**I was here last year, so things may have changed. Our service was good, our waiter was friendly and attentive. The food though was really not up to par. The chicken my fiance ordered was covered in rice and sauce to the point that he actually had to dig through it to find his chicken. Not a big deal, but odd. When he did get to the chicken he found it to be grizzly, fatty and just generally unpleasant. Maybe it's because we're not used to bone-in chicken, but the meat just really wasn't very good. The Cuban sandwich I had was really lacking. The pork was really fatty and gross to the point that I couldn't finish the sandwich. I was expecting a spectacular Cuban from a Cuban restaurant but was left totally disappointed. Wish I could say we'll give it another try, but I really doubt we will.
(2)
Wendy D.
Great food! It sits back from the road a bit in a strip mall behind a pawn shop. The food is good and service is very attentive. I had the steak, rice and plantains. Been here twice and it was good both times. The service is extra attentive without being annoying!!
(4)
Kristi P.
The empanadas are amazing! I had the chicken, my friend had the beef and we were both extremely pleased! They are hearty, the sauce is delicious and I was so happy that they used chicken breasts, since personally I prefer white meat! I will definitely go back to this place and the staff was super friendly!!
(5)
Jayde R.
I love coming here with my husband. The servers are always great! The beef Empanadas are amazing and the maduros and plantains are great too!
(5)
Kate S.
Under new management beware! It used to be one of the most authentic and best cuban food restaurants but not anymore. They took away and added new dishes that aren't even cuban (jerk chicken?!?) and I ate the same thing I always get and it was no where near as good. My husband got yellow rice with his dish and it was mexican style rice not cuban. They even have tacos on the menu?!? I'm not coming back!!!
Cuban sandwich is exactly what you would expect. Excellent. Try the Ropa Vieja with Moro Excellent slow simmered flavor. Come hungry. One order o the Ropa is enough for two. Ask Daritza. She will help you with menu suggestions.
(5)
Jessica R.
Yes, yes, yes!!! We finally found a real Cuban sandwich in Georgia. I came here a few years ago with a friend and I was ok, but this time it was amazing! I ordered the Cuban sandwich with maduros and hubby ordered the media noche sandwich with tostones. Throughout the whole meal, he was commenting on how good the food was. And the best part? My sandwich was the real deal! I found out from my sister-in-law that a good Cuban sandwich is all about the bread, and that most places in Georgia that make them use the wrong kind. This was the right kind! So yummy. After talking with the waitress, we found out that the chef is Cuban...bonus!!! They also had these sodas (Materva) that I had never heard of, but when hubby saw it on the menu, he flipped and had to have one. "I haven't seen these since I lived in Miami!" I tried it, and it was pretty good. The only thing I would say I didn't care for were the maduros. They were good, but a little too soft on the inside and burnt on the outside. We will definitely be back though :)
(5)
Island G.
Came in here for Father's Day and the ambiance is very tropical. It's a stand alone business near the highway and they play great music that makes u shake! It's not a five star restaurant but u can have fun and get drinks and good food!
(5)
Clint K.
I've never eaten at a cuban restaurant before so this may be bias. But I have eaten here three times now and every time it is great.
(5)
Julie E.
I will admit that Havana was my first exposure to Cuban food (other than a random Cuban sandwich in a deli setting) so I cannot vouch for authenticity, but I can vouch for the fact that is it delicious! My hubs and I have eaten at Havana at least half a dozen times over the past year and I have never been disappointed. The mojitos are great and not skimpy on the alcohol! The empanadas are flaky, seasoned meat perfection. I have had several entrees--the tilapia, the Hemingway chicken, and the Masitas de Puerco (fried lean chunks of pork marinated in garlic mojo sauce & topped with onions)--and all were delicious. All entrees come with your choice of rice and beans (black or red) and the portions are more than generous. The price is right too. Do yourself a favor and try out this little tucked away gem--you won't regret it.
(4)
Andrew N.
Great restaurant. Good feel when you get in the inside. Wish they had a/c though. It felt warm. Although there were fans, the fans werent running. Anyways to the food. Skip the pappa rellenos. They were dry and probably reheated. DO get the empanadas. Very good, crunchy, meat was moist and worth the buy. We only came for the sandwhiches and did not try any of the plate food. All the sandwhiches were under 7. I got the cuban sandwhich on sweet bread. Although the pork was dry, the sweetbread def help make the taste. Overall a okay sandwhich we also got the flank steak sandwhich which was the winner. I'd come back for the sandwhiches. Not sure if Id step up to the plates as they are near the 15 dollar mark.
(4)
Jesse S.
Some of the best Cuban food I've ever had. I've been eating here for a few years since George was the owner. It's been sold once or twice since and the place has gotten even better. Masitas de Puerco are excellent, although they can sometimes be dry. The Chicken Hemingway is outrageously good and I order it every single time. We always order extra maduros and Yucca con mojo. Great place, great prices and great staff.
(5)
Ravi B.
Summary: Try authentic Cuban way OTP I found this place on Groupon after my friend Shady wanted to go on a foodie adventure. It's definitely super far OTP, but we wanted something authentic Cuban. This place was exactly what we're looking for. It wasn't super busy but the service was a little slow. Our server was really friendly, but we waited a long time for her to take our order. I tried a pineapple soda that was good and my friend got a drink called "malta" that is a non-alcoholic barley drink which I didn't like. Food: We started out with ham croquettes, which I liked. I don't know why they came with crackers and no sauce. We requested a random sauce we saw on the menu which I liked haha. It's called mojo sauce. I kept asking a bunch of questions about the food, which the server probably thought I was funny for having so many questions. I don't think our server was Cuban... Anyways, for our entrees we got an authentic beef dish called "bistec palomilla" and a "media noche" which is a cuban sandwich on a sweet bread. I liked the sandwich a lot, but the bread didn't taste sweet at all. I feel like I may have had a better Cuban panini/sandwich in Miami, but this one was still pretty good. The beef dish was good too. I put the mojo sauce on it to give it a zest. The yellow rice and red beans tasted authentic also.
(3)
Marla K.
Love Cubango sandwich. Often call in and pick up on way home from work. Picadillo wonderful. Empanadas mmmmm. It's Sunday afternoon. The Salsa dancing starts in a moment. Can't wait.
(5)
Justin T.
Stopped by on our way to Mall of Georgia and it was a great choice. The service was great and our waitress was very friendly. I tried the coconut mojito and it was good! Yuca frita as an appetizer is a good choice. The restaurant while Cuban also serves some Mexican dishes. I tried the vaca frita with black beans, white rice, and tostones. The food was good. My friend ordered the I would return if in the area.
(4)
Jami L.
Havana South is a go to restaurant for my husband and I. With all the chain restaurants around the mall, it's a breath of fresh air and is absolutely delicious. We have experienced times of slow service, but the food is off the charts good so it's worth any wait time. Hubby always orders the masitas de puerco and I love the vaca frita steak. Empanadas are yummy too. The green sauce they come with is so good! Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Sharon P.
Needed to write an update, since this restaurant has gone above and beyond since I wrote my last review. Not only did they try to reach me to fix what went wrong last time, but they made sure that my second order (which was a catered order) was perfect. And indeed it was. The moro rice, maduros, and mariquitas were delicious and everyone in my party loved it. Very happy customer here!!
(5)
Chinasa N.
Felt hungry heading home from nieces lacrosse game at Buford high. I was about to get Mickey Dees but saw this restaurant instead. Cuban food & culture is near & dear to my heart. But it was a great choice, food, ambiance, & customer service was great. Will bring my Cubano here soon.
(5)
Averiguao H.
I caught it with the corner of my eye. Small flashing light in a strip center. It was cold and I'm staying at the hotel right behind the restaurant so walked to it. Not crowded at all. Clean, and good service. Typical Cuban menu, but I have to say. I ordered the churrasco with the yellow rice and tostones. The chino hurry sauce for the churrasco was to die for. The food was hot and the flavor surprisingly great. I'm from Orlando FL but will definitely would return given the opportunity. Music playing in the background was very good too. Highly recommended!!!!
(5)
Sean H.
Came here for a quick lunch on a late Friday afternoon. Service was good there wasn't much traffic so our party of 3 was seated promptly. The server was attentive and our food came out quick and hot. I had one of the lunch specials (Monday-Friday 11 am to 3 pm I believe) pescado frito with white rice and grilled veggies. The fish was lightly battered and very crispy. The meal was great and inexpensive. Would come again if I was in the area.
(5)
Yuki T.
I've been wanting to try this place for while then I saw groupon deal. I liked the chicken dish(forgot the name) so much, too bad it was not lunch menu.
(4)
Hondo G.
I don't understand the hype around this place. The food is boring, and they stretch the beans with pieces of potato. I ordered beans, not potatoes.
(3)
Jen D.
Found this place quite by accident on my drive from Asheville to Atlanta. Got to the slump-time afternoon and needed coffee, finally saw a DD on an exit, but when I got off I saw this little gem on the left. After an indy-car-like 2 lane switch and u-turn, I got the most glorious Cafe Con Leche that I have had since my last trip south of the (Georgia) border. We lived in S. Fl for years and truly, truly have missed Cuban food. This place is worth the drive. So good!
(5)
Marc A.
Best Cuban sandwich in the A. Been coming here since the old location was a hole in the wall. Love the new space - plenty of parking, lots of tables, & great family service.
If you're looking to eat somewhere with great food and service to back it up this is the place to be hands down!!! Never a disappointment and I will be back for sure. I recommend anyone that is trying somewhere new to stop by!! Great drink specials as well!
(5)
Caroline U.
Had dinner here last night and I've got to say, the food is awesome! I had the Bistec Palomilla which was perfectly flavored with onions and peppers. Came with a side of rice and beans and I ordered an additional side of avocado slices. I also had a glass of red wine which was probably served at 80 degrees but no biggie. Food was plentiful, service was good and friendly and I'm surprised they were not busier for a Saturday night. My husband's meal was pork and fried plantains and he was equally satisfied.
(5)
Keith S.
Not anything like the Cuban food you get in Florida. Not impressed and will not go back.
(2)
Nigel H.
Great food and very inexpensive. I had the lunch special Sandwich Cubano which comes with half a sandwich, beans & rice. Excellent taste on the sandwich and the sides. Staff was great and friendly with Latin music coming from above. I would recommend checking this place out if you are in town. Hidden in a strip mall but great.
(4)
Debrin S.
I'm from the NEast. Latin food is prevalent. I have enjoyed Cuban cuisine in Miami, Key West, NYC and by CUBAN friends who cook quite authentically. Therefore, I feel I am a solid judge on authentic Cuban food. With that said- I loved Havana South! We had dinner on a quiet Tues. evening. The service was friendly but lacked the enthusiasm I was expecting. I had the Chicharon de Pollo con Hueso_ very tasty, marinated in a citrusy garlicky marinade- also served on the side. The Black beans were excellent! The white rice had just enough starch & olive oil to make it slightly sticky to accompany the beans. Also, I had the sweet sauteed (not deep fried) plantains- Maduros- very good too. My friend enjoyed the Pollo Hemingway- she enjoyed that too. The prices are much less expensive than Fairfield County CT. My dinner was like $12! They have a full bar BUT no wine- strange. They also serve Cuban soda. The decor is colorful w large paintings/prints in vibrant colors all depicting classic sceans of Cuban\Havana. If I lived here I would frequent this spot. Surprising! Private parking lot.
(4)
Kevin T.
It was alright... Service was decent. But to be honest it was disappointing! I didn't hate it but didn't love it. I'll probably never go back. I think their chef has no passion in the food bc there was nothing exciting within our party of five that was worth saying! Their cubano sandwich was made with some of the crappiest quality ham and pork. You know when you eat a sandwich that is so bad but so worth it, well i think most of their food we had that day was bad but was not worth even gaining the weight for!
(2)
Amanda V.
Disgusting. Quite possibly the worst food I've ever eaten. Run the other way.
(1)
James L.
This is without doubt the best Cuban restaurant in the Atlanta area. It is in a nondescript strip mall near Mall of Georgia, but it is wort a visit if you love great authentic Caribbean food. The usual Cubano sandwiches are great, but when I explored further, the Paella and Masitas de puerco fritas are excellent as well. Just for fun, drop in after 9 on a Saturday night and party with local Cuban's ! They were so welcoming to a gringo I had to go back several times! They have the best wait staff and bartenders. Service is a little slow if the place is packed, but this is not a place anyone wants a fast meal and then rush off when there is a great time to be had.
(5)
Nicole P.
So I returned almost two years later to see if there was an improvement. There were some improvements but the food still disappointed. I ordered masitas de puerco frita with black beans and rice and maduros. Rice and beans were average and maduros were good. The pork was hard and almost inedible. When you make this dish you boil the pork chunks until tender then deep fry at the end. I don't know what they did but it wasn't right. They garnished it with a lot of chopped pimentos and a few onion slices. The pimentos threw the flavor off. The cut of meat was too lean also, that might have something to do with it. The croquetas were frozen, tasted like Catalina brand. I still don't get the cilantro sauce served with the croquetas. Overall my visit was better than the last, but it is not authentic Cuban food, it's more of a Cuban/Mexican fusion.
(2)
Jamarcus T.
Havana South caught my eye before a hike and on the way back we stopped to try this place for lunch on a Sunday Afternoon. Very spacious restaurant, friendly staff, and yelp friendly, posting their yelp sticker on the front door. If you're not one for checking in via the yelp app, do so here to get 10% off your meal. I ordered the Fried green plantains, which were sweet, slightly crispy and the highlight of my meal here. Very tasty! I also ordered the Pollo Al Ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce), which came with yellow rice and black beans (standard for all entrees). Presentation looked delicious but the chicken was simply "okay", lacking any real flavor. I enjoyed the black beans but i've had better rice, although I found it to be MUCH more flavorful when combining it with the garlic sauce of the Pollo Al Ajillo. I also was able to try some of the Vaca Frita (Fried flank steak in garlic sauce), which was very tender, and had a little more flavor than my chicken, as well as the Croquetas (Ham Croquettes) that had great flavor with a dipping sauce it didn't really need. For two people with two entrees and two appetizers, you'll spend about $35 (lunch menu is only available Mon - Fri) and the meals are all large enough that you'll likely need a to go box. So that's Havana South...fantastic appetizers, okay entrees (that i've tried so far) and a solid little restaurant to quench your Cuban needs!
(3)
Randy H.
First time going here and it was outstanding. It takes a lot of skill to cook up great Cuban or Latin food. I had the Masitas De Puerco. Let me say it was delicious. There is no other way to describe it. The flavor was great. You could taste the different herbs and the pork was cooked perfect. It was what you would expect for pork chunks. Not firm, not too soft. The flavors and the aroma was outstanding. I haven't been to many Cuban/Latin places that can perfect the cooking right away, but this by far blew me away. The location is away from the Mall of Georgia area which is good and bad. I think there is less traffic for this place due to that but at the same time it is great cause you are avoiding the traffic. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. I would definitely recommend this place and I will definitely be back for more in the future.
(4)
Emilia L.
My exposure to Cuban food has been limited, but I love it so far. So of course, I was up for a trip to Havana South, even if it was all the way up in the boonies (Buford). I ordered the ropa vieja ($12) so I could compare it with Papi's and Lario's. Strangely, Havana South's version did not come with maduros (plaintains) like the other two did. Thankfully, our server let me substitute the beans for maduros. Otherwise, you can order a separate side of maduros for $4. The portions were huge. I got yellow rice and three pieces of maduros for my sides. I thought the portion of maduros was a bit skimpy, to be honest. They were really tasty, though. The yellow rice seemed to be a tad undercooked as there were some hard bits. The ropa vieja was good, though not as tasty as the one I had at Lario's. Our server was extremely enthusiastic, friendly and accommodating. We had two Groupons for $25 off the bill, and he let the four of us use both of them, provided we were on two separate checks. So in the end, it was a very cheap and satisfying meal. However, my search for Atlanta's best ropa vieja continues.
(3)
Rutledge U.
The best Cuban food outside the Perimeter! The chef is outstanding. There are vegetarian options (fried plantains, yellow rice, and beans!) The service is good. The atmosphere could use a little work, and honestly, it's not the fanciest place. But based on the food alone, it is 5 stars.
(5)
Elizabeth L.
Good Cuban food...check! Bar...check! Good service...check! Fun atmosphere and decor...no check. The food was great and service was great but the decor kinda looks a high schooler put some things up and the booths are kinda torn up. And besides a little music that was sometimes playing-sometimes not-in the background, there was really nothing else going on there. But if you're on the area and want some yummy Cuban, wouldn't hurt to stop in!
(3)
Ali S.
Having just moved from Miami to Buford, Cuban food was the one thing I was missing! I found Havana South while driving around one day and decided to try it out after feeling homesick for some good Cuban food. My husband and I had a long day of unpacking from just having moved in and decided to get the food to go. I found their menu online and placed my order. The menu definitely looked authentic, and mentioned they had a real Cuban cook. I'm usually skeptical about non Miami Cuban food, but still the mention of maduros and moros, called my name. I went to pick up our order and was greeted by the staff at the bar. While I waited for them to pack my order I asked them if they had any sodas available and they said "yes, but we only stock Latin canned soda, like Materva or Malta" That was music to my ears! Materva is my favorite drink and very hard to find here! The manager saw my delight and he was nice enough to tell me the name and location of the store where they buy it from! At this point this restaurant had already won me over! Although it is a lot pricier than what I am used to paying in Miami for Cuban food, it isn't bad considering this isn't typical food here and ingredients are harder to find, so I understand why it costs more. Also they close pretty early compared to what we are used to back home. If you are planning to go out to movie and then dinner, beware the restaurant closes at 9pm most nights and they latest they stay open til is 10pm. I have had to skip them a few times because of their hours. I payed and left with my food and matervas. It smelled delicious, I couldn't wait to get home and dig in. I ordered pollo al ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce ) with yellow rice and plantains and my husband had a churrasco with moro rice and plantains. I also ordered some mariquitas (plantain chips) with Mojo sauce and a few ham croquettes to try. The croquettes were amazing! Just as good as Miami, but then so was the rest of the food! The chicken had a thick garlic sauce which was delicious and authentic. Though different parts of Cuba cook dishes differently so keep that in mind when eating there. This particular cook is from Matanzas. The yellow rice was really good and the moro rice was to die for! The churrasco was cooked perfectly and was seasoned to perfection. Everything was so good and definitely very authentic! Not only are we from Miami but are Cuban and very picky about our food, since we like to make a lot of Cuban dishes at home ourselves. This is a great place for authentic food. If you need a fix of Cuban food, or have never tried I definitely recommend Havana South. ( our orders have only been 'to-go' I can't vouch for their service if you go and sit at the restaurant but the staff is always friendly when I go in and pick up)
(4)
Sandra A.
