Havana Central - Times Square

“I had dinner here on a Friday night before a Broadway show and the place was packed. I had reservations and got seated fast. Fun vibes with live band playing salsa. I ordered Rice with Shrimp and plantains , Empanadas sampler and Pork. The entrees came with black beans and the portions were generous. The empanadas were delicious and I chose shrimp, beef and ropa vieja. Happy Hour is from 4-7pm and you can order the HH drinks from the table but if you want to order HH food, you have to be at the bar. Overall it was a great experience and I’d definitely go back. This is perfect for a bite and some drinks before your Broadway show. Follow me on Instagram @nj_4_fun”

“Very typical Cuban atmosphere with live music and an overall fun vibe. The portions were a very good size, of good quality, and at a fair price. Service was also great.”

“A really cool spot for some Cuban food in Manhattan. The restaurant had some cool Cuban vibes. The pictures and art work were a nice vibe. We started out with the assortment of three empanadas (beef, chicken and cheese) my personal favorite was the chicken. For my entree I only wanted a small plate, so I ordered the masitas de cerdo which were served with tostones. It was a perfect side (appetizer size) with a side order of avocado. My girlfriend had the white rice with black beans. Both dishes were good. As we were leaving, a small band was setting up to play. The service and decor were really nice. The waiter was quick to take care of all or dining needs. I recommend you do reservations in order to get a table.”

“This place was everything I didn’t even know I wanted. The best Sangria I’ve ever had, my steak was cooked to absolute perfection, the empanadas were drool worthy and our server, Edward surpassed any and all expectations. The “birthday song and Fedora” was the cherry on top of a perfect meal!”

“There’s a certain kind of New York afternoon that calls for Havana before you even realize it—especially when it’s timed just right. A block away from The Lost Boys, Havana Central becomes the perfect pre-show ritual: lively, warm, and effortlessly indulgent. The experience begins above you. A glowing marquee “HAVANA” sign casts a nostalgic, golden light over the room, setting a tone that feels equal parts theater and escape. It’s the kind of place where lunch doesn’t feel rushed—it feels like part of the outing. The menu reads like a love letter to Cuban comfort, polished for a Manhattan crowd. Start with the empanadas—golden, crisp, and unapologetically satisfying. The shell gives way with a delicate crunch, revealing a rich, savory filling that pairs perfectly with a bright, herb-forward dipping sauce. Then comes the surprise standout: the salad. Generous chunks of avocado, briny green olives, black beans, and bursts of tomato create something far more compelling than a side dish. It’s bold, textured, and fresh—the kind of plate that resets your palate while still holding its own. The entrée leans into comfort with confidence: mango salmon resting over yellow rice, finished with a bright, slightly tangy fruit salsa. The fish is tender and buttery, the sweetness of mango balanced by citrus and herbs. Corn adds a soft sweetness, while pickled onions bring a necessary snap—it’s vibrant, layered, and quietly the star of the table. And the drink? A mojito—icy, refreshing, and alive with mint and lime. It’s clean, crisp, and exactly what you want before heading into a show, the kind of cocktail that resets the palate and disappears faster than expected. But what truly defines the experience is the service. Daniela moves through the dining room with a calm, intuitive rhythm—attentive without interruption, warm without pretense. She reads the table effortlessly, guiding the meal so it flows as smoothly as the afternoon itself. The Verdict: Havana Central isn’t just a meal—it’s the perfect prelude. One block from The Lost Boys, it delivers Cuban classics with energy, polish, and just the right sense of occasion. With Daniela at the helm, lunch becomes part of the performance.”