Havana Country Club

[ColorMePink]

Wow! We went to Havana Country Club for dinner tonight and it was wonderful! The food was delicious and the service was even better. I totally recommend it! My husband and I had the pot roast and it was out of this world!

[BarryB]

That's a surprise.Never had a good meal there

[GatbTester]

Interesting, I have never had a decent meal there and always had to send what was ordered back!

[The Village Kid]

We had breakfast at Havana this morning, and it was great.
It looks like they also have a new singer on Thursday nights.
Can't wait to see her.

[saratogaman]

We had breakfast/brunch today...none of the food was warm and there was nobody at the carving station until we asked for help.
Inconsistencies in food quality and service since it opened are not encouraging.

[KathieI]

We had breakfast at Havana this morning, and it was great.
It looks like they also have a new singer on Thursday nights.
Can't wait to see her.

I've been wanting to try the breakfasts but it always seems so crowded. Maybe some day soon. :icon_hungry:

If I had a Valentine, maybe he would take me there today for their special Valentine dinner, booo hoooo.....:sad:

I think your talking about Petrina on Thurs nights? Yes, she is wonderful, we saw her a few weeks ago and she's a great performer. Really gets the crowd involved with her show.

[spk7951]

We had breakfast at Havana this morning, and it was great.
It looks like they also have a new singer on Thursday nights.
Can't wait to see her.


That would be Petrina and she is a wonderful singer/entertainer. We went this past Thursday evening and had a wait of almost one hour at 5:30. The hostess told us if you are coming for dinner and the show to call ahead and tell them that and they should be able to reserve a table for you. Petrina also sings at Garvinos, Tea Plantation and Katie Belle's.

[MaryGoRound]

I found Havana to be my FAVORITE Country Club in The Villages! I stumbled across it and I have loved it ever since! Can't get enough of it! YES! I was there on Thursday! Great show! I was there last weekend and they had a group playing inside because it was cold. They were a GREAT show, as well!!! Lots of very good live music!

[golf2140]

The only issue that I have with Havana, It's to crowded, can't get a seat at the bar. Love that place. Kris and Donald are doing a great job.

[Talk Host]

Isn't it interesting. Usually there is a wide range of opinion about various restaurants. The comments about Havana are polarized. Far right and far left. There seems to be no middle ground. Both sides can't be right.

[davidh0430]

We went to the Havan CC for the Brunch yesterday. Service was very slow, our waitress was OK but swamped. Food was cool and no beverage for almost 15 minutes! Said something to the hostess about the service and was told not to come back. Well, she did not have to worry about that! :sad:

[actor]

We went to the Havan CC for the Brunch yesterday. Service was very slow, our waitress was OK but swamped. Food was cool and no beverage for almost 15 minutes! Said something to the hostess about the service and was told not to come back. Well, she did not have to worry about that! :sad:

told not to come back?? I find that very hard to believe.

[jerril]

Isn't it interesting. Usually there is a wide range of opinion about various restaurants. The comments about Havana are polarized. Far right and far left. There seems to be no middle ground. Both sides can't be right.

Not necessarily so. Consider the possibility that those who think it's great are simply not particularly discriminating and accept mediocrity. This could easily apply to the likes of Havana, R J Gators, Cody's Roadhouse etc, all of which are essentially mediocre but have a large following of faithful who seem to accept poor service and poor food as the norm.

[schotzyb]

We went to the Havan CC for the Brunch yesterday. Service was very slow, our waitress was OK but swamped. Food was cool and no beverage for almost 15 minutes! Said something to the hostess about the service and was told not to come back. Well, she did not have to worry about that! :sad:

How come when a peep either condemns a place or praises it beyond belief it is a first or second post for that individual? This is not always the case but it happens quiet a bit.Intentions?

[Bonny]

Also, they never have a picture. Hmmmmm... Makes a body wonder.

[jerril]

Also, they never have a picture. Hmmmmm... Makes a body wonder.

Wow! I'm learning a lot. As a new resident and member I guess I need to be aware that my opinion is essentially worthless if I have only had a couple of posts and I don't have a picture! Maybe I can't afford a Camera. Maybe I don't know how to post a Picture. Maybe I don't have a 20 year old photo to post so no one gets to see what I really look like now!

