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Cuban sandwiches and empanadas in California

A Cuban sandwich and empanadas that taste like they came from the same kitchen, not just two items thrown together on a menu.

Based on 801 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Black Pork image 1
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Restaurant

Casual eatery with diverse menu featuring tacos, Cuban sandwiches, and smoked dishes. Quiet atmosphere with a dog-friendly outdoor patio and cute pig-themed decor. Food highlights include juicy burgers and flavorful empanadas.

Huge portions of the Cuban sandwich come with fresh pig, good bread, and yummy pickles. It offers a lot of meat and is cheap enough to share or last for two meals.

Empanadas come with dipping sauces and pack a lot of flavor. Varieties like a la pastel brasileiro stand out alongside options like pork belly and tacos.

People are saying

"The American Food here is flavorful and perfectly cooked."

"The empanadas here are packed with flavor and a must-try."

"I found the Cuban Sandwich to be huge and amazing."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost $3 each.

2

Black Pork is mainly suitable for takeout or outdoor seating.

3

There was plenty of street parking available at lunchtime.

02
The House of Cuban Flavor image 1

Small Cuban restaurant offers a cozy, family-owned atmosphere with simple, clean seating inside and outside. The vibe feels warm and inviting, like a home-cooked meal in a mom-and-pop setting. It stands out for authentic Cuban flavors and a pleasant, relaxed lunch environment.

Flavorful and close to the real deal, the Cuban sandwich comes with moist bread and pairs well with sides like yucca fries or potato balls.

Chicken empanadas stand out with their breathtaking flavor. Options include meat empanadas and varieties paired well with coffee or guava with cream cheese.

People are saying

"You have to try the guava and cheese pastry; it's so good."

"The empanadas here are so delicious, especially the chicken ones."

"I found the Cuban sandwich here so flavorful and amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the large strip mall with plenty of spaces.

2

Prices for sandwiches and fries start at $14.

3

All pastries are made from scratch daily.

03
El Criollo Cuban Bar & Grill image 1

Dim lighting and quiet atmosphere create a relaxed, family-oriented vibe with music at conversation-friendly volume. Strong Cuban influence shows in both food and drinks, including perfectly mixed mojitos with fresh mint. The setting stays low-key and welcoming, making it suitable for a calm dinner experience.

Very flavorful Cuban sandwich stands out with its rich taste. It pairs well with the medianoche, offering a solid Cuban sandwich experience.

Empanadas come out delicious and pair well with other starters like masitas and potato balls. They hold up as a solid choice alongside dishes like Lomo saltado and lechรณn.

People are saying

"The Cuban food here is delicious and authentic."

"I thought the Cuban Sandwich was excellent and very flavorful."

"I found the empanadas to be excellent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers catering services.

2

There is plenty of parking available.

3

Mojitos are buy 2 for the price of one.

04
The Cuban Hut image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small, clean Cuban restaurant with bold tropical wall art and a lively, fun atmosphere filled with authentic music that evokes island vibes. The space feels like a family kitchen during a party, welcoming and joyful. Seating includes indoor and a few outdoor tables.

Hefty sandwiches packed with flavorful pork stand out as the star of the menu. Every Cuban sandwich comes with traditional flavors and pairs well with their Mojo sauce.

Savory empanadas come with traditional flavors and are not greasy. They pair well with Cuban sandwiches and offer a flavorful, satisfying bite.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic Cuban food and flavors here."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be amazing."

"The owner's passion for his empanadas makes you feel like family."

Good to know

1

Portion sizes are generous, so come hungry.

2

Prices are reasonable compared to other Cuban restaurants.

3

Ask for sauces on the side to avoid overpowering flavors.

05
Merengue Bakery & Cafe image 1

Small bakery offers outdoor seating and a window-facing bar for people watching. Atmosphere feels comfortable and inviting with good vibes suited for quick espresso or casual lunch. Display cases showcase gorgeous sweet treats that catch the eye.

Sandwiches come with crispy plantains and deliver consistent satisfaction. The Cuban sandwich stands out for its reliable flavor and hearty portions.

Savory treats like beef papa rellena and chicken empanada stand out here. These empanadas consistently satisfy cravings with rich flavors.

People are saying

"The pastries here look beautiful and taste amazing."

"I found their empanadas to be the best in town."

"I enjoyed their Cuban sandwich; it was never a letdown."

Good to know

1

Street parking can be difficult; arrive early for lunch.

2

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for small purchases.

3

The menu is large, but no accessible printouts are available for new customers.

06
Calle Ocho Cuban Cafecito image 1

Small space with rich cultural decor and family-run warmth creates a cozy, vibrant atmosphere. Upbeat music plays, enhancing the Miami-inspired vibe. Limited seating and personalized service make it feel like a welcoming local spot.

Fresh and flavorful, the Cuban Sandwich stands out with its traditional preparation and balanced ingredients. It pairs well with steak and offers a heavenly taste that many find worth seeking out.

Empanadas come fresh and crispy with an amazing flavor. Varieties like beef with a sweet twist, chorizo, and chicken offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory, paired with garlicky and spicy sauces.

People are saying

"I found the empanadas to be amazing, with a perfect sweet and savory flavor."

"I thought the coffee here was excellent."

"I thought the Cuban Sandwich here was great."

Good to know

1

Calle Ocho Cuban Cafecito closes at 3 pm.

2

The food is cooked to order, so call ahead to avoid waiting.

3

There was plenty of parking available.

07
Made in Havana image 1
Cuban restaurant

Tiny Cuban restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with outdoor sidewalk seating on flimsy wooden slats. Warm, welcoming vibe comes with fun Cuban music and a friendly owner. The place draws people who enjoy watching the street scene while savoring authentic Cuban flavors.

