El Gato Tuerto, Havana: Address, Phone Number, El Gato Tuerto Reviews: 4/5
El Gato Tuerto
El Gato Tuerto
4
Full view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
650 within 3 miles
California Cafe
298
195 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Cuban
Restaurante Paladar Cafe Laurent Habana
1,393
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options • Gluten Free Options
Havana's 21
160
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Latin • Bar
Hotel Capri Restaurant
362
493 ft$$ - $$$ • Italian • European • Healthy
Nacional Hotel
759
0.1 mi$$$$ • Caribbean • Latin • International
WOOW Restaurant
445
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly
Bone Ma
89
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Cuban • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
La Roca
644
0.1 mi$ • Seafood • International • Cuban
Ideas
145
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Mediterranean • Cuban
Cafe Restaurant Cuatro Lunas
57
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Cajun & Creole • Spanish
Attractions
198 within 6 miles
Cabaret Parisien
852
0.1 miCabarets
El Malecon
12,036
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Edificio Focsa
180
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Pabellon Cuba
1
0.2 miConvention Centers
Museo Napoleonico
277
0.5 miSpeciality Museums
University of Havana
914
0.5 miEducational sites
Coppelia Park (Parque Coppelia)
99
0.3 miParks
Old Havana
20,648
2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Church and Convent of St. Francis of Asisi
557
0.6 miSpeciality Museums • Religious Sites
Embajada de los Estados Unidos
45
0.3 miArchitectural Buildings
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
324 reviews
Excellent
165
Very good
104
Average
28
Poor
13
Terrible
14
joelleGuadeloupe
guadeloupe21 contributions
We went there with a Cuban friend 3 years ago and in May 08. In La Havana, there's music everywhere, but here it is more authentic and absolutely fabulous. Check the program, and go there to see Migdalia Hechavarria... or any other artist, they're amazing. They play all kinds of cuban music, it depends on the artist, some are really famous.
Go there early, as it is quite small, and be careful with the AC that can be very cold...
It is just next to Hotel Nacional, 4 CUC from Old Havana with a taxi. There are always some in front of it.
Entry 2 CUC, mojito 4 CUC
Go there early, as it is quite small, and be careful with the AC that can be very cold...
It is just next to Hotel Nacional, 4 CUC from Old Havana with a taxi. There are always some in front of it.
Entry 2 CUC, mojito 4 CUC
Written May 5, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jahuffy
4 contributions
Couples
Let me start by saying I'm a gringo....poquito espanol. And I'm in Cuba....start the judgement now.
We started off up top in the restaurant and the carpaccio with bread was amazing. The bartender up top also made a better mojito than the one at the lower bar where the music is.
The whole reason we were here was for the music. Juana Bacallao frequents this joint often, and if you know Cuban music, you'll want to have even a slim chance at seeing her. Unfortunately she was very ill the night we were there, and hopefully she is better by the time this is posted.
Authentic music is usually the last act, and tonight's did not disappoint. Even for someone who can only pick out a few words, the energy and rhythm have a universal language anyone who cares can understand.
Combine that with well-dressed bartenders, dark, moody lighting, better than average acoustics, and the two to three sixty year old men with younger escorts, and you have a winner(no judgement here).
So why the four stars and not five? The service. Now, I'm all for the solo server trying to hold down the entire section by herself and not providing the quickest service, but from the beginning of our time downstairs it felt like we were being told "go home gringos, this place is for locals only."
We started off by sitting at a two top up front that was reserved. My bad, I didn't look at the card on the table and assumed it was a drink menu or something. The server pointed it out and we moved. Then she came up again, not to take our order but to question whether or not we paid the $5 CUC cover since we had brought drinks down from upstairs. We had to involve the doorman who confirmed our purchase.
