Experience Cuba in the Heart of Irvine

The Half Roast Chicken entree is served with garlic mojo, pickled white onions, sofrito black beans, buttered white rice, and maduros. Photo credit Habana

Nine months into the pandemic, a trip abroad is all but impossible. Luckily, Habana has offered a window into the world of Cuban dishes at its Irvine Spectrum location. The Vine connected with Tim Meepegama to learn about Habana’s origins, its menu, and its future.

The Vine: Why did Habana open its second location in Irvine?

Habana: We were offered an opportunity at The Spectrum by the Irvine Company, and we were intrigued about opening on a bigger stage.

The Vine: Why did the restaurant group choose Irvine as its corporate headquarters?

Habana: We were very concerned about making sure that our second Habana was successful, so locating our corporate headquarters across the street made lots of sense to us. 

The Vine: What has made the Habana restaurants in Irvine and Costa Mesa successful?

Habana: We get lots of compliments on design, but our consistently great food and passionate service have created a very loyal following.

The Vine: How are the restaurants doing during the stay-at-home?

Habana: We were able to open four venues for outside dining, and they did very well until the recent shutdown.

The Vine: How has the city of Irvine supported Habana during this time?

Habana: They were great at very quickly approving our outside dining entitlements and temporary improvements when every day counted.

The Vine: Is there anything the city can do to help?

Habana: Any additional sources of grants or loans would be readily accepted.

The Vine: What is the best dish on the Habana menu?

Habana: I love the skirt steak, but our ropa vieja is a classic.

The Vine: What is your death row meal?

Habana: A medianoche sandwich and a mojito.

Habana offers take-out via its online order system for pick up or delivery.

Habana at the Irvine Spectrum
708 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 419-0100