[sunday]

most people are doing us a favor by not posting there picture..lolchilout

[Bonny]

Good point Sunday. :thumbup:

[Bogie Shooter]

We went to the Havan CC for the Brunch yesterday. Service was very slow, our waitress was OK but swamped. Food was cool and no beverage for almost 15 minutes! Said something to the hostess about the service and was told not to come back. Well, she did not have to worry about that! :sad:
Why not talk to management?

[elevatorman]

I also went to Havanna yesterday for lunch. One person had coffee that got refilled only when we were ready for the check, even after asking the waitress. The bartender was changing out a keg so Bloody Mary took 15 min to receive. Ordered from the menu and waited 45 min for the food. When the food came all four meals were overcooked. This was not our first trip to Havana. We have been 5 or 6 times. It is the closest club to our house in Duval. Have had 3 bad experiences and will not go back until we hear the management has changed. My wife and I eat dinner out almost every night. We have been to all the CC's and most of the resturants in the Villages. We have nothing bad to say about any other establishment.

Talk to the management? Been there done that. He was very sorry.

[Bogie Shooter]

Not necessarily so. Consider the possibility that those who think it's great are simply not particularly discriminating and accept mediocrity. This could easily apply to the likes of Havana, R J Gators, Cody's Roadhouse etc, all of which are essentially mediocre but have a large following of faithful who seem to accept poor service and poor food as the norm.

You may be living in the wrong place.

[jerril]

You may be living in the wrong place.

Would be more than happy to refer you to some GOOD places. You'll need to be sure to bring your Check Book!

[petenj]

Wow! I'm learning a lot. As a new resident and member I guess I need to be aware that my opinion is essentially worthless if I have only had a couple of posts and I don't have a picture! Maybe I can't afford a Camera. Maybe I don't know how to post a Picture. Maybe I don't have a 20 year old photo to post so no one gets to see what I really look like now!

Sorry, I just had to post to see if I have a picture. I couldn't remember.

[Bogie Shooter]

Would be more than happy to refer you to some GOOD places. You'll need to be sure to bring your Check Book!
So share, don't assume you are the only one with any $$$

[dominick]

Oh, come on Jerril !!!! Tell us where the GOOD restaurants are. We’re all just dying to know. While you’re at it, be sure to impress the peasantry with your cultured knowledge of gourmet food and fine wine (nothing more than $300 per bottle though). Be sure to write in English, not French, so the poor, unsophisticated lovers of mediocrity here in TV can understand.

[chuckster]

This is getting interesting......not your average food rating anymore.....And then he said, etc......:popcorn:

[jerril]

Oh, come on Jerril !!!! Tell us where the GOOD restaurants are. We’re all just dying to know. While you’re at it, be sure to impress the peasantry with your cultured knowledge of gourmet food and fine wine (nothing more than $300 per bottle though). Be sure to write in English, not French, so the poor, unsophisticated lovers of mediocrity here in TV can understand.

Wow! You dudes are tough! I don't drink wine so I hope you're not going to be disappointed if I suggest a cheap bottle of Lindemans Shiraz if you like Red Wine. Want to treat yourself to a top shelf Steakhouse? Take a ride to just North of Tampa to Dempseys Steakhouse at the Saddlebrook resort. Be sure to make a Reservation as they don't take walk ins or early birds. Suggest the 2 lb. Lobster Tail for an appetizer and the Bone in Rib Eye for Dinner. Please let me know how you think it compares to Havana. By the way, if you like this one, I'll give you another that's actually a bit classier. Bon Apitite!

[Indy-Guy]

Would be more than happy to refer you to some GOOD places. You'll need to be sure to bring your Check Book!

What resturants take checks? I pay in cash, debit card and never by credit beause I prefer to pay as I go.

Perhaps where you eat you ask if they take a check before you sit down I have never even taken a check book into a resturant.

Anyone else ever write a check at a resturant?

