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(+53)7203 - 0521
Le Garaje is affectionately known by Habaneros as the Cuban version of Hooters. I would stream more of a Johnny Rockets burger joint, Havana-style. This is a completely new concept to Havana and has brightened up a whole corner of the city with hundreds of bright fairy lights permanently on station outside leading the way to this very non-Cuban paladar.
The girls (and they are all girls) have matching blue uniforms and provide efficient service with an indulgent smile. Smart wooden furniture outside; large screen TV and air-conditioned booths inside. Outside of Cuba these places are two a penny. This is a place you could catch a sports game in the States or eat some nachos with a beer after work in London.
Sitting behind the Russian Embassy next to the Aquarium, it stands out as a one of its kind and for that it is a very welcome addition to the scene. The burgers and sandwiches are decent and the milkshakes, fruit shakes and giant sundaes are excellent. This is the only place in Havana to enjoy a Clooney (Nespresso) at 4 cuc!
I’m not really sure what is the target market here but it always seems to have a stream of clients and is the place to be to soak up some alcohol at 3am on a Friday or Saturday night.
Le Garage Restaurant (breakfast review)
I’ve visited this spot on my last 3 trips. This time I came to check out an addition to the menu, breakfast. On a previous trip they talked about opening for breakfast and they were saying it was going to be North American style. So here I am checking it out.
Firstly, it’s super expensive for Cubans and saw none of them in the restaurant. It’s even more expensive than some restaurants here in Toronto, Canada. No matter, it’s only breakfast anyway, let’s take the plunge.
The freshly squeezed Papaya juice was excellent, even though they added sugar but it was served at room temperature. The selection of fruit on the fruit plate that came with my breakfast was nice enough; Pineapple, Papaya, Mango, Guava, Melon and Banana but none if it was ripe. The toast bread may have been toasted but it was neither warm nor brown, just hard as a rock. The scrambled eggs were unrecognizable. They were like little egg chips and very dry. The croissant was not too bad but wasn’t great. The cafe con leche on the other hand was perfect.
Over all the service was as it has always been; friendly and prompt. The presentation of the food was okay as well. The idea was good as well but for what you’re getting the price is too high. They should also think about changing the music, they’ve been playing the same for 8-9 months. We never see the place busy and believe they should be attracting Cuban business as well as tourist. Don’t kid yourself, the tourist is looking for a deal as well.
It’s a shame and we hope we’re wrong but we don’t see this place lasting with these prices. We like the place and will continue to support it when in the area but I won’t be having breakfast there again unless it gets better.
Private (Paladar)
