Havana 1

Just a so-​so place. Saw it had 4 stars but I wasn’t impressed. The Cuban sandwich was ok. Steak platter was bland. Liked the plantains.

While this restaurant may have been good, it is CLOSED. Not sure how Unilocal handles things like this. Do you take the reviews down or at least indicate that is is no longer open?
Since this is a place where we vacation, we use Unilocal to find good restaurants and other things to do. This is the first time I arrived hungry and found a restaurant closed.

Stopped for lunch while out riding bikes. Not much to look at when you walk in, and there was only one other couple in the place. The server was very nice, so we decided to stay. My wife had the chicken, rice & black bean soup. Not seasoned much, and very average. I had the Cuban mix sandwich, which was very good. I asked if it came with any sides and the server said I wouldn’t want any. He was right… it was huge. We also split a piece of key lime pie, which was pretty good, presentation of the pie was awesome. Tip; if you like iced tea, don’t order it here. Their definition of iced tea was a glass of ice water with two tea bags.

Excellent puerca asada. Friendly and attentive staff. No alcohol — but ok to bring your own. No reservations. Loved it.

We were looking forward to trying a new Cuban restaurant in Key West but left feeling like it was okay. We started out ordering the Garbanzo soup and were told there was none. I ordered the lobster bisque, which was pretty good, but not the Cuban fare I was looking forward to. My husband ordered the ropa vieja and complained that it didn’t taste authentically cuban but more just like a stewed roast beef. I thought it had a really good flavor but not that of ropa vieja that I’ve had at other Cuban restaurants.
At the end of our meal I was looking forward to a decaf café con leche, which they did not offer in decaf.
On a positive note there was convenient parking, the atmosphere was nice and the wait staff was very friendly and attentive.

We came here while on Vacation in Key West. We already went to El Siboney; so, we thought we would try a new place for Paella. We called ahead and let them know we would be there at 7 since Paella usually has a long wait time. We were seated quickly and got drinks (they do not serve alcohol). That’s when the service went downhill. We waited 45 minutes for the Paella, other tables were waiting too. When it came they did not bring silverware and then I think they had to wash some because it took several minutes to get it. The folks in the resurant were nice… But, it just didn’t seem like they were on top of running the place. It was a Tuesday and not even that busy.
The Paella itself was ok; but, not great. It had chopped shrimp instead of whole shrimp and was a little skimpy on the expensive seafood. Tons of fish and rice. I’ve had much better…
It was cool that they had artwork in the place…

We got a little too drunk in the late afternoon and late afternoon turned into early evening which turned into «oh shit where are we gonna go to dinner?» …enter Havana 1.
Originally we had planned to go to the much-​hyped El Siboney, but after talking to some locals, we were directed to Havana 1 and I’m grateful we were.
This place closes relatively early (it is away from Duvall and the rest of the Key West nightlife), and we got there around 30 minutes before their marked closing time (aw Semisonic). Anyway we felt bad, but the guy who greeted us assured us they were still open and happy to serve us… well ok if you insist!
Average-​sized restaurant with tons of art on the walls done by a local artist who does all of his paintings right there in the restaurant! Some of the paintings were even of some of their customers which is pretty legit. There was a live musician in the back… I can’t even tell you what instrument he was playing (again we were a sheet and a half or so to the wind), but the overall atmosphere was wonderful and very casual. A couple other people wandered in right after us, but other than that we had missed the dinner rush and received very quick, very friendly service.
I ordered some kind of shredded pork (not sure about the sauce)…it was a very generous portion of meat, but VERY fatty (I’m almost positive this is how it’s supposed to be in Cuban cuisine); it was served with tomato slices, yellow rice, Cuban black beans and maduros. My sister ordered poached fish (another big portion here) served with yellow rice, fried plantains and black beans. We were both very full and very happy when we left.
I would recommend to others for sure, but I think I would opt to try El Siboney next time and judge for myself which one wins.

After wandering the neighborhood looking for a business that ended up relocating (obviously I wasn’t the one in charge of picking the place), we were lucky to find Havana before we starved on the streets.
Immediately we were greeted and seated in the comfy dining area. Which is amazing because the art that graces the walls reach as high as the ceiling. Such an awesome sight.
I tried the Chicken and Yellow rice with Tostones. Obviously, cleaned the plate. The chicken was so tender, and tostones were delicious. It was perfect for our first night in Key West. I only wish I had room for their Key Lime Pie.

