Cuba St institution Fidel’s Cafe taking three month hiatus

Thursday, 22 May 2025

Cuba St landmark cafe Fidel’s is taking a three-month quake-strengthening hiatus, it has been confirmed.

“It's with a heavy heart that we announce that Fidel’s Cafe will be closing our doors temporarily, as the building we know and love as Fidel's will be under construction for an estimated three months,” said owner Roger Young ‒ the unofficial mayor of Cuba St ‒ on social media.

Young told The Post the building had been long overdue for earthquake strengthening, saying it was great Cuba St’s heritage buildings were being preserved.

“It needs to be done, and [during winter] there’s not a better time to do it.”

The building, just north of Abel Smith St, became Fidel’s after previously being Mexican restaurant Little Gringo’s 29 years ago. Fidel’s has grown over the years and has rarely waned in popularity.

“From our humble beginnings as a small but lively cafe, to a sprawling daytime/night time joint bursting with life and music, to the cool daytime eatery serving the best coffee Wellington has to offer,” Young posted.

Young and and co-owner Potti Wagstaff also took over Havana Bar, around the corner on Wigan St in the 2000s, which has also become a local institution and continues to run.

The last day before the three month hiatus for quake-strengthening of Fidel’s is June 21.