Havana deserves a solid 3-star review for its drinks and atmosphere. I came with a group of friends on a Tuesday night and we got in quickly as it was before 10. I didn't mind that there was hardly anyone there as I had heard that Havana gets packed later in the evening. We ordered drinks from the bar and I started with the "Signature Move" cocktail. It wasn't bad but it wasn't anything I would get again and especially for $11. The beers which ranged from $4-$6 were a much better deal: assured quality for a lower price. The scene itself was pretty fun. By midnight the dance floor was pretty packed, so be prepared to be surrounded by sweaty randos. As long as that is okay by you, it's a good time. I enjoyed dancing with my friends and the crowd was really diverse which was cool. The music on Tuesday nights is 90s and we heard mostly 90s hip hop. Definitely the most live spot on E Pike on Tuesday nights. If you're in the area looking for a place to go out then I would recommend. If you are coming to E Pike with the sole purpose of trying out Havana, I would not recommend the trip! read more

So first, realize that this is a pretty popular night club amongst a younger crowd especially on Tuesdays for 90's night and then of course on the weekends. After you do that, set your expectation-o-meter accordingly. Now with that said, Havana is some of the MOST fun you can have on the Hill. Yes, the dance floor will be crowde. Yea you might have to wait a bit at the bar for drinks. Yes, the staff might be a bit short when they're busy (but only the servers who have to constantly fight through the dancefloor madness). But that's also why you go with your friends, find a spot on the dance floor and just enjoy yourself. The drinks are great and pretty reasonably priced (I think I usually pay 10 for a long island). The music is a great mix of like hip-hop and top-40 so if you're into that sorta thing I'd definitely give it a shot. Be warned on the weekends there is a $10 cover, but it's worth it! Don't let all the naysayers scare you away! There's a reason it's always so crowded! read more

You're driving up the hill late during one of those misty, rainy nights, a Tuesday, perhaps. No one is on the street but you aren't ready to call it. Your dinner jacket looks as though it didn't just sit through a marathon card game at that secret bi monthly set @ Hotel 1000, but, well, you know. You didn't win tonight and don't care. Life is sexy and you look great.. Pulling the towncar into the empty parking lot, you slide almost in front of the semi-secret door that is Havana. Entering, you are immediately and warmly greeted by Shea or Quentin, like they always do, looking up from their design magazine or quiet conversation. Even though it's real dead tonight, you take in the dimly lit room and note the aura of who real players were, a time capsule, when everything mattered, and you head upstairs to the alcove overlooking the room. With ease you order a bottle of champagne. Sometimes it's Veuve, occasionally, a Tattinger. Regardless, this place is a bargain. And you're feeling sexy. Amazingly, you say to yourself, this joint feels different each and every time, depending on the weather. Last summer you lived here for the Mojitos, and your seersucker suit was perfect. But since it's tonight, you'll just sip from this flute. You'll come back, just as always, maybe for one of the four nights they bring in DJs, or after the Black And White Ball. Whatever. Havana will be waiting. read more

Confused meat market. Night one Empty I sit with my friends and watch a burnt out hippie, try to do some burning man dance, around a scared 22 year old girl, who hopes she doesn't get any hippie on her. Night Two Around four thousand people packed into this once empty club. Is it any better? No. Havana is the coolest elevator I have ever been in. Great way to waste cover charge that could be spent on drinks. The drinks are good but on a weekend there is a good chance you will spill half of it because its so damn crowded. read more

