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Restaurant Locatorrestaurants open near meCaliforniaSanta Clara CountySan JoseBallbach and SOFArestaurants open in South 1st StreetHabana Cuba Restaurant
Habana Cuba Restaurant ico

Habana Cuba Restaurant
- 387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113

Cuban restaurant, Caribbean restaurant ★4.0 (86)·$10–20

387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

4.0
Easy way to order your food, tasty and made to order. It was terrific 👏 I barely finished the Alice... only thing might need improvement in my opinion is the espresso cubano... it just tastes like regular Nescafe...is not strong and sweet like the real deal. Other than that I'm coming back to try more plates!! - Sophie Canton
Habana Cuba Restaurant Overview Intro Vibe Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 86 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50

Habana Cuba Restaurant Introduce

For California residents seeking an authentic and vibrant taste of the Caribbean, look no further than Habana Cuba Restaurant. Nestled in the heart of the Golden State’s Silicon Valley, this establishment offers a genuine culinary journey to the streets of Havana. Celebrating Cuban and broader Caribbean flavors, Habana Cuba has built a reputation over two decades for its generous portions, commitment to traditional recipes, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere. It stands as a vibrant cultural and gastronomic beacon, being a Latinx and women-owned business that proudly serves the San Jose community and its visitors.

The restaurant provides a casual, cozy, and trendy environment, making it a popular spot for locals, groups, and tourists alike for both lunch and dinner. The menu is a delightful exploration of Cuban classics, prepared with a focus on fresh ingredients and authentic techniques. Staples include the slow-roasted pork Lechon A La Cubana, the hearty shredded beef dish Ropa Vieja, and the quintessential Sandwich Cubano, all of which draw rave reviews from California diners for their true-to-form flavor profiles.

The diverse menu expertly accommodates various dietary preferences, with a significant number of items marked as Gluten-Free (GF), as well as dedicated Vegan and Vegetarian options like the Tamal Vegetariano or the Veggie Platter. Appetizers, or Small Plates, are highly recommended to start your experience, with options such as the Cubano Sampler, Ceviche, and the fried plantains, Tostones or Yuca Frita Con Mojo De Ajo (served with their signature garlic sauce). Daily and weekend specials provide even more exciting options, like the Arroz con Pollo on Wednesdays or the impressive Seafood Paella on weekends.

Location and Accessibility

Habana Cuba Restaurant is strategically located in the bustling Downtown San Jose area, making it an accessible dining destination for anyone in the greater California region. It is situated inside the SoFA Market, a popular urban eatery and community dining space, which adds to its casual and trendy vibe. This location is conveniently close to the San Jose McEnery Convention Center, making it an excellent choice for convention attendees and business travelers, as well as local San Jose residents looking for a delicious, quick bite or a satisfying dinner.

The address places it directly on a primary thoroughfare:

  • Address: 387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Accessibility is a key priority for the restaurant, ensuring a welcoming environment for all patrons. The facility is equipped with a wheelchair accessible entrance, restroom, and seating, making it comfortable and convenient. Parking options in the vicinity include paid parking garages, paid parking lots, and paid street parking, which is typical for a vibrant Downtown California location. For pet owners, the restaurant offers dog-friendly options, allowing dogs in the outside seating area.

Services Offered

The services at Habana Cuba Restaurant go beyond just dine-in, providing various convenient options to meet the needs of the dynamic California lifestyle, whether for a quick meal or a large event.

  • Dine-in and Seating: Enjoy the casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere with full seating options, including outdoor seating for a comfortable open-air experience.
  • Takeout and Quick Bites: Perfect for professionals and busy individuals in Silicon Valley needing a quick, quality meal.
  • Delivery and No-Contact Delivery: Convenient services are available for those who prefer to enjoy their authentic Cuban meal at home or the office.
  • Catering Food and Drink Supplier: As an official catering supplier, Habana Cuba is an excellent choice for corporate events, family celebrations, and large gatherings in the San Jose area, offering specialties like the Cuban Sandwiches and hearty plates to groups.
  • Counter Service: Offers an efficient ordering process, particularly during busy lunch and dinner times.
  • Private Dining Room: An option for those planning more intimate or group gatherings.