Awesome! The food and service were excellent. I highly recommend and definitely will be back again and again! Clean, great prices, terrific food selection and nice music!!!
(5)
Paul G.
Best cuban around Buford. Beef empenadas are awesome and I always get the Hemingway chicken. The red beans are my favorite too.
(4)
Demi M.
If you are actually Cuban... Stay clear of this place. There is not an actual Cuban working here. Vaca Frita looked as if it had been chewed by something or someone and placed on the plate. The place itself was empty and dirty. Would not come here again.
(1)
Randy A.
The food is still awesome and authentic here. Their Lechon Asado is my favorite and the yucca side (different than the appetizer) is outstanding. Their ropa vieja is tender and served in an excellent spicy/sweet sauce. The plantains are sweet and juicy and the garlic sauce used for dipping is outstanding. Nevertheless, I must downgrade my previous rating. Why? Because the service was horrific my last couple of visits. Seemed like they were understaffed and we went long periods of time without the server stopping by to check on us and refresh our beverages. Our order was served incorrectly with the wrong sides, etc, etc. Then on one of my more recent visits I ordered the Mojito and it was terrible. GASP! How does THAT happen at a Cuban restaurant?!? I mean seriously... that's the quintessential Cuban drink. There's NO excuse for that mistake! Yeah.... screw up a gin & tonic or an Old Fashioned... but a Mojito?! C'mon!! I'm Cuban... if you get nothing more from my review, get this: there's a trifecta of Ms on which to judge all Cuban eating establishments. The Mojitos, Moro & the Maduros. I've spoken about the first in the paragraph above, Moro is the white rice and black beans cooked together (as opposed to being served side by side), and the ripe fried plantains are the Maduros. There should be no compromise on any of the three Ms! Havana South used to do all three correctly-- now they're only getting 2/3 right. Not good enough. Finally... my very last visit was on Father's Day. My choice for a place to eat and I choose here. I was really wanting a drink and the server tells me the law in the area says there's no serving alcohol on Sundays in a restaurant. What- whaaaat? I live in the area... EVERYPLACE with a bar serves on a Sunday. That was a... how shall I say... a misstatement. Look, if a business doesn't WANT to serve booze on a Sunday, they don't have to, but at least advertise it on the door or something. But it's really not cool to say the law prevents it, because it simply isn't true. I'm still rooting for you, Havana South. But you can't retreat from excellence.
(3)
Tundra D.
Great dish I had last night here. Oxtail with rice and black beans. I've had oxtail many times at different restaurants and Havana's had the most meat on the bone I've ever seen for oxtail. They were HUGE and delicious! I also ordered an appetizer(forgot the name) and it was soooo tasty. It was a fried mash potato ball stuffed with beef. Really really good! Service was excellent! I had numerous waiters checking on my table each very professional and with a smile on their face. I've eaten here a few times and I always leave with a smile on my face and a full belly.
(5)
Paul Z.
I've read the other reviews and, yeah, maybe it's not 'authentic' Cuban food but I'm not allowed to go to Cuba (so silly!), I've never been to Cuba, and have never had the pleasure to date anyone from Cuba (Cuban girls, drop me a line if you want to take me to a authentic Cuban dinner). So I like Havana South for lunch, everything I've tried was reasonably priced and tasty. I'll follow my review up once the embargo has been lifted or my new Cuban girlfriend starts cooking for me.
(4)
Allan C.
It brought back great memories of living in south Florida. The restaurant was super clean, the food was filled with flavor and the staff was friendly and very welcoming. I look forward to going back and trying something new.
(4)
Richard R.
I'm kinda mixed about my review, because there were definitely things I enjoyed and other items were only ok. It was a slow Sunday with only a few diners. One poor table had the pleasure of having their waitress spill a drink not once, but twice (or maybe it was the customer). We had Alejandra as our server and she was very good. At her recommendation I ordered the Vaca Frita, which was a grilled Flank Steak with rice and beans @ $11.95. The flavor was very good, but not as flavorful as I was expecting from a Latin restaurant. If you don't like cilantro (which tastes like soap to me), be sure to ask them not to put it on your meal. The yellow rice was not flavorful at all and I was also not a huge fan of the black beans. Overall I would give the steak 3.5 stars and the rice and beans a 2.5 for lack of flavor. Everything was cooked and presented well. For an appetizer I ordered the Ham Croquetas and they were FABULOUS!!! They were so great I placed another order to go. Never had anything like them, but will definitely be back for more (4.5 stars). My lunch buddy ordered the Pollo Ajillo which I personally thought was 'just ok' after tasting a sample. The chicken was a little overcooked and also not very flavorful. The Maduros (fried green plantains) were excellent and had a great golden color and sugary glaze. I was a little disappointed they charged $3.25 for extra yellow rice (table buddy ran out and wanted extra). Overall I though the prices were reasonable, the service was good, and the food was decent. The decor has nice murals but feels a little sparse, maybe it's because of the wide use of black paint. I plan to try their Cuban sandwich on my next visit and hopefully I will enjoy that a little more. Be sure to CHECK-IN on Yelp to receive a 10% discount on your total bill.
(3)
Fidaa M.
Although the food is good they do not have the best customer service. I had to wait for my food for a very long time. I had to remind the waiter. Finally when she brought my good it was cold! Instead of appologizing she said " i was busy to bring the food"
(1)
Dave L.
Back for our Havana South bash, well if four people can be considered a bash??? :-) To start, The Yuca Con Mojo and Marquita's. Myself and a friend, we had our usual Masitas De Puerco, white rice and black beans. My wife had the veggie sandwich and Tostones. Our other friend dined on the Pollo Al Ajillo. As the norm, everything was cooked well, service was top notch, and we all left fat and happy! I have been here about a dozen times and hooked on the Masitas! Oh yes, once dinner is finished nothing is complete without the Tres Leches cake! A wonderful family owned establishment! Give it a try.......
(4)
Marti G.
Outstanding food and service! It was our first trip to a Cuban restaurant and our server gave us the 411 on what we needed to order!
(4)
Elaine L.
We have eaten at Havana South probably 10 times over the last two years and their food and service are consistently excellent. Ricky, our fave server is always friendly and accommodating. The restaurant itself is always clean, but could use some 'sprucing up' since it looks like the seats of the booths (never sat at a table) have been there since the beginning of time. They could also use some brighter lighting, but we come for the food and the good service. Good service ALWAYS wins over food of comparable style for us. It just shows how much the restaurant actually values their customers. Cuban food is pretty basic in its preparation, and we're not picky, picky, so pleasing us is usually easy. I always order Pamillio (sp?) which is a very thin type of steak, pan fried and served with yummy black beans and choice of white or yellow rice. My husband varies his selections and has always been satisfied with the flavors but has yet to find a dish that wows him. We both love the mudoros, fried plantains, as they're always sweet, crisp and yummy. I believe there are 6 pcs. to each order. Their portions are ample and we've never gone home hungry. We don't drink but every time we have been there Mojitos have been flowing. I believe they come in different flavors and I've seen other customers reorder after the first one. Dinner for two, with one soda and 2 Cuban coffees is around 30.00. We don't usually order appetizers, since the meal portions are ample, but will definitely try the Ham Croquettes since other reviewers consistently rave about them. We will definitely return to Havana South......they absolutely quench my taste for Cuban food.
(4)
C C.
The food was really good and a very friendly staff. I thought it was a little pricey for what it was and for the ambiance (or lack of) in a strip mall restaurant. I had garlic chicken and it was really delicious. The other Cuban places I go too give bread, salad & plantains with a meal but those were all "extras" at Havana South.
(3)
Darryl H.
GET THE EMPANADAS!!! They are AWESOME - both the beef and the chicken! They come with a cilantro cream sauce that my wife can't get enough of (I'm fairly confident if it weren't for the children she'd leave me for the chef here). The other MUST HAVE menu items include the Picadillo A La Cubana (Cuban style beef with olives and lots of spices) and the Ox Tails (the gelatinous cartilage between the bones is the best part).
(4)
Kimi J.
It's hard to find a decent restaurant up in the north especially non-American. I found Havana on a whim and it was delicious. Good flavors, big portions and the prices were decent. Why 2 stars? Well after that first visit, it was downhill from there. Second time, I went with my husband, they only had one waiter and the poor guy had to do everything himself. Waiting tables, cleaning, cashier, host, bartender... everything but the cooking. So our lunch wasn't a smooth operation but I used to be a waitress so I sympathized with him. However! the food I cannot excuse. My husband ordered pollo con arrozo and it was terrible. It seemed like left over meat from the bottom of the pot. It was just bone and cartilage. He was still hungry and my masitas de puerco was small and dry but they tasted good, just wish I had more. After 2 more visits, I tried to give it chance but they were never consistent with their service and food. They always only had one waiter and my husband's pollo con arrozo had the measly looking chicken and the vaca frita was so tough to chew. Sad, I really was excited about having a Cuban restaurant nearby us but maybe I'll give it one more go since a lot of people seem to enjoy it in their recent reviews. My reviews are based on my experience 2-3 yrs ago. Maybe they hired more staff and bought more chicken.
(2)
Wheeler E.
Super friendly staff!! Food is excellent and a nice change from the standard fare. Kinda makes me want to go to Cuba! Clearly a local hang out!
(5)
Marisol P.
After reading the good reviews, I was pretty disappointed about the quality of my food. Went in for a quick lunch, ordered the Cubano with tostones. I knew a full sandwich would be too much for me, so I asked if I could just order half. Server says sure, but when I got the bill, I had been charged for the whole sandwich. What?!?!?! Why not just tell me you don't do half sandwiches? The bread the sandwich was made on was chewy, not the usual flaky goodness that Cuban bread is. The true test of a great Cuban imo, is when there are tons of crumbs all over your face, table, lap. My tostones were also chewy, when they are supposed to be crispy. It's like they threw them in the oil when the oil wasn't hot enough and the tostones just absorbed the grease. I won't be coming back. :( Maybe the other items on the menu are better. I just won't be back to find out.
(1)
Bonnie C.
I work right around the corner and eat here a lot. Really great mojitos and the yucca is amazing. Great prices for the amount of food you get.
(5)
Jim E.
I found out about this place via Groupon. But Groupon somehow didn't process my deal and I didn't get it. So 0 stars to Groupon. But this is about Havana South. We just got back from an afternoon on the lake and I wanted to try this after learning about it. The place was fairly packed (a good sign!) with a couple of open tables. During the meal several tables turned and by the end of the meal it was completely packed. And now you know, and you'll know why too. We each tried a different entree - Churasco (skirt steak), Masitas (pork) and Chicharon (chicken). We all got the black beans and rice (moro) and also a side of Maduros (fried plantains...my fav). Unbelievable. Everything was sooooo good. We still had a small bit of room so we squeezed in a slice of Tres Leches (the best I've ever had!) and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding) and quaffed down some Cuban coffee (a bit too sweet for my taste, but sooo good also). Definitely will be back, the lake beckons....
(5)
Mike S.
Try the oxtail it's to die for.
(4)
B H.
I wished I had been more adventuresome when I went here, but the Cuban sandwich was very good. The Cuban Coffee is excellent! The bathroom was very clean and the waitress very nice! $10 for the sandwich, fries and soda...
(3)
Michael S.
It's a pretty average to above average place. The Cuban sandwich not pressed (as a traditional Cuban would be). Ropa vieja and chicken/steak dish good and big, though we picked out a lot of bay leaves. I think they're known for having good cocktails; we found them to be okay, but we were there on Sunday and the regular bartender was not there; the waitresses were making all of the drinks. We'd give them another shot though, that's for sure.
(3)
Vonnie S.
A nice surprise out here in Buford. I am originally from SoCal and a latin family. I got here and I was craving cuban food. While this place isn't home or FL, it certainly will do the trick in a pinch. The arroz y frijoles negro is always tasty, the maduros cooked perfectly and even their mojito had the right kick. I do think the arroz con pollo needed a little help... all arroz, no pollo =( We have tried everything from the shrimp in garlic sauce, oxtail, tostones, croquettas, bistec and even my daughter had the cheeseburger. All-in-all, it will certainly feed the beast when in the mood for cuban. The three stars is because the service is always inconsistent. I ordered to-go one day and it took FOREVER! The wait staff's courtesy varies as well and I can never tell what I'll get.
(3)
Lindsay S.
I ventured to this establishment today for lunch with my boyfriend and was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted the second we walked in the door. The decor is absolutely adorable from the colorful mural on the back wall to the custom blinds made this place feel inviting. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and it was delicious! Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles & mustard on freshly pressed bread. And just to let you know how much I liked it and illustrate how picky of an eater I am...I hate ham, I rarely eat pork, & I'm not a fan of Swiss cheese but this was a great combination. The staff was friendly as well. I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Chloe M.
Quite possibly THE best Cuban restaurant in Atlanta. A run-down of what I've eaten: Media Noche (the classic Cuban sandwich but made with sweet bread similar to what Lotta Frutta uses) -- filled with thick slices of ham and the tastiest roast pork. Lechon Asado (roasted pork) -- tender, juicy, and has that cooked-for-hours taste. The best I've had in this state. Arroz con Pollo (yellow rice with chicken) -- flavorful rice with two pieces of tender chicken stewed in Cuban spices Chicharron de Pollo (fried chicken chunks) -- marinated chicken chunks that are crispy fried. These are not your usual dry, teeth-shattering, hard to chew variety. Cortadito Cafe con Leche (Cuban coffee) -- brewed individually and freshly made to order; beware, this is addicting Verdict: RUN, don't walk and head on up north for some mind-blowing goodness.
(5)
Mark K.
All I have had at this place was the Media Noche Sandwich, a sample of mamey juice, some papaya juice and fried plantains. The sandwich is just a Cuban on Sweet bread and boy was it tasty. The pork has a very distinct tender flavor. The food was very tasty and the staff was very friendly and informative (especially about the mamey juice, which I'd never never had). I wasnt too hungry when I went, so I didn't sample as much as I normally would have, so I'll be going back again...the other pork dishes must be sampled. The maduros were on point, but most Cuban places get those right. Unless something, goes terribly wrong, this review remains at 5. The downside to this place is that its near the Mall of Georgia even though I think its worth the trip, even from ITP.
(5)
Alice Y.
We ordered: Paella -- Salty. Frozen seafood, did not taste fresh at all, very small mussels/shrimp, some squid, chorizo. Rice flavorless and overcooked to point of mushy. Clearly no saffron used. Huge portion, so unfortunately we took it home. I think most of it is going to end up in the trash. Most expensive thing on the menu and not worth it. Will not order again. Oxtail -- Salty. Well cooked and tender. Ordered the moro with it and together the salt content was too much for me. Could be tasty with plain white rice. Cuban sandwich -- My dining partners had this dish and they said it was OK. Not the best cuban sandwich they've had but OK. Maduros -- OK. Again, not the best I've had but it's not bad. Appetizer samples - Ham croquettes - tasty. Fried yucca - tasteless on its own but very good with the garlicky sauce. Fried mozz sticks - blah. Empanada - not bad. Plaintain chips - OK Service -- Excellent. We liked our server who was polite and attentive. The food just didn't wow us. Had much better Cuban in NYC/NJ. I'm not sure if we will return, but I want to give it one more try for some of the other dishes Yelpers mentioned here.
(2)
Parker D.
First restaurant we tried after moving in just down the street. Really terrible food made from cans and frozen vegetables. Slow service when basically empty. Unforgettable for how bad it was -- we still joke about it.
(1)
Jim K.
Havana was good but the service was absolutely terrible. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and Black Beans. The Beans were delicious although a bit salty. The Cuban would have been much better if the bread was better. It seemed like it was a little stale and lacked taste. I compared my dinner to the exact same thing I oredered from another local Cuban restaurant. I will try it again though tos ee if the service has improved and will also try another dish to give another review.
(3)
Kerry M.
They excel at mediocrity. Both service and food. This is what happens when chiropractors open restaurants. Expensive for the portion size and quality. They could do much better with the same ingredients prepared well.
(2)
Lauren H.
The food and atmosphere are great. If you're in the mood for something that's fun and not a chain-restaurant cookie-cutter boring experience, this definitely needs to be on your list. Sometimes there are salsa dancers there and they are so much fun. The Media Noche is my favorite sandwich, but I've been truly impressed with everything I've had here!
(4)
Rigoberto G.
the cuban steak was good
(3)
Pam D.
We used to live in south Florida and know what great authentic cuban food is. Well this place is just that. The pork chunks and maraqitas, were just YUMMY! Definately recommend and will go back there asap!
(5)
B H.
I wished I had been more adventuresome when I went here, but the Cuban sandwich was very good. The Cuban Coffee is excellent! The bathroom was very clean and the waitress very nice! $10 for the sandwich, fries and soda...
(3)
Michael S.
It's a pretty average to above average place. The Cuban sandwich not pressed (as a traditional Cuban would be). Ropa vieja and chicken/steak dish good and big, though we picked out a lot of bay leaves. I think they're known for having good cocktails; we found them to be okay, but we were there on Sunday and the regular bartender was not there; the waitresses were making all of the drinks. We'd give them another shot though, that's for sure.
