1) AMAZING SMALL PLATES. Probably (definitely) better than the overpriced Lena dishes upstairs. 2) the mintiest mojitos you will ever drink and love. 3) WHITE SANGRIA with real fruit. It teeters from perfect to too-sugary, but it always makes me wonder why Dom's seems to have such a lock on the "best sangria in AA" title. 4) The decor is sexy. Even if your salsa dancing is utter rubbish like mine, you'll still feel awesome drinking/hanging out in the cozy dark wood booths with candles in wrought iron on every table. Bottom line: Habana is awesome. Work that kickass cocktail menu.
(4)
Miguel R.
Very good spot to eat and it becomes fully alive on Salsa Thursdays! youtu.be/REQDdAwLSIg
(4)
Ronda N.
Awesome lounge located below Lena restaurant. The bar is dark and cave like featuring live musical acts. The mojitos and caipirinha drinks are delicious but not quite as good as Imperial's drinks :) Cafe Habana is a great place for happy hour or for after dinner drinks.
(3)
Jenn M.
This place is located downstairs of Lena. If it hadn't been for the upbeat music, you would have never guessed there was a bar/lounge below! As an out-of-towner, I had a great time here! The vibe was hoppin'! The people and the music alone just sets the mood. They have specials on drinks depending on what day it is. The night we went they had a special on shots of Washington Apples. I also tried the Sangrias with white wine but, honestly, it tasted like a watered down lemonade with a few pieces of fruit. Other than that, this is a cool place to hang out with friends and enjoy the music!
(5)
Oren P.
Thursday is salsa night in the Habana Lounge (below Lena). There's no cover charge - BUT there is a $2 per item coat check fee (on Thursday-Saturday nights). The music is good and the dance floor is packed - with people who don't know how to dance (but do so with enthusiasm) and don't leave much room for those who do. The same is true for people in the bar area. There are a few booth tables as you enter - but the best place to sit, cool off, (and possibly stash your stuff without it being removed to the coat check area for ransom) is in a room at the other end of the dance floor. Street parking is free after 6pm.
(2)
Logynn H.
The first wonderful thing about this place is that it has Lena's food and cocktail menu, which is one of my all time favorite menus. The second wonderful thing is that it is so gorgeous and charmingly decorated with little spaces everywhere to cozy up for private conversations. It feels so secret and special. I want this place to be in my house. Complete with incredible drinks. My favorites are the Long Walk to Equador and the Violet Beauregarde. For a prohibition era speakeasy experience hidden in Ann Arbor bring your friends here.
(5)
Emily S.
I've only been here for the Latin nights on Thursdays. They attract a few good dancers and lot of beginners, but it's overall a great crowd. Service at the bar is prompt and courteous, and the specials are decent. It's definitely a fun time, considering the lack of other weekly venues in the area, but that last part is the key. The only reason I keep coming is my undying love of salsa - my less-obsessed friends usually refuse to go with me. Two major issues: 1) The music is absolutely deafening. The two speakers are located directly adjacent to the dance floor, in opposite corners, so it's pretty much impossible to find a spot to dance that isn't in one of the blast zones. Even at the opposite end of the bar, I have to shout in people's ears just to be heard... at the back of the dance floor, I'm pretty much relegated to sign language. Wtf, guys? Turn. It. Down. 2) It's a SAUNA in there. I'm not a large person, and I don't usually sweat much. Usually. But after 15 minutes of dancing here, I end up with sweat in my eyes, dripping off my nose, soaking my clothes, you name it. It's really gross. I have no idea why they're so stingy with the A/C downstairs, considering that Lena is usually frigid. It's really frustrating that the biggest problems are such obvious and easily-fixed things, but it wouldn't be the first time I've run across a clueless or stubborn restaurant manager who didn't care to cater to the dance crowd. Meh.
(3)
Sarah B.
Great environment. Sweet, attentive bartenders. Polite security. I'm happy to find an intimate bar for salsa dancing on Thursday nights. Generally, the crowds are good. Wear an extra layer of deodorant. There is little circulation. Dear General Manager at Habana. Please hire a different DJ!!!! He lacks imagination and knowledge of latin music!! The DJ, unfortunately, plays too many sets of reggaeton and (very electronic) merengue to pander to the lowest common denominator. This attracts people who have no clue how to dance. He does play a few sets of classic salsa and bachata, but soon, I will tire of waiting out the grind music. I am even considering the 45 minute drive to Royal Oak to go to a real latin club that plays the greats of latin music: Joe Arroyo, Willie Colon, and Diego Moran. If this DJ plays another set of bachata with songs only by Prince Royce, I'll spit a tamale. In fact, I went to Bar Louie for two consecutive weekends (the DJ at Habana and Bar Louie is the same), and he played an identical set of reggaeton and another of techno. Formulaic and uninspiring.
(3)
Raina B.
This review is for Taco Tuesdays. 4 types of tacos - chicken, beef, pork and bean. They are pretty sizable for $1.50/each so a definitely steal. I wish they had some better beer specials for HH or Taco Tuesday. While I spent $3 on food, I spent normal amounts for alcohol so my overall expenditure was still pretty high ($15) for what I wanted to be a cheap dinner.
