Habana Libre: User Reviews

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!

I admit this place has...
By 2RIVERPLACE from CHICAGO, IL, January 22, 2007

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I admit this place has good food, but it doesn't deserve all the hype. I mean, it's been in all the magazines! The service is awful, the atmosphere is to be desired and oh..did I mention the service?

Compared to other Cuban restaurants...
By Elena from Chicago, IL, January 13, 2007

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Compared to other Cuban restaurants in town, this is a poor option. The meat used for the steak (palomilla) was of poor quality, too fatty and marbled for a thin steak. The shrimp and rice dish (camarones enchilados) was fishy tasting. It shouldn't be. I prefer Panchos on Damen and California for better tasting Cuban food. I also like La Guardia on North Ave. in Oak Park. They have particularly yummy mojitos and a quaint outdoor area that is heated in the winter.

The food at Habana Libre...
By beezly groh from chicago, IL, December 4, 2006

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The food at Habana Libre is really that good!
Highly recommend the combination appetizer platter (comes with mouth watering "croquetas" and "empanadas").
The atmosphere is very cozy and you will readily find young couples dining over wine (it's BYOB!). The food is very affordable. Plan on a 30 min wait on weekends if you are dining after 7:30 pm (the place is pretty tiny and fills up fast).

But there is a problem-it's the inattentiveness and the indifference of the servers that bothered us-not once did they come to our table to either refill the water or ask if we needed anything when we were waiting for an hour for a standard menu item and 20 mins for the check after dining.

I would recommend this place for the food as long as you can come prepared for the unresponsiveness from the staff.

I have to admit I...
By Susan from Chicago, IL, December 3, 2006

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I have to admit I was attracted to this place for 2 reasons: cuban and BYOB. Everything that I ordered was wonderful. Having experienced authentic cuban food in miami, this place is very close if not the same with great authentic Cuban flavor. Don't come here for the hip atmosphere because it is far from that. Come here for the food! This place is also great for a romantic setting.

Had a good time here...
By Kelly from Chicago, IL, November 29, 2006

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Had a good time here the other night. It isn't the coolest atmosphere by any means but they are trying. The food was quite good and very reasonably priced. The two servers seemed to be working as a team which worked b/c we were well taken care of. We took the servers recommendations and ordered the appetizer combination platter which was pretty tasty although mostly fried. My husband ordered a steak with onions and I had snapper in a tomato sauce. Both were good but I think we enjoyed the black beans and rice and the plantains that came with it more than the entrees themselves! We'll be back the next time we are in the mood for Cuban food or don't feel like fighting the ever growing crowds (and prices) in Wicker Park.

Great and very authentic Cuban...
By Foodie Girl from Chicago, IL, November 12, 2006

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Great and very authentic Cuban food! Service is slllooooowwww though. But for good food at these prices, I don't mind waiting a little bit. FYI, dont forget its a BYOB and there is no decent store in the neighborhood.... yet.