Address: | 329 N Washington St, North Attleborough, MA 02760, USA |
Phone: | +1 508-695-7400 |
Site: | havanacafema.com |
Rating: | 4.8 |
Working: | Closed Closed Closed 12–7PM 12–9PM 12–9PM 12–7PM |
PE
Peter Spinale
Who knew? I lived in North Attleboro through the 70s to 90s Im not sure if a place like this would have opened much less survived. During a return visit I did a Google search for restaurants near downtown. I was pleasantly surprised to see Havana Cafe pop up. I was more surprised at the location. Havana Cafe is a very cozy little, well Cafe. The building is small but they can seat your party of six and with notice maybe more. However there is a little alcove with table for two that looked very romantic. The decor is very homey, reminding me of my Sicilian uncles rumpus room but not kitschy, tasteful prints and decorations invoking Cuba surround making you feel like you really are at a home. But on to the food. I ordered the camarones al ajillo I got it with plantains and a special rice. OK first off, Im not crazy about plantains. I loved these. I regret not getting the salty ones since me and my dining partner both got the sweet. Live and learn, I would have liked to try them. The rice was a yellow rice very simply cooked with corn and ham. Remember that the sparkling ritzy resort Cuba on the TV is for tourists. This is like the real Cuba, where food is like home and family. The rice was light and fluffy very fresh.. I was served black beans as a starter/soup (new to me) and they were very good, well seasoned and tender. The Shrimp was firm but not over cooked.(!) in a buttery garlic sauce sinful enough to earn a dope slap from your doctor. But the real gem was my partners choice. Anyone who knows Cuban food knows of the pressed pork sandwich. I had one once in Austin Texas. I was unimpressed, I thought it was awful. After reading Jeff Lindsays Dexter series I was re-interested. Oh my. One bite turned into me finishing both dishes. As an engineer and baker I would have liked to have explored the bread some more but the sandwich seemed to disappear somewhere. The bread was the key. Delightfully light crusty and chewy all at once. The pulled pork ham and mustard perfectly proportioned, I would have loved more pickle and had there been banana peppers I would have started singing. All totaled $27 without the tip! fantastic, and the Shrimp was twice the price of the Cuban. I made sure the waitress not only knew how much I loved the food it but that they had restored my faith in the cult sandwich. This Cafe deserves your attention if you like Cuban food, or if you like Mexican food but want something new. The owners asked for my contact information so they could invite me to the pig roast they are planning. Cruel fate! I wont be back in town. If Havana Cafe can restore my faith in the Cuban Sandwich I bet they could wipe the slate clean on my two earlier experiences with pig roasts. Both tragic.
MI
Mike Aswell
The ultimate hidden gem. The place is small, so dont bring 20 people without calling ahead. While Im not Cuban, I worked in Miami for a couple of years. This place is absolutely legit. The owners are so, so nice - and the food is outstanding. ....as are the drinks! Its the closest thing to going and having a homemade meal made for you at a restaurant. The only other caveat is that its Cuban food -- so know what youre getting into. The menu is not expansive; expect 10 or so well done plates. Rice and beans and meat will be standard fare.
RE
Renee Ferraro
What a lovely surprise in North Attleborough! Super friendly service, and delicious food! I grew up in a Cuban home and this is TRULY authentic home-style Cuban food! On my first visit, my son and I had the Cuban sandwich (delicious), Vaca Frita with yucca and beans/rice, meat empanadas with the classic Materva soda to drink. I had to take a Cuban sandwich home for my other kids, they would never have forgiven me! Cant wait to go next weekend with the entire family. Next time, Mamey shakes and marinated pork dinners are served on Fri/Sat! Viva Cuba!
A
A Private User
I was very impressed with the friendliness of the staff, the intimacy of the restaurant, and of course the delicious food! I really felt welcome and comfortable. I enjoyed the best fried plaintains I have ever tasted (I chose the sweet). They were hot, crisp, and caramelized without being soggy. The Cuban Sandwich was outstanding! I would have liked a little more pickle to give it just a tad more zing, but thats my own personal preference. Great job, Havana Cafe! If I am in the area again, I will be sure to stop by - and bring friends!
BA
Barbara Giusti
This place is awesome!! Such a cute little place. Service is only slow because theres only a couple of people there. I think the wonderful Margarita and Jose are the cooks, plus Margarita took our order. Now, lets get down to business- the food is amazing!!!!!! Full of flavor and authentic. They even have a full bar- nice little surprise. My sisters and I went for lunch and it felt like we were home with our family enjoying a delicious home cooked meal! I will DEFINITELY go back!!
GE
George Acosta
I have been coming here since they opened and have never left unsatisfied. My abuela is from Cuba and this is the only Cuban restaurant that has ever come close to her cooking. Very authentic dishes and preperation. You can taste that every meal is made with love. Highly recommend Havana Cafe. Try the ropa vieja (translates to old clothes), garlic shrimp, steak sandwich is great and of course the Cuban sandwich is amazing. Great family owned restaurant.
JO
Joseph Everett Cromwell
What a great hidden gem for North Attleboro! If you love Latin flavors, you must stop here sometime. The plantains are amazing and all of the food is fresh and authentic. Friendly staff, affordable prices and excellent food. They are closed on Mon and Tues. Fairly small dining area that only seats about 24 people total so you may want to call ahead, though I never have. Enjoy.
CR
Crystal Hosking
This is a hidden gem in North Attleboro, definitely a blink and you might miss it place. But, once you get inside its such a treasure! I love the decor and the women that work there were very welcoming. I ordered a Cuban Sandwich and it was perfect. My husbands father is from Cuba, so hes looking forward to going back to check out more traditional items on the menu.
JA
Jason Storer
Came here with a Puerto Rican/Dominican friend who found the food very authentic. I was impressed regardless, but she helped me understand the differences between what she knew growing up versus what they prepared. All around was an excellent lunch of splitting a Cuban sandwich and Ropa Vieja.
SE
Seeking Honesty In America
I am so happy I found this place. My family, yes the kids too, all love this place. They do Cuban sandwiches to go for pickup too. So now the hubby eat with us and get a Cuban to go every time! Try the guava appetizer things. They are really delicious, the kids fav.
CL
Claudia Chery
A (somewhat) hidden gem in North Attleborough. There is a real Cuban abuela (grandmother) who prepares the dishes with passion and soul. True comfort food served by friendly, warm staff. One of my favorite places to get dinner when Im in the area.