(3)
Sara N.
Such a fan of Habana, especially Wednesdays, when they have ALL DAY happy hour. (Usual happy hours are Monday-Friday, four to six.) You can get more than half the menu for five dollars including margaritas and mojitos! A steal! Also, the baked goat cheese and Cuban sliders are must if you haven't tried them.
(5)
Liz P.
Wow. The new Habana is pretty sexy and very different from the old one! To be fair, I only went to the Washington one once or twice. It had a basement, and this one is in a basement, but I really like how this one had little corners you could sit in - it felt like we were VIPs. I got the blackberry shiraz sangria, it was good but not that potent IMO (probably because we had Isalita drinks beforehand, and those were crazy alcoholic!). They had a small dance floor too and we danced for a few hours, it was a fun time. I would come back to Habana when in town again.
(5)
Cari M.
Very impressed by the look of Cafe Habana! You go downstairs in Lena and it is dark, romantic, classy. It almost feels like you are in a cave - only there are chandeliers in this cave. Or it feels like the fanciest underground tunnel at Hogwarts?? Yeah. So yes there is a bar, an ample dance floor, a couple large seating areas for bigger parties, some high tops, and then a long hallway with bench type seating and mini end tables. The light fixtures are beautiful, the walls and art are stunning, and the furniture is nice. The look of this place will definitely impress - if you have someone you're trying to impress ;) I don't know about you but being somewhere beautiful really brightens my day .. it is pleasing to go somewhere that has an inspiring look and atmosphere - Habana delivers this! Had the mojito & margarita .. both were excellent. I would order both again. Also good chips with guac, salsa, and baked goat cheese .. all were quality. Also had a turkey slider and a veggie type panini .. these were out for an event so I'm not sure if they are on the main menu. I liked both of them .. they were a little cold by the time I got to em so I think they would have been better warm and that would have made them less dry - but honestly even cold it was still yum!! I'm a sucker for sandwiches though :0) I think this place is a blast for a date or for a large group gathering! I heard they have great drink specials for happy hour too! My visit made me want to come back again and bring friends with me! The salsa instructor who is there on Thursdays is great too - never thought I would really enjoy a Salsa lesson but I really did! Go try something new!!
(4)
Melissah L.
So fun! I came here for a change of scenery from the normal South U bar scene that I usually frequent, and I was so impressed! The room is below Lena, and it's dark and intimate looking. Drinks are good-- they are decently strong and the sangria is delish! Bartenders and nice and so are the staff... but my favorite part was definitely the dancing. The dance floor is not huge but I went on salsa night and it was such a breath of fresh air-- no more grinding! I missed the lessons and had no clue what I was doing, but most of the crowd is just mimicking the ones who actually know how to dance so I didn't feel out of place.
(4)
Beth H.
Ladies night cherry margarita was the best special of anywhere downtown. Try the goat cheese dip too. $5 happy hour appetizer and drink specials. Beautiful cavernous bar area. Hidden tables and spots for a little privacy for you and your larger group.
(4)
Elizabeth K.
This new incarnation of Cafe Habana resembles its former self very little, with the exception of its below-grade location. You enter into Habana through Lena, it's just down the stairs that you encounter right at the front. The owners have made very good use of the pockets of space among the old foundations, and have created a really chic labyrinth of black leather banquets and walnut-toned furniture. In the center is a bar and a space where a dance floor is located sometimes, and quieter more intimate spaces are located at the periphery. Cafe Habana is no longer really a restaurant, and those hoping for a taste of its former offerings are doomed, I'm afraid, to be disappointed. However, if you go with the understanding that Habana is now a bar with a nice food menu, you may be pleasantly surprised. The menu has a variety of tacos and sliders, which are probably the best value if you're hungry. Also available are three kinds of ceviche (the Corvina is delicious!) and a third section of other types of finger foods. Prices for each of these things hover around $8-9, and the 'value' can vary widely. Habana still has a nice selection of cocktails, they're serving the Brazilian beer made for Lena amongst other kinds, and naturally they have a full bar if the signature mojito or spicy peach margarita doesn't catch your fancy. They seem to have a full program of events, such as salsa dancing and djs, so if you're in the mood to head out with a bunch of friends looking to drink and nibble, Habana might be a great place to land.
(3)
Amy G.
Taco Tuesdays, on which tacos are $1.50 each, are a really good deal! The tacos are somewhat non-traditional in that they include rice. So, I think of them more as a deconstructed burrito, which is not a bad thing. The chicken tacos have a yummy tangy sauce and for me, three serve as a perfect meal size. I've also tried the blackberry shiraz sangria, which is not very strong and tastes much like juice. The sweet hot mojito is more exciting with a fun jalapeno, mint, and lime flavor combination. I didn't know what to expect, but I've concluded that spiciness and alcohol pairs well. The ambiance is cozy as Habana occupies the basement space underneath Lena and is dimly lit with cave-like roofs and walls. Last time I came they had a talented cover singer. Will try to make it during happy hour 4-6pm, when their signature mojito and margarita as well as an assortment of appetizers are $5 each. Double deal!
(4)
Jessica W.
