Lovely service, the mango avocado salad is soooo good. Their shrimp in garlic sauce is amazing as well. Very delicious restaurant.

Casual Habana ticked all the boxes on our recent date night. We went on a week day and it wasn't busy(but we made a reservation earlier to be safe). They have indoor seating but we wanted to try the outdoor seating in a private heated bubble. It was a cold night, but you wouldn't be able to tell while inside the bubble. We were comfortable and had a cozy time. The food was flavorful, well plated and delicious. The pernil I had was some of the best pork I've had. All the portions were great and we were full by the time we finished eating. Dessert we had flan and it was the perfect amount of sweetness. The service was great too with our waiter attending us when we needed him. Would definitely recommend this spot and we'll be visiting again soon read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Outdoor Seating with private bubbles - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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I love the happy hours food and drink deals here. It was priced just right and our bartender Luis made excellent high quality drinks. Very professional and great service. We will definitely be coming back again. This is my new favorite spot! read more

A friend suggested this restaurant & I am glad we actually went. Upon arrival we were immediately greeted and seated. The service, food & price were all perfect. My husband & I really enjoyed our meals and will definitely go back soon. Ohhh the Cava sangria is a really great drink of choice :) read more

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Hands down best restaurant in Hackensack--from the food to the service, you will always be well taken care of at Casual Habana. Small NYC vibe. Everything on the menu is great. The Mojitos and Sangria are baller. read more

I love this place! Great food, great vibe, great service. What more can anyone ask for. I've been here many times for indoor dining, outdoor dining, happy hour. Never disappointed. 1 time something came out uncooked, and the staff was very accommodating and took care of it without hesitation. read more

Oxtail empanada, oxtail empanada. So good at casual Habana that when I go to eat in or dine out, I leave with at least a couple of these. This is the go to spot for Cuban food in the Hackensack area and they are moderately priced without losing any quality. Great vibe and bar inside if you're looking to dine in, but their to go services are spot on for satisfying a craving. I also tried the fried red snapper and I devoured the entire thing. Definitely recommend it! read more

August 31, 2022 @ 4:00 pm My daughter Brandy and I have been passed this restaurant several times and today, she decided this was the day, yes, this was the day that we were going to invite ourselves to. So off we went. We were waited on immediately our dishes were brought out in a reasonable amount of time. I order the Bistec de Pollo Encebollado which is a pan seared chicken breat topped with lime, cilantro and onions. The chicken breast was thin and lightly seasoned with lots of onions which I truly enjoyed, liked the plantains, sweet and perfectly cooked. The beans were firm and not over cooked, mixed with the rice made for a tasty meal. My daughter ordered Rabo Encendido (oxtails), but she sent them back because it came with 3 pieces with one large oxtail that was only a bone no meat. I cut a tiny piece of oxtail, dipped it in the spicy criallo sauce which has a tomato base and it was good, but she sent it back. The waitress stated that the chef says that all of them are like that. Then why didn't they add another one like the 2 meaty ones that were already on her plate? She ordered empanades and we shared my chicken. Out of curiosity I wanted to know what does "criallo" mean. In the Spanish-speaking islands, criollo refers to Spanish Americans of European descent. Hence, cocina criolla is the cuisine created by the European (mostly Spanish) colonists using their traditional recipes made with native Caribbean foods and cooking styles (spruceEats.com_Hector Rodriquez_10/21/19). Casual Habana has a bar but it is a BYOB and they have a weekday lunch buffet and they have vegetarian items on the menu. #casualhabana #hackensack #newjersey #nj #hackensacknj #latinfood #cubanfood #spanishfood #foodstaagram #foodblogger #spanishrestaurant #restaurant #seafood #spanishcuisine #foodies #foodiesofinstagram #food #buffet #lunch #dinner #good read more

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I am writing on behalf of my sister who informed of me about this establishment. She states that she and her friend were seated and given menus to look over. Their server (Alex) went over the specials of the day. For the appetizer they shared The guacamole, It came with diced mango and casava chips and the garlic tostones with churrasco. As the entree they had the Paella. For dessert they had the Flan. The food was full of umami. Just indescribably delicious. And the ambiance was awesome. I know that with this review, when I go to NJ, she will have to bring me to this establishment. She definitely recommends it to family and friends. read more

