Elite Event: Havana Central

Havana Central Manhattan style! this was my first Unilocal Elite event in the city. i made a special trip to the city for this so i was really hoping it held up to the invitation.
I am very fortunate that i live 5 mins from the Roosevelt Field, LI location. I have heard many great things at this location. Lets say it did live up to its rumors i
the music was pumping the area we were was on their upstairs balcony. it made us feel separate from the downstairs dining but when you look over the edge you can see all the lively-​ness downstairs.
the upstairs vibe is great for anyone who works in the city and is looking for a place to have their holiday party.
There was a huge pig roast. The pig had to roast for hours in the oven. there was a great selection of Hawaiian buns, pickles and sauces to have with the pork. but the pork alone was super tender and really did not need any additional flavors.
The wait staff was great they kept the appetizers coming and Nestor was my main guy for my deelicious Sangria refills!
empanadas were delicious almost a tease because they were cut up smaller pieces. i wish this place offereed more seating, it was a little difficult to eat drink socialize and take Unilocal photos of the food. when the flan came out it was good but super tiny, i felt like i was taking shots of flan… but it works.
i thought the single bathroom upstairs was very nice. there was about 4 couches in addition to the toilet. i have never seen such a thing before. lets hope women dont decide to go in there because women like to socialize and they will never leave with all those comfy seats!
the décor around really gives this place the Cuban/​Latin vibe.
The flan was tiny but packed a punch! We were also given coupons. So when we return we get a great deal!

Definitely returning for that divine nectar bka sangria. It’s really the best sangria ever. I had one of the spinach empanadas and I’m planning to return for their Tuesday empanada special. Everyone on the team made sure we were taken care of which is always appreciated.
Do NOT take 7^th Ave to get here, the traffic will drive you crazy. As early as you can, take 46^th St.

This was my first Manhattan Unilocal Elite event and it did not disappoint. We were led upstairs by the staff to a private area where we were greeted with some delicious red sangria. Tons of fruit and not too bitter nor sweet — just the way I like it. The staff there were very friendly and kept the drinks flowing.
My +1 and I were lucky enough to snag a table because there definitely was not enough of those. They brought out an entire roasted pig to the delightment of all my fellow elites as we all began snapping pictures. The pork was very good and not dry at all. I did find the skin to be a little chewy. The red onions and the green sauce were on point! So delicious and flavorful, I wished I grabbed more. Unfortunately my friend is Muslim and therefore could not partake in the pork feast. Luckily there were empanadas being passed around which were equally delicious.
I did just wish there were more seats since it was very much a dinner involving plates and forks so it was difficult to eat standing up. Plus I was really hoping they’d serve the mojitos in which they are popular for. But nonetheless it was so much fun and most importantly the food was great.
We left with awesome Unilocal swags (best Chapstick ever!) and even a complimentary little bottle of mango sauce from Havana Central. Winning!

Gracias Havana Central. The Unilocal team put together a times square event here at this fine establishment. It’s a large space with a private area in the balcony where we were all situated. Sangrias were flowing. Fruity and a kick of wine.
The main attraction was the roasted baby pig. Super tender roasted pork accompanied with a nice spicey herbed green sauce. Buns and pickles for a side and trays of empanadas were passed around. I had the pork ones which were fried up well and had a nice filling. Finishing off the night was mini flan desserts. At this size it was a bit over cooked and rubbery. Great hosts and service was provided by the staff.
Thanks to ruggy and the staff at havana central for putting together a great event.

Big thanks to Ruggy and the Havana Central staff for giving us such a welcoming, warm, and fun evening!
I’m so glad this event happened, because I have avoided like this place for YEARS as one of the «run away! Must be a tourist trap! Can’t possibly do Cuban cuisine justice!» places in the area. Very glad that I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Both versions of empanadas were lovely. I actually preferred the spinach over the chicken… and you will rarely hear this carnivore saying such a thing! Loved the presentation of the suckling pig. Went SOOO well with those pickled red onions. Biggest kudos actually went to the cilantro chimichurri served with the emps and the piggy. I have a slight allergy to cilantro, and I couldn’t help but keep snarfing it down! Even later that night when I had a scratchy throat? Only thing I could think was, «Worth it!»
The staff? Brilliant. Friendly, warm, felt like I was at a family event; my sangria glass only hit bottom once. Such nice folk!!!
My only qualms are that they weren’t quite on top of keeping things in stock (I went through the line for piggy twice… and they didn’t have rolls either time I went up), the sangria — while quite strong — was rather on the sweet and syrupy side for me, and, while I loved the presentation, wasn’t a huge fan of their flan.
Still, I definitely recommend this spot, especially for a private event upstairs, delivery to your office, or a nice sit down (if you can handle the Times Square clientele). Spread the word!
*Hmm…it’s about lunch time… let me jump on Seamless right quick ;-)*