What happened to you Habana? I loved you at your old location, but even though the decor is nicer on Main St, the service has gone out the window. My recent visit was lackluster in every possible way: -The food (I got the Pulled Beef Brisket Tacos, the boy got Cuban Sliders) was overpriced for the quantity/quality and completely bland. -The atmosphere was bizarre (four security guards standing around for some unknown reason). -The service was some of the worst I've had in AA (we basically had to beg to order from our waitress, who was nearly impossible to flag down though didn't seem terribly busy). I don't even want to go back for mojito happy hours, and that says something.
(1)
Sarang K.
I must admit, I have not had a mojito I liked before. So maybe it's that I am not a fan of mojitos so I should not be the judge of a good mojito but I LOVED this mojito. It was light and fresh and was not overpoweringly rummed out. I also had a margherita shot which was just as delightful. They have ample seating and my favorite part is that it has such a variety of seating. Including high top tables, the bar, regular booths, regular tables with a booth side, as well as this loungey area that is long and private, and possibly a great little party space :) Thursday nights they have salsa nights, but it is a small dance floor, maybe 10 by 15 or so~ But they have TVs that you can watch if you aren't into salsa. But unless some sport that you follow is on (although if your team is playing, why would you be here and not at a sports bar?!?) it certainly is pretty entertaining to watch salsa dancers :D
(4)
Mike V.
First time there and we had a blast. Our bartender was Lohman and he was amazing. A packed house but he remembered everyone's name and drink. Awesome bar and awesome bartender.
(5)
Kellie W.
Just like the old Habana, the owners here have really done a cool thing with what could have been a creepy basement. The walls, the ceilings, the floors- all very authentic and restored and aesthetically unexpected and quite stunning. The waitresses I've had are very efficient. The spicy mojito is delicious, and is good for slow sipping (lots of cayenne in that thing!). Most of the house drinks are traditional but also a little experimental. I had an avocado beverage here that was interesting. They also have good drink deals during the week, if you want to meet up with friends after work or something. Monday is my favorite- $5 mojitos and $5 small plates, like guac and stuff. They have a baked brie dip that is very good. From 10:30 to 2 a.m. on weekends, this place is a big dance party with green little disco dots everywhere. Also, the coat check guy is fabulous.
(4)
Jadranka H.
This is the second time I was there and my goodness the first time I couldn't hear my heart beating, il that was just a little absurd! But last night it was perfect, could have a conversation with my friends and the bartender "Cori" she was a gorgeous bartender, which is my friends Bestie. Either way did my usual tequila chilled and he took the special of the night with was horrendous! Tasted like better/lard! Overall the employees were cordial, guests were pleasant, no one as of yet getting overly aggressive. One thing I wished was that they played some happening shit that would of made us stay. Like i'm sexy and i know it lmfao compared to Belinda Carlysle, mad about you, not even techno style.....that killed the whole ambiance. Left to go to rush street.....see you there!
(5)
Patrick T.
It's still salsa night on Thursday evenings. I liked the old Habana better for dancing. Came on a non-salsa night and there was a bachelorette party. Other than that it was kind of empty. They have TVs at the bar so you can watch that now, instead of get on the dance floor. Sort of defeats the purpose of coming to Habana though. They still have good drinks (sangrias/margaritas). I think the food maybe is a little better than it was at the old place, but it's hard to remember.
(3)
Lindsey S.
wowzaa !! under ground spot of lena - there is salsa dancing lessons on thursday nights ! which is cool! they have fabulous sangria - red and white !! its really intimate, cave like - theres like brick walls - like u feel like ur in a cave - there are private rooms and areas, which is WONDERFUL for a date !! and you can get a little smooching in ... !! hhee
(4)
Carlos M.
The good: - Habana on Main Street has great decor. - The seating in the alcoves is really cool - The drinks are quite good - I recommend the Sweet Hot Mojito. - The food is above average. - There is usually a good crowd - Great before midnight The bad: - After midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, Habana basically turns into Rush Street - The music becomes so loud that you clothes vibrates and you can't hear anything - They allow too many people in late at night - The service becomes incredibly slow (because of too many people) - The drink quality decreases (because of too many people)
What a surprise. I didn't even know that this building had a downstairs and to walk down and see the caverns under the sidewalks, amazing atmosphere, wow! The drinks were outstanding, and the service was great. Music was great! I highly recommend it!
(5)
Jesse C.
The vibe here is good, and the crowd seems really great, but I'm not exactly sure what the owners are going for. The concept is muddled, and the place doesn't really feel like it places patrons first. Overall the bar looks like Scorekeepers meets Restoration Hardware. Someone put a lot of thought into the decor, and then someone else thought that flat screen tvs could only improve it. I think this is supposed to appeal to couples who can't agree on whether to watch the game or go out dancing, but it makes me want to do neither. My major complaint is that there are staff everywhere. Part of the problem is that the dance floor entirely blocks the bar from the tables, making the servers have to plow through the dance floor with armloads of drinks, over and over, all night long. Also there are bouncers lurking/shambling around *everywhere*, there must have been fifteen of them. I know that they just paid a lot of money to install really expensive light fixtures, but really management needs to relax a bit. The net of all of this is that there are always staff who are in your way, or worse, make you feel like you are in the way of them doing their jobs. I have high hopes for this place. The people seem nice, the drinks are well thought out, and the concept seems like a good one. We'll see what management learned from the first version of Habana (so far, not much), and whether they can pull it together.