I always found this place just ok but my daughter loved the pernil a la parilla , we ordered it and it literally smelled like saliva. My daughter noticed it immediately, I called and let them know and they just said thanks for letting them know. It was a lunch order so I am assuming it was leftovers from the day before, anyway I'm done with that place and still can smell that smell in my scent memory. read more

I always order from them. Pastel de picadillo is my absolute fav thing on the menu. The Cuban is really good too. Only ate at the actual restaurant once but service was great. read more

This place..... top of my list! Went last night after almost 2 years since my first visit... and it continues to impress. The staff is Primo. Space is subtle but nicely decorated with, what i think are family pictures. And the music is "on point". Good, classic Salsa with a touch of modern. That's just the atmosphere. The Food??? OHH YESSS!! i had my favorite, ropa vieja, with rice and black beans yes, forget watching the carbs..... my date had pork with tostones (fried plantains) AND rice and beans . Guys can eat rocks and be ok! Bottom line? The food is BEYOND delicious. It's galactic. Then coffee... REAL coffee like my mom used make ... and bread pudding..... bread pudding like NO other. I can't wait till the next time.... could be tomorrow!! Lol read more

I love this gem! The food is always fresh and delicious. I could never complain, like ever! The drinks are always on point and one too many can having you calling an Uber. This is the perfect place for brunch, lunch or dinner. The outdoor patio is Covid friendly and it gives romantic vibes if you're on a date. Semi secluded in your bubble with exceptional staff, what more could you want. The chicken empanadas are a must have! Crunchy, soft and packed with flavor, it's a no brainer as an app. The ropa vejia and the mofongos are too good to leave behind. No matter how full I am, I always push the limit. Maybe wear leggings when coming here? Just a suggestion. read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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We sat at the bar and were able to really enjoy the vibe. The decor and ambiance are great. The service was good and the food was delicious. So good I forgot to take a picture of everything but my sides. The drinks are also yummy! We will be back for sure! read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Arroz Moro y sweet plantains. - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

Was there on Happy Hour. Misread $7 drinks as $1 drinks. Decent food. Moderate helpings. Ate at bar area so not sure if accurate perception of their service. But was very good. read more

Awesome skirt steak, lunch specials happy hour great ambiance I'd say this is the best in the area especially for people who work on Main Street in Hackensack read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Vaca Frita - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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Cuban Tamales??? Oh, yeah!!! Everything here is delicious... And I'm on a mission to TRY everything! read more

Best Margaritas and Mojitos around. Flavors taste like they picked the fruit out back. Amazing Happy Hour deals. Hope anyone can get into this place once the new buildings go up. Food is A+. Coco shrimp is a must. Empanadas are really good, not heavy or greasy. Saw a dessert fondue but haven't had enough room at any point. Ben. Great job!!! Continued success for both locals!!!! read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Passion Fruit anything. Oh yeah!!' - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

As Cuban, I can assure you this place is a good deal. Authentic Cuban food and drinks. Good atmosphere, great service

First, one star is too much to give. Secondly, my husband and I have DINED IN at this restaurant about a year ago and honestly enjoyed the food so tonight we thought of it and decided to order take out and THAT WAS A MISTAKE!! Did they change chefs because wow! This was THE WORST $35 I've ever spent on food! I should demand to get my money back!!! I ordered what I thought was the easiest thing on the menu, which was "Sopa de pollo de abuelita" and it was absolutely DISGUSTING! My 6 year old daughter even said "Why does this smell like this?" We had to throw it all away!! Absolutely inedible! Then, I opened up my other order of "Arroz frito con aguacate" and it was greasy and a very sad looking meal! DON'T EVER ORDER TAKE OUT FROM THIS PLACE!! MAYBE DINE IN IS THE SAFER ROUTE! read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Disgusting pieces of chicken with absolutely NO TASTE with this thick broth that tasted nothing like it should be made for soup. - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

Giving 3 stars because of the customer service and empanadas. Went here on a date and started off with empanadas beef and chicken. The beef empanadas were stellar! crispy and flavorful. The chicken empanadas I would pass on. After having this appetizer I was excited to try their entrees- I ordered grilled chicken with arroz moro and side of salad. My partner ordered their churrasco with yuca and platano maduro. My chicken was quite yummy but the arroz moro was disappointing , it was dry and didn't have flavor. The churrasco unfortunately was very chewy and not hot, and also quite skinny for the price. the maduros were undercooked when you bit into them. Overall I wouldn't come here again wasnt worth it for me. Could be because I'm used to having real cuban food in my local town. Will say our server was great and attentive! read more

