Havana Grill

Terrific. This resataurant smells delicious from the moment you open the door. I love there is a menu for each Cuban, Mexican, and Salvadoran cuisines... its not just mixed Central American fusion. I enjoyed what I bought, and would definitely get empanadas again. Really reasonable prices too! I'm going back!

I lived in South Florida for 40 years, and moved to North Carolina one year ago, so I was excited to find this Cuban restaurant in Cary. When I arrived I found that it was not only a Cuban restaurant but also Mexican and Salvadorian as well. So, while ordering, I had to specify the Cuban style rice and the Cuban style beans, etc. Unfortunately, the food is mediocre to say the least. I was most disappointed with the flavorless black beans. The papa rellena, papas fritas and rice were very oily. To make matters worse, the papa rellenas were obviously frozen then deep fried, and the long-frozen meat inside them tasted freezer burned and stale. The sandwiches were okay, the Media Noche a little better than the regular Cuban sandwich. They did not carry the traditional Cuban soft drinks: Materva or Iron Beer. I'm still in search of authentic Cuban cuisine in the Triangle, because I didn't find it at The Havana Grill.

Such a great spot. My bf recommended this spot so I could get a taste of his country (El Salvador). It did not disappoint. He ordered the pupusas filled with pork! They came to the table freshly cooked and hot. Delicious flavor, but so simple. The staff was very friendly and welcoming. There is a patio for outside sitting. Perfect for wedding receptions, parties or just enjoying a warm summer night. I will definitely be returning!

Tacos Hidalgo-- NOT HAVANA GRILL. They kept the same menu as the Cuban restaurant but is far from it. Smells terrible. Smells like someone went to blow up the bathroom. Food was terrible. I am concerned about the safety rating they have. I loved it when it was Cuban, no longer is. Save your money, and save yourself a terrible experience. I try small businesses but this place is a bit much. Sorry, but until there would be improvements in cleanliness and improvements on the food quality, I would not be back.

Wow I wish I could give 0 stars. - Staff didn’t speak English. Had to point at the menu to order my food and it wasn’t even right. I ordered 5 chicken tacos straight off the menu and was given a plate of 5 taquitos with 1 piece of small [obviously] microwaved chicken inside. - Had to wait an hour for my food. Apparently the business plan here is to serve and cook takeout people before cooking the meals of people who’ve already ordered in the dining area. 3 customers came in, ordered take out, received their meal, and left before I was able to get my food after ordering. - microwaved frozen food. You can see the microwave from the front counter and can hear it beeping consistently during the entire dining experience and the food served, especially chicken, has that extremely rubbery and stringy texture that microwaved leftovers have. - In addition for the wait times I received my food and my friend had to wait 10 more minutes before his food was brought. - I cannot speak for other guests, but a table with a couple nearby brought their plates of food to the counter twice to complain or have something changed, just to sit down and wait yet again for their food. They arrived before us and were still there after I had left. I won’t be going back again and I don’t recommend you do either, there is a half dozen better places to go within walking distance and even more if you’re driving.

We (My wife, myself, and my well-behaved two year old) ate here for lunch today around 1pm. We were greeted coldly upon walking in. The window boldly proclaimed that the N&O declared their Cuban sandwich the best in the Triangle, so we decided to give it a try. Bad decision. The sandwiches were not pressed, not fully melted, and they royally cinched on the meat. We ordered a side of fried yuca, it was poorly prepared as well (tough consistency as though it were re-heated). We ordered a kids chicken tenders meal for my daughter, and it was served with the ketchup bottle lying over the top of her meal. No joke, they put a full size ketchup bottle, that had been touched by who knows how many people lying right on top of her food. There was a foul sewage odor coming from the restrooms. The A/C was not cooling the restaurant, so it was very warm inside. We love Cuban food, and wanted to like this local place, but it was honestly one of the worst restaurant experiences I've had lately.

Two rating because the fish was good. But, the roast pork and fried chicken tasted like left overs. Left overs that were warmed up in a microwave. They were missing seasoning. The chicken was hard. $45 wasted. I wont be giving any second chances. Esmeralda Grill Mexican restaurant is the wayyyyy better option.