Seemor
Café HabanaA-Worth Trying
17 Prince St, New York, NY 10012
· Cuban restaurant, Mexican restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (4513 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Iconic Nolita spot with legendary grilled corn, solid Cuban-Mex crossover plates, quick service, and tight seating; good value for Soho with recurring service-attitude and happy hour policy complaints.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Café Habana delivers solid A-grade performance anchored by exceptional food quality, particularly its legendary grilled corn and generous portions that justify the Nolita price point. Service inconsistency—ranging from snappy to brusque—and tight indoor seating prevent higher standing, though the appealing corner location with outdoor people-watching and warm, bustling energy make it a worthwhile neighborhood destination for casual dining.
Restaurant Summary
A Nolita staple where the room feels warm and bustling and the famous grilled corn steals the show. Diners rave that it is "worth a detour for the corn alone," with quick turnarounds and friendly energy, though space runs tight and bar seating helps. Service swings between snappy and brusque depending on the shift. Cooking leans Cuban-Mexican comfort: pressed burritos, tacos, rice and beans, and a proudly local take on the Cubano. The culinary approach is elevated street-food rather than chef theatrics. Expect bold flavors, generous portions, and a few authenticity quibbles about the Cubano swerve with chipotle mayo. Value is solid for Soho, especially for quick meals and casual hangouts. Families do fine here if they are okay with tight quarters. Kids can share fries, rice and beans, chicken or pork tacos, and the signature corn; there is also a vegan plantain taco for flexible diets. No clear dessert menu; outdoor tables give more room for strollers.
At a Glance
- Legendary grilled corn that consistently impresses
- Good value for Nolita with generous portions
- Service attitude varies from friendly to rude
- Happy hour pitcher discount confusion reported
- Tight indoor seating; better comfort outdoors
What Sets It Apart
- famous_elote
- nostalgic_nolita_vibe
- strong_repeat_local_base
What People Love
- The elote delivers big flavor and nostalgia
- Tacos and burritos arrive fast and hot
- Corner location with outdoor people-watching
- Fair prices for central downtown Manhattan
- Friendly vibe when the team is on point
Points of Concern
- Service inconsistency with reports of rudeness and inattentiveness
- Happy hour pitcher exclusions not clearly communicated
- Automatic 20% tip flow on payment device confused some guests
- Occasional authenticity complaints about Cubano style and menu focus
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$30-$44 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Start with the Corn ($5.25) and share Tostones y Guacamole ($12.45)
- Two Tacos + Rice & Beans ($19.95) is the best-value meal
- Plantain Taco (vegan) pairs well with Salad Epica plus Vegan Feta & Avocado add-on
Perfect For
- Quick pre-shopping lunch in Soho/Nolita
- Casual date with outdoor people-watching
- Group happy hour with tacos and shareables
- Solo bite at the bar before an evening out
Location Insights
Area: Trendy Nolita block with foot traffic, boutiques, and casual eateries; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Busy, well-trafficked and generally safe; dim interiors mentioned but no area safety issues.
Nearby: Shops, bars, Little Italy and Soho nearby; strong evening and weekend pedestrian flow.
NolitaNolita is a trendy and fashionable neighborhood with a strong emphasis on boutique shopping, artisanal eateries, and a lively dining scene. The area attracts a hip crowd looking for unique dining experiences, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants, often frequented by locals and visitors seeking a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–22:00
Tuesday11:00–22:00
Wednesday11:00–22:00
Thursday11:00–22:00
Friday11:00–23:00
Saturday10:00–23:00
Sunday10:00–22:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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