Havana-Jax Cafe   

2578 Atlantic Blvd
Jacksonville, FL 32207
904-399-0609
www.havanajax.com

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Americans still arent legally allowed in Cuba, but a visit to this Jacksonville restaurant will give you a taste of whats being served on their island. Havana-Jax Cafe is a family run restaurant that specializes in traditional Cuban food. Everything is made from in their kitchen from scratch especially the wonderful desserts. You can even try a glass of Hatuey. Its a Cuban beer thats brewed in the United States using a traditional Cuban recipe. If its non-alcoholic youre after, Cuban sodas such as Ironbeer, Materva and Jupina are also served. Business people love the convenient location to downtown and make this a lunch meeting spot of choice. The evening crowd tends more to groups of friends and couples whove come to love the fresh tastes and traditional recipes. A great way to start off your Cuban love affair is with the appetizer platter for two. This gives you a sampling of tamales, tostones, yucca frita, frijoles, chicaharrones and mojo. Entrees include Yellow Rice and Chicken, Picadillo, Ropa Vieja and Boliche Asado. One of the most popular seafood dishes is the Paella Valenciana chock full of shellfish, fin fish, chicken and pork cooked with yellow rice and spices. Its for two people and is celebration worthy. Just save room for dessert because they arent run of the mill. Flan, rice pudding, egg custard and brandy soaked soaked cakes are perfect with a strong cup of Cuban coffee to end a delightful dining experience. --Shelley Gudzak