Fodor's Expert Review Sloppy Joe's

In 1917, a Spaniard named José Abeal y Otero, who had worked in both Cuba and the United States for many years as a bartender, decided to open up his own business in an old Havana warehouse. Known for its messy service and lack of hygiene, it was dubbed Sloppy Joe's. As the years went on, and the establishment improved its appearance, and it became a haven for American businesspeople, eventually reaching legendary status and attracting celebrities such as Ava Gardner, Frank Sinatra, boxer Joe Louis, and yes, Hemingway, too. It was also here that Joe invented the sloppy joe—a sandwich filled with ropa vieja (shredded beef in Creole sauce). Today it's still one of Havana Vieja's classiest establishments, and although cocktails are a little pricer than other venues, it makes a great stop for one or two.