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New York City Out to Lunch – Cheap Eats

Havana Chelsea Restaurant

Tiny hangout serving Cuban home cooking--a best-kept secret in Chelsea.

The Scene

This vintage Cuban diner, with white acrylic tables, soft Spanish music humming pleasantly in the background and regulars casually hugging the counter, serves some of the cheapest, tastiest fare in the area. Just be patient: The two Spanish-speaking ladies at the front are the restaurant's only waitresses.

The Food

These Cuban sandwiches easily rank among the best in town. They're generously stuffed with Swiss cheese, ham, roast pork and garlicky pickles (be sure to ask for extra), all grilled to crispy perfection between hot plates, panini-style. But don't stop there--the menu offers much to be desired. The roast pork with sweet plantains is a house favorite, and the hearty, bright yellow chicken soup is surprisingly flavorful. Top off your meal with some apple-tasting Materva (malt) soda or a milky cappuccino-like coffee--and the eggy, dense caramel flan custard.

Take It Home

If you're taking your food to go, be sure to give your order as soon as you can (you may be ignored for the first five minutes--it's nothing personal), then return to pick it up in 15 minutes. For faster service, make like the locals and sit down.

Cuban Drinks

Feeling adventurous? Order one of the thick, somewhat oddly textured shakes (seemingly made with no ice cream), including the ominously-titled "To Die Dreaming" (orange and vanilla), or the Mamey (a non-sweet, pasty, somewhat bland fruit).

190 8th Ave
New York, NY 10011
Phone: (212) 243-9421