[golf2140]

We are asked to go to Tampa for a meal. I don't think so. WE have a life style that allows us to go by golf cart, with sandals and golf shirt go to any of OUR restaurants

[Bogie Shooter]

Did not see the rib eye on the menu.
http://www.saddlebrook.com/images/resort_dining/menus/Dempsey's%20Menu.pdf

[KathieI]

Wow! You dudes are tough! I don't drink wine so I hope you're not going to be disappointed if I suggest a cheap bottle of Lindemans Shiraz if you like Red Wine. Want to treat yourself to a top shelf Steakhouse? Take a ride to just North of Tampa to Dempseys Steakhouse at the Saddlebrook resort. Be sure to make a Reservation as they don't take walk ins or early birds. Suggest the 2 lb. Lobster Tail for an appetizer and the Bone in Rib Eye for Dinner. Please let me know how you think it compares to Havana. By the way, if you like this one, I'll give you another that's actually a bit classier. Bon Apitite!

While we're at it, why not just take a ride up to NY and go to Rao's??? What the heck would I go to Tampa for when I live in TV?? That's okay, Jerril, I'll stick with Havana CC. I had a great time there tonight and its only 3 minutes from my house.

[jerril]

What resturants take checks? I pay in cash, debit card and never by credit beause I prefer to pay as I go.

Perhaps where you eat you ask if they take a check before you sit down I have never even taken a check book into a resturant.

Anyone else ever write a check at a resturant?

Looks like you didn't understand that my use of the word "checkbook" was a METAPHOR!

[marku59]

We went to the Havana Country Club for Valentine's Day brunch and it was Awful. The service was really bad, and it took the waitress over 20 minutes to bring us our drinks. Also, hardly any food on the Buffet Stations. I did not leave the waitress a tip. As, I was leaving I told the Hostess that their service needs improving and she told me if I didn't like it I didn't have to come back. As I was walking out another couple was walking in, so I told them HOW BAD it was, they kept going. I will NOT go back there. We have eatten at Mallory Country Club and that was even worse. But Glenbrook Country Club was really good and nice. I understand that here in the Villages all the restrauants have a captive audience, but at least give good service and good food. Mark

[actor]

We went to the Havana Country Club for Valentine's Day brunch and it was Awful. The service was really bad, and it took the waitress over 20 minutes to bring us our drinks. Also, hardly any food on the Buffet Stations. I did not leave the waitress a tip. As, I was leaving I told the Hostess that their service needs improving and she told me if I didn't like it I didn't have to come back. As I was walking out another couple was walking in, so I told them HOW BAD it was, they kept going. I will NOT go back there. We have eatten at Mallory Country Club and that was even worse. But Glenbrook Country Club was really good and nice. I understand that here in the Villages all the restrauants have a captive audience, but at least give good service and good food. Mark

sorry, but I find it unbelievable that a hostess would just dismiss your complaints out of hand, and tell you to not come back. I believe you when you say you thought the food was bad, however, it seems to me that you are trying to make it sound worse than it really was.

[skip0358]

For those that have said I won't come back, THANK YOU because that means when I go 3-4 times a week it'll be easier for me to get a seat. You can't satisfy everybody but they must be doing something right because it's always packed when I go. The people I talk to seem pleased and I see them coming back for more. Just my opinion!

[skip0358]

Talk host here's my middle ground those that like it and are HAPPY keep on coming. Those that don't KEEP OUT that makes more romm for those of us that do.It's always crowded when I go there.

[BB14616]

For those that have said I won't come back, THANK YOU because that means when I go 3-4 times a week it'll be easier for me to get a seat. You can't satisfy everybody but they must be doing something right because it's always packed when I go. The people I talk to seem pleased and I see them coming back for more. Just my opinion!

All of the country club restaurants are packed right now because of the influx of visitors and snowbirds. It isn't necessarily a sign of a good restaurant, but that the country clubs are the "only show in town".

Personally I've found the food at Havana to be spotty - sometimes its good, sometimes not, and the service the few times I've been there has been nothing to write home about. I do like their decor though.

[graciegirl]

Fight! Fight!:22yikes:

[ceejay]

Food Fight!:duck::duck:

[Bonny]

Why are there sooooo many threads going about Havana ? Isn't 1 enough.

[BobKat1]

Why are there sooooo many threads going about Havana ? Isn't 1 enough.

I was wondering the same thing. Like they say, there is no such thing as bad publicity...

[Grill Meister]

The only issue that I have with Havana, It's to crowded, can't get a seat at the bar. Love that place. Kris and Donald are doing a great job.


