Habana Libre

12/15/08

Most Authentic Cuban Food, just like mami makes, affordable

by lovefood100 at Citysearch

Habana Libre brought tears to my eyes! Being Cuban; but never having learned how to cook Cuban food. The food here couldn't be more authentic. It tasted exactly the way my parents would have prepared it. The atmosphere is simple; much like you might find in Miami. You come here to indulge in the wonderful cuisine. The food is cooked when ordered, couldn't be fresher! I have been back several times, even dining by myself. Brought my American friend (her first experience eating Cuban food) and she loved it too. I plan on ordering for Christmans eve dinner. Only wished I lived closer! YOU MUST VISIT! Any entre you chose you will love; ask the staff for their favorite. Cuban sandwiches out of this world. During the week no extended wait time!

• Pros: great food
• Cons: parking

12/02/08

Excellent, authentic Cuban food

by hastalavictoriasiempre at Citysearch

I grew up in Tampa, FL so I feel justified in claiming to know a thing or two about Cuban food. That said, Habana Libre was excellent and authentic.

The dining room has a comfortable vibe, a touch tacky (in a good way). The tostones (fried green plantains.... mmmmm yummy), yuca frita, croquetes, arroz con frijoles negros, and palomilla steak are particularly tasty. The service was really good, the staff is friendly and helpful... the prices were good.... what's not to like?!

• Pros: good food, good service, good prices.
• Cons: Getting to the west loop can be a pain, depending on where you're coming from

05/20/07

Thank You Habana Libre

by ange83 at Citysearch

I live in the west loop and had seen a blurb about Habana Libre in Chicago magazine--having been itching for a cuban sandwich since my last trip to Florida, I had to try them out. The wait was LONG, but worth it! Next time I'll call ahead for take out--the restaurant was cute and is BYOB, it'd be great for a group and the price is right.

• Pros: Cuban Sandwich, BYOB
• Cons: Sloooooooooooooow

04/21/07

Chill place with yummy food

by daphnes at Citysearch

I'd been wanting to try Habana Libre for a while and I am so glad I did. The service was friendly and the atmosphere and Cuban music were enjoyable enough that I didn't mind that it was a little slow. The food was great. I had the special - a whole snapper ith veggies. So good. My sister had the ropas viejas which she rated as good, but not great. My daughter loved her cuban sandwich and she is a picky eater. We went on a Saturday at around 6p and it was not crowded, but I could definitely see that we got there at the right time as I watched the place fill up around 7:30 p.m.

• Pros: great food, friendly service
• Cons: sometimes slow service

03/19/07

Authentic Tasty Cuban Cuisine; though it Can be Crowded with long waits for Entrees.

by mrjustice at Citysearch

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

• Pros: Red Snapper Filets with Creole Sauce; Roast Pork with Garlic Sauce; BYOB
• Cons: Crowded, and Slooow Service of Entrees