(3)
Vonnie S.
A nice surprise out here in Buford. I am originally from SoCal and a latin family. I got here and I was craving cuban food. While this place isn't home or FL, it certainly will do the trick in a pinch. The arroz y frijoles negro is always tasty, the maduros cooked perfectly and even their mojito had the right kick. I do think the arroz con pollo needed a little help... all arroz, no pollo =( We have tried everything from the shrimp in garlic sauce, oxtail, tostones, croquettas, bistec and even my daughter had the cheeseburger. All-in-all, it will certainly feed the beast when in the mood for cuban. The three stars is because the service is always inconsistent. I ordered to-go one day and it took FOREVER! The wait staff's courtesy varies as well and I can never tell what I'll get.
(3)
Lindsay S.
I ventured to this establishment today for lunch with my boyfriend and was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted the second we walked in the door. The decor is absolutely adorable from the colorful mural on the back wall to the custom blinds made this place feel inviting. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and it was delicious! Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles & mustard on freshly pressed bread. And just to let you know how much I liked it and illustrate how picky of an eater I am...I hate ham, I rarely eat pork, & I'm not a fan of Swiss cheese but this was a great combination. The staff was friendly as well. I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Chloe M.
Quite possibly THE best Cuban restaurant in Atlanta. A run-down of what I've eaten: Media Noche (the classic Cuban sandwich but made with sweet bread similar to what Lotta Frutta uses) -- filled with thick slices of ham and the tastiest roast pork. Lechon Asado (roasted pork) -- tender, juicy, and has that cooked-for-hours taste. The best I've had in this state. Arroz con Pollo (yellow rice with chicken) -- flavorful rice with two pieces of tender chicken stewed in Cuban spices Chicharron de Pollo (fried chicken chunks) -- marinated chicken chunks that are crispy fried. These are not your usual dry, teeth-shattering, hard to chew variety. Cortadito Cafe con Leche (Cuban coffee) -- brewed individually and freshly made to order; beware, this is addicting Verdict: RUN, don't walk and head on up north for some mind-blowing goodness.
(5)
James L.
This is without doubt the best Cuban restaurant in the Atlanta area. It is in a nondescript strip mall near Mall of Georgia, but it is wort a visit if you love great authentic Caribbean food. The usual Cubano sandwiches are great, but when I explored further, the Paella and Masitas de puerco fritas are excellent as well. Just for fun, drop in after 9 on a Saturday night and party with local Cuban's ! They were so welcoming to a gringo I had to go back several times! They have the best wait staff and bartenders. Service is a little slow if the place is packed, but this is not a place anyone wants a fast meal and then rush off when there is a great time to be had.
(5)
Nigel H.
Great food and very inexpensive. I had the lunch special Sandwich Cubano which comes with half a sandwich, beans & rice. Excellent taste on the sandwich and the sides. Staff was great and friendly with Latin music coming from above. I would recommend checking this place out if you are in town. Hidden in a strip mall but great.
(4)
Elaine L.
We have eaten at Havana South probably 10 times over the last two years and their food and service are consistently excellent. Ricky, our fave server is always friendly and accommodating. The restaurant itself is always clean, but could use some 'sprucing up' since it looks like the seats of the booths (never sat at a table) have been there since the beginning of time. They could also use some brighter lighting, but we come for the food and the good service. Good service ALWAYS wins over food of comparable style for us. It just shows how much the restaurant actually values their customers. Cuban food is pretty basic in its preparation, and we're not picky, picky, so pleasing us is usually easy. I always order Pamillio (sp?) which is a very thin type of steak, pan fried and served with yummy black beans and choice of white or yellow rice. My husband varies his selections and has always been satisfied with the flavors but has yet to find a dish that wows him. We both love the mudoros, fried plantains, as they're always sweet, crisp and yummy. I believe there are 6 pcs. to each order. Their portions are ample and we've never gone home hungry. We don't drink but every time we have been there Mojitos have been flowing. I believe they come in different flavors and I've seen other customers reorder after the first one. Dinner for two, with one soda and 2 Cuban coffees is around 30.00. We don't usually order appetizers, since the meal portions are ample, but will definitely try the Ham Croquettes since other reviewers consistently rave about them. We will definitely return to Havana South......they absolutely quench my taste for Cuban food.
(4)
C C.
The food was really good and a very friendly staff. I thought it was a little pricey for what it was and for the ambiance (or lack of) in a strip mall restaurant. I had garlic chicken and it was really delicious. The other Cuban places I go too give bread, salad & plantains with a meal but those were all "extras" at Havana South.
(3)
Darryl H.
GET THE EMPANADAS!!! They are AWESOME - both the beef and the chicken! They come with a cilantro cream sauce that my wife can't get enough of (I'm fairly confident if it weren't for the children she'd leave me for the chef here). The other MUST HAVE menu items include the Picadillo A La Cubana (Cuban style beef with olives and lots of spices) and the Ox Tails (the gelatinous cartilage between the bones is the best part).
(4)
Lauren H.
The food and atmosphere are great. If you're in the mood for something that's fun and not a chain-restaurant cookie-cutter boring experience, this definitely needs to be on your list. Sometimes there are salsa dancers there and they are so much fun. The Media Noche is my favorite sandwich, but I've been truly impressed with everything I've had here!
(4)
Rigoberto G.
the cuban steak was good
(3)
Jim E.
I found out about this place via Groupon. But Groupon somehow didn't process my deal and I didn't get it. So 0 stars to Groupon. But this is about Havana South. We just got back from an afternoon on the lake and I wanted to try this after learning about it. The place was fairly packed (a good sign!) with a couple of open tables. During the meal several tables turned and by the end of the meal it was completely packed. And now you know, and you'll know why too. We each tried a different entree - Churasco (skirt steak), Masitas (pork) and Chicharon (chicken). We all got the black beans and rice (moro) and also a side of Maduros (fried plantains...my fav). Unbelievable. Everything was sooooo good. We still had a small bit of room so we squeezed in a slice of Tres Leches (the best I've ever had!) and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding) and quaffed down some Cuban coffee (a bit too sweet for my taste, but sooo good also). Definitely will be back, the lake beckons....
(5)
Mike S.
Try the oxtail it's to die for.
(4)
Ali S.
Having just moved from Miami to Buford, Cuban food was the one thing I was missing! I found Havana South while driving around one day and decided to try it out after feeling homesick for some good Cuban food. My husband and I had a long day of unpacking from just having moved in and decided to get the food to go. I found their menu online and placed my order. The menu definitely looked authentic, and mentioned they had a real Cuban cook. I'm usually skeptical about non Miami Cuban food, but still the mention of maduros and moros, called my name. I went to pick up our order and was greeted by the staff at the bar. While I waited for them to pack my order I asked them if they had any sodas available and they said "yes, but we only stock Latin canned soda, like Materva or Malta" That was music to my ears! Materva is my favorite drink and very hard to find here! The manager saw my delight and he was nice enough to tell me the name and location of the store where they buy it from! At this point this restaurant had already won me over! Although it is a lot pricier than what I am used to paying in Miami for Cuban food, it isn't bad considering this isn't typical food here and ingredients are harder to find, so I understand why it costs more. Also they close pretty early compared to what we are used to back home. If you are planning to go out to movie and then dinner, beware the restaurant closes at 9pm most nights and they latest they stay open til is 10pm. I have had to skip them a few times because of their hours. I payed and left with my food and matervas. It smelled delicious, I couldn't wait to get home and dig in. I ordered pollo al ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce ) with yellow rice and plantains and my husband had a churrasco with moro rice and plantains. I also ordered some mariquitas (plantain chips) with Mojo sauce and a few ham croquettes to try. The croquettes were amazing! Just as good as Miami, but then so was the rest of the food! The chicken had a thick garlic sauce which was delicious and authentic. Though different parts of Cuba cook dishes differently so keep that in mind when eating there. This particular cook is from Matanzas. The yellow rice was really good and the moro rice was to die for! The churrasco was cooked perfectly and was seasoned to perfection. Everything was so good and definitely very authentic! Not only are we from Miami but are Cuban and very picky about our food, since we like to make a lot of Cuban dishes at home ourselves. This is a great place for authentic food. If you need a fix of Cuban food, or have never tried I definitely recommend Havana South. ( our orders have only been 'to-go' I can't vouch for their service if you go and sit at the restaurant but the staff is always friendly when I go in and pick up)
(4)
Sandra A.
Awesome! The food and service were excellent. I highly recommend and definitely will be back again and again! Clean, great prices, terrific food selection and nice music!!!
(5)
Paul G.
Best cuban around Buford. Beef empenadas are awesome and I always get the Hemingway chicken. The red beans are my favorite too.
(4)
Demi M.
If you are actually Cuban... Stay clear of this place. There is not an actual Cuban working here. Vaca Frita looked as if it had been chewed by something or someone and placed on the plate. The place itself was empty and dirty. Would not come here again.
(1)
Andrew N.
Great restaurant. Good feel when you get in the inside. Wish they had a/c though. It felt warm. Although there were fans, the fans werent running. Anyways to the food. Skip the pappa rellenos. They were dry and probably reheated. DO get the empanadas. Very good, crunchy, meat was moist and worth the buy. We only came for the sandwhiches and did not try any of the plate food. All the sandwhiches were under 7. I got the cuban sandwhich on sweet bread. Although the pork was dry, the sweetbread def help make the taste. Overall a okay sandwhich we also got the flank steak sandwhich which was the winner. I'd come back for the sandwhiches. Not sure if Id step up to the plates as they are near the 15 dollar mark.
(4)
Jesse S.
Some of the best Cuban food I've ever had. I've been eating here for a few years since George was the owner. It's been sold once or twice since and the place has gotten even better. Masitas de Puerco are excellent, although they can sometimes be dry. The Chicken Hemingway is outrageously good and I order it every single time. We always order extra maduros and Yucca con mojo. Great place, great prices and great staff.
(5)
Jami L.
Havana South is a go to restaurant for my husband and I. With all the chain restaurants around the mall, it's a breath of fresh air and is absolutely delicious. We have experienced times of slow service, but the food is off the charts good so it's worth any wait time. Hubby always orders the masitas de puerco and I love the vaca frita steak. Empanadas are yummy too. The green sauce they come with is so good! Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Chinasa N.
Felt hungry heading home from nieces lacrosse game at Buford high. I was about to get Mickey Dees but saw this restaurant instead. Cuban food & culture is near & dear to my heart. But it was a great choice, food, ambiance, & customer service was great. Will bring my Cubano here soon.
(5)
Ravi B.
Summary: Try authentic Cuban way OTP I found this place on Groupon after my friend Shady wanted to go on a foodie adventure. It's definitely super far OTP, but we wanted something authentic Cuban. This place was exactly what we're looking for. It wasn't super busy but the service was a little slow. Our server was really friendly, but we waited a long time for her to take our order. I tried a pineapple soda that was good and my friend got a drink called "malta" that is a non-alcoholic barley drink which I didn't like. Food: We started out with ham croquettes, which I liked. I don't know why they came with crackers and no sauce. We requested a random sauce we saw on the menu which I liked haha. It's called mojo sauce. I kept asking a bunch of questions about the food, which the server probably thought I was funny for having so many questions. I don't think our server was Cuban... Anyways, for our entrees we got an authentic beef dish called "bistec palomilla" and a "media noche" which is a cuban sandwich on a sweet bread. I liked the sandwich a lot, but the bread didn't taste sweet at all. I feel like I may have had a better Cuban panini/sandwich in Miami, but this one was still pretty good. The beef dish was good too. I put the mojo sauce on it to give it a zest. The yellow rice and red beans tasted authentic also.
(3)
Marla K.
Love Cubango sandwich. Often call in and pick up on way home from work. Picadillo wonderful. Empanadas mmmmm. It's Sunday afternoon. The Salsa dancing starts in a moment. Can't wait.
(5)
Yuki T.
I've been wanting to try this place for while then I saw groupon deal. I liked the chicken dish(forgot the name) so much, too bad it was not lunch menu.
(4)
Hondo G.
I don't understand the hype around this place. The food is boring, and they stretch the beans with pieces of potato. I ordered beans, not potatoes.
(3)
Nicole P.
So I returned almost two years later to see if there was an improvement. There were some improvements but the food still disappointed. I ordered masitas de puerco frita with black beans and rice and maduros. Rice and beans were average and maduros were good. The pork was hard and almost inedible. When you make this dish you boil the pork chunks until tender then deep fry at the end. I don't know what they did but it wasn't right. They garnished it with a lot of chopped pimentos and a few onion slices. The pimentos threw the flavor off. The cut of meat was too lean also, that might have something to do with it. The croquetas were frozen, tasted like Catalina brand. I still don't get the cilantro sauce served with the croquetas. Overall my visit was better than the last, but it is not authentic Cuban food, it's more of a Cuban/Mexican fusion.
(2)
Justin T.
Stopped by on our way to Mall of Georgia and it was a great choice. The service was great and our waitress was very friendly. I tried the coconut mojito and it was good! Yuca frita as an appetizer is a good choice. The restaurant while Cuban also serves some Mexican dishes. I tried the vaca frita with black beans, white rice, and tostones. The food was good. My friend ordered the I would return if in the area.
(4)
Averiguao H.
I caught it with the corner of my eye. Small flashing light in a strip center. It was cold and I'm staying at the hotel right behind the restaurant so walked to it. Not crowded at all. Clean, and good service. Typical Cuban menu, but I have to say. I ordered the churrasco with the yellow rice and tostones. The chino hurry sauce for the churrasco was to die for. The food was hot and the flavor surprisingly great. I'm from Orlando FL but will definitely would return given the opportunity. Music playing in the background was very good too. Highly recommended!!!!
(5)
Sean H.
Came here for a quick lunch on a late Friday afternoon. Service was good there wasn't much traffic so our party of 3 was seated promptly. The server was attentive and our food came out quick and hot. I had one of the lunch specials (Monday-Friday 11 am to 3 pm I believe) pescado frito with white rice and grilled veggies. The fish was lightly battered and very crispy. The meal was great and inexpensive. Would come again if I was in the area.
(5)
Jen D.
Found this place quite by accident on my drive from Asheville to Atlanta. Got to the slump-time afternoon and needed coffee, finally saw a DD on an exit, but when I got off I saw this little gem on the left. After an indy-car-like 2 lane switch and u-turn, I got the most glorious Cafe Con Leche that I have had since my last trip south of the (Georgia) border. We lived in S. Fl for years and truly, truly have missed Cuban food. This place is worth the drive. So good!
(5)
Marc A.
Best Cuban sandwich in the A. Been coming here since the old location was a hole in the wall. Love the new space - plenty of parking, lots of tables, & great family service.
(5)
Sarah S.
**I was here last year, so things may have changed. Our service was good, our waiter was friendly and attentive. The food though was really not up to par. The chicken my fiance ordered was covered in rice and sauce to the point that he actually had to dig through it to find his chicken. Not a big deal, but odd. When he did get to the chicken he found it to be grizzly, fatty and just generally unpleasant. Maybe it's because we're not used to bone-in chicken, but the meat just really wasn't very good. The Cuban sandwich I had was really lacking. The pork was really fatty and gross to the point that I couldn't finish the sandwich. I was expecting a spectacular Cuban from a Cuban restaurant but was left totally disappointed. Wish I could say we'll give it another try, but I really doubt we will.
(2)
Wendy D.
Great food! It sits back from the road a bit in a strip mall behind a pawn shop. The food is good and service is very attentive. I had the steak, rice and plantains. Been here twice and it was good both times. The service is extra attentive without being annoying!!
(4)
Kristi P.
The empanadas are amazing! I had the chicken, my friend had the beef and we were both extremely pleased! They are hearty, the sauce is delicious and I was so happy that they used chicken breasts, since personally I prefer white meat! I will definitely go back to this place and the staff was super friendly!!
(5)
Jayde R.
I love coming here with my husband. The servers are always great! The beef Empanadas are amazing and the maduros and plantains are great too!
(5)
Kate S.
Under new management beware! It used to be one of the most authentic and best cuban food restaurants but not anymore. They took away and added new dishes that aren't even cuban (jerk chicken?!?) and I ate the same thing I always get and it was no where near as good. My husband got yellow rice with his dish and it was mexican style rice not cuban. They even have tacos on the menu?!? I'm not coming back!!!
Cuban sandwich is exactly what you would expect. Excellent. Try the Ropa Vieja with Moro Excellent slow simmered flavor. Come hungry. One order o the Ropa is enough for two. Ask Daritza. She will help you with menu suggestions.
(5)
Jessica R.
Yes, yes, yes!!! We finally found a real Cuban sandwich in Georgia. I came here a few years ago with a friend and I was ok, but this time it was amazing! I ordered the Cuban sandwich with maduros and hubby ordered the media noche sandwich with tostones. Throughout the whole meal, he was commenting on how good the food was. And the best part? My sandwich was the real deal! I found out from my sister-in-law that a good Cuban sandwich is all about the bread, and that most places in Georgia that make them use the wrong kind. This was the right kind! So yummy. After talking with the waitress, we found out that the chef is Cuban...bonus!!! They also had these sodas (Materva) that I had never heard of, but when hubby saw it on the menu, he flipped and had to have one. "I haven't seen these since I lived in Miami!" I tried it, and it was pretty good. The only thing I would say I didn't care for were the maduros. They were good, but a little too soft on the inside and burnt on the outside. We will definitely be back though :)
(5)
Island G.
Came in here for Father's Day and the ambiance is very tropical. It's a stand alone business near the highway and they play great music that makes u shake! It's not a five star restaurant but u can have fun and get drinks and good food!
(5)
Clint K.
I've never eaten at a cuban restaurant before so this may be bias. But I have eaten here three times now and every time it is great.
(5)
Julie E.
