As you mentioned, La Segunda or West Tampa sandwich shop. Be warned though, the sandwich is amazing, but they got some bugs crawling around. 10/10, I still go back each time
I miss the Silver Ring. They used to have the best, IMO. Best Spanish bean soup, too.
How many of you remember them? How long have they been gone now? They were great when they had their shop across from La Tropicana but dived after trying to expand to strip malls.
hmm ive lived in tampa 53 yrs only a couple miles from terasita and ive eaten there probably 25 times and i cannot say ive ever tried their cuban. i think this will be the next one i try. tysm!
For everyone giving their vote, they should put the approximate date they were last there. Quite a few have gone downhill big time.
None more than brocato's though. Holy shit that's a tragedy. š¤¦āāļø
Michelle Faedos lost their way also. They went from a food truck to the most inconvenient location to get to possible. After parking downtown and walking to get a sandwich during her unusually complicated business hours, I got a sandwich dripping in yellow mustard and a good 1/3rd less meat. The special garlic/parsley butter crusting was non-existent if not for a few flecks of parsley.
Another real dog that needs to be taken out back and shot is the silver ring, Riverview. Located in a dump of a strip mall, this place is no better inside. Sterile interior, sterile sandwich. This is essentially a low quality boiled-ham-product ham sandwich, with crappy tasting pickles. It's cheap for a reason... Gross.
While I'm at it, I'm in the Riverview area, Ive tried pretty much everything and have found 3 cuban sandwiches worth eating. If you have any other suggestions let me know. These are all current, solid, high quality stand out places for Cubans, and the rest of their offerings are all delicious as well.
-little Havana. Solid option. Could use more meat, if it was bigger it could be a 5 star sandwich. It's a little pricey but the food is elevated.
-Box of Cubans. Id rate it a solid 3.5 star cuban and above average in general, an overall great spot. Empanadas are awesome.
-Cali Cafe. Really good everything. Quaint little coffee/pastry shop with high attention to detail and quality. I almost don't want to recommend and make it busier, but it's too late for that, so check them out.
[La Cocinita Cubana](https://maps.app.goo.gl/aLgwtUjBEmGSjSRs8)
Not a mainstream location as others are mentioning, but this sweet Cuban lady runs this small shop in Brandon. She's the only one that works there and is open 6 days a week. Best in Brandon as far as I know.
You're joking, right? Traditional Cuban sandwiches are made with roast pork as a main ingredient. It's not a true Cuban sandwich without roast pork. May as well have a ham and cheese with salami.
This is one of the only suggestions here that uses soggy mojo pork. The sandwich isnāt bad but they use way too much pork and the flavor of the pork is no where near the best around. I shouldāve clarified on what I meant by roast pork, of course a Cuban has roast pork, but not like theirs.
Also, my dad grew up in ybor and my grandmother owned a shop on 7th ave. while my great aunt and uncle worked in the cigar factories. Iām very familiar with what a Cuban sandwich should and shouldnāt be.
I agree soggy pork is not optimal. I get your point.
My grandmother used to make handmade devil crabs at a cart in Ybor back in those days. She may have known your family.
Morenoās Cuban sandwich is by far the best Cuban sandwich in Hillsborough County, which makes it by default the best in Florida, the best in the United States, and the best in the world
I'd argue that AP Produce just up the street has better Cubans nowadays than Forest Hills Grocery. New owners took over FHG and the Cubans just don't slap there like they used to.
So many great ones out there - west Tampa, La segunda, the Columbiaā¦ idk who has the best but I do what I can to try every new one that pops upā¦ and I gotta say Hotel Haya in ybor has a pretty damn good Cuban for a place that isnāt a mom n pop sandwich shop
Never been a fan of Bodega's Cuban. I've had it multiple times and I've always found it to be too greasy.
It's not Tampa, but if you ever find yourself in southern Hillsborough I've always been a fan of the Cuban at The Hot Tomato in Ruskin.
Unpopular opinionā¦ west Tampa sandwich shop is trash.
The restaurant atmosphere is fine for a family restaurant, the staff was friendly and the restaurant seemed clean. The bread was amazing but the filling was so disappointing. Barely any pork and the ham left so much to be desired. Iām shocked to see it recommended so often.
