Bar Habana is a speakeasy hidden behind La Cubana on Ossington.

After closing down operations in Leslieville, the bar has re-opened a Havana-inspired cocktail and rum bar in the backroom of the popular Ossington diner. 

Under the glow of red lights and booming music, the promise of delicious drinks and food is the stage that Bar Habana sets for those who enter.

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Head Mixologist Joshua Evangelista has crafted a cocktail menu that places innovative twists on tried and true classics such as the Piña Colada and Long Island Ice Tea. 

The Old Baracoa ($20) is an Old Fashioned based on 15 year old Canadian whisky and apricot brandy that's smoked with oak and wittingly topped with a chocolate wafer that mimics a Cuban cigar. 

On the nose, the smokey notes are strong but on the tongue, there's a pleasant sweet finish that's brought out due to agave syrup. 

The Carajillo Affogato ($20) is a Spanish espresso martini. Topped with Cuban espresso poured onto boozy ice cream, it's easily one of the best espresso martinis I've had- it's sinfully sweet. 

The Lampara ($18) features a smokey Havana rum, Canadian maple, lime and flaming sugar to make a unique Long Island Iced Tea.

Meanwhile the Reverse Mojito ($20) has a clarified mint foam on top instead of the usual mash of leaves at the bottom that makes this a light and refreshing sip. 

For food, head chef Corinna Mozo is inspired by the diner her grandfather had in Cuba in the 50's and memories of cooking with her father at home.

You can build your own plate of sides like Tostones, Red Cabbage Slaw, and Yuca Frita for $6 each. 

For bocaditos, there's a specially made Bean and Cheese Empanada ($7) exclusive to the Bar.

As well as a refreshing vegetarian Jicama Salad ($13) that mixes radish, cucumbers, apples over arugula for a spicy kick. 

Cuban Grilled Shrimp ($14) is a must-try. It's perfectly seasoned, slightly smokey and served with a pineapple salsa. Another hit is the Guava BBQ Short Ribs ($15) that are fall off the bone, melt in your mouth tender.

La Cubana classics like the Pressed Cubano ($17) are also available, a cheesy delight of Gruyere spread over ham and pork.

A Bar-only Cuban Burger ($16) features potato chips in between a house made Chorizo patty over spicy red cabbage slaw in between house made buns.

Finish off with a cute slice of Key Lime Pie ($8) before heading out into the night.

General Manager Aldrin Cortez tells me there are no rules back here. They just want people to have fun, dance the night away and be transported to the energy of Cuban streets.

Bar Habana is located at 92 Ossington Ave, in the back of La Cubana. Open Wednesday to Saturday. Closed Sunday to Tuesday.