Habana Libre: User Reviews

Great food Great price.
By ChiAngie from West Town , November 7, 2007

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The arroz con pollo was delicious and was more than enough for the two of us for dinner and lunch the next day.Well worth the 45 min wait to prepare. We had an appetizer platter which I was glad we ordered everything was great. I will continue to go back and try new items off the menu

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Wanted to try a different...
By Doug Chin from Louisville, KY, August 23, 2007

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Wanted to try a different place and found a gem.

Great flavors and service.

Ox Tail and Skirt Steak dishes were bursting with flavors.

Appetizers were very tasty as was the sides of beans and some of the best fried plantains we have had.

We took the CTA bus from downtown. About a 10 minute trip.

Did not have room for desert that is why I give them a 3 stars.

The food here is good,...
By Ali from Chicago, IL, July 14, 2007

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The food here is good, pretty authentic. The waiting staff is terrible. I asked the waiter if our croquetas were ham (they tasted like chicken) he took the plate away, brought back the same half bitten food, with the cook/owner, who assured us (with an attitude) that they were ham, and that he is cuban. If your not big on treatment, this is the place for you. If you are looking for cuban ambiance, you need to go somewhere else, there's not a cuban in sight.

The food makes this place...
By Ed from East Village, IL, May 31, 2007

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The food makes this place a destination, not the atmosphere - although the place is clean and not too brightly lit and they put fresh flowers on the tables (check out the cool lamps on the walls). It was HOT in there when we went on a warm evening. Split the appetizer platter: all fried - great for trying a little bit of everything, all fresh, tasty and NOT greasy. I think when I go back I'll stick with the wonderful, light fried yucca. The ropa vieha (sp?) was melt-in-your mouth tender and delicious. I wish they would have provided more beans & more plantains. The portions are plenty but not in excess. I can't wait to go back and try everything. Service was just OK but very friendly. Dinner for 2 entrees, appetizer, coffee & a soda was $39 - we ate it all, no leftovers.

The food was great, every...
By Alfie G from Chicago, IL, April 7, 2007

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The food was great, every thing we ordered we really liked. The only thing I wasn't super pleased with were the plantains. Price was fair, and the service was great. Especially help full to those who aren't familiar to the dishes. I would recommend it to any one, and am looking foward to going back.

The food is well above...
By Mrjustice from Chicago, IL, March 19, 2007

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The food is well above average, as evidenced by its popularity and full dining room. Problem is, they obviously have a small kitchen, and tables are served one at a time. Better plan on waiting at least an hour for your entrees, if you come at prime time on a Friday or Sat. evening. We enjoyed the Red Snapper Filets in a unique Creole sauce, as well as the Roast Pork in garlic sauce. Nice fillers were the included white rice and black beans in mole sauce. Not much atmosphere here, but it is BYOB. Though I would recommend this restaurant, I still strongly prefer La Cocina (See my Review).

Coming from a Cuban background,...
By JW from Chicago, IL, February 10, 2007

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Coming from a Cuban background, let me tell you this place is as close to my native lands great food !! The service was quite prompt and the atmoshpere is lively.

As Cuban food lovers, we...
By Rafael from Chicago, IL, February 1, 2007

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As Cuban food lovers, we went on a Saturday night, and got the last table at 7pm. Service was excellent. Two other reviewers here liked the combination appetizer plate, but in our opinion was just too much "fried stuff" - the best being the fried plantains and yuca - were great with the garlic sauce. But we found the croquetas and empanadas flavorless. The ham croquetas tasted like deep fried deviled ham. Nonetheless, the entrees we had were delicious, Palomillo (flank steak), Roasted Chicken, Masas de pork, and especially the Lechon (roast pork). The black beans and rice and the congri (black beans/rice cooked together) were the best we've had in Chicago. The deserts we ordered, flan, coconut flan, and mango sorbet served in a mango shell - were all delicious. And to top it all off, it is BYOB. Our Cuban friends highly recommended Habana Libre to us, and now we will be regulars.

I went to Habana Libre...
By Stephanie from Chicago, IL, January 28, 2007

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I went to Habana Libre when they opened in the fall and loved it. The staff was so nice and friendly and the food was fantastic. We decided to have a private party there in November and it was a HUGE success in large part due to Habana Libre's staff. They were so accommodating to various seating arrangements (for 50 people), menu options and assisting us with drinks and bar setup. They made special meals for vegetarians and played a great selection of salsa music.

As usual, the food was fantastic. I had at least 10 people comment on the empanadas and croquettes. Everyone loves the steak and chicken selections we picked and who doesn't love flan?!

All in all, it's a great place to grab lunch or dinner, and they can throw a great party also!