(3)
Shannon B.
In my opinion, if a business is going to host an event for a group of review site members, they better do everything in their power to make the experience 5-star. I was not as impressed as I thought I should be. The space itself is really neat. It reminds me of an underground top secret area that the mobsters used back in the day to plan a diabolical plan to knock someone off. However, that is as far as the good impression was for me. There is an area that is set off, opposite of the bar that is really cool, but poorly lit. I would imagine the dust coated light fixtures with burnt out bulbs would have something to do with it. I had been to Lena for a previous Yelp event and the drinks were AMAZING compared to the mojitos and margaritas that were served at Habana. The margaritas were bland and the mojitos tasted like the mint had been covered in dirt before they mixed them into the drink. We were treated to a Salsa lesson during our stay. While the crowd seemed to have a good time and the instructor did a good job at breaking down the steps (the majority of the crowd was at a beginner level), I did feel that she lacked enthusiasm to keep the crowd going. I myself am a dance instructor and keeping the interest of the students is IMPERATIVE. An up to date playlist and turning up the excitement dial a few notches would help immensely. All in all, I would not drive out to Ann Arbor again to visit Habana. Definitely not worth the 20 minute drive from Plymouth. I am pretty sure that if I was already in the AA area, I would choose another venue for a night out.
(2)
Natalie G.
Has awesome VIP rooms
(5)
Lily K.
I only come to Cafe Habana on Thursday nights for salsa, so I never eat, but the atmosphere is great and I would say it is my favorite bar night in Ann Arbor! There are plenty of great dancers to keep you on your feet. My only critique is that I wish they played more salsa and less other music, but the less serious dancers do seem to enjoy the break.
(5)
Jeff F.
I loved the shrimp cerviche (cooked, not raw obviously); it came with a very fresh salsa - delicious. But it is not a large amount. The shredded beef tacos were a much better deal for $8 and really delicious, especially with some of the leftover ceviche as salsa. The local beer (Chopp dark, brewed in Dexter) was tasty. Loud place but great scene!
Last night was such a let down. My husband and I were very stoked when we heard Cafe Habana's renovation/move was complete and it was open once again. So we headed down to Ann Arbor for our weekly foodie night out, craving Habana's awesome goat cheese appetizer and a reasonably priced, flavorful meal of Cuban origin. When we walked in to the restaurant, instant confusion set in. First of all, Habana is in the basement of a new, Latin-inspired restaurant called Lena. Second, they didn't keep anything we loved about the former establishment. Where is the awesome, unique, and funky atmosphere (high ceilings, crackled walls, chandeliers, etc.)? Where is the menu we craved when we were looking for a comforting, casual meal? Where's my paloma I used to enjoy as a pre-dinner drink? You didn't even keep the baked goat cheese on the menu! This is what you're giving us as a replacement? SERIOUSLY?!? This isn't Cafe Habana...this is a downgrade. Habana is now merely a trashy, loud dance club (proven by the fact when we walked in we had to scream to talk to one another and were almost run over numerous times by rude and unapologetic hired security staff moving tables out of the way to set up a dance floor). All I can say is we are very, very disappointed. I realize there's another Cafe Habana in Royal Oak that has the same menu as Ann Arbor's former restaurant. But living in Plymouth, I don't particularly want to drive that far for dinner. That and Royal Oak's establishment lacks the space and atmosphere that made going to Cafe Habana in A2 a fun evening out. I am in my mid-30's and no longer seek out loud, clubby places. When I go out, I pick a place that helps me get away from a long work week and wind down peacefully...one that has great wine &/or mixed drinks and awesome food to entertain my palate. This renovated Habana is an utter disappointment. Guess we'll be looking for a new Cuban restaurant to frequent. Any takers? Frita Baditos/Eve...are you looking to expand into a sit-down/slightly more formal Cuban restaurant?
(1)
Marnia H.
Stopped in for some chicken tacos. They have a watermelon BBQ sauce which was a nice Smokey sweet on top of shredded chicken and black beans. Had a macchu picchu drink. Tastes like pink starburst. Yum! it wasn't very busy for a homecoming weekend which was nice, it was basically the reason we stumbled in because my husband wanted a beer and a burger but all the meatheads were out so anything pub style was WAY packed. the server told us that some nights it becomes very "clubby" and that soon they will have other latin style dance nights as well as the thursday night salsa.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Late Night Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Very Loud Music : DJ Good For Dancing : Yes Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat Coat Check : Yes Smoking : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Elizabeth M.
1) AMAZING SMALL PLATES. Probably (definitely) better than the overpriced Lena dishes upstairs. 2) the mintiest mojitos you will ever drink and love. 3) WHITE SANGRIA with real fruit. It teeters from perfect to too-sugary, but it always makes me wonder why Dom's seems to have such a lock on the "best sangria in AA" title. 4) The decor is sexy. Even if your salsa dancing is utter rubbish like mine, you'll still feel awesome drinking/hanging out in the cozy dark wood booths with candles in wrought iron on every table. Bottom line: Habana is awesome. Work that kickass cocktail menu.
