Havana Hideout

»THEY SHOULD HIDEOUT FROM EVERYONE!

While Havana Hideout advertises their fish tacos as the best in Palm Beach County, it is more likely that they are the worst in the entire universe. I have never eaten anything more disgusting, anywhere. My taco’s shell was deep fried in what I think was the same oil their fish is fried in. It dripped grease. The fish gave off a metallic, distinctly unfresh flavor. The only dressing on the...+READ While Havana Hideout advertises their fish tacos as the best in Palm Beach County, it is more likely that they are the worst in the entire universe. I have never eaten anything more disgusting, anywhere. My taco’s shell was deep fried in what I think was the same oil their fish is fried in. It dripped grease. The fish gave off a metallic, distinctly unfresh flavor. The only dressing on the cabbage and pineapple “salsa” was a large glob of mayonnaise. I ate that taco at about 2 PM and will be thankful if I am not hospitalized with food poisoning before morning. It’s OK to have a beer at Havana Hideout (out of the bottle; they don’t do glasses), but eating there is a big NO-NO. I rate this "restaurant" minus 10 stars!-COLLAPSE (by Gino L., created April 17, 2010)

»Kitschy- cute decor, lousy service, Food does not Live up to the Hype

I was really looking forward to trying this place out but was unfortunately disappointed.

The service was slow, unfriendly and really lacking. Our server never smiled once and was not helpful with menu. We asked twice to get the table wiped down and no one ever did. It was sticky and we were told to go ahead and take a seat even though the table had not been bussed yet. That is fine but the...+READ I was really looking forward to trying this place out but was unfortunately disappointed.

The service was slow, unfriendly and really lacking. Our server never smiled once and was not helpful with menu. We asked twice to get the table wiped down and no one ever did. It was sticky and we were told to go ahead and take a seat even though the table had not been bussed yet. That is fine but the table should have been wiped down.

The menus were filthy too.

The server forgot my drink ( not big deal) but she never checked back so I did not get my drink until the meal was served.( ok half the meal cause the food did not come out together). My friends entree sat in the window for a good long while before it was brought out to the table. The cook kept looking around because his window was full and no one came to run the food.
No one ever checked back after the meal was served to ask us if everything was ok or if we wanted another drink. My friend wanted to order another taco but we decided to forget it.
The place was not busy but the service was slow and inefficient. I understand that this is not a fancy place but even a dive needs to have friendly and decent service.
Also we watched an employee take out the trash and then she brought my friend's food and she did not wash her hands. That is totally gross and is a health code violation.
The ceviche was mostly salsa ( which was very good) but like I said not very much fish. The chips were very good but were not served warm as described on the menu. The strawberry sangria was sweet and pretty tasty but I thought $6 plus to be kind of pricy for what I got.
If you are looking for fancy this is not for you. The place has a great tropical vibe and I have heard the open mic nights are good. I don't know how much pitchers of the sangria are but that seems like it would be a better value.

The menu items are not as depicted in the pictures on the company web site or on any of the reviews. I got the distinct impression that since the establishment had been featured on the Diners, Drive-ins and Dives that they think that they have it made. I did not feel that Havana Hideout does not live up to the hype.

Havana Hideout has potential but the service really needs to improve. Too bad cause I really wanted to like this place.-COLLAPSE (by polofan, created April 8, 2010)

Havana Hideout on Lake Ave in Lake Worth definitely fits the bill for dive restaurant with great Latin specialties. In fact the kitchen is a truck permanently parked next to the bar, but the empanadas, cuban sandwiches, and other latin dishes (fish tacos, pionono, and ceviche) are excellent. The place was featured on a Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives episode.

http://havanahideout.com/ REPLY (24 Replies) (by Neek, created November 8, 2009)