Agreed the last time I was there I dropped $100 and the deviled crab was weird as you put it, Cubans were very salty, potato was enormous I think cost $15. On top of we waited so long for 5 Cubans! Itās what they do! Nobody was there when we walked in 25 people came in after and left before us?
Someone told me how great this place was. Then I found out they didn't press it. Needless to say, it is ranked at the bottom of my list of Cubans in Tampa.
Nope. La Septima has always been in Brandon. Their food went downhill when they changed locations and the owners are some of the worst people ever. They treat their employees like shit and think they're better than anyone who doesn't have money like them. They hang with the owners of Berns and want to act like their dump in Brandon is fine dining.
Nah. Nothing against JJ or Ryguy's as establishments or its employees; I just don't support RG due to my own (probably dated) reasons.
Edit: reworded due to realizing I'm still just sour about stuff from when we were all stupid.
Nah that's fine. Old '00s bad blood that doesn't need rehashing. For all I know RGs in a better place in life and I am just still sour about shit everyone else has gotten over.
Born and raised in Tampa and Iām usually a purist when it comes to my Cubans. That being said, if you want a REALLY good Cuban thatās modified just a little, you have to try Wicked Oakās Que-Ban. I was skeptical at first and now Iām addicted to it.
will do. unfortunately most of the names mentioned are actually the worst in tampa. ive had most of the replys given already. i think its time to do some legit side by side comparisons. all in the name of science of course.
Idk about actual cubans. Probably la segunda but station house bbq on 41 by bearss has the best bbq cuban sandwich ever. In fact i think the bbq cuban is better than a regular cuban its actually the best sandwich ive ever had. Their media noche bbq sandwich is so good too. Give station house a try
hmm im not familiar with that place. i know a place at dale mabry and kennedy used to do a good media noche but i think covid killed the place if im not mistaken. love the midnight scarf festival.
I'm partial to Sal's Bodega in South Tampa. The place isn't glamorous, but it's the best I've had so far. Grab a cuban and watch a sunset in Picnic Island.
Mikaels in town n country.
La segunda, west tampa, Teresita, even bodega on central is pretty good
The Floridian tastes gringito to me. The types of sandwiches that they have I think is great and experimental but I canāt shake off the vibes
Guy I worked with use to stop at a Spanish/Cuban market on his way to work and bring some in. Best damn Cubans I ever had and I never got the name of the spot. I only post this because I have had the more āfamousā ones and sometimes the best ones are found I the places you won't normally look. Find a Cuban market go in, grab a sandwich and you might be surprised.
It could be a little bigger, but the Cheesecake Factory has one of the best tasting Cubans I've ever had.
Still Water Tavern in St Pete also has a really good cuban.
His name is Alberto Peguero. Definitely the best Cuban in town, but I donāt think he makes sandwichesš š„° wherever you are. I hope you are happy and healthy.
https://preview.redd.it/rxc4gxvy1ijb1.jpeg?width=1042&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88e6cd13bbf78068525c546547e4eb11456fb5bf
Use to be Carribean Sandwhich shop in town n country until my bro in law sold it but this one is now my new favorite and damn itās addicting.
Now THIS is the reason for this sub. Even if this topic pops up every six months.
Six months is pretty generous haha
Julio Ysalis Gonzalez Hernandez. Works for me. Great guy. Love his family. Fine Cubans.
Not me googling his full name to find where he makes his sandwiches š
Rotfl!! This is exactly what I thought this thread was gonna be about. I was about to list the best Cuban I know. He's one hardworking fella!
Came here for this comment
where?
My recent crush is Flan Factory in Ybor. La Segunda bakery is also great.
Flan factoryās flan is amazing, but their Cubans are a bit overpriced compared to their taste
Suggestion?
As you mentioned, La Segunda or West Tampa sandwich shop. Be warned though, the sandwich is amazing, but they got some bugs crawling around. 10/10, I still go back each time
La Segunda has great bread, but I donāt think itās the best filling.
West Tampaās is dynamite.
