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Cuban sandwiches and empanadas

Finding a proper Cuban sandwich and a fresh empanada shouldn't be a compromise.

Based on 776 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
The Cuban Place Restaurant image 1
The Cuban Place Restaurant image 2
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Small space with chic decor and Cuban vibes offers a quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Music plays softly, featuring Cuban tunes that complement the peaceful setting. Cleanliness stands out, creating a comfortable and stylish environment.

Moist pork stands out with a delicious flavor in the Cuban sandwich. It ranks among the best Cuban sandwiches tasted in the area.

Empanadas come with a crispy outside and are well-seasoned inside. Beef versions are phenomenal, especially the Cuban style with no extra fillings like potatoes.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic Cuban and tastes homemade."

"I thought the Cuban Sandwich here was the best I had in a while."

"I found the chicken empanadas to be delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

2

Prices are reasonable for individual meals.

3

The restaurant is clean, quiet, and family-friendly.

02
Latinos Taste image 1
Restaurant

Small, vibrant space reflects Latin America's cultural richness with warm, inviting atmosphere. Menu features authentic Cuban and Brazilian dishes with affordable prices and fresh, flavorful empanadas. Place suits casual meals and celebrations, offering a homey vibe and consistent quality.

Perfect bread holds the Cuban sandwich together, which comes with shredded meat, a unique twist on the classic. The sandwich delivers a very tasty flavor that satisfies well.

Flaky, golden crust and flavorful fillings define the traditional empanadas here. They come fresh, made in house, and cost less than $3 each. Pairing them with homemade salsa adds a fresh kick to the taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the lomo saltado."

"The empanadas here are freshly made with flavorful fillings."

"The Cuban Sandwich here is bomb."

Good to know

1

Empanadas cost $2 each, making them an affordable option.

2

Credit card payments incur a fee regardless of the order amount.

3

The restaurant offers free appetizers with main courses.

03
90 Miles from Cuba Authentic Cuban Restaurant image 1

Small, modest space with traditional Cuban decor creates a cozy, lively atmosphere that feels like family. Bustling inside with authentic Cuban music playing, it offers a vibrant, welcoming vibe. Seating is limited, including a tiny outdoor table and a food truck in the parking lot.

Cheesy and authentic Cuban sazon define the Cuban sandwich here. It stands out as a delicious and highly praised dish, often paired with cafรฉ con leche or empanadas.

Empanadas come with full flavor and a tasty profile. They pair well with the breakfast Cuban sandwich.

People are saying

"I had the best Cuban sandwich I've ever had."

"The coffee here is served with such warmth and friendliness."

"These empanadas are full of flavor and delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

2

The restaurant offers a special breakfast menu at affordable prices.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases.

04
1928 Cuban Bistro - Ortega image 1

Cozy, modern space with authentic Cuban culture and vibrant atmosphere featuring modern pop and reggaeton music at lively volume. The environment feels clean and casual, inviting guests to enjoy flavorful dishes and strong, bold coffee in a relaxed setting.

Moist and flavorful pork combines with soft yet crispy bread in the Cuban sandwich. It comes perfectly pressed with roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, delivering exceptional flavors that stand out.

Empanadas come very fresh with juicy pork stuffing packed to the bursting point. The 1928 empanada with beef and plantain pairs well with red sauce and stands out as a favorite.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and cooked perfectly."

"The Cuban Sandwich here is off the charts delicious."

"The Cuban empanada is flavor-packed and like the best Cuban sandwich ever."

Good to know

1

Orders must be placed at the cashier, which can lead to longer wait times.

2

The restaurant closes at 6 PM on weekdays and 4 PM on Sundays.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for small purchases.

05
Mambos Cuban Cafรฉ image 1
Cuban restaurant

Large, clean space with fresh flowers on tables and well-spaced booths creates a welcoming setting. Live Cuban music plays at a comfortable volume, adding to a vibrant yet friendly atmosphere. The mood suits both quiet meals and lively evenings.