I will admit that Havana was my first exposure to Cuban food (other than a random Cuban sandwich in a deli setting) so I cannot vouch for authenticity, but I can vouch for the fact that is it delicious! My hubs and I have eaten at Havana at least half a dozen times over the past year and I have never been disappointed. The mojitos are great and not skimpy on the alcohol! The empanadas are flaky, seasoned meat perfection. I have had several entrees--the tilapia, the Hemingway chicken, and the Masitas de Puerco (fried lean chunks of pork marinated in garlic mojo sauce & topped with onions)--and all were delicious. All entrees come with your choice of rice and beans (black or red) and the portions are more than generous. The price is right too. Do yourself a favor and try out this little tucked away gem--you won't regret it.
(4)
Randy H.
First time going here and it was outstanding. It takes a lot of skill to cook up great Cuban or Latin food. I had the Masitas De Puerco. Let me say it was delicious. There is no other way to describe it. The flavor was great. You could taste the different herbs and the pork was cooked perfect. It was what you would expect for pork chunks. Not firm, not too soft. The flavors and the aroma was outstanding. I haven't been to many Cuban/Latin places that can perfect the cooking right away, but this by far blew me away. The location is away from the Mall of Georgia area which is good and bad. I think there is less traffic for this place due to that but at the same time it is great cause you are avoiding the traffic. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. I would definitely recommend this place and I will definitely be back for more in the future.
(4)
Sharon P.
Needed to write an update, since this restaurant has gone above and beyond since I wrote my last review. Not only did they try to reach me to fix what went wrong last time, but they made sure that my second order (which was a catered order) was perfect. And indeed it was. The moro rice, maduros, and mariquitas were delicious and everyone in my party loved it. Very happy customer here!!
If you're looking to eat somewhere with great food and service to back it up this is the place to be hands down!!! Never a disappointment and I will be back for sure. I recommend anyone that is trying somewhere new to stop by!! Great drink specials as well!
(5)
Caroline U.
Had dinner here last night and I've got to say, the food is awesome! I had the Bistec Palomilla which was perfectly flavored with onions and peppers. Came with a side of rice and beans and I ordered an additional side of avocado slices. I also had a glass of red wine which was probably served at 80 degrees but no biggie. Food was plentiful, service was good and friendly and I'm surprised they were not busier for a Saturday night. My husband's meal was pork and fried plantains and he was equally satisfied.
(5)
Jamarcus T.
Havana South caught my eye before a hike and on the way back we stopped to try this place for lunch on a Sunday Afternoon. Very spacious restaurant, friendly staff, and yelp friendly, posting their yelp sticker on the front door. If you're not one for checking in via the yelp app, do so here to get 10% off your meal. I ordered the Fried green plantains, which were sweet, slightly crispy and the highlight of my meal here. Very tasty! I also ordered the Pollo Al Ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce), which came with yellow rice and black beans (standard for all entrees). Presentation looked delicious but the chicken was simply "okay", lacking any real flavor. I enjoyed the black beans but i've had better rice, although I found it to be MUCH more flavorful when combining it with the garlic sauce of the Pollo Al Ajillo. I also was able to try some of the Vaca Frita (Fried flank steak in garlic sauce), which was very tender, and had a little more flavor than my chicken, as well as the Croquetas (Ham Croquettes) that had great flavor with a dipping sauce it didn't really need. For two people with two entrees and two appetizers, you'll spend about $35 (lunch menu is only available Mon - Fri) and the meals are all large enough that you'll likely need a to go box. So that's Havana South...fantastic appetizers, okay entrees (that i've tried so far) and a solid little restaurant to quench your Cuban needs!
(3)
Emilia L.
My exposure to Cuban food has been limited, but I love it so far. So of course, I was up for a trip to Havana South, even if it was all the way up in the boonies (Buford). I ordered the ropa vieja ($12) so I could compare it with Papi's and Lario's. Strangely, Havana South's version did not come with maduros (plaintains) like the other two did. Thankfully, our server let me substitute the beans for maduros. Otherwise, you can order a separate side of maduros for $4. The portions were huge. I got yellow rice and three pieces of maduros for my sides. I thought the portion of maduros was a bit skimpy, to be honest. They were really tasty, though. The yellow rice seemed to be a tad undercooked as there were some hard bits. The ropa vieja was good, though not as tasty as the one I had at Lario's. Our server was extremely enthusiastic, friendly and accommodating. We had two Groupons for $25 off the bill, and he let the four of us use both of them, provided we were on two separate checks. So in the end, it was a very cheap and satisfying meal. However, my search for Atlanta's best ropa vieja continues.
(3)
Rutledge U.
The best Cuban food outside the Perimeter! The chef is outstanding. There are vegetarian options (fried plantains, yellow rice, and beans!) The service is good. The atmosphere could use a little work, and honestly, it's not the fanciest place. But based on the food alone, it is 5 stars.
(5)
Elizabeth L.
Good Cuban food...check! Bar...check! Good service...check! Fun atmosphere and decor...no check. The food was great and service was great but the decor kinda looks a high schooler put some things up and the booths are kinda torn up. And besides a little music that was sometimes playing-sometimes not-in the background, there was really nothing else going on there. But if you're on the area and want some yummy Cuban, wouldn't hurt to stop in!
(3)
Randy A.
The food is still awesome and authentic here. Their Lechon Asado is my favorite and the yucca side (different than the appetizer) is outstanding. Their ropa vieja is tender and served in an excellent spicy/sweet sauce. The plantains are sweet and juicy and the garlic sauce used for dipping is outstanding. Nevertheless, I must downgrade my previous rating. Why? Because the service was horrific my last couple of visits. Seemed like they were understaffed and we went long periods of time without the server stopping by to check on us and refresh our beverages. Our order was served incorrectly with the wrong sides, etc, etc. Then on one of my more recent visits I ordered the Mojito and it was terrible. GASP! How does THAT happen at a Cuban restaurant?!? I mean seriously... that's the quintessential Cuban drink. There's NO excuse for that mistake! Yeah.... screw up a gin & tonic or an Old Fashioned... but a Mojito?! C'mon!! I'm Cuban... if you get nothing more from my review, get this: there's a trifecta of Ms on which to judge all Cuban eating establishments. The Mojitos, Moro & the Maduros. I've spoken about the first in the paragraph above, Moro is the white rice and black beans cooked together (as opposed to being served side by side), and the ripe fried plantains are the Maduros. There should be no compromise on any of the three Ms! Havana South used to do all three correctly-- now they're only getting 2/3 right. Not good enough. Finally... my very last visit was on Father's Day. My choice for a place to eat and I choose here. I was really wanting a drink and the server tells me the law in the area says there's no serving alcohol on Sundays in a restaurant. What- whaaaat? I live in the area... EVERYPLACE with a bar serves on a Sunday. That was a... how shall I say... a misstatement. Look, if a business doesn't WANT to serve booze on a Sunday, they don't have to, but at least advertise it on the door or something. But it's really not cool to say the law prevents it, because it simply isn't true. I'm still rooting for you, Havana South. But you can't retreat from excellence.
(3)
Tundra D.
Great dish I had last night here. Oxtail with rice and black beans. I've had oxtail many times at different restaurants and Havana's had the most meat on the bone I've ever seen for oxtail. They were HUGE and delicious! I also ordered an appetizer(forgot the name) and it was soooo tasty. It was a fried mash potato ball stuffed with beef. Really really good! Service was excellent! I had numerous waiters checking on my table each very professional and with a smile on their face. I've eaten here a few times and I always leave with a smile on my face and a full belly.
(5)
Paul Z.
I've read the other reviews and, yeah, maybe it's not 'authentic' Cuban food but I'm not allowed to go to Cuba (so silly!), I've never been to Cuba, and have never had the pleasure to date anyone from Cuba (Cuban girls, drop me a line if you want to take me to a authentic Cuban dinner). So I like Havana South for lunch, everything I've tried was reasonably priced and tasty. I'll follow my review up once the embargo has been lifted or my new Cuban girlfriend starts cooking for me.
(4)
Richard R.
I'm kinda mixed about my review, because there were definitely things I enjoyed and other items were only ok. It was a slow Sunday with only a few diners. One poor table had the pleasure of having their waitress spill a drink not once, but twice (or maybe it was the customer). We had Alejandra as our server and she was very good. At her recommendation I ordered the Vaca Frita, which was a grilled Flank Steak with rice and beans @ $11.95. The flavor was very good, but not as flavorful as I was expecting from a Latin restaurant. If you don't like cilantro (which tastes like soap to me), be sure to ask them not to put it on your meal. The yellow rice was not flavorful at all and I was also not a huge fan of the black beans. Overall I would give the steak 3.5 stars and the rice and beans a 2.5 for lack of flavor. Everything was cooked and presented well. For an appetizer I ordered the Ham Croquetas and they were FABULOUS!!! They were so great I placed another order to go. Never had anything like them, but will definitely be back for more (4.5 stars). My lunch buddy ordered the Pollo Ajillo which I personally thought was 'just ok' after tasting a sample. The chicken was a little overcooked and also not very flavorful. The Maduros (fried green plantains) were excellent and had a great golden color and sugary glaze. I was a little disappointed they charged $3.25 for extra yellow rice (table buddy ran out and wanted extra). Overall I though the prices were reasonable, the service was good, and the food was decent. The decor has nice murals but feels a little sparse, maybe it's because of the wide use of black paint. I plan to try their Cuban sandwich on my next visit and hopefully I will enjoy that a little more. Be sure to CHECK-IN on Yelp to receive a 10% discount on your total bill.
(3)
Fidaa M.
Although the food is good they do not have the best customer service. I had to wait for my food for a very long time. I had to remind the waiter. Finally when she brought my good it was cold! Instead of appologizing she said " i was busy to bring the food"
(1)
Dave L.
Back for our Havana South bash, well if four people can be considered a bash??? :-) To start, The Yuca Con Mojo and Marquita's. Myself and a friend, we had our usual Masitas De Puerco, white rice and black beans. My wife had the veggie sandwich and Tostones. Our other friend dined on the Pollo Al Ajillo. As the norm, everything was cooked well, service was top notch, and we all left fat and happy! I have been here about a dozen times and hooked on the Masitas! Oh yes, once dinner is finished nothing is complete without the Tres Leches cake! A wonderful family owned establishment! Give it a try.......
(4)
Marti G.
Outstanding food and service! It was our first trip to a Cuban restaurant and our server gave us the 411 on what we needed to order!
(4)
Keith S.
Not anything like the Cuban food you get in Florida. Not impressed and will not go back.
(2)
Debrin S.
I'm from the NEast. Latin food is prevalent. I have enjoyed Cuban cuisine in Miami, Key West, NYC and by CUBAN friends who cook quite authentically. Therefore, I feel I am a solid judge on authentic Cuban food. With that said- I loved Havana South! We had dinner on a quiet Tues. evening. The service was friendly but lacked the enthusiasm I was expecting. I had the Chicharon de Pollo con Hueso_ very tasty, marinated in a citrusy garlicky marinade- also served on the side. The Black beans were excellent! The white rice had just enough starch & olive oil to make it slightly sticky to accompany the beans. Also, I had the sweet sauteed (not deep fried) plantains- Maduros- very good too. My friend enjoyed the Pollo Hemingway- she enjoyed that too. The prices are much less expensive than Fairfield County CT. My dinner was like $12! They have a full bar BUT no wine- strange. They also serve Cuban soda. The decor is colorful w large paintings/prints in vibrant colors all depicting classic sceans of Cuban\Havana. If I lived here I would frequent this spot. Surprising! Private parking lot.
(4)
Kevin T.
It was alright... Service was decent. But to be honest it was disappointing! I didn't hate it but didn't love it. I'll probably never go back. I think their chef has no passion in the food bc there was nothing exciting within our party of five that was worth saying! Their cubano sandwich was made with some of the crappiest quality ham and pork. You know when you eat a sandwich that is so bad but so worth it, well i think most of their food we had that day was bad but was not worth even gaining the weight for!
(2)
Amanda V.
Disgusting. Quite possibly the worst food I've ever eaten. Run the other way.
(1)
Allan C.
It brought back great memories of living in south Florida. The restaurant was super clean, the food was filled with flavor and the staff was friendly and very welcoming. I look forward to going back and trying something new.
(4)
Jim K.
Havana was good but the service was absolutely terrible. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and Black Beans. The Beans were delicious although a bit salty. The Cuban would have been much better if the bread was better. It seemed like it was a little stale and lacked taste. I compared my dinner to the exact same thing I oredered from another local Cuban restaurant. I will try it again though tos ee if the service has improved and will also try another dish to give another review.
(3)
Kerry M.
They excel at mediocrity. Both service and food. This is what happens when chiropractors open restaurants. Expensive for the portion size and quality. They could do much better with the same ingredients prepared well.
(2)
Bonnie C.
I work right around the corner and eat here a lot. Really great mojitos and the yucca is amazing. Great prices for the amount of food you get.
(5)
Kimi J.
It's hard to find a decent restaurant up in the north especially non-American. I found Havana on a whim and it was delicious. Good flavors, big portions and the prices were decent. Why 2 stars? Well after that first visit, it was downhill from there. Second time, I went with my husband, they only had one waiter and the poor guy had to do everything himself. Waiting tables, cleaning, cashier, host, bartender... everything but the cooking. So our lunch wasn't a smooth operation but I used to be a waitress so I sympathized with him. However! the food I cannot excuse. My husband ordered pollo con arrozo and it was terrible. It seemed like left over meat from the bottom of the pot. It was just bone and cartilage. He was still hungry and my masitas de puerco was small and dry but they tasted good, just wish I had more. After 2 more visits, I tried to give it chance but they were never consistent with their service and food. They always only had one waiter and my husband's pollo con arrozo had the measly looking chicken and the vaca frita was so tough to chew. Sad, I really was excited about having a Cuban restaurant nearby us but maybe I'll give it one more go since a lot of people seem to enjoy it in their recent reviews. My reviews are based on my experience 2-3 yrs ago. Maybe they hired more staff and bought more chicken.
(2)
Wheeler E.
Super friendly staff!! Food is excellent and a nice change from the standard fare. Kinda makes me want to go to Cuba! Clearly a local hang out!
(5)
Marisol P.
After reading the good reviews, I was pretty disappointed about the quality of my food. Went in for a quick lunch, ordered the Cubano with tostones. I knew a full sandwich would be too much for me, so I asked if I could just order half. Server says sure, but when I got the bill, I had been charged for the whole sandwich. What?!?!?! Why not just tell me you don't do half sandwiches? The bread the sandwich was made on was chewy, not the usual flaky goodness that Cuban bread is. The true test of a great Cuban imo, is when there are tons of crumbs all over your face, table, lap. My tostones were also chewy, when they are supposed to be crispy. It's like they threw them in the oil when the oil wasn't hot enough and the tostones just absorbed the grease. I won't be coming back. :( Maybe the other items on the menu are better. I just won't be back to find out.
(1)
Mark K.
All I have had at this place was the Media Noche Sandwich, a sample of mamey juice, some papaya juice and fried plantains. The sandwich is just a Cuban on Sweet bread and boy was it tasty. The pork has a very distinct tender flavor. The food was very tasty and the staff was very friendly and informative (especially about the mamey juice, which I'd never never had). I wasnt too hungry when I went, so I didn't sample as much as I normally would have, so I'll be going back again...the other pork dishes must be sampled. The maduros were on point, but most Cuban places get those right. Unless something, goes terribly wrong, this review remains at 5. The downside to this place is that its near the Mall of Georgia even though I think its worth the trip, even from ITP.
(5)
Alice Y.
We ordered: Paella -- Salty. Frozen seafood, did not taste fresh at all, very small mussels/shrimp, some squid, chorizo. Rice flavorless and overcooked to point of mushy. Clearly no saffron used. Huge portion, so unfortunately we took it home. I think most of it is going to end up in the trash. Most expensive thing on the menu and not worth it. Will not order again. Oxtail -- Salty. Well cooked and tender. Ordered the moro with it and together the salt content was too much for me. Could be tasty with plain white rice. Cuban sandwich -- My dining partners had this dish and they said it was OK. Not the best cuban sandwich they've had but OK. Maduros -- OK. Again, not the best I've had but it's not bad. Appetizer samples - Ham croquettes - tasty. Fried yucca - tasteless on its own but very good with the garlicky sauce. Fried mozz sticks - blah. Empanada - not bad. Plaintain chips - OK Service -- Excellent. We liked our server who was polite and attentive. The food just didn't wow us. Had much better Cuban in NYC/NJ. I'm not sure if we will return, but I want to give it one more try for some of the other dishes Yelpers mentioned here.
(2)
Parker D.
First restaurant we tried after moving in just down the street. Really terrible food made from cans and frozen vegetables. Slow service when basically empty. Unforgettable for how bad it was -- we still joke about it.
(1)
Pam D.
We used to live in south Florida and know what great authentic cuban food is. Well this place is just that. The pork chunks and maraqitas, were just YUMMY! Definately recommend and will go back there asap!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Sat Coat Check : No Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Sarah S.
**I was here last year, so things may have changed. Our service was good, our waiter was friendly and attentive. The food though was really not up to par. The chicken my fiance ordered was covered in rice and sauce to the point that he actually had to dig through it to find his chicken. Not a big deal, but odd. When he did get to the chicken he found it to be grizzly, fatty and just generally unpleasant. Maybe it's because we're not used to bone-in chicken, but the meat just really wasn't very good. The Cuban sandwich I had was really lacking. The pork was really fatty and gross to the point that I couldn't finish the sandwich. I was expecting a spectacular Cuban from a Cuban restaurant but was left totally disappointed. Wish I could say we'll give it another try, but I really doubt we will.
(2)Wendy D.
Great food! It sits back from the road a bit in a strip mall behind a pawn shop. The food is good and service is very attentive. I had the steak, rice and plantains. Been here twice and it was good both times. The service is extra attentive without being annoying!!
(4)Kristi P.
