Want to embark on a road trip that’s as delicious as it is memorable?
This flavorful Florida journey will lead you to 10 must-visit spots with legendary Cuban sandwiches!
1. Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop (Miami)
Nestled in the heart of Miami’s Wynwood district, Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop is a no-frills culinary gem that’s been serving up Cuban classics since 1965.
As you approach the red-and-white storefront, you’ll notice the building’s facade adorned with a giant fork – a not-so-subtle hint at the deliciousness that awaits inside.
Step through the door, and you’re immediately transported to a slice of Havana.
The air is thick with the scent of roasted pork and freshly brewed Cuban coffee.
The walls are plastered with vintage Cuban memorabilia and faded photographs, each telling a story of the shop’s rich history.
But let’s get to the main event: the Cuban sandwich.
At Enriqueta’s, they don’t mess around.
The bread is crispy on the outside, pillowy on the inside, and stuffed with layers of succulent roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard.
It’s a symphony of flavors that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling extra adventurous, ask for the “Elena Ruz” – a unique Cuban sandwich variation with turkey, cream cheese, and strawberry preserves.
It’s like Thanksgiving and Cuba had a delicious love child.
2. La Segunda Central Bakery (Tampa)
Next stop on our sandwich sojourn is La Segunda Central Bakery in Tampa’s historic Ybor City.
This place isn’t just a bakery; it’s a time machine that’ll transport you back to 1915 when it first opened its doors.
As you approach the white-washed building with its distinctive maroon awning, the heavenly aroma of freshly baked Cuban bread hits you like a warm, yeasty wave.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by the sight of bakers skillfully crafting loaves of bread, their hands moving with the precision of seasoned artists.
La Segunda is famous for its Cuban bread, the foundation of any respectable Cuban sandwich.
What’s their secret?
Each loaf is adorned with a signature palmetto leaf stripe down the middle, a tradition that dates back to the bakery’s founding.
It’s not just for show – the leaf helps create that perfect crispy crust.
When it comes to their Cuban sandwich, La Segunda doesn’t disappoint.
The bread is, of course, the star of the show, but the perfectly balanced fillings make it a true masterpiece.
It’s so good, you might be tempted to buy a few extra loaves to take home.
3. Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City)
From La Segunda, we’re taking a short stroll to the granddaddy of all Florida Cuban restaurants: Columbia Restaurant.
Founded in 1905, this Ybor City landmark is the oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world.
Talk about bragging rights!
As you approach the stunning white building with its intricate tile work and grand arches, you can’t help but feel like you’re about to enter a Spanish palace.
Inside, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Ornate chandeliers, hand-painted tiles, and stained glass windows create an atmosphere that’s part museum, part dining room.
While Columbia is known for its wide array of Spanish and Cuban dishes, we’re here for one thing: the Cuban sandwich.
And boy, do they deliver.
Their version is a perfect balance of flavors, with a secret ingredient that sets it apart – a thin slice of Genoa salami, a nod to the Italian immigrants who were also part of Ybor City’s rich history.
Fun fact: Columbia Restaurant has a sandwich press that’s been in use since 1945.
Talk about seasoned equipment!
The result is a Cuban sandwich that’s crispy, gooey, and packed with history in every bite.
4. Versailles Restaurant (Miami)
No Cuban sandwich pilgrimage would be complete without a stop at Versailles Restaurant, the unofficial town square of Miami’s Cuban community.
This Little Havana institution has been serving up Cuban classics since 1971, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down.
As you pull up to the restaurant, you can’t miss the grand facade with its mirrored windows and ornate white trim.
It’s like the Versailles palace decided to take a tropical vacation and never left.
Inside, it’s a bustling hive of activity, with waiters zipping between tables and the constant chatter of Spanish and English filling the air.
Versailles’ Cuban sandwich is the stuff of legend.
It’s a hefty affair, packed with generous portions of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles, all pressed between two slices of perfectly crispy Cuban bread.
It’s so good, it might just make you want to start a conga line right there in the restaurant.
Pro tip: After your sandwich, head to the attached bakery for some Cuban pastries.
The pastelitos de guayaba (guava pastries) are like little pockets of tropical heaven.
5. Bodega (St. Petersburg)
From the glitz of Miami, we’re heading to the laid-back vibes of St. Petersburg and Bodega.
