When the British domination began in Havana in 1762, some coffee houses were opened. Supposedly by that time, some landowners planted coffee for their own use. Café de la Taberna at the corner of the Plaza Vieja is one of the first coffee houses of Havana, founded in 1772, that is still open in its beautifully restored building, built in 1770.

The walls are covered with the photos of Beny Moré and other popular mambo groups.  It has a long bar with an impressive wall full of all kind of bottles behind it. It is a place where some good son bands, like Son del Trópico, Sonido Son and the Septeto Matamoros perform every day in two separate sets. It is spacious restaurant with high ceilings, but the food is standard; people (mostly tourists) come here simply to enjoy the atmosphere at the impressive bar by sinking a few cocktails and to listen to the live music that starts after 21:00. Entry is about 40 CUC and includes a meal and two drinks. Outdoor sitting is not recommended, as you would feel yourself a little too far from the ambience.