Café Habana is the coolest eatery in NYC. What’s the secret behind their permanent 30 to 45 minute wait and constant mob of people hanging out in front? It’s the crack they put on top of their Mexican style grilled corn of course. Once you’ve dabbled in it, it’s nearly impossible to not come back for more. Situated on an ideal corner in the heart of Soho, Café Habana is the big ticket. People come from far and wide to witness greatness at work. They cram themselves into the tiniest spaces, literally sitting on top of strangers next to them. Comfort is not something Habana achieves in the traditional sense; it’s something they achieve through their food. Their menu is straight up dirty (in a good way). Everything is cheap. Everything hits the spot.
Food Rundown:
Grilled Corn Mexican Style
You come to Habana, you order the corn. That’s just how it is. Crack ain’t wack.
Grilled Chicken & Corn Salad/Grilled Steak & Corn Salad
The mustard dressing they serve with these salads is a personal favorite of mine. They are a nice size, come loaded with protein, and are a great call for lunch on the weekends or dinner during the week. The tortilla chips are a nice touch.
Steak Sandwich (Lunch Menu or Delivery Menu)
Habana has my favorite steak sandwich in NYC. It’s usually one of the first things I try off a new menu and often find myself disappointed. Habana serves up skinny chunks of grilled skirt steak mixed in with grilled peppers and sauteed onions on warm Cuban bread that gets the job done right. Get an extra side of the spicy chipotle mayo to dip the fries in.
Cuban Sandwich
Glorious.
Pollo Mirador
A heaping plate of sauteed chicken smothered in a roasted garlic sauce and served with spicy sauteed spinach and white rice. One of my go-to entrees here, the sauce is ridiculous.
Tlacoyos De Tres Marias
Hand formed corn masa boat stuffed with goat cheese, black beans, and sun dried tomatoes. This is one of their signature dishes, and people can’t get enough.
Roast Pork/Grilled Pork Chop
It’s not my absolute favorite pork dish this city has to offer, but if you’re in the mood for it, this Caribbean style shredded pork dish or the grilled pork chop with wild mushroom and chipotle sauce come through in the clutch.
Burger
It’s hard to order the burger when there are so many other options to choose from, but you won’t be disappointed. My only issue is that it’s a little small.
Sweet Plantains & Tostones
These are obviously a must. The dipping sauce the tostones are served with is great.
Brunch
One of the better brunch spots around if you’re patient enough to get a table. If you’re smart, you’d come before eleven a.m. and sit down immediately. Mexican style eggs for six dollars anyone? Yes, please.
Challah French Toast with Seasonal Fruit
HUGE serving that is almost impossible to finish but AWESOME and topped with loads of fruit.
Molletes with Chorizo
Treat your hangover to this mound of toasted Cuban bread topped with black refried beans, melted cheese, and fresh tomato salsa.
Huevos Rancheros/Huevos Divorciados/Huevos A La Mexicana
All of their Mexican egg breakfast plates are great. You can’t go wrong.
Home Fries
My top three things at Habana: #1.) Grilled Corn #2.) Steak Sandwich #3.) Breakfast Home Fries – mashed potatoes with peppers and onions. So good.
