Submarino Amarillo

Submarino Amarillo is painted in yellow and covered in Beatles memorabilia: album covers, portraits of the Fab Four, and Cuban fan art that mixes revolutionary aesthetics with rock-and-roll iconography. The space is modest, with a small stage, a bar, and seating that fills quickly on live music nights. The contradiction of a Beatles bar in socialist Cuba is part of the appeal, and the venue leans into it.

Live bands play Beatles covers and classic rock to a crowd split between young Cubans who genuinely love the music and tourists charmed by the concept. The musicians are good; Cuba's musical education system produces talent across all genres, and the rock bands here benefit from that training. Beer is cheap by any standard, and the atmosphere is casual, warm, and unforced.

Vedado has a handful of live music venues, but Submarino Amarillo is the only one committed to rock. The jazz clubs on La Rampa offer higher technical polish, and the salsa venues have deeper cultural roots, but for rock-and-roll energy in Havana, this is the sole dedicated option. It fills a niche that nobody else bothers with.

Time your visit for the live music, which typically starts around 9 PM. The irony of the setting is enjoyable sober; the music is enjoyable regardless. Bring CUC rather than pesos for simpler transactions.