I was not expecting to be impressed because I grew up on Cuban food and can a restaurant really make better food than Grandma? Grandma was given a run for a money, first by the food at Havana Central and definitely by the overwhelming hospitality of the staff (Grandma can be mean). This was also the first time I have ever had a goat cheese and spinach empanda and to my knowledge that combination of elements does not exist in traditional Cuban food.
The baby pig we ate was not cooked underground nor in a pit but it damn sure tasted like it was. Babe had to die for us and he was damn delicious. The sangria was out of this world and the waiters actively handed them out. I typically don’t drink but five sangrias later I loved the cooks, the staff and all my fellow Unilocalers just that much more. I’ve never had Grand Marnier and Hennessy in sangria, but after five large servings of it I was ready to have my wedding catered there.
Notably, even while the party was wrapping up and all the setups were being broken down, the workers were nice enough to answer questions about the food while they were efficiently scrambling to make the second floor decent. The space was also large, the lighting was low but inviting and the chairs (which I may have had to kick some nice girls out of-​sorry girls) were very comfortable. I’m bringing Grandma here. Thanks Ruggy!

As a proud carnivore, the idea of eating at a Cuban restaurant is always appealing. I was not disappointed at this event. Upon arrival at Havana Central, I felt the energy of the Caribbean. The bar was popping at an early hour but the event was upstairs!
The roasted pig was awesome, plain and simple. I’m not the biggest pork eater, but I thought the cuts I received were very juicy and tasty. The chimichurri sauce hit the spot as well.
The beverage of choice for the night was a sangria and they really nailed it. It was just sweet enough and the waiters made sure that everybody’s glasses were filled all night.
The flan at the end was a real treat. I thought the staff at Havana Central were enthusiastic and a trip here would make Times Square more bearable.

Pros:
* I rarely venture out to Times Square for meals, so I was pleasantly surprised at the spacious and charming interior of Havana Central. The vintage Cuban décor was delightful and I felt like I was in a Cuban set of Boardwalk Empire. The entire second floor (which was used for the event), is great for company events and special occasions. There’s also a huge, clean single bathroom devoted to the 2^nd floor so that’s a plus.
* WHOLE SUCKLING PIG– the best part of the night! The pork was incredibly tender and juicy, and was paired well with fluffy Hawaiian rolls, pickled onions and chimichurri sauce. The skin I got was unfortunately chewy versus crispy, but I’m sure other Unilocalers got the best skin! The bite size beef and one with a spinach and goat cheese empanadas were good but didn’t blow me away. I prefer flakier skin and a lot more stuffing. I am sad we left early and missed out on the flan and mango salsa takeaways!
* Fast & stellar customer service. For such a big event the food and sangria just kept on coming. Kudos to the lone bartender who didn’t stop pumping out the alcohol! The manager also made constant rounds to make sure everyone was having a good time.
* The sangria was awesome… so delicious that I inhaled 2 glasses so fast that I got VERY sick later — I wonder if this happened to anyone else?
Thank you Ruggy and Havana Central for hosting! Another job well done!

I usually groan at the thought of going to time square, but thanks to Unilocal I now have a reason to return, Havana Central as you walk in boasts a very well. Cuban/​spanish décor with some great latin style music playing, it feels like Im in little havana in Miami (hard to say real Cuba as I cant legally go there.) but the place had a really nice vibe on the lower level with tons of tables and the bar synching into the atmosphere.
As soon as I went upstairs I was greated with a great sangria made with Hennessey and Grand Marnier. I felt it totally hit the spot for a 6:30 pm weekday drink. Soon after a giant roast pig was brought out and Unilocalers formed a line and began taking it along with some nice spices and veggies on the side.
A lot of the event involved sitting at scattered tables, but I liked that because it forced me to talk with other Unilocalers (not that i usually dont :)). and get to know some other cool people in the community. The sangria refills were more than generous and the Mango Salsa was great to take home, I already put it on my eggs in the morning (dont judge, its good I swear !). Thanks to Ruggy and the Unilocal crew for another successful event.

Excellent customer service! They really know how to treat a crowd. A well organized event is always appreciated bc it means that there was enough food/​drinks to go around for everyone without having to wait forever or push your way to the food table.
As soon as we checked-​in we were offered a glass of sangria, which was splendid! It might of been a bit too sweet for some ppl but I didn’t mind it since I love anything that could possible fulfill my sweet tooth. Soon a huge roasted pig was brought out. The lined move fairly rapidly and it was nbd waiting bc we were constantly treated to empanadas which were delish.
At the end we received a coupon that could be used at the bar. These gems are always a great idea bc it encourages me to bring friends later on to try out their place. Finally, thanks Unilocal,ruggy, and havana central for an awesome event!