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This amazing restaurant is doing the best it can during the pandemic restrictions. At least on Saturdays they have 2 seatings- one at 6 and another at 8. More than enough time not to feel rushed. My BF and I had the Guacamole and chips, Ropa Viaga and Grandmas Chicken and rice and it was amazing! Also the staff and owner/chef visited our table to see how everything was I highly recommend this restaurant, especially for a first date. We will definitely be back. read more

Yea. Not impressed. I mean, it was OK. I got it for my birthday for my whole family. We each picked a meal. So I knew it would be pricey, but not... THAT... pricey. It was just a bit much for food that didn't end up wowing me. I'll give them a break since it was during Covid and all the food was take out, but they messed up our order a bit too. And the customer service was LOW. I was so uncomfortable and that was just to pick up an order. Again, it was pandemic time so I'll give them a break, but there's still a way to maintain good report of a business. That just wasn't it. Honestly, living in Hackensack, this place was always built up as the go-to for going out to dinner. I only went after decades of living here, but it just didn't live up to the hype. read more

Loved it! Stumbled on this place for lunch while in the area. SO Good! Everything from Habana Spice cocktail to sweet plantains, total yumm!!!! Now will have to drive here just to sample it again:). The service and ambiance were great too! read more

The portions are massive! Their sweet plantains are to die for!! The staff, especially the bus boys, are very attentive. I gave CHC four stars only because I didn't love my crispy pork mofongo. I didn't think it was flavorful enough and it was very dry. The sides were great though! They also have a $12 unlimited boozy brunch option on weekends! read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

Visited CH for the first time on a Wednesday evening and was surprised to see a pretty full house. Decor is simple- could use a few Cuban themed touches. The menu selection offers the classics along with a few interesting twist. Service was good, very courteous. Fried calamari - crispy, good Cuban tamal- very good and homemade, I know the difference Entrees Snapper in a lime, cilantro sauce Seafood pot served over polenta Shrimps in a creamy garlic sauce Dessert Dulce de Leche Fondue-served with sliced bananas, apples, pound cake -excellent Good stop for authentic Cuban cuisine read more

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Never disappoints! Truly enjoyed tonight's dinner. The service was excellent, drinks strong & GOOD. Chef comes over to greet you and ask if you're pleased. Loved coming to this restaurant read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Baby Pernil & Carnitas - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

Reasonably priced Cuban -- older sibling of a newer tapas version by the same name in New Milford. The 3 stars are mostly my reflection of the pleasing service, excellent white wine/guava Sangria, and the atmosphere. They'll even muddle you a Mojito if you bring the fixings. I was a little disappointed by the food in spots -- uneven -- under/over seasoned -- over fried -but I blame myself in part for ordering too many fried offerings and not enough greens and seafood as a counterpoint to this rather heavy menu. The bright spots: Roast pork hock (Pernil) was fall off the bone tender and crispy on the outside -- with subtle spicing. I liked this the best and would eat it again. The manchego/spinach empanadas were lightly fried and the cheese/spinach filling was a pleasingly salty, gooey and rich pairing to the crispy dough pockets -- enhanced by a mild garlicky cream sauce. Nice starter. Chicharon, the ubiquitous Latin munchy, was served with the same garlic sauce, and the platonas maduros were caramelized to a sweet/rich/ripe banana soft texture. Both were excellent. The not so bright spots: The house special rope vieja over mofongo was unpleasant. The meat itself, while tender, was over salted and overly vinegary, and the mofongo, which is supposed to have a mashed potato consistency -- was dry, hard and chewy. The other sides (dirty rice, fried yucca) were bland or, like the tostones, fried to inedibility. Next trip I'd like to try some of their seafood and salad samplings, and perhaps do so at their new location in New Milford, which sports a full bar. TBC. read more

