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Cuban sandwich and empanada spots

You know the difference between a standard sandwich and a real Cuban sandwich, and you aren't settling for anything less.

Based on 850 Opinions
+847
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Updated May 2026
01
Deborincuba Restaurant image 1
Deborincuba Restaurant image 2
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Cuban restaurant

Small space with hole-in-the-wall atmosphere and artistic decor creates a vibrant, homey vibe. Music plays softly, adding to the friendly, clean environment. The place feels casual and authentic, often serving as a take-out spot with a cozy, unpretentious energy.

Offers a Cuban sandwich with ham that tastes different from others but remains enjoyable. Combines well with dishes like the steak Jibarito and Lechon plate for a very good flavor experience.

Steak sandwiches stand out with perfect seasoning and rich flavor. Lechon sandwiches come with Swiss cheese and offer a delicious twist. Jabrito sandwiches also deliver strong, delicious taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and delicious."

"I found the steak sandwich here to be tender and flavorful."

"I craved a Cuban sandwich and had one of the best here."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited on the busy street, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect longer wait times as all food is homemade.

3

The restaurant offers large portions at affordable prices.

02
Bodega Bay Chicago image 1
Sandwich shop

Sandwich shop combines mini market with a cute seating area for a super chill vibe. Offers high-quality sandwiches and a solid selection of snacks, drinks, and tequila. Prices are reasonable, making it a convenient neighborhood spot.

The Cuban sandwich stands out with its delicious flavor and is often recommended as a panini choice. It consistently tastes very yummy.

Breakfast sandwiches offer a perfect mix of taste and simplicity for $7. Cuban and Reuben sandwiches stand out, with the Cuban being a regular favorite and the Reuben described as amazing.

People are saying

"I found the caprese sandwich to be very good."

"I thought the chunky tomato soup was very good."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be really good and delicious."

Good to know

1

The deli offers a variety of sandwiches and grocery essentials.

2

Parking is plentiful around the area.

3

Prices for sandwiches made to order are reasonable.

03
Café Colao image 1

Cozy cafe with warm lighting and soft pastels creates an inviting, home-y atmosphere. Salsa music plays, adding a lively yet relaxed vibe that suits both solo visits and friendly conversations. Outdoor seating offers a casual spot to enjoy the authentic cultural feel and neighborhood energy.

Crisp, flavorful layers define the Cuban sandwich here, making it stand out. It combines classic ingredients with a well-balanced taste that rivals sandwiches from other cities.

Cuban sandwich stands out with house-baked bread and rich flavors. Sandwiches are tasty, reasonably priced, and pair well with coffee or cold brew.

People are saying

"I found the coffee and pastries here to be delicious."

"It's so cozy and inviting, I felt right at home."

"I thought the breakfast sandwich was great."

Good to know

1

Café Colao is closed on Sundays.

2

There are no public restrooms available for customers.

3

Café Colao offers authentic Puerto Rican flavors and generous portions.

04
Tasa Coffee Roasters image 1

Spacious coffee shop with modern, stylish decor and bright, airy atmosphere creates a warm and welcoming vibe. Comfortable seating and plentiful outlets support relaxed work or socializing. A small glass room showcases on-site coffee bean roasting, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Toasted bread has the right crispy texture and pork stays juicy. The sandwich pairs well with a Horchata Latte or cold brew, both freshly made.

Toasted bread with the right crispy texture and moist pork make the Cuban sandwich stand out. The egg ham and cheese sandwich comes with mayo and offers a solid breakfast option.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great and delicious."

"I found the Cuban sandwich unbelievably good."

"I highly recommend the Cuban sandwich; it's the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

They serve tamales on weekends.

2

They roast their own coffee beans right in house.

3

Tasa sources coffee beans from women-owned farms.

05
Cafeteria Yesenia image 1
Cuban restaurant

Colorful, vibrant decor creates a cozy and relaxing atmosphere with a calm, quiet vibe. Family-owned setting offers affordable Cuban food known for best Cuban sandwiches and homemade spicy salsa. Clean environment invites quick coffee or casual sitting in a warm space.

Seasoned well with a mix of flavors, the Cuban sandwich ranges from excellent to just decent. Some find it hard to finish, but it stands out as a solid choice here.

Steak and Cuban sandwiches stand out with tender, well-seasoned meat and homemade salsa adding bold flavor. The Yesenia chicken sandwich comes with frites, mayo, tomato, and cheese, making it a solid choice.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and came out quickly."

"I thought the coffee here was the best I had."

"I found the Cuban sandwich to be the best I had."

Good to know

1

The prices are affordable for families.

2

The place is clean and welcoming.

3

The prices are what I expected for this type of establishment.

06
Bia's Café Marianao image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small, cozy space with affordable prices and flavorful Cuban sandwiches creates a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. Energy stays casual but fun, often accompanied by dancey music. Seating is limited, encouraging a close-knit vibe among diners.

Double meat and perfectly balanced flavors make the Cuban sandwich stand out. Traditional style delivers a very flavorful and satisfying experience.

