Great atmosphere, great drinks, great food, and great service--this place has it all. I had the mojito, and it was refreshing without being overly sweet. The empanadas were absolutely delicious, and the shrimp cocktail (pictured) was a standout. The dipping sauce was cool, refreshing, and complemented the shrimp perfectly. Everything we ordered was well prepared, the service was attentive and friendly, and the overall vibe made for a really enjoyable experience. I'll definitely be back! read more

Habanos Cafe - Cuban shrimp cocktail - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Finally got to try this great little spot in Gtown! Parking can be tricky, but once you're inside, the vibe makes up for it. They offer covered outdoor seating and the staff is genuinely friendly and wonderful. I ordered the lunch arroz con pollo with black beans, and it was packed with flavor and cooked perfectly. I also asked about the paella and learned it takes about 40-45 minutes to prepare, so plan ahead if you want it. I'm already looking forward to coming back to try it! read more

Habanos Cafe - Lunch portion- Arroz con pollo - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

This spot really surprised me. We stumbled upon it as we roamed the hot streets snapping pics on our self guided Galveston tour. The heat was unbearable and the place just stood out like a tall glass of vibes. Super trendy but hit the mark on nostalgia. The food and atmosphere were just beautifully crafted. Being from East Coast I was genuinely happy to feel and taste authenticity. We went for lunch during the day, which was super chill, but I would definitely host a date night, girls night, or birthday dinner here. Full bar and tvs showing some sports games. Service was good. Loved the family story and history on display read more

We wanted to try something new other than our usual spot while we were in Galveston, and when we saw this place, and it was Cuban - which was nice since there's your usually your burger or Mexican places - so we absolutely had to go! Since we didn't see a designated parking spot, we parked on street parking and thankfully it's off to the west end of the strand so not a lot of people on that side. We walked up and the place is absolutely beautiful! The decor definitely gives you Miami feels and you almost feel like you're not even in Galveston! The music and vibes are on point. Served greeted is and gave us the menus. And shortly after somebody came by with a basket of fried plantain chips and a green little sauce. As we looked at the menu, all sounded delicious, however, the prices didn't seem a bit high for the usual spot around Galveston. We skipped the appetizers and went into the meal. I got a Ropa Vieja and substituted the tostones with fried plantains for an extra $.50 and my bf got fish tacos. The ropa Vieja was accompanied by a salad, which was very fresh and was a good way to start off the meal. As soon as the meal came out, I had to try the meat and was so delicious and the meat was very tender, but I feel like the Mexican wanted some tortillas to go along with the meal ha! The fish tacos were ordered grilled and when they came out they did have a very fishy smell, but overall, they were pretty good! They were seasoned well and accompanied by a green sauce too. Overall, I would definitely recommend giving this place a try I know you're more of a budget type of person, the meals are definitely shareable. read more

See all

We had a Mother's Day lunch here this past Sunday. I really wanted to like this place, as I love Cuban food and atmosphere. The restaurant is in a nice part of Galveston, near the trolley and the strand. You can hear the cruise ships leaving port. The restaurant itself is really nice and clean, very Cuban in the decor. The ambiance would benefit from Cuban music instead of random pop songs. We dined outside and it was really nice. The food was pretty good, I had the bistec empanizado, it was a 9/10. My wife really enjoyed her shrimp cocktail. My son loved his media noche sandwich, and my daughter liked her chicken nuggets. My rating would be five stars but for the music issue and the incredibly slow food turnout. I know there was a large group (12 people) who ordered before us, but it took forever and the food came out at staggered intervals. Maybe next time it will be a 5 star experience. Waiter was really nice and courteous, bathrooms were very clean. read more

See all

Had yet to try paella in Galveston until Habanos opened! Huge portions and friendly service here. We went on Sunday and there was drink happy hour until 7. The pina colada was super refreshing. They serve complimentary plantain chips with a delicious green sauce. The paella is good if you're looking to satisfy a craving, but definitely does not compare to some that I've had in Spain. However, it comes with two sides and salad, and we chose the Congri and fried sweet plantains which were standouts to me. I would come back and order again. read more

See all

Listen, I know why people don't know about this place, but it is absolutely delicious. The flavors are always on and you get a really generous serving of everything. For instance, we came here for lunch for the first time and I got the pity plate and it came with a medium sized salad, which was really fresh. And then the meal came out and it already comes with rice and Tostones but then you get to pick a side so of course we picked the plantains which were delicious. We even turned on some friends to it and they said that their meals were delicious and they got completely different things than us. Also, lunch is only $13 that is really a great price for a full-size lunch like that because you're guaranteed to have leftovers. I parked on the street and it was easy enough. read more

Habanos Cafe - picadillo. Delicious. Some of the best I've had. - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

See all

The restaurant decor transported me back to Miami. Our lady server was the only one working aside from the cook so she was swamped but still attentive and very kind. The food was delicious and good portions. The most delicious spicy Paloma I have ever had. The bathroom was clean and very spacious. We will definitely be back again. read more

