BreakfastHavana
[rating:3]
At Havana, there’s usually a packed house full of people hanging out on the patio watching other people and having some great food. This Latino/Cuban inspired restaurant is located in one of Vancouver’s most diverse neighborhood’s known as the Drive. Doubling as an occasional art gallery, Havana draws inspiration from old Havana in Cuba — its rustic decor, old writings on the wall and red velvet booths and chairs offers a funky, casual and outgoing setting. They serve brunch, dinner and late night tapas daily. Tre and I like to come here for brunch and hang out on the patio. The patio is equipped enormous heating lamps — so, whether rain or shine you can choose to sit outside and enjoy your breakfast and do some people watching. That’s pretty much what its all about when you’re on the Drive — a good cup of Joe, some food and people watching.
My usual is the avocado and shrimp benedict which consists of fresh shrimp with hints of garlic, avocados and hollandaise sauce, hash browns and salad. I like this one. They always cook the benedict to my liking and their hash browns are yum — cubed like mini french fries seasoned just right. Tre has the Havana Manana: two poached eggs, Spanish chorizo, red beans, rice, tortilla, salsa and sour cream with toast. This dish is not bad, but we remember it being better before. They have since changed the rice to wild rice as a healthier alternative, but Tre’s not crazy about it. Wild rice tends to be grainier and heavier in texture.
Havana is a relaxing environment. We like the atmosphere and the people. The service could use a little lift, though. You might be waiting for a while to get a refill on the coffee — and even longer for the staff to crack a smile. Still, we like to come here every once in a while.
The Details
1212 Commercial Drive, Vancouver
604.253.9119
havanarestaurant.ca
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