
Havana Grill
Quick info
About Havana Grill
On Clark Street, Havana Grill serves Caribbean and pan-Latin plates with a menu that runs 56 dishes deep, from the Cuban Salad and Guacamole & Chips to a Veggie Parrillada and Ensalada Con Camarones. The kitchen also turns out carne asada over black beans and rice, Ropa Vieja with rice and beans, and a Cubano built with pulled pork, cheese, and pickles, with congrí available as a side and key lime pie for dessert. Mojitos, including a peach version, run alongside the food. Seating spans a bar area and tables by the front window, and once the evening progresses, the dining room converts into a dance floor. A private dining room accommodates groups, and dogs are welcome at the tables. Families can make use of high chairs, and the outdoor seating extends the options further. Takeaway and delivery cover guests eating off site. The restaurant opens daily, and reservations are recommended.
Good to know
- ReservationsAccepts reservations
- ParkingPaid multi-storey car park · Paid street parking
- AccessibilityHas wheelchair-accessible seating
- Good for kidsGood for kids · High chairs available · Has kids' menu
- DietaryServes vegan dishes · Serves vegetarian dishes
Menu & Prices
56 dishes · mains $2–43- Cuban Salad$18.50
- Ensalada Fresca Con Calamari$18.50
- Veggie Parrillada$18.50
- Ensalada Con Camarones$22.75
- Ensalada Verano$14.50
- Guacamole & Chips$9.25
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention carne asada, ropa vieja, mojitos and key lime pie.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention carne asada, ropa vieja, mojitos and key lime pie.
Customer Review Summary
The Ropa Vieja and carne asada draw the most consistent praise at Havana Grill, with reviewers repeatedly calling the steak tender and flavorful and pairing it with sides like congri rice and beans or sweet plantains. Close behind, the mojitos and pisco sours earn repeated enthusiasm, and dishes like the empanadas, tostones, shrimp salad, and veggie parillada also get singled out as standouts, along with the key lime pie for some. Several describe the room itself as lively, with one noting the dining room turns into a dance floor after hours. Complaints cluster around value and comfort: multiple reviewers call the restaurant overpriced relative to portion size, one describing a steak plate with only a couple of small yuca pieces and banana slices, and others mention chipping paint, worn seating, and a restroom needing updates. Several also note rushed or inattentive service, including plates cleared before diners finished and no offer of drinks or dessert. One reviewer flags that paying by credit card versus cash affected the bill. Despite these gaps, many recall specific dishes and drinks fondly weeks after their visit.
Customer Review Summary
The Ropa Vieja and carne asada draw the most consistent praise at Havana Grill, with reviewers repeatedly calling the steak tender and flavorful and pairing it with sides like congri rice and beans or sweet plantains. Close behind, the mojitos and pisco sours earn repeated enthusiasm, and dishes like the empanadas, tostones, shrimp salad, and veggie parillada also get singled out as standouts, along with the key lime pie for some. Several describe the room itself as lively, with one noting the dining room turns into a dance floor after hours. Complaints cluster around value and comfort: multiple reviewers call the restaurant overpriced relative to portion size, one describing a steak plate with only a couple of small yuca pieces and banana slices, and others mention chipping paint, worn seating, and a restroom needing updates. Several also note rushed or inattentive service, including plates cleared before diners finished and no offer of drinks or dessert. One reviewer flags that paying by credit card versus cash affected the bill. Despite these gaps, many recall specific dishes and drinks fondly weeks after their visit.
Featured reviews
- Dom C.
“This place is fantastic. I was here alone, sat at the bar. The vibe is lively without being overwhelming. Upbeat music that’s loud enough to set the mood but not so loud you’re yelling to talk. …”
- Aksum Ulker
“We went there for early drinks the athmosphere outside was so cute the lights and tables so we ordered margharita pint which was 40$ and we got 6 glasses so it was a super deal and went there a few more times one of my fav bars🥰 we didnt try the food though but it looked good”
- Kathy Jorgensen
“The food at this place was out of this world. The veggie parillada, plantain encrusted halibut, and salmon à la parilla were all incredibly good. And the key lime pie was the best I’ve ever had. Service was the best. I can’t say enough good things about our experience dining here!”
- Joshua Peters
“This loungy Cuban restaurant is located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, but once you step off the busy street you immediately feel at ease. I had the tostones and the carne asada, which was very reasonably priced - I have paid much more for quite a bit less, in quantity and quality, at less impressive restaurants in Indianapolis. I ordered my carne to be cooked medium and it came out tender and delicious. I suggest ordering the rice and beans "congrí", the combination is superior in my opinion. The vibe inside was visually refined and channeling a distinctly Cuban esthetic, filled with lively conversation and energy. The only negative I could possibly point out is the tiny bathroom in the basement with a problematic entry and stall door configuration 😅🤣 But don't let that stop you! I loved this place!”
- Sameet Sapra
“The mojito was good - a lot of flavors. The menu is large, and the food is flavorful. The chicken with lemon was almost like a Thai style dish.”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Highlights
“Eatery turning out Pan-Latin cuisine & tropical cocktails in a sophisticated, island-inspired space.”
- Has fast service
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Has great wine list
- Good for watching sport
- Popular for popular for lunch
Amenities
- Has Wi-Fi
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Paid street parking
- Accepts reservations
- Has outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed outside
Show more amenities
- Offers delivery
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- Family friendly
- Serves vegan dishes
- Has bar on site
- Offerings· 14
- Serves alcohol
- Serves beer
- Serves cocktails
- Serves coffee
- Serves comfort food
- Serves happy-hour drinks
- Serves happy-hour food
- Serves late-night food
- Has private dining room
- Quick bite
- Serves small plates
- Serves spirits
- Serves vegetarian dishes
- Serves wine
- Dining options· 5
- Serves lunch
- Serves dinner
- Serves dessert
- Has seating
- Has table service
- Popular for· 3
- Popular for lunch
- Popular for dinner
- Good for solo dining
- Parking· 1
- Paid multi-storey car park
- Family-friendly· 3
- Good for kids
- High chairs available
- Has kids' menu
- Highlights· 5
- Has fast service
- Serves great cocktails
- Serves great coffee
- Has great wine list
- Good for watching sport
- Facilities· 1
- Has toilet
- Atmosphere· 3
- Casual
- Cosy
- Trendy
- Crowd· 2
- Good for groups
- Popular with tourists
- Planning· 1
- Dinner reservations recommended
Location
Restaurants near Havana Grill
- Crying Tiger4.81,7640.1 mi$50–100Reservations
crying tiger dessert, lobster pad thai, pork belly
- Siena Tavern4.64,9410.1 mi$30–60Reservations
vodka rigatoni, burrata, tiramisu
- Tanta Cocina Peruana4.53,5090.2 mi$50–100Good for kidsReservations
ceviche, pisco sour, empanadas
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Havana GrillGood for kids · Reservations | 4.52,305 | — | $20–30 | carne asada, ropa vieja, mojitos |
| Crying TigerReservations | 4.81,764 | 0.1 mi | $50–100 | crying tiger dessert, lobster pad thai, pork belly |
| Siena TavernReservations | 4.64,941 | 0.1 mi | $30–60 | vodka rigatoni, burrata, tiramisu |
| Tanta Cocina PeruanaGood for kids · Reservations | 4.53,509 | 0.2 mi | $50–100 | ceviche, pisco sour, empanadas |
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