Yep.....like Yogi said, "Nobody goes there....it's too crowded.":highfive:

[otherbruddaDarrell]

These places better start treating customers right. Not everyone is a seasonal resident..............tick me off in the winter and lose my business in the summer when you need every customer you can get.

[Bogie Shooter]

All of the country club restaurants are packed right now because of the influx of visitors and snowbirds. It isn't necessarily a sign of a good restaurant, but that the country clubs are the "only show in town".

Personally I've found the food at Havana to be spotty - sometimes its good, sometimes not, and the service the few times I've been there has been nothing to write home about. I do like their decor though.

Why would someone go to a restaurant because its the only one in town when the food and service is as deplorable as some critics say?
Food and service being spotty....doesn't that happen at a great number of restaurants?
I guess I'm just getting tired of folks dissing Havana.

[plangenbach]

We had dinner at the Havana Country Club last night, its the best meal we have had since we came to the Village this year., The service was excellent.

[gettin out]

Went to Hvana last night for dinner, of course we had to wait so we went to the bar & ordered when I ordered I was told they don't have any Jack. What kind of bar runs out of Jack on a Friday night. Had to wait 30 mins. or so for the manager to go to a store & bring in the Jack.:sad: But the food was good, had the special prime rib all was very well prepared. And service was good.

[zcaveman]

Went to Hvana last night for dinner, of course we had to wait so we went to the bar & ordered when I ordered I was told they don't have any Jack. What kind of bar runs out of Jack on a Friday night. Had to wait 30 mins. or so for the manager to go to a store & bring in the Jack.:sad: But the food was good, had the special prime rib all was very well prepared. And service was good.

I went to Up The Creek (now Defunct) on a Sunday afternoon at 1 PM and when I asked for a second Budweiser and they told me they were OUT. And my second choice vodka and orange juice was not free. How can you run out of BUD!!

[villagerjack]

That is probably because they changed the menu. We had a pretty good meal there last week which was a lot better than the first and second time we went when it first opened. I hope they continue to improve. It is a lovely Country Club and they are trying very hard to please.

[dominick]

A bar without Jacky D.???? Thats as bad as an Irish bar without Guinness on tap. By the way, are there any restaurants that serve Guinness on tap here in TV?? Gotta be ready for 03/17!!!

[The Great Fumar]

A bar without Jacky D.???? Thats as bad as an Irish bar without Guinness on tap. By the way, are there any restaurants that serve Guinness on tap here in TV?? Gotta be ready for 03/17!!!

SORRY about running them out of Jack , I got carried away , Havana is one of my favorite places to eat .....granted it is crowded but that should tell you something. I can give you a couple of names where it isn't ???

I know Jack , Fumar..:coolsmiley:

[dominick]

From the hit song by David Allan Coe, also known as the Dominick Theme Song:

"Jack Daniels if you please, knock me to my knees
You're the only friend there has ever been that didn't do me wrong"

"Jack Daniels if you please, knock me to my knees
You can kill the pain that's driving me insane since my baby's gone"

[CharS]

Interesting....I ordered the pot roast today and they brought me out a square piece of meat with a teaspoon a gravy with it!! Chef needs to find out what pot roast is!! Husband had cold fries and a philly that looked like it had been doused with liquid cheese. Rolls could pound nails. Not likely to go back with this management!!

[Army Guy]

Now we have always gotten good food and plenty, just the service is terrible!
Now the service at breakfast is great but at night? AWEFUL!!!!!

Army Guy

[Grill Meister]

I agree, but, you know, no one goes there, because it's so crowded.:cryin2:

[Talk Host]

Doesn't anybody from Havana Country Club read this forum??:sigh:

[Ooper]

We had breakfast/brunch today...none of the food was warm and there was nobody at the carving station until we asked for help.
Inconsistencies in food quality and service since it opened are not encouraging.

I agree. Found all the above to be true. Service was very slow, doesn't seem logical when there is a buffet and you serve yourselves. Asked for ketchup and it never did make it to our table... apparently our server was too busy signing to himself in his own little world to remember. Food was so-so. Turkey was very dry and bacon half cooked, and no toast. No egg station, just a bucket of scrambled eggs. Also a pile of half cleaned dishes with dried on food at the beginning of the line discarded by patrons. Would have expected much much more for $30 a couple. Katie Bell's is a much better deal and less expensive if you are looking for a buffet. We won't be going back any time soon.