Don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you – this place takes its Cuban sandwiches seriously.
Bodega is housed in a charming white building with a vibrant blue trim, looking more like a beachside bungalow than a culinary hotspot.
But as you approach, the mouthwatering aromas and the line of hungry patrons tell a different story.
Their Cuban sandwich is a work of art.
The pork is marinated for 24 hours before being slow-roasted to perfection.
The result is a sandwich that’s bursting with flavor, each bite a perfect balance of savory meat, tangy pickles, and gooey cheese.
What sets Bodega apart is its commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients.
They bake their bread daily and source their produce locally.
It’s like they took a Cuban sandwich and gave it a farm-to-table makeover.
6. Sarussi Cafe (Miami)
Buckle up, sandwich lovers, because we’re heading back to Miami for a Cuban sandwich experience that’s larger than life.
Welcome to Sarussi Cafe, home of the “Sandwich of Mass Destruction.”
As you pull up to this unassuming strip mall location, you might wonder if you’re in the right place.
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But one step inside, and the vibrant decor and enticing aromas assure you that yes, you’ve arrived at sandwich nirvana.
Sarussi’s claim to fame is their enormous Cuban-inspired sandwiches.
We’re talking sandwiches so big, they make regular Cubans look like slider buns.
Their signature “Sarussi Original” is a beast of a sandwich, stuffed with ham, roasted pork, mozzarella cheese, and a secret sauce, all encased in a loaf of freshly baked Cuban bread.
Fair warning: You might need to unhinge your jaw like a snake to take a bite.
But trust me, it’s worth it.
Each mouthful is a flavor explosion that’ll have you wondering why all sandwiches aren’t this size.
7. Havana Restaurant (West Palm Beach)
Our next stop takes us to West Palm Beach and the charming Havana Restaurant.
This family-owned eatery has been serving up authentic Cuban cuisine since 1993, and their Cuban sandwich game is strong.
The restaurant’s exterior, with its white walls and green trim, gives off a distinctly tropical vibe.
Step inside, and you’re greeted by the warm smiles of the staff and the irresistible aromas wafting from the kitchen.
Havana’s Cuban sandwich is a thing of beauty.
The bread is perfectly pressed, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft interior packed with flavorful meats and cheese.
What sets their sandwich apart is the quality of their ham and pork – both are roasted in-house, resulting in a depth of flavor that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.
Pro tip: Havana is open 24 hours, so you can satisfy your Cuban sandwich cravings any time of day or night.
3 AM sandwich run, anyone?
8. Brocato’s Sandwich Shop (Tampa)
Back to Tampa we go, this time to a little sandwich shop that’s been a local favorite since 1948.
Brocato’s might not look like much from the outside – it’s a humble, no-frills kind of place – but don’t let that fool you.
They’re serving up some of the best Cuban sandwiches in the Sunshine State.
As you pull up to the red-and-white building, you’ll likely see a line of hungry patrons stretching out the door.
Don’t worry, it moves quickly, and the wait is part of the experience.
Use the time to strike up a conversation with a local – they’ll likely regale you with stories of their favorite Brocato’s memories.
When it comes to their Cuban sandwich, Brocato’s doesn’t mess with tradition.
They stick to the classic Tampa recipe, complete with that signature slice of salami.
The result is a sandwich that’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures – crispy, cheesy, meaty, and utterly delicious.
Fun fact: Brocato’s is also famous for their deviled crabs, another Tampa delicacy.
If you’ve got room after your sandwich (and that’s a big if), give them a try!
9. Aguila Sandwich Shop (Tampa)
Our penultimate stop on this Cuban sandwich odyssey is Aguila Sandwich Shop, another Tampa gem that’s been satisfying hungry customers for decades.
Aguila is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall joint.
The small, red brick building might not look like much, but inside, sandwich magic happens daily.
The no-frills interior lets you focus on what’s important: the food.
Their Cuban sandwich is a work of art.
The bread is perfectly pressed, creating a crispy exterior that gives way to a soft, flavorful interior.
The meats are piled high, the cheese is perfectly melted, and the pickles provide just the right amount of tang.
What sets Aguila apart is their commitment to consistency.
Whether you visited last week or last decade, you can count on getting the same delicious sandwich.
It’s like a edible time machine, transporting you back to your first bite with