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Set in a colonial house built in the 1880s, La Esencia is one of the few Havana establishments to host a D.J. every night of the week. Themed nights like Diversity Night on Monday and Karaoke Night on Wednesday are worth checking out, with plenty of premium rums and wines to wash it all down (ask for the Canchánchara cocktail). Give it a shot on Friday after work for happy-hour drinks. Calle B #153 e/ Calzada y Linea, Vedado +53 78363031

Swedish chic in the midst of tropical Havana? This is precisely the exotic mix that the Swedish-Cuban owner Michel Miglis (a film director and music producer) wanted to achieve—a meeting point for creative people from Havana and around the world. The Nordic menu is designed by Swedish cook Jonas Anderson, replete with seafood casserole and nuggets a lo Cubano. Either way, the Casa Miglis team is on the hunt for selected local fish and fresh avocado for its eclectic dishes. This new restaurant leads the recent trend of youthful, arty restaurants that have radicalised the traditional Cuban scene (it was voted best restaurant in central Havana by Cuba Absolutely)—and it does it with trademark Northern cool.
Address:  Lealtad 120, Animas y Lagunas, Central Havana, +537-8641486.

Located in Centro Habana just behind The Capitolio, this unassuming bar is a gem that has not yet made it onto many tourists’ radars. Most of the patrons here are chic Cuban hipsters in their 20s. It gives off a Bohemian vibe, with a lounge occupying about one-third of its space on the left. The drink menu is printed on the back of a license plate and gives you different selections of cocktails, rums, whiskies and beers. Prices are very approachable given the quality of drinks here. The daiquiris and gin and tonics are must-orders. All the cocktails cost only $2.5 CUC. There is only one wine on the menu though – offered in rosado, blanco y tinto. The service is bit slow on a busy night since there is just one bartender fixing drinks for everyone.

Address: Calle Industria no 502, Esquina Calle Barcelona, Habana, Cuba

Opening hours: 1pm till 2am

Tel: +53 78 67 40 84

Fábrica de Arte Cubano, which might sound like an absolute oddity in Havana, is born out of the initiative of renowned Cuban musician X-Alfonso. The ground-breaking project uses nightlife as a platform for numerous other cultural activities, perhaps an art exhibition, a dance party (or jazz concert), even a film screening – all in the same venue on the same night. The space has multiple floors and rooms that vary in size depending on use. For instance, in one room a guest might attend a proper rock concert, while upstairs, there may be exhibitions by contemporary Cuban artists. F.A.C., as the bar is normally referred to by Cuban youth, is located right next door to the excellent El Cocinero, if you are also in the mood for a bite.

Address: Calle 26 Esquina 11, Vedado, La Habana

Tel: +53 7 8382260

Opening hours: 8pm to 3am

Located in the lively Vedado area, Corner Café comes alive during the night when hip young Cubans converge in this pub for live music performances, DJ jam sessions and sultry jazz dancing. And not without exception, each is accompanied with a drink in hand. The service is fast and efficient as four bartenders orderly turn out drinks without being rushed. There are plenty of cocktails, rums, vodkas, tequilas and beers to choose from, but the price for beers – $2.50 CUC for a Cuban Cristal—is a bit expensive compared with other bars in the area. The place closes only when the last customer leaves.

Address: 1ra y B, Vedado, La Habaana, Cuba

Tel: +53 7 8371220

Opening hours: 10am onwards