Havana's Pilon Brings Cuban Food to Downtown Memphis

Havana's Pilon Brings Cuban Food to Downtown Memphis

Attention, Cuban food lovers: a dedicated Cuban restaurant called Havana's Pilon is now open downtown.

The special today was ropa vieja, and being unfamiliar with Cuban food, that's what I ordered. It's on the regular menu, but as a special, it came with two sides and a drink.

I wasn't sure what to expect, but I was excited about what I got: a plate of tender shredded beef that had been cooked with bell peppers in a thin, but flavorful, tomato-based sauce. It was meat perfection.

For my sides, I had plantains and yucca. I like plantains, and Havana's Pilon's were better than others that I've had.

The staff is very friendly, the food came out quickly and they sent out a little bowl of soup for me to try before my food was ready.

I'll definitely be back to Havanas Pilon. The food was delicious, it's crazy cheap, and there are other menu items I'd like to try: the arroz con pollo, the mofongo, and the seafood salad, an item whose menu description just says "Taste the secret!".

I can't find a listing of the hours (and it's not printed on their menu), but I can tell you that it's definitely open during the day for lunch. The restaurant is tiny (it seats maybe 12 people) so plan to either go early or get your food to go.

Go there:

Havana's Pilon

143 Madison Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
(901) 527-2878

Havana's Pilon on Urbanspoon

Comments Make Us Happy

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Paul Ryburn
The hours are 7 to 7 Monday through Saturday.
May 30, 2013 3:41pm
Suzanne Abbott
Hope Paul Ryburn has the correct days / hours but their website (CONTACTS) has Monday - Friday 11am-2pm.  
May 30, 2013 4:59pm
p
Try the tropical smoothies - especially maracuya
May 30, 2013 6:24pm
Justin B
I was in last night and can confirm, hours are Monday-Saturday, 7AM to 7PM. And I can confirm that the Cuban sandwich is friggin' awesome!
May 31, 2013 9:42am
Marialys Gonzalez
Thanks for your comments. We openned just to weeks ago but as of today we have received your support. We will continue working hard in order to improve our service and a variety in our menu. As per our customers requests we are considering open until 9:00PM Monday thru Saturday. Now we can seat about 22 customers, but we are looking for more space for you. One flag of the country of our customers will be placed in Havana's Pilon... please let us know your country and you will see your flag when visit us. Thanks for your support!!! Marialys Gonzalez / Pedro Pena Owners  
May 31, 2013 10:17pm
William Colon
This is, by far, the best place I have ever been.... and it's 7am to 7pm..
May 31, 2013 10:23pm
lizz gon
Yes !!! They open from Monday - Saturday 7am -7pm.. They make delicious food. Specially empanadas and mofongos.. they even decorate the food very pretty.. I go there almost everyday for lunch. Very friendly and cheap !! It has tables outsides and inside !!
June 1, 2013 12:06am
Flor Gómez
Bendiciones. Esa comida se ve riquísima. Que DIOS LOS BENDIGA GRANDEMENTE Y SE LLENE ESE RESTAURANTE CADA DÍA.
June 1, 2013 12:33pm
Tony Guevara
Awesome food,truly authentic  cuban cuisine. im not cuban but grew up in Miami eating and flavoring such delicacies. been living in Memphis for 17 years and had to go back to Miami to  enjoy the food and now very happy to know that is at second and madison downtown. GRACIAS AMIGOS POR HAVANA PILON!!!!!!!!! :)  
June 1, 2013 4:38pm
Nicole
So glad you posted about this place.  Took my husband and kids there this weekend.  Enjoyed the ropa vieja and the cuban sandwich, beans and rice, and plantains.  The soup they served while waiting was AMAZING.  The owner was so kind.  Can't wait to go back when they have sweet plantains and see how they compare to ones I've eaten in Miami and in Hispanic countries.  They were listed but were out of them.  Hooray Memphis for great dining choices!
June 1, 2013 7:21pm
Wilfredo H
As a native Tampanian (not to be confused with the feminine product) who is moving to Memphis in 2 weeks, I cannot wait to try this little piece of home! 
June 2, 2013 3:22pm
PhilC
Can't wait to try it.  There used to be a Cuban selling bean soup at the Farmer's Market.  Does anyone know where I can find him?  
July 13, 2013 2:55am
Gigi Ballester
I LOVE Cuban food.  New York City, Miami and San Juan, PR have the best Cuban food and I am looking forward to eating here next week.  Taking my son for his birthday - he also loves Cuban food.  Do not confuse Cuban/PuertoRican food with other Caribbean food - no comparison - Cuban food is very flavorful and tasty without being spicy. I am hoping they will have a website with a menu and pictures. Muchas gracias Marialys Gonzalez y Pedro Pena!
July 19, 2013 10:34am
Chris Enlow
Great food and friendly service. I'll be eating my way through the menu.
August 23, 2013 1:26pm
Zandra
I am from south Miami and Cuban parents. I am looking forward to trying thing place. I hope it meets my Expectations. 
September 15, 2013 12:43pm
Lourdes Rexach…
Ay que rico!!!!!! Finalmente un restaurante con comida caribeña en la ciudad de Memphis! Voy pa'llá tan pronto pueda!!
October 14, 2013 6:24pm
Yolanda Rodriguez
I recently moved here from Miami. I am of cuban heritage(second generation cuban). I miss cuban food. I can cook some at home but I cannot find empanadas de guayaba,materva ,batidos de mamey ,croquetas de jamon or bacaditos. My family and I plan to visit the restaurant soon because the menu is very authentic cuban. I feel like I am going home!!!Cannot wait.
January 26, 2014 3:57pm