best cuban sandwich near WDW?

[dawgem]

flame away if this is the wrong forum. I can't find a foodie thread.

Looking for the cuban spot near the resorts.

thanks

 

[ssei7802]

Columbia restaurant in downtown Celebration has excellent Cuban sandwiches. Also, Bahmam Breeze locations have a very good one.

 

[DOOM1001]

I don't know if inside the restaurant they're any better but don't order the medianoche sandwich at the take out window in Bongo's.A medianoche is essentially a Cuban sandwich but in a sweeter egg bread but this one was easily the worst I've ever had.I'm down here in Miami so any little hole in the wall cafeteria has better ones,I mean they were using this thinly sliced ham,that's just not right.

 

[JimMIA]

I don't know if inside the restaurant they're any better but don't order the medianoche sandwich at the take out window in Bongo's.A medianoche is essentially a Cuban sandwich but in a sweeter egg bread but this one was easily the worst I've ever had.I'm down here in Miami so any little hole in the wall cafeteria has better ones,I mean they were using this thinly sliced ham,that's just not right.

This cracks me up -- I was just getting ready to post for OP to go about 250 miles south on the Turnpike, exit at 8th Street in either direction, and go to the first hole-in-the-wall restaurant they see!

 

[CaFeeney]

Best ones are down in Miami or the Keys.. but honestly I have had some really good Cubans from Publix

 

[cammie810]

Definitely NOT Bongo's. Worst Cuban everything!!! Blech!!! There is a website called Chowhound that has a Florida board where you could get recommendations. We ate at a little hole in the wall in Orlando called La Fogata that was pretty good. They are a Cuban family that also has places in Miami. At the time they had a Puerto Rican chef so you could also get mofongo.

 

[DOOM1001]

I've eaten at a couple of La Fogata's in Miami,it's OK,never had a Cuban sandwich there as I usually get a churrasco or ranchero steak there,where is it in Orlando?

 

[JimMIA]

...I usually get a churrasco...

Ay, Mamita -- now you're talkin'!

Although Churrasco is not Cuban -- originally Argentinian/Nicaraguan...picked up just in the last few years by Cuban, Colombian, etc...even Peruvian restaurants.

Ten years ago there weren't many Argentinian restaurants and you could only find Churrasco at Nicarguan restaurants. Other places developed their versions of Churrasco and now there are interpretations of it everywhere.

Kinda like palomilla -- originally Cuban, now everywhere in various interpretations. Today you can buy both churrasco and palomilla at most Publix, and even this gringo can cook them!

Best Churrasco on the planet is at Los Ranchos (Nicaraguan). Best Palomilla I've ever had was at Rio Cristal...and if you know that one, you know local Miami family restaurants.

 

[DOOM1001]

Rio Cristal,was that located in Westchester?I don't even know if its around anymore but I think I went to eat there with my parents when I was little.I'm not a fan of palomilla steak but I like my churrasco,I still have a restaurant.com certificate for Los Ranchos in the falls that I've had for a couple of years,I think I might use it soon before they decide to stop accepting them.

 

[JimMIA]

Rio Cristal,was that located in Westchester?I don't even know if its around anymore but I think I went to eat there with my parents when I was little.

Yes, 99 and Bird, south side of Bird in an insignificant strip mall. They used to have several other locations; don't know if they're still operating, but the Bird Rd. location apparently is. You'll have to dig through an enormous pile of the best papas fritas you've ever seen to get to the meat.

Try the palomilla there and THEN tell me you don't like palomilla.

...but I like my churrasco,I still have a restaurant.com certificate for Los Ranchos in the falls that I've had for a couple of years,I think I might use it soon before they decide to stop accepting them.

I'm available that day (or evening)!

Seriously, try Los Ranchos. I have a special place in my heart for the original location in Sweetwater, but the one at the Falls is VERY good as well. Nicer atmosphere, same good food and service...but not the original.

 

[DOOM1001]

I've eaten at Los Ranchos several times,I'm like 10 minutes away from the Falls location and already used two of those certificates as like 4-5 years ago they had the $25 certificates for a $1,you can't get them that cheap today.

 

[JimMIA]

I've eaten at Los Ranchos several times,I'm like 10 minutes away from the Falls location and already used two of those certificates as like 4-5 years ago they had the $25 certificates for a $1,you can't get them that cheap today.

Yeah, we're not far either -- Horse Country area (125 & Sunset).

In the WDW area, the Columbia Restaurant in Celebration offers their "Original Cuban Sandwich" on both the lunch and dinner menus. I have not had their Cuban Sandwich, but everything else there has always been great.

Their legendary "1905 Salad," tossed at your table, is to die for.

Truly fine, moderately-priced Spanish/Cuban (more Spanish) restaurant just a few minutes from WDW -- it's a must for us every trip.