Homestyle Cuban cooking, fresh seafood, and a shaded garden patio in the heart of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Chokoloskee sits at the edge of the world, more or less. It's a tiny island community just past Everglades City, where the road ends and the Ten Thousand Islands begin. HavAnnA Cafe fits that setting perfectly: a family-owned spot serving Cuban classics and fresh seafood with the kind of care you don't find at places that seat 200.
The Cuban sandwich is the thing people talk about most. Marinated mojo pork, pressed right, with a hot dipping sauce that reviewers keep describing as the best they've ever had. The pork plate with rice, beans, and fried plantains is the other order worth knowing about. Everything comes from scratch, with real Cuban flair and seasoning that actually means something.
Sit outside if the weather cooperates. The garden patio is shaded and surrounded by plants that make it feel more private than you'd expect. It's the kind of spot where you lose track of time over a Cuban coffee and a pastry. Live music shows up sometimes too, which makes the whole thing feel even more like a find.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all on the table, along with beer, wine, and cocktails. Dogs are welcome, which fits the vibe completely. If you're spending time in Everglades City or exploring the Gulf Coast side of Everglades National Park, this is the meal you'll be talking about on the drive home.
1,689 reviews
2 months ago
I would give this a million stars if I could... Not only was it a neat atmosphere but the staff was extremely friendly. Probably the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had in my entire life. The hot dipping sauce was the perfect blend of hot and sweet.
5 months ago
Been going to Marco Island since the mid 80s, and every year try to escape the touristy standbys by visiting Everglades City. Have wanted to try HavAnnA for a few years, and last night was our first time. Truly creative "from scratch" cuisine with Cuban flair and excellent service. We ordered the Cuban Sandwich and the Shrimp Criollo (one with stone crab claws). Original, innovative, fresh, and flavorful. So different than many Southwest Florida restaurants which become more corporate and "chain-like" with every return visit. It's a short run from Marco Island and Naples, and absolutely worth the trip. Don't be spooked by lack of guests in photos -- we arrived an hour before closing and it was 57 degrees.
6 months ago
HavAnnA Cafe is a great small cafe that has wonderful Cuban foods. The outdoor dining area is shaded and the surrounding plants make it feel private. The food is very good and is spiced just right. I had the pork plate that came with rice, beans, and fried plantains. The Cuban sandwiches were also very good. For dessert, try the key lime pie or the flan. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are also available. Several resident chickens strut around the dining area looking for morsels of food. They really add to the tropical atmosphere of the patio. A variety of empanadas and desserts are available if you want to get them to go--great snacks to take out on the water!
8 months ago
Absolutely outstanding. Took a motorcycle ride to Everglades City and saw on the Coffee Hogs YT channel that they had gone here and heard the food was incredible. This is true, I had the best Cuban sandwich ever, a Cuban sandwich is made with marinated mojo pork. The service was superb, I sat at the bar counter, I always like to do this because they serve me much quicker. All in all, a wonderful experience and the food is definitely worth the price. And the bartender makes some awesome drinks. I must place to eat if you're ever visiting Everglades City which is close to Marco Island. If this restaurant was open in miami, all the other Cuban restaurants would suffer 💯
5 months ago
Executive Summary While an initial encounter with dogs feeding from bowls near the entrance was off-putting (it didn't bother anyone else in my party, that's just a me thing I guess), the subsequent dining experience effectively mitigated that first impression. The combination of culinary quality and attentive service makes this establishment a destination worthy of a return visit. Key Highlights Service: Our server was exceptional—not only professional but genuinely thoughtful, even proactively offering to capture a photo for our group. Culinary Quality: The food was excellent, meeting high standards for flavor and presentation. Ambiance: Once seated, the atmosphere was welcoming and provided a great backdrop for the meal. Final Verdict Despite a questionable first impression regarding the pets on-site, the service, ambiance, and food successfully redeemed the experience. We will certainly be returning.
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