Went here for a birthday party and was pretty unsure what to expect from the reviews and the front door. The people checking IDs and taking cover at the front were kind of snippy and when we were all set to go in one of the staff came out and blocked the door so they could talk to them for a while. They didn't move when we asked if we could get by and tried to squeeze past them, so we just stood there waiting for them to finish their conversation. I am hesitant at best at this point. We went earlyish, around 11pm, on a Friday. It was not very crowded, no line, music was pretty quiet. After 11 was when it got crowded and the music got really loud. The DJ must have taken notes off from of the previous reviews, or there's a new DJ, because there were no awkward pauses or annoying cuts between songs. I thought the DJ was great overall, though boy was the mix heavy on the nostalgia (or "nostalgia" as in "I remember this song but I'm not super excited to hear it" in many cases). Our friend had reserved a table and the waitress we had was awesome. She remembered everyone by name (and this was a big group moving around a lot) and would somehow appear next to you on the sardine dance floor periodically to see if you needed another drink. This made the crowded-ness less of an issue because I could stay in one spot and she checked in often enough I was never empty-handed if I didn't want to be. I have no idea how she did this but she was freaking awesome and I feel like kind of an ass for not remembering her name now since she remembered all of ours. Smart to keep attentive waitstaff because if they didn't, I probably would have only braved the crowd to buy drinks once or twice. They definitely got more of my money this way but that's a win-win for me. The bouncers inside were also nice, and a lot of them were sort of dancing in place and smiling and laughing with people. The bartenders were also cool the one time I went to the bar, I ended up with the guy with the long dreads (who has mixed mentions from a few others already) who was friendly and speedy. read more

I was walking down Pike with a friend one day and she said, 'Look at Caffee Vita and you shall find Havana across the street.' I looked and Havana was nowhere to be found. I felt like a young Jedi, who's master just imparted some very sacred information and I didn't get it. Walking through a parking lot, opening an unmarked door, there it was.....Havana!! The service was pretty slow when we first got there. The waitress came by, took about half of our drink orders, decided that was enough work for her and walked away. I was left at the table without a drink and wondering when she was going to come back. But once we got our drinks, they were tasty!! Since they don't have a kitchen, you can order pizzas from Via Tribunali. read more

I used to come here quite frequently on Thursday nights for Soul Night. It's free and the music is a lot of fun. The venue is smaller than most places but what I love about Havana is that their soul night is frequented by people who for reals dance. Not fake dance in order to cozy up to you. Just dance. It gets super crowded towards the end of the night sometimes and that's my cue to leave. Besides the dancing, service is prompt and friendly. Their drinks are on the weaker side as expected. Overall, a good place. I've only seen what it's like from the outside on the weekends... And you couldn't drag me in there if you paid me. But if you wanna dance to Isley Brothers' Shout and do (or in the case of my uncoordinated self, watch other people do) the mashed potato, come on a Thursday! read more

I had a lot of fun here. I'm not sure if it was because I like Havana itself or the fact that we had a table surrounded by great friends for a birthday. I do love the music that they play though, hip-hop is really fun to dance to, the only downside is that hip-hop & booze often leads to violence, but I didn't have to deal with that having a table to separate myself from the crowd on the dance floor. Location is pretty tricky, you can't just walk by and decided to check the place out last minute if you were bar hopping or adventure scouting that night, you have to know Havana is the place you are looking for. The bouncers were super cool and friendly, unfortunately even if you have a stamp, you have to wait back in line so I recommend that if you decide to go back, go back at a reasonable time because there will only be a longer line the later it gets! This might be my new spot to gig to ratchet music because 95 Slide is getting scarey ratchet. read more

The music remix was okay!!! Drinks were good. The only bad thing is they don't sell food and you have to bring your own food from outside.

Total fan of this bar! ...and no I'm not a 21-year old. You have to take it as it is. A fun, overcrowded place to dance, get a strong drink and have a good time bumping into and meeting new people. Reserving a booth is super easy (just email them) and inexpensive (only $15 the night I picked). Totally worth it too - nice break from the crowd and you get your own server. The servers here kick ass at getting drinks quickly to you through a populated drunk dance floor. I was seriously impressed with their attitude! Overall, come early while it's pretty empty and have a couple drinks so you can relax and enjoy dancing to probably the best new/90's rap and R&B in capitol hill. read more

I give this place a solid rating for now as the two times I've been here it has not been very busy which was good at least for our Yelp Drinks group being able to receive great service from the bar staff. Drinks were very good and made even better by the special Yelp Drinks half price specials and I'm pretty sure most everyone in our group tried two of the different options. The place itself is very well designed with lots of space and a decor that blends perfectly with the overall vibe and theme of Havana. From what I understand, it can get pretty crowded on certain nights but that's to be expected at any good night club. I will definitely have to check this place out a few more times to get a better feel, but for now it is definitely a pretty decent option amid all the different bars and clubs on the hill. read more

