Havana Harry's Temporarily Closes After Unsavory Health Inspection

A popular Coral Gables Cuban restaurant is under fire for allegedly misleading customers about a temporary closure tied to a roach issue, according to a WPLG Local 10 investigation by longtime reporter Jeff Weinsier.

Cuban staple Havana Harry's, located at 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd. was shut down on Monday, June 16, by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). According to public records, the closure, which was temporary, followed a complaint-based inspection that revealed a roach issue. The restaurant was ordered to stop operations until all violations were corrected.

Temporarily "Closed for Repairs"

A printed sign on the restaurant's door told customers on Tuesday, June 17, that it was "closed for repairs." But a video recorded by Weinsier found that the actual reason was more serious.

Weinsier visited the location the following day, Tuesday, June 17, which he documented on Instagram, and confirmed that the state-mandated closure notice had been posted. According to his report, the required orange sticker was "covered up by signs," masking the real cause of the closure from the public. His whole segment is scheduled to air on Thursday, June 19, during Local 10's Dirty Dining segment.

"It seems like the management, the owners at Havana Harry's on Le Jeune in Coral Gables are misleading the public," Weinsier says in the video posted to Instagram. "Yesterday, they were ordered shut by the state for a roach issue."

What the Inspection Found

According to the DBPR report, inspectors observed live roaches in several kitchen areas. Roaches were seen emerging from walls near electrical outlets and cook lines, as well as in preparation areas.

The inspection was categorized as a "complaint full" inspection, meaning it was initiated after someone filed a complaint with the state. The restaurant was labeled "temporarily closed" pending the resolution of these violations. No timeline was given in the report for when the facility would be allowed to reopen.The 

Restaurant Has Reopened Since Monday's Closure

Despite the closure notice, Havana Harry's is serving customers again. When New Times called the restaurant on Wednesday morning, June 18, a staff member confirmed they were open for lunch.

Hours later, Havana Harry's released the following statement to New Times: "We are aware of the situation that led to the closure of Havana Harry's on Monday, June 16.  We remedied the situation and are happy to share that we reopened yesterday, Tuesday, June 17, at 5 p.m. We appreciate the community's continued support."

Havana Harry's has been operating in Coral Gables since 1995 and is known for its generous portions and traditional Cuban-American cuisine. The restaurant was mentioned in the 2024 Michelin Guide as one of Miami's "Best Cuban Restaurants." Even more so, New Times named it one of the best in Coral Gables this year.

As of 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18, publicly available records do not yet confirm whether the state had re-inspected and cleared the restaurant to reopen.

​​Havana Harry's. 4612 S. Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables; 305-661-2622; havanaharrys.com.