Loved the Vaca Frita especially with their homemade hit sauce — which you can purchase bottled for $ 12.99. While you are there, peruse Juan Ego’s paintings! Awesome work!
Free wifi!

What a wonder dinner tonight! Our waitress was wonderful, I believe her name was Diane. We had our 3 year-​old son with us and she was very accommodating.
My husband had the Grouper grilled, it was amazing! My son and I shard the Tropical Shrimp. The shrimp was fantastic!!! I tasted everything that came out and have zero complaints. The black beans had a rich authentic Cuban flavor, the yellow rice was perfect, and the fried plantains were to die for!!!
For dessert we ordered the Key Lime Pie which was very good. It was beautifully presented and showed the love for food and art that restaurants should always present.
The portions were very large!

Take by our Chef-​Concierge, 5 blokes and we shared several plates. Brilliant food before a night of drinking and dance. Mad Roast chicken and fish. stunning and fresh.
…and pork, mad good.
My first key lime was here. No more key lime virgin here.

We ate here on our last night in Key West and were so pleased! I had the Puerco Asado (roast pork) even though I’m not usually a big meat fan. I chose it because the menu said it offered «a real taste of Cuban cuisine.» Wow, it really knocked my socks off; it was so tender and flavorful! I think I said «Mmm!» after every bite. My boyfriend had the Seafood Paella and was hoping it would have been a little spicier, but was still overall happy with his choice (you can easily add heat by using their homemade hot sauce). We closed the place down on a Monday night by sharing an order of homemade Flan. Thank you for a truly memorable night in Key West!

Food mission Numero Uno during my visit to the Keys: eat Cuban food. And, yet again, my beautiful fellow Unilocalers led me in the right direction. Located at mile marker 1 (hence the name), you’ll find a charming historic building that houses not only a delicious Cuban restaurant but dozens of vibrant art pieces created by the owner.
We ordered the vegetarian plate in an effort to knock all of the favorites off the list: three types of rice, black beans, plantains (some of the best I’ve ever had), salad and fruit chunks. Prior to the meal, we were served Cuban bread with a red pepper sauce (very delicious). My only complaint was that the rice was a bit on the dry side like it had been sitting for some time (granted we ate at 2 p.m. — so this was very likely the case). Had I not just started my new effort to go meatless, I would have smothered the puerco asada all over my face.
Upon next visit: double order of plantains (save some for the road).

Came here one night to get some Authentic Cuban food. I was with a bunch of friends that had never had Caribbean Latino food, so after checking Unilocal we set our plan in motion. We arrived at around 5-​ish on a weekend, before it was crowded. Parking was available at no cost right around the corner on the street. Our hostess/​server was pretty awesome and friendly, with her Cuban accent. She sat us down and right away told us that it’s BYOB. If we wanted alcohol we could go to the liquor store right across the street and and bring it in. Which, we actually did.
Other than that she brought us all big glasses of water and told us what the specials of the day were as well as her favorite items on the menu. While we were deciding I looked around at the establishment. There is very colorful art that adorns the walls. Some of it looks political to the times in Cuba and some of it is… erotic? The place isn’t very big and I think the most you can sit at a table would be 6. Unless of course you take the tables in the back and scoot them together.
Most of us decided to go with the Puerco Asado, slow roasted fall of the bone pork with a crispy skin, rice and beans, and fried plantains. This was my first time experiencing this dish. The flavors were familiar yet different. It’s nice to try other cultures take on something. The pork was soft, succulent, and the skin was sort on the verge of being crispy, but more chewy. The plantains were sweet and caramelized. The rice was cooked in a chicken broth and the beans were tender and juicy. I drizzled a little bit of the restaurant-​made «Castro’s breath». A house-​made sauce made with tons of garlic and chillies. I ate everything on my plate.
I was too full for dessert, but next time I’m in town I’ll be sure to come back and check out their Key lime pie. The prices were relatively inexpensive as well.
So when you are in town and have never had Cuban food, it’s worth a stop so put this on your list.