[Lynda]

You may be living in the wrong place.

Perfectly stated Bogie Shooter!:wave:

[sunday]

:confused:
...having never been to Havana, I am going to make statements/suggestions base soley on the tiny bit of "objective" material I have read about the place in the threads posted on this forum.
It is my understanding that it is a BEAUTIFUL establishment in an "up and coming" area of the villages. It also seems to me that based on that...the community has very high expectations of this business in particular.
There is one constant in all the compaints I have read here.. The customer service(mediocre food can be forgiven, mediocre service cannot).

That being said, my challange to the operators of Havana Country Club: This is a customer based business, they are the priority and you will find that a surefire way to separate yourself from the crowd is to touch your customers with kind, thoughtful gestures as often as possible. Your actions should demonstrate you really care about them, and thereby instill loyalty in your patrons towards your business and its place in the community. To do this, you first must have a trained staff that understands passion and excellence. It is my personal experience that to achieve excellence, your company needs to do exceptional work on a regular basis. Passion allows employers and employees with ordinary skills and experience to do extraordinary things. Employees, unfortunately, won’t strive for excellence simply because they’re told to. Someone needs to show them what it takes to deliver excellence, and those people need to be leaders found within your management. To be a superb leader, you do not have to be sensationally charismatic- but you do need to act as a truly passionate and inspirational model for your staff all day, every day. I believe “actions speak louder than words.” To command respect as a leader, is to not only talk values and standards, but to “walk the talk.” Try your absolute best to demonstrate dedication every minute of every day. Put forth massive effort and work harder than anyone in your employ. With such an example, you will find time and time again, your entire staff is more likely to give the job everything they’ve got too. Teach by example and firmly believe in not only working with the employees, but right alongside them. Above all, let employees know through sincere actions that you care about their lives, their families, and their concerns. It’s the smartest investment that can possibly be made in human resources, because the employees will care more about your concerns, particularly your vision of excellence.

That being said, my challange to a communtiy who obviously cares about this business(or it wouldn't be such a hot topic): Spend the time you ordinarily budget for complaining about, or defending, the food and service at Havana Country Club... helping the operators(who are apparently struggleing in the human resources department)source these individuals I spoke of in my above challange to them. Stop fileing complaints, start making suggestions...as if it were your own son or daughter that owned the place. Above all, recognize that the owners have a lot invested in the business, they don't want to be "the joke" of the community...they read this forum(I'm sure), and are probably embarassed and ashamed... They need to be encouraged, not kicked...they're down, enough. Dispite what you were told in the sales pitch before you bought your home, residency in the villages entitles you to nothing when it comes to the primarily "independently owned" business' located here. If you truely want Havana to improve, and be the great place it has the potential of being... Show some ownership and responsibility....

Peace and Love

[3PUTT]

I was at Havana today -- 3:30PM. The service outside was terrible. To get apitcher of beer, we had to go inside and get it ourself. This is typical of their service. Also, the live music is poor and obviously to loud for the area. I suspect there are neighbors who are not very happy with the noise from Havana.

[mulligan]

Sounds like Yogi Berra: "it's so busy nobody goes there"

[Ooper]

"Sunday"... I agree with you... but the management at Havana does not seem to take suggestions to heart. Nothing seems to improve. Maybe they don't have enough employees on hand... maybe they aren't trained suffuciently enough. Other restaurants in TV have far superior service and have been opened for shorter periods of time. Havana is a beautiful establishment which opened about 2 years ago. After multiple owners, it seems like they should have their act together by now. I do hope they improve... time will tell!

[otherbruddaDarrell]

As I have said before...............tick me off in the winter and lose me as a customer in the summer!

[eremite06]

I was at Havana today -- 3:30PM. The service outside was terrible. To get apitcher of beer, we had to go inside and get it ourself. This is typical of their service. Also, the live music is poor and obviously to loud for the area. I suspect there are neighbors who are not very happy with the noise from Havana.

