Top 5 Cuban Sandwiches in Tampa, Florida

A pleasant surprise, DI Coffee Bar serves up a quite tasty Cuban sandwich! Boasted on a sign outside as the “2nd Best Cuban Sandwich in Tampa” (by who, though, is unclear), I would definitely have to agree that it is a quality Cuban sandwich! By my standards, I’m going to place it at #5 on this list. The noticeable points that stood out in my opinion were the bread quality, the mayo-mustard spread, the ooziness of the cheese, and the amount/way the meats were sliced. Unless it is roast pork, I prefer all of the meats on my Cuban sandwich to be thin sliced and I do not prefer a lot of meat — so expect that going in. It is not a huge Cuban sandwich like most other spots serve up but the mayo-mustard spread was the perfect consistency (not very mustard-y which is how I like it), the cheese tasted oozier than a typical Swiss, and wherever they source their Cuban bread from always tastes phenomenally buttery crisp.

4. LA SEGUNDA

La Segunda has been a Tampa staple for over 110 years, opening its doors in 1915. Now, they operate four locations throughout Tampa Bay as well as offer nationwide shipping. The majority of restaurants in town use La Segunda’s Cuban bread so I would not be surprised if that is where the aforementioned spot sources from. La Segunda’s Cuban sandwich is flavorful, filled with roast pork, and bigger than your head — and don’t you dare leave without a guava and cheese pastelito.

The Columbia is the oldest restaurant in all of Florida, serving up Spanish eats and a rich history since 1905. Known well for their arroz con pollo and Cubano sandwiches, it is no surprise they made the list of my top favorite Cuban sandwiches in Tampa. You can get it at the original Columbia restaurant in historic Ybor City or at the Columbia Cafe inside the Tampa Bay History Center. They also have a location in St. Augustine, FL, the oldest city in the United States! If you are a fan of plantain chips, definitely order this Cubano because they serve them on the side. Of course, do not forget to try the restaurant’s famous tableside 1905 salad while you are at it!

Warm hospitality, great Cuban eats and hilarious staff T-shirts is what I know this spot for. While I was originally drawn in by the dozens of flan flavors, the roast pork in their El Tampeño Cuban sandwich stole my heart and moved itself into the #2 spot on this list. While I always get the El Tampeño Cuban when I visit, some other favorites among me and my friends and family are the ham croquetas, timba and Cuban fried rice.

1. WEST TAMPA SANDWICH SHOP

If you are a local, I need not say anything more. Nearly everyone in town is aware that the best Cuban sandwich in all of Tampa is found at West Tampa Sandwich Shop. This small restaurant that has been open for over 30 years is known for their Cuban which adds lettuce and tomato to the traditional sandwich before being pressed with a brush of honey over the bread. This is fondly referred to as the “Obama Cuban” as he ordered this during his visit to the shop in 2012. Former President Barack Obama is just one of many notable figures and politicians who have visited the shop over the years — just check out the photo-covered walls during your visit.

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