About Habana’s Boardwalk – Tallahassee’s Cuban Culinary Tradition

For nearly 20 years, Habana’s Boardwalk has been Tallahassee’s destination for authentic Cuban cuisine. What started as a dream to share the rich culinary traditions of Havana with North Florida has become a beloved family restaurant serving thousands of satisfied customers throughout the Tallahassee community.

Our Story

Meet Erick our Restaurant Manager. Originally from Havana, Cuba, Erick and his wife Johanna founded Habana’s Boardwalk with a simple mission: bring the authentic flavors and warmth of Cuban hospitality to Tallahassee, Florida. Drawing from family recipes and traditional cooking techniques passed down through generations, Erick and Johanna recreated the authentic taste of Havana right here on Mahan Drive.

As immigrants who fell in love with the Tallahassee community, they wanted to create more than just a restaurant—they envisioned a place where families could gather, where FSU students could discover new flavors, and where anyone craving genuine Cuban food could find it without traveling to Miami or Tampa.

 

Serving the Tallahassee Community

Located at 2819 Mahan Drive, Habana’s Boardwalk has become an integral part of the Tallahassee dining scene. We’re proud to serve:

• Florida State University students, faculty, and families
• Tallahassee Community College community
• State government employees and legislators
• Residents throughout Tallahassee and surrounding areas including Killearn, Betton Hills, Midtown, and beyond
• Visitors to Florida’s capital city seeking authentic Cuban food

Over two decades, we’ve catered countless weddings, corporate events, university functions, and family celebrations. We’ve watched FSU students grow up enjoying our Cuban sandwiches and later return with their own families. This is what makes Habana’s Boardwalk special—we’re not just a restaurant; we’re part of the Tallahassee family.

From Havana to Tallahassee

Growing up in Havana, Cuba, food was more than sustenance—it was celebration, family, tradition, and love. Every meal told a story. When Erick and Johanna came to Tallahassee, they brought these stories with them.

Each dish on our menu represents authentic Havana cuisine:
• Ropa Vieja – the classic shredded beef in tomato sauce
• Vaca Frita – crispy fried beef that’s a Cuban staple
• Lechon – slow-roasted pork perfected over generations
• Maduros – sweet plantains caramelized to perfection
• Cuban Sandwich – the quintessential Cubano done right

These aren’t fusion dishes or “Cuban-inspired” creations—they’re the real deal, prepared the way they’ve been made in Havana for generations.

 

Our Promise to You

Whether you’re a longtime regular or visiting Habana’s Boardwalk for the first time, we promise:

✓ Authentic Cuban recipes and traditional cooking methods
✓ Fresh, high-quality ingredients in every dish
✓ Generous portions that offer great value
✓ Warm, friendly service that reflects Cuban hospitality
✓ A dining experience that transports you to Havana
✓ Continued commitment to serving the Tallahassee community

We’re honored to be your choice for Cuban food in Tallahassee, and we look forward to serving you for many years to come.

Experience our story through our food. Visit Habana’s Boardwalk today.
📍 2819 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32308
📞 (850) 391-9111
🕐 Monday-Thursday: 11 AM – 9 PM | Friday-Saturday: 11 AM – 9:30 PM Order Online for quick pickup
Get Directions to 2819 Mahan Dr