Havana Harry's - Your Go-To Cuban Spot
When folks talk about a real taste of Cuba in Miami, one name often pops up: Havana Harry's. This place, in Coral Gables, has been serving up delicious meals for a good long while, and it has certainly made a name for itself among those who enjoy the flavors of the island. It's a spot where many go for a meal that feels like home cooking, just with a little extra flair, and that's something people really seem to appreciate, you know?
For years, this spot has been a regular stop for locals and visitors alike, offering a menu that tries to bring a bit of Cuban comfort to South Florida. It’s a place that, in a way, has seen many family gatherings and happy moments over plates of food. People often share good stories about their visits here, and that, arguably, speaks volumes about its place in the community, especially when you think about how many places there are to eat around here.
But like any place that's been around for a while, there have been some ups and downs. While it has gathered many good reviews and even some special nods from food guides, there have also been some recent events that got people talking. It's a story with different sides, and we're here to look at what makes Havana Harry's what it is, and what people are saying about it, more or less, so you can get the full picture.
Table of Contents
- The Roots of Havana Harry's
- What Makes Havana Harry's a Local Favorite?
- Havana Harry's - What Do People Really Think?
- Havana Harry's and the Michelin Guide - A Culinary Spotlight
- Ordering From Havana Harry's - At Your Fingertips
- What Happened with Havana Harry's Recent Closure?
- What Does This Mean for Havana Harry's Future?
- Finding Havana Harry's - Your Next Meal Awaits
The Roots of Havana Harry's
The story of Havana Harry's really starts with a person, George, who came to the United States from Cuba back in 1965. He arrived with his parents, bringing just the clothes they had on their backs, a common tale for many who made the move at that time. This personal history, you know, gives the place a real sense of its origins and the spirit behind the food. It's not just a restaurant; it's a piece of someone's personal journey, and that, in a way, makes it feel more genuine for people who visit.
The Habers, George's family, are known as a group who work hard and stick together. They really enjoy spending time with each other whenever they get a chance, and they definitely know how to have a good time. This family connection, you could say, shows up in the way Havana Harry's runs. It’s almost like they’re inviting you into their own home for a meal, which is a feeling many customers appreciate. This sense of closeness, in fact, helps set the tone for the whole dining experience, making it feel less like a business and more like a gathering.
Havana Harry's first opened its doors in 1995, and since then, it has grown to be a signature Cuban spot in Miami. It has been around for quite a while, building a reputation for itself as a place where you can get a good, solid Cuban meal. The long history, you know, speaks to its ability to stay relevant and keep people coming back for more, even as the food scene around it changes. It’s pretty much a fixture in the Coral Gables area, which, honestly, says a lot about its lasting appeal.
What Makes Havana Harry's a Local Favorite?
So, what exactly keeps people coming back to Havana Harry's? Well, for one thing, they serve what they call "Cuban American fusion" fare. This means you get the classic Cuban tastes you love, but with a little something extra, perhaps a twist that makes it new and interesting. It's a blend that, apparently, hits the spot for many diners looking for something familiar yet also a bit different, giving them a reason to choose this spot over others, and that's something to consider.
When you look at the menu, some items truly stand out. They invite you to try their flan, which has won awards, or their mojito, which was even voted one of the "top ten mojitos" in Miami. These specific items, you know, really show that Havana Harry's puts effort into making certain dishes and drinks something special. It’s like they have a few signature items that people just have to try, and that, in fact, draws a crowd who are looking for those particular tastes.
No matter the time of day, Havana Harry's aims to be a welcoming place. Whether you are looking for breakfast to start your day, a midday meal, an evening dinner, or even a happy hour drink or a late-night bite, they try to have something for everyone. It’s a spot that, quite literally, works for any occasion, making it a perfect place to gather "la familia" and find a seat together. This flexibility, you know, makes it a convenient choice for many different plans, and that's a big plus for a lot of folks.
Havana Harry's - What Do People Really Think?
When you check out what people are saying online, like on TripAdvisor, Havana Harry's has gathered quite a bit of feedback. There are over a thousand reviews, 1,016 to be exact, and the place has an average score of 4.2 out of 5. This score, you know, puts it in a pretty good position, as it's ranked number 6 out of 246 restaurants in Coral Gables. That’s a good sign for any eating spot, really, showing that many people have had good experiences there, and that's a pretty strong indicator.
Beyond the numbers, individual comments often speak volumes. People have described their meals as "fantastic" and the food as "yummy," which are words that convey real satisfaction. Many people also say they "highly recommend trying this restaurant if you like Cuban food!" These personal endorsements, you know, carry a lot of weight for those trying to decide where to eat. It’s almost like getting a personal suggestion from a friend, which, in fact, makes it more appealing to try out for yourself.
