A note of thanks.

As we built Havana 20 years ago most people scratched their heads and asked whether this sleepy corner of Capitol Hill was a good place for a bar. It was a fair question at the time, but as any creative person knows, once you have a vision, once you’re thinking outside of the box, you forge ahead despite significant odds. And so we did.

Building Havana (my first business) was a Herculean feat. No detail was insignificant, and it took me to the very edge of what, at the time, I was able to do. Luckily I had the help of so many people, including (and especially) Nate Manny at 51 Eggs and Eric Hentz and his whole team at Mallet Design Build. I had a dream team of investors who believed in me, a landlord, Hunters Capital, willing to roll the dice that I would create something special, and countless friends who picked up paint brushes and brooms. A dozen incredible DJs and hundreds from the nightlife community offered their enthusiasm and support, and together we willed Havana into existence.

From day one the place was a resounding success. The parties were incredible. Havana became a phenomenon and, later, an institution. Most places are lucky to last two or three years. Maybe five. Ten years is unheard of. And twenty? There are few.

We’re no strangers to the joy, love and deep emotions that music can bring out in people. We’ve seen guests meet the love of their life here. We’ve hosted weddings and memorials. We’ve watched staff bring children into the world and said goodbye to people we loved dearly, including Jeff Higashi aka Soul Uno, fire breather and investor-extraordinaire Justin Cronk, and our beloved captain and GM Eli “Big E” Baroh.

And so it’s with a bit of a heavy heart we’re announcing that, after 20 years, Havana is closing. We turn 20 this Saturday, June 20th. Not quite old enough to drink, but able know a great party when we feel one. Our last day of business, fittingly, will be June 27th, at the end of Pride Weekend 2026. We love our neighborhood, and Pride is such an important part of what makes Capitol Hill so special. We couldn’t have scripted a better ending.

It’s been a rarity. It’s been a privilege. Havana succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.

Come celebrate and let’s rock the party ‘til the very end, shall we?