good. I can stay there eating breakfast all day if they'd let me. And their mojitos really helped me and my friends during days when school and work were extra exhausting and crappy. At night, it's the perfect place to chill and dance. The music helps you forget about your problems. You know, it still is a great place to have fun and eat with and without the hookers. read more

Cafe Havana - Cafes Near Me - Makati, NCR

Went here for lunch today... Looked fine and the food was really good for our 1st meal in Manila... Later we walk there at night and realise it's a completely different atmosphere where there are lots of men sitting (hookers spot, as I read on the reviews). It's a very popular place though. Now we know what this place is like, we will not be going there for dinner, but lunch is fine. It was not busy and we sat inside. read more

Cafe Havana - Spiced chicken wings with a twist of guava and chilli. Chicken breast topped with sautéed onions on a bed of Mexican rice - Cafes Near Me - Makati, NCR

So being a single female expat I was a bit nervous about giving this one a try after reading all the reviews. I decided to sit inside, it was early on a Saturday evening and I could see the band setting up. Never got to hear them but it did look like a good time! The overall ambience was nice and no complaints about the staff. However I am only giving 3 stars due to the quality of food. I have spent quite a bit of time in Miami and I would not call myself an expert by any means but I know what Cuban food is. I was so excited to get some pulled pork and beans & rice! Maybe some delicious fried plantains if I was lucky :) but my hopes were dashed after looking at the menu. If your looking for authentic Cuban food this is not the place. The mojito is the only thing saving this from 2 stars as it was very good! read more

Cafe Havana has gained quite a bad reputation because expats have somehow turned the place into a sleazefest (well, it's not entirely their fault because hookers and their pimps are in on it as well). Sure, the Greenbelt branch has become quite synonymous to the hook-up culture - a place where AFAMs and crusty old tourists can "meet" their "girls". But even before it became such a happening spot where a girl could easily get mistaken as a hooker if she as much as wears an above-the-knee skirt, Cafe Havana has been one of those few places that could whip up a respectable and authentic mojito. The mojito is strong, yet refreshing and sweet. The food is also quite good, and the place remains as one of the most unique restaurants in the metro, since it offers good Cuban and Latin food that you won't find anywhere else. What I also love about the place is the live Latin music. I fancy myself as quite the dancer, and after a few mojitos or beers, I would be about ready to cut up a rug and break into my salsa moves on the dance floor, which is a bit small and is already taken up by the professionals and the DIs (dance instructors). If you look past the "transactions" that are happening in the al fresco area and venture inside the store, you will find that everyone is just having a jolly good time. The band is always upbeat and everyone just gets into the Latin mood. You can even don your panama hat and order a Cuban cigar with your scotch and watch the dancers gyrate to the music. The balmy Makati air almost makes the experience as close to the real thing as possible. read more

Much like Batman's Two Face, there are two contrasting sides to Greenbelt's Cafe Havana. Sit alone in their al fresco dining area and you'll get approached by men (or scary older women) pimping out their "girls", or you'll be approached by the girls themselves. I like sitting out there because the pimps and the girls are actually quite nice once they realize their sales pitch isn't working, and if you're lucky, you get to see an innocent woman get mistaken for a hooker by a Hugh Hefner lookalike. The ensuing chaos is always fun to watch. Inside, though, is another story. One thing you should know about Cafe Havana is that their mojitos have a stronger kick than most realize, and people can get really plastered in there. And with the heart-thumping Latino music, dancing your heart out seems like a great idea. Basically, I gave five stars to this joint for the experience. Inside or outside, you're going to have a remarkable night. read more

More drinks in Greenbelt. Swinged by for one last round and had San Mig light and frozen strawberry margarita. Very poor presentation and frozen strawberry margarita tastes like cough syrup. A place to check the atmosphere not a place for high quality drinks. Worth checking out to see the scene. read more

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When I moved to Manila, I was passing in front of Cafe Havana with a local friend and she told me the place is known for being a hookers/pimps hub in Makati. I remember she said: "Dany, don't be that innocent. Just observe the amount of old men and the amount of 'single ladies'. They are just waiting for some old expat". Well, prostitution hubs happens in every city. Despite this vibe, the restaurant outdoors is very pleasant and the food is good too. The thing is people usually get scared and don't give Cafe Havana a chance. Have a sit at the al fresco area and enjoy a refreshing mojito. If you are a girl and you are lonely, though, the chances of getting hit on by an old white guy is high. Go there with this in mind and enjoy an authentic mojito with the best of Latin music! read more

I really don't want to like Cafe Havana because I can't really get over what this place turns into late night - on weekdays and weekends. Meaning, there are lots of sex workers being entertained by men here. There are also lots of tables of sex workers waiting to be picked up as well. It's become a pick up spot for this kind of scene. It's a shame because the food is actually pretty decent and authentic. There are lots of South American and Spainish inspired dishes like paella, allos ala Cubana, and chorizo But they also have some local inspired dishes like sisig and adobong kambing. Drinks-wise they are pretty affordable and they have really good mojitos. Just be warned about the scene ok? read more

I had just moved to Manila when I first walked past Cafè Havana with a friend on a quiet Sunday evening. Back then, I had no idea the place had such a bad reputation for its girls and older expat men... So I just thought it was a very fun place! It had nice seats outside overlooking the square and everyone was dancing inside while the latino lady was singing! Looked like a great place to me! I soon found out about its reputation from some local friends but I must say, I never actually noticed anything too disturbing or provocative! read more

Very over priced. Had a few drinks and they were double that of everything next to them. The calamari wasn't all that great. The dancing was great, but this location was really worth people watching here in the evening. read more

If you're a woman, sit outside Cafe Havana for a certain amount of time and be sure to get hit on by some white dude. Whether this is a good thing or a bad thing is up to you, but majority of the crowd outside is of the sleazy hook-up nature. Not that it's all bad, of course. On the up side, it's also a good place to people-watch and see all the foreigners with their girls for the night. Despite all the stuff going on outside, the inside is pretty fun and lively, where you can salsa away with a date and drink mojitos and screwdrivers until your vision gets a little blurry around the edges. (And judging by the strength of their drinks - it wouldn't take too long!) Either way, Cafe Havana is defintely a place to go if you're up for having an interesting night. read more

Lunch buffet is a must try! It is such a good buffet..... Service is awesome and staff is super friendly. And did I mention the food is amazing! read more

Food is good,not too sure about the crowd. Spooky. Something you should avoid with kids around. Ironically right across the church I attend. Rather out of place for a family mall. read more

Often stigmatized by its nightlife scene's reputation for being a hangout of pimps and prostitutes, I admit I have judged this place a little too quickly. I would find myself avoiding this place because its reputation with locals and foreigners is that it's the place where you could meet escorts and prostitutes and I'd rather not have to deal with the awkwardness of this encounter. Of course, people keep mum or turn a blind eye to this idea and just dance it off to the Latino music that plays on into the night. But honestly speaking, I think there have been a little too much judgment and less seeing for oneself. As far as I can remember, Café Havana is always packed. Everyday. Compared to the other establishments in the Greenbelt malls area, I often wonder how much money this place makes because it is always full. Was it because of who hangs out there or is there something more than that? For the first time ever, I entered this establishment and had lunch. I tried the Arroz ala Cubana and it actually wasn't bad! My friend had the mushroom sandwich and it was flavorful. The décor and ambiance inside transports you to a place beyond Manila and I was mildly amused by this. Staff was friendly too and it was an overall nice experience. I never imagined I would day this but, I wouldn't mind going back for seconds. read more