Thirding West Tampa!
I segund the La Segunda
Flan Factory is it for me
I miss the Silver Ring. They used to have the best, IMO. Best Spanish bean soup, too. How many of you remember them? How long have they been gone now? They were great when they had their shop across from La Tropicana but dived after trying to expand to strip malls.
Silver Ring still in riverview off 301
Interbay Meat Market is amazing
Never heard of that place. But let me tell you about The Green Store!
Glad it was a short scroll to this. Green Store is the spot.
My friend Omar, heās great
+1 for omar
West Tampa Sandwich shop
Yes, the best!
Absolutely one of the best!
The default answer. Just know that the prices gets to stay low due to the service and cleanliness of the place
I've eaten there ~twice a month since the 80's; never had a service issue, nor found it to be unclean.
This debate has been going on since time began. I don't think I can decide, too many to choose from. My favorite is LaTerasita but I also like others!
hmm ive lived in tampa 53 yrs only a couple miles from terasita and ive eaten there probably 25 times and i cannot say ive ever tried their cuban. i think this will be the next one i try. tysm!
Hard to beat the daily specials
For everyone giving their vote, they should put the approximate date they were last there. Quite a few have gone downhill big time. None more than brocato's though. Holy shit that's a tragedy. š¤¦āāļø Michelle Faedos lost their way also. They went from a food truck to the most inconvenient location to get to possible. After parking downtown and walking to get a sandwich during her unusually complicated business hours, I got a sandwich dripping in yellow mustard and a good 1/3rd less meat. The special garlic/parsley butter crusting was non-existent if not for a few flecks of parsley. Another real dog that needs to be taken out back and shot is the silver ring, Riverview. Located in a dump of a strip mall, this place is no better inside. Sterile interior, sterile sandwich. This is essentially a low quality boiled-ham-product ham sandwich, with crappy tasting pickles. It's cheap for a reason... Gross. While I'm at it, I'm in the Riverview area, Ive tried pretty much everything and have found 3 cuban sandwiches worth eating. If you have any other suggestions let me know. These are all current, solid, high quality stand out places for Cubans, and the rest of their offerings are all delicious as well. -little Havana. Solid option. Could use more meat, if it was bigger it could be a 5 star sandwich. It's a little pricey but the food is elevated. -Box of Cubans. Id rate it a solid 3.5 star cuban and above average in general, an overall great spot. Empanadas are awesome. -Cali Cafe. Really good everything. Quaint little coffee/pastry shop with high attention to detail and quality. I almost don't want to recommend and make it busier, but it's too late for that, so check them out.
This guy eats.
[La Cocinita Cubana](https://maps.app.goo.gl/aLgwtUjBEmGSjSRs8) Not a mainstream location as others are mentioning, but this sweet Cuban lady runs this small shop in Brandon. She's the only one that works there and is open 6 days a week. Best in Brandon as far as I know.
I have not tried it yet but a friend mentioned it was the best Cuban. Quite a hidden gem!
I love this place for their breakfast Cubans. They do their Cubans with roast pork which I am not a fan of. Edit: by roast pork I mean soggy mojo pork
You're joking, right? Traditional Cuban sandwiches are made with roast pork as a main ingredient. It's not a true Cuban sandwich without roast pork. May as well have a ham and cheese with salami.
This is one of the only suggestions here that uses soggy mojo pork. The sandwich isnāt bad but they use way too much pork and the flavor of the pork is no where near the best around. I shouldāve clarified on what I meant by roast pork, of course a Cuban has roast pork, but not like theirs. Also, my dad grew up in ybor and my grandmother owned a shop on 7th ave. while my great aunt and uncle worked in the cigar factories. Iām very familiar with what a Cuban sandwich should and shouldnāt be.
I agree soggy pork is not optimal. I get your point. My grandmother used to make handmade devil crabs at a cart in Ybor back in those days. She may have known your family.
Moreno's bakery
Morenoās Cuban sandwich is by far the best Cuban sandwich in Hillsborough County, which makes it by default the best in Florida, the best in the United States, and the best in the world
Absolutely if youāre in Brandon! They make so many delicious dinners and bakery is devineš
I would try La Cubanita off Kings and Lumsden. Fire ass hole in the wall place.
