Welcome to Havana Rumba Middletown
- 12003 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40243 Hotline: (502) 244-5375
Welcome to Havana Rumba Middletown: A Slice of Cuba in Louisville
Located at 12003 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40243, Havana Rumba Middletown is more than just a restaurant; it's an invitation to experience the vibrant culture and cuisine of Cuba. With a warm ambiance resonating with authentic Cuban music and splendid décor, this spot promises diners a delightful escape from the everyday hustle.
Culinary Highlights
Havana Rumba excels in crafting a menu that celebrates the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine. The Tapas Calientes are a must-try, featuring:
- Empanadas: Flaky pastries stuffed with your choice of chicken, ground beef, or cheese and spinach, served with roasted pepper sour cream.
- Rumba Queso Dip: Cheese sauce topped with Spanish chorizo, fresh salsa, and guacamole, accompanied by crispy plantain chips.
- Havana Chicken Nachos: Tortilla chips piled high with grilled chicken, pico de gallo, and a blend of savory toppings.
- Yuca Brava: Crispy yuca bites drizzled with aioli and spicy sauce, a true treat for adventurous eaters.
Each dish at Havana Rumba is crafted with fresh ingredients and a flare of traditional Cuban spices. The lively atmosphere, amplified by the live music, complements the dining experience perfectly. The vibrant colors and lively chatter whisk you away to a street-side café in Havana, helping to create indelible memories.
What Diners Are Saying
Customer experiences consistently highlight the welcoming service and nostalgic ambiance:
- One patron raves, "If you didn’t know you were in Louisville, you’d swear you walked into a place in Miami!"
- Another diner mentioned the captivating Pescado a la Parrilla, describing it as a "delicious fish fillet with a cilantro and garlic rub." A testament to the kitchen's ability to impress even the most discerning palates.
- Many reviews applaud the extensive menu, remarking on the difficult choices it presents—so many delicious dishes leave guests eager to return for more.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply gathering with friends, Havana Rumba's vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu make it an ideal choice. With ample seating inside and outside, plus options for private parties, the restaurant easily accommodates groups and families alike.
But be warned: demand is high! Early reservations are recommended, especially if you wish to enjoy the live music outdoors.
In closing, if you’re in the Louisville area, a visit to Havana Rumba Middletown is a culinary journey worth taking. Come for the food, stay for the atmosphere—and perhaps leave with a newfound love for Cuban cuisine!
Contact Information
For more information or to make reservations, reach out at (502) 244-5375.
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We had finished up for the week, and I had promised the Capt. and the staff that we would have dinner and discuss our approach for the other locations. We all decided on Havana Rumba, which I had visited before because folks have issues with spicey foods. I advised them that it was Cuban, not Mexican. They enjoyed the setup and the live music for the evening. Our food was freshly prepared and not spicy, and the restrooms were clean. The only issue we had was the lack of parking because it does so well, so there aren't many parking spaces available. Still, everyone in our party mentioned that they'll likely return.

First visit. Sat at bar and had a Coconut Margarita while the wife had a Cuban Colada - both were excellent. I ordered the Steak Chimichurri which was outstanding with the green sauce, although I didn't care for the red. Swapped my white rice with the dirty rice that came with my wife's Mango Glazed Salmon, which she said was good. The dirty rice blows the white rice out of the water. Neither of us ate the fried plantains because that's just not our thing. Service was warm & welcoming, live music was enjoyable, and over atmosphere was top-notch. Will definitely be back.

My wife and I decided to go out with some friends of ours for dinner and we could not decide where we wanted to go. The other couple recommended Havana Rumba and we had never eaten there before so we thought, why not. When we arrived, we walked in the front door and if you didn't know you were in Louisville, KY, you'd swear you had walked into a place in Miami. The wonderful music and decor immediately put you in the perfect frame of mind. The hostess was super friendly and they promptly seated us out on the patio. The weather was perfect and so was the seating. Some outdoor places cram as many chairs and tables in as they can and you feel really cramped. We didn't feel that was at all. My wife and I love to watch Food Network and we have seen lots of Cuban cuisine on different shows but we had never tried it before. One of my absolute favorite steak dishes is arrachera and when I saw it on the menu, I had to have it. I was not disappointed. One of the best I've had outside of central Mexico. The vibe was great and they had live music. Not too loud that you couldn't talk to your guests but most certainly lively and fun. My only complaint is a first world complaint and that is that there are too many amazing looking dishes on the menu. We will definitely be making this one of our frequent stops.

Fantastic lunch today and it provided exactly what I was craving. Guacamole and plantains - yes, all day! They were kind enough to bring out nacho chips for my husband because of his allergies. I also ordered a side salad and empanadas. The only item I wouldn't recommend is the queso. It was thin and watery. Lots of seating inside and out plus a party room for rental. Everyone that helped us was friendly and helpful. Service was attentive. I'm already planning another pick up of guacamole and plantains!

Havana Rumba. You know her and you love her. But last time I went boy was I blown out of the water with the Pescado a la Parrilla! DELICIOUS fish fillet with a cilantro and garlic rub. I fear from now on I will have trouble trying anything else on the menu after having this yummy of a meal. Inside the ambiance is a little loud with live music but it's worth it. In order to set a seat outside most nights I would recommend calling ahead of time. Of course the service is steady, quick & kind. We love Havana Rumba and always will.

This spot has limited hours and is packed during every one of them! And we see why! Upon arrival, the vibe, the lights, the colors, the atmosphere, is wonderful! The food is DELICIOUS! We had the steak quesadilla special which was perfectly seasoned and incredibly tender, the grilled veggie plate which is LIP SMACKING and seasoned perfectly, and the vaca Frita which was also DELICIOUS! Had peppers added which isn't traditional but tasted fabulous! Also had the spinach and cheese empanada! Perfect! The pastry was scrumptious and the filling was so soft and flavorful! Took home some cafe Cubano and it was perfect as well.

We had a delicious dinner tonight here at Havana Rumba in Middletown. The service is always really great with some of the kindest staff around. I absolutely love their food and the restaurant is amazing with lots of throwbacks to Cuba. Whether you are looking at the classic Cadillac desk or the decorative bathrooms, you'll be whisked away to a new place jere.

I had a delicious dinner recently at Havana Rumba. We also ordered the plantains and queso for an appetizer but it was too good that there's no picture evidence We were seated quickly, which we were pleased with due it to being a Friday evening. We chose to sit inside since it was still warm out, but the patio looked wonderful and there was live music outside!

Havana Rumba is as consistent as it gets. I find comfort in choosing to dine someplace where you know what to expect and Havana Rumba never lets me down. The food is delicious, the service is stellar, the atmosphere is fun, and the cocktails are strong. I've yet to have a bad experience. It's a great place to have a celebration or gather with family. They have live music. If you're looking for quiet, this isn't the spot for you. For any other occasion, it fits the bill. Full disclosure, years ago I ran into my future husband dining at the St. Matthews location. Years later, we are happily married and have two children. I have dined here with new acquaintances that have become lifelong friends. For me, this place is so special that I actually considered naming my second born "Havana." Maybe it's something in the air, but this place just might change your life.

My server tonight, Amanda, was great! Music tonight was perfect. Not too loud to where you can't hear yourself think. I was just here last night with coworkers and ordered the same thing (which is why I came back) and it wasn't as good. But it's okay, it was still good. Just not AS GOOD tonight. But my mojito filled the gap! And helped me to relax after the reason why I'm eating alone tonight.