Cuban sandwich stands out with its rich, authentic flavor. It ranks among the best sandwiches experienced recently, making it a clear highlight.

Beef and guava empanadas stand out with rich flavors. Chicken and beef empanadas appear alongside guava and cheese varieties, especially noted at the Beach Blvd location.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and flavorful."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious and well seasoned."

"I had the Cuban Sandwich and it was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay an additional $8 for chicken added to your meal.

2

The restaurant charges $3 for a can soda for takeout orders.

3

The total bill can be high; $75 for two without drinks is common.

06
El Mofongo image 1
Cuban restaurant

Spacious Cuban restaurant with quiet atmosphere and plenty of seating offers authentic dishes like Cuban sandwiches and mofongo. Bakery inside adds variety, while the place maintains a clean and relaxed vibe. It feels like a family-owned spot with a focus on filling, flavorful meals.

Heaviest Cuban sandwich in the city comes with generous fillings and a rich, satisfying taste. It stands out for its bold flavors and substantial size.

Chicken and pizza empanadas come fresh and flavorful. Staff sometimes offer empanadas on the house, and the horchata pairs well with them.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and top quality."

"I had the best Cuban sandwich I've had in a long time."

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

Good to know

1

Expect limited menu options if you arrive after 2:30 PM.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $20 for two.

3

Parking is available, but the lot may appear empty during off-peak hours.

07
Havana Jax Cafe image 1
Cuban restaurant

Spacious Cuban restaurant with chic interior and relaxed vibe where conversation flows easily due to low music levels at dinner. Large event space and lounge add versatility to the atmosphere. Friendly environment feels intimate, especially when quiet.

Cuban sandwiches come on pressed sweet bread and taste consistently outstanding. They pair well with crisp tostones and perfectly seasoned sides.

Chicken empanadas come at a very affordable price and taste fantastic. The empanadas have an unbelievable flavor and consistently stand out alongside steak and rice dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to Miguel's recommendations."

"I found the empanadas here to be outstanding and affordable."

"I had the best Cuban Sandwich in Jacksonville."

Good to know

1

The DJ plays from 9:25 PM until midnight on event nights.

2

Reservations are recommended for busy weekend nights.

3

Expect a wait time of 30 minutes during peak dining hours.

08
1928 Cuban Bistro - Baymeadows Rd image 1

Small Cuban restaurant with vibrant colors and natural light from big windows creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and dog-friendly outdoor patio areas. The space feels clean and well-organized, inviting guests to linger comfortably.

Served hot with melty cheese, juicy ham, and roast pork, the Cuban sandwich is huge and flavorful. It has a spicy kick and comes at a slightly higher price but delivers solid taste.

Empanadas come filled with flavorful chicken and peppers or juicy beef. They pair well with cafecitos and offer a true taste of Cuban cuisine.

People are saying

"The Cuban Sandwich here is huge, flavorful, and delicious."

"I had one of the best Cuban sandwiches I've ever had."

"I found the beef empanadas to be super delicious and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 4pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Expect longer wait times during lunch rush as sandwiches are made to order.

3

The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for pet owners.

09
La Bodega Original image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small hole-in-the-wall Cuban restaurant with authentic handmade empanadas and huge sandwiches offers a warm, art-filled ambiance. A cute backyard patio with a bar provides extra seating and a relaxed vibe. The menu shows care and thought, serving traditional dishes with bold flavors.

A Cuban sandwich here costs around eight dollars and comes with an appropriate amount of meat and fries. Splitting one is common while trying other menu items.

Fresh, handmade empanadas come in a generous size and taste authentic. They pair well with the sauce and offer flavorful, homemade quality.

People are saying

"This lunch spot's Cuban sandwich was huge and delicious."

"I found their fresh, handmade empanadas to be outstanding."

"I loved everything we ate there, especially the Cuban Sandwich."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open from 10 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday.

2

Expect a wait during peak lunch hours, especially around noon.

3

Parking is available in the strip mall lot, but can fill up quickly.

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