Went last night (friday), expecting a great band outside. A two person band who quit playing for lack of interest. Wasn't even 9 PM and empty outside except for the feral cats roaming around. What a disappointment!

[KathieI]

Went last night (friday), expecting a great band outside. A two person band who quit playing for lack of interest. Wasn't even 9 PM and empty outside except for the feral cats roaming around. What a disappointment!

If you want great music there, you must come on Monday or Tuesday nights. Monday is karaoke with some of the greatest singers in the villages, and Tuesday night is a hot band night with fantastic dance music and great musicians. My suggestion about the service issue is to ask for Kris (the owner) and tell him your concerns. I have had a few meetings with him about it and the more he hears it from others, perhaps the quicker we'll get that remedied. There is no excuse for having to go inside to get your own drinks, unacceptable!!!

[BlueHeronFan]

I really want to go to Havana CC again, as it is so darn close to home. I am even seeing advertizing in the papers about "New Management"...so I want to try it again.

First trip for lunch at the bar. Food was delivered, and I had to flag down the bartender who really seem to have a problem on focusing on her job, just to get utinsels for eating. It was dropped off with out with out a sorry...or eye contact or anything. I gave up and ate, forget the salt/pepper, forget Ketchup for the fries. Oh I figure it was just a bad day.

Second trip, for lunch at the bar. Not much better. The three twentysomethings we more concerened with goofing off with themselves than for service. Forget the second beer, wasn't worth the effort on getting it. First time in my life I have stiffed a bartender. Usually a pretty good tip from me as I put myself through college as a bartender.

Really want to try Havana again.....but ...... I'm afraid I will feel like a fool. Maybe we will go to dinner tonight instead of lunch.

stay tuned....

[BlueHeronFan]

Pleasantly surprised with our dinner trip to Havana on Saturday, and I am really happy about it as Havana is so close for us.

First, hostess and seating staff very pleasant and very polite. I had the impression that there was some training involved here, as she made sure that nobody felt they were ignored while others were being attended to for seating. We waited about 30 minutes right in the prime of the dinner hour. Not bad at all.

The waitress, very pleasant, and efficient.

Dinner, pretty good. Similiar in quality as have been getting at Mallory or Cane Gardens. Wife had the "Pecan crusted Salmon" which she said was excellent, and I had as taste, and agree.

OK, New Mananagement at Havana has earned our business again.
Cudo's!!

[geobar]

Havana happens to be our favorite in TV. Great food. If you can get a set at the bar even better than all the other places in TV.
In a month or so TV will start to empty out so you can go and enjoy all what they have to offer.
Good music as well

[Bosoxfan]

Went tonite ..I also had the "Pecan Crusted Salmon" which was also excellent!!This was our first time eating there and we will go back!!:clap2:

After dinner we went outside ,listened to some music & danced...Had fun!!

[golfball]

Mrs. GB and I had dinner there tonight & she had the shrimp & I had the seafood gumbo. Both dishes were excellent and the waitress, Nickie, was attentive and efficient. Happy hour wines also good. This was our initial experience; now we'll try it for Mother's day for a real test.
GB

[Army Guy]

Now that sounds like the Havana I know! We have tried several times since it is so close, but ever time we go, except for breakfast which was FANTASTIC, we are disappointed.
We so wish they would get their act together!

Army Guy

[Whatever]

Army Guy why beat yourself up? Just go to other restaurants which are golf cart accessable and forget Havana. How many dissappointments do you have to have to go elsewhere. My wife and I gave Havana three tries, and yes we did talk to the manager each time, and the food and service did not improve over the period of several months and/or "management" change. Until there is a complete change, I and many of my friends will not return despite the convenience of location. As an aside, I note that Mallory was in the same situation and after the renovation came back with new menus etc. and seems to have greatly improved. Let Havana get the message that they need us more than we need them. They will only get my patronage back when I hear of some positive reviews.(and I don't mean the music)

[graciegirl]

I know that every time we G's join Kathie1 and her gang we have a good time dancing. We had dinner first the last time and Sweetie had one of the specials and it was very.......disappointing. I ordered something else and was served the appetizer version of it and it was o.k. I didn't say anything about the mistake. We fed the kittens the scraps, we were sitting by the putting green. Helene had the burger and it was fine.