Toasted to perfection with quality ingredients, the Cuban sandwich offers full flavor and comes in many variations. Every order includes black beans, adding a classic touch.

Empanadas come out super crispy and cooked to perfection with fresh, flavorful beef filling. They avoid the usual greasiness and heaviness, making them delicious and high quality.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, hot Cuban sandwich with rich flavor."

"I'd never had a truly good Cuban Sandwich before this one."

"The empanadas here are so crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The place charges a 7% credit/debit card fee on all transactions.

2

A sandwich costs about $20 after taxes and fees.

3

Expect small portion sizes; some dishes may not be filling.

08
Porto's Bakery and Cafe image 1

Huge, bright bakery combines classic goodness with modern architecture and offers ample outdoor seating with a shaded patio. Atmosphere feels chaotic and vibrant, especially when crowded, with Cuban and salsa music adding to the energy. Space is well organized for fast service despite heavy foot traffic.

Crunchy outside and soft inside, the bread stands out in the Cuban sandwich. Presentation looks good, and the sandwich pairs well with drinks and pastries for under $19.

Empanadas come in generous portions, sometimes with extras at no charge. They pair well with other items like ham croquettes and potato balls for a tasty mix.

People are saying

"You'll wait in a long line for these pastries."

"I saw a line of nearly 100 people for these empanadas."

"I found the Cuban Sandwich to be exceptionally delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at this location, making it difficult to find a spot.

2

Expect long wait times, especially shortly after opening.

3

The cafe's menu does not include breakfast foods all day.

09
Havana Kitchen image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cuban restaurant with cafeteria-style ordering and cozy, homey vibe featuring salsa music and authentic Cuban decor. Space includes indoor and outdoor seating, a coffee corner, and a bar, welcoming pets inside. Atmosphere suits casual meetings, work, or socializing with friends in a peaceful setting.

Big sandwiches come with lechรณn, pickles, mustard, melted Swiss cheese, and pressed bread. Pork often has a lemon infusion. Options include original, spicy, and versions with pernil or curry.

Soft, flaky, and flavorful empanadas come in beef, pork, and veggie options. Sauces add a magnificent touch to these consistently delicious treats.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee was rich, aromatic, and wonderful."

"I found the empanadas to be bomb."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is mostly street parking, which can be limited during busy hours.

2

Expect longer wait times during weekends, especially for lunch.

3

The restaurant often runs out of popular items, so arrive early.

10
Havana Grill image 1
Cuban restaurant

Indoor space features a skylight and authentic Cuban bar decor with tiles that evoke Cuban culture. Live Cuban jazz music plays at a balanced volume, encouraging salsa dancing and casual conversation. The atmosphere feels vibey and lowkey, blending a clean, expansive setting with engaging entertainment.

Classic and Hot Cuban sandwiches come with Plantain chips and offer a perfect balance of flavors. The Crazy Cuban sandwich stands out with chicharron for added crunch.

Braised beef and bean and cheese empanadas stand out with rich, satisfying flavors. Picadillo empanadas also offer a savory option, all served with a straightforward self-service ordering system.

People are saying

"The Cuban food here is authentic, especially the croquetas and empanadas."

"You have to try these empanadas; they're the best in town."

"You have to try the empanadas; they're the best in town."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm on weekdays with empanadas.

2

The kitchen starts to shut down at 8:30 PM, so arrive early.

3

Live music events are scheduled occasionally; check ahead for dates.

11
El Cubano image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small Cuban restaurant offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with salsa music setting a lively mood. Family-owned vibe welcomes guests like old friends, creating a heartfelt, authentic experience. Popular for classic Cuban dishes and well-crafted rum drinks.

The Cuban sandwich features delicious fillings with tender meat and flavorful ingredients. The bread is soft but could be toasted for crispiness to enhance texture.

Empanadas come in oxtails, BBQ, chicken, and beef varieties. They stand out as the most consistent item on the menu.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and delicious."

"These empanadas were so delicious and tasty."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking at El Cubano is limited.

2

The wait for food is not long.

3

It costs $2 extra to make the chicken all dark.

12
Havana 1920 image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers authentic Cuban charm with live music and vibrant atmosphere. Decor includes folk art and vintage details creating a cozy, immersive vibe. Guests enjoy energetic evenings with Cuban sounds and themed seating.

Crispy pastry shell holds fresh, flavorful ingredients in the Cuban sandwich. It matches the quality found in Miami and pairs well with a rich latte.

Cheese and Guava Empanada offers a crispy crust with a perfectly balanced sweet filling. Empanadas pair well with the Cubano sandwich and deliver a consistently delicious taste.

People are saying

"The live music here is great and people were dancing."

"The cocktails were gorgeous and tasted even better than they looked."

"The empanadas here are packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with great prices on drinks and appetizers.

2

On Tuesdays, enjoy 2-for-1 empanadas during happy hour.

3

Thursday specials include half-off sandwiches at 2:30 PM.

13
Tropicana Bakery & Cuban Cafe image 1

Large bakery showcases fresh pastries and authentic Cuban cuisine in a quaint, cool decor setting. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often filled with music and positive energy. Tables sit close together, creating a bustling, crowded vibe.

Crispy, buttery bread and juicy pork define the Cuban sandwich here. It pairs well with ham croquettes and cafe con leche for a solid Cuban meal.

Empanadas come in guava and cheese, picadillo, and chicken varieties, all served warm and flavorful. Potato balls and meat-filled rolls complement the selection with rich, satisfying tastes.

People are saying

"I loved their pastries; they were heavenly and consistently good."

"I found the empanadas to be super delicious and warm."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back, but it can be difficult to navigate.

2

A 3% fee applies for credit card transactions, disclosed only on the receipt.

3

The bakery offers small birthday celebrations with staff singing and playing bongos.

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