Features / Highlights

Habana Cuba is more than just a restaurant; it’s an immersive experience, blending food, culture, and community. Several key features make it a standout choice for Californian diners:

  • Authentic Cuban & Caribbean Cuisine: Specializes in authentic dishes like Ropa Vieja, Lechon A La Cubana, and the popular Sandwich Cubano, with many entrees being naturally gluten-free.
  • Great Coffee: The restaurant is known for its excellent coffee, including the classic Cuban espresso, a necessary highlight for a true Cuban culinary experience.
  • Live Music: Adding a dynamic cultural flair, the venue features live music, enhancing the festive and authentic Cuban vibe, perfect for an engaging night out.
  • Local Specialty & Organic Dishes: A commitment to quality is shown through the offering of local specialties and organic dish options.
  • Diverse Offerings: Provides comfort food, quick bites, small plates, vegan options, and a full bar onsite, ensuring something for every taste and occasion.
  • Atmosphere and Crowd: The casual, cozy, and trendy environment appeals to a wide audience, including groups, locals, and tourists, making it a social hub in Downtown San Jose.

Contact Information

Whether you are planning a visit for dinner or looking to arrange catering for an event in California, the team at Habana Cuba Restaurant is easily reachable.

  • Address: 387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113, USA
  • Phone: (408) 998-2822
  • Mobile Phone: +1 408-998-2822

What is Worth Choosing

In a culinary landscape as vast as California’s, Habana Cuba Restaurant distinguishes itself by offering genuine, hearty Cuban and Caribbean food with exceptional dedication to tradition and quality. It’s worth choosing for several compelling reasons. Firstly, its long-standing presence and status as a Latinx and women-owned business rooted in family tradition for over 20 years ensures authenticity in every dish. Customers frequently praise the authenticity and generous portions, often highlighting the Ropa Vieja, Lechon, and the highly-rated garlic sauce that accompanies many dishes.

Secondly, the restaurant's location in the vibrant SoFA Market in Downtown San Jose, combined with amenities like the on-site bar, Wi-Fi, and live music, makes it an ideal spot for a complete evening out. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, catering to a diverse crowd looking for a great dining experience that goes beyond the food. It's a place where you can relax, feel cozy, and still enjoy a trendy, lively setting.

Finally, the extensive and accommodating menu ensures that virtually every diner, from meat-lovers to those seeking vegan or gluten-free options, will find a delicious and satisfying meal. The wide array of appetizers and sides, like the perfect Sweet Plantains and Moros y Cristianos (Cuban Rice), allow for a truly customized Cuban feast. For those in California, Habana Cuba Restaurant is an essential stop for a vibrant, flavorful, and culturally rich dining experience.

Habana Cuba Restaurant Vibe

  • SPECIALS

    Daily and weekend specials!

  • Monday Special- Pechuga Empanizada Sandwich $14.00

    breaded chicken marinated in garlic/olive oil and fried to perfection! served with sweet plantains. **only available on MONDAYS. While supplies last.

  • Wednesday Special- Arroz con Pollo $15.00

    chicken stewed in an herbal tomato saffron rice with green olives and raisins. Served with sweet plantains. Available ONLY on Wednesdays while supplies last.

  • Thursday Special- Vaca Frita Sandwich $14.00

    shredded beef sautéed in a garlic/olive oil and fried. served with sweet plantains. ***available ONLY on Thursdays. While supplies last

  • Weekend Special- Fricase de Puerco $15.00

    pork stewed in an herbal tomato base with potatoes and green olives. served with sweet plantains, white rice and black beans. ** available ONLY on Fridays-Sunday. While supplies last

  • Weekend Special- Seafood Paella $40.00

    AVAILABLE ONLY FRIDAY AFTER 5PM-SUNDAY 6PM. DO NOT ORDER OUT OF THIS TIME FRAME. WE WILL NOT SERVE. Saffron rice cooked in a tomato base with Chilean sea bass, shrimp, clams and lobster. Served with sweet plantains. No substitutions.

  • Surtido $25.00

    A combination of your favorites! Choose 3 entrees- Lechon, Ropa Vieja, Fricase de Pollo, Pechuga de Pollo or Vaca Frita.

  • SMALL PLATES/APPETIZERS

  • Ceviche- GF $14.00

    prawns marinated in our cucumber and mango salsa. served with tostones.

  • Camarones Al Ajillo -Market Only GF $14.00

    prawns sauteed in a white wine garlic sauce with green olives and parsley.

  • Masitas De Puerco- GF $9.00

    marinated chunks of pork.

  • Papas Rellenas $9.00

    Fred picadillo stuffed potato balls.

  • Tamal Cubano- GF $10.00

    cuban corn tamale topped with your choice of ropa vieja, lechon or sofrito (GF-VEGAN- VEGETARIAN). ** we know have fricase de pollo (chicken stew)

  • Tostones- GF $8.00

    fried crispy green plantains served with garlic dipping sauce.

