New Lena's Loft Concept Brings Cuban Flair And Flavors

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The flavors and atmosphere of old Havana are coming to life at the newest loft concept at Alexandria restaurant Lena's Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap.

The Yates family, which owns Lena's, first introduced the Loft at Lena's concepts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The newest concept called Havana 151 opened in July, offering a dining experience reminiscent of the 1940s and 1950s luxury hotels of old Havana.

The space was transformed in just five days after Lena's closed its 1920s-themed Velvet & Rye concept. According to the restaurant, the loft space was "taken down nearly to the studs" and updated with new paint, wall covers, lighting, glassware and more.

The old Havana supper club experience might make you almost imagine the smell of Cuban cigar smoke and feel the humid, tropical air. Highlights of the design include distressed tile, tropical plants, wrought iron, leather textured walls, sparkling chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling stained glass windows.

The menu complements the surroundings, offering Cuban flavors with starters like shrimp and white fish ceviche and sautéed Havana mussels with garlic and white wine. Entrées at Havana 151 include seafood paella with shrimp, calamari, mussels, and sausage and birria tacos with slow-cooked beef short ribs. Meals can be paired with sides like fried sweet plantains, fried yucca, and Mexican corn and finished with caramel plan, coconut rum cake and other desserts along with Dow’s 10 Year Port.

Themed cocktails are another highlight at the new experience. Some menu highlights are the Havana 151 Scorpion Bowl with overproof 151 rum; the Smoked El Presidente with Ron Zacapa 23 Year, Lillet Blanc, Grand Marnier, and house-made grenadine; and the Cuba Libre with Havana Club Rum, Cointreau, and Mexican Cola.

Live salsa, rhumba, jazz, and more is also offered to complement the dining experience.

Havana 151 is the fifth concept in Lena's loft space. Past concepts have included the winter-themed Winter Lodge, the spring-themed Full Bloom, the coastal-inspired Oceans 21, 1920s, Prohibition era-themed Velvet & Rye. Velvet & Rye was the longest-running concept open since late 2021 due to its popularity. The restaurant partnered with Katie Kirby of Revolution Event Design and Production to create the loft concepts.