Traditional Cuban sandwiches stand out with their authentic flavors and consistent quality. The steak and cheese sandwich features slightly tangy vegetables and offers a rich, satisfying taste.

People are saying

"The steak sandwich here is amazing and bursting with flavor."

"I found the empanadas here to be crispy and tasty."

"I loved their amazing Cuban Sandwich; it was so flavorful."

Good to know

1

The huevo jamón y queso sandwich costs $1.75.

2

There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant.

3

Prices are very affordable, with many items under $10.

07
Bia’s Café Marianao #2 image 1

Cozy Cuban restaurant with authentic decor and loud, lively music creates a warm, tropical atmosphere. Sandwiches, especially steak and Cuban varieties, stand out as exceptionally flavorful and popular. The place fills up during busy times, reflecting its strong local following.

Hearty and perfectly pressed, the Cuban sandwich comes with extra pickles and delicious ham, egg, and cheese options. It pairs well with cafe con leche or coffee for a satisfying meal.

Steak sandwiches stand out with double beef and great value for any meal. Cuban sandwiches also impress, and options cater to Keto and Carnivore diets with no-carb versions available.

People are saying

"I thought the steak sandwich was the best I ever had."

"The iced coffee with coconut was perfect."

"The Cuban sandwich here is delicious and perfectly pressed."

Good to know

1

The café can be very busy during peak hours; consider ordering ahead.

2

Their parking lot holds about five cars; street parking is available.

3

Menu prices start at $7, which is about a dollar more than posted.

08
El Cubanito Restaurant image 1
Cuban restaurant

Decent-sized dining room with spacious seating and elegant decor featuring a Cuban classic car and beautiful graffiti. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming, influenced by a family-run spirit and accompanied by Cuban music playing softly in the background. The place maintains a clean and well-kept environment that supports a relaxed vibe.

Perfectly toasted bread and gooey cheese define the Cuban sandwich here. It serves with balanced ingredients and arrives super hot, delivering a satisfying and authentic taste.

Steak sandwiches stand out with gooey cheese and perfectly toasted bread. Cuban sandwiches come in big portions and pair well with crunchy fries.

People are saying

"I loved the Cuban steak sandwich with its fresh ingredients."

"I found the empanadas to be truly delicious."

"I considered this the best Cuban sandwich I ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back and to the side of the building.

2

The dining area closes at 5pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

They do not accept tips by card, so bring cash for gratuities.

09
TriBecca’s Sandwich Shop image 1

Tiny sandwich shop with limited seating and a Midwest kitsch atmosphere offers a warm, cozy vibe despite harsh fluorescent lighting. Music ranges from metal to karaoke, creating a lively and fun environment. The space feels comfortable and charming, with a casual, no-frills setup.

The Cuban sandwich stands out as perfectly crafted with a balance of flavors and textures. It delivers a classic taste that defines the sandwich well.

French Onion French Dip stands out with its French onion dipping sauce on the side. Sandwiches like the Cuban and Maid Wrong offer unique flavors that elevate the experience beyond typical options.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be great."

"The bread here is amazing, light, crusty, and chewy."

"I thought this Cuban sandwich was the most perfect I ever had."

Good to know

1

Seating is first come, first serve.

2

They only accept credit cards, so be prepared with one.

3

The shop includes tips in the price, no need to tip separately.

10
Cafecito image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy space with natural light and high exposed ceilings creates a relaxed vibe. Cuban music plays softly, enhancing an authentic Latinx atmosphere. Seating includes sofas and armchairs, inviting comfort alongside casual dining.

Fresh hot sandwiches come with fast service. The Cuban sandwich features roast pork and is served with care, sometimes even shaped into a heart. The Ropa Vieja sándwich stands out as a top Cuban sandwich option here.

Pressed sandwiches stand out with their bold flavors and satisfying fillings. Options like the jerk chicken and steak and egg sandwiches offer unique tastes that work well for breakfast or lunch.

People are saying

"The Ropa Vieja sandwich was so good and generously filled."

"The coffee here is really good."

"I thought the Cuban sandwich here was delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect food to be ready in less than 8 minutes.

2

The price is quite high for what you receive, costing $20 for a small portion.

3

There is a variety of vegan options available.

11
Tribu Caffe image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Bright space with rainforest murals and Mexican-themed decor creates a cozy, relaxed vibe. Music ranges from enjoyable tunes to occasional TikTok tracks, contributing to a mostly quiet atmosphere. Tables are well spaced, inviting a calm breakfast or lunch experience.

The Cuban sandwich features classic ingredients and fits well among a menu with both savory and sweet options. It appears alongside dishes like fried pork and tres leches French toast.

Bread works well for sandwiches with fresh turkey and avocado. The crispy chicken sandwich comes with fruit on the side. Ingredients stay generous and fresh across options.

People are saying

"The breakfast here has amazing food and great service."

"The sandwich bread was great, and the turkey and avocado were fresh."

"I found the Cuban Sandwich here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

There is free street parking available.

