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We’d heard fantastic things about El Chanchullero restaurant in Old Havana that intrigued us, so we decided to go check it out. I’m not exactly sure why some of the best places to experience exceptional meals can be found in nondescript, off the beaten path, juke joints.
I will caution you. You can easily pass without noticing it. Maybe that’s why you will see a server standing outside fielding questions from foreigners about how to find El Chanchullero! Once we realized we were at the right place, we stepped inside.
The old, rustic building has three levels within its narrow footprint. The first level is pictured below. The second level is weird. There is only one table sitting inside of what looks like a jail cell. The third level is their petite rooftop bar which allows you to see the Old Havana courtyard.
Yes, there was only one empty table on the ground floor. There are two tables on the other side, but they were occupied too. It’s so tight, you will get to know your fellow diners very well.
We didn’t have to wait for very long to get our menus which were happily in both languages. We tried to focus on ordering, but it was difficult to do so with our eventual server, Yudi, walking around.
To Carisa’s chagrin, Yudi wasn’t on the menu. lol
Exceptional prices and plentiful portions await you
We noticed that the prices were exceptional and if we were really starving, we would have ordered every tapas dish, but we decided to go ahead and place two orders of the Chanchull assortment. It was a mix of sliced smoked sausages, chorizo and yeast rolls. The meat was smokey, spicy and flavorful and only cost 4 CUC each which is pretty much the equivalent of $4.00USD!!
You could literally get full eating this delectable dish. It may look like a small dish but it was very satisfying.
Our server recommended the Ropa Vieja, which literally translates into “old rope”! Didn’t sound really appetizing but we’re in Havana, right? Why not try it anyway?! It was surprising to see the finished product when Yudi set it on our well-lived, small table.
This dish is enough for two people to share easily….unless you’ve come with a huge appetite!
The dish was a hearty serving of sauteed pulled pork with green pepper, tomatoes, and onions in a 10″ bowl. It was garnished with fresh cucumbers, shredded white cabbage, tomatoes and sweet potato mash served on top of black beans and rice. We literally couldn’t eat it all, so we had them put the remainder in a doggy bag. Cost? $4.50 USD!
Yudi poses with Carisa as she enjoys her $2.00 Pina Colada!!
One of the best surprises about dining at El Chanchullero restaurant was their insane drink prices. There was no drink over $3.00 USD. Naturally, we suspected once we were served, we would see that the drinks would be watered down. Boy, were we wrong! If anything, maybe there was a tad bit too much Havana Club rum in our drinks. Then again, we are lightweights when it comes to alcohol. lol
Overall, the service is great and the food and drink were exceptional. Reservations are recommended, but we were able to just walk in after a short wait. If you are planning a trip to Havana, do make plans to visit this wonderful establishment. You will always get more than your money’s worth!
For more information contact:” The Chanchullero – Bar of Tapas, is located in Lieutenant King 457A low, and / Bernaza and the Christ, (Place of the Christ), Habana Vieja, Havana, Cuba. A few minutes from places of reference such as El Capitolio, Hotel Telegrafo, Hotel Parque Central, Hotel Inglaterra, among many others. (+53) 7 861 0915 – Phone (+53) 5 276 0938 – Fax
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