Havana Café: Cuban Flair on Indy’s Westside
This diner is a real family affair. Having opened up the Havana Café in February 2009, first time restaurant owner Walter Rivera is proud of his new establishment. While Walter takes time out front to talk to the customers, his mother is one of the chefs cooking up a Cuban storm in the kitchen.
The restaurant is fairly small but cute, with coastal scenes of Havana painted on the walls. Walter explains with excitement that he is soon planning to host live events to complement the authentic Cuban cuisine.
Cuban food is typically a blend of Spanish and African food and traditionally served with black beans, rice and plantains. At the Havana Café, just off West 38th Street, the menu is full and serves breakfast, sandwiches, entrees and desserts. Try the tasty Cubano Sandwich, a blend of sliced pork, ham, cheese, mustard and pickles.
Entrees include the Bisteck de Palomilla, Cuban cut steak, salad and French fries. The seafood selection offers Paella Valenciana, which is so fresh that it takes about 30 minutes to prepare. This dish serves two people and includes a glass of wine or sangria.
Specials are offered every day. Walter highly recommends the Ropa Vieja, a mix of shredded beef in a tomato base sauce, rice and black beans. Also sample the Fricase de Pollo, a crisp Chicken Fricase with rice and plantains.
The food is spicy but not overdone and packed with flavor. All of the sauces and salsas are all made from scratch and all portions are large while medium portions can be ordered for kids at half-price.
HelloIndianapolis Tip: Dine at the Havana Café on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday and order two for $20, which includes appetizer, entrée and dessert.
- by Jim Brown , Indianapolis Reporter for HelloMetro
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Jim Brown Jim Brown is a longtime freelance aviation, travel and destination writer and communications professional. A former reporter for Aviation Daily, Air Safety Week and World Airline News, Jim served for more than 15 years as a senior public relations executive for American Airlines, TWA and AirTran Airways.