  • Yuca Frita Con Mojo De Ajo-GF $8.00

    fried yucca served with garlic dipping sauce.

  • Bocaditos $9.00

    cuban sandwich cut into fours-slow roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on french bread.

  • Cubano Sampler- GF $18.00

    Combination of papas rellenas, yuca frita, masitas, and tostones. Served with our fresh garlic dipping sauce.

  • Beef Empanadas $8.00

    Picadillo with raisins, peppers and olives.

  • SALAD AND SOUP

    SEASONAL

  • Ensalada de Pollo $14.00

    Mixed greens with cucumber, carrots, green olives topped with grilled marinated chicken. Served with balsamic vinaigrette.

  • Mixed Salad-GF $3.00

    spring mix with tomatoes and carrots. served with vinaigrette.

  • SANDWICHES

    served with your choice of one: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) *** NOT GLUTEN-FREE****

  • Sandwich Cubano $14.00

    our traditional roasted pork, ham, swiss cheese, mustard and pickles grilled and pressed.

  • Sandwich De Pollo $14.00

    grilled boneless chicken breast marintated in garlic and topped with grilled onions.

  • Pan Con Lechon $14.00

    marinated slow roasted pork.

  • The "Alice" Cubano $16.00

    0ur classic cubano topped with grilled chicken- jersey style!

  • ENTREES - CARNES / MEAT

    served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) All items are GLUTEN-FREE

  • Lechon A La Cubana-GF $15.00

    our traditional cuban dish! slow roasted pork marinated in cuban herbs and citrus juices.

  • Tamal Cubano Con Puerco- GF $16.00

    cuban corn tamale topped with roasted pork.

  • Ropa Vieja-GF $15.00

    shredded beef stewed in a tomato sauce with green bell peppers, onions and cuban herbs.

  • Masitas De Puerco- GF $15.00

    marinated morsels of pork.

  • Tamal Cubano Con Carne-GF $17.00

    cuban corn tamale topped with shredded beef.

  • Oxtail-GF $18.00

    braised in a garlic, tomato base with a hint of red wine and pepper.

  • Vaca Frita-GF $15.00

    Shredded beef soaked in garlic, olive oil and lemon and fried on the grill. Topped with grilled onions.

  • Carne con Papas-GF $16.00

    Chunks of beef sautéed in our herbal tomato base with olives and potatoes.

  • Surtido- GF $25.00

    A combination of your favorites! Choose 3 entrees- Lechon, Ropa Vieja, Pechuga de Pollo, Fricase de Pollo, Tamal Sofrito and Vaca Frita (+2).

  • ENTREES - POLLO / CHICKEN

    served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) All items are GLUTEN-FREE

  • Pechuga De Pollo A La Plancha- GF $15.00

    grilled boneless chicken breast marinated in fresh garlic and olive oil. topped with grilled onions.

  • Pechuga Emapanizada $17.00

    breaded chicken breast marinated in fresh garlic/olive oil and fried to perfection! NOT gluten-free.

  • Tamal con Fricase- GF $17.00

    cuban corn tamal topped with fricase de pollo (chicken stew)

  • Fricase de Pollo-GF $16.00

    Chicken stewed in an herbal tomato base with olives and potatoes.

  • ENTREES - MARISCOS / SEAFOOD-(MARKET ONLY)

    served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) . All items are GLUTEN-FREE

  • Camarones Al Ajillo- Market only- GF $17.00

    prawns sautéed in a garlic white wine sauce with green olives.

  • Enchilado De Camarones- Market only- GF $17.00

    prawns sautéed in a light tomato sauce with green bell peppers, onions and green olives.

  • Cuban Seafood Paella- GF $40.00

    AVAILABLE ONLY FRIDAY AFTER 5PM-SUNDAY 6PM. DO NOT ORDER OUT OF THIS TIME FRAME. WE WILL NOT SERVE. LIMITED TIME Saffron rice cooked in a tomato base with Chilean sea bass, shrimp, clams and lobster. Served with sweet plantains. No substitutions.

  • ENTREES - VEGETARIANO / VEGETARIAN

    served with your choice of 3: sweet plantains, black beans, white rice, garden salad w/vinaigrette(+2), tostones(+2), yuca frita(+2), gandules(+2), or moros (+2) . All items are GLUTEN-FREE

  • Tamal Vegetariano- GF $16.00

    cuban corn tamal topped with sofrito

  • Veggie Platter- GF $14.00

    served with sofrito-saute of onions, green bell peppers, tomatoes, garlic and cuban herbs.

  • Omelet Español- GF $15.00

    egg omelet fried with plantains. served with tomatoes.

