Havana happy hour beware!

[jampbell]

My wife and I went to Havana recently and when ordering drinks the waitress stated that it was happy hour and drinks would be 2 for 1. After a mediocre meal we received the bill and our 2 rounds of drinks (4 total) were billed at $28 for manhattans (house liquors). When we queried the waitress she referred us to the bartender who stated that each drink was a double (WAS NOT!!) and when we complained to the manager he said that's the way it is. We stated we wouldn't return and he shrugged his shoulders and walked off. We've been to many other restaurants and have never experienced such overcharging for drinks and lack of management concern for customer relations.

[spk7951]

Last couple of times we went to Havana during happy hour the drinks I ordered cost me $7 each. When the server said it was happy hour 2 for 1 they asked if I wanted two drinks or a double. Both times I requested the double and my bill was $7.

[golf2140]

I have been to Havana many times and never had a problem with their Happy Hour prices.

[Talk Host]

My wife and I went to Havana recently and when ordering drinks the waitress stated that it was happy hour and drinks would be 2 for 1. After a mediocre meal we received the bill and our 2 rounds of drinks (4 total) were billed at $28 for manhattans (house liquors). When we queried the waitress she referred us to the bartender who stated that each drink was a double (WAS NOT!!) and when we complained to the manager he said that's the way it is. We stated we wouldn't return and he shrugged his shoulders and walked off. We've been to many other restaurants and have never experienced such overcharging for drinks and lack of management concern for customer relations.


The vending of the drink portions is not as big a concern as the management attitude described here.

BTW, in my opinion, pouring a double is in no way 2 for 1. a double is one thing, two drinks is another.

[spk7951]

The vending of the drink portions is not as big a concern as the management attitude described here.

BTW, in my opinion, pouring a double is in no way 2 for 1. a double is one thing, two drinks is another.

I agree that the Havana management attitude is an issue. Every time we have said something to them we seem to get a lackadaisical shrug of the shoulders from them and the reply "we are working on it".

But on the 2 for 1 issue I do not understand your point. Havana uses large wine glasses, so if I pay $7 for what is a half glass of wine during non happy hours then during happy hours my option is a full glass or two half glasses, so whether I get one full or two half the amount should be about the same.

[Tamma49]

To me, 2 for 1 means two drinks for the price of one drink. It's different if I request my 2 for 1 to be a double shot in one drink but if I don't request it then I think it's misrepresentation to bring 2 shots in 1 drink without clarification by the server first.

As for the attitude of Havana's staff...I'm not sure if there is anyone else to complain to as I have the feeling the owners are of the same company they employ.

[rjsjr]

I guess that the difference is in the number of glasses that has to be washed - a double uses only one glass, a twofer uses two glasses.

[Mallory]

A Manhattan is a double. Always has been, always will be, and everyone who drinks them or makes them knows this. Still, if the standard rate for a Manhattan at Havana is $7, you should get 2 for 1 during happy hour.

[Pturner]

Gosh, at this rate, they're gonna have to rename it grumpy hour.

[graciegirl]

Gosh, at this rate, they're gonna have to rename it grumpy hour.

Right as usual, PT!

[tpop1]

Gosh, at this rate, they're gonna have to rename it grumpy hour.

IMHO shouldn't jampbell be grumpy...1st to be ripped off and 2nd to get an attitude from management!

[gemorc]

I visit TOTV every 2 or 3 days or so. The first place I go to is the restuarant thread, just to see what Havana has screwed up now. It's a wonder anyone still frequents that place, if it is as bad as the complainers say it is.

[graciegirl]

I think that is the point that Pturner was trying to make. If a person is treated that way at happy hour, then it will become grumpy hour.

YET....I hear that people really enjoy the Karaoke and the dancing. We haven't been there since we have been back but plan to go Tuesday.

[Pturner]

I think that is the point that Pturner was trying to make. If a person is treated that way at happy hour, then it will become grumpy hour.

YET....I hear that people really enjoy the Karaoke and the dancing. We haven't been there since we have been back but plan to go Tuesday.

Gracie, glad you got my point. So...would ya, "Sing a Little Song for Me"! :sing:

Misunderstood Pturner

[skip0358]

I've spoken on Havana before whenever I go there which is 2-3 times a week it's crowded, usually have to wait for a seat at the bar which can take a while. I usually eat at the bar when I get a seat.When I order they ask if I want 1 large or 2 regular cocktails. It's your choice. As for the meals some nights are better then others and yes it depends on what you order. It's a Country Club that doesn't charge an outragious price for it's food. If you read other food critic posts you'll find people complaining about quite a few places lately.Havana is close to home, inexpensive and the drinks are good. If you have a problem ask to speak with Chris he's there pretty much every night, He does listen and is making corrections. Like I said it's usually crowded so there must be quite a few satisfied customers.

[cashman]

Calling Havana a Country Club is a real stretch. It is a golf course with a pro shop and below average restaurant.

[Russ_Boston]

Well said Skip. After all, isn't it up to the individual to determine how much they enjoy a certain place?

