Havana 59
Salsa nights and Cuban cocktails in 1950s Havana—themed Shockoe Bottom venue
Havana '59 is a cigar bar and restaurant in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom District that hosts Salsa Nights every Thursday at 8pm (ages 21+, $5 cash cover).
Photo: Havana 59 via Google
Before your first class
Business casual attire is appropriate.
$5 cash cover for Salsa Nights (ages 21+)
About this studio
Havana '59 is a cigar bar and restaurant in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom District that hosts Salsa Nights every Thursday at 8pm (ages 21+, $5 cash cover). The venue has operated since 1994 and occupies a historic building with multiple event spaces across three floors.
The atmosphere recreates 1950s Havana—the era when the island was known as "the Paris of the Caribbean". String lights, crumbling plaster walls, palm trees, and the aroma of cigars frame the experience. The first floor includes a mezzanine in the smoking section. The second floor patio is indoor and outdoor with a full roof and full bar, seating up to 120 people for a seated event or over 160 for cocktail style. The second and third floor patios can be combined for larger private parties, and the entire building is available for buyout.
The kitchen sources locally and presses fresh juices in-house for cocktails. Kitchen hours run Monday 4pm–9pm, Tuesday–Wednesday 4pm–10pm, Thursday–Saturday 4pm–11pm, and Sunday 2pm–9pm. The bar extends later: Monday 4pm–9:30pm, Tuesday–Wednesday 4pm–11pm, Thursday–Friday 4pm–12:30am, Saturday 3pm–12:30am, and Sunday 12pm–9:30pm.
Private events (weddings, birthdays, corporate) rent space with no room fee—only a food and beverage minimum that varies by day and month. Buffet catering requires a minimum of 25 guests; plated meals accommodate up to 35; hors d'oeuvres menus are priced per piece with a 25-piece minimum per item. Custom menus can be arranged with advance notice. The venue is in a historical building, so the upper levels are accessed by two flights of stairs with no elevator.
Business casual attire is appropriate. Contact the event coordinator by email or phone.
What to expect
Your first visit
Join live Salsa Nights every Thursday at 8pm in a 1950s Havana-themed setting with a full bar, cigars, and Cuban-inspired food and cocktails. The cover is $5 cash for ages 21+.
What to wear and bring
Before your first class
Dress code
Business casual attire is appropriate.
Studio history
Havana '59 opened in 1994 and has been a staple in Richmond's Shockoe Bottom District for over 30 years. The venue evokes 1950s Havana, when the island was known as "the Paris of the Caribbean".
Styles offered
1 dance style taught here
Gallery
The people, the parties and the dancing here
Amenities
Pricing
Approximate lesson costs
Class schedule
Weekly classes and workshops
Havana 59hasn't set up a public class schedule yet.
If you own Havana 59, claiming the studio lets you add a public schedule in about 2 minutes. A free Google Calendar is the easiest path — visitors see your class times inline + can add events to their own calendar.
Frequently asked about Havana 59
Quick answers to the most common questions
What dance styles does Havana 59 teach?
Havana 59 teaches Salsa. The full list of styles is shown above on this page along with each genre's classes and lesson options.
Where is Havana 59 located?
Havana 59 is located in Richmond, VA. See the map above for the exact address and one-tap directions.
Does Havana 59 offer private lessons?
Contact Havana 59 directly to ask about private lessons and current class options — their website has the latest details.
Does Havana 59 teach kids and adults?
Havana 59 welcomes students of varied ages and experience levels. Contact the studio to learn which classes fit your age group and level.
How do I sign up for classes at Havana 59?
The fastest path is to visit Havana 59 via their website or check the class schedule above. Many studios offer a free or discounted intro lesson — contact them directly to ask.