2

There is great parking available for bikes.

3

There was no waiting on weekdays at Tribu Caffe.

12
Dulce Cafe Cubano image 1

Bright, welcoming space with a homey atmosphere and beautiful design. Offers freshly made empanadas and reasonably priced sandwiches with unique options like jibarito featuring fried plantain instead of bread. Safety measures include tamper-evident stickers on orders.

Cuban sandwiches here have light-colored meat that seems undercooked and contain mostly fatty parts. The flavor is mild, often needing green hot sauce to add taste.

Jibarito sandwich uses fried plantain instead of bread, offering a light and fresh taste. Steak sandwiches come well seasoned and moist, including options with onions and egg. Cuban sandwiches are served fresh and are reasonably priced.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here delicious and well-seasoned."

"I found the empanadas here to be delicious and perfectly crispy."

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

Good to know

1

The portions are fantastic for the price.

2

The inside is very clean, ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

3

Safety precautions include tamper-evident stickers on smoothies and bags.

13
Señor Pan Cafe image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy space filled with family-friendly Latin music and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. Cuban culture shines through in the quiet, pleasant vibe and authentic Cuban sandwiches that stand out for freshness and flavor.

Traditional flavor stands out in the Cuban sandwich, closely matching authentic recipes. It pairs well with maduros and sides like yuca with mojo and tostones, creating a solid Cuban meal.

Cuban sandwich stands out with incredible bread and delicious roast pork. Other sandwiches like lechon and steak a caballo offer fresh, flavorful options that pair well with soups.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Cuban sandwich was stuffed to the max."

"The Cuban sandwich here is stuffed to the max and delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is free in their parking lot, and there is also space to park on the street if the parking lot is full.

2

The prices at Señor Pan Cafe were expensive.

3

There is a significant price difference between the old menu and the current prices.

14
Tropicuba image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small space offers cozy atmosphere with authentic Cuban flavors and consistent quality. Reasonable prices and generous portions attract groups and regulars seeking genuine Cuban coffee and sandwiches.

Cuban sandwich here features balanced pork and avoids too much meat. Bread stays firm and warm, not soft or cold.

Cubano sandwich stands out with its rich flavors. Steak sandwich and chicken sandwich also offer solid, delicious options.

People are saying

"I thought the beef empanadas here were the best."

"I found the cubano sandwich to be delicious."

"I had the Cuban sandwich and thought it was awesome."

Good to know

1

There is only one vegetarian dish on the menu.

2

The prices at Tropicuba are reasonable for the quality of food.

3

Catering options are available for large groups.

15
Sazon Cubano image 1
Cuban restaurant

Cozy Cuban restaurant with loud live music and a vibrant atmosphere that transports guests to the island. Beautiful, clean space features a cozy nook and a patio for relaxed dining. Energetic vibe with entertaining musicians and flavorful Cuban dishes.

Homemade bread gives the Cuban sandwich a fresh, authentic taste. The sandwich stands out as delicious and ranks among the best in the city.

Cuban sandwich stands out with homemade bread and rich flavors. Other notable sandwiches include the chicken jibarito, ropa vieja, and lechon asado, all offering ample and delicious portions.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I thought the Cuban sandwich was the best I'd ever had."

"I thought the Cuban sandwich was excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect wait times of 30-45 minutes during peak hours.

2

Happy hour runs daily with special deals on mojito pitchers.

3

Live music and DJs perform every Saturday night.

16
Cafeteria Marianao image 1

Restaurant offers best Cuban sandwiches and steak and cheese sandwiches in the city, known for being filling and juicy. Atmosphere is casual with a cash-only policy and some cleanliness issues noted. Sandwich quality varies, with some inconsistencies in preparation and ingredients.

Double Cuban sandwiches stand out here with rich flavors and a satisfying hearty size. They deliver a classic taste that feels authentic and well-crafted.

Steak and Cuban sandwiches stand out for being juicy, filling, and consistently delicious. The Cuban steak sandwich with double meat offers a tasty, rich flavor that draws regular weekday visits.

People are saying

"I thought their Cuban sandwiches were the best I'd had in a while."

"I considered their Cuban Sandwich the best."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash payments.

17
San Juan Bakery image 1

Small bakery with cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices offers fresh pastries and well-seasoned sandwiches. Peaceful environment suits early afternoon visits. Family-owned with a focus on consistent quality and friendly service.

Seasoned meat stands out in the Cuban sandwich, making it delicious and filling. It costs only $10 and provides enough for two meals.

Cuban sandwiches come with perfectly seasoned meat and fill two meals for about $10. Options like the ham, egg, and cheese and chicken sandwiches also stand out for their flavor and portion size.

People are saying

"The pastries here tasted like they were made with love and care."

"The Bakery's Cuban sandwich is delicious and filling for $10."

"The Cuban sandwich here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The Cuban sandwich costs $10 and is filling enough for two meals.

2

San Juan Bakery is a family-owned business with a long history.

3

Expect no restrooms available for customers during your visit.

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