How much does it cost to eat at a trendy bar in Havana?

The Cuban activist Yamilka Lafita, known on social media as Lara Crofs, shared her experience in a trendy bar frequented by Havana's elite.

Lara was invited by a friend who lives abroad, who took charge of paying "a fortune" for a dinner for seven people that consisted of pizzas, carpaccio, and fries, as well as national and imported drinks and cigars.

"There is no exclusive offer or anything out of the ordinary. It's the same as in the other bars, but with the price quadrupled," he lamented.

In total, the bill was 118,870 pesos, but that wasn't the end of it.

"Later, the bar 'suggests' that you should tip 10, 15, or 20% on the bill. Well, even though the prices of the products are quadrupled compared to the black market on the street, the service is not included," he recounted on Facebook.

The young woman, who lived many years outside of Cuba, admits that the atmosphere, food, and service of this bar are top-notch "by the island's standards," but clarifies that when compared to those in South America or Europe, they are average for those countries.

"Without a doubt, the owners of this establishment have managed very well, in the country of hardships, to keep this place afloat and maintain it. The problem is precisely that it has become a trendy spot. The prices are irrational, four times higher than in the rest of the bars," they pointed out.

Lara specified that, after paying the "suggested" tip from the waiter, the total amount of the bill increased to 142,644 pesos, which is 445.76 USD.

"Possibly this is the money with which more than one family can survive for a year on this planet Cuba," he emphasized.

In a country where the minimum wage set by the government is 2,100 pesos, about 87 dollars at an exchange rate of 24x1, only a tiny fraction of the population can afford to pay 3,500 pesos for a pizza or 1,000 for a Cristal beer.

"Literally a robbery with a tie and white gloves," affirmed a resident in Palmira, Cienfuegos.

"I wouldn't give that taste to any bar owner in Cuba. It costs the same as the terrace of the Hotel RIU on Gran Vía in Madrid," questioned a young person from Spain.

"It is sad, very sad, the reality of the Cuban; I think I would dislike the food and drink if I had to pay that price," said a doctor.

"That has been taken as a trend, the 15 percent, from there they take out for the employees' salaries, a lack of respect, because that has to be paid by the owners, which means that consumers pay for the service as well," said a man.

"That is why international tourism, when it comes to Cuba and sees these prices and the normal bar things they offer, decides to choose other destinations," emphasized another.