18 Places To Get A Cuban Sandwich Across The U.S.
Cuban sandwiches – that magical combo of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed between crispy bread – have conquered taste buds far beyond Miami and Tampa.
These flavor-packed handheld delights represent the perfect marriage of Cuban and American culinary traditions. Ready for a cross-country sandwich adventure? Check out these mouthwatering spots serving up the best Cubanos from coast to coast!
18. La Segunda Central Bakery – Tampa, FL
Bread fanatics, rejoice! La Segunda’s century-old Cuban bread recipe – complete with signature palm leaf stripe down the middle – forms the foundation for sandwich perfection.
The bakery’s historic Ybor City location churns out thousands of loaves daily, ensuring your Cubano comes on the freshest canvas possible. Family-owned since 1915, this Tampa institution keeps tradition alive one crispy, pillowy bite at a time.
17. Columbia Restaurant – Tampa, FL
Step back in time at Florida’s oldest restaurant! Columbia’s legendary Cubano comes with a side of Spanish-Cuban heritage in a stunning 1905 building.
Their sandwich stays true to Tampa tradition – Genoa salami makes a special appearance alongside the usual suspects. Want the full experience? Pair your sandwich with their famous 1905 Salad and watch flamenco dancers perform while you feast.
16. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop – Tampa, FL
Holy sandwich monsters! Brocato’s serves Cubanos so massive they could feed a small family. This no-frills roadside spot has kept locals coming back since 1948.
Forget fancy ambiance – you’re here for the sandwich, pressed to perfection and stuffed with generous layers of meat and cheese. Bonus points if you brave their devil crab croquettes alongside your Cubano for the full Tampa experience.
15. Sanguich de Miami – Miami, FL
Scientists of sandwiches, take note! Everything is prepared in-house at this Little Havana hotspot, which approaches Cubano crafting like a crazy professor.
Your taste senses will be pleasantly surprised by their 24-hour citrus-marinated pork shoulder. Despite being relatively new to the industry, Sanguich has already established a cult following because of their meticulous approach; they even make their own mustard and pickles!
14. Old’s Havana Cuban Bar & Cocina – Miami, FL
Atmosphere hunters, you’ve found your paradise! Old’s Havana transports you straight to pre-revolution Cuba with vintage photos, live music, and killer Cubanos.
Their sandwich hits that perfect balance – not too heavy on any one ingredient. The bread gets a magical butter treatment before pressing that creates a crust so crispy you’ll hear it across the room. Mojito pairing strongly encouraged!
13. Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop – Miami, FL
Celebrity-approved but still totally unpretentious! Anthony Bourdain and local construction workers have both eaten at this cash-only counter.
Their Cubano is served on bread that has that elusive crisp-yet-chewy quality, with precisely portioned toppings layered on top. Early risers are especially fortunate to enjoy their morning Cubano, which is the same delicious sandwich with an egg added!
12. 5 Brothers – Key West, FL
Blink and you’ll miss this tiny bodega tucked away in a residential Key West neighborhood. But locals know – this hidden gem crafts Cubanos worth the treasure hunt!
Their sandwiches come wrapped in paper and filled with love (plus all the traditional fixings). While waiting for your order, grab a colada coffee to share – that sweet Cuban rocket fuel comes served with tiny cups for friends.
11. Cuban Coffee Queen – Key West, FL
Get your phones charged, Instagrammers! Picture-perfect Cubanos are served at this striking location with its famous “Greetings from Key West” mural.
Both the classic and Key West (with more cheese) versions of their sandwich are available. As you eat your sandwich and drink their renowned Cuban coffee, the outside setting evokes that relaxed island feeling. Sunscreen and hunger are necessary!
10. Sandy’s Cafe – Key West, FL
Night owls rejoice! This 24-hour window-service spot attached to a laundromat has saved many a late-night hunger emergency with their magnificent Cubanos.
The sandwich comes pressed until the cheese achieves melty perfection, with just the right ratio of meat to pickles. Local fishermen swear by these sandwiches before heading out to sea – high praise in a town that knows its seafood!
