Cuban cigars, casino chips, and café Cubano collide at Havana 1957, which opened December 26, 2024, at the Flamingo Las Vegas. The restaurant transforms the long-dormant Tropical Breeze Café space into a vibrant homage to two entertainment capitals that once shared the same golden spotlight. Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group’s first West Coast expansion channels the glamour of 1950s Havana while celebrating Las Vegas’s own midcentury mystique.
A Cultural Bridge Between Two Legendary Cities
The timing feels deliberate—both Havana and Las Vegas flourished as international playgrounds during the 1950s, attracting A-list entertainers and notorious characters alike. Havana 1957’s “Un Dia En La Habana” concept recreates this shared heritage through vintage décor inspired by Havana’s legendary Tropicana Club. Warm lighting bathes dining spaces while lively Cuban music sets the rhythm for an experience that transcends typical Strip dining.
The restaurant’s arrival addresses a notable gap in the Strip’s international cuisine portfolio. Key menu highlights include:
• Cuban croquettes featuring traditional ham or chicken preparations
• Ropa vieja empanadas with marinated flank steak
• Cuban bowls combining slow-roasted pork, black beans, and rice
• The signature “Cuban Burger” layering beef, pulled pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard
• Extensive rum-based cocktail selections honoring Cuban bartending traditions
Award-Winning Pedigree Meets Vegas Innovation
Havana 1957 brings serious credentials to the Strip. The Miami-based concept earned “Best Cuban” recognition in the 2024 New Times Best of Miami Reader’s Poll for the second consecutive year. The restaurant’s five South Florida locations have established a reputation for balancing authentic Cuban traditions with Cuban-American innovations that resonate with diverse audiences.
Vida & Estilo Hospitality Group operates multiple Strip venues, including Cafe Americano at Caesars Palace and Paris, plus Mercato della Pescheria at the Venetian. Their expansion strategy emphasizes experiential dining that tells cultural stories through food. Their timing aligns perfectly with Las Vegas being crowned America’s top summer destination, as visitors increasingly seek authentic cultural experiences beyond traditional casino dining.
Filling the Strip’s Cuban Cuisine Void
Las Vegas visitors seeking authentic Cuban flavors previously faced limited options on the Strip. Havana 1957’s arrival strengthens the culinary bridge between Miami’s established Cuban scene and Nevada’s evolving international dining landscape. This is complementing digital innovations like the Vegas2Go app that helps visitors discover authentic dining experiences beyond typical tourist traps. The restaurant positions itself as both a cultural ambassador and a social gathering place where vintage glamour meets contemporary hospitality standards.
