(312) 243-3303
1440 W Chicago Ave
Chicago,
IL
60622
41.8967
-87.6649
Neighborhoods: Goose Island, West Side
Hours:
Mon-Thu 11am-10pm
Fri-Sat 11am-11pm
Sun 12pm-10pm
Price:
$
Last updated 9.11.08
Category:
Payment Methods:
Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, B.Y.O.B., Quiet, Hidden Find, Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats
General Info:
Open 7 Days
Cuisine:
What People Are Saying About Habana Libre
Featured Review
Valerie Moloney
Contributor
The Scene – Mango-colored walls, vintage posters and gorgeous handpainted tiles with scenes of churches and palm trees conjure Cuba at this warm storefront in West Town. A row of linen-topped tables divides the single-room space, with a mirrored nook on the left and vinyl booths to the right. Rumba beats punch up the mood for a neighorhood mix of hipsters, families and couples on dates. Service is slow, but friendly. – – The Food – The classics are knockouts--in all their garlicky, fried goodness. Flaky golden brown empanadas are best stuffed with beef, despite pork…
Editor's Tips
- Know Before You Go:
- The arroz con pollo--a signature chicken with rice dish--takes 45 minutes to an hour of cooking time and is large enough for four people. Order it to savor as a leftover the next day.
- Parking:
- Metered slots are available on Chicago Avenue.
- B.Y.O.B.:
- The restaurant is B.Y.O.B., so don't forget to snag a bottle or some brews before dining here. There is no corkage fee.
| ambiance | 100.0% positive |
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|---|---|---|
| food quality | 93.75% positive |
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| overall | 100.0% positive |
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| service | 100.0% positive |
|
| value | 75.0% positive |
|
| wait time | 100.0% positive |
|
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
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
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
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
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
The Details on Habana Libre
Place Categories:
- affordable authentic cuban food
- favorite cuban restaurant
- helpful staff
- clean black beans
- friendly service
- authentic habana libre
- unique creole sauce
- comfortable touch tacky
- enjoyed red snapper filets
- enjoyable atmosphere
- delicious bread
- yummy mmmmm
- comfortable vibe
- enjoyable cuban music
- nice fillers
- amazing rice
- particularly tasty palomilla steak
- good mojito
- garlicky delicious dippi
- wonderful cuisine
- more affordable dinner
- great place
- pleasant respite
- full dining room
- more expensive cuban places


