Where to Eat in Louisville: Havana Rumba

I am a fan of Havana Rumba. Simple as that. I love the bright colors of the decor and the brilliant art on the walls. I love the Cuban music they play. I love that there's a place where I can get plantains and yucca. My birthday is at the end of July and as of this moment Havana Rumba is where I'm planning on having my birthday dinner. So you can believe me when I tell you I love this place. I've never had anything less than stellar food there. The service is usually exuberant and friendly and the portion sizes are "generous" just like we Americans are so fond of.

If you're a devoted carnivore you're in such good shape for a meal at Havana Rumba. From the traditional Cuban sandwich with roasted pork and ham to the famous marinated and slow roasted Lechon Asado Cuban food is a pork lovers dream. Beef and chicken are perhaps even more well represented on the Havana Rumba menu with favorites like Ropa Vieja, Vaca Frita, Pollo al Mojo and Fricase de Pollo (that's the yumminess in the above photo).

Vegetarians aren't left completely out in the cold.The side dishes, including the aforementioned plantains and yucca are outstanding.There is a vegetarian plate including those items, rice, black beans and a spinach empanada that is very, very tasty. There is also a grilled vegetable dish that I've not tried but I feel comfortable proclaiming it as good since everything else is.

The vegetarian spinach empanada is delicious but if you are a meat eater do yourself a favor and order the empanadas de pollo to start your meal. And then thank me later for the recommendation.

Oh, oh, oh one more thing before I forget: sweets. You absolutely cannot go wrong by ordering a batido (a Caribbean style milkshake, I suggest good old vanilla or mango), flan (oh sweet, sweet flan) or tres leches cake. That is all. Now go forth and enjoy Cuban food my friends.

Havana Rumba
4115 Oechsli Ave
Louisville, KY 40207
502-897-1959