They made a big deal over my Vancouver Millionaires cap. Normally, I'm fine with dress codes at nightclubs. But, when I walked in I saw a lot of people wearing toques and flat caps. So, a North Face toque is okay, but not a Vancouver cap? I'm assuming they don't allow caps because they want to appear "classy." Winter beanies aren't "classy" either. If you had a dress code, and I walk into a crowd of well dressed guys and girls in cocktail dresses, I'd be like "Okay, I'll not wear my cap." But I walk into a crowd of football jerseys and people wearing outdoorsy stuff. So I put my cap on, and the bouncer shines a light on me, and the bartender spazzes. Don't put lipstick on a pig - you're not a classy club Havana. Don't try to be something you're not. Chill out, and you'll be OK. You're like the guy with the Mercedes-Benz that lives in the ghetto. read more

Meh. Make sure to get there before 11 as the cover goes up to $10 after that...lame. If you're looking for a night of dancing you've found the right place, although the DJ was mixing the music so much it was hard for me to get really into it. There's nothing worse than being super stoked about a song only for it to change to something else 15 seconds later... Like other Yelpers have said, it does get pretty crowded and it's hard to find - we accidentally went into the Mexican restaurant up front first. If you're walking around the corner through a parking lot to a sketchy looking entrance, you've found the right place. read more

Havana, you tricked us! One minute it was a brightly lit and classy lookin' joint with a live band, then next minute it was dark and deafeningly blaring club music. But obviousLY I am out of the loop because it took me walking back and forth and then alllll the way around again to find the peek-a-boo shady entrance. Don't get me wrong - nothing wrong with a rockin' good time on a club dance floor, it just totally wasn't what I expected when I walked in. The DJs were hilarious though. They clearly were having a fabulous time gyrating on each other. haha. Pros: Actually nice interior, greek columns, crown molding, purple bunches of balloons everywhere (er?) Cool little VIP feelin' lounge area upstairs Cons: too-cool-for-school (and you) bartenders My vodka cranberry was $2?? But my friend's gin and tonic was $6?? Maybe they roll the dice for drink prices here. It was eh ok. read more

Nondescript, unsigned outside gives away to a small dance floor with the surrounding booth marked "reserved". They never fill up, mocking you and you hands full of bag. You stand in a group with your friends, clutching your small bags & shuffling nervously. You make a break for the bar, cutting across the once open dance floor that is now clogged with people. You are groped, and inadvertently grope others. It is not unpleasant. "A shot of vodka, a red headed slut for the bachelorette, and an Alaskan please". x 3 and I am $41 poorer, drunk, and happy to be walking home alive. read more

Avoid at all cost!!!! $10 entry fee, 22% forced tip, cheapest alcohol on your drinks at outrageous prices, DJ ok but that was the most disappointing and nauseating experience in my life, sucks read more

One of the only clubs in Seattle that DOESN'T play electronic music. Their old school hip hop hits are the only reason why I come back to this place for girls' nights. Getting a drink is near impossible if you don't wiggle yourself up to the front of the bar and give the bartenders major eye contact. This place is CROWDED. If you are claustrophobic, stay far away from this place. It gets packed on the weekends to the point where you can't even dance because you're smushed up against other sweaty sardines. I seem to get pulled and groped by guys a lot more at this place than other places. Not sure if it's just coincidence that the club hosts these kinds of dudes the times I have gone or if it's the normal type of crowd. Seems like the latter based on other reviews I've read. $10 cover is only worth it if you get there earlier than the midnight crowd. The music is what is keeping this place alive. read more

Alert: they steal credit cards Forgot my credit card in the bar, they took it to Starbucks, big 5 sports etc. and spent $300 dollars using the chip. Incident reported to Seattle Police dept, evidence presented, bank also started investigation. Bar is bellow mediocre in my opinion, but stealing credit cards... just wow. Watch out and btw not worth it. read more

Old school for sure... my recommendation is to have 2 or 3 El Floridita's and then head up stairs for a total make out session on the cushy little love seats. read more