The empanadas are amazing! I had the chicken, my friend had the beef and we were both extremely pleased! They are hearty, the sauce is delicious and I was so happy that they used chicken breasts, since personally I prefer white meat! I will definitely go back to this place and the staff was super friendly!!
(5)Jayde R.
I love coming here with my husband. The servers are always great! The beef Empanadas are amazing and the maduros and plantains are great too!
(5)Kate S.
Under new management beware! It used to be one of the most authentic and best cuban food restaurants but not anymore. They took away and added new dishes that aren't even cuban (jerk chicken?!?) and I ate the same thing I always get and it was no where near as good. My husband got yellow rice with his dish and it was mexican style rice not cuban. They even have tacos on the menu?!? I'm not coming back!!!
(1)Elina F.
This is the best Cuban restaurant you will find in the Buford area! Priced reasonably and portions are perfect. My favorite entrée is the Palomilla steak. It comes with yellow or white rice, black or brown beans, Maduros or Tostones and lots of onions! yummy! I like my food a little bit spicy hot but I don't recommend the spicy sauce here.
(5)Rolan P.
Cuban sandwich is exactly what you would expect. Excellent. Try the Ropa Vieja with Moro Excellent slow simmered flavor. Come hungry. One order o the Ropa is enough for two. Ask Daritza. She will help you with menu suggestions.
(5)Jessica R.
Yes, yes, yes!!! We finally found a real Cuban sandwich in Georgia. I came here a few years ago with a friend and I was ok, but this time it was amazing! I ordered the Cuban sandwich with maduros and hubby ordered the media noche sandwich with tostones. Throughout the whole meal, he was commenting on how good the food was. And the best part? My sandwich was the real deal! I found out from my sister-in-law that a good Cuban sandwich is all about the bread, and that most places in Georgia that make them use the wrong kind. This was the right kind! So yummy. After talking with the waitress, we found out that the chef is Cuban...bonus!!! They also had these sodas (Materva) that I had never heard of, but when hubby saw it on the menu, he flipped and had to have one. "I haven't seen these since I lived in Miami!" I tried it, and it was pretty good. The only thing I would say I didn't care for were the maduros. They were good, but a little too soft on the inside and burnt on the outside. We will definitely be back though :)
(5)Island G.
Came in here for Father's Day and the ambiance is very tropical. It's a stand alone business near the highway and they play great music that makes u shake! It's not a five star restaurant but u can have fun and get drinks and good food!
(5)Clint K.
I've never eaten at a cuban restaurant before so this may be bias. But I have eaten here three times now and every time it is great.
(5)Julie E.
I will admit that Havana was my first exposure to Cuban food (other than a random Cuban sandwich in a deli setting) so I cannot vouch for authenticity, but I can vouch for the fact that is it delicious! My hubs and I have eaten at Havana at least half a dozen times over the past year and I have never been disappointed. The mojitos are great and not skimpy on the alcohol! The empanadas are flaky, seasoned meat perfection. I have had several entrees--the tilapia, the Hemingway chicken, and the Masitas de Puerco (fried lean chunks of pork marinated in garlic mojo sauce & topped with onions)--and all were delicious. All entrees come with your choice of rice and beans (black or red) and the portions are more than generous. The price is right too. Do yourself a favor and try out this little tucked away gem--you won't regret it.
(4)Andrew N.
Great restaurant. Good feel when you get in the inside. Wish they had a/c though. It felt warm. Although there were fans, the fans werent running. Anyways to the food. Skip the pappa rellenos. They were dry and probably reheated. DO get the empanadas. Very good, crunchy, meat was moist and worth the buy. We only came for the sandwhiches and did not try any of the plate food. All the sandwhiches were under 7. I got the cuban sandwhich on sweet bread. Although the pork was dry, the sweetbread def help make the taste. Overall a okay sandwhich we also got the flank steak sandwhich which was the winner. I'd come back for the sandwhiches. Not sure if Id step up to the plates as they are near the 15 dollar mark.
(4)Jesse S.
Some of the best Cuban food I've ever had. I've been eating here for a few years since George was the owner. It's been sold once or twice since and the place has gotten even better. Masitas de Puerco are excellent, although they can sometimes be dry. The Chicken Hemingway is outrageously good and I order it every single time. We always order extra maduros and Yucca con mojo. Great place, great prices and great staff.
(5)Ravi B.
Summary: Try authentic Cuban way OTP I found this place on Groupon after my friend Shady wanted to go on a foodie adventure. It's definitely super far OTP, but we wanted something authentic Cuban. This place was exactly what we're looking for. It wasn't super busy but the service was a little slow. Our server was really friendly, but we waited a long time for her to take our order. I tried a pineapple soda that was good and my friend got a drink called "malta" that is a non-alcoholic barley drink which I didn't like. Food: We started out with ham croquettes, which I liked. I don't know why they came with crackers and no sauce. We requested a random sauce we saw on the menu which I liked haha. It's called mojo sauce. I kept asking a bunch of questions about the food, which the server probably thought I was funny for having so many questions. I don't think our server was Cuban... Anyways, for our entrees we got an authentic beef dish called "bistec palomilla" and a "media noche" which is a cuban sandwich on a sweet bread. I liked the sandwich a lot, but the bread didn't taste sweet at all. I feel like I may have had a better Cuban panini/sandwich in Miami, but this one was still pretty good. The beef dish was good too. I put the mojo sauce on it to give it a zest. The yellow rice and red beans tasted authentic also.
(3)Marla K.
Love Cubango sandwich. Often call in and pick up on way home from work. Picadillo wonderful. Empanadas mmmmm. It's Sunday afternoon. The Salsa dancing starts in a moment. Can't wait.
(5)Justin T.
Stopped by on our way to Mall of Georgia and it was a great choice. The service was great and our waitress was very friendly. I tried the coconut mojito and it was good! Yuca frita as an appetizer is a good choice. The restaurant while Cuban also serves some Mexican dishes. I tried the vaca frita with black beans, white rice, and tostones. The food was good. My friend ordered the I would return if in the area.
(4)Jami L.
Havana South is a go to restaurant for my husband and I. With all the chain restaurants around the mall, it's a breath of fresh air and is absolutely delicious. We have experienced times of slow service, but the food is off the charts good so it's worth any wait time. Hubby always orders the masitas de puerco and I love the vaca frita steak. Empanadas are yummy too. The green sauce they come with is so good! Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Sharon P.
Needed to write an update, since this restaurant has gone above and beyond since I wrote my last review. Not only did they try to reach me to fix what went wrong last time, but they made sure that my second order (which was a catered order) was perfect. And indeed it was. The moro rice, maduros, and mariquitas were delicious and everyone in my party loved it. Very happy customer here!!
(5)Chinasa N.
Felt hungry heading home from nieces lacrosse game at Buford high. I was about to get Mickey Dees but saw this restaurant instead. Cuban food & culture is near & dear to my heart. But it was a great choice, food, ambiance, & customer service was great. Will bring my Cubano here soon.
(5)Averiguao H.
I caught it with the corner of my eye. Small flashing light in a strip center. It was cold and I'm staying at the hotel right behind the restaurant so walked to it. Not crowded at all. Clean, and good service. Typical Cuban menu, but I have to say. I ordered the churrasco with the yellow rice and tostones. The chino hurry sauce for the churrasco was to die for. The food was hot and the flavor surprisingly great. I'm from Orlando FL but will definitely would return given the opportunity. Music playing in the background was very good too. Highly recommended!!!!
(5)Sean H.
Came here for a quick lunch on a late Friday afternoon. Service was good there wasn't much traffic so our party of 3 was seated promptly. The server was attentive and our food came out quick and hot. I had one of the lunch specials (Monday-Friday 11 am to 3 pm I believe) pescado frito with white rice and grilled veggies. The fish was lightly battered and very crispy. The meal was great and inexpensive. Would come again if I was in the area.
(5)Yuki T.
I've been wanting to try this place for while then I saw groupon deal. I liked the chicken dish(forgot the name) so much, too bad it was not lunch menu.
(4)Hondo G.
I don't understand the hype around this place. The food is boring, and they stretch the beans with pieces of potato. I ordered beans, not potatoes.
(3)Jen D.
Found this place quite by accident on my drive from Asheville to Atlanta. Got to the slump-time afternoon and needed coffee, finally saw a DD on an exit, but when I got off I saw this little gem on the left. After an indy-car-like 2 lane switch and u-turn, I got the most glorious Cafe Con Leche that I have had since my last trip south of the (Georgia) border. We lived in S. Fl for years and truly, truly have missed Cuban food. This place is worth the drive. So good!
(5)Marc A.
Best Cuban sandwich in the A. Been coming here since the old location was a hole in the wall. Love the new space - plenty of parking, lots of tables, & great family service.
(5)Jennifer I.
Yum. Or, as we would say in the old country, ¡qué rica está la comida! We ordered croquetas as an appetizer. I was a little disappointed - they didn't really taste fresh/authentic (a little bit like the Goya Croquetas that I purchase from the grocery store). However, I've only ever had croquetas in Puerto Rico, so maybe they are different? I ordered the Cuban sandwich for my lunch, served with tostones (patacones, mis paisas) and arroz blanco con habichuelas (white rice & beans). ¡Delicioso! Our server was very friendly and had the most adorable accent. They have great lunch specials here, so I definitely recommend it for that. Also, the food comes out fast, so if you're on a short lunch break (we had one hour), it's perfect!
(4)Ryan I.
If you're looking to eat somewhere with great food and service to back it up this is the place to be hands down!!! Never a disappointment and I will be back for sure. I recommend anyone that is trying somewhere new to stop by!! Great drink specials as well!
(5)Caroline U.
Had dinner here last night and I've got to say, the food is awesome! I had the Bistec Palomilla which was perfectly flavored with onions and peppers. Came with a side of rice and beans and I ordered an additional side of avocado slices. I also had a glass of red wine which was probably served at 80 degrees but no biggie. Food was plentiful, service was good and friendly and I'm surprised they were not busier for a Saturday night. My husband's meal was pork and fried plantains and he was equally satisfied.
(5)Keith S.
Not anything like the Cuban food you get in Florida. Not impressed and will not go back.
(2)Nigel H.
Great food and very inexpensive. I had the lunch special Sandwich Cubano which comes with half a sandwich, beans & rice. Excellent taste on the sandwich and the sides. Staff was great and friendly with Latin music coming from above. I would recommend checking this place out if you are in town. Hidden in a strip mall but great.
(4)Debrin S.
I'm from the NEast. Latin food is prevalent. I have enjoyed Cuban cuisine in Miami, Key West, NYC and by CUBAN friends who cook quite authentically. Therefore, I feel I am a solid judge on authentic Cuban food. With that said- I loved Havana South! We had dinner on a quiet Tues. evening. The service was friendly but lacked the enthusiasm I was expecting. I had the Chicharon de Pollo con Hueso_ very tasty, marinated in a citrusy garlicky marinade- also served on the side. The Black beans were excellent! The white rice had just enough starch & olive oil to make it slightly sticky to accompany the beans. Also, I had the sweet sauteed (not deep fried) plantains- Maduros- very good too. My friend enjoyed the Pollo Hemingway- she enjoyed that too. The prices are much less expensive than Fairfield County CT. My dinner was like $12! They have a full bar BUT no wine- strange. They also serve Cuban soda. The decor is colorful w large paintings/prints in vibrant colors all depicting classic sceans of Cuban\Havana. If I lived here I would frequent this spot. Surprising! Private parking lot.
(4)Kevin T.
It was alright... Service was decent. But to be honest it was disappointing! I didn't hate it but didn't love it. I'll probably never go back. I think their chef has no passion in the food bc there was nothing exciting within our party of five that was worth saying! Their cubano sandwich was made with some of the crappiest quality ham and pork. You know when you eat a sandwich that is so bad but so worth it, well i think most of their food we had that day was bad but was not worth even gaining the weight for!
(2)Amanda V.
Disgusting. Quite possibly the worst food I've ever eaten. Run the other way.
(1)James L.
This is without doubt the best Cuban restaurant in the Atlanta area. It is in a nondescript strip mall near Mall of Georgia, but it is wort a visit if you love great authentic Caribbean food. The usual Cubano sandwiches are great, but when I explored further, the Paella and Masitas de puerco fritas are excellent as well. Just for fun, drop in after 9 on a Saturday night and party with local Cuban's ! They were so welcoming to a gringo I had to go back several times! They have the best wait staff and bartenders. Service is a little slow if the place is packed, but this is not a place anyone wants a fast meal and then rush off when there is a great time to be had.
(5)Nicole P.
So I returned almost two years later to see if there was an improvement. There were some improvements but the food still disappointed. I ordered masitas de puerco frita with black beans and rice and maduros. Rice and beans were average and maduros were good. The pork was hard and almost inedible. When you make this dish you boil the pork chunks until tender then deep fry at the end. I don't know what they did but it wasn't right. They garnished it with a lot of chopped pimentos and a few onion slices. The pimentos threw the flavor off. The cut of meat was too lean also, that might have something to do with it. The croquetas were frozen, tasted like Catalina brand. I still don't get the cilantro sauce served with the croquetas. Overall my visit was better than the last, but it is not authentic Cuban food, it's more of a Cuban/Mexican fusion.
(2)Jamarcus T.
Havana South caught my eye before a hike and on the way back we stopped to try this place for lunch on a Sunday Afternoon. Very spacious restaurant, friendly staff, and yelp friendly, posting their yelp sticker on the front door. If you're not one for checking in via the yelp app, do so here to get 10% off your meal. I ordered the Fried green plantains, which were sweet, slightly crispy and the highlight of my meal here. Very tasty! I also ordered the Pollo Al Ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce), which came with yellow rice and black beans (standard for all entrees). Presentation looked delicious but the chicken was simply "okay", lacking any real flavor. I enjoyed the black beans but i've had better rice, although I found it to be MUCH more flavorful when combining it with the garlic sauce of the Pollo Al Ajillo. I also was able to try some of the Vaca Frita (Fried flank steak in garlic sauce), which was very tender, and had a little more flavor than my chicken, as well as the Croquetas (Ham Croquettes) that had great flavor with a dipping sauce it didn't really need. For two people with two entrees and two appetizers, you'll spend about $35 (lunch menu is only available Mon - Fri) and the meals are all large enough that you'll likely need a to go box. So that's Havana South...fantastic appetizers, okay entrees (that i've tried so far) and a solid little restaurant to quench your Cuban needs!
(3)Randy H.
First time going here and it was outstanding. It takes a lot of skill to cook up great Cuban or Latin food. I had the Masitas De Puerco. Let me say it was delicious. There is no other way to describe it. The flavor was great. You could taste the different herbs and the pork was cooked perfect. It was what you would expect for pork chunks. Not firm, not too soft. The flavors and the aroma was outstanding. I haven't been to many Cuban/Latin places that can perfect the cooking right away, but this by far blew me away. The location is away from the Mall of Georgia area which is good and bad. I think there is less traffic for this place due to that but at the same time it is great cause you are avoiding the traffic. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. I would definitely recommend this place and I will definitely be back for more in the future.
(4)Emilia L.
My exposure to Cuban food has been limited, but I love it so far. So of course, I was up for a trip to Havana South, even if it was all the way up in the boonies (Buford). I ordered the ropa vieja ($12) so I could compare it with Papi's and Lario's. Strangely, Havana South's version did not come with maduros (plaintains) like the other two did. Thankfully, our server let me substitute the beans for maduros. Otherwise, you can order a separate side of maduros for $4. The portions were huge. I got yellow rice and three pieces of maduros for my sides. I thought the portion of maduros was a bit skimpy, to be honest. They were really tasty, though. The yellow rice seemed to be a tad undercooked as there were some hard bits. The ropa vieja was good, though not as tasty as the one I had at Lario's. Our server was extremely enthusiastic, friendly and accommodating. We had two Groupons for $25 off the bill, and he let the four of us use both of them, provided we were on two separate checks. So in the end, it was a very cheap and satisfying meal. However, my search for Atlanta's best ropa vieja continues.
(3)Rutledge U.
The best Cuban food outside the Perimeter! The chef is outstanding. There are vegetarian options (fried plantains, yellow rice, and beans!) The service is good. The atmosphere could use a little work, and honestly, it's not the fanciest place. But based on the food alone, it is 5 stars.
(5)Elizabeth L.
Good Cuban food...check! Bar...check! Good service...check! Fun atmosphere and decor...no check. The food was great and service was great but the decor kinda looks a high schooler put some things up and the booths are kinda torn up. And besides a little music that was sometimes playing-sometimes not-in the background, there was really nothing else going on there. But if you're on the area and want some yummy Cuban, wouldn't hurt to stop in!
(3)Ali S.
Having just moved from Miami to Buford, Cuban food was the one thing I was missing! I found Havana South while driving around one day and decided to try it out after feeling homesick for some good Cuban food. My husband and I had a long day of unpacking from just having moved in and decided to get the food to go. I found their menu online and placed my order. The menu definitely looked authentic, and mentioned they had a real Cuban cook. I'm usually skeptical about non Miami Cuban food, but still the mention of maduros and moros, called my name. I went to pick up our order and was greeted by the staff at the bar. While I waited for them to pack my order I asked them if they had any sodas available and they said "yes, but we only stock Latin canned soda, like Materva or Malta" That was music to my ears! Materva is my favorite drink and very hard to find here! The manager saw my delight and he was nice enough to tell me the name and location of the store where they buy it from! At this point this restaurant had already won me over! Although it is a lot pricier than what I am used to paying in Miami for Cuban food, it isn't bad considering this isn't typical food here and ingredients are harder to find, so I understand why it costs more. Also they close pretty early compared to what we are used to back home. If you are planning to go out to movie and then dinner, beware the restaurant closes at 9pm most nights and they latest they stay open til is 10pm. I have had to skip them a few times because of their hours. I payed and left with my food and matervas. It smelled delicious, I couldn't wait to get home and dig in. I ordered pollo al ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce ) with yellow rice and plantains and my husband had a churrasco with moro rice and plantains. I also ordered some mariquitas (plantain chips) with Mojo sauce and a few ham croquettes to try. The croquettes were amazing! Just as good as Miami, but then so was the rest of the food! The chicken had a thick garlic sauce which was delicious and authentic. Though different parts of Cuba cook dishes differently so keep that in mind when eating there. This particular cook is from Matanzas. The yellow rice was really good and the moro rice was to die for! The churrasco was cooked perfectly and was seasoned to perfection. Everything was so good and definitely very authentic! Not only are we from Miami but are Cuban and very picky about our food, since we like to make a lot of Cuban dishes at home ourselves. This is a great place for authentic food. If you need a fix of Cuban food, or have never tried I definitely recommend Havana South. ( our orders have only been 'to-go' I can't vouch for their service if you go and sit at the restaurant but the staff is always friendly when I go in and pick up)
(4)Sandra A.