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I REALLY WISH I COULD HAVE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH THIS PLACE. THE INSIDE WAS AMAZING, I REALLY WAS DIGGING IT. WHAT I WAS NOT DIGGING WAS THE SERVICE AND FOOD. *The ceviche was gross, it came with like 5 shrimp, a bunch of raw onions and some weird red oily sauce. I know every country has their own touch to dishes, but this was a big let down. I was with a friend who is of Cuban descent, and she agreed it didn't look normal. *The Yucca fries were on point, yes i know yucca fritas aren't hard to make but I've have some pretty shitty ones. The dip that came with it were good. *The Tres Leches was amazing, oh my god i am still orgasming from it. The choc dessert empanadas were great too. *She had chicken coquettes which were gross--she said their pork ones are better. and she had some other steak type of tapa, sorry i can't remember the name but she was digg that. I want to come back and try a seafood entree, my friend who i was with also said this place was good but i guess we just chose bad things this time.Service was slow and there was barely anyone in there.Meal took over 2 hours when it should have been tops maybe 1 hour 15 mins.like i said..id like to come back and give them another try. =/ read more

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I live walking distance from the Hackensack location which is amazing. I have been ordering from them since maybe 2007 and Benny the owner used to deliver the food himself to my job in Paramus. He's always so accommodating and welcoming . Since moving to Hackensack I order from there all the time. In the spring and summer they have outdoor seating and open up the restaurant itself so even sitting inside you get to enjoy the weather. The margaritas and mojitos got me through shut down ! On Sundays in the summer me and my friend also make a point to walk over there for brunch. I have never had a bad meal or drink from there. Highly recommend checking out the newly renovated dining room and bar if you haven't been recently. It created a whole different vibe while still having the same amazing drinks and food ! read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Lychee Martini - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

We ordered from here a few times it was okay until the last timr. All the food was loaded with salt, beans was mostly black water with a few spoons of beans, still on the search of real and clean Cuban food outside Miami. read more

Recently had the opportunity to enjoy lunch here. I will DEFINITELY be returning in the future. Many people come in for the lunch buffet which did look delicious. We, however, decided to order off of the regular menu. I ordered Vaca Frita, (which is a favorite of mine) and it was simply delicious. We also got garlic shrimp and ham croquette appetizers, also amazing... My mom was with me and she ordered Ropa Veija with hello rice, which she also said was delicious. My 19 month old daughter absolutely LOVED the yellow rice, she ate most of the portion with my mom's lunch. We also got a sandwich to go for my husband. I forget the name of the sandwich, but it included breaded chicken and avocado, and I must admit it was also very good (I felt compelled to take a bite), and the plantain chips were also delicious. I cannot wait to return for dinner, and it's also BYOB!!! read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Garlic shrimp & ham croquettes yummy!!! - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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This gem is hidden but well worth it! Everything from the customer service to the food was incredible. Food was prompt. We had the coconut shrimp and the ox tail empanadas, very delicious . The main entrée was presented so well i didn't want to eat it . Finally the owner came to every table very humbly asked if there was anything he could do to enhance our experience. That meant the world to us . I will be coming back and recommend it to any Cuban food lover . read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Mahi Mahi - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

The food here is very bad. I've had the mofongo, rice, salad and oxtail empanadas. Toooo much achoite in the food and it makes the dishes inedible. read more

Hi Hackensack Friends, The Casual habana cafe was packed on Saturday! I tell you friends the food was authentic and delicious! The service was friendly and professional. The decor was simple yet elegant! Friends A+ read more

I enjoy this place. We come a lot with friends and enjoy sharing all the apps! The empanadas are so good. I love the yuka app as well! But the best is the ropa vieja. This is one of my favorite places that makes it great! Sometimes service is a little slow and takes us a while to get drinks and refills. read more

Easter Sunday & Parrillada al Patron para dos 44 Grand mixed grill for no one. & 5 Empanadas.= $72.. very disappointed Place was empty when I went there. read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Not $65 dollars worth of food - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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Their food is excellent and the owner is a beautiful person. The atmosphere is relaxing and also great for party. You'll love it

I've come here a few times. The food is AMAZING. There has not been one dish I have not liked. Highly recommend the ropa vieja, and the spinach and cheese empanadas. Mojitos are great too. read more

Mofongo Monday! We order take out here and there and lately we've been enjoying their mofongo! Super delicious and tasty! The service is great fast and our meals come hot thank you! read more

Casual Habana Cafe - Moro and Maduros - Cuban Near Me - Hackensack, New Jersey

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