  • ACOMPAÑAMIETOS / SIDES

  • Arroz Blanco- GF

    white rice.

  • Platanos Maduros- GF

    sweet plantains.

  • Frijoles Negros- GF

    black beans.

  • Moros- Cuban Rice- GF

    Black beans and rice

  • Gandules- GF

    Green pigeon peas with saffron rice

  • BEBIDAS IMPORTADAS / IMPORTED SOFT DRINKS

    *not always available. Call ahead.

  • Iron Beer, Cuba $3.00
  • Jupiña, South America $3.00
  • Malta, Cuba $4.00
  • Manzana- Colombia $3.00
  • Coke $3.00
  • Sparkling Water $4.00
  • Diet Coke $3.00
  • Bottled Water $2.00
  • Materva $4.00
  • Guarana- Brazil $4.00
  • Colombiana $3.00
  • Inca $3.00
  • JUGOS / JUICES

  • SEASONAL $4.00

    Mango, guava, blackberry, guanoabana, and passion fruit. Please call for availability.

  • DESSERTS

    limited quantity

  • Flan $5.00

    traditional cuban custard

  • Arroz con Leche $5.00

    cuban rice pudding

  • APPETIZERS / SIDES

  • Masitas- GF

    gluten-free, dairy free

  • Sweet Plantains-GF

    vegetarian, vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy free

  • Tostones- GF

    vegetarian, vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy free *** not recommended unless eating right away. Tends to get soggy after time.

  • Yuca Frita- GF

    vegetarian, vegan, organic, gluten-free, dairy free

  • Beef Empanadas

    *** need a minimum of 72 hours to order this.

  • Ceviche- GF

    gluten-free, dairy free shrimp ceviche. Does not include tostones.

  • Papas Rellenas

    ** need at least 72 hours to place this order.

  • Mixed Salad- GF

    vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, organic spring mix, tomato, cucumber and carrots. served with balsamic vinaigrette

  • Avocado Salad- GF

    vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy free, organic spring mix, tomato, cucumber, shredded carrots and avocado served with balsamic vinaigrette

  • Tropical Salad- GF

    vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy free, organic spring mix, , tomato, cucumber, shredded carrots, . mango, avocado, and pineapple. served with balsamic vinaigrette

  • RICE- GF

    gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, dairy free

  • White Rice

    vegetarian, vegan

  • Gandules

    saffron rice with pigeon peas

  • Moros y Cristianos

    Cuban rice

  • BEANS- GF

  • Black beans

    vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy free

  • TAMALES-GF

  • Lechon - Pork

    gluten-free

  • Ropa vieja - Beef

    gluten-free

  • Fricase de pollo

    gluten-free

  • Sofrito- Veggie

    gluten-free, vegetarian

  • MEATS-GF

  • Lechon a la cubana

    gluten-free, dairy free

  • Ropa vieja

    gluten-free, dairy free

  • Vaca frita

    gluten-free, dairy free

  • Carne con Papas

    gluten-free, dairy free

  • CHICKEN- GF

  • Pechuga de pollo- GF

    gluten-fre, dairy free

  • Fricase de Pollo

    gluten-free, dairy free

  • Arroz con Pollo

    gluten-free, dairy free

  • Desserts

  • Flan

    gluten-free

  • Arroz con Leche

    gluten-free

  • Salsas

  • Ajo

    fresh garlic, lemon and olive oil. Perfect for dipping! gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian

  • House salsa

    gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian

  • Habanero Ranch

    gluten-free, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian

  • Pico de Gallo

    Vegan/Vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free, gluten-free

Habana Cuba Restaurant Details

  • Service options

  • Outdoor seating
  • No-contact delivery
  • Delivery
  • Onsite services
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Great coffee
  • Live music
  • Serves local specialty
  • Sports
  • Popular for

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance
  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Organic dishes
  • Private dining room
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegan options
  • Dining options

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Counter service
  • Dessert
  • Seating
  • Amenities

  • Bar onsite
  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Trendy
  • Crowd

  • Groups
  • Locals
  • Tourists
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • High chairs
  • Parking

  • Paid parking garage
  • Paid parking lot
  • Paid street parking
  • Pets

  • Dogs allowed
  • Dogs allowed outside

Habana Cuba Restaurant Photos

Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 1Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 2Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 3Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 4Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 5Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 6Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 7Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 8Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 9Habana Cuba Restaurant Picture 10

Habana Cuba Restaurant Location

Habana Cuba Restaurant

387 S 1st St Suite 109, San Jose, CA 95113, USA

Habana Cuba Restaurant Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 679 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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