(4)Miguel R.
Very good spot to eat and it becomes fully alive on Salsa Thursdays! youtu.be/REQDdAwLSIg
(4)Ronda N.
Awesome lounge located below Lena restaurant. The bar is dark and cave like featuring live musical acts. The mojitos and caipirinha drinks are delicious but not quite as good as Imperial's drinks :) Cafe Habana is a great place for happy hour or for after dinner drinks.
(3)Jenn M.
This place is located downstairs of Lena. If it hadn't been for the upbeat music, you would have never guessed there was a bar/lounge below! As an out-of-towner, I had a great time here! The vibe was hoppin'! The people and the music alone just sets the mood. They have specials on drinks depending on what day it is. The night we went they had a special on shots of Washington Apples. I also tried the Sangrias with white wine but, honestly, it tasted like a watered down lemonade with a few pieces of fruit. Other than that, this is a cool place to hang out with friends and enjoy the music!
(5)Oren P.
Thursday is salsa night in the Habana Lounge (below Lena). There's no cover charge - BUT there is a $2 per item coat check fee (on Thursday-Saturday nights). The music is good and the dance floor is packed - with people who don't know how to dance (but do so with enthusiasm) and don't leave much room for those who do. The same is true for people in the bar area. There are a few booth tables as you enter - but the best place to sit, cool off, (and possibly stash your stuff without it being removed to the coat check area for ransom) is in a room at the other end of the dance floor. Street parking is free after 6pm.
(2)Logynn H.
The first wonderful thing about this place is that it has Lena's food and cocktail menu, which is one of my all time favorite menus. The second wonderful thing is that it is so gorgeous and charmingly decorated with little spaces everywhere to cozy up for private conversations. It feels so secret and special. I want this place to be in my house. Complete with incredible drinks. My favorites are the Long Walk to Equador and the Violet Beauregarde. For a prohibition era speakeasy experience hidden in Ann Arbor bring your friends here.
(5)Emily S.
I've only been here for the Latin nights on Thursdays. They attract a few good dancers and lot of beginners, but it's overall a great crowd. Service at the bar is prompt and courteous, and the specials are decent. It's definitely a fun time, considering the lack of other weekly venues in the area, but that last part is the key. The only reason I keep coming is my undying love of salsa - my less-obsessed friends usually refuse to go with me. Two major issues: 1) The music is absolutely deafening. The two speakers are located directly adjacent to the dance floor, in opposite corners, so it's pretty much impossible to find a spot to dance that isn't in one of the blast zones. Even at the opposite end of the bar, I have to shout in people's ears just to be heard... at the back of the dance floor, I'm pretty much relegated to sign language. Wtf, guys? Turn. It. Down. 2) It's a SAUNA in there. I'm not a large person, and I don't usually sweat much. Usually. But after 15 minutes of dancing here, I end up with sweat in my eyes, dripping off my nose, soaking my clothes, you name it. It's really gross. I have no idea why they're so stingy with the A/C downstairs, considering that Lena is usually frigid. It's really frustrating that the biggest problems are such obvious and easily-fixed things, but it wouldn't be the first time I've run across a clueless or stubborn restaurant manager who didn't care to cater to the dance crowd. Meh.
(3)Sarah B.
Great environment. Sweet, attentive bartenders. Polite security. I'm happy to find an intimate bar for salsa dancing on Thursday nights. Generally, the crowds are good. Wear an extra layer of deodorant. There is little circulation. Dear General Manager at Habana. Please hire a different DJ!!!! He lacks imagination and knowledge of latin music!! The DJ, unfortunately, plays too many sets of reggaeton and (very electronic) merengue to pander to the lowest common denominator. This attracts people who have no clue how to dance. He does play a few sets of classic salsa and bachata, but soon, I will tire of waiting out the grind music. I am even considering the 45 minute drive to Royal Oak to go to a real latin club that plays the greats of latin music: Joe Arroyo, Willie Colon, and Diego Moran. If this DJ plays another set of bachata with songs only by Prince Royce, I'll spit a tamale. In fact, I went to Bar Louie for two consecutive weekends (the DJ at Habana and Bar Louie is the same), and he played an identical set of reggaeton and another of techno. Formulaic and uninspiring.
(3)Raina B.
This review is for Taco Tuesdays. 4 types of tacos - chicken, beef, pork and bean. They are pretty sizable for $1.50/each so a definitely steal. I wish they had some better beer specials for HH or Taco Tuesday. While I spent $3 on food, I spent normal amounts for alcohol so my overall expenditure was still pretty high ($15) for what I wanted to be a cheap dinner.
(3)Sara N.
Such a fan of Habana, especially Wednesdays, when they have ALL DAY happy hour. (Usual happy hours are Monday-Friday, four to six.) You can get more than half the menu for five dollars including margaritas and mojitos! A steal! Also, the baked goat cheese and Cuban sliders are must if you haven't tried them.
(5)Liz P.