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Pros: GREAT MUSIC! The deejays here are fantastic, their sets are seamless and well-chosen. Every night I've come here there is a different style playing - top 40 on Fridays, soul night on Thursdays, they also have Latin and electro nights as well. Great variety and consistently good music. Drinks: Drinks here are strong and very good - our mojitos were nearly 90% rum and still somehow managed to be drinkable. Not an easy feat! Diversity: Some of the most beautiful eye candy in Seattle can be found at Havana's - from ex-frat guys to models and other "beautiful people", tourists, hipsters, weekend club commuters, and a smattering of the gay scene - you can find anyone who appeals to you here. Cons: Space: This place needs some crowd control! They fill up to sardine-can density by 9pm and it stays that way nearly until last call. I'm sure this is a fire code violation, but what nightclub doesn't have that problem? The place could also use better ventilation. There is no "cool down" area like most clubs have, and this is a real drawback. Hanging out in your "parking lot" doesn't count. Service: Service is never very good here simply because the staff are always overwhelmed. The bartenders are dealing with hundreds of people from every direction, the waitstaff is quickly moving through throngs of people and avoiding collisions at every turn. I would want to shoot myself if I worked here, however, the tips must very good I'm sure! read more

Been here a few times for friends birthdays and I still have yet to be impressed. Pros: no puke on the bathroom floor Cons: $10 dollar cover on the weekends even if you reserve a table. Pricey drinks, $6 dollars for a Budweiser, no thank you Overcrowded, even for a club, you can't even move around after 11 and there are hordes of dudes who just stand around the bar making it impossible to get another drink so you can tolerate this place. Went outside to get some air, had to wait in line again for 30 mins just to close my tab. read more

Probably deserves no stars. The bouncer took my cover charge and ID and then claimed to have never seen my ID or received payment. I wouldn't have even bothered to write this review if it wasn't for the guy who scans people with the metal detector that searched me out in the bar to intimidate me to stop telling the owner how they took my cover charge. I was willing to just let it go and not write this place off but that move was so petty. Check the tapes, your bouncer took my cover charge the first time with my ID. Never going there again. read more

Decent music, top 40/hip-hop, occasional 80s/old-school...people are here to DANCE. is one of the better clubs in Seattle except dance floor gets insanely crowded, and ventilation is lacking. read more

Sunday night at Havana is apparently "Let's play screaming metal at volume eleven even though there are six people here" night. Ouch. We fled to quieter pastures. read more

The cocktails I had were superb, and it's a pretty good looking crowd. If you like to dance- you'd probably like Havana. The music selection was excellent (90s hip hop galore). Only challenge is- it's so damn loud that if you'd like to talk to friends/complete strangers/random chicks/bartender- you don't have a hope of being heard. My ears rang for 2 days after visiting Havana. I like loud music- but the volume level at Havana is ridiculous. read more

Havana is fun for birthday parties and nights out with your girlfriends and stuff like that. It definitely isn't a place to mingle if you go on weekend nights. However, if you want to dance to throwback tunes and bad rap songs (admit it, you do sometimes...even you, you hipster! i see you!), you will probably like Havana. But I have a serious question...Who let all the old people in? There are some seriously old dudes that creep up on you while you are dancing. Not ok. Plus the bouncer is kind of a dick, but it's not that big of a deal. read more

There are better places to dance in Seattle. I'm sure of it, even if I haven't experienced them myself. A week or two ago I found myself at a friend's birthday party there, which was fine and I was really excited to see her and celebrate. The crew we were with was fairly diverse but not a one of us was digging the late 90's vibe the DJ seemed to be putting off. One of our party went to request something perhaps produced in the last decade like Lady GaGa and was met with "I don't have any of her stuff." What? Really?!?!?! Seriously? You have got to be kidding me. The DJ also seemed to have focus issues as he would cut out one song right in the middle with not even the slightest hint of a decent mix to bring in the next. Overpriced drinks, ridiculous cover and ridiculously outdated/poorly mixed music. Ugh. I'd rather not go back. read more

Depends on which night you come! Wednesday/Thursday nights: bring your own crew - and dance! Brian Lyons, Karl Kamakahi, Wesley Holmes...some of Seattle's best house music DJ's spin here. I've had 2 birthday parties here, one in '06, and another as the afterparty in '08. Upstairs lounge, great bartenders. They've placed signs now at the back - I liked it being low-key, but the more the merrier. Bring it! read more