OK, no harm no foul...just a rough start to the evening right? Wrong. The server proceeded to ignore us the rest of the night, literally serving every other table but ours (which she did once). After an hour of being left alone I finally went to the bar and ordered myself. Message heard, loud and clear. I left her zero tip, the third time I've ever done so in my life.
So moral to the story? I don't know....
Go to El Gato Tuerto if you enjoy really, really good authentic Cuban music. If you speak fluent Spanish, you're in. If you don't, look where you sit and get there no later than 11:30 if you want to catch the second act and prepare for the third. You'll leave happy as long as you don't piss off the server.
We started off up top in the restaurant and the carpaccio with bread was amazing. The bartender up top also made a better mojito than the one at the lower bar where the music is.
The whole reason we were here was for the music. Juana Bacallao frequents this joint often, and if you know Cuban music, you'll want to have even a slim chance at seeing her. Unfortunately she was very ill the night we were there, and hopefully she is better by the time this is posted.
Authentic music is usually the last act, and tonight's did not disappoint. Even for someone who can only pick out a few words, the energy and rhythm have a universal language anyone who cares can understand.
Combine that with well-dressed bartenders, dark, moody lighting, better than average acoustics, and the two to three sixty year old men with younger escorts, and you have a winner(no judgement here).
So why the four stars and not five? The service. Now, I'm all for the solo server trying to hold down the entire section by herself and not providing the quickest service, but from the beginning of our time downstairs it felt like we were being told "go home gringos, this place is for locals only."
We started off by sitting at a two top up front that was reserved. My bad, I didn't look at the card on the table and assumed it was a drink menu or something. The server pointed it out and we moved. Then she came up again, not to take our order but to question whether or not we paid the $5 CUC cover since we had brought drinks down from upstairs. We had to involve the doorman who confirmed our purchase.
OK, no harm no foul...just a rough start to the evening right? Wrong. The server proceeded to ignore us the rest of the night, literally serving every other table but ours (which she did once). After an hour of being left alone I finally went to the bar and ordered myself. Message heard, loud and clear. I left her zero tip, the third time I've ever done so in my life.
So moral to the story? I don't know....
Go to El Gato Tuerto if you enjoy really, really good authentic Cuban music. If you speak fluent Spanish, you're in. If you don't, look where you sit and get there no later than 11:30 if you want to catch the second act and prepare for the third. You'll leave happy as long as you don't piss off the server.
Written February 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
myklnz
Flagler Beach, FL62 contributions
Friends
Spent more than a couple late nights at the Gato. Incredible Cuban jazz music, great cheap Mojitos, plenty of action and smoking's allowed.
Helps to be with the Irish Ambassador as this is the 'official' Embassy.
A real experience a block from the Nacional with more locals than not.
Helps to be with the Irish Ambassador as this is the 'official' Embassy.
A real experience a block from the Nacional with more locals than not.
Written November 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tj's Travels
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Really disappointed in this spot. I was really excited to visit, have dinner then enjoy live music. The food was awful, the staff were inhospitable, and the musicians that night weren’t very talented or engaging. We stayed at the Nacional and I’d assumed this place would be a go-to, but after our Monday night visit we never went back. Beware of the cover charge - apparently they waive it if you’re having dinner, but not so. Staff even led us downstairs to the music lounge and we got hounded for it before the bartender would serve us. This despite me coming down the stairs with 3/4 of a bottle of red wine I’d purchased at dinner. Only way we could get drinks was to go to the bar and tip excessively. Maybe an off night, but was definitely off-putting. We’re definitely going back to La Habana (amazing city), but will skip this place and stick to the many other awesome spots sprinkled around the city.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nikos M
London, UK23 contributions
Couples
Do not get confused ! There is NO nightlife in Havana and this place is no exception ! An old ugly band playing boring edition of Latin music ! Cheesy crowd ! Keep your strength for the beach ! Avoid, avoid, avoid!
Written March 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adrian_23275
Bucharest, Romania86 contributions
Couples
Been here for lunch in a hot June day , after a tour in Havana . Food was very good and also the music ambiance provided . Clean restaurant , also .
