Glenn Lindgren: Hispanic Magazine named it one of the "Top 50 Best Spanish Restaurants" in the Country, so Habana Cuba Restaurant in San Jose must be doing something right!

Jorge Castillo: The menu is simple, not extensive. The chef wisely concentrates on a limited selection of entrees that are made to order.

Glenn Lindgren: The masitas here are very good. The meat is tender and juicy – you almost don't need a knife.

Jorge Castillo: The tamales are good, though a bit pricey because they serve them with your choice of meat on the side. The meat addition didn't do anything for the tamal.

Raúl Musibay: We wish they would just serve the tamales individually as an appetizer or a meal, they are actually very delicious all by themselves.

Jorge Castillo: They make their croquetas with turkey here, a variation that misses the mark.

Glenn Lindgren: They do serve a Cuban sandwich here, but alas the bread is not Cuban. On the plus side, a good helping of real roast pork, on the minus side – not enough ham or cheese.

The Cuban Sampler gives you a taste of several appetizers. However, we'd stick with the masitas, tostones, and yuca fries.

Raúl Musibay: This is a very nice restaurant spread over two floors. They have a very nice patio for outdoor dining. The people are very friendly here.

Jorge Castillo: At dinner, every entrée comes with soup or salad, plus white rice and your choice of plátanos maduros, frijoles negros, or yuca con ajo.

Glenn Lindgren: The Galacia soup is a Spanish favorite that features garbanzo beans and is rich with chunks of ham, onions, tender carrots, and green peas.

Jorge Castillo: Another thing I like about Habana Cuba is the extensive selection of wine and best yet – the opportunity to sample several varieties in a special wine sampler. These "flights," as they are called, are grouped by category. You get to enjoy a two-ounce taste of each wine in your selected flight. A great idea!

The Cuban sandwich is tasty and makes a good choice at lunch. Be sure to tell them to hold the mustard.

Pollo de la plancha nicely presented.

Glenn Lindgren: A creamy flan or a rich Coco rallado con Queso (Grated coconut and cheese) is a great way to top off your meal.

Habana Cuba

HOURS:

LUNCH: Tuesday through Friday 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
DINNER: Tuesday through Thursday 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. | Friday 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. | Saturday 4:00 p.m. to
10:00 p.m. | Closed Monday

PRICES: Most entrees in the $14 to $26 range. Cheaper at lunch.

DRESS: Casual

BAR: Wine and beer only

CARDS: Yes

WEBSITE: 998cuba.com

The Details