Awesome! The food and service were excellent. I highly recommend and definitely will be back again and again! Clean, great prices, terrific food selection and nice music!!!
(5)Paul G.
Best cuban around Buford. Beef empenadas are awesome and I always get the Hemingway chicken. The red beans are my favorite too.
(4)Demi M.
If you are actually Cuban... Stay clear of this place. There is not an actual Cuban working here. Vaca Frita looked as if it had been chewed by something or someone and placed on the plate. The place itself was empty and dirty. Would not come here again.
(1)Randy A.
The food is still awesome and authentic here. Their Lechon Asado is my favorite and the yucca side (different than the appetizer) is outstanding. Their ropa vieja is tender and served in an excellent spicy/sweet sauce. The plantains are sweet and juicy and the garlic sauce used for dipping is outstanding. Nevertheless, I must downgrade my previous rating. Why? Because the service was horrific my last couple of visits. Seemed like they were understaffed and we went long periods of time without the server stopping by to check on us and refresh our beverages. Our order was served incorrectly with the wrong sides, etc, etc. Then on one of my more recent visits I ordered the Mojito and it was terrible. GASP! How does THAT happen at a Cuban restaurant?!? I mean seriously... that's the quintessential Cuban drink. There's NO excuse for that mistake! Yeah.... screw up a gin & tonic or an Old Fashioned... but a Mojito?! C'mon!! I'm Cuban... if you get nothing more from my review, get this: there's a trifecta of Ms on which to judge all Cuban eating establishments. The Mojitos, Moro & the Maduros. I've spoken about the first in the paragraph above, Moro is the white rice and black beans cooked together (as opposed to being served side by side), and the ripe fried plantains are the Maduros. There should be no compromise on any of the three Ms! Havana South used to do all three correctly-- now they're only getting 2/3 right. Not good enough. Finally... my very last visit was on Father's Day. My choice for a place to eat and I choose here. I was really wanting a drink and the server tells me the law in the area says there's no serving alcohol on Sundays in a restaurant. What- whaaaat? I live in the area... EVERYPLACE with a bar serves on a Sunday. That was a... how shall I say... a misstatement. Look, if a business doesn't WANT to serve booze on a Sunday, they don't have to, but at least advertise it on the door or something. But it's really not cool to say the law prevents it, because it simply isn't true. I'm still rooting for you, Havana South. But you can't retreat from excellence.
(3)Tundra D.
Great dish I had last night here. Oxtail with rice and black beans. I've had oxtail many times at different restaurants and Havana's had the most meat on the bone I've ever seen for oxtail. They were HUGE and delicious! I also ordered an appetizer(forgot the name) and it was soooo tasty. It was a fried mash potato ball stuffed with beef. Really really good! Service was excellent! I had numerous waiters checking on my table each very professional and with a smile on their face. I've eaten here a few times and I always leave with a smile on my face and a full belly.
(5)Paul Z.
I've read the other reviews and, yeah, maybe it's not 'authentic' Cuban food but I'm not allowed to go to Cuba (so silly!), I've never been to Cuba, and have never had the pleasure to date anyone from Cuba (Cuban girls, drop me a line if you want to take me to a authentic Cuban dinner). So I like Havana South for lunch, everything I've tried was reasonably priced and tasty. I'll follow my review up once the embargo has been lifted or my new Cuban girlfriend starts cooking for me.
(4)Allan C.
It brought back great memories of living in south Florida. The restaurant was super clean, the food was filled with flavor and the staff was friendly and very welcoming. I look forward to going back and trying something new.
(4)Richard R.
I'm kinda mixed about my review, because there were definitely things I enjoyed and other items were only ok. It was a slow Sunday with only a few diners. One poor table had the pleasure of having their waitress spill a drink not once, but twice (or maybe it was the customer). We had Alejandra as our server and she was very good. At her recommendation I ordered the Vaca Frita, which was a grilled Flank Steak with rice and beans @ $11.95. The flavor was very good, but not as flavorful as I was expecting from a Latin restaurant. If you don't like cilantro (which tastes like soap to me), be sure to ask them not to put it on your meal. The yellow rice was not flavorful at all and I was also not a huge fan of the black beans. Overall I would give the steak 3.5 stars and the rice and beans a 2.5 for lack of flavor. Everything was cooked and presented well. For an appetizer I ordered the Ham Croquetas and they were FABULOUS!!! They were so great I placed another order to go. Never had anything like them, but will definitely be back for more (4.5 stars). My lunch buddy ordered the Pollo Ajillo which I personally thought was 'just ok' after tasting a sample. The chicken was a little overcooked and also not very flavorful. The Maduros (fried green plantains) were excellent and had a great golden color and sugary glaze. I was a little disappointed they charged $3.25 for extra yellow rice (table buddy ran out and wanted extra). Overall I though the prices were reasonable, the service was good, and the food was decent. The decor has nice murals but feels a little sparse, maybe it's because of the wide use of black paint. I plan to try their Cuban sandwich on my next visit and hopefully I will enjoy that a little more. Be sure to CHECK-IN on Yelp to receive a 10% discount on your total bill.
(3)Fidaa M.
Although the food is good they do not have the best customer service. I had to wait for my food for a very long time. I had to remind the waiter. Finally when she brought my good it was cold! Instead of appologizing she said " i was busy to bring the food"
(1)Dave L.
Back for our Havana South bash, well if four people can be considered a bash??? :-) To start, The Yuca Con Mojo and Marquita's. Myself and a friend, we had our usual Masitas De Puerco, white rice and black beans. My wife had the veggie sandwich and Tostones. Our other friend dined on the Pollo Al Ajillo. As the norm, everything was cooked well, service was top notch, and we all left fat and happy! I have been here about a dozen times and hooked on the Masitas! Oh yes, once dinner is finished nothing is complete without the Tres Leches cake! A wonderful family owned establishment! Give it a try.......
(4)Marti G.
Outstanding food and service! It was our first trip to a Cuban restaurant and our server gave us the 411 on what we needed to order!
(4)Elaine L.
We have eaten at Havana South probably 10 times over the last two years and their food and service are consistently excellent. Ricky, our fave server is always friendly and accommodating. The restaurant itself is always clean, but could use some 'sprucing up' since it looks like the seats of the booths (never sat at a table) have been there since the beginning of time. They could also use some brighter lighting, but we come for the food and the good service. Good service ALWAYS wins over food of comparable style for us. It just shows how much the restaurant actually values their customers. Cuban food is pretty basic in its preparation, and we're not picky, picky, so pleasing us is usually easy. I always order Pamillio (sp?) which is a very thin type of steak, pan fried and served with yummy black beans and choice of white or yellow rice. My husband varies his selections and has always been satisfied with the flavors but has yet to find a dish that wows him. We both love the mudoros, fried plantains, as they're always sweet, crisp and yummy. I believe there are 6 pcs. to each order. Their portions are ample and we've never gone home hungry. We don't drink but every time we have been there Mojitos have been flowing. I believe they come in different flavors and I've seen other customers reorder after the first one. Dinner for two, with one soda and 2 Cuban coffees is around 30.00. We don't usually order appetizers, since the meal portions are ample, but will definitely try the Ham Croquettes since other reviewers consistently rave about them. We will definitely return to Havana South......they absolutely quench my taste for Cuban food.
(4)C C.
The food was really good and a very friendly staff. I thought it was a little pricey for what it was and for the ambiance (or lack of) in a strip mall restaurant. I had garlic chicken and it was really delicious. The other Cuban places I go too give bread, salad & plantains with a meal but those were all "extras" at Havana South.
(3)Darryl H.
GET THE EMPANADAS!!! They are AWESOME - both the beef and the chicken! They come with a cilantro cream sauce that my wife can't get enough of (I'm fairly confident if it weren't for the children she'd leave me for the chef here). The other MUST HAVE menu items include the Picadillo A La Cubana (Cuban style beef with olives and lots of spices) and the Ox Tails (the gelatinous cartilage between the bones is the best part).
(4)Kimi J.
It's hard to find a decent restaurant up in the north especially non-American. I found Havana on a whim and it was delicious. Good flavors, big portions and the prices were decent. Why 2 stars? Well after that first visit, it was downhill from there. Second time, I went with my husband, they only had one waiter and the poor guy had to do everything himself. Waiting tables, cleaning, cashier, host, bartender... everything but the cooking. So our lunch wasn't a smooth operation but I used to be a waitress so I sympathized with him. However! the food I cannot excuse. My husband ordered pollo con arrozo and it was terrible. It seemed like left over meat from the bottom of the pot. It was just bone and cartilage. He was still hungry and my masitas de puerco was small and dry but they tasted good, just wish I had more. After 2 more visits, I tried to give it chance but they were never consistent with their service and food. They always only had one waiter and my husband's pollo con arrozo had the measly looking chicken and the vaca frita was so tough to chew. Sad, I really was excited about having a Cuban restaurant nearby us but maybe I'll give it one more go since a lot of people seem to enjoy it in their recent reviews. My reviews are based on my experience 2-3 yrs ago. Maybe they hired more staff and bought more chicken.
(2)Wheeler E.
Super friendly staff!! Food is excellent and a nice change from the standard fare. Kinda makes me want to go to Cuba! Clearly a local hang out!
(5)Marisol P.
After reading the good reviews, I was pretty disappointed about the quality of my food. Went in for a quick lunch, ordered the Cubano with tostones. I knew a full sandwich would be too much for me, so I asked if I could just order half. Server says sure, but when I got the bill, I had been charged for the whole sandwich. What?!?!?! Why not just tell me you don't do half sandwiches? The bread the sandwich was made on was chewy, not the usual flaky goodness that Cuban bread is. The true test of a great Cuban imo, is when there are tons of crumbs all over your face, table, lap. My tostones were also chewy, when they are supposed to be crispy. It's like they threw them in the oil when the oil wasn't hot enough and the tostones just absorbed the grease. I won't be coming back. :( Maybe the other items on the menu are better. I just won't be back to find out.
(1)Bonnie C.
I work right around the corner and eat here a lot. Really great mojitos and the yucca is amazing. Great prices for the amount of food you get.
(5)Jim E.
I found out about this place via Groupon. But Groupon somehow didn't process my deal and I didn't get it. So 0 stars to Groupon. But this is about Havana South. We just got back from an afternoon on the lake and I wanted to try this after learning about it. The place was fairly packed (a good sign!) with a couple of open tables. During the meal several tables turned and by the end of the meal it was completely packed. And now you know, and you'll know why too. We each tried a different entree - Churasco (skirt steak), Masitas (pork) and Chicharon (chicken). We all got the black beans and rice (moro) and also a side of Maduros (fried plantains...my fav). Unbelievable. Everything was sooooo good. We still had a small bit of room so we squeezed in a slice of Tres Leches (the best I've ever had!) and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding) and quaffed down some Cuban coffee (a bit too sweet for my taste, but sooo good also). Definitely will be back, the lake beckons....
(5)Mike S.
Try the oxtail it's to die for.
(4)B H.
I wished I had been more adventuresome when I went here, but the Cuban sandwich was very good. The Cuban Coffee is excellent! The bathroom was very clean and the waitress very nice! $10 for the sandwich, fries and soda...
(3)Michael S.
It's a pretty average to above average place. The Cuban sandwich not pressed (as a traditional Cuban would be). Ropa vieja and chicken/steak dish good and big, though we picked out a lot of bay leaves. I think they're known for having good cocktails; we found them to be okay, but we were there on Sunday and the regular bartender was not there; the waitresses were making all of the drinks. We'd give them another shot though, that's for sure.
(3)Vonnie S.
A nice surprise out here in Buford. I am originally from SoCal and a latin family. I got here and I was craving cuban food. While this place isn't home or FL, it certainly will do the trick in a pinch. The arroz y frijoles negro is always tasty, the maduros cooked perfectly and even their mojito had the right kick. I do think the arroz con pollo needed a little help... all arroz, no pollo =( We have tried everything from the shrimp in garlic sauce, oxtail, tostones, croquettas, bistec and even my daughter had the cheeseburger. All-in-all, it will certainly feed the beast when in the mood for cuban. The three stars is because the service is always inconsistent. I ordered to-go one day and it took FOREVER! The wait staff's courtesy varies as well and I can never tell what I'll get.
(3)Lindsay S.
I ventured to this establishment today for lunch with my boyfriend and was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted the second we walked in the door. The decor is absolutely adorable from the colorful mural on the back wall to the custom blinds made this place feel inviting. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and it was delicious! Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles & mustard on freshly pressed bread. And just to let you know how much I liked it and illustrate how picky of an eater I am...I hate ham, I rarely eat pork, & I'm not a fan of Swiss cheese but this was a great combination. The staff was friendly as well. I will definitely be going back!
(4)Chloe M.
Quite possibly THE best Cuban restaurant in Atlanta. A run-down of what I've eaten: Media Noche (the classic Cuban sandwich but made with sweet bread similar to what Lotta Frutta uses) -- filled with thick slices of ham and the tastiest roast pork. Lechon Asado (roasted pork) -- tender, juicy, and has that cooked-for-hours taste. The best I've had in this state. Arroz con Pollo (yellow rice with chicken) -- flavorful rice with two pieces of tender chicken stewed in Cuban spices Chicharron de Pollo (fried chicken chunks) -- marinated chicken chunks that are crispy fried. These are not your usual dry, teeth-shattering, hard to chew variety. Cortadito Cafe con Leche (Cuban coffee) -- brewed individually and freshly made to order; beware, this is addicting Verdict: RUN, don't walk and head on up north for some mind-blowing goodness.
(5)Mark K.
All I have had at this place was the Media Noche Sandwich, a sample of mamey juice, some papaya juice and fried plantains. The sandwich is just a Cuban on Sweet bread and boy was it tasty. The pork has a very distinct tender flavor. The food was very tasty and the staff was very friendly and informative (especially about the mamey juice, which I'd never never had). I wasnt too hungry when I went, so I didn't sample as much as I normally would have, so I'll be going back again...the other pork dishes must be sampled. The maduros were on point, but most Cuban places get those right. Unless something, goes terribly wrong, this review remains at 5. The downside to this place is that its near the Mall of Georgia even though I think its worth the trip, even from ITP.
(5)Alice Y.
We ordered: Paella -- Salty. Frozen seafood, did not taste fresh at all, very small mussels/shrimp, some squid, chorizo. Rice flavorless and overcooked to point of mushy. Clearly no saffron used. Huge portion, so unfortunately we took it home. I think most of it is going to end up in the trash. Most expensive thing on the menu and not worth it. Will not order again. Oxtail -- Salty. Well cooked and tender. Ordered the moro with it and together the salt content was too much for me. Could be tasty with plain white rice. Cuban sandwich -- My dining partners had this dish and they said it was OK. Not the best cuban sandwich they've had but OK. Maduros -- OK. Again, not the best I've had but it's not bad. Appetizer samples - Ham croquettes - tasty. Fried yucca - tasteless on its own but very good with the garlicky sauce. Fried mozz sticks - blah. Empanada - not bad. Plaintain chips - OK Service -- Excellent. We liked our server who was polite and attentive. The food just didn't wow us. Had much better Cuban in NYC/NJ. I'm not sure if we will return, but I want to give it one more try for some of the other dishes Yelpers mentioned here.
(2)Parker D.
First restaurant we tried after moving in just down the street. Really terrible food made from cans and frozen vegetables. Slow service when basically empty. Unforgettable for how bad it was -- we still joke about it.
(1)Jim K.
Havana was good but the service was absolutely terrible. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and Black Beans. The Beans were delicious although a bit salty. The Cuban would have been much better if the bread was better. It seemed like it was a little stale and lacked taste. I compared my dinner to the exact same thing I oredered from another local Cuban restaurant. I will try it again though tos ee if the service has improved and will also try another dish to give another review.
(3)Kerry M.
They excel at mediocrity. Both service and food. This is what happens when chiropractors open restaurants. Expensive for the portion size and quality. They could do much better with the same ingredients prepared well.
(2)Lauren H.
The food and atmosphere are great. If you're in the mood for something that's fun and not a chain-restaurant cookie-cutter boring experience, this definitely needs to be on your list. Sometimes there are salsa dancers there and they are so much fun. The Media Noche is my favorite sandwich, but I've been truly impressed with everything I've had here!
(4)Rigoberto G.
the cuban steak was good
(3)Pam D.
We used to live in south Florida and know what great authentic cuban food is. Well this place is just that. The pork chunks and maraqitas, were just YUMMY! Definately recommend and will go back there asap!
(5)B H.
I wished I had been more adventuresome when I went here, but the Cuban sandwich was very good. The Cuban Coffee is excellent! The bathroom was very clean and the waitress very nice! $10 for the sandwich, fries and soda...
(3)Michael S.
It's a pretty average to above average place. The Cuban sandwich not pressed (as a traditional Cuban would be). Ropa vieja and chicken/steak dish good and big, though we picked out a lot of bay leaves. I think they're known for having good cocktails; we found them to be okay, but we were there on Sunday and the regular bartender was not there; the waitresses were making all of the drinks. We'd give them another shot though, that's for sure.