Another successful event!!! Thank you Ruggy and Ashley from Havana Central!
Summer in November was the perfect title for this event!
It was red sangria aon deck! Don’t think for a second it was small glasses. They were large glasses filled. Then to top it off staff members were ready to refill our glasses while we were chatting it up with other elites.
On to the roasted pig. Yes I said pig! A wonderful carving station. There was a yummy pig with the sides beautifully displayed… rolls.onions.and some form of sauce. All I know it was all delicious.
The balcony area of the restaurant was a perfect location for this event. It was spacious, and fit the right number of Unilocalers. In my opinion there was enough standing and sitting room. We all don’t need to be sitting at a table and being all formal. It’s a social gathering so the standing to seating room was alright.
I can’t wait to come back here with my friends to try other things on the menu. We were told they have live music some nights.

Whoa! I absolutely loved this event. The mezzanine at Havana Central was a wonderful and comfortable space with plenty of seating and tables. There was a good amount of room by the bar to stand and chat with your fellow Unilocalers.
Immediately upon arrival, the staff greeted us with delicious glasses of sangria. They came around with pitchers making sure that your glass was never empty. Yummy Chicken and Vegetable empanadas were also served prior to the tasty roasted pork with onions and buns that we had the pleasure of devouring. Nothing tops Havana Central’s garlic/​cilantro sauce, by the way.
Not only did I finally get to meet my fellow lovely Unilocal Elite Eva T. in person but I enjoyed the conversation that the oh-​so-​awesome Ruggy was having with my boyfriend and I about their marathon runs. Overall, a great event at a great location. We will be coming back soon!

There was more than enough food for everybody. This was my 3^rd Elite event, and so far it is the best one. You know what they say, «third time’s a charm.»
Came with my plus one a.k.a the bestie. After a long day at work, we both needed a few dranks. What better way to chill out than with Sangria? We were handed our glasses as soon as we arrived, I didn’t even get to take my coat off (we need more of this kind of service in NYC). When I looked over, everybody was snapping pics of the pig roast. We didn’t leave our seats until they began serving. I’ll admit, I was a bit skeptical at first. Never saw an entire cooked pig, and it kind of turned me off. But the meat was really tasty, and so were the pickled onions and dipping sauce on the side. The employees also served delicious mini empanadas. I tried chicken and veggie, both were fantastic. My friend and I stood around until they brought out the flan, but we didn’t care too much for it.
Tasty sangria, delish eats, free mango salsa — we all were winning at this event.

So much food! Really! This was a great event and my belly is still full. The empanadas were flowing all night and that pork was so delicious. The event was on the low-​key side and I enjoyed the change for a Tuesday night.
The staff is usually always great at these events, but the staff at Havana Central was beyond hospitable. They were so kind to us. Coincidentally, I recently visited the Yonkers location and the staff was equally as attentive.
Props to everyone that made this happen. Excellent night and the food was perfect! Thank you Ruggy, Havana staff and Unilocal!:)

Thanks Ruggy once again for arranging the event! It was really good — the sangria was flowing (as promised) — it was absolutely delicious! They were also able to arrange some vegetarian options for me. The service was also spectacular — the servers were friendly, nice and prompt!
Never knew this place existed until this event. Personally, I avoid all spots near Times Square like the plague — but given this place is so close to work, I will definitely come again for their happy hour!

Now that I have a few Manhattan Elite events under my thumb, I must say that this one ranks among the best (if not #1). A run through of the night: at 6:00, on the dot, Unilocalers and were ushered upstairs to the private balcony area. The plebeian crowd relegated to the ground level could only watch with a sense of curiosity mixed with a burning jealousy at our VIP status.
Upon entering the the exclusive upper levels, we were served their specialty sangria, and it was being served by the gallon. Not that I’m not used to being waited on hand and foot, but the drink service was stellar. Me and my cronies were oft topped off, being empty for fleeting moments until the server’s Spidey senses alerted them as to my glass-​half-​full.
Minutes into my second drink, the signature roast suckling pig (a lechon) was carried into the room (sans apple in its mouth). «Ooos» and «ahhs» could be heard by the Unilocal collective, as shutterbugs started putting their DSLRs to use. The pig was served with some pickled onions (maybe??), a mystery green salsa, and tiny buns. I had the good fortune of having the opportunity to successfully request for both cheeks of this dearly departed piglet. Pig cheeks are über fatty and delicious, so do yourselves a favor and hit that up next time you Unilocalers!
After three plates of pig face, pig ribs, and pig shoulder, I was done pigging out. The drinks though kept coming, and my fellow Unilocalers (both familiar faces and new kids) channeled their inner frat boy/​sorority girl and kept throwing drinks down in a big way. In other words, a very fun night. A tip of the hat to Ruggy for another very well done event!