Written July 4, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DriverCheshire
Stoke-on-Trent, UK291 contributions
Located adjacent to the National hotel overlooking the Malecon this small bistro style establishment is a MUST place to eat when in Havana. The view is excellent upstairs and the food was some of the best we had whilst in Cuba, the seafood soup was superb and the portions were large, our 2 course meal with drinks came to 12 CUCs, A rare treat to experience both value and quality in a tourist area such as Havana, phone at weekends to book to avoid disappointment on arrival.
Written March 27, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ColdCorona
Idaho339 contributions
Visited the El Gato Tuerto (one eyed cat) three times while in Havana and was treated to some incredible live cuban music each time. This is a relatively small club with open seating for about 60 and another 12 or so seats at the bar top. 5 peso cover charge to get in whether you can get a seat or stand. Intimate setting and you are close to the musicians. Nice bar selection however, service tends to be a bit slow due to the crowd and somewhat apathetic bar staff. Music far and away made up for this shortcoming though.
Close proximity to the National Hotel. Next time you are in Havana, treat yourself to some live music 'tuerto' style.
Close proximity to the National Hotel. Next time you are in Havana, treat yourself to some live music 'tuerto' style.
Written January 8, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LOVE2EAT56
London, UK201 contributions
Family
We wanted terrific music, dancing and great cocktails: we were rewarded in spadefulls.
Yes - we paid our 5 CUCs, and the only place to sit was 4 stools at the bar.
I must have watched 100 mojitos being skilfully mixed by the barman: it's a very slick operation.
The two small bands we saw were excellent, and various people danced and just stood to enjoy the music.
A 'working girl' sat next to my teenage son, who didn't seem to notice, and it was an easy-going, excellent atmosphere.
It's exactly the kind of place we'd hoped we'd find in Havana.
Yes - we paid our 5 CUCs, and the only place to sit was 4 stools at the bar.
I must have watched 100 mojitos being skilfully mixed by the barman: it's a very slick operation.
The two small bands we saw were excellent, and various people danced and just stood to enjoy the music.
A 'working girl' sat next to my teenage son, who didn't seem to notice, and it was an easy-going, excellent atmosphere.
It's exactly the kind of place we'd hoped we'd find in Havana.
Written February 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TubaKoseogluOkcu
Istanbul, Turkey5,519 contributions
This bar/club is frequented by locals rather than by tourists and in that respect, it offers a true experience of real local entertainment. And helas, it's no different than many other bars and clubs in the world: live music, songs you are familiar with, a wide range of alcoholic beverages... Nothing specific that will make you feel being at Cuba. It's an average place. I can recommend it only if you want to know how the locals are entertaining themselves at nights in clubs.
Written December 3, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
majeda72017
New York City, NY22 contributions
i agree with your review. el gato tuerto was a real disappointment after all the good things i had heard.
Cricri158
Switzerland45 contributions
Bonjour, pourriez-vous m’indiquer s’il faut réserver d’avance pour passer la soirée au el Gato Tuerto ? Merci!
gonzalo02-1952
Melilla, Spain360 contributions
No fue necesario, pero nosotros fuimos temprano, sobre las 21:00 hora local.
eusebio12
Marbella, Spain5 contributions
Hola me gustaría saber dirección de correo para reservar, gracias
sgessnersnow
Birmingham, AL1 contribution
Will the band be playing traditional Cuban, salsa music on New Years Eve? If so can we make reservations?