Wow. The new Habana is pretty sexy and very different from the old one! To be fair, I only went to the Washington one once or twice. It had a basement, and this one is in a basement, but I really like how this one had little corners you could sit in - it felt like we were VIPs. I got the blackberry shiraz sangria, it was good but not that potent IMO (probably because we had Isalita drinks beforehand, and those were crazy alcoholic!). They had a small dance floor too and we danced for a few hours, it was a fun time. I would come back to Habana when in town again.
(5)Cari M.
Very impressed by the look of Cafe Habana! You go downstairs in Lena and it is dark, romantic, classy. It almost feels like you are in a cave - only there are chandeliers in this cave. Or it feels like the fanciest underground tunnel at Hogwarts?? Yeah. So yes there is a bar, an ample dance floor, a couple large seating areas for bigger parties, some high tops, and then a long hallway with bench type seating and mini end tables. The light fixtures are beautiful, the walls and art are stunning, and the furniture is nice. The look of this place will definitely impress - if you have someone you're trying to impress ;) I don't know about you but being somewhere beautiful really brightens my day .. it is pleasing to go somewhere that has an inspiring look and atmosphere - Habana delivers this! Had the mojito & margarita .. both were excellent. I would order both again. Also good chips with guac, salsa, and baked goat cheese .. all were quality. Also had a turkey slider and a veggie type panini .. these were out for an event so I'm not sure if they are on the main menu. I liked both of them .. they were a little cold by the time I got to em so I think they would have been better warm and that would have made them less dry - but honestly even cold it was still yum!! I'm a sucker for sandwiches though :0) I think this place is a blast for a date or for a large group gathering! I heard they have great drink specials for happy hour too! My visit made me want to come back again and bring friends with me! The salsa instructor who is there on Thursdays is great too - never thought I would really enjoy a Salsa lesson but I really did! Go try something new!!
(4)Melissah L.
So fun! I came here for a change of scenery from the normal South U bar scene that I usually frequent, and I was so impressed! The room is below Lena, and it's dark and intimate looking. Drinks are good-- they are decently strong and the sangria is delish! Bartenders and nice and so are the staff... but my favorite part was definitely the dancing. The dance floor is not huge but I went on salsa night and it was such a breath of fresh air-- no more grinding! I missed the lessons and had no clue what I was doing, but most of the crowd is just mimicking the ones who actually know how to dance so I didn't feel out of place.
(4)Beth H.
Ladies night cherry margarita was the best special of anywhere downtown. Try the goat cheese dip too. $5 happy hour appetizer and drink specials. Beautiful cavernous bar area. Hidden tables and spots for a little privacy for you and your larger group.
(4)Elizabeth K.
This new incarnation of Cafe Habana resembles its former self very little, with the exception of its below-grade location. You enter into Habana through Lena, it's just down the stairs that you encounter right at the front. The owners have made very good use of the pockets of space among the old foundations, and have created a really chic labyrinth of black leather banquets and walnut-toned furniture. In the center is a bar and a space where a dance floor is located sometimes, and quieter more intimate spaces are located at the periphery. Cafe Habana is no longer really a restaurant, and those hoping for a taste of its former offerings are doomed, I'm afraid, to be disappointed. However, if you go with the understanding that Habana is now a bar with a nice food menu, you may be pleasantly surprised. The menu has a variety of tacos and sliders, which are probably the best value if you're hungry. Also available are three kinds of ceviche (the Corvina is delicious!) and a third section of other types of finger foods. Prices for each of these things hover around $8-9, and the 'value' can vary widely. Habana still has a nice selection of cocktails, they're serving the Brazilian beer made for Lena amongst other kinds, and naturally they have a full bar if the signature mojito or spicy peach margarita doesn't catch your fancy. They seem to have a full program of events, such as salsa dancing and djs, so if you're in the mood to head out with a bunch of friends looking to drink and nibble, Habana might be a great place to land.
(3)Amy G.
Taco Tuesdays, on which tacos are $1.50 each, are a really good deal! The tacos are somewhat non-traditional in that they include rice. So, I think of them more as a deconstructed burrito, which is not a bad thing. The chicken tacos have a yummy tangy sauce and for me, three serve as a perfect meal size. I've also tried the blackberry shiraz sangria, which is not very strong and tastes much like juice. The sweet hot mojito is more exciting with a fun jalapeno, mint, and lime flavor combination. I didn't know what to expect, but I've concluded that spiciness and alcohol pairs well. The ambiance is cozy as Habana occupies the basement space underneath Lena and is dimly lit with cave-like roofs and walls. Last time I came they had a talented cover singer. Will try to make it during happy hour 4-6pm, when their signature mojito and margarita as well as an assortment of appetizers are $5 each. Double deal!
(4)Jessica W.
What happened to you Habana? I loved you at your old location, but even though the decor is nicer on Main St, the service has gone out the window. My recent visit was lackluster in every possible way: -The food (I got the Pulled Beef Brisket Tacos, the boy got Cuban Sliders) was overpriced for the quantity/quality and completely bland. -The atmosphere was bizarre (four security guards standing around for some unknown reason). -The service was some of the worst I've had in AA (we basically had to beg to order from our waitress, who was nearly impossible to flag down though didn't seem terribly busy). I don't even want to go back for mojito happy hours, and that says something.
(1)Sarang K.