We enjoyed the kittens, the view, the dancin' bunch and the wonderful waitress, but the food is just not tasty. I agree with Army Guy. It is close to us and I would love just to zip over there sometimes for dinner but they need a good cook or two in that kitchen.

Oh by way of explanation to the people who have never been here. The kittens are feral cats. We love cats, but to many it would be off putting to have them there nearby outside. They only come near you if you feed them and we did. Aiding and abetting. I wish that they could be captured and neutered. Our first pet when we married was a feral cat and she never got tamed and scratched us and bit us. I don't think they ever become good pets.

It is a sad situation and I think that may keep people away too. ALTHOUGH the place was filled at entertainment time.

If only they had really nice things to eat.....

ADDED.....after reading that recently changed management. I will certainly give it a try again. We are off campus right now.

[Army Guy]

Yes, we have gone to Mallory several times also, and it was great each time. And also love Cane Garden and Palmer. I hope Havana does get the message.
Yes, that is one thing for sure, there is not a shortage of choices to eat in TV!

Army Guy

[marianne237]

Well, have tried Havana before for lunch and dinner and disappointed each time....but, a club we belong to was going to have a breakfast outing at Havana this a.m., so we were willing to try it again.

Sad. Reservations were made in January by the club president, checked on 2 weeks ago, and another call made yesterday to verify.

However, when we arrived this morning, there was no manager, and the wait staff knew nothing about our club being there. They were having an all-you-can eat pancake buffet going on inside, but we had made arrangements to dine on the patio with selections off the menu.

The waiters had to serve the few people inside from another club, and our group also, so they really worked....I commend the service this morning.

The food over all was okay, not great. There was no sausage available for those who wanted it, and there was no toast available. How can you not have toast?

We're washing our hands of Havana....not interested in going to a place that could be good if only someone really cared about it.

[Lou Card]

I don't understand how this can continue. One or two complaints is one thing, but with all in this string is beyond a sample survey.

I would ask:

Is the Manager a member of the founding family either blood or via marriage?

Is the Manager position committed due to a long term contract?

We ate at the Nancy Lopez last Saturday night and had both service and food as good as anywhere on or off the Villages compound. So it can be a favorable experience. Caine Gardens has been wonderful every time we have ate there.

Since we are moving into Duval in two weeks, I am interested in the quality of the nearest country clubs.

Where should a person put in a proper complaint if they have a personal experience that they are not satisfied with?

[Pookirgirl]

Gettin Out.. same thing happened to us. No JACK! Same night? Someone made a run to the liquor store! Seems someone isn't ordering correctly. Other than that...food is fair...entertainment is good!!!

[jblum8156]

These are old threads opened up again 6 months later.

[Soon2B]

During our stay in TV the end of May/beginning of June (2010), we ate in several restaurants. Our experience was:

Katie Belle's - food superb, service superb
Lopez Legacy - food superb, service superb
(both of the above were full houses at our visit)

Palmer Legends - food excellent, service excellent
Cane Garden - food excellent, service excellent
(both were fairly busy)

Glenview - food good, service good
(busy on the patio)

Havanna - food poor, service poor
Our friends who have been in TV for a long time were reluctant to go, but said it had been a while since their prior bad experiences. So they would give it another try. When they made the reservation they were told it was buffet night.

Not very many poeple when we arrived (except at the bar). Still took a few minutes to be seated. The waitress said she had answered the phone and looked at the day wrong - "no buffet for you." Not a big letdown. We ordered drinks; got three of them after a bit.

We each ordered a different meal. Got salads; ok; ate them. I asked about my drink. Blank look; look at the pad; "oh, yeah".

Our meals finally came. Warm, not hot. None of us felt the food was bad enough to throw a fit about. It just wasn't very good - what you might expect from a mediocre diner. After we ate as much as we could stomach, the waitress appeared with the check. I told her she could forget about my drink, if she would take it off the tab.

we didn't see a host/hostess anywhere to make a comment.

I was told that the CC's have different management. Because Havanna is close to where I will live, I want it to become a place I want to visit.

So, when I move to TV, I will see what I can do to help them improve.

