The Cuban Sandwich Festival in Ybor City, FL, is an annual celebration of one of Cuba’s most beloved culinary creations: the Cuban sandwich. This festival brings together some of the best Cuban eateries, chefs, and sandwich makers, offering festival-goers a chance to taste a wide variety of sandwiches. With so many delicious options available, it can be hard to decide where to go for the best Cuban sandwich experience. Fortunately, attendees of the festival have shared their opinions, and we’ve compiled a list of the best Cuban sandwiches as voted by the guests themselves. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular picks!
1. Latin Café 2000 – A Fan Favorite
Located in Miami, FL, Latin Café 2000 is a staple when it comes to authentic Cuban cuisine. Guests at the Cuban Sandwich Festival rave about the Cuban sandwich served here. The restaurant’s signature sandwich features perfectly roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed into freshly baked Cuban bread. Festival-goers appreciate the balance of flavors in this classic sandwich, and many recommend it as the go-to choice for anyone visiting the festival for the first time.
The restaurant also boasts a welcoming atmosphere and a variety of other Cuban dishes that keep visitors coming back for more. With its consistent quality and delicious flavor, it’s no wonder that Latin Café 2000’s Cuban sandwich is a favorite.
2. The Cuban Sandwich Shop – Simplicity at Its Best
For those looking for a no-fuss, traditional Cuban sandwich, The Cuban Sandwich Shop in Tampa, FL, has earned a loyal following. Known for its straightforward approach, this spot uses high-quality ingredients, ensuring each sandwich is packed with authentic flavor. Customers love the crispy bread, juicy pork, and perfectly melted cheese, all balanced with the right amount of tangy mustard and pickles.
One of the highlights at the festival is the chance to meet the staff, who are always eager to share their passion for Cuban cuisine. Many guests have commented on how the Cuban sandwich from The Cuban Sandwich Shop reminds them of their favorite hometown eateries in Cuba. If you’re in the area, this is one stop you won’t want to miss!
3. Columbia Restaurant – A Tampa Institution
The iconic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa, has been serving up delicious Cuban dishes for over a century, and their Cuban sandwich is no exception. Known for its rich history and commitment to quality, the Columbia’s Cuban sandwich features tender pork, flavorful ham, and Swiss cheese, all pressed to perfection. What sets Columbia apart is their special seasoning and the use of authentic Cuban bread that gives the sandwich a unique taste.
Guests at the festival enjoy how the sandwich transports them to the heart of Ybor City, the historical Cuban neighborhood in Tampa. The family-friendly atmosphere and the chance to indulge in this historic dish make it a top choice for anyone visiting the festival.
4. Ana G. Mendez – A Hidden Gem in Tampa
For those looking for a more modern twist on the Cuban sandwich, Ana G Mendez Tampa, FL, has emerged as a favorite among festival-goers. This spot offers a creative take on the classic sandwich, combining traditional Cuban ingredients with some unexpected flavors. The pork is slow-roasted to perfection, and the bread is crisp, providing that ideal balance of crunch and softness.
Guests love the unique flavor combinations that Ana G. Mendez brings to their Cuban sandwich, especially the addition of special sauces and seasonings. Whether you prefer a more traditional or adventurous take, Ana G. Mendez’s Cuban sandwich offers something for every palate. The vibrant and welcoming atmosphere also makes it a great stop for families and food lovers alike.
5. Sergio’s Family Restaurant – Consistency and Flavor
Sergio’s Family Restaurant has long been a beloved destination for Cuban cuisine, and their Cuban sandwich is a standout. Festival-goers often cite the high quality of the ingredients, especially the flavorful roast pork and perfectly pressed bread. With its crispy exterior and melt-in-your-mouth interior, this sandwich is often described as a quintessential representation of what a Cuban sandwich should be.
Located in Miami, Sergio’s is known for its family-friendly service and dedication to traditional Cuban flavors. Guests at the festival recommend Sergio’s Cuban sandwich as a must-try for anyone looking to experience a true taste of Cuba. Many regulars return to Sergio’s year after year, finding comfort in the restaurant’s consistent quality and great taste.
6. The Ybor City Cuban Sandwich – A Local Classic
There’s no better place to try a Cuban sandwich than in Ybor City, the heart of Tampa’s Cuban community. The Ybor City Cuban sandwich stands out for its authentic flavors, prepared by locals who have perfected the art of sandwich-making. The combination of savory roast pork, sweet ham, tangy pickles, and creamy Swiss cheese all nestled inside crispy Cuban bread is the hallmark of this iconic sandwich.
Festival-goers love the Ybor City Cuban sandwich for its authenticity and deep connection to the local culture. Many visitors recommend trying this sandwich as a tribute to the neighborhood’s Cuban heritage and vibrant food scene.
7. La Segunda Central Bakery – Legendary Cuban Bread
A trip to La Segunda Central Bakery in Tampa, FL, is a must for anyone serious about Cuban sandwiches. Known for making some of the best Cuban bread in the country, this bakery’s Cuban sandwich is unbeatable. Festival-goers appreciate the perfectly baked bread, which provides the perfect foundation for the layers of savory roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles.
What makes La Segunda’s sandwich so special is the bread—it’s freshly baked and perfectly crisp, providing the ideal texture to complement the tender fillings inside. Guests often recommend visiting this bakery during the festival for an authentic Cuban experience that’s hard to beat.
The Cuban Sandwich Festival brings together the best of Cuban cuisine, and the Cuban sandwich is undoubtedly the star of the show. Whether you’re visiting one of the long-standing Cuban restaurants in Ybor City, trying a creative take from Ana G. Mendez in Tampa, or enjoying the traditional offerings at places like Columbia Restaurant and Sergio’s Family Restaurant, there’s something for everyone.
Each sandwich reflects the rich Cuban heritage and dedication to quality, making it no surprise that festival-goers have their favorites. So, next time you find yourself at the festival, be sure to try these fan favorites and discover your own best Cuban sandwich experience!