La Pachanga

Style of food: Diner/Snacks

Cost: Cheap

Type of place: Paladar (private)

Food
Ambience
Service
Value

Best for: Gigantic, humungous special burgers at 3am to soak up the night’s alcohol.

Worst for: Your diet if you manage to finish the special burger.

Calle 28 No. 254, entre 21 y 23, Vedado

(+53)7830 - 2507

Open noon-4am, Tue-Sun, except Mon

Havana was needing a cafe that, while keeping the celerity and simplicity of a fast food joint, gave the food a gourmet touch to such dishes as Pollo Pachanga (Pachanga chicken), the delicious smoothies or its very popular La Pachanga Burger, a combination of beef, bacon, cheese, egg, olives, vegetables, French fries and dressings. No wonder La Pachanga has become a favourite place in such a short time. Its regulars know that at any time, day or night, there’s a place where they can enjoy an excellent burger while they chat with the owners. Sergio, who’s a chef by trade, and Shamela, who is an artist, have combined each of their passions to create a unique place in Havana. The menu has been designed to cater for vegetarians also. Centrally located in El Vedado, it closes at the customers’ convenience.

Tacos al pastor at La Pachanga

This is s real “up”. This paladar that has been open for about a year has become widely known by the stickers seen on cars all over town (which guarantee the car owners a discount at the place, by the way) It is also famous for its burgers, fruit smoothies, and the fact that it is open until the early hours of the morning. But what really makes it unique are the tacos al pastor. These tacos are maybe the most traditional dish of Mexico’s street food. They are made with seasoned pork steaks, overlapped in a skewer that turns facing a vertical rotisserie. The meat is carved and placed in corn tortillas along with pineapple. They are not quite like the ones in Mexico but they are still great. Bring your own hot sauce and ask for an extra serving of pineapple.