9. Paseo – Seattle, WA
Caribbean meets Northwest in this Seattle sensation! Paseo’s Cuban Roast sandwich has a loyal following that creates lines down the block, despite not being completely conventional.
What’s their secret? Delectable pork shoulder marinated in an unidentified Caribbean spice mixture. Caramelized onions add sweet depth while aioli brings creamy tang. Is the rain in Seattle depressing you? Sunshine on a platter is what this sandwich is sure to be!
8. El Cubo de Cuba – Portland, OR
Food truck success story alert! What began as a humble cart has blossomed into a beloved brick-and-mortar restaurant serving Portland’s most authentic Cubanos.
Their sandwich stays true to tradition while incorporating quality Oregon ingredients. The owners’ Cuban heritage shines through in every bite. Feeling adventurous? Try their Cubano bowl – all the sandwich ingredients over rice with black beans!
7. Cafecito – Chicago, IL
Windy City, meet Havana heat! This urban counter-service spot brings Cuban sandwich excellence to downtown Chicago.
Their Cubano features house-marinated pork that undergoes a 24-hour flavor transformation. The sandwich gets pressed with serious intention – creating that essential crispy exterior while melting all ingredients into harmony. Loop workers form lines out the door during lunch rush – always a good sign!
6. Pambiche Cocina y Repostería Cubana – Portland, OR
Color explosion! With Cubanos that instantly transport you to Havana, this brightly painted Portland eatery provides Cuban sunshine to the Pacific Northwest.
With the ideal meat-to-pickle ratio, crispy but delicate bread, and that crucial pressed flatness, their sandwich is technically flawless. Have a sweet tooth? The ideal sandwich chaser is one of their Cuban sweets. You can’t miss the pink building – just follow the satisfied patrons!
5. Otto’s High Dive – Orlando, FL
Wait, a Michelin-recognized Cuban sandwich? Believe it! This hip Mills 50 district spot elevates the humble Cubano without losing its soul.
Their version features mojo-marinated pork shoulder, Duroc ham, and Swiss on La Segunda bread (yes, they import it from Tampa!). The pickles get a house-made upgrade while maintaining that essential tang. Fancy cocktails make perfect sandwich partners at this upscale-casual Florida gem.
4. The Floridian – Tampa, FL
Purists of sandwiches, be ready to fight! Serving Tampa-style Cubanos with the contentious but tasty addition of salami, the Floridian takes pride in its offerings.
Over the years, this family-run restaurant has honed its recipe to produce a sandwich that flawlessly balances every component. The meal shines in the simple setting. Pro tip: you will never wake up the same way again after trying their breakfast Cuban with eggs!
3. West Tampa Sandwich Shop – Tampa, FL
Presidential approval! This unassuming neighborhood joint gained fame when Obama stopped by for their legendary Cubano during a 2012 Florida visit.
The “Obama Special” (honey ham, roast pork, salami, mayo, mustard, and Swiss) continues to draw curious visitors. But their traditional Cuban remains the star – perfectly proportioned and pressed until gloriously crisp. Political differences dissolve when everyone agrees on sandwich excellence!
2. Kuba Kuba – Richmond, VA
Southern hospitality meets Cuban flavor at this charming Richmond institution! In a repurposed corner grocery shop, they serve Cubano with a dash of eccentric neighborhood ambiance.
Although it has a classic structure, this sandwich is distinctive due to its minor Virginia influences. For optimal softness, the pig is roasted for an extended period of time. Too hungry to eat an entire sandwich? A lighter option without compromising flavor is their Cuban Pressed Wrap.
1. Social Cafe – San Francisco, CA
Your search for Cubano sandwiches in the Bay Area is over! Miami would be proud of the shockingly accurate rendition served at this hidden treasure in SoMa.
Their sandwich achieves that perfect press – flat enough to showcase all ingredients in each bite without squishing them into oblivion. The bread retains its soft core while developing the necessary crackly exterior. Tourists and IT professionals alike wait in line to enjoy this little bit of Cuban sunlight!