Claudia E
Buenos Aires, Distrito Federal, Argentina27 contributions
Hay que sacar entradas con anticipación?
yoandysd90
Vinales, Cuba88 contributions
No amigo no es necesario sacar entrada con anticipación solamente pagas la entrada pero si llegahantes De las 11.pm es mejor y mas barato la entrada
pepeacambaro
Acambaro, Mexico3 contributions
¿Me gustaría saber que tan caro es? gracias
Alex H
Heredia, Costa Rica115 contributions
Recientemente estuve en México y a principio de año en Cuba ... en comparación a mi país, Costa Rica, Mexico resultó un poco más económico y Cuba aún más que México, por ende podría decir que lo hallarías más cómodo. Todo depende obviamente del la categoría de lugares que selecciones, mientras más fino menos la diferencia, pero aún así lo hallé más económico - en comparación -
pepeacambaro
Acambaro, Mexico3 contributions
¿Me gustaría saber que tan caro es? por su respuesta, gracias adelantadas.
Pathmendez
Santa Tecla, El Salvador268 contributions
La entrada en día jueves que yo fui, costaba 5 CUC, precio que valió la pena pues vi 3 espectáculos diferentes, un grupo coral muy bueno, una bolerista y otra señora que hizo un show como mariachi. Las bebidas estan por el mismo precio, los cócteles que son lo único que tomé, valian entre 4 y 6 CUC y no había cocina abierta ese dia asi que no comi nada, pero el ambiente me encantó, las personas muy respetuosas en todas las mesas y sobre todo mucha música y un ambiente espectacular.
Magdalena S
Mexico City, Mexico15 contributions
tengo deseos de visitar la Habana. me gustaría recibir información sobre mejor época del año para visitarla, lugares que no debería perderme, restaurantes, sitios para bailar romántico, disfrutar música sabrosa, boleros. platilos que debo probar, en fin toda la informacin que me ayude a planear un viaje inolvidable. hoteles limpios, pequeños, con los servicios basicos, de preferencia desayuno incluido. si me ayudan con un presupuesto para una estancia de alrededor de 5 días, me serviría mucho.
gracias de antemano
magdalena
Jotajam
Vanuatu59 contributions
Hola Magdalena!
He visitado cuba 3 veces y diferentes ciudades no solo la Habana!
En la Habana tienes mucho por conocer, El Fuerte, el malecón, una de las zonas que te encantará sería el centro de la Habana la avenida obispo sin duda no te la puedes perder. Tomarte unos mojitos en la Habana Bar! Debes visitar Tropicana show omg es un show espectacular, además tienen un show en el hotel nacional que no está nada mal! Hay un bar que me encanta que se llama "El gato tuerto" de lo más de divertido. Organiza un tour para ir a Trinida, sinfuegos, Santa Clara, y a los viñales donde fabrican los tabacos de coiba lo más de regio. Debes de ir a un restaurante que está cerca del castillo o El Fuerte como ellos lo llaman la cocina de doña "algo" (que no recuerdo, pere es el único restaurante cerca) omg está de infarto la comida! Y debes de probar el mojo con yuca! Los restaurantes han cambiado y la comida es mucho mejor ahora en casi todos los restaurantes que lees en TripAdvisor! Saludos y buen viaje!!!
Carla P
Monteviedeo48 contributions
Hola! Alguien sabe el horario de los show? Porque llego a la Habana como a las 12 de la noche y no sé si vale la pena ir a esa hora. Gracias!
Alejandro M
Havana, Cuba4,676 contributions
hola, el showw es de 10:00 p.m. a 3:00 a.m. en el Café Concert
Frequently Asked Questions about El Gato Tuerto
- Hotels near El Gato Tuerto:
- (0.10 mi) Casa Particular Sandelis
- (0.11 mi) NH Capri La Habana
- (0.08 mi) Hotel Nacional de Cuba
- (0.16 mi) NH Collection Victoria La Habana
- (0.11 mi) Casa Mami Vedado
- Restaurants near El Gato Tuerto:
- (0.04 mi) California Cafe
- (0.09 mi) Hotel Capri Restaurant
- (0.11 mi) Havana's 21
- (0.10 mi) Restaurante El Rinconcito
- (0.10 mi) La Calle del Medio