(3)Vonnie S.
A nice surprise out here in Buford. I am originally from SoCal and a latin family. I got here and I was craving cuban food. While this place isn't home or FL, it certainly will do the trick in a pinch. The arroz y frijoles negro is always tasty, the maduros cooked perfectly and even their mojito had the right kick. I do think the arroz con pollo needed a little help... all arroz, no pollo =( We have tried everything from the shrimp in garlic sauce, oxtail, tostones, croquettas, bistec and even my daughter had the cheeseburger. All-in-all, it will certainly feed the beast when in the mood for cuban. The three stars is because the service is always inconsistent. I ordered to-go one day and it took FOREVER! The wait staff's courtesy varies as well and I can never tell what I'll get.
(3)Lindsay S.
I ventured to this establishment today for lunch with my boyfriend and was pleasantly surprised. We were greeted the second we walked in the door. The decor is absolutely adorable from the colorful mural on the back wall to the custom blinds made this place feel inviting. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and it was delicious! Ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles & mustard on freshly pressed bread. And just to let you know how much I liked it and illustrate how picky of an eater I am...I hate ham, I rarely eat pork, & I'm not a fan of Swiss cheese but this was a great combination. The staff was friendly as well. I will definitely be going back!
(4)Chloe M.
Quite possibly THE best Cuban restaurant in Atlanta. A run-down of what I've eaten: Media Noche (the classic Cuban sandwich but made with sweet bread similar to what Lotta Frutta uses) -- filled with thick slices of ham and the tastiest roast pork. Lechon Asado (roasted pork) -- tender, juicy, and has that cooked-for-hours taste. The best I've had in this state. Arroz con Pollo (yellow rice with chicken) -- flavorful rice with two pieces of tender chicken stewed in Cuban spices Chicharron de Pollo (fried chicken chunks) -- marinated chicken chunks that are crispy fried. These are not your usual dry, teeth-shattering, hard to chew variety. Cortadito Cafe con Leche (Cuban coffee) -- brewed individually and freshly made to order; beware, this is addicting Verdict: RUN, don't walk and head on up north for some mind-blowing goodness.
(5)James L.
This is without doubt the best Cuban restaurant in the Atlanta area. It is in a nondescript strip mall near Mall of Georgia, but it is wort a visit if you love great authentic Caribbean food. The usual Cubano sandwiches are great, but when I explored further, the Paella and Masitas de puerco fritas are excellent as well. Just for fun, drop in after 9 on a Saturday night and party with local Cuban's ! They were so welcoming to a gringo I had to go back several times! They have the best wait staff and bartenders. Service is a little slow if the place is packed, but this is not a place anyone wants a fast meal and then rush off when there is a great time to be had.
(5)Nigel H.
Great food and very inexpensive. I had the lunch special Sandwich Cubano which comes with half a sandwich, beans & rice. Excellent taste on the sandwich and the sides. Staff was great and friendly with Latin music coming from above. I would recommend checking this place out if you are in town. Hidden in a strip mall but great.
(4)Elaine L.
We have eaten at Havana South probably 10 times over the last two years and their food and service are consistently excellent. Ricky, our fave server is always friendly and accommodating. The restaurant itself is always clean, but could use some 'sprucing up' since it looks like the seats of the booths (never sat at a table) have been there since the beginning of time. They could also use some brighter lighting, but we come for the food and the good service. Good service ALWAYS wins over food of comparable style for us. It just shows how much the restaurant actually values their customers. Cuban food is pretty basic in its preparation, and we're not picky, picky, so pleasing us is usually easy. I always order Pamillio (sp?) which is a very thin type of steak, pan fried and served with yummy black beans and choice of white or yellow rice. My husband varies his selections and has always been satisfied with the flavors but has yet to find a dish that wows him. We both love the mudoros, fried plantains, as they're always sweet, crisp and yummy. I believe there are 6 pcs. to each order. Their portions are ample and we've never gone home hungry. We don't drink but every time we have been there Mojitos have been flowing. I believe they come in different flavors and I've seen other customers reorder after the first one. Dinner for two, with one soda and 2 Cuban coffees is around 30.00. We don't usually order appetizers, since the meal portions are ample, but will definitely try the Ham Croquettes since other reviewers consistently rave about them. We will definitely return to Havana South......they absolutely quench my taste for Cuban food.
(4)C C.
The food was really good and a very friendly staff. I thought it was a little pricey for what it was and for the ambiance (or lack of) in a strip mall restaurant. I had garlic chicken and it was really delicious. The other Cuban places I go too give bread, salad & plantains with a meal but those were all "extras" at Havana South.
(3)Darryl H.
GET THE EMPANADAS!!! They are AWESOME - both the beef and the chicken! They come with a cilantro cream sauce that my wife can't get enough of (I'm fairly confident if it weren't for the children she'd leave me for the chef here). The other MUST HAVE menu items include the Picadillo A La Cubana (Cuban style beef with olives and lots of spices) and the Ox Tails (the gelatinous cartilage between the bones is the best part).
(4)Lauren H.
The food and atmosphere are great. If you're in the mood for something that's fun and not a chain-restaurant cookie-cutter boring experience, this definitely needs to be on your list. Sometimes there are salsa dancers there and they are so much fun. The Media Noche is my favorite sandwich, but I've been truly impressed with everything I've had here!
(4)Rigoberto G.
the cuban steak was good
(3)Jim E.
I found out about this place via Groupon. But Groupon somehow didn't process my deal and I didn't get it. So 0 stars to Groupon. But this is about Havana South. We just got back from an afternoon on the lake and I wanted to try this after learning about it. The place was fairly packed (a good sign!) with a couple of open tables. During the meal several tables turned and by the end of the meal it was completely packed. And now you know, and you'll know why too. We each tried a different entree - Churasco (skirt steak), Masitas (pork) and Chicharon (chicken). We all got the black beans and rice (moro) and also a side of Maduros (fried plantains...my fav). Unbelievable. Everything was sooooo good. We still had a small bit of room so we squeezed in a slice of Tres Leches (the best I've ever had!) and Arroz con Leche (rice pudding) and quaffed down some Cuban coffee (a bit too sweet for my taste, but sooo good also). Definitely will be back, the lake beckons....
(5)Mike S.
Try the oxtail it's to die for.
(4)Ali S.
Having just moved from Miami to Buford, Cuban food was the one thing I was missing! I found Havana South while driving around one day and decided to try it out after feeling homesick for some good Cuban food. My husband and I had a long day of unpacking from just having moved in and decided to get the food to go. I found their menu online and placed my order. The menu definitely looked authentic, and mentioned they had a real Cuban cook. I'm usually skeptical about non Miami Cuban food, but still the mention of maduros and moros, called my name. I went to pick up our order and was greeted by the staff at the bar. While I waited for them to pack my order I asked them if they had any sodas available and they said "yes, but we only stock Latin canned soda, like Materva or Malta" That was music to my ears! Materva is my favorite drink and very hard to find here! The manager saw my delight and he was nice enough to tell me the name and location of the store where they buy it from! At this point this restaurant had already won me over! Although it is a lot pricier than what I am used to paying in Miami for Cuban food, it isn't bad considering this isn't typical food here and ingredients are harder to find, so I understand why it costs more. Also they close pretty early compared to what we are used to back home. If you are planning to go out to movie and then dinner, beware the restaurant closes at 9pm most nights and they latest they stay open til is 10pm. I have had to skip them a few times because of their hours. I payed and left with my food and matervas. It smelled delicious, I couldn't wait to get home and dig in. I ordered pollo al ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce ) with yellow rice and plantains and my husband had a churrasco with moro rice and plantains. I also ordered some mariquitas (plantain chips) with Mojo sauce and a few ham croquettes to try. The croquettes were amazing! Just as good as Miami, but then so was the rest of the food! The chicken had a thick garlic sauce which was delicious and authentic. Though different parts of Cuba cook dishes differently so keep that in mind when eating there. This particular cook is from Matanzas. The yellow rice was really good and the moro rice was to die for! The churrasco was cooked perfectly and was seasoned to perfection. Everything was so good and definitely very authentic! Not only are we from Miami but are Cuban and very picky about our food, since we like to make a lot of Cuban dishes at home ourselves. This is a great place for authentic food. If you need a fix of Cuban food, or have never tried I definitely recommend Havana South. ( our orders have only been 'to-go' I can't vouch for their service if you go and sit at the restaurant but the staff is always friendly when I go in and pick up)
(4)Sandra A.
Awesome! The food and service were excellent. I highly recommend and definitely will be back again and again! Clean, great prices, terrific food selection and nice music!!!
(5)Paul G.
Best cuban around Buford. Beef empenadas are awesome and I always get the Hemingway chicken. The red beans are my favorite too.
(4)Demi M.
If you are actually Cuban... Stay clear of this place. There is not an actual Cuban working here. Vaca Frita looked as if it had been chewed by something or someone and placed on the plate. The place itself was empty and dirty. Would not come here again.
(1)Andrew N.
Great restaurant. Good feel when you get in the inside. Wish they had a/c though. It felt warm. Although there were fans, the fans werent running. Anyways to the food. Skip the pappa rellenos. They were dry and probably reheated. DO get the empanadas. Very good, crunchy, meat was moist and worth the buy. We only came for the sandwhiches and did not try any of the plate food. All the sandwhiches were under 7. I got the cuban sandwhich on sweet bread. Although the pork was dry, the sweetbread def help make the taste. Overall a okay sandwhich we also got the flank steak sandwhich which was the winner. I'd come back for the sandwhiches. Not sure if Id step up to the plates as they are near the 15 dollar mark.
(4)Jesse S.
Some of the best Cuban food I've ever had. I've been eating here for a few years since George was the owner. It's been sold once or twice since and the place has gotten even better. Masitas de Puerco are excellent, although they can sometimes be dry. The Chicken Hemingway is outrageously good and I order it every single time. We always order extra maduros and Yucca con mojo. Great place, great prices and great staff.
(5)Jami L.
Havana South is a go to restaurant for my husband and I. With all the chain restaurants around the mall, it's a breath of fresh air and is absolutely delicious. We have experienced times of slow service, but the food is off the charts good so it's worth any wait time. Hubby always orders the masitas de puerco and I love the vaca frita steak. Empanadas are yummy too. The green sauce they come with is so good! Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)Chinasa N.
Felt hungry heading home from nieces lacrosse game at Buford high. I was about to get Mickey Dees but saw this restaurant instead. Cuban food & culture is near & dear to my heart. But it was a great choice, food, ambiance, & customer service was great. Will bring my Cubano here soon.
(5)Ravi B.
Summary: Try authentic Cuban way OTP I found this place on Groupon after my friend Shady wanted to go on a foodie adventure. It's definitely super far OTP, but we wanted something authentic Cuban. This place was exactly what we're looking for. It wasn't super busy but the service was a little slow. Our server was really friendly, but we waited a long time for her to take our order. I tried a pineapple soda that was good and my friend got a drink called "malta" that is a non-alcoholic barley drink which I didn't like. Food: We started out with ham croquettes, which I liked. I don't know why they came with crackers and no sauce. We requested a random sauce we saw on the menu which I liked haha. It's called mojo sauce. I kept asking a bunch of questions about the food, which the server probably thought I was funny for having so many questions. I don't think our server was Cuban... Anyways, for our entrees we got an authentic beef dish called "bistec palomilla" and a "media noche" which is a cuban sandwich on a sweet bread. I liked the sandwich a lot, but the bread didn't taste sweet at all. I feel like I may have had a better Cuban panini/sandwich in Miami, but this one was still pretty good. The beef dish was good too. I put the mojo sauce on it to give it a zest. The yellow rice and red beans tasted authentic also.
(3)Marla K.
Love Cubango sandwich. Often call in and pick up on way home from work. Picadillo wonderful. Empanadas mmmmm. It's Sunday afternoon. The Salsa dancing starts in a moment. Can't wait.
(5)Yuki T.
I've been wanting to try this place for while then I saw groupon deal. I liked the chicken dish(forgot the name) so much, too bad it was not lunch menu.
(4)Hondo G.
I don't understand the hype around this place. The food is boring, and they stretch the beans with pieces of potato. I ordered beans, not potatoes.
(3)Nicole P.
So I returned almost two years later to see if there was an improvement. There were some improvements but the food still disappointed. I ordered masitas de puerco frita with black beans and rice and maduros. Rice and beans were average and maduros were good. The pork was hard and almost inedible. When you make this dish you boil the pork chunks until tender then deep fry at the end. I don't know what they did but it wasn't right. They garnished it with a lot of chopped pimentos and a few onion slices. The pimentos threw the flavor off. The cut of meat was too lean also, that might have something to do with it. The croquetas were frozen, tasted like Catalina brand. I still don't get the cilantro sauce served with the croquetas. Overall my visit was better than the last, but it is not authentic Cuban food, it's more of a Cuban/Mexican fusion.
(2)Justin T.
Stopped by on our way to Mall of Georgia and it was a great choice. The service was great and our waitress was very friendly. I tried the coconut mojito and it was good! Yuca frita as an appetizer is a good choice. The restaurant while Cuban also serves some Mexican dishes. I tried the vaca frita with black beans, white rice, and tostones. The food was good. My friend ordered the I would return if in the area.
(4)Averiguao H.
I caught it with the corner of my eye. Small flashing light in a strip center. It was cold and I'm staying at the hotel right behind the restaurant so walked to it. Not crowded at all. Clean, and good service. Typical Cuban menu, but I have to say. I ordered the churrasco with the yellow rice and tostones. The chino hurry sauce for the churrasco was to die for. The food was hot and the flavor surprisingly great. I'm from Orlando FL but will definitely would return given the opportunity. Music playing in the background was very good too. Highly recommended!!!!
(5)Sean H.
Came here for a quick lunch on a late Friday afternoon. Service was good there wasn't much traffic so our party of 3 was seated promptly. The server was attentive and our food came out quick and hot. I had one of the lunch specials (Monday-Friday 11 am to 3 pm I believe) pescado frito with white rice and grilled veggies. The fish was lightly battered and very crispy. The meal was great and inexpensive. Would come again if I was in the area.
(5)Jen D.
Found this place quite by accident on my drive from Asheville to Atlanta. Got to the slump-time afternoon and needed coffee, finally saw a DD on an exit, but when I got off I saw this little gem on the left. After an indy-car-like 2 lane switch and u-turn, I got the most glorious Cafe Con Leche that I have had since my last trip south of the (Georgia) border. We lived in S. Fl for years and truly, truly have missed Cuban food. This place is worth the drive. So good!
(5)Marc A.
Best Cuban sandwich in the A. Been coming here since the old location was a hole in the wall. Love the new space - plenty of parking, lots of tables, & great family service.
(5)Sarah S.
**I was here last year, so things may have changed. Our service was good, our waiter was friendly and attentive. The food though was really not up to par. The chicken my fiance ordered was covered in rice and sauce to the point that he actually had to dig through it to find his chicken. Not a big deal, but odd. When he did get to the chicken he found it to be grizzly, fatty and just generally unpleasant. Maybe it's because we're not used to bone-in chicken, but the meat just really wasn't very good. The Cuban sandwich I had was really lacking. The pork was really fatty and gross to the point that I couldn't finish the sandwich. I was expecting a spectacular Cuban from a Cuban restaurant but was left totally disappointed. Wish I could say we'll give it another try, but I really doubt we will.
(2)Wendy D.
Great food! It sits back from the road a bit in a strip mall behind a pawn shop. The food is good and service is very attentive. I had the steak, rice and plantains. Been here twice and it was good both times. The service is extra attentive without being annoying!!
(4)Kristi P.
The empanadas are amazing! I had the chicken, my friend had the beef and we were both extremely pleased! They are hearty, the sauce is delicious and I was so happy that they used chicken breasts, since personally I prefer white meat! I will definitely go back to this place and the staff was super friendly!!
(5)Jayde R.
I love coming here with my husband. The servers are always great! The beef Empanadas are amazing and the maduros and plantains are great too!
(5)Kate S.
Under new management beware! It used to be one of the most authentic and best cuban food restaurants but not anymore. They took away and added new dishes that aren't even cuban (jerk chicken?!?) and I ate the same thing I always get and it was no where near as good. My husband got yellow rice with his dish and it was mexican style rice not cuban. They even have tacos on the menu?!? I'm not coming back!!!
(1)Elina F.
This is the best Cuban restaurant you will find in the Buford area! Priced reasonably and portions are perfect. My favorite entrée is the Palomilla steak. It comes with yellow or white rice, black or brown beans, Maduros or Tostones and lots of onions! yummy! I like my food a little bit spicy hot but I don't recommend the spicy sauce here.
(5)Rolan P.
Cuban sandwich is exactly what you would expect. Excellent. Try the Ropa Vieja with Moro Excellent slow simmered flavor. Come hungry. One order o the Ropa is enough for two. Ask Daritza. She will help you with menu suggestions.
(5)Jessica R.
Yes, yes, yes!!! We finally found a real Cuban sandwich in Georgia. I came here a few years ago with a friend and I was ok, but this time it was amazing! I ordered the Cuban sandwich with maduros and hubby ordered the media noche sandwich with tostones. Throughout the whole meal, he was commenting on how good the food was. And the best part? My sandwich was the real deal! I found out from my sister-in-law that a good Cuban sandwich is all about the bread, and that most places in Georgia that make them use the wrong kind. This was the right kind! So yummy. After talking with the waitress, we found out that the chef is Cuban...bonus!!! They also had these sodas (Materva) that I had never heard of, but when hubby saw it on the menu, he flipped and had to have one. "I haven't seen these since I lived in Miami!" I tried it, and it was pretty good. The only thing I would say I didn't care for were the maduros. They were good, but a little too soft on the inside and burnt on the outside. We will definitely be back though :)
(5)Island G.
Came in here for Father's Day and the ambiance is very tropical. It's a stand alone business near the highway and they play great music that makes u shake! It's not a five star restaurant but u can have fun and get drinks and good food!