Havana is my favorite spot for dancing in Seattle, no questions about it. The crowd is really diverse (I always meet a handful of international people here) and the music is always so good! Even though the line is super long it is with good reason; this place is always packed! I hate when girls have to pay a cover, but I went to ASU so I am probably just spoiled in the girls-getting-everything-for-free category so oh well. Either way, I have never waited for drinks more than a couple of minutes and they are always strong! My biggest compliment though is that once, I came to Havana after work and somehow throughout the night dropped my paycheck out of my purse! I was pretty bummed about the whole inconvenience of it all, but when I got to work the next day - one of the bartenders or managers had not only found it on the ground after close, but he dropped it off at my job! CUSTOMER SERVICE WIN. Love you, Havana! read more

Update: I went back to Havana recently a few times for Friday and Saturday night and it was horrible each time. The music is the culprit. They play the EXACT SAME unoriginal playlist both nights, every night, every weekend. It's all top-40s rap and R&B that's at least five years old. I rarely heard anything current or good. Belltown Billiards, Tia Luo, War Room and Sugar are all better, in terms of music selection. That doesn't really say much... Horrible horrible. I can't recommend this place any more. ----- For posterity sake, here's my old review: ----- Not your typical Capitol Hill spot. Havana is the place to be if you're interested in dancing the night away. Male or female, gay or straight, black or white, young or old--everyone dances here. The music is typical top 40s and old school hip hop fare. A victim of its own success, the small dance floor is very crowded on the weekends despite its difficult-to-find entrance. The drinks here are expensive and the place is too loud and small to lounge, so I usually finish the night at Havana. Everyone of my friends I've introduced to Havana loves this place too. I was here opening weekend and have been back nearly every weekend since. Tired of the Belltown scene, I was looking for something new (and closer) and found it in Havana. It's a slice of Belltown without all the snobiness. It's for those living in Capitol Hill--like me--that aren't interested in PBRs and like to dance without having to go to a gay bar. read more

I love Havana! Yes, I agree with some of the reviewers that it can get crazy crowded and pretty hot inside (the windows actually fog up) but I ALWAYS have a great time here. The mix of music is usually good and I like that the crowd is often a hodge podge of different people. The location is great too because you can have a couple drinks at a nearby Cap. Hill bar and then head here later in the night to dance. *Before 9pm there is no cover so if you are hitting up a nearby bar stop in and get a stamp and save yourself some $ (to spend on a drink :) ) and then come back later in the evening. read more

Thank The Lord above there is still a place in this city full of hipsters, hippies and wannabe homeless chic where the nomads from "I brush my hair" land can cut a rug. I'm from SF where there is an equal mixture of all of the above. To find such a rare gem, where guys still buy you a drink, ask you to dance, and the music is the REASON to SHAKE it, is a relief. I thought I could only get jiggy if I pretended to like electronica. Yes, someone slapped my ass.. And a drunk girl used me as a stripper pole... But my goodness, what do you go out for anyway? Anyone annoyed with attention needs to stay at home with their hot pockets and Netflix. read more

For my 24th birthday, I was looking for a place on the Hill that had dancing and a place where I could reserve a table for all my friends. And on a Saturday. I emailed Havana only 4-5 days before and they were able to get me the large corner booth table that easily fits 20 folks. We had no problem meeting the drink minimum for the larger booth AND there was no deposit/cost to rent the table. Perfect. Best part of the entire evening was our ridiculously awesome dedicated server Renae. There were at least 20 of us, all on separate cards and sporadically moving/dancing throughout the evening. This girl was super sweet, patient and remembered EVERYTHING. Everything. Also the DJ was quite good. **not even lying when I say this** Best birthday ever. read more

I want to give a special shout out to Binh (who works here) for making our night! We had come from a VERY early dinner celebrating my wife's birthday and she wanted to go dancing at Havana for a little bit. Mind you this is before there is even a cover. There are two people drinking at the bar and the shift change is happening (enter Binh)! There was no music playing so we ask Binh if we can have some 90's R&B to dance to. He gracefully obliges us and even says he likes the request. We dance for a while and then went on our merry way. I've been to Havana when it's packed too and maybe it's that I am getting old but I liked dancing here before the DJ arrived. It was memorable and different. And the customer service was great! Thanks Binh! read more