I'm certainly not going to avoid Havana based on one TOTV user's impression (especially when that poster is brand new to us). Now if I get there and I experience something myself then I have my experience PLUS my fellow TOTV member's experience. So I might be quicker to drop them from the rotation.

[Russ_Boston]

Calling Havana a Country Club is a real stretch. It is a golf course with a pro shop and below average restaurant.


The vast majority of 'country clubs' in this country as exactly like Havana or Cane. Granted they aren't like the 'rich' country clubs that are out there but they are very typical. After all just think about the revenue difference. Havana and Cane, charge very limited green fees, no equity type investment, reasonable food prices etc. No one is, or should be, expecting Winged Foot or Medinah!

[elevatorman]

Try the Cane happy hour, all drinks 2 for 1. Well or top shelf.:beer3:

[Russ_Boston]

who is "us"

Meant us as in TOTV. We all loving have new posters. But I don't put all that much stock into their posts until they have a track record.

In the past three years I have seen dozens (maybe a hundred!) of new posters who are just shills for their employer. For example this poster might be from Cane and he is trying to drum up business for them by putting down Havana. Probably not but we (veteran TOTV members) have seen this happen more times than it should. Just playing devils advocate to the poster. I mean no disrespect.

[Bogie Shooter]

Russ, you do not have to apologize for anything you said.

[Russ_Boston]

Not apologizing, just explaining the history of people with few posts.

But I do appreciate your support Bogie. Thank you.

[Barefoot]

Not apologizing, just explaining the history of people with few posts.

But I do appreciate your support Bogie. Thank you.

Sorry Topicop, I know this is off topic. :police:

Speaking of people with a lot of posts, Russ, I see that you're a soaring eagle. I think I was a golden eagle once (but I might have imagined it). Recently I notice I'm a sage. I know it's off topic, but do you know what the categories mean?

If Tony is reading this, I'm sure he'll provide clarification. Or he'll give me :rant-rave::swear: for going off topic.

[graciegirl]

Sorry Topicop, I know this is off topic. :police:

Speaking of people with a lot of posts, Russ, I see that you're a soaring eagle. I think I was a golden eagle once (but I might have imagined it). Recently I notice I'm a sage. I know it's off topic, but do you know what the categories mean?

If Tony is reading this, I'm sure he'll provide clarification. Or he'll give me :rant-rave::swear: for going off topic.

Bare,

According to the dictionary;

sage1   /seɪdʒ/ Show Spelled [seyj] Show IPA noun, adjective,sag·er, sag·est.
–noun
1.a profoundly wise person; a person famed for wisdom.
2.someone venerated for the possession of wisdom, judgment, and experience.

It says sage on mine too but I don't think that is what Tony meant. I think it is the stuff you put in dressing for turkey.

Now Bare, YOU are a sage person.

[Russ_Boston]

I'm way too young to be sage. I need more Thyme! :)

[Boomer]

Sorry Topicop, I know this is off topic. :police:

Speaking of people with a lot of posts, Russ, I see that you're a soaring eagle. I think I was a golden eagle once (but I might have imagined it). Recently I notice I'm a sage. I know it's off topic, but do you know what the categories mean?

If Tony is reading this, I'm sure he'll provide clarification. Or he'll give me :rant-rave::swear: for going off topic.


Oh My! Barefoot!

I am cleaning out my desk and files today and was not going to log on, but every once in a while, I just have to look in at email and TOTV, etc. -- when I should be finishing this work. But at least now the tax stuff has been dropped off to the accountant. So I guess I can chalk something up.

But when I saw what you asked, I just had to log on to say, "Ohhhhhhh, be careful, Barefoot." -- When I "asked" about those categories, I somehow ended up being "Soaring Parsley." Well, at first, I liked it, but now I feel that it just is not me.

Well, I guess I actually did more than just "ask" though. I tend to put myself into these pickles. I admit it...... I had written something, while in a bit of snit, over being called a "Golden Eagle." And then it turned into, well......I cannot even begin to explain it.......but here I am now "Soaring Parsley," Probably should have kept quiet -- kept my opinion to myself. Just never been too good at that though.

Maybe once we reach 2000 posts, we should just get to pick our own titles -- if we want to -- an option, at least...... Or maybe I should just shut up and go back to cleaning out my desk. --- just a thought.....

I remain,
Boomer Golden Eagle - Soaring Eagle - Soaring Parsley (Kinda makes me think of Princess Summer-Fall-Winter-Spring -- uh oh -- that one goes back a long way.)

[tony]

Off topic? Barefoot? Really? I hadn't noticed.

At the moment, however, a "Sage" is a member with 2,500 or more posts.

[Pturner]

I'm way too young to be sage. I need more Thyme! :)

Well at least Tony didn't title you Rosemary's baby.

[Whalen]

At the moment, however, a "Sage" is a member with 2,500 or more posts.

Wow! 2,500 posts!
Guess before computers and forums sages would be like...

:blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah: mouths?