Havana 1 was absolutely my favorite meal during our vacation to Miami and Key West. We enjoyed talking to Juan the owner about his art work and how arrived in Florida on a homemade raft. Havana 1 is located at the 1 mile marker in Key West and hence the name Havana 1. Juan runs the «front of the house» and his wife does the cooking.
My wife had the Puerco Asada (slow roasted pork roast) and I had the Ropa Vieja. Both dishes came with a choice of yellow, brown or white rice and black beans. My wife was kind enough to share some of her Puerco Asada and although the Ropa Vieja was good, the Puerco Asada was fantastic. It was succulent, tender and tasted great! The black beans were perfectly prepared as well
We ate at Havana 1 for dinner on our last night in Key West and enjoyed the Puerco Asada so much, that we got two extra orders to go and ate it for dinner the next night in Fort Lauderdale before we flew home.
If you’re in Key West, I highly recommend Havana 1. Note than Juan will shortly open another restaurant on Duval Street, the restaurant will be called «Juan Loves Lucy», which will feature more seafood on the menu. This will be a welcome addition to Duval St. as many restaurants on Duval St. are more known for alcohol than for food. I’m not if Juan will keep Havana 1 open once his new restaurant gets going… but his wife’s fabulous Puerco Asada will be featured at the new restaurant as well.

We were so looking forward to having awesome Cuban food on our trip to Florida and Unilocaled this place before we left on our trip. With all the great reviews, we were literally drooling before we arrived. What. A. Disappointment. :-(
I had the ropa vieja and the steak looked and tasted boiled with absolutely no flavor. It was so tough that I had a hard time cutting it with a steak knife.
My other half had the paella which was bland and also had no flavor. The fried plantains were good but how can you screw those up??? The white rice and black beans were just that — nothing special about them.
The best part of this meal? The homemade hot sauces. They served two very different types and both were yummy. I was a bit put off that they serve these sauces in former water bottles.

We were in Key West and wanted some authentic cuisine with a local flavor.
Great spot, family run and full of hospitality. Amazing Cuban Sandwich. All our dishes came with copious amounts of black beans and yellow rice. The coffee and Key Lime Pie were also amazing.
I did enjoy and get a kick out of the hot sauce. Red and Green «Castro’s Breath»
No Booze! Very Affordable!
Good stuff!

We enjoy the food, pork, steak and paella in a very friendly and cozy environment. In the back of the restaurant, I think one of the family members are working on a painting — and very interesting. We took the pictures of the flan and key lime pie — liked them.

Stayed in Key’s for 4 days and this was our favorite meal by far. Wow, the pourco (pork) steak was outstanding. We also had yellow rice and the black beans as our side dish and they were fab as well.
Juan, the owner, made us feel at home as soon as we walked in the door. We got there at 5:30 on Thursday and were the only people in the resteraunt. By the time we left at 6:20 there were only 2 tables with no people.
Exceptional.

During a recent trip to Key West my friend and I took a half day charter tour snorkeling and kayaking. After a long day in the sun and water we returned to our room to freshen up so we could head back out and grab a bite to eat. It was around 4 o’clock so we didn’t want to eat dinner quite yet but wanted something substantial to tide us over. She mentioned a Cuban sandwich and my eyes lit up. That sounded perfect. So using my phone I located a Cuban restaurant within a half mile. We were staying on Truman at about the ½ mile mark. ½ mile to mile marker 0 and ½ mile to Havana 1.
Once we arrived we were immediately greeted by our server, Jackie. One of the owners, Juan, also greeted us after we had been seated and asked if the temperature was comfortable. We had a fan pointed our way which was very welcomed after coming in from the sweltering heat outside. We asked if they served alcohol. Having been opened for only a few months Jackie told us they should be getting their liquor license soon though we were welcome to go across the street to purchase something from the liquor store. A cold beer sounded good so I popped across the street and returned with a couple of cold ones to go with our food.
We knew we wanted a Cuban sandwich so the decision was easy. We told Jackie we would be sharing. When the sandwich arrived she brought plates for us both. The bread was toasted just right and the sandwich was perfect for sharing. I wasn’t sure I would like lettuce and tomato on a Cuban sandwich but I did. The pork and ham were terrific as well. I love Cuban sandwiches and it’s hard to come by a good one in Atlanta so I was thrilled to find one better than I had ever had in Atlanta in Key West.
So the sandwich really hit the spot but I needed a pick-​me-​up. Before we headed back out to stroll down Duval Street I decided a Cuban coffee could do the trick. My friend had never had one and Jackie promised she would love it. Well, she did and so did I.
Since we arrived at an odd time of day for food we ended up being the only table in the restaurant. Jackie and Juan couldn’t have been more attentive. We really enjoyed the food and service and hope to get back the next time we’re in Key West.