The Cuban content creator known as Ari (@ari_delahabana) recently took to Instagram to express her dissatisfaction with a visit to Castillo de Jagua, a state-operated restaurant located at the bustling corner of 23 and G in El Vedado, Havana. In her post titled "Testing State Restaurants in Havana – Part 1," she described the experience as "the worst money I've ever spent."
Returning after an eight-year hiatus, Ari documented numerous issues during her visit. She immediately observed cigarette butts littering the floor, damp walls, a leaking air conditioner, and dirty napkins from previous diners left on the table for new patrons.
Her criticism of the food was equally harsh. The stuffed tostones were tough and inedible, the tamal was devoid of meat and flavor, and the grilled chicken was, as she put it, "a scam," consisting only of fatty skin. Her salad even contained a piece of pepper complete with stem and seeds. "I don't recommend you come here," she firmly warned her followers, highlighting the establishment's current state, which, despite its historic reputation, has been a mess for years.
Recurring Complaints from Customers
Ari's disappointment is not an isolated incident. In 2024, another visitor, Rafael Lázaro Rodríguez Macías, expressed his dissatisfaction on the Facebook group Gastrocuba after dining at the same restaurant. He noted the limited menu but decided to take a chance.
Upon ordering draft beer, he was informed it was unavailable because the bartender hadn't shown up. He was offered a can of beer instead, at more than double the price and without prior notice. The tamal was dry and tasteless, the smoked pork consisted of just four tiny slices for 850 pesos, and the congrí was served cold and bland. The bill was presented on a scrap of paper, lacking a detailed breakdown of prices and including unjustified charges, such as a 10% surcharge. He vowed, "I will never return to Castillo de Jagua."
Renovation Fails to Deliver Lasting Improvements
Back in 2019, Castillo de Jagua underwent significant renovations in preparation for Havana's 500th anniversary. The refurbishment included the restoration of walls, bathrooms, kitchens, cafeteria, and bar, as well as the installation of new air conditioning systems and carpentry.
However, just five years later, the complaints suggest that deterioration has set in once more, bringing with it customer dissatisfaction. Castillo de Jagua, once a prestigious symbol of gastronomy in a prime area of the Cuban capital, now stands as a testament to the decline of state-run services.
These repeated grievances highlight a lack of quality control and customer care, in a landscape where dining out is a luxury for most Cubans.
Common Issues at Castillo de Jagua
What were the main complaints about Castillo de Jagua?
The main complaints included poor cleanliness, inedible food, unavailability of items on the menu, and unjustified charges on the bill.
How long after its renovation did the restaurant start receiving complaints again?
Complaints began surfacing again just five years after the restaurant's renovation in 2019.
Why is dining out considered a luxury for most Cubans?
Dining out is considered a luxury for most Cubans due to economic constraints and the high cost relative to the average income.