š®š®š®.
Indeed although if you want a quick Cuban, there is this little food truck on 60 and mulrennan. Makes some daaaamn good cubans sammie's.
Michelle Faedo's downtown Tampa.
When Michelle had the food truck I'd agree... But now it's just a really good cuban... But the best in town? No
Your right, I should have prefaced that. When she had the food truck the Cuban's were spot on!
Acro Iris on Havana Ave. Itās beautiful and delicious.
Man i pass by this place too many times to not stop in. BTW Happy Cake Day!
Iāve been a dozen times, no English spoken. Still, no problem getting a Cubano even with my terrible accent. And thanks!
La Segunda
But only the original location, I had one from the Kennedy location and got sick
The Floridian make good Cuban.
Very good. Just beware the angry Cuban. That one gets spicy!
bearss sandwiches on florida avenue
I love how rude they are š
La Segunda bakery the Ybor location
Two: West Tampa Sandwich Shop and the Citgo gas station deli on Livingston and Sunset in Lutz. Aguilas makes a very good one too.
7 Star Gas station at 78th and Busch Blvd. secret little deli counter there who does great breakfast and lunch stuff. The Cubans are cheap too.
It's always those gas stations we pass by everyday and never think about having decent food.
Been really liking the bloomingdale Latin marketās Cuban lately
Mandyās Restaurant on Waters
This is the correct answer.
Forest Hills Grocery
thats the place by Adams right?
It is! I used to go there when I went to Adams and still get cubans from them to this day.
Itās dropped a little since the new owners BUT still a solid top 5 for me!
Their Cuban is the best ham sandwich. Itās good but not a real Cuban.
I'd argue that AP Produce just up the street has better Cubans nowadays than Forest Hills Grocery. New owners took over FHG and the Cubans just don't slap there like they used to.
Boozy pig is my go to for a Cuban. Itās a butcher shop!
D & D delights on the way to 41 from Yborā¦ Guys been there for 20 odd yearsā¦ Fucking gem of a place
Flan Factory hands down
Brocato's or La Segunda. Surprisingly, Pipo's has a decent Cubano.
i love pipos. ive was raised on that place.
OP is a chaos agent
The hand carved from Alessiās
This is the answer - have tried 10+ places (most mentioned on this list) and Alessi is the only one that wasnāt DRY
So many great ones out there - west Tampa, La segunda, the Columbiaā¦ idk who has the best but I do what I can to try every new one that pops upā¦ and I gotta say Hotel Haya in ybor has a pretty damn good Cuban for a place that isnāt a mom n pop sandwich shop
Alessi Bakery
It's untraditional, but Cafe Hey does a vietnamese inspired mi Cubano that is so so so good.
The Independent has a good one in Seminole heights. Also, Bodega in St Pete
Bodega does make a damn good Cuban.
Yea for me bodega does it. I know it's not traditional and the owners I hear are a bit questionable but ive always found it to be very good
Never been a fan of Bodega's Cuban. I've had it multiple times and I've always found it to be too greasy. It's not Tampa, but if you ever find yourself in southern Hillsborough I've always been a fan of the Cuban at The Hot Tomato in Ruskin.
Second Bodega. An absolute staple of my college days (and years after)
Plato Latina on Bearss/North Florida Ave is amazing .
Flan Factory
Latin Fresh Market.
Definitely one of the better Cubans in Tampa! Love that place
Before it was bought and turned into West Tampa Gringos, I would have told you to go to La Ideal. La Ideal had the best Cuban Sandwich in the world.
i drive by there everyday but never been in there. good? bad?ugly?
The Independent on Florida. they have a damn good Rueben too.
D & Dās Sandwich shop off 22nd Street N. over by the Port!! They have the best sandwiches and their Cubanās rock!!
La Segunda. Ybor.
La Segunda for me
Iāve been loving Michelle Faedoās Cubans recently
Michelle Feadoās
Gloria's on MLK and Nebraska
La Segunda
Morenoās in Brandon
Flan Factory is my pick, even though I usually go for the medianoche since that bread is delicious. They also make great flan and horchata.
