A new European-style cafe has opened up in downtown Bowling Green.
Cafe Havana, managed and co-owned by Issa Baiz, is tucked behind Falcon Food Mart and
adjacent to Kermit’s at 309 S. Main St. The Baiz family also owns and operates
Falcon Food Mart.
"We have a very relaxed atmosphere. We keep jazz and swing-style music playing
all day here," Baiz said.
Cafe Havana, despite its name, offers Mediterranean food including tabouli, falafel,
hummus, meat and spinach pies, grape leaves and kibbeh.
They also have Chazzano Coffee featuring blends from Brazil, the Philippines, Costa
Rica and "just all over the equator," Baiz said.
Gelato is served in 12 flavors and there are desserts including scones, muffins,
mini-cakes and cookies. Soup and fresh-fruit smoothies are also available.
"Our food is made by my mother. She is an authentic-style cook. She knows food
well and she makes the recipes from fresh ingredients and from scratch," he
said.
There is indoor and outdoor seating and at night, the patio turns into a hookah area.
There is no smoking permitted inside and the patio is heated.
"Hookah is a very small part of our business currently," Baiz said.
Cafe Havana is open 7 a.m. to 3 a.m. with the hookah patio opening at 5 p.m.
"We maintain long hours so people can come here and study and be here late if
they to," Baiz said.
The cafe also plans to offer live music and entertainment and will have a
"Community Art Wall." The art wall will be a place for local artists
to display and sell their work. Cafe Havana will not take a commission.
For more information, contact Cafe Havana at 419-806-4940.