Where can I get a good Cuban sandwich?

[eliewriter]

I'm not interested in a sit-down Cuban restaurant but one of the foods I most look forward to tasting in Florida is a good Cuban sandwich, reminiscent of the one my father-in-law bought me years ago in a gas station (I think) somewhere between southern Dade County and maybe Sarasota.

We will be staying in Kissimmee off Ponciana Boulevard and I'm not particularly interested in driving any farther north than Disney World. We'll also be in Lakeland, Tampa and somewhere along the gulf coast, perhaps St. Petersburg/Tierra Verde, as well as possibly on the Atlantic coast, I'm thinking Canaveral Beach.

Anyone know of a great, authentic Cuban sandwich in those areas? I read that Tampa-style is different and that's not what I'm after but if anyone has suggestions for a good, take-out or casual place for the other kind, I'd love to hear. Thanks!

 

[DOOM1001]

Well I live in Miami where you can find one in every corner.I visit Orlando all the time but don't go in search of Cuban Sandwiches when I'm there,but you will be relatively close to Columbia restaurant in Celebration,which I know is a sit down but is an option if you decide to go that way,I ate at the one in St.Augustine and it was very good,but I didn't try their Cuban Sandwich.There's also one in Tampa in Ybor city.The Food Network has a place a little farther up in Orlando called Cuban sandwiches to go that they rank very good,it looks like a typical place you might see in Miami,no frills but good and they'll have sodas like Materva and Jupina.If none of these options work for you just drive east on 192 in Kissimmee and I know there's a place I think on the north side of the street that has a name like Havana Cafe,don't know if it's good or not but it's worth a try.If all else fails eat the one at Hollywood Studios at the ABC Commissary.You can also try a Medianoche which is the same as a Cuban on a tad sweeter bread.

 

[AllyBri]

Columbia in Celebration.

 

[Mysteria]

I love cuban sanswiches too. Anyone tried the one from Bongo's? You can get it from the walk-up window.

 

[eliewriter]

Where is Bongo's? Is it in Epcot?

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

Bongo's is in DTD and their media noche is pretty good, if you get it in the restaurant.

Columbia in Celebration is not that great, but it's better than the one in Ybor City believe it or not. We ordered cubanos at the one in Ybor City and they were inedible. Cold and not pressed. Not sure what was up with that. Won't be wasting our time or money on that restaurant again! (There is one on the pier in St. Pete's too. Avoid that one also). There is a decent little shop in Ybor City though that sells nice ones. Of course I can't remember the name, but I know where it is. Helpful, huh?

There is a great place in east Orlando, Panchos. There is Authentic Cuban in Winter Park. Both have good Cubano sandwiches.

Vega which had a great reputation is no longer recommended (on Colonial in Orlando). Nasty stuff coming out of there anymore.

 

[eliewriter]

Sounds soooo good...It's been more than 20 years since I've had a Cuban sandwich and every time I think about going to Florida, that's what I've wished for most. I'm excited about going to Disney World too, but boy, this is gonna be great!

Thanks very much!

 

[DOOM1001]

Wow I don't know how I forgot to mention Bongo's,right in Downtown Disney and totally forgot about it!

 

[Kellytn]

I would also suggest Bongo's in DTD. Bahama Breeze has a decent cuban sandwich.

 

[missfigment]

Gas station cuban???

Nononononono....ok that being said lol

LaSeptima in Brandon, Fl 20 minutes outside tampa fantastic cubans!
LaCubanita in Brandon also is pretty descent

The Tropicana in Tampa (Ybor area)...really great!!!
My personal fav....Alessi bakery in Tampa

Gas station cubans arent real cubans ....sorry to burst your bubble lol

 

[travelin' tigger]

A few weeks ago I had my first cuban sandwich in Ybor City. Can't remember the name of the place, but there was a crowd waiting to get in. Turn around was very quick and the sandwich itself was great!!!

 

[Momelie]

Let me second La Tropicana in Ybor City! Awesome Cubans! La Septima and Alessi are also excellent, if you go to Alessi, also try the escachiada, its another Cuban specialty as well.

One hint - if the person serving you asks if you want lettuce or tomato on your Cuban, run like the hounds of hell are at your heels!!! This is how you tell a true Cuban place from a "we wanna sell sandwiches" place. A true Cuban sandwich only has sweet ham, roast pork, salami, swiss cheese and a pickle. Oh, and mustard. Nothing else!

Tampa has many places for Cubans in Ybor and West Tampa, near the stadium, if you go down Columbia Drive, you'll see many. Lakeland has a Silver Ring restaurant (I think its still there) that also serves great Cubans. Not sure about St. Pete, though, I usually go there for grouper sandwiches or she crab soup, LOL!