Came here on a Saturday night and I'll come back if I'm in town again! They played 90's throwbacks and I was in heaven! I couldn't stop dancing, the DJ's were on point. Pricing for drinks were average. I ordered two drinks a Mule and a Jameson with Gin-ale and it came out to be $16. Drinks were made well not too strong yet with the right amount of liquor! I thought the bartenders were chill. Everyone was dressed a bit nicer than the casual which I liked. Location was cool because there are other bars to hop around, but if you do like hip hop, r&b, 90's throwbacks you'll probably won't want to leave! QUICK TIPS: - Free for the ladies before 10pm $6 cover for the guys - Enter through the parking lot to get to the entrance. - Be prepared to DANCE!! read more

This place was pretty bad... $10 cover. Once you're in it is super crowded. There was even a line for the men's restroom. How does that even happen? Seriously though listen to all the reviews that say there is 0 space to move. i still managed to have a decent time, but only because I was with a group. So if your idea of "dancing" is going to a poorly ventilated crowded room. Grinding in one spot for hours as people try to squeeze past you... have at this place. Otherwise, save the $10 a head. Use it for a cab ride to Bellevue. Have a way better experience at Lucky Strike and all those places. read more

If you are an adult and still want to go to a dance club, this is your best option in Seattle. Beautiful cocktail menu. Best door staff in the business. Hardworking bartenders (usually). The facility is clean and upscale without being pretentious. THE MUSIC IS KILLER EVERY NIGHT. These DJs play for their crowds AND themselves, its phonomenal. Now ladies, what You really are about: the grope factor. Every club is gonna have it. But the open, lighted layout and attentive security counteracts the packed, sweaty atmosphere. Guys are less aggresively doggish here. Now I've had my run ins with those creepers we worry about, but the staff have your back and there wont be some awkward blow out because thas the way Havanna is. The energy is just different from any other dance club. Best place to grab a drink, get down to your favorite music and meet someone you'd actually talk to on a weekend! read more

Shit place. Power tripping security guards who will call audibles and keep u out despite having paid full fee. The bartenders serve drinks every other hour, and its crowded with dudes that look homeless. The fuck is this shit. Smells like cat piss too. Diagusting read more

I've been here a few times and I'd have to say it's not really my scene. I ventured out here again for a bday party over the weekend and had a decent time. If you saw a small, asian girl going ape s#$# during DMX's, 'Party Up', well, you found me. :) The music is 'aiiite'. As in, not enough gettin ddddown music. I love me some Flo Rida, Lil Wayne, TI, etc. Hence the extra excitedness from me whenever a crackin song came on. I wouldn't come here unless I had absolutely no plans or somebody had a special event here. Why? There is a $5 cover before 11pm on Friday nights. The drinks are pretty weaksauce. The place just lacks that 'oomph', I don't know what it is about it. I think the star rating says it the best, it's just 'meh'. read more

I had a really fun time at Havana. It's east of Broadway and the entrance is kind of in an alley right inside the parking lot for the bar next door to it, so it's a little hard to find. The only downside of this bar with great atmosphere and huge windows: homeless people glued to the windows masturbating while you dance. One guy was there for at least an hour watching us before I finally told the bartender, who "took care of it". But the guy was back shortly and stuck at the window for hours making kissy faces and grabbing his crotch. On to the best parts: great DJ gave us great tunes, which were a mix of old-school (took me back to homecoming 2006) and current hits. He really mixed it up with Top 40 and lesser known music and it was just awesome - especially for people who usually don't like hip hop. The house cocktails were creative and delicious. They were also not as expensive as I had imagined. They have a $9 cocktail list that was really good and could make just about anything we asked for. In all, we danced for about four hours and had great drinks. We loved it: great DJ, great cocktails, respectfully fun and hip crowd... it was a great night. If you get there early to snag good parking (terribly difficult!) and some seats inside the bar (they clear tables for the dance floor), you can get in before cover kicks in at 9pm and get a head-start on the crowd of revelers that will be there later. read more