Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine Espanola Way

"The saying “never judge a book by its cover" applies to Havana 1957 in every way, especially their vaca frita. You’ll see a lot of sunburnt tourists wearing Panama hats here, which isn’t usually a great sign. And the vaca frita looks like the sad tourist-trap variety that would usually startle an abuelita. But this place is actually one of the best Cuban restaurants in Miami, and the crucial charred bits of the vaca frita are hiding at the bottom. Mix it all up and enjoy your life lesson." - virginia otazo

"It’s not usually a good sign when you see tourists wearing Panama hats and awkwardly wielding cigars outside a Cuban restaurant. Expectations are even lower when that restaurant is in South Beach. But it turns out that Havana 1957 isn’t just popular because of its location on Española Way—the food here is very good. Service is fast and personable (unlike nearby tourist traps) and the mojitos are refreshing. You’ll find some other creative takes on Cuban food, like ropa vieja empanadas served with a sweet pepper sauce on the side. And although the vaca frita looks like the sad tourist-trap variety that would startle an abuelita, its taste would certainly make her happy. Just make sure to mix it up so it gets to know the vinegary onions. " - virginia otazo

"It’s not usually a good sign when you see tourists wearing Panama hats and awkwardly wielding cigars outside a Cuban restaurant. Expectations are even lower when that restaurant is in South Beach. But it turns out that Havana 1957 isn’t just popular because of its location on Española Way—the food here is very good. Service is fast and personable (unlike nearby tourist traps) and the mojitos are refreshing. You’ll find some other creative takes on Cuban food, like ropa vieja empanadas served with a sweet pepper sauce on the side. And although the vaca frita looks like the sad tourist-trap variety that would startle an abuelita, its taste would certainly make her happy. Just make sure to mix it up so it gets to know the vinegary onions. " - Virginia Otazo

"They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day so a pan con tortilla is the way to go. Havana 1957 steps it up by adding lechon (roasted pork), ham, cheese, and potato sticks to keep patrons full until lunchtime." - Stacy A. Moya