I must admit, I have not had a mojito I liked before. So maybe it's that I am not a fan of mojitos so I should not be the judge of a good mojito but I LOVED this mojito. It was light and fresh and was not overpoweringly rummed out. I also had a margherita shot which was just as delightful. They have ample seating and my favorite part is that it has such a variety of seating. Including high top tables, the bar, regular booths, regular tables with a booth side, as well as this loungey area that is long and private, and possibly a great little party space :) Thursday nights they have salsa nights, but it is a small dance floor, maybe 10 by 15 or so~ But they have TVs that you can watch if you aren't into salsa. But unless some sport that you follow is on (although if your team is playing, why would you be here and not at a sports bar?!?) it certainly is pretty entertaining to watch salsa dancers :D
(4)Mike V.
First time there and we had a blast. Our bartender was Lohman and he was amazing. A packed house but he remembered everyone's name and drink. Awesome bar and awesome bartender.
(5)Kellie W.
Just like the old Habana, the owners here have really done a cool thing with what could have been a creepy basement. The walls, the ceilings, the floors- all very authentic and restored and aesthetically unexpected and quite stunning. The waitresses I've had are very efficient. The spicy mojito is delicious, and is good for slow sipping (lots of cayenne in that thing!). Most of the house drinks are traditional but also a little experimental. I had an avocado beverage here that was interesting. They also have good drink deals during the week, if you want to meet up with friends after work or something. Monday is my favorite- $5 mojitos and $5 small plates, like guac and stuff. They have a baked brie dip that is very good. From 10:30 to 2 a.m. on weekends, this place is a big dance party with green little disco dots everywhere. Also, the coat check guy is fabulous.
(4)Jadranka H.
This is the second time I was there and my goodness the first time I couldn't hear my heart beating, il that was just a little absurd! But last night it was perfect, could have a conversation with my friends and the bartender "Cori" she was a gorgeous bartender, which is my friends Bestie. Either way did my usual tequila chilled and he took the special of the night with was horrendous! Tasted like better/lard! Overall the employees were cordial, guests were pleasant, no one as of yet getting overly aggressive. One thing I wished was that they played some happening shit that would of made us stay. Like i'm sexy and i know it lmfao compared to Belinda Carlysle, mad about you, not even techno style.....that killed the whole ambiance. Left to go to rush street.....see you there!
(5)Patrick T.
It's still salsa night on Thursday evenings. I liked the old Habana better for dancing. Came on a non-salsa night and there was a bachelorette party. Other than that it was kind of empty. They have TVs at the bar so you can watch that now, instead of get on the dance floor. Sort of defeats the purpose of coming to Habana though. They still have good drinks (sangrias/margaritas). I think the food maybe is a little better than it was at the old place, but it's hard to remember.
(3)Lindsey S.
wowzaa !! under ground spot of lena - there is salsa dancing lessons on thursday nights ! which is cool! they have fabulous sangria - red and white !! its really intimate, cave like - theres like brick walls - like u feel like ur in a cave - there are private rooms and areas, which is WONDERFUL for a date !! and you can get a little smooching in ... !! hhee
(4)Carlos M.
The good: - Habana on Main Street has great decor. - The seating in the alcoves is really cool - The drinks are quite good - I recommend the Sweet Hot Mojito. - The food is above average. - There is usually a good crowd - Great before midnight The bad: - After midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, Habana basically turns into Rush Street - The music becomes so loud that you clothes vibrates and you can't hear anything - They allow too many people in late at night - The service becomes incredibly slow (because of too many people) - The drink quality decreases (because of too many people)
(3)Laura C.
This is the best bar in Ann Arbor. I just moved to Ann Arbor from Chicago and have sampled almost all that my new town has to offer over the past year that I have been visiting and now living here. Habana is sexy. It is kind of dark. They have a great Latin American beer selection and the mojitos are amazing. The margarita was waaaayy too strong and I almost sent it back but traded my husband for his drink instead :) I've been here 3 or 4 times... it is a great place to bring friends as long as you don't go too late on a Thurs-Sat since all of the college kiddos come as well! Yes, the old Habana was really cool too... but this one has a lot of good going for it... Enjoy or in español, diviértete! :)
(5)Brad D.
What a surprise. I didn't even know that this building had a downstairs and to walk down and see the caverns under the sidewalks, amazing atmosphere, wow! The drinks were outstanding, and the service was great. Music was great! I highly recommend it!
(5)Jesse C.
The vibe here is good, and the crowd seems really great, but I'm not exactly sure what the owners are going for. The concept is muddled, and the place doesn't really feel like it places patrons first. Overall the bar looks like Scorekeepers meets Restoration Hardware. Someone put a lot of thought into the decor, and then someone else thought that flat screen tvs could only improve it. I think this is supposed to appeal to couples who can't agree on whether to watch the game or go out dancing, but it makes me want to do neither. My major complaint is that there are staff everywhere. Part of the problem is that the dance floor entirely blocks the bar from the tables, making the servers have to plow through the dance floor with armloads of drinks, over and over, all night long. Also there are bouncers lurking/shambling around *everywhere*, there must have been fifteen of them. I know that they just paid a lot of money to install really expensive light fixtures, but really management needs to relax a bit. The net of all of this is that there are always staff who are in your way, or worse, make you feel like you are in the way of them doing their jobs. I have high hopes for this place. The people seem nice, the drinks are well thought out, and the concept seems like a good one. We'll see what management learned from the first version of Habana (so far, not much), and whether they can pull it together.
(3)Shannon B.
In my opinion, if a business is going to host an event for a group of review site members, they better do everything in their power to make the experience 5-star. I was not as impressed as I thought I should be. The space itself is really neat. It reminds me of an underground top secret area that the mobsters used back in the day to plan a diabolical plan to knock someone off. However, that is as far as the good impression was for me. There is an area that is set off, opposite of the bar that is really cool, but poorly lit. I would imagine the dust coated light fixtures with burnt out bulbs would have something to do with it. I had been to Lena for a previous Yelp event and the drinks were AMAZING compared to the mojitos and margaritas that were served at Habana. The margaritas were bland and the mojitos tasted like the mint had been covered in dirt before they mixed them into the drink. We were treated to a Salsa lesson during our stay. While the crowd seemed to have a good time and the instructor did a good job at breaking down the steps (the majority of the crowd was at a beginner level), I did feel that she lacked enthusiasm to keep the crowd going. I myself am a dance instructor and keeping the interest of the students is IMPERATIVE. An up to date playlist and turning up the excitement dial a few notches would help immensely. All in all, I would not drive out to Ann Arbor again to visit Habana. Definitely not worth the 20 minute drive from Plymouth. I am pretty sure that if I was already in the AA area, I would choose another venue for a night out.
(2)Natalie G.
Has awesome VIP rooms
(5)Lily K.
I only come to Cafe Habana on Thursday nights for salsa, so I never eat, but the atmosphere is great and I would say it is my favorite bar night in Ann Arbor! There are plenty of great dancers to keep you on your feet. My only critique is that I wish they played more salsa and less other music, but the less serious dancers do seem to enjoy the break.
(5)Jeff F.
I loved the shrimp cerviche (cooked, not raw obviously); it came with a very fresh salsa - delicious. But it is not a large amount. The shredded beef tacos were a much better deal for $8 and really delicious, especially with some of the leftover ceviche as salsa. The local beer (Chopp dark, brewed in Dexter) was tasty. Loud place but great scene!
(4)Daisy G.
My fiancé and I went on a Saturday night, so the wait was painfully long. By the time we were seated, we were both ravenous. We ordered the calamari for an appetizer, which was good but not great. I had the Baja Burrito, excellent for cilantro lovers like myself. And my fiancé had some sort of beef dish with rice and beans. Also pretty good. The most impressionable part of this night, however, was how awful the limeade was. One sip of this poison all but ruined my entire meal. Quite unfortunate, because everything else would have otherwise been pleasant. Good food, but far from excellent and passable service. Not a place I would consider returning to, but not one I would dismiss altogether either.
(3)Sarah R.
Last night was such a let down. My husband and I were very stoked when we heard Cafe Habana's renovation/move was complete and it was open once again. So we headed down to Ann Arbor for our weekly foodie night out, craving Habana's awesome goat cheese appetizer and a reasonably priced, flavorful meal of Cuban origin. When we walked in to the restaurant, instant confusion set in. First of all, Habana is in the basement of a new, Latin-inspired restaurant called Lena. Second, they didn't keep anything we loved about the former establishment. Where is the awesome, unique, and funky atmosphere (high ceilings, crackled walls, chandeliers, etc.)? Where is the menu we craved when we were looking for a comforting, casual meal? Where's my paloma I used to enjoy as a pre-dinner drink? You didn't even keep the baked goat cheese on the menu! This is what you're giving us as a replacement? SERIOUSLY?!? This isn't Cafe Habana...this is a downgrade. Habana is now merely a trashy, loud dance club (proven by the fact when we walked in we had to scream to talk to one another and were almost run over numerous times by rude and unapologetic hired security staff moving tables out of the way to set up a dance floor). All I can say is we are very, very disappointed. I realize there's another Cafe Habana in Royal Oak that has the same menu as Ann Arbor's former restaurant. But living in Plymouth, I don't particularly want to drive that far for dinner. That and Royal Oak's establishment lacks the space and atmosphere that made going to Cafe Habana in A2 a fun evening out. I am in my mid-30's and no longer seek out loud, clubby places. When I go out, I pick a place that helps me get away from a long work week and wind down peacefully...one that has great wine &/or mixed drinks and awesome food to entertain my palate. This renovated Habana is an utter disappointment. Guess we'll be looking for a new Cuban restaurant to frequent. Any takers? Frita Baditos/Eve...are you looking to expand into a sit-down/slightly more formal Cuban restaurant?
(1)Marnia H.
Stopped in for some chicken tacos. They have a watermelon BBQ sauce which was a nice Smokey sweet on top of shredded chicken and black beans. Had a macchu picchu drink. Tastes like pink starburst. Yum! it wasn't very busy for a homecoming weekend which was nice, it was basically the reason we stumbled in because my husband wanted a beer and a burger but all the meatheads were out so anything pub style was WAY packed. the server told us that some nights it becomes very "clubby" and that soon they will have other latin style dance nights as well as the thursday night salsa.
(3)