Habana At Irvine Spectrum
I have lived in Orange County for most of my life and I have eat at a LOT of restaurants. But nothing gets me more excited than trying a NEW restaurant. Habana has been around for 25 years and I am embarrassed to say that it wasn’t until I was in my mid 40’s that I finally tried it. I could kickmyself for not doing it sooner because I was so impressed! from the lively Latin music to the lovely decor, it feels like you’re in a grand hotel in Cuba.
Habana Food and Drink
The Food at Cabana is very flavorful and authentic and the drink selection was plentiful. I especially loved the mojitos and the old fashions made with Bacardi 8. Everything seemed to have it’s own little twist or flare which I enjoyed. Right now Mojitos are on sale for $5 until the 20th!
With all the heat we have been having, a Paloma is also a great way to cool down on the patio. This tequila based cocktail is prepared by mixing tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda and served on the rocks with a lime wedge and Tahin rim.
I highly recommend ordering the empanadas. These Handmade pastries are filled with chicken picadillo, roasted corn and cotija cheese and come with a mango slaw, banana habanero ketchup. You will not be disappointed.
Another favorite was the pork croquettas. This slow roasted pork, swiss and manchego cheeses in a crispy croquette will melt in your mouth. They are served with pickled onions and a fire-roasted tomato sauce.
For main entrees I like to ask the servers what their favorite recommendations are. Mario, our waiter suggested the steak chimichurri and the rum pepper shrimp. B
Habana Desserts
While I personally did not have any room left for dessert my husband did and he samples the tres leches and flan pudding. Both were delicious. If you want dessert tog o there is a bakery on site. The bakery is located in the back of the restaurant and they have glass cases filled with papa rellenas, pastelitos, and also delicious pastries and cake that are also made on location.
Habana Promotion
From Septemeber 15-20 Habana’s menu will feature 1995 pricing for these among other dishes, including:
- Vegetable and Chicken Empanadas (both at $4.95)
- the Cuban flagship shredded beef dish Ropa Vieja ($7.95)
- Medianoche, the legendary pressed and jamón “Cuban Sandwich” ($7.95)
- Lechon Asado: slow roasted pork, garlic mojo, pickled white onions, sofrito black beans, buttered white rice, and maduros ($8.95). \
The featured cocktails include red and white Sangria, made with red (and white) wine, rum, dark spirits, and marinated fruit. The Mojito a La Habana features Bacardí Superior rum, lime, mint, cane sugar, soda—offered at $5 each all day.
When: 11:30AM-3:00PM daily
Habana at The LAB
2930 Bristol St Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 556-0176
Habana Irvine Spectrum
708 Spectrum Center Dr. Irvine, CA 92618 (949) 419-0100
Blogger Tip: ASK FOR MARIO AS YOUR SERVER. HE IS AMAZING