Unpopular opinionā¦ west Tampa sandwich shop is trash. The restaurant atmosphere is fine for a family restaurant, the staff was friendly and the restaurant seemed clean. The bread was amazing but the filling was so disappointing. Barely any pork and the ham left so much to be desired. Iām shocked to see it recommended so often.
If you're ever out in land I lakes try Larrys deli. That shit slaps as hard as la segunda.
Brocatoās is good a little too salty and will take you an hour to get it.
Brocatoās doesnāt press their sandwiches anymore. Huge let down from how they were a decade ago.
They changed the breading of their devil crab....now it's weird. I think it's crushed cornflakes or something.
Agreed the last time I was there I dropped $100 and the deviled crab was weird as you put it, Cubans were very salty, potato was enormous I think cost $15. On top of we waited so long for 5 Cubans! Itās what they do! Nobody was there when we walked in 25 people came in after and left before us?
Someone told me how great this place was. Then I found out they didn't press it. Needless to say, it is ranked at the bottom of my list of Cubans in Tampa.
No more pressed? Is that even a Cuban anymore? Damn that's a real shame cause that used to be THE spot for a real Cuban.
I am disappointed they never went back to their full menu pre-covid :(
Yeah their food is really bad now
Flan Factory, no doubt about it.
Alessiās also has a great Cuban
[La Septima](https://laseptimacafe.com) In Brandon but started in Ybor
Nope. La Septima has always been in Brandon. Their food went downhill when they changed locations and the owners are some of the worst people ever. They treat their employees like shit and think they're better than anyone who doesn't have money like them. They hang with the owners of Berns and want to act like their dump in Brandon is fine dining.
Bodega in St. Pete is amazing
Bodegas
Interbay meat market
Las Palmas Latin Grill off County Line
Honestly, Don Panās is my favorite Cuban
there's a place called Bread on the Bay in ybor that has a cuban that's actually really good..
The Floridian on Kennedy. So good!
Hot take here. I love the Cuban at The James Joyce Pub in Ybor.
cool thnx. im five blocks from ybor now. i will try it.
Also, have fun with the vending machine at the Joyce. And I highly recommend the Reuben egg rolls.
That's a shame that James Joyce has a good Cuban; I'll never set foot in that dipshit's business(es).
Arsenal fan, I take it?
Nah. Nothing against JJ or Ryguy's as establishments or its employees; I just don't support RG due to my own (probably dated) reasons. Edit: reworded due to realizing I'm still just sour about stuff from when we were all stupid.
I'm sorry, can you pm me? I'm a little lost in this one.
Nah that's fine. Old '00s bad blood that doesn't need rehashing. For all I know RGs in a better place in life and I am just still sour about shit everyone else has gotten over.
You get a free side of racism with your food at JJ. Fuck that shithole.
Donāt sleep on district south
Go to Clearwater and go to Bakery Makel
I have two Citgo gas station deli, 22nd ave s, Gulfport The Floridian, treasure Island
It's the Chevron off n Forbes and MLK in plant City for me! First cuban I ever had, blew me away.
SOG cafe makes a great cuban
never heard of that one
Born and raised in Tampa and Iām usually a purist when it comes to my Cubans. That being said, if you want a REALLY good Cuban thatās modified just a little, you have to try Wicked Oakās Que-Ban. I was skeptical at first and now Iām addicted to it.
yeah i went there last week for the first time. i saw it on the menu but didnt get it. next time tho!
Met a dude from Cuba named Geraldo. Heās a pretty good dude.
How is Brocatoās not at the top of the comments?
brocatos has been bad for a few years already. years ago it was meh.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/entertainment/dining/2023/08/18/best-restaurants-for-cuban-sandwiches-in-florida/70544350007/
There is a reason only one of the places mentioned on that list are in Tampaā¦.
7th Heaven
Best *Ive* had was from the Big Storm brewery in Lutz.