:boom::duck::crap2:


Back to Havana,

Sometimes food is really good sometimes eh!
Never had a problem with service, sometimes slow but the servers are always pleasant and accommodating.
It's neighborhood for us; sort of like a local pub.

[cashman]

Wow! 2,500 posts!
Guess before computers and forums sages would be like...

:blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah: mouths?

:boom::duck::crap2:


Back to Havana,

Sometimes food is really good sometimes eh!
Never had a problem with service, sometimes slow but the servers are always pleasant and accommodating.
It's neighborhood for us; sort of like a local pub.

That good pubs do not have quality and consistant food and service?

[jampbell]

Meant us as in TOTV. We all loving have new posters. But I don't put all that much stock into their posts until they have a track record.

In the past three years I have seen dozens (maybe a hundred!) of new posters who are just shills for their employer. For example this poster might be from Cane and he is trying to drum up business for them by putting down Havana. Probably not but we (veteran TOTV members) have seen this happen more times than it should. Just playing devils advocate to the poster. I mean no disrespect.

No disrespect taken...but just for clarification we have no relationship to any commercial establishment....just are retired Villagers..

[Russ_Boston]

Point taken. I'll try Havana restaurant myself in a few weeks. I've only played golf there so far.

[EdV]

The same thing happened to me at Chili’s when I first arrived here in Dec. Ordered a martini and after the second one, the bartender dropped a tab for 16.00 on me. When I questioned it, she babbled on about all the restrictions that apply.

The large print giveth and the small print taketh away.

[BigLew]

Wow! 2,500 posts!
Guess before computers and forums sages would be like...

:blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah: mouths?

:boom::duck::crap2:


Back to Havana,

Sometimes food is really good sometimes eh!
Never had a problem with service, sometimes slow but the servers are always pleasant and accommodating.
It's neighborhood for us; sort of like a local pub.

Unfortunately the food there is inconsistent and the staff is either unable or unwilling to make even the smallest accommodations for guests. I wanted to change out fries for cole slaw and was told I couldn't because that's the way the meal comes, my response was that the meal might come that way but I will be going...elsewhere.

[allairenjadea]

We went there a couple of weeks ago and after finishing our meal we saw the manager walking around asking if people enjoyed their meal. When he got to our table he asked me if the meal was good. I replied it was good then he said was it real good and I told him it was good but not real good. He promptly took our check and deducted the cost of my meal. He told me if I ever get something there that I am not totally satisfied with to return it right away. They want feedback so they can find out where to improve.

[Bogie Shooter]

We went there a couple of weeks ago and after finishing our meal we saw the manager walking around asking if people enjoyed their meal. When he got to our table he asked me if the meal was good. I replied it was good then he said was it real good and I told him it was good but not real good. He promptly took our check and deducted the cost of my meal. He told me if I ever get something there that I am not totally satisfied with to return it right away. They want feedback so they can find out where to improve.
Isn't that amazing!

[golf2140]

just a thought. Maybe it's someone's attitude that brings on an attitude!!!!!!!

[Whalen]

That good pubs do not have quality and consistant food and service?

No, I'm just saying I tend to be more forgiving when it's a local place I frequent often.

[Whalen]

just a thought. Maybe it's someone's attitude that brings on an attitude!!!!!!!

Good point 1240.

Sometimes nice begets nice.

You know, do unto others.....

[spk7951]

I was pleasantly surprised yesterday when our group of 16 stopped at Havana after our Monday round of golf. In the past we have had issues with service and management but yesterday was a welcome change. In the space of less than five minutes four servers stopped to see if they could help us. Three of them actually said it was not their table but they would help get us started. Big change from last week when we sat for 15 minutes before one of our group approached a manager. A little bit of extra effort can go a long way.

[clekr]

The last two previous experiences that Havana were terrible and worse. Both times the service was poor and when gracefully brought to the hostesses' attention it was received rudely and not in the the constructive manner it was presented.

But, since had been a few months my wife and I decided to give it another try yesterday. We sat at the bar and ordered a small pizza. We had to return the plates because they were dirty. Then my wife looked up at the glasses hanging over the bar area - the same ones they use for drinks. They were uniformly filthy!! You could readily discern lipstick and finger prints on the stem ware. We won't be going back any time soon.

[tpop1]

Golf group went to Havana after golf @ 3PM today and received the same servie with"attitude" that others described here.

- Upset that we just wanted drinks, server kind of thru checks on table after one drink..no thought the she should run a tab for each of us,

- Two-for-ones in her mind = one so called double....hard to tell but didn't seem like double the liquor - IMHO two for one should be two separate drinks unless customer agrees to one glass double,

- Customer service training in strongly suggested.

Golf group won't be back.:ohdear:

[zcaveman]

just a thought. Maybe it's someone's attitude that brings on an attitude!!!!!!!


So are you saying that if I complain about the food that I have an attitude?

Which is why I do not complain. I do not want to get into a p*ssing match with the owner or the waiter/waitress. I have seen it happen too many times.

I will just go some place else next time.

Let someone else's attitude bring on an attitude.