The Cuban Sandwich Festival is not only a celebration of the iconic Cuban sandwich but also an opportunity to explore some of the best Cuban food stands and kiosks around. The festival brings together a variety of Cuban restaurants and food vendors, offering their own unique takes on the traditional sandwich cubano. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Cuban cuisine or new to its flavors, there’s no better place to indulge in these mouthwatering creations.
Here’s a guide to the best Cuban sandwich kiosks at the festival and the ones you absolutely shouldn’t miss. From classic renditions of the Cuban sandwich to innovative spins on this beloved dish, these stands are sure to impress.
1. Latin Café 2000 – A Classic Cuban Experience
If you’re in the mood for an authentic sandwich cubano, head over to the Latin Café 2000 kiosk at the festival. Known for its dedication to traditional Cuban flavors, this popular Cuban restaurant in Lakeland FL, serves up a Cuban sandwich that stays true to its roots. The Latin Café 2000 version features perfectly roasted pork, layers of ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles—all pressed between freshly baked Cuban bread.
What sets this kiosk apart is the commitment to quality and authenticity. Every sandwich is made to order, ensuring it’s served hot and fresh. For festival-goers who crave a true Cuban experience, Latin Café 2000 is a must-visit for a classic Cuban sandwich that brings the taste of Cuba straight to your plate.
2. Sergio’s Cuban Café – A Flavorful Twist on Tradition
Sergio’s Cuban Café is renowned for its innovative takes on Cuban cuisine, and their Cuban sandwich is no exception. This food stall at the festival combines the traditional flavors you know and love with a unique twist. Expect the same delicious roasted pork, ham, and Swiss cheese, but with the addition of a flavorful chipotle aioli or spicy pickled vegetables to add some extra kick.
Sergio’s Cuban Café offers a bold fusion of flavors that perfectly balances the comfort of traditional Cuban food with a modern edge. Their Cuban sandwich is a perfect choice for festival-goers who love a little spice and are looking to try something new while still respecting the classic Cuban roots.
3. Columbia Restaurant – The Cuban Sandwich Tradition
No Cuban food festival is complete without the legendary Columbia Restaurant, one of the oldest Cuban restaurants in the United States. Their Cuban sandwich stall offers a taste of history, as the Columbia Restaurant has been serving Cuban delicacies for more than 100 years. Their Cuban sandwich, made with marinated roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles, is pressed to perfection, delivering a crispy exterior with a warm, savory interior.
What makes the Columbia Restaurant kiosk stand out is the restaurant’s rich legacy of preserving Cuban culinary traditions. When you bite into their Cuban sandwich, you’re not just tasting food—you’re experiencing a part of Cuban history. Make sure to stop by their kiosk for an iconic Cuban sandwich that has stood the test of time.
4. Ybor City Cuban Sandwiches – A Tribute to Cuban Heritage
For those who want to experience the very heart of Cuban culture, the Ybor City Cuban Sandwiches stand is the place to be. Ybor City, often considered the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich, is home to many eateries that specialize in this beloved dish. The festival’s Ybor City stall pays tribute to this rich heritage by offering Cuban sandwiches made with the same authentic ingredients and techniques passed down through generations.
Ybor City Cuban Sandwiches brings together the best of what this area has to offer, with fresh Cuban bread, marinated roast pork, and the perfect balance of ham, Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickles. Every bite transports you straight to the streets of Ybor City, where the Cuban sandwich was first created. If you’re looking to experience a true piece of Cuban history, this stand is a must-visit.
5. Cuba’s Best – The Ultimate Sandwich Experience
As the name suggests, Cuba’s Best brings you some of the finest Cuban sandwiches at the festival. Known for its generous portions and exceptional flavor, this stand is a favorite among Cuban sandwich aficionados. The sandwich features all the traditional components—roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard—pressed into crispy Cuban bread, but with an extra layer of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
One of the reasons Cuba’s Best stands out is its attention to detail. The bread is perfectly toasted, the meats are tender and juicy, and the pickles add just the right amount of tang. It’s the kind of sandwich you’ll savor down to the last bite. Make sure to visit their kiosk to experience why many consider it one of the best at the festival.
6. El Cubanito – For Those Who Want Extra Crunch
At El Cubanito, the Cuban sandwich takes on a whole new level of crunch. This kiosk specializes in extra-crispy Cuban sandwiches, where the bread is toasted to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. The sandwich is packed with the classic ingredients, but the crispy texture elevates the experience, offering a different take on this Cuban staple.
If you’re someone who loves the texture of crispy bread, El Cubanito will quickly become one of your favorites. Their sandwiches are loaded with flavor and have just the right amount of crunch to give you a satisfying and memorable meal.
7. The Cuban Kitchen – A Modern Take on the Classic
For those who are looking to try something a bit different, The Cuban Kitchen offers a modern take on the Cuban sandwich. While still using all the traditional ingredients, this stand experiments with flavors and presentation, offering things like grilled vegetables, spicy sauces, or unique sides that complement the sandwich perfectly.
Their Cuban sandwiches are a fusion of classic flavors and modern culinary techniques, creating a delicious twist on the beloved original. If you’re ready to explore the evolving world of Cuban cuisine, make sure to check out The Cuban Kitchen at the festival.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Cuban cuisine or a newcomer eager to explore, the Cuban Sandwich Festival is the perfect opportunity to taste a variety of Cuban sandwiches from some of the best chefs and food vendors around. From the classic flavors of Latin Café 2000, with its traditional sandwich cubano, to innovative twists at Sergio’s Cuban Café, there’s something for every palate at this year’s festival. And with kiosks paying homage to Ybor City’s rich history, you’ll not only enjoy great food but also dive into the story behind this beloved sandwich.
Make sure to stop by these top kiosks, and don’t forget to savor every bite of the Cuban sandwich—it’s a culinary experience you won’t soon forget!