Havana in Rogers, AR! Cubanos and Sweet Plantain at Northwest Arkansas

If you are located in Rogers, Arkansas, and are looking for authentic Cuban cuisine, you must check out Havana Tropical Grill. This restaurant has many delicious authentic menu items to satisfy any visitor, and the atmosphere feels like having a piece of Cuba in Arkansas.

Havana Tropical Grill Restaurant is owned by a family who migrated to the United States 29 years ago. It is one of the few authentic Cuban restaurants in Northwest Arkansas and worth the visit. The delicious food and lively atmosphere are unmatched.

I know I’ll be going back when I get the chance! Below, I’ll tell you more about my recent experience at Havana Tropical Grill and offer some other fun things to do in Rogers, Arkansas, when you visit. I recommend checking them out if you want to try some delicious Cuban cuisine.

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Havana Tropical Grill: What You Need To Know

Havana Tropical Grill is located in Northwest Arkansas in the town of Rogers. This restaurant is open seven days a week, but their hours vary. In general, you can expect them to always be available at least between 12 to 6 pm. On weekdays, their hours are extended so they can serve more of their loving customers!

Though this was my first time at Havana Tropical Grill, this restaurant is far from a secret. They’ve received over a thousand positive reviews!

The Vibes of Havana Tropical Grill

Havana Tropical Grill brings Cuban culture to Rogers, Arkansas. The restaurant plays lively Latin music and has a bar with specialty cocktails to give you a taste of Cuba.

Outside the restaurant, you will find Cuban cars. Inside, I imagine what Havana would be like. It is such a cool place to be! Check it out if you want to experience the Havana experience here in Northwest Arkansas.

The Food at Havana Tropical Grill

The food at Havana Tropical Grill is overwhelmingly good. I ordered a steak Cubano with sweet plantains; the flavors were incredible! The sauce on the Cubano was perfect and tied it all together. I would eat this every day If I could!

At Havana Tropical Grill, you’ll find more than just delicious Cubanos. They have Cuban empanadas, tamales, and even a taste of Cuba plate, where you can try three traditional Cuban dishes simultaneously! They even have a Veggie Cubano sandwich if you are a vegetarian.

History Behind This Establishment

Havana Tropical Grill is a family-owned and operated establishment in Rogers, Arkansas. The family migrated to the United States 29 years ago and opened their doors to the authentic Cuban restaurant in 2010. It is known as an “instant getaway to Cuba” and offers many menu options to bring that taste of home to Northwest Arkansas.

Cuban Food Specialties

There are many incredible options on the menu at Havana Tropical Grill, but perhaps the best to try is the list of Cuban specialties. It doesn’t get more authentic than this. On the specialties section of their menu, you will find:

Lechon asado. This is a famous Cuban pork recipe served with congri rice and tostones.
Vaca frita. Vaca frita is a flank steak dish with rice, Cuban-style black beans, and sweet plantains.
Ropa vieja. Ropa vieja is Cuban shredded beef served with rice and tostones.
Palomilla encebollado. This dish is a thin-cut sirloin steak with rice, Cuban-style black beans, and sweet plantains.
Masita de puerco. Masita de puerco is marinated pork served with rice, Cuban-style black beans, and sweet plantains.
Taste of Cuba. This dish is a great thing to try on your first visit if you want to sample some of the best Cuban dishes. It has shredded pork, beef picadillo, and ropa vieja on one plate.
Arroz con pollo. This dish consists of delicious chicken and seasoned rice, and it comes with some sweet plantains on the side.
Picadillo Cubano. Picadillo Cubano is Cuban-style ground beef served with rice, Cuban-style black beans, and sweet plantains.
Mofongo. This dish is so good it takes a bit of time to prepare. It consists of green plantains and pork chunks, and you can add additional meat of your choice.

Although I have not tried these dishes yet, I am confident they are incredible and a great reflection of authentic Cuban cuisine. This is just a snapshot of their menu, so I recommend checking out their website to see all the amazing foods they offer.

That said, if you’re salivating for some Mexican food, I’d recommend checking out Con Quesos – a restaurant I always visit whenever I’m in Springdale. Check out my review of the restaurant to get a better idea of why I like it so much.

Day Trip Ideas: Exploring Rogers, Arkansas

If you are planning on traveling to Rogers, Arkansas, to try the great food at Havana Tropical grill, consider making a day trip out of it! Rogers, Arkansas, has many museums, parks, and shopping centers to keep you occupied all day. There are many fun things to do in Rogers, Arkansas, that will make your trip worth it.

If you have kids and are planning on bringing them along, you can check out some of the best things for kids to do in Rogers, Arkansas, in my other blog post here.

Consider fueling these fun activities at Havana Tropical Grill to start on a high note! Here are my top recommendations for things to do in Rogers, Arkansas.

Rogers Historical Museum

No trip to a different area is complete without learning more about the local history. At the Rogers Historical Museum, you can expect to see five permanent galleries that explore Northwest Arkansas and a guided house tour of Hawkins House to learn about early Family Life in Rogers, Arkansas. They also often have a rotation of new exhibits, so there is always something new to see!

Ozark Beer Company

If you are interested in beer, Ozark Beer Company is a must-stop for your trip to Rogers, Arkansas. They have a variety of seasonal and year-round beers to try, and they are open seven days a week! After grabbing a delicious bite at Havana Tropical Grill, walk across the street to visit Ozark Beer Company.

Hobbs State Park

If being outdoorsy is your thing, Hobbs State Park is a great place to visit. It is Arkansas’ largest state park along the shore of Beaver Lake. Here, you can ride mountain bikes, go horseback, and hunt if you have the correct licensing. You can even reserve a campsite here if you want an overnight trip!

Antique Malls

Rogers, Arkansas, has many places to shop and find great pieces to bring home as souvenirs. Among the places to shop are some really great antique malls, where you can find wonderful antique pieces to remind you of your trip. You could spend several hours walking around these malls, so make sure to fuel up with some delicious Cuban cuisine to keep you full!

Beaver Lake

A day on the lake is one of the best ways to spend your time in Rogers, Arkansas. Consider bringing your lunch from Havana Tropical Grill and making a picnic at the lake with your delicious food. Then, end the day with fishing, scuba diving, water skiing, or kayaking at this incredibly beautiful lake!

The Final Verdict? Visit Havana Tropical Grill!

Though there are many reasons to visit Rogers, Arkansas, one of the biggest is Havana Tropical Grill. This authentic Cuban cuisine is one of the few you will find in Northwest Arkansas, and it is a must-try if you are ever visiting the area. Consider making a day trip to the area, as there are many fun things to do around Havana Tropical Grill once you’re eating your delicious meal!