by Frederic G. on A bar in Los Angeles that isn't full of pretentious asses.. those are far and few between. In order to have one in Pasadena, they had to put this in a basement and they wouldn't allow it to have anything but beer. Bravo. So let me break it down for you 1. 20 plus beers on tap and a crap load of others in bottles -- but why would you get in a bottle when you have so many selections on tap?? 2. Bartenders are awesome and know there beer 3. Pool table and dart boards in the back -- I've always been weary of people throwing anything sharp with alcohol in them, but hey, good stories start with dumb people 4. Everyone is really chill and mellow so don't worry about dressing up 5. Pickled eggs, peanuts and peanuts.. enough said. On another note, keep your eyes open if you're trying to find it for the first time.. It's tucked away in an alley with one sign to direct you..
by Cynthia N. on I went to Havana last Friday night with a friend. We parked across the street at Anthony's because of the line to park at Havana's. (Based on the other reviews, this was a good thing.) Walking up to the door, I knew my friend and I were in trouble. Frankly, we didn't look like hookers. I'm willing to skank it out a bit if I need to, but my friend and I looked like suburban housewives compared to the girls going in this club, and we had on tight jeans and cute shirts! The doorman was very nice to us. I had to admit, I was worried when I saw how the women were dressed going in, but we got in with no problem and a $5 cover. Like everyone else has said, there are three different areas, but the main space is broken up into a section upstairs - larger dancing area and few tables and downstairs - stripper pole and sofa/high-top table seating. We walked through the rooms with Latin music and house music, but they were much smaller rooms and super crowded, so we stuck to the main room. As for the crowd, we weren't feeling it. They were a little young and honestly, tasteless. But isn't everyone when they're young??? And there were some seriously older men in there with younger women - I mean 20 years older than me. It freaked me out a bit because these old guys were dressed like the guys in their 20's. An Affliction t-shirt on a 50-yr-old looks...well, bad. I didn't have problems getting drinks, but then again, I avoided the female bartenders who spent more time flirting than pouring. And this club had three of them! Slackers! And there was a lot of cigar smoking. I'm guessing it's the new "young guy" thing to do this. There was also a lot of cigarette smoking, but the space is big enough in the front to move around to avoid. I didn't smell like I'd rolled in an ashtray when I left, and that's always a plus. I gave Havana 3 stars because with the right crowd, this would be a happening spot. I like the layout and the use of space, but I'll have to pass on Friday night. Let me finish by mentioning the older Middle Eastern man who asked me to dance and when I said no, offered to pay me $20. Honestly, I might have done it if he'd offered $50. *snicker* So if any of you girls are looking for a senior citizen hookup, this might be a good spot!