Havana Harry's also got a nod from the New Times, which named it one of the best places in Coral Gables this year. This kind of recognition, you know, helps confirm its standing in the local food scene. It’s one thing for customers to say good things, but when a publication also points out its quality, it adds another layer of credibility. This kind of mention, arguably, helps more people discover the place and see what all the talk is about, which is pretty neat.
Havana Harry's and the Michelin Guide - A Culinary Spotlight
It's pretty interesting that Havana Harry's has been featured in the Michelin Guide, not just once, but in 2022, 2023, and 2024. This guide, you know, is a big deal in the food world, and getting a mention means a place is doing something special. They were even called out as one of Miami's "best Cuban restaurants," which is a pretty high compliment to receive. This kind of praise, in fact, puts Havana Harry's on a map for people who really care about where they eat, and that's a big deal for any restaurant.
Being listed in such a well-known guide, especially for several years running, shows a consistent level of quality in their Cuban food. It suggests that the people who put the guide together see something special in what Havana Harry's offers. This kind of recognition, you know, can really draw attention from folks who might not otherwise have heard about the place. It's a sign that they are doing something right with their food, and that, in some respects, helps them stand out from the crowd.
Ordering From Havana Harry's - At Your Fingertips
For those times when you can't make it to the restaurant, Havana Harry's also offers delivery and take-out options. This means you can enjoy their food from the comfort of your own place, which is pretty convenient, honestly. You can order online, choosing from a variety of items like appetizers, beef dishes, and ceviche. It’s a good way to get a taste of Havana Harry's without having to step out, and that, in a way, makes their food more accessible to more people.
They also suggest ordering direct from them to get the best prices and service. This is often a good tip for any restaurant, as it helps them avoid fees from other services and usually means your order goes straight to their kitchen. It’s a straightforward way to get your food, and it helps the restaurant too, you know? So, if you are planning to get food to go, it's worth checking out their direct ordering options, and that, pretty much, helps everyone involved.
What Happened with Havana Harry's Recent Closure?
Recently, Havana Harry's faced a temporary closure, which certainly got people talking. This happened after a state inspection, which was spurred by a customer complaint. The inspection, you know, found some issues, including what was described as vermin and other food safety violations. It’s the kind of news that, naturally, makes people wonder about a place they might usually visit, and that, honestly, is a pretty serious matter for any eating spot.
There was also some discussion about whether Havana Harry's had misled customers about why they had to close their doors. A local news investigation, specifically by reporter Jeff Weinsier at WPLG Local 10, looked into these claims. The temporary shutdown was tied to a roach issue found during the health check. This situation, you know, brought a lot of attention to the restaurant, and that, in fact, created a bit of a stir in the community.
The restaurant, a Cuban staple, was shut down on a Monday due to these findings. It’s a challenging situation for any business, especially one that has been around for so long and has such a strong connection with its customers. The details of the inspection, you know, were shared publicly, and that, as a matter of fact, meant many people in the area became aware of what had happened, which is something that can be hard to deal with.
What Does This Mean for Havana Harry's Future?
After a temporary closure, a place like Havana Harry's has a job to do in getting back on track and, perhaps, rebuilding trust with its customers. The hope is always to see a beloved spot overcome these kinds of challenges and continue to serve the community. They do invite people to book a table with them and express a hope to see customers soon. This shows, you know, they are looking to move forward and welcome people back to their tables, and that, in a way, is a positive sign.
Even with recent difficulties, the restaurant still talks about how nothing says celebration like delicious and authentic Cuban food. This suggests they are focused on what they do best: providing a good meal for special times or just a regular day. It’s a reminder that, at its heart, Havana Harry's is about the food and the experience it offers, and that, arguably, is what they want people to remember most when they think about the place, you know?
They continue to invite people to book a table at their Coral Gables spot, located in Florida. You can explore their menu, look at photos of the food, and read some of the reviews. Despite the recent events, they are still open for business and hope to be a place where people can gather and enjoy a meal. It’s pretty clear they want to keep serving their community, and that, honestly, is what many long-standing places try to do, especially after a rough patch.
Finding Havana Harry's - Your Next Meal Awaits
If you are thinking about visiting Havana Harry's, you can find them in Coral Gables, Florida. Their address is 4612 South Le Jeune Road, and that puts them right in the heart of a popular area for eating out. Knowing where they are, you know, makes it easier to plan a visit, whether you are coming from nearby or from a bit further away. It’s a spot that’s pretty well-known in the area, and that, in fact, makes it simple to locate for most people.
You can book a table with them directly, which is a good way to make sure you get a spot, especially if you are planning to go during a busy time. They do express a
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