Casual Habana Cafe

- 125 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601

Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey residents seeking a true taste of the tropics without the plane ride, Casual Habana Cafe in Hackensack offers a vibrant and authentic Cuban and Caribbean dining experience. More than just a restaurant, this establishment serves as a culinary gateway to the rich, complex, and comforting flavors of the Antilles. It’s a popular local spot where the atmosphere is casual, cozy, and trendy, making it an excellent destination for family-friendly gatherings, romantic dinners, or a quick, satisfying solo lunch.

Casual Habana Cafe is recognized as a premier Cuban and Caribbean restaurant, skillfully blending a lively bar scene with a dedicated focus on traditional Latin American cuisine. The menu is a celebration of classic Cuban cooking, featuring dishes that are slow-braised, perfectly seasoned, and prepared with an unmistakable dedication to quality. From rich, savory stews to light, refreshing seafood, the culinary offerings cater to a wide array of tastes, solidifying its reputation as a must-visit dining destination in Bergen County.

Customers consistently praise the cafe for its authentic flavors, particularly noting the rich tenderness of the pork and beef dishes. Beyond the food, Casual Habana Cafe stands out for its well-crafted bar program. They are renowned for their great cocktails—especially classic Mojitos and Guava Margaritas—and offer an excellent beer and wine selection, perfectly complementing the Cuban fare. For those looking for a lively experience, the availability of happy hour food and drinks is a major draw, providing discounted appetizers and refreshing libations in a welcoming setting.

Location and Accessibility

Casual Habana Cafe is conveniently located in Hackensack, New Jersey, making it easily accessible for residents across the region. The address is:

125 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA

The location on Main Street places it in a vibrant section of the city, easily reachable by local roads and major highways. For visitors traveling by car, there are multiple parking options, including a free parking lot, a paid parking lot, and paid street parking, which is an important consideration for a busy downtown area.

The venue has made significant efforts to ensure it is welcoming to all patrons. It boasts comprehensive accessibility features, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, designated wheelchair accessible parking spaces, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating throughout the dining area. This focus on ease of access ensures that the authentic Cuban experience is available to the entire community.

Services Offered

Casual Habana Cafe provides a full range of dining and service options to suit any occasion, time of day, or dining preference. Their services include:

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a meal in the casual, cozy, and often romantic atmosphere, complete with table service and a bar onsite.
• Takeout and Delivery: Convenient options are available for those who prefer to enjoy their Cuban feast at home, including no-contact delivery.
• Catering: Services are offered for groups and special events, bringing the authentic flavors of Havana to your private functions.
• Reservations: Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant happily accepts them, especially for groups, helping to ensure a smooth dining experience during peak hours.
• Full Meal Service: The cafe offers dining options for brunch, lunch, and dinner, along with a dedicated dessert menu.
• Bar Service: A well-stocked bar offers a wide selection of alcohol, beer, wine, hard liquor, and signature cocktails.
• Happy Hour: Special happy hour drinks and happy hour food are available, often featuring great deals on small plates and handcrafted beverages.
• Kids' Menu: The establishment is family-friendly and offers a menu specifically designed for children, along with the availability of high chairs.
• Diverse Offerings: The menu includes comfort food, small plates (tapas), and even an 'all you can eat' option, catering to various appetites and dietary preferences.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for customer convenience.

Features / Highlights

The reputation of Casual Habana Cafe is built on several standout features that distinguish it as a premier Latin American restaurant in New Jersey:

• Authentic Cuban & Caribbean Cuisine: The kitchen delivers genuinely authentic dishes, with patrons praising the seasoning, freshness, and traditional preparation of staples like Ropa Vieja and Lechon Asado.
• Signature Pork Specialty: The restaurant’s "Our Specialty" dish is the Baby Pernil, a slow-roasted pork shank with a crispy crust and garlic-lime mojo served over Caribbean mash. This tender, flavorful dish is a local favorite.
• Exceptional Cocktails and Bar: Casual Habana Cafe is highlighted for its great cocktails, including classic Cuban Mojitos, Guava Margaritas, and a selection of high-quality liquors, making the bar a vibrant focal point.
• Top-Tier Tapas Selection: The tapas menu offers an enticing variety of small plates perfect for sharing or sampling. Standouts include the Empanadas, Datiles Rellenos (bacon-wrapped dates stuffed with chevre frais), and the Camarones Al Coco (coconut-crusted shrimp).
• Renowned Coffee and Dessert: The cafe is well-regarded for its great coffee, which perfectly accompanies its delicious dessert menu, featuring Cuban classics like Flan Casero and Tres Leches.
• Vibrant Atmosphere: The dining area is often described as possessing a warm, Miami-esque, and lively vibe, suitable for groups, locals, and tourists seeking a unique and enjoyable night out.
• Commitment to Service: Customer reviews consistently praise the staff for being attentive, kind, and professional, further enhancing the overall positive dining experience.

Contact Information

To make a reservation, inquire about catering, or place a takeout order, you can contact Casual Habana Cafe in Hackensack using the following information:

Address: 125 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA

Phone: (201) 880-9844

What is Worth Choosing

For any first-time visitor or returning fan, the menu at Casual Habana Cafe provides a wealth of excellent choices. The depth of flavor in the Baby Pernil—a slow-roasted pork shank that is proudly advertised as "Our Specialty!"—makes it an essential choice for a main course. The succulent, slow-cooked meat and crispy skin, combined with garlic and lime mojo over Caribbean mash, is a masterclass in Cuban comfort food.

For beef lovers, the Ropa Vieja (slow-braised and shredded flank steak in a light tomato sauce) and the Churrasco Con Chimichurri (fire-grilled Omaha skirt steak with hand-cut chimichurri) are highly recommended and are among the most popular items ordered. The kitchen’s execution of these classic dishes ensures a tender, flavorful experience every time. A review highlights the authenticity of the Cubano Sandwich, affirming that it's "the real deal" and a perfect lunch option.

The Tapas section is where the creativity shines. Starting your meal with the highly-rated Empanadas, a favorite among patrons, or the sweet and savory Datiles Rellenos offers a delightful introduction to the Cuban small-plate concept. If you are seeking something lighter, the Camarones Al Coco (coconut-crusted shrimp) is another highly-praised choice that brings a bright, tropical note to the table. Lastly, no Cuban meal is complete without the famous sides; be sure to order the classic Tostones (twice-fried plantains) or the Yuca Con Mojo to complement your main dish. Conclude your Cuban feast with the traditional Flan Casero and an excellent Cuban coffee for a perfect end to your dining experience in Hackensack.

Casual Habana Cafe

125 Main St, Hackensack, NJ 07601, USA