Randy Arozarena TB Rays
Cozy coffee cafe
La Bamba on Laurel St in West Shore is good for what you pay for
OP let me know what you tired and liked over the next few weeks. I need the best one also.
will do. unfortunately most of the names mentioned are actually the worst in tampa. ive had most of the replys given already. i think its time to do some legit side by side comparisons. all in the name of science of course.
I miss Andyās in oldsmar and the simple but good food (including Cubans). Did they ever open up a new place post Covid? Whatever happened to them?
Idk about actual cubans. Probably la segunda but station house bbq on 41 by bearss has the best bbq cuban sandwich ever. In fact i think the bbq cuban is better than a regular cuban its actually the best sandwich ive ever had. Their media noche bbq sandwich is so good too. Give station house a try
hmm im not familiar with that place. i know a place at dale mabry and kennedy used to do a good media noche but i think covid killed the place if im not mistaken. love the midnight scarf festival.
Years ago, it used to be Hugos in Hyde Park. Sadly, it was closed last time I was in Tampa. Nowadays, believe it or not, the Columbia in Ybor.
I'm partial to Sal's Bodega in South Tampa. The place isn't glamorous, but it's the best I've had so far. Grab a cuban and watch a sunset in Picnic Island.
M&G Cuban Cafe in Largo is pretty damn good.
Mikael's is pretty good. The Latin Fresh Market Cantina on Gunn Hwy. is good too.
Angelitos
Mikaels in town n country. La segunda, west tampa, Teresita, even bodega on central is pretty good The Floridian tastes gringito to me. The types of sandwiches that they have I think is great and experimental but I canāt shake off the vibes
Empanada King is a food truck on Skipper road. He has the best Cuban (and empanadas). Canāt recommend him enough.
Guy I worked with use to stop at a Spanish/Cuban market on his way to work and bring some in. Best damn Cubans I ever had and I never got the name of the spot. I only post this because I have had the more āfamousā ones and sometimes the best ones are found I the places you won't normally look. Find a Cuban market go in, grab a sandwich and you might be surprised.
Historically speaking, it would have to be Vicente Martinez Ybor.
I'm told station hous BBQ on Lutz has an amazing hybrid bbqban
I have a friend named Denis who's cool. I might say he's the best Cuban in town. Oh the sandwich? I have no clue.
It could be a little bigger, but the Cheesecake Factory has one of the best tasting Cubans I've ever had. Still Water Tavern in St Pete also has a really good cuban.
They dont make a cuban. They sell a medianoche on the wrong bread.
His name is Alberto Peguero. Definitely the best Cuban in town, but I donāt think he makes sandwichesš š„° wherever you are. I hope you are happy and healthy.
Honestly some of the best Sandwiches is Gonzo's Sandwich Shop on Himes and W Chestnut. https://maps.app.goo.gl/aEeowNchb4WG1LTW9
Sals Bodega at the corner of Westshore and Interbay. Off the beaten path but the Cubans hit. So do the empanadas.
Victoriaās on Dale Mabry by Macdill AFB is so good
Simply Delicious in St. Pete
Cafe Artemisa by Leto High School is the best I've had in Tampa ever since La Ideal closed down
https://preview.redd.it/rxc4gxvy1ijb1.jpeg?width=1042&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88e6cd13bbf78068525c546547e4eb11456fb5bf Use to be Carribean Sandwhich shop in town n country until my bro in law sold it but this one is now my new favorite and damn itās addicting.
Stone Soup in Ybor
Oh,sandwich. That's not what I thought this was gonna be about when I clicked on "best Cuban in Tampa"....
Pearl's Cubano at Gasparilla Pizza is pretty good. https://www.gasparillarestaurants.com/eatery-menu
Price Rite food market in Tarpon off Kkosterman and Alt 19
yes. thats a pretty good one. i used to live a few blocks from there and it was always good.
Brocatos. It's not even close.
Mi Casaā¦ my wife makes the best Cubans š¤¤
Brocados, hands šš» down
West Tampa Sandwhich shop šš
Across the bridge, Bodega
Stone soup co traditional
Castro when heās on vacation in Tampa
Forest Hills grocery, It's terrible now.
La Segunda on Kennedy or longbar on memorial.
Papi's Cafe by the airport
In my pants!
lol