Eat Up Havana by the Westword – Featuring Restaurants along On Havana Street, One By One, Week By Week
December 10th, 2025
Antony Bruno is a freelance writer focused on food, wine, and adventure. A Cook Street School of Culinary Arts graduate, he strives to help others level up their cooking skills and food knowledge with stories that educate, entertain, and inspire. He has previously written for such publications as Billboard Magazine, 5280 Magazine, and countless corporate blogs/newsletters.
Over a decade ago, former Westword food editor Mark Antonation began his food-writing career by eating his way up Federal Boulevard. Now, we’re turning our attention to another vibrant culinary corridor.
The four-plus-mile stretch of Havana Street between Dartmouth and Sixth Avenue in Aurora is home to the most diverse array of international cuisine available in the metro area.
From restaurants and markets to take-and-go shops and stands, food lovers of nearly any ethnicity or interest can find a place that will remind them of home or open new culinary doors.
In Eat Up Havana, Westword contributor Antony Bruno will visit them all, one by one, week by week.
- Check out all the Eat Up Havana stops:
We’re kicking off a new series exploring the diverse cuisine of Aurora’s Havana Street with a hot pot feast.
February 12, 2025
Read the Westword Article Here.
The modern, upscale izakaya concept stands out while fitting in on Aurora’s Havana Street.
February 19, 2025
Read the Westword Article Here.
Whether filling up on the familiar or taking risks on new flavors, this Indian buffet stays true to its barrier-breaking past.
February 26, 2025
Read the Westword Article Here
The locally owned mini-chain has been around for over twenty years and will soon expand with a fifth location in Westminster.
March 5, 2025
Read the Westword Article Here
While its Colfax location closed last year, its other outpost is riding a social wave to success.
March 12, 2025
Read the Westword Article Here
Bring a big appetite and a big group to this standout eatery in Aurora.
March 19, 2025
Read the Westword Article Here
Read the Full Article Here.
The halal restaurant and food market grills up fresh kebabs, shawarma and rotisserie chicken and offers housemade Iraqi bread.
Eat Up Havana: Taqueria Corona Exceeds Expectations With Terrific Tacos
While this spare restaurant on Havana Street may not have much curb appeal, but take a leap of faith and you’ll be rewarded.
Will pig feet be the next oxtail or pork belly? Hanyang Wang Jokbal in Aurora might convince you.
Seven of the Korean restaurant chain’s sixteen Colorado locations are within a mile of each other on Havana Street.
Read the full article
here.
If you want to see the complete picture of Aurora’s diverse community, get yourself to the next Havana Street Night Market.
By Antony Bruno
July 9, 2025
Read the article here.
“If you go to Korea, you’re going to find restaurants just like us literally on every other corner.”
“Everyone here closes at 10 p.m. After that, it’s our turn.”
“I see everywhere these places are busy, and I want my country’s food too.”
August 27, 2025
Whether you’re choosing a song or a dish on the menu, the key to success is sticking within your range.
“It’s not just a restaurant. We’re teaching a culture. We’re teaching American culture what Korean barbecue is about.”
September 17, 2025
From fish-shaped waffle cones, to shaved ice milk bowls, there’s a flavor for everyone.
September 24, 2025
The former Best of Denver winner closed in 2014 but now, it’s serving again in Aurora.
By Antony Bruno
October 1, 2025
Read the Article Here.
Restaurants
There’s a little something for everyone, but the house specials steal the show.
October 8, 2025
“Everything here we cook from scratch and we serve with love”
October 15, 2025
From the food, to the drinks, to the entertainment, this Aurora spot aims to be a home away from home.
By Antony Bruno
October 22, 2025
Read the Article Here.
Bars & Breweries
“I wanted a small restaurant where a chef can really control the environment and the quality, and that’s what we are.”
October 29, 2025
This Somalian hole-in-the wall has been open for nearly twenty years.
November 5, 2025
This East African staple in the midst of a much-needed renovation, but it still offers a hearty lunch.
November 12, 2025
This Aurora spot is winning diners over with sincerity and simplicity.
November 19, 2025
It’s fair to call this a Chinese restaurant disguised as a karaoke bar.
November 26, 2025
There are a lot of pho options in town, but this is among the best.
December 3, 2025
“I prefer to do it all in the kitchen so they come fresh to your plate.”
December 17, 2025
This Aurora spot is modernizing while staying traditional.
December 24, 2025
Over a dozen fillings plus an all-day breakfast menu makes Pupusas La Salvadoreña a popular hot spot on Havana.
December 31, 2025
One year visiting 47 restaurants representing 14 different cultures along a four-mile stretch in Aurora.
January 20, 2026
