Closed for Business: Havana Cafe in Ahwatukee

As it is, Cuban food isn't easy to come by in the Valley, and now a local Cuban favorite has scaled back due to the tough economy. Havana Cafe closed its five-year-old Ahwatukee location a week ago Saturday. Chef-owner BJ Hernandez continues to operate the flagship Havana Cafe on Camelback (4225 E...

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As it is, Cuban food isn’t easy to come by in the Valley, and now a local Cuban favorite has scaled back due to the tough economy.

Havana Cafe closed its five-year-old Ahwatukee location a week ago Saturday.

Chef-owner BJ Hernandez continues to operate the flagship Havana Cafe on Camelback (4225 E. Camelback Rd.) as well as a longstanding Havana Patio Cafe in North Scottsdale (6245 E. Bell Rd.).

The restaurant remains a go-to spot for Cuban classics like black bean soup, chorizo-stuffed pot roast, and pork-stuffed Cuban sandwiches. Recently, however, the menu was supplemented with a few Puerto Rican dishes, including alcapurrias (stuffed green plantains) and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas).