La Bella Havana is a landmark Cuban and Caribbean restaurant and lounge located at 35 Main Street in downtown Yonkers, New York, just one block east of the Yonkers Metro-North train station and the Hudson River waterfront. Set inside a warm, exposed-brick dining room anchored by a signature bamboo-and-thatch bar, the restaurant brings traditional Havana-style cooking, tropical cocktails, and Latin hospitality to lower Westchester County. Travelers, commuters, and local diners gather here daily for slow-braised meats, pressed Cuban sandwiches, fresh seafood, and house-muddled mojitos in the heart of the Getty Square and waterfront district.
What to Expect at La Bella Havana
Stepping through the front doors on Main Street, guests enter an inviting space where rustic brick walls meet classic Caribbean decor, ceiling fans, and the upbeat rhythms of salsa, son cubano, and Latin jazz. The dining room transitions seamlessly from a relaxed midday lunch spot for downtown professionals and Hudson River day-trippers into an energetic evening lounge. At the center of the action sits the bamboo-and-thatch bar, where bartenders muddle fresh mint, lime, and sugarcane for classic and fruit-infused mojitos—including passion fruit, mango, coconut, and guava varieties—alongside sangria pitchers, margaritas, and Caribbean rum cocktails.
The kitchen focuses on time-honored Cuban and Latin American comfort dishes prepared with citrus-garlic mojo marinades, slow-simmered sofrito, and crisp plantains. Starters range from golden beef or chicken empanadas and stuffed potato balls (papas rellenas) to crispy yuca fries served with garlic cilantro sauce. Main courses showcase generous portions of ropa vieja (shredded flank steak braised in a rich tomato, bell pepper, and onion criolla sauce), lechon asado (slow-roasted marinated pork shoulder), and vaca frita (crispy seared shredded beef topped with caramelized onions and lime). Most entrees arrive with traditional sides of white or yellow rice, slow-cooked black beans, and sweet fried plantains (maduros) or twice-fried green plantains (tostones).
- Classic & Tropical Mojitos: Freshly muddled mint and lime rum cocktails served at the bamboo-and-thatch bar in classic, mango, passion fruit, tamarind, and coconut flavors.
- Ropa Vieja & Vaca Frita: Signature Cuban beef plates slow-braised with peppers, onions, garlic, and wine-infused tomato sauce or crisped on the plancha with tangy citrus juice.
- Traditional Cubano Sandwich: Pressed hot on crusty Cuban bread layered with roast pork, sweet ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard, served with fries or plantain chips.
- Seafood & Paella Specialties: Coastal Latin dishes including garlic shrimp (camarones al ajillo), red snapper filets, and saffron-infused seafood rice plates.
- Weekday Lunch & Takeout Service: Quick-service midday combinations and full online ordering via La Bella Havana’s official website for pickup before boarding the train or picnicking by the river.
La Bella Havana at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 35 Main St, Yonkers, NY 10701 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown Waterfront / Getty Square, Yonkers |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Moderate; sandwiches & starters $10–$18, main entrees $20–$34) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Yonkers Metro-North Station (Hudson Line, 2-minute walk); Buena Vista Parking Garage & metered street parking |
| Official Website & Phone | labellahavanany.com | +1 914-920-9777 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Getting to La Bella Havana by public transit is remarkably convenient. The restaurant sits less than 500 feet east of the Yonkers station on the Metro-North Railroad Hudson Line, which connects directly to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan in roughly 30 minutes, as well as Tarrytown, Croton-Harmon, and Poughkeepsie to the north. Numerous Bee-Line bus routes also converge two blocks away at Getty Square. Drivers arriving via US Route 9 (Broadway) or the Saw Mill River Parkway can use metered street parking along Main Street and Market Street or pull into the municipal Buena Vista Parking Garage next to the train station. For a quieter table, arrive for lunch between 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM or early dinner before 6:00 PM; Friday and Saturday nights after 7:00 PM draw a festive lounge crowd, so calling ahead at +1 914-920-9777 is smart for groups.
The street-level entrance on Main Street offers step-free access into the main dining room and bar area, making it easy to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers, and accessible restrooms are located on the ground floor. Before or after your meal, pair your visit with a stroll along the Yonkers Waterfront Esplanade and Van der Donck Park, located two minutes west on the Hudson River with views of the Palisades Cliffs and the daylighted Saw Mill River. History buffs can walk five minutes north to Philipse Manor Hall State Historic Site (one of New York’s oldest standing buildings, dating to 1682), while the Hudson River Museum, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, and Tibbetts Brook Park are each within a 10-minute drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours at La Bella Havana and when is the best time to visit?
La Bella Havana is open seven days a week from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. For a relaxed meal with quick seating, visit during weekday lunch hours or early evening between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM; visit on Friday or Saturday evening if you prefer an upbeat lounge atmosphere with music and cocktails.
How much does a meal cost at La Bella Havana and are reservations needed?
La Bella Havana falls into the moderate ($$) price tier, with appetizers and pressed sandwiches typically ranging from $10 to $18 and full dinner entrees with sides priced between $20 and $34. Walk-ins are welcome daily for both dining tables and the bamboo bar, though calling ahead is recommended for weekend dinners or parties of four or more.
How much time should I budget for dining at La Bella Havana?
Plan to spend 45 to 60 minutes for a casual midday lunch or a pre-train bite near the Yonkers Metro-North station. For a full dinner with appetizers, slow-cooked Cuban entrees, dessert, and mojitos, budget 1.5 to 2 hours.
Is La Bella Havana wheelchair accessible and suitable for families?
Yes, the restaurant features a ground-level entrance off Main Street with table seating on a single main floor that accommodates wheelchairs and strollers. Families with children are welcome throughout the afternoon and early evening, and vegetarian-friendly options like black bean soup, rice and beans, yuca, and sweet plantains are readily available.
When planning your Yonkers travel guide or browsing verified restaurants in Yonkers, pair this stop with standout local spots including Tombolinos Ristorante, Hilton Garden Inn Westchester Dobbs Ferry, Esplanade Park, and Guapo Mexican and Cuban Cuisine (nearby).