(5)Clint K.
I've never eaten at a cuban restaurant before so this may be bias. But I have eaten here three times now and every time it is great.
(5)Julie E.
I will admit that Havana was my first exposure to Cuban food (other than a random Cuban sandwich in a deli setting) so I cannot vouch for authenticity, but I can vouch for the fact that is it delicious! My hubs and I have eaten at Havana at least half a dozen times over the past year and I have never been disappointed. The mojitos are great and not skimpy on the alcohol! The empanadas are flaky, seasoned meat perfection. I have had several entrees--the tilapia, the Hemingway chicken, and the Masitas de Puerco (fried lean chunks of pork marinated in garlic mojo sauce & topped with onions)--and all were delicious. All entrees come with your choice of rice and beans (black or red) and the portions are more than generous. The price is right too. Do yourself a favor and try out this little tucked away gem--you won't regret it.
(4)Randy H.
First time going here and it was outstanding. It takes a lot of skill to cook up great Cuban or Latin food. I had the Masitas De Puerco. Let me say it was delicious. There is no other way to describe it. The flavor was great. You could taste the different herbs and the pork was cooked perfect. It was what you would expect for pork chunks. Not firm, not too soft. The flavors and the aroma was outstanding. I haven't been to many Cuban/Latin places that can perfect the cooking right away, but this by far blew me away. The location is away from the Mall of Georgia area which is good and bad. I think there is less traffic for this place due to that but at the same time it is great cause you are avoiding the traffic. The staff was very friendly and very helpful. I would definitely recommend this place and I will definitely be back for more in the future.
(4)Sharon P.
Needed to write an update, since this restaurant has gone above and beyond since I wrote my last review. Not only did they try to reach me to fix what went wrong last time, but they made sure that my second order (which was a catered order) was perfect. And indeed it was. The moro rice, maduros, and mariquitas were delicious and everyone in my party loved it. Very happy customer here!!
(5)Jennifer I.
Yum. Or, as we would say in the old country, ¡qué rica está la comida! We ordered croquetas as an appetizer. I was a little disappointed - they didn't really taste fresh/authentic (a little bit like the Goya Croquetas that I purchase from the grocery store). However, I've only ever had croquetas in Puerto Rico, so maybe they are different? I ordered the Cuban sandwich for my lunch, served with tostones (patacones, mis paisas) and arroz blanco con habichuelas (white rice & beans). ¡Delicioso! Our server was very friendly and had the most adorable accent. They have great lunch specials here, so I definitely recommend it for that. Also, the food comes out fast, so if you're on a short lunch break (we had one hour), it's perfect!
(4)Ryan I.
If you're looking to eat somewhere with great food and service to back it up this is the place to be hands down!!! Never a disappointment and I will be back for sure. I recommend anyone that is trying somewhere new to stop by!! Great drink specials as well!
(5)Caroline U.
Had dinner here last night and I've got to say, the food is awesome! I had the Bistec Palomilla which was perfectly flavored with onions and peppers. Came with a side of rice and beans and I ordered an additional side of avocado slices. I also had a glass of red wine which was probably served at 80 degrees but no biggie. Food was plentiful, service was good and friendly and I'm surprised they were not busier for a Saturday night. My husband's meal was pork and fried plantains and he was equally satisfied.
(5)Jamarcus T.
Havana South caught my eye before a hike and on the way back we stopped to try this place for lunch on a Sunday Afternoon. Very spacious restaurant, friendly staff, and yelp friendly, posting their yelp sticker on the front door. If you're not one for checking in via the yelp app, do so here to get 10% off your meal. I ordered the Fried green plantains, which were sweet, slightly crispy and the highlight of my meal here. Very tasty! I also ordered the Pollo Al Ajillo (chicken in garlic sauce), which came with yellow rice and black beans (standard for all entrees). Presentation looked delicious but the chicken was simply "okay", lacking any real flavor. I enjoyed the black beans but i've had better rice, although I found it to be MUCH more flavorful when combining it with the garlic sauce of the Pollo Al Ajillo. I also was able to try some of the Vaca Frita (Fried flank steak in garlic sauce), which was very tender, and had a little more flavor than my chicken, as well as the Croquetas (Ham Croquettes) that had great flavor with a dipping sauce it didn't really need. For two people with two entrees and two appetizers, you'll spend about $35 (lunch menu is only available Mon - Fri) and the meals are all large enough that you'll likely need a to go box. So that's Havana South...fantastic appetizers, okay entrees (that i've tried so far) and a solid little restaurant to quench your Cuban needs!
(3)Emilia L.
My exposure to Cuban food has been limited, but I love it so far. So of course, I was up for a trip to Havana South, even if it was all the way up in the boonies (Buford). I ordered the ropa vieja ($12) so I could compare it with Papi's and Lario's. Strangely, Havana South's version did not come with maduros (plaintains) like the other two did. Thankfully, our server let me substitute the beans for maduros. Otherwise, you can order a separate side of maduros for $4. The portions were huge. I got yellow rice and three pieces of maduros for my sides. I thought the portion of maduros was a bit skimpy, to be honest. They were really tasty, though. The yellow rice seemed to be a tad undercooked as there were some hard bits. The ropa vieja was good, though not as tasty as the one I had at Lario's. Our server was extremely enthusiastic, friendly and accommodating. We had two Groupons for $25 off the bill, and he let the four of us use both of them, provided we were on two separate checks. So in the end, it was a very cheap and satisfying meal. However, my search for Atlanta's best ropa vieja continues.
(3)Rutledge U.
The best Cuban food outside the Perimeter! The chef is outstanding. There are vegetarian options (fried plantains, yellow rice, and beans!) The service is good. The atmosphere could use a little work, and honestly, it's not the fanciest place. But based on the food alone, it is 5 stars.
(5)Elizabeth L.
Good Cuban food...check! Bar...check! Good service...check! Fun atmosphere and decor...no check. The food was great and service was great but the decor kinda looks a high schooler put some things up and the booths are kinda torn up. And besides a little music that was sometimes playing-sometimes not-in the background, there was really nothing else going on there. But if you're on the area and want some yummy Cuban, wouldn't hurt to stop in!
(3)Randy A.
The food is still awesome and authentic here. Their Lechon Asado is my favorite and the yucca side (different than the appetizer) is outstanding. Their ropa vieja is tender and served in an excellent spicy/sweet sauce. The plantains are sweet and juicy and the garlic sauce used for dipping is outstanding. Nevertheless, I must downgrade my previous rating. Why? Because the service was horrific my last couple of visits. Seemed like they were understaffed and we went long periods of time without the server stopping by to check on us and refresh our beverages. Our order was served incorrectly with the wrong sides, etc, etc. Then on one of my more recent visits I ordered the Mojito and it was terrible. GASP! How does THAT happen at a Cuban restaurant?!? I mean seriously... that's the quintessential Cuban drink. There's NO excuse for that mistake! Yeah.... screw up a gin & tonic or an Old Fashioned... but a Mojito?! C'mon!! I'm Cuban... if you get nothing more from my review, get this: there's a trifecta of Ms on which to judge all Cuban eating establishments. The Mojitos, Moro & the Maduros. I've spoken about the first in the paragraph above, Moro is the white rice and black beans cooked together (as opposed to being served side by side), and the ripe fried plantains are the Maduros. There should be no compromise on any of the three Ms! Havana South used to do all three correctly-- now they're only getting 2/3 right. Not good enough. Finally... my very last visit was on Father's Day. My choice for a place to eat and I choose here. I was really wanting a drink and the server tells me the law in the area says there's no serving alcohol on Sundays in a restaurant. What- whaaaat? I live in the area... EVERYPLACE with a bar serves on a Sunday. That was a... how shall I say... a misstatement. Look, if a business doesn't WANT to serve booze on a Sunday, they don't have to, but at least advertise it on the door or something. But it's really not cool to say the law prevents it, because it simply isn't true. I'm still rooting for you, Havana South. But you can't retreat from excellence.
(3)Tundra D.
Great dish I had last night here. Oxtail with rice and black beans. I've had oxtail many times at different restaurants and Havana's had the most meat on the bone I've ever seen for oxtail. They were HUGE and delicious! I also ordered an appetizer(forgot the name) and it was soooo tasty. It was a fried mash potato ball stuffed with beef. Really really good! Service was excellent! I had numerous waiters checking on my table each very professional and with a smile on their face. I've eaten here a few times and I always leave with a smile on my face and a full belly.
(5)Paul Z.
I've read the other reviews and, yeah, maybe it's not 'authentic' Cuban food but I'm not allowed to go to Cuba (so silly!), I've never been to Cuba, and have never had the pleasure to date anyone from Cuba (Cuban girls, drop me a line if you want to take me to a authentic Cuban dinner). So I like Havana South for lunch, everything I've tried was reasonably priced and tasty. I'll follow my review up once the embargo has been lifted or my new Cuban girlfriend starts cooking for me.
(4)Richard R.
I'm kinda mixed about my review, because there were definitely things I enjoyed and other items were only ok. It was a slow Sunday with only a few diners. One poor table had the pleasure of having their waitress spill a drink not once, but twice (or maybe it was the customer). We had Alejandra as our server and she was very good. At her recommendation I ordered the Vaca Frita, which was a grilled Flank Steak with rice and beans @ $11.95. The flavor was very good, but not as flavorful as I was expecting from a Latin restaurant. If you don't like cilantro (which tastes like soap to me), be sure to ask them not to put it on your meal. The yellow rice was not flavorful at all and I was also not a huge fan of the black beans. Overall I would give the steak 3.5 stars and the rice and beans a 2.5 for lack of flavor. Everything was cooked and presented well. For an appetizer I ordered the Ham Croquetas and they were FABULOUS!!! They were so great I placed another order to go. Never had anything like them, but will definitely be back for more (4.5 stars). My lunch buddy ordered the Pollo Ajillo which I personally thought was 'just ok' after tasting a sample. The chicken was a little overcooked and also not very flavorful. The Maduros (fried green plantains) were excellent and had a great golden color and sugary glaze. I was a little disappointed they charged $3.25 for extra yellow rice (table buddy ran out and wanted extra). Overall I though the prices were reasonable, the service was good, and the food was decent. The decor has nice murals but feels a little sparse, maybe it's because of the wide use of black paint. I plan to try their Cuban sandwich on my next visit and hopefully I will enjoy that a little more. Be sure to CHECK-IN on Yelp to receive a 10% discount on your total bill.
(3)Fidaa M.
Although the food is good they do not have the best customer service. I had to wait for my food for a very long time. I had to remind the waiter. Finally when she brought my good it was cold! Instead of appologizing she said " i was busy to bring the food"
(1)Dave L.
Back for our Havana South bash, well if four people can be considered a bash??? :-) To start, The Yuca Con Mojo and Marquita's. Myself and a friend, we had our usual Masitas De Puerco, white rice and black beans. My wife had the veggie sandwich and Tostones. Our other friend dined on the Pollo Al Ajillo. As the norm, everything was cooked well, service was top notch, and we all left fat and happy! I have been here about a dozen times and hooked on the Masitas! Oh yes, once dinner is finished nothing is complete without the Tres Leches cake! A wonderful family owned establishment! Give it a try.......
(4)Marti G.
Outstanding food and service! It was our first trip to a Cuban restaurant and our server gave us the 411 on what we needed to order!
(4)Keith S.
Not anything like the Cuban food you get in Florida. Not impressed and will not go back.
(2)Debrin S.
I'm from the NEast. Latin food is prevalent. I have enjoyed Cuban cuisine in Miami, Key West, NYC and by CUBAN friends who cook quite authentically. Therefore, I feel I am a solid judge on authentic Cuban food. With that said- I loved Havana South! We had dinner on a quiet Tues. evening. The service was friendly but lacked the enthusiasm I was expecting. I had the Chicharon de Pollo con Hueso_ very tasty, marinated in a citrusy garlicky marinade- also served on the side. The Black beans were excellent! The white rice had just enough starch & olive oil to make it slightly sticky to accompany the beans. Also, I had the sweet sauteed (not deep fried) plantains- Maduros- very good too. My friend enjoyed the Pollo Hemingway- she enjoyed that too. The prices are much less expensive than Fairfield County CT. My dinner was like $12! They have a full bar BUT no wine- strange. They also serve Cuban soda. The decor is colorful w large paintings/prints in vibrant colors all depicting classic sceans of Cuban\Havana. If I lived here I would frequent this spot. Surprising! Private parking lot.
(4)Kevin T.
It was alright... Service was decent. But to be honest it was disappointing! I didn't hate it but didn't love it. I'll probably never go back. I think their chef has no passion in the food bc there was nothing exciting within our party of five that was worth saying! Their cubano sandwich was made with some of the crappiest quality ham and pork. You know when you eat a sandwich that is so bad but so worth it, well i think most of their food we had that day was bad but was not worth even gaining the weight for!
(2)Amanda V.
Disgusting. Quite possibly the worst food I've ever eaten. Run the other way.
(1)Allan C.
It brought back great memories of living in south Florida. The restaurant was super clean, the food was filled with flavor and the staff was friendly and very welcoming. I look forward to going back and trying something new.
(4)Jim K.
Havana was good but the service was absolutely terrible. I ordered the Cuban Sandwich and Black Beans. The Beans were delicious although a bit salty. The Cuban would have been much better if the bread was better. It seemed like it was a little stale and lacked taste. I compared my dinner to the exact same thing I oredered from another local Cuban restaurant. I will try it again though tos ee if the service has improved and will also try another dish to give another review.
(3)Kerry M.
They excel at mediocrity. Both service and food. This is what happens when chiropractors open restaurants. Expensive for the portion size and quality. They could do much better with the same ingredients prepared well.
(2)Bonnie C.
I work right around the corner and eat here a lot. Really great mojitos and the yucca is amazing. Great prices for the amount of food you get.
(5)Kimi J.
It's hard to find a decent restaurant up in the north especially non-American. I found Havana on a whim and it was delicious. Good flavors, big portions and the prices were decent. Why 2 stars? Well after that first visit, it was downhill from there. Second time, I went with my husband, they only had one waiter and the poor guy had to do everything himself. Waiting tables, cleaning, cashier, host, bartender... everything but the cooking. So our lunch wasn't a smooth operation but I used to be a waitress so I sympathized with him. However! the food I cannot excuse. My husband ordered pollo con arrozo and it was terrible. It seemed like left over meat from the bottom of the pot. It was just bone and cartilage. He was still hungry and my masitas de puerco was small and dry but they tasted good, just wish I had more. After 2 more visits, I tried to give it chance but they were never consistent with their service and food. They always only had one waiter and my husband's pollo con arrozo had the measly looking chicken and the vaca frita was so tough to chew. Sad, I really was excited about having a Cuban restaurant nearby us but maybe I'll give it one more go since a lot of people seem to enjoy it in their recent reviews. My reviews are based on my experience 2-3 yrs ago. Maybe they hired more staff and bought more chicken.
(2)Wheeler E.
Super friendly staff!! Food is excellent and a nice change from the standard fare. Kinda makes me want to go to Cuba! Clearly a local hang out!
(5)Marisol P.
After reading the good reviews, I was pretty disappointed about the quality of my food. Went in for a quick lunch, ordered the Cubano with tostones. I knew a full sandwich would be too much for me, so I asked if I could just order half. Server says sure, but when I got the bill, I had been charged for the whole sandwich. What?!?!?! Why not just tell me you don't do half sandwiches? The bread the sandwich was made on was chewy, not the usual flaky goodness that Cuban bread is. The true test of a great Cuban imo, is when there are tons of crumbs all over your face, table, lap. My tostones were also chewy, when they are supposed to be crispy. It's like they threw them in the oil when the oil wasn't hot enough and the tostones just absorbed the grease. I won't be coming back. :( Maybe the other items on the menu are better. I just won't be back to find out.
(1)Mark K.
All I have had at this place was the Media Noche Sandwich, a sample of mamey juice, some papaya juice and fried plantains. The sandwich is just a Cuban on Sweet bread and boy was it tasty. The pork has a very distinct tender flavor. The food was very tasty and the staff was very friendly and informative (especially about the mamey juice, which I'd never never had). I wasnt too hungry when I went, so I didn't sample as much as I normally would have, so I'll be going back again...the other pork dishes must be sampled. The maduros were on point, but most Cuban places get those right. Unless something, goes terribly wrong, this review remains at 5. The downside to this place is that its near the Mall of Georgia even though I think its worth the trip, even from ITP.
(5)Alice Y.
We ordered: Paella -- Salty. Frozen seafood, did not taste fresh at all, very small mussels/shrimp, some squid, chorizo. Rice flavorless and overcooked to point of mushy. Clearly no saffron used. Huge portion, so unfortunately we took it home. I think most of it is going to end up in the trash. Most expensive thing on the menu and not worth it. Will not order again. Oxtail -- Salty. Well cooked and tender. Ordered the moro with it and together the salt content was too much for me. Could be tasty with plain white rice. Cuban sandwich -- My dining partners had this dish and they said it was OK. Not the best cuban sandwich they've had but OK. Maduros -- OK. Again, not the best I've had but it's not bad. Appetizer samples - Ham croquettes - tasty. Fried yucca - tasteless on its own but very good with the garlicky sauce. Fried mozz sticks - blah. Empanada - not bad. Plaintain chips - OK Service -- Excellent. We liked our server who was polite and attentive. The food just didn't wow us. Had much better Cuban in NYC/NJ. I'm not sure if we will return, but I want to give it one more try for some of the other dishes Yelpers mentioned here.
(2)Parker D.
First restaurant we tried after moving in just down the street. Really terrible food made from cans and frozen vegetables. Slow service when basically empty. Unforgettable for how bad it was -- we still joke about it.
(1)Pam D.
We used to live in south Florida and know what great authentic cuban food is. Well this place is just that. The pork chunks and maraqitas, were just YUMMY! Definately recommend and will go back there asap!
(5)