Habana Libre

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1440 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
Chicago, IL 60622

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(312) 243-3303
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Best

Habana Libre brought tears to my eyes! Being Cuban; but never having learned how to cook Cuban food. The food here couldn't be more authentic. It tasted exactly the way my pare...

Worst

All reviews seem positive

Editorial review from Citysearch 1/21/2013

I have driven past HABANA a few Thousand times on W. Chicago Ave ... The best review has to be you - Very good food the staff circus was not a wild event with waiters running around blind this was very very good .. You make that call I enjoyed my time here and the food is top notch and remember B.Y.O.B .. maybe the Alderman can pull some strings so they can make some Cuban drinks to complement the fair .. HABANA rates well above 5 Star status more
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Most Authentic Cuban Food, just like mami makes, affordable 12/15/2008

Habana Libre brought tears to my eyes! Being Cuban; but never having learned how to cook Cuban food. The food here couldn't be more authentic. It tasted exactly the way my parents would have prepared it. The atmosphere is simple; much like you might find in Miami. You come here to indulge in the wonderful cuisine. The food is cooked when ordered, couldn't be fresher! I have been back several times, even dining by myself. Brought my American friend (her first experience eating Cuban food) and she loved it too. I plan on ordering for Christmans eve dinner. Only wished I lived closer! YOU MUST VISIT! Any entre you chose you will love; ask the staff for their favorite. Cuban sandwiches out of this world. During the week no extended wait time! Pros: great food Cons: parking more
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Most Authentic Cuban Food, just like mami makes, affordable 12/15/2008

Habana Libre brought tears to my eyes! Being Cuban; but never having learned how to cook Cuban food. The food here couldn't be more authentic. It tasted exactly the way my parents would have prepared it. The atmosphere is simple; much like you might find in Miami. You come here to indulge in the wonderful cuisine. The food is cooked when ordered, couldn't be fresher! I have been back several times, even dining by myself. Brought my American friend (her first experience eating Cuban food) and she loved it too. I plan on ordering for Christmans eve dinner. Only wished I lived closer! YOU MUST VISIT! Any entre you chose you will love; ask the staff for their favorite. Cuban sandwiches out of this world. During the week no extended wait time! Pros: great food Cons: parking more
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Excellent, authentic Cuban food 12/2/2008

I grew up in Tampa, FL so I feel justified in claiming to know a thing or two about Cuban food. That said, Habana Libre was excellent and authentic. The dining room has a comfortable vibe, a touch tacky (in a good way). The tostones (fried green plantains.... mmmmm yummy), yuca frita, croquetes, arroz con frijoles negros, and palomilla steak are particularly tasty. The service was really good, the staff is friendly and helpful... the prices were good.... what's not to like?! Pros: good food, good service, good prices. Cons: Getting to the west loop can be a pain, depending on where you're coming from more
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Excellent, authentic Cuban food 12/2/2008

I grew up in Tampa, FL so I feel justified in claiming to know a thing or two about Cuban food. That said, Habana Libre was excellent and authentic. Pros: good food, good service, good prices. Cons: Getting to the west loop can be a pain, depending on where you're coming from more
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The food at Habana Libre is really good, from... 11/11/2007

The food at Habana Libre is really good, from the Hibarito to the congri to the empanadas. It's BYOB so... more
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The food at Habana Libre is really good, from... 11/11/2007

The food at Habana Libre is really good, from the Hibarito to the congri to the empanadas. It's BYOB so... more
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The food at Habana Libre is really good, from... 11/11/2007

richs Provided by Partner
The food at Habana Libre is really good, from the Hibarito to the congri to the empanadas. It's BYOB so bring your favorite bottle of wine or a ca... more
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The food at Habana Libre is really good, from... 11/11/2007

richs Provided by Partner
The food at Habana Libre is really good, from the Hibarito to the congri to the empanadas. It's BYOB so bring your favorite bottle of wine or a ca... more
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Thank You Habana Libre 5/20/2007

I live in the west loop and had seen a blurb about Habana Libre in Chicago magazine--having been itching for a cuban sandwich since my last trip to Florida, I had to try them out. The wait was LONG, but worth it! Next time I'll call ahead for take out--the restaurant was cute and is BYOB, it'd be great for a group and the price is right. Pros: Cuban Sandwich, BYOB Cons: Sloooooooooooooow more
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Thank You Habana Libre 5/20/2007

I live in the west loop and had seen a blurb about Habana Libre in Chicago magazine--having been itching for a cuban sandwich since my last trip to Florida, I had to try them out. The wait was LONG, but worth it! Next time I'll call ahead for take out--the restaurant was cute and is BYOB, it'd be great for a group and the price is right. Pros: Cuban Sandwich, BYOB Cons: Sloooooooooooooow more
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Chill place with yummy food 4/21/2007

I'd been wanting to try Habana Libre for a while and I am so glad I did. The service was friendly and the atmosphere and Cuban music were enjoyable enough that I didn't mind that it was a little slow. The food was great. I had the special - a whole snapper ith veggies. So good. My sister had the ropas viejas which she rated as good, but not great. My daughter loved her cuban sandwich and she is a picky eater. We went on a Saturday at around 6p and it was not crowded, but I could definitely see that we got there at the right time as I watched the place fill up around 7:30 p.m. Pros: great food, friendly service Cons: sometimes slow service more
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Chill place with yummy food 4/21/2007

I'd been wanting to try Habana Libre for a while and I am so glad I did. The service was friendly and the atmosphere and Cuban music were enjoyable enough that I didn't mind that it was a little slow. The food was great. I had the special - a whole snapper ith veggies. So good. My sister had the ropas viejas which she rated as good, but not great. My daughter loved her cuban sandwich and she is a picky eater. We went on a Saturday at around 6p and it was not crowded, but I could definitely see that we got there at the right time as I watched the place fill up around 7:30 p.m. Pros: great food, friendly service Cons: sometimes slow service more
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Authentic Tasty Cuban Cuisine; though it Can be Crowded with long waits for Entrees. 3/19/2007

The food is well above average, as evidenced by its popularity and full dining room. Problem is, they obviously have a small kitchen, and tables are served one at a time. Better plan on waiting at least an hour for your entrees, if you come at prime time on a Friday or Sat. evening. We enjoyed the Red Snapper Filets in a unique Creole sauce, as well as the Roast Pork in garlic sauce. Nice fillers were the included white rice and black beans in mole sauce. Not much atmosphere here, but it is BYOB. Though I would recommend this restaurant, I still strongly prefer La Cocina (See my Review). Pros: Red Snapper Filets with Creole Sauce; Roast Pork with Garlic Sauce; BYOB Cons: Crowded, and Slooow Service of Entrees more
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Authentic Tasty Cuban Cuisine; though it Can be Crowded with long waits for Entrees. 3/19/2007

The food is well above average, as evidenced by its popularity and full dining room. Problem is, they obviously have a small kitchen, and tables are served one at a time. Better plan on waiting at least an hour for your entrees, if you come at prime time on a Friday or Sat. evening. We enjoyed the Red Snapper Filets in a unique Creole sauce, as well as the Roast Pork in garlic sauce. Nice fillers were the included white rice and black beans in mole sauce. Not much atmosphere here, but it is BYOB. Though I would recommend this restaurant, I still strongly prefer La Cocina (See my Review). Pros: Red Snapper Filets with Creole Sauce; Roast Pork with Garlic Sauce; BYOB Cons: Crowded, and Slooow Service of Entrees more
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Cozy Cuban Comfort (BYO) 11/17/2006

Both family and date friendly, gringo and Cubano friendly, this warm restaurant is a pleasant respite for classic Cuban comfort food. The empanadas are light and flaky, not greasy; the lechon asada (thinly sliced roasted suckling pig) is tender and flavorful; the ceviche de camarones has a welcomed spicy kick to it; the black beans are clean and well-seasoned; the boiled yucca comes to life with olive oil and garlic; and the cafe de Cuba is approriately strong without being bitter. I have not tried it yet, but have heard very good things abot the ropas viejos (""old clthes"" - shredded beef). The staff is incredibly warm and hospitable, and the kitchen is efficient. Far less crowded than trendier, more expensive Cuban places. While the BYO certainly makes dinner more affordable, I must admit I missed a good mojito. Pros: solid and fresh Cuban comfort food Cons: A little heavy on the garlic more
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Cozy Cuban Comfort (BYO) 11/17/2006

Both family and date friendly, gringo and Cubano friendly, this warm restaurant is a pleasant respite for classic Cuban comfort food. The empanadas are light and flaky, not greasy; the lechon asada (thinly sliced roasted suckling pig) is tender and flavorful; the ceviche de camarones has a welcomed spicy kick to it; the black beans are clean and well-seasoned; the boiled yucca comes to life with olive oil and garlic; and the cafe de Cuba is approriately strong without being bitter. I have not tried it yet, but have heard very good things abot the ropas viejos ("old clthes" - shredded beef). The staff is incredibly warm and hospitable, and the kitchen is efficient. Far less crowded than trendier, more expensive Cuban places. While the BYO certainly makes dinner more affordable, I must admit I missed a good mojito. Pros: solid and fresh Cuban comfort food Cons: A little heavy on the garlic more
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Menu for Habana Libre


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Editorial

  • The Scene
    Mango-colored walls, vintage posters and gorgeous handpainted tiles with scenes of churches and palm trees conjure Cuba at this warm storefront in West Town. A row of...

  • 1/29/2007 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm Sun 12pm-10pm
  • Payments: Visa, Master Card
  • Neighborhoods: West Side, Goose Island
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