Havana Rumba

I have seen Havana Rumba packed at 2 in the afternoon on a weekday.

I've had many mixed experiences at HR. When negative, it's always the service (slow/rude), noise level, temperture, etc. It has never ever been the food. Their food is outstanding! Vaca Frita!!!

I've had many mixed experiences at HR. When negative, it's always the service (slow/rude), noise level, temperture, etc. It has never ever been the food. Their food is outstanding! Vaca Frita!!!

I have never had slow or rude service. The noise level would be an issue if you were out for a quiet dinner, and the dining room off to the left can get chilly. We did have some people who were cold, but it wasn't anything a couple more mojitos didn't fix. I demolished a plate full of Vaca Frita, black beans, and plantains on Saturday.

[Robin Garr]

I have never had slow or rude service.

I've got to chime in on that, too. A little slow, maybe, when they're slammed. It's a popular, crowded place, and you can't expect dinner to come out in five minutes. But rude service? At Havana Rumba? I'm puzzled and frankly dubious about this, and meaning no disrespect to Bryan, I'd like to hear more details about that story and would wonder what happened on the other side of the table.

Havana Rumba is one of my favorite places and has been consistently good since they opened their doors. We always have our 3 year old twins with us when we dine there (always around 5PM on a weeknight) and the servers couldn't be nicer.

Now that I've written this I'll be needing to get some Ropa Vieja this week

Havana Rumba has great food and friendly service. The only problem I have is the table nearest the door. When people are waiting, they sometimes step into the restaurant and even lean against the back of the seat. The staff often congrgates at the doorway on the other side. It's an uncomfortable experience to be squeezed from both sides, and the table really shouldn't be in what is essentially a busy walkthrough. Other than that, I have nothing negative to say. The restaurant is superior to most Miami Cuban.

Went in there for a quick dessert the other night while on a break from the hospital. Something sweet sounded good. Sat down and just started glancing at the menu. I knew better. Looked at the tapas ad saw the entremas and couldn't resist. Serrano ham, two types of sausage, manchego cheese, goat cheese, marinated olives and roasted red peppers. It was SOOOO good. Simple, elegantly presented, and delicious. I love that place.

I have never had slow or rude service.

I've got to chime in on that, too. A little slow, maybe, when they're slammed. It's a popular, crowded place, and you can't expect dinner to come out in five minutes. But rude service? At Havana Rumba? I'm puzzled and frankly dubious about this, and meaning no disrespect to Bryan, I'd like to hear more details about that story and would wonder what happened on the other side of the table.

Dubious? Really? I find it unfortunate that you feel I would post something intentionally misleading. Robin, I have no ill-will toward HR. I'll try to defend my post.

You have to admit that people have off nights. It can't be great every night. Yes, I have had several meals out of the 40+ at HR in which the service was seriously lacking. Yes the food has always been terrific, delicious, wonderful, and we are lucky to have their menu in Louisville. It is one of my favorite restaurants in Louisville and I recommend it to anyone that has not gone. But I've eaten at this restaurant enough to know that it is not a perfect experience all the time. When I've had a bad experience, it has never the food. I can understand Laura's experience as it has mirrored many of mine, so I wanted to chime in.

You asked about my "story", so here it is: Our last trip to HR (it might have been 2 weeks ago for an early dinner on a Sunday around 5 PM, I don't remember the day). We were seated immediately. A female server approached the table with no smile and coldly asked what we want to drink. No hello, welcome, nothing. I am very nice and appreciative of all servers and said thank you with a smile on my face in a very nice manor when the order was complete, and then again when the drinks were returned. Drinks were placed on the table. She leaves. No communication from her. Hardly eye contact. No your welcome. She returns later... what do you want to eat. We order, and say thank you. Nothing from her. The service the whole night was like this. Very cold, like she was doing us a favor she really didn't want to do. Maybe this was her "style" - do you know how lucky you are to be here, take what I give you, eat it, be happy I bring it to you, now get out. I don't consider this charming. This is rude in my book. It's not like this every time, but it was not the first time either.

As for slow service, it comes with their success and it does not bother me at all. If you want food this good, you may need to wait for it. But that does not give the server the right to treat us in a poor fashion.

But that does not give the server the right to treat us in a poor fashion.

I completely agree with you. I have had this happen, not often and never at Havana Rumba. To many people bring personal problems to work, not just at restaurants. When this happens I respond with a decreased tip, including just a few coins if really bad.

My only problem with Havana Rumba has been repeatedly having them try to seat 4 people at their small square tables that aren't much larger than an average 2 top. Of course we are always accomodated when we ask for something else, but the number of times we've had to ask tells me they really want 4 people sitting at those tiny tables which is off-putting. I made the mistake of not telling some friends from out of town about this problem and wheni got there I found the three of them already sitting at one of the small tables. And yes of course when we asked to be moved to a booth they said sure, but it's one of those situations where I start feeling weird asking for something everytime that I shouldn't have to ask for. Has anyone else experienced this?

We have similar problems at sister restaurant Mojito. On one ocassion six of us were seated next to the bar and they allowed the area to get so crowded that my father spent most of the meal with a strangers posterior about 6 inches from his face. On several other ocassions fellow patrons of other parties were crowded around tables so tightly packed we might as well have been eating at communal benches.

Both places have fabulous food, but seating has been an ongoing issue for us. In some ways I hope it's just us.

Service is so critical. Doesn't matter how good the food is if you can't get waited on.
On vacation recently, our server unfortunately was the only one assigned to the upstairs area (Karouz was like this). So she got slammed. Occassionally someone would run food and even get drink order, but mostly she was on her own. Understandable, but the curious part (this was after lunch) she seemed to be more concerned about getting the tables set for dinner than following up with those of us already there - I guess she wanted to get home (or a double shift) and knew everyone would tip something anyway - food was good.
We have also been sat (or tried to sit us) at tables right in the path of the entrance or to the kitchen. Recently, the hostess tried to get us to sit at the table a few feet from the door - cold outside. We asked to sit at another table. Since we interfered with the rotation, we didn't get waited on - our server had been seated a 8 or 10 top. Could have told us. Asked if we wanted a beverage. No, we were 'punished' for asking for a different table. So we left.
Rocky's has a lousy table in the last room. Each of the few times we've gone (and it's been a long time) they tried to sit us at the table that is right there at the entrance to the room. Molly Malone's did that to us. We didn't stay.
Is it because we are older? We both worked in restaurant and overtip often. People miss out:-)
We don't go to high end restaurants because of the service - or cost of. Don't think it's fair that someone should make so much just because of the price of the ticket, when people working in less expensive places who are just as good if not better don't usually get the benefit. Just because the meal was $200 for 2, doesn't mean the server deserves $30 or more for the meal. $20 for 2 is only a $3 or more. Similar effort often.
So to not have buyer's remorse, we don't go.
Love Havana Rumba. Haven't had a service problem. Too many choices, not enough time, or money.

eh my only "problem" with havana rumba is that they need a bigger space or a second location

eh my only "problem" with havana rumba is that they need a bigger space or a second location

May get your wish sooner than you think......... more to come

Kurt, spill, what do you know? I heard rumblings, but no facts.

I can not. I will tell when I get the OK.