Fruity sangria made with Hennessey and Grand Marnier. Perfect with fire roasted whole pig. Oh yeah! Boom!
As soon as I walked in was lead by a staff member to the upstairs balcony overlooking the main dining room and a drink was shoved into my hand. That glass was never empy as another person with a pitcher came by constantly to refill it. Being that this was a more intimate event there was also no problem cozying up to the bar to score even more sangria. Oh baby!
Nice mix of newbie Elites spinkled in with some of us veterans. Met some really cool people that have friended me already. Just enough room up there to mix and mingle, or grab a seat to chat and chow down. I saw a line to the feasting table and saw a whole pig set up just for us! PIG!!! Along with some sides the plate of food they gave us was delicious! Not to also forget those trays of empanadas and flan that were being passed around by a super fun and friendly staff. Yummers!
Now, I’m also one of those New Yorkers that avoid Times Square area like a nurse with ebola, and did not know this place existed, but next time when here for a musical or event I just might stop in for a meal. The main dining room is spacious, plenty of seating, big bar area, and the décor has the Cuban flair to it. Good food and drinks!
Thanks to Ruggy and Unilocal for the hook up, and also big props to Havana Central for being such gracious hosts.
What a way to spend a Tuesday night!

I never knew this place existed until today. I usually steer clear of places near Times Square due to places being tourist traps, but Havana Central put on a show tonight! Beautiful weather called for beautiful people and delicious food. The minute my +1 and I arrived, a waiter came by with a tray full of sangrias!
The sangrias were fruity and tasty — you couldn’t even taste the alcohol in them, which is a little dangerous. There were also some trays of empanadas going around — some were beef, others were spinach… nothing like Empanada Mama, but still good.
Then, the show of the night — the huge whole roast pig! The pork was juicy, tender, and almost melt-​in-​your-​mouth and went very well with the chimichurri sauce and pickled onions. And who can resist Hawaiian Rolls? Not going to lie, I may have gone back in line for seconds…
To finish off, we were offered cute little mini-​flans. Free mango salsa/​hot sauce to take home, along with a Hennessey… keychain?
As always, it was great seeing old faces and meeting new people (dentists!). My +1 is becoming more and more impressed with our Unilocal cult :)

The moment I walked in, I had drinks in my hand within a second, you already know it’s gonna be a good night.
Sangria here was delicious! Strong and fruity! they do not hold back on the alcohol !
Cozy and fun atmosphere, I only wish there were more tables though.
The pork is savory and juicy, tastes great with the green salsa and onions! If you were the lucky bunch who got to some of the crispy pork skin, you’re in luck. Best part about roasted pork is obviously the skin. It’s all ’bout that crunch.
The taste was reminiscent of cha siew.
The flan was pretty decent too. It was so cute how it was served in these tiny cups. The top tasted a bit like egg custard in egg tarts, the syrup had a slight bitter taste.
Shout out to Ruggy for pulling off another great event! I gotta say though, the food was really good at Havana Central, it definitely left me wanting more and I was hoping there to be more food besides pork and onions served with salsa. Guess I might be making a trip back here! (If I’m up for being in tourist central (times square))
Great drinks, good food, freebies such as chapstick and homemade mango salsa!!! Can’t wait to serve these babies with omelettes (Thank you Havana!)
What wasn’t awesome about this event?!

Summer in November. Today was exactly that. The weather played the part and was absolutely beautiful. Topped off by a wonderful YEE on the intimate second floor of Havana Central reserved just for elites and their +1s.
The drink of the evening was a super fruity and strong sangria. So delicious but I was only able to have half before feeling fuzzy. Luckily the main course came out just about that time so I could insulate my stomach. A huge roast pig with accompanying chimichurri sauce, rolls and pickled onions was grandly displayed before an assembly line formed to partake in the feast.
The pork was absolutely incredible! So tender, juicy and succulent. Trays of mini empanadas were also going around — beef and one with a spinach and goat cheese. The accompanying sauces really sealed the deal. To finish off on a sweet note, flan was offered.
Thank you Havana Central for being such a generous and gracious host. Great food with even greater company for a wonderful evening. I will be back to take advantage of the incredible happy hour!