[swrinfla]

After reading many similar posts, I certainly have absolutely no desire to even see whether I can get a drink at Havana, let alone any food! How in the world can a place be so apparently continuously sub-par? Are many customers so happy to have a place so near home that they won't utter a peep in complaint?

It is truly sad!

SWR
:beer3:

[brostholder]

the best comment I have read.....we can make it better if we go about it the right way.

[skip0358]

Management was informed of the negative postings on TOTV and was shown the comments. They are trying very hard to correct the situation. They have another cook, new wait service and are working on bar help. Many new music acts have been added. If you have a problem ask to speak to a m,anager. There are usually at least 2 there. And Tom the headf chef will come out if you ask for him. As for the bar yes they do run out at times. They're ordering MUST be done through TV authorized locations only. Not the local store. They have incresded their orders.

[Bogie Shooter]

Lunch after golf today. Food was very good, service was too.
Maybe in the eyes of the beholder?

[fraurauch]

We had dinner at Havana last night. Food was very good, but the entertainment was even better. Had a great time and closed the place. Will definitely go back.

[Shirleevee]

the best comment I have read.....we can make it better if we go about it the right way.

Absolutely!

[KathieI]

We had dinner at Havana last night. Food was very good, but the entertainment was even better. Had a great time and closed the place. Will definitely go back.

Hi Mrs. Fraurauch, it was soooo nice meeting you and your hubs last night and your friends. We did have a good time, didn't we. Yes, Patrick was fantastic last night, as usual, and we DO expect to see you guys more often. :clap2:

I had the lasagna special last night and it was fantastic. As good as I make it, and that's saying something!!

Skip is right, the villages requires the restaurants to order from their selected vendors and puts very tight controls on everything they do. This is a business that I, personally, would not want to be involved in here - too much political BS with TV management and their controlling requirements. JMHO...

[fraurauch]

Thanks, Kathie. You will definitely see us there again.

[bkcunningham1]

KathieI, one of my friends is in charge of alcohol sales/distribution in TV. Most people aren't aware of the stringent and costly Florida state Alcoholic Beverage Control license laws, taxes and fees. In Florida, businesses selling beer, wine and liquor on premises are given licenses based on a lottery type quota system all based on population. You can get a different type of license to see based on food sales. With this license, 51 percent of your revenue must be derived from food and non-alcoholic beverages.

TV falls under a special statute that allows them to "control" the sales to businesses within certain boundaries in TV. The statute is one of the reasons alcohol is sold on the squares. The lottery process of obtaining a liquor license based on population would make it very difficult for new establishments to sale alcohol with or without food sales.

That doesn't excuse lousy management and running out of alcohol at a bar, but I just thought it was interesting to know why TV has such controls.

[mac9]

I hate to disagree with those of you who enjoyed Monday night, but I thought that Patrick was extremely condescending to Villagers when he made the comment that "you won't hear voices like this around the Villages." Yes, the young girl and her mother were good, but did you notice that several of the regulars either did not sing or left early because a lot of time was monopolized by those 3. The son could be ok if he stopped trying so hard to sound like the original artist and stayed within his range. While on break, Patrick told us that those folks "worked for him." I'm not sure what that means, but I do know that 3 or 4 weeks ago, he was auditioning people during karaoke. Those of us at our table left early also. I thought that the fun of karaoke was to get up and sing without having to be compared to the "ringers." We're trying to decide if we really want to spend our time and money there.

[golf2140]

We had a party of 24 last evening. Everything was just fine, Service, food and staff.

[Bonny]

I hate to disagree with those of you who enjoyed Monday night, but I thought that Patrick was extremely condescending to Villagers when he made the comment that "you won't hear voices like this around the Villages." Yes, the young girl and her mother were good, but did you notice that several of the regulars either did not sing or left early because a lot of time was monopolized by those 3. The son could be ok if he stopped trying so hard to sound like the original artist and stayed within his range. While on break, Patrick told us that those folks "worked for him." I'm not sure what that means, but I do know that 3 or 4 weeks ago, he was auditioning people during karaoke. Those of us at our table left early also. I thought that the fun of karaoke was to get up and sing without having to be compared to the "ringers." We're trying to decide if we really want to spend our time and money there.

That does seem to be a problem with some karaoke around the Villages. All the favorites seem to get called a couple of times before some of the others get called up once. :sad: