8 Florida Cuban Sandwiches That Miss The Mark & 8 Worth The Hype
Cuban sandwiches in Florida have earned legendary status, but not every bite lives up to the hype.
Some miss the mark with soggy bread or bland fillings, while others deliver that perfect blend of crisp, savory, and melty goodness.
If you’re hunting for the ultimate Cuban experience or trying to avoid a sandwich disappointment, these picks will guide you straight to the ones worth savoring and steer clear of the rest.
1. Jimmy John’s
Chain sandwich shops rarely nail specialty items, and Jimmy John’s Cuban is proof. The bread lacks that essential crispy-yet-soft texture that defines a proper Cuban sandwich.
Their assembly-line approach misses the careful layering that balances flavors in authentic versions. Plus, the absence of real Cuban bread is an immediate dealbreaker for purists.
2. Jason’s Deli
Bless their hearts for trying, but Jason’s Deli’s Cuban is about as authentic as snowboarding in Miami.
Their version substitutes standard deli bread for traditional Cuban bread, immediately losing the signature crispy exterior.
The meat proportions overwhelm the other ingredients, creating an unbalanced flavor profile. What you end up with is essentially just an ordinary ham sandwich with identity issues.
3. Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Fusion gone wrong aptly describes Lazy Dog’s attempt at a Cuban. Their version adds unnecessary ingredients like arugula and aioli that have no place in a traditional Cuban sandwich.
The bread comes closer to ciabatta than proper Cuban bread. While tasty in its own right as a sandwich, calling it a “Cuban” sets expectations that simply aren’t met when that first bite lacks the authentic pressed crispiness.
4. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s
Sports bars should stick to wings and burgers. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Cuban sandwich falls flat with processed meats that lack the richness of proper mojo-marinated pork.
The sandwich arrives barely pressed, missing that crucial flat, crispy texture. Their interpretation seems more focused on filling the menu gap than honoring the tradition.
When you’re craving a Cuban, this version will leave you checking the scoreboard for better options.
5. Rusty Bucket
Someone needs to explain to Rusty Bucket that a panini press doesn’t automatically make every sandwich a Cuban. Their version comes with decent ingredients but misses the mark on execution.
The bread gets too thin and hard rather than achieving that perfect crisp-yet-yielding texture.
Adding cheese other than Swiss is another misstep that throws off the traditional flavor balance. A valiant attempt that unfortunately buckles under scrutiny.
6. The Cheesecake Factory
Leave it to The Cheesecake Factory to create a Cuban sandwich that’s as oversized as their menu. Their version comes packed with excessive ingredients that overwhelm rather than complement each other.
The bread lacks authenticity, and the sandwich arrives drowning in condiments.
While The Cheesecake Factory excels at many dishes, their Cuban seems designed more for Instagram than for honoring Cuban sandwich traditions.
7. Bahama Breeze
Tropical vibes don’t translate to authentic Cuban flavors at Bahama Breeze. Their sandwich features a strange sweet sauce that has no place in a traditional Cuban.
The pork lacks the garlicky mojo flavor that gives a real Cuban its soul.
While the atmosphere might transport you to an island, their Cuban sandwich certainly won’t take your taste buds to Havana or Tampa. Save your appetite for their actual Caribbean specialties instead.
8. Sophie’s Cuban Cuisine
Surprisingly, a place with “Cuban” in its name delivers a sandwich that’s just shy of greatness. Sophie’s gets points for using the right ingredients, but their execution lacks consistency.
Sometimes the bread isn’t pressed long enough, resulting in a softer texture than the ideal crispy exterior. The filling proportions vary widely between visits.
When they’re on their game, it’s decent, but the hit-or-miss quality keeps it from true Cuban sandwich stardom.
9. Columbia Restaurant
Florida’s oldest restaurant knows its Cuban sandwiches! Established in 1905, Columbia’s version stays true to Tampa tradition with the addition of genoa salami. It’s a nod to Italian immigrants who worked alongside Cubans in Ybor City’s cigar factories.
Their perfectly pressed sandwich features house-made Cuban bread with a crackling crust and pillowy interior.
Each bite delivers the perfect balance of mojo pork, ham, Swiss, pickles, and mustard. A historic treasure worth every calorie!
10. La Segunda Bakery
Family-owned since 1915, La Segunda bakes the most authentic Cuban bread in Florida, complete with the signature palm leaf strip that creates that distinctive split top crust.
Their Cuban sandwich is simplicity perfected. The bread (baked fresh daily) provides the perfect canvas for traditional ingredients.
The sandwich gets pressed until golden and crisp without squashing the fillings. When bread is your foundation, everything else falls into place beautifully.
11. Olé Tampa Cubans
Hidden gem alert! This unassuming spot serves Cuban sandwiches that locals line up for. The secret?
Their mojo-marinated pork spends hours soaking up citrus and garlic flavors before being slow-roasted to perfection.
Each sandwich gets assembled with care and pressed until the exterior develops that signature crackle.
The mustard-to-meat ratio achieves perfect harmony. Enjoy your sandwich with a side of friendly conversation from the family who’s been perfecting their recipe for generations.
12. Sanguich Little Havana
Artisanal approach meets tradition at Sanguich, where everything from the ham to the pickles is made in-house.
Their Cuban features 7-day brined ham, 24-hour marinated mojo pork, and bread that achieves the golden ratio of crunch to chew.
The sandwich gets pressed on a traditional plancha until perfectly flat and crispy.
Located in Miami’s Little Havana, the tiny shop delivers big flavors that honor both Tampa and Miami Cuban sandwich traditions. Worth every minute of the inevitable wait!
13. Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop
No frills, all flavor describes this Miami institution that’s been serving perfect Cubans since 1965.
The sandwich comes wrapped in paper, not pretension, and practically sings when you bite into the crackling exterior.
Local construction workers and suited professionals alike queue up for their perfectly balanced creation.
The Swiss cheese melts just right, the pickles provide perfect tang, and the mustard cuts through the richness of the double pork. Cash only, worth every dollar!
14. 925 Nuevo’s Cubano’s
Family recipes shine at this Tampa treasure where three generations work side by side. Their Cuban sandwich features mojo pork that marinates overnight before slow-roasting for hours until fork-tender.
The bread gets a light butter brush before pressing, creating a golden exterior that shatters perfectly with each bite.
What makes their version special is the balance. There is no single ingredient that overpowers another. The result is Cuban sandwich harmony that keeps locals coming back weekly.
15. Havana 1957 Cuban Cuisine
Step back in time at this Miami Beach spot that recreates 1950s Havana glamour. Their Cuban sandwich honors pre-revolution recipes with attention to authentic details.
The bread achieves that rare perfect texture with crackling exterior giving way to a soft interior. Their mojo pork receives a 24-hour marinade in sour orange juice and garlic before slow-roasting.
While tourists flock here for the atmosphere, locals return repeatedly for what might be Miami Beach’s most authentic Cuban sandwich.
16. Café La Trova
James Beard-nominated Chef Michelle Bernstein elevates the humble Cuban at this Little Havana hotspot.
The bread gets sourced from a local bakery that still uses traditional methods, including the signature palm leaf strip.
Their twist? House-cured ham and heritage-breed pork that’s been marinated for 48 hours before roasting.
Live music and vintage cocktails complete the experience. While pricier than other options, the craftsmanship and quality ingredients justify every penny of this luxurious interpretation of a classic.