Havana 1920 offers a taste of Hemingway's Cuba in downtown San Diego

• We took the trolley to Gaslamp and walked to Havana 1920, which "brings Hemingway's Cuba to life."
• We sat upstairs where the cafe's colorful decor leans into prohibition-era Cuba. It was a perfect spot to share plates and a pitcher of their refreshing mojito before the comedy show.

What we ordered: We asked the waiter for recommendations and he delivered.

• A guava daiquiri on the rocks and mojitos — both made with Havana Club añejo rum and fresh lime juice and sugarcane.
• Mariquitas — a salty, crispy batch of plantain chips
• Camarones al ajillo — shrimp in a white wine garlic sauce served with toasted Cuban bread to soak up the sauce
• Croqueta de jamon y queso — fried croquette filled with ham and creamy béchamel
• Cubanita empanada — classic cuban sandwich meets empanada

Cost: The cocktails are $15, but you can make most of them with a pitcher for $38 (highly recommend).

• A variety of empanadas are $5-6 each and the croquettes are $3 each.

Where: 548 Fifth Ave in the Gaslamp Quarter

Pro tip: Go for happy hour Monday-Friday from 2-6pm for discounted bites and drinks.