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ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Restaurants in Walnut Creek
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Walnut Creek
Master Critic Review
Havana
8.3
The East Bay's destination for California-Cuban cuisine features over a dozen flavored mojitos and South Beach Miami-inspired decor. Mojito Mondays offer half-price cocktails all day, while weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas and mojitos alongside Cuban breakfast favorites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paella, Chimichurri Skirt Steak, Plantain Crusted Pacific Cod
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Over a dozen mojito flavors and authentic Cuban atmosphere
Who should go: Cocktail enthusiasts, groups seeking lively atmosphere
When to visit: Mojito Monday for half-price drinks, weekend brunch
What to order: Paella, chimichurri steak, guava mojito
Insider tip: Mojito Monday means half-price on all mojito flavors all day
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Two covered garages within 2 blocks - Locust St garage (next to Lark Creek) and Locust/Civic garage (by Lesher Center), first hour free then $0.50/hour
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - the South Beach vibe invites colorful, relaxed attire. Sundresses and linen shirts fit perfectly, no need to dress up
Noise level: Moderate to loud - Cuban music plays throughout, lively atmosphere especially on weekends, outdoor patio slightly quieter for conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on Friday/Saturday, call ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate - vegetable empanadas, Cuban black beans, plantains, salads available but menu centers on meat and seafood
Vegan options: Limited - black beans, rice, some salads can be modified, but Cuban cuisine relies heavily on pork and dairy
Gluten-free options: Moderate - many dishes naturally gluten-free including grilled proteins, rice plates, and plantains, staff can guide
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Fun choice for casual, energetic dates - the mojito selection gives you something to explore together, the tropical atmosphere keeps things lively, and sharing paella creates a natural bonding moment. Not quiet-romantic, but great for getting-to-know-you dates where you want conversation to flow easily.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner seat walk-ins readily. Friday and Saturday evenings get busy - 30-45 minute waits common. Mojito Mondays can be surprisingly packed despite being a weekday. The outdoor patio often has faster availability than indoor tables.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably so - no dedicated kids menu but Cuban food offers approachable options like rice, beans, and plantains that kids enjoy. The lively atmosphere means kid noise blends in. Better for families during lunch or early dinner; later evenings skew adult cocktail crowd.
What's the bottomless brunch deal? Weekend brunch (Saturday and Sunday 10am-2:30pm) features bottomless mimosas AND bottomless mojitos - rare to find both options. Pairs with Cuban breakfast favorites like empanadas and breakfast plates. Arrives at a pace that keeps the party going without overdoing it.
How does Mojito Monday work? All mojitos are half-price all day and night - every flavor from classic to guava to passion fruit. Starting at 5pm they add $5 tapas specials. It's the best cocktail deal in downtown Walnut Creek and draws a loyal Monday crowd.
Best For
Better for: Best mojito program in the East Bay - no one else offers a dozen+ flavors with a dedicated Monday deal. The Cuban atmosphere and South Beach vibes are unique to downtown Walnut Creek. Bottomless brunch with mojito option sets it apart from mimosa-only spots.
Consider Alternatives If: You want quiet intimate dining - the Cuban music and lively crowd create energy that doesn't suit romantic whispers. For a quieter date try Va de Vi, for more refined atmosphere go to ELIA, for serious food-focused dining choose Limón.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday4pm - 9pm
Wednesday4pm - 9pm
Thursday4pm - 9pm
Friday4pm - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday10am - 9pm