Because it's fresh and handmade over this last 2025 Ive stopped in quite a few times. Very friendly people. Bathrooms clean. Smoking allowed outside on good covered patio. I love the look layout and just about everything here. The variety of drink specials is remarkable. I especially enjoy the versions of Bloody Mary or similar Cuban variations. Experience and experiment with them. They also have some surprises in the other drinks too. Id recommend for all in family from young to elderly. read more

See all

Stopped in for an espresso martini. This place is super cute!!!! Our server was Barbara, she was very efficient and fun. Will go back for lunch or dinner soon! read more

Habanos Cafe - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

See all

Talk about a cafe that deserves more recognition! Habanos opened about a month ago and to my knowledge, it is the first authentic Cuban restaurant/bar in Galveston. I'm a first-timer and the server took her time helping me decide on a chicken sandwich with fried plantains on the side. The sandwich looked plain on first impression, but the marinade gave the chicken a unique and flavorful taste. Fried plantains (platanos maduro, not to be confused with the tostones platanos) were the highlight of my experience; crisp outside and sweet mushy inside. After eating all three, I was still craving more. I walked in with a group of 6 and the staff were able to accommodate us immediately on a Monday at 6pm. Most of our main entrees came out within 10-15 minutes. The server checked on us frequently to pick up empty trays and refill water. Habanos has sparked my interest in Cuban cuisine and I plan to be back. read more

Been here a few times and it is consistently delicious, service is great and very kind. The restaurant itself is gorgeous and clean. I highly recommend read more

See all

What a fabulous little gem. We had a marvelous dinner of Ropa Vieja and happy hour drinks. Claire was wonderful and helped us order. We will be back. read more

Habanos Cafe - Lovely outdoor patio for happy hour drinks. - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Our servers name was Karem she was awesome food was great our first time here and we will definitely be back Love the ambience of the restaurant and the beautiful story behind it read more

We were underwhelmed. On the positive side, the place is pretty, bright, and inviting, so there's that. Drinks: okay, but honestly if you can't manage a cube libre and a daiquiri, don't serve drinks! And it took a looooong time to get served. Boo. We were there mainly for happy hour, but we needed snacks. They were a long time coming, too. We had chicken tenders and fries, yucca, and plantains. I thought the tenders were fine, but my partner in crime thought that they were overcooked. The plantains were lackluster but their sauce (skimpy portion) was good. The yucca could have been a nice snack had it had seasoning and a more vibrant sauce. Overall, the cost was much, much higher than the food, drinks, and service merited. read more

We were greeted by Melvyn, very friendly and he was our server as well. It was our first time to Habanos. I had read that the ceviche was very good and I mentioned that, to which he said it is excellent, but he likes and recommends the shrimp cocktail. We went with the shrimp cocktail suggestion and it was delicious. There were 6 shrimp on the rim of the serving dish along with a slice of fresh pineapple cut to look like a starfish. Inside the dish was a lot of cut up shrimp in a sauce with pineapple chunks and avocado, honestly it could have been my meal. It was served with plantain chips. For our entree, Linda had the Lechon Asado, pulled pork, which had great flavor and moist . I had Pollo asado. The chicken was roasted, and juicy. The mojo sauce was delicious. We can't wait to get back to try something new. read more

See all

We stopped in for lunch and had a wonderful experience. Our waiter, Chris, was friendly and knowledgeable and everything we had was good from the drinks to the sandwiches to the desserts! We highly recommend and can't wait to come back and try more things! read more

Tired of Tex-Mex? Check out this authentic Cuban joint in Galveston! Amazing plates and so much food. We had leftovers for days. Well priced, too. read more

Great food! The Cuban sandwich was fabulous. The patio had a great vibe. The staff was attentive and friendly.

Fantastic ambiance and nice, downtown location. Delicious, good-sized portions. My favorite was the sweet plantains and the fried yucca. Service was very friendly. read more

A relatively new resturant for Galveston . Great ambiance giving the place an authentic Cuban feel . The food is spot on authentic , Cubaniito sandwich (pulled pork, ham pickles and more made in a pressed fashion) is outstanding . The fish tacos made from Cod , while not typically Cuban are great. Worth a try and you will probably visit again . read more

One of my favorite spots on the island, the medianoche sandwich is amazing and huge so good to split and the fries are delicious. Jacquline & Chris were wonderful! read more

The Cubaito was very good. The service was friendly, and attentive. I set up at the bar to eat and watched the bartender squeeze lime's for Mojitos. Very chill ambiance at this place, and I will be back. read more

Habanos Cafe - Picture of the restaurant vibe. - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

See all

I found Habanos when a friend bought me lunch and gave me a tour of the Grand Galvez Hotel along Galveston's Gulf shore. We had ceviche' there, because it has been one of her favorites - and we were both underwhelmed. Seeking to restore balance to the universe, Dorothy drove me past Habanos Cafe, where she had long ago experienced 'the best ceviches in Galveston' (second only to what she recalled from Peru), before the current owners had updated the Mexican restaurant with their own Cuban flair. I had an unhurried lunch there today (a Monday in June), and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was too hot and humid to have the meal outside, though the cafe has streetwise tables, and a member of the owner's family was lounging there. The restaurant is clean, atmospheric, and indelibly Cuban. My waitress was Lilah, who was efficient, warm, and well-informed - not a member of the owner's family, but clearly a friend and partisan of the establishment. The ceviche' was three or four times larger and much more savory than what I'd experienced earlier, and I've appended some photos, including the ceviche I was served, Lilah preparing the remainder to send home with me, and some shots of the main dining room, the menu, and a story of the current owning family's engagement. I'd like to return and sample several of the other menu items - not least, the Cuban sandwiches. Recommended highly, and with no reservation. Parking was not a problem midday on a Monday, but I'd recommend calling and considering public parking in a more crowded time. read more

See all

A wonderful date night before a concert at the Old Quarter Bar nearby. Drinks were great & food just amazing. I had the pork & my husband had the fish. Plantain chips & dip were a great start & I loved the dip so much I ordered it for my salad. A couple of incorrect sides came out, but the correct ones were brought right out & left the others for us to try. We had tons of food leftover and our waiter made us an ice bag so our food could safely sit in the car for a couple of hours. Wow! Now that's great service - above and beyond! The restaurant is decorated beautifully too - hard to believe it wasn't packed on a Friday night! It looks totally different from the old Apache restaurant that was there when we went back in the 90's. read more

I had dinner at this place Thursday 3-26-26 and my waitress was very rude. She had blonde hair in a ponytail and looked like she could be a smoker. I did NOT like her service at all & I definitely will NOT be returning because of this. read more

The server is on drugs as well tonight... She slurred all thru the opening appearance and gave me the wrong change!

Came from out of town for a quick day visit. The food was absolutely amazing. I got the Masa's de Puerco, which was recommended by the staff after mentioning Carnitas. It was so good, the quality of the meat was exceptional, and the sides--black beans and rice was really good as well. I'm upset because I'll be craving this from home far away. read more

Tried this place with some classmates and it was a hit! I got the plate with shredded pork, sweet plantains as the side and it was delicious. Pork was moist and paired really well with the lemon sauce they gave. Would highly recommend checking this restaurant out! Our waiter was very friendly and attentive to us even though we stayed a while! read more

Habanos Cafe - Pork plate - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

Entrees were OK, but not great (no memorable flavors). Service was attentive. Ambiance was blah.......

Beautiful setting. Great server. Good service. Food was a big let down unfortunately. I won't go into detail because I want to give this place another shot and not throw them under the bus..But the kitchen let us down tonight. read more

See all

I've never had Cuban food before and my first experience did not disappoint! My friend and I came for lunch and we were served complimentary plantains with this amazing dipping sauce. After that, we ordered the lunch special. I got a Arroz con Pollo and she got the Ropa Vieja. We also were able to order a side dish and a side salad as part of the lunch special, so really a lot of food for good value. I had the boiled yucca and my friend had the fried yucca as side dishes and both were so tasty. My main dish, the Arroz con Pollo, was very flavorful and they gave very big portions so I had a ton of leftovers. The food was just simply incredible. My only complaint is that the server kept on clearing the table very quickly and at one point cleared a salad that my friend had not finished eating yet, but I think that they were very attentive otherwise and were just trying to be on top of the ball. The interior is very beautiful as well. Definitely gives beachy coastal vibes. I will definitely be back! read more

See all

The food was great! Cuban drinks were good and the waitress was excellent. It feels like a 1950's restaurant.

My husband and I had lunch there today. We were greeted by the very friendly staff. She brought us a basket of crispy and delicious plantain strips along with a delicious cilantro dip. We decided to split a lunch portion of the Cuban sandwich along with black beans and rice (Congri). This was the BEST we've had...ever! This is definitely legit and we were so happy we found this restaurant! The atmosphere is very pretty, relaxing and clean. We can't wait to go back to try their other dishes. We highly recommend this place! read more

Amazing! The Lechon Asado with black beans as a side. You also get a side salad! Tons of food for lunch! read more

Habanos Cafe - Pork and rice! - Cuban Near Me - Galveston, Texas

See all

Delicious food! And I loved the Cuban music and live plants surrounding the outdoor seating.

We came for drinks and stayed for some dessert empanadas. They were yummy and the staff is so friendly. Recommend!

New restaurant in Downtown Galveston, food was great. I've never had Cuban cuisine other than a Cuban sandwich but this dish was great. Food portions, prices, and taste were all good. I'll definitely be back. read more

See all

Beautiful restaurant, delicious food, and wonderful service! Thank you Claire your recommendation was perfect.

We had dinner tonight at Habanos Cuban Cafe at 511 20th Street in Galveston. It's in the old Apache Mexican Restaurant location near Postoffice Street. They have really good authentic Cuban food and the prices are reasonable. Cuban sandwiches are amazing. They have a nice menu of Cuban themed mixed drinks as well as beer and wine. It's really nice to have a Cuban restaurant in Galveston so stop by and support it. read more