Seemor

Havana StationA-Worth Trying

Name: Havana Station
Address: 4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, OR 97202, Portland, United States
Rating: 4.8

4534 SE McLoughlin Blvd, Portland, OR 97202 · Latin American restaurant, Caribbean restaurant, Cuban restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (263 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

A standout Cuban food cart for generous, flavorful plates and excellent Cubanos at fair prices, with rare but notable recent quality complaints and a lively cart-pod setting.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Havana Station delivers exceptional food quality with standout Cuban sandwiches and flavorful traditional plates that justify its strong reputation, supported by warm, attentive service and impressive speed for a cart operation. Consistency shows some quality variation with recent reports of oily beans and seasoning inconsistencies at the new location, while the functional outdoor communal setting lacks the distinctive ambiance needed for grade A territory. The combination of generous portions, excellent value, and loyal following positions it competitively among the area's better neighborhood dining options.

Restaurant Summary

At this lively cart pod, Havana Station serves Cuban comfort classics in generous portions. The window crew is often described as warm and welcoming, and plates land fast for a cart. One diner summed it up: "the Cubano was massive and perfectly crisp." While most visits delight, a couple of recent reviews flagged oily beans and off flavors at the new spot. The cooking leans traditional Cuban rather than trendy—think ropa vieja, lechon, congrí, and a seafood-packed paella. Flavors are bright, garlicky, and mojo-forward, with tender meats and well-seasoned rice and beans. It is ideal for those craving authentic comfort over fusion flourishes, and the value is outstanding for the portion sizes. Families will find it kid-friendly: the Cuban sandwich, grilled chicken, rice, and sweet plantains are easy wins. There is even a labeled vegan plate for variety. Seating is communal outdoors, so bring layers on chilly days; portions are big enough to share with younger eaters.

At a Glance

Massive portions with standout Cuban sandwiches and flavorful plates
Friendly counter service and quick turnaround
Excellent value for price in a lively cart pod
Limited and tricky parking at the pod
A few recent complaints about bean quality and seasoning variation

What Sets It Apart

oversized_Cuban_sandwich
value_forward_combo_plates
authentic_Cuban_flavors

What People Love

That first bite of a crisp, juicy Cubano
Overflowing paella bowls loaded with seafood
Tender ropa vieja with sweet plantains
Friendly staff that explains the menu
Great value that feels generous

Points of Concern

Parking around the pod can be limited or complicated
Outdoor seating only; ambiance can feel open and less cozy
A small cluster of recent reviews cite oily beans and occasional seasoning inconsistencies
Occasional uncertainty on gluten-free details at the counter

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost$19-27 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For gluten-free diners, favor labeled plates like Lechon Asado or Ropa Vieja and verify sauces at ordering
Vegan diners should choose the Vegan Plate ($9.99) with extra plantains or congrí ($3.50) on the side

Perfect For

A quick, satisfying lunch with big portions
Casual group meetups at a cart pod
Craving an authentic Cuban sandwich
Budget-friendly hearty dinner

Location Insights

Area: Busy SE corridor near cart pods; casual, mixed residential and light commercial with strong local foot traffic.

Safety: Generally safe with typical urban activity; well-trafficked during meal times and evenings.

Nearby: Located in a food cart pod with varied cuisines; near SE McLoughlin commuter route and neighborhood amenities.

Sellwood-MorelandSellwood-Moreland is a charming, established neighborhood known for its antique shops, parks, and a relaxed dining scene featuring casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some ethnic eateries. The area offers a laid-back vibe with a focus on community and local business, making it a popular spot for residents seeking a quieter alternative to downtown Portland.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–20:00 Tuesday11:00–20:00 Wednesday11:00–20:00 Thursday11:00–20:00 Friday11:00–20:00 Saturday11:00–20:00 Sunday11:00–20:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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