The vibrant culture and the cuisine of Cuba are available at three locations in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area thanks to Havana Café. Husband and wife team Gilbert and B.J. Hernandez opened their first Havana Café on Camelback Road in December 1989 after a 10-year tenure in the restaurant business, their ensuing success a testament to the staying power of their labor-of-love operation. In a cool and colorful atmosphere, Havana Café transports you to another place, be it a quaint ethnic eatery in Miami, a breezy patio in the Caribbean, or a sidewalk café in Barcelona. The extensive menu can be described as authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine with distinct Mexican and Southwestern influences. Standouts include an outstanding list of tapas – baskets of Calypso Chips (fried plantains with black bean purée dipping sauce) are more than addicting. Black bean fritters, ceviche, and Cuban-style tamales or empanaditas are not to be missed. Havana Café is also known for its exceptional soups, including a black bean, and a seafood chowder, the latter considered to be one of the best seafood soups in the area. Entrées are contemporary takes on traditional cuisine and are accompanied by excellent black beans and rice. Main dish favorites include picadillo (seasoned ground beef with olives, raisins and pimientos), masas de puerco (lime-and-garlic marinated pork loin cubes) and ropa vieja (braised beef brisket in a zesty red wine and tomato sauce). Vegetarian-friendly options are plentiful, as well. And there are nearly 20 different desserts, topped by a wonderful flan. Full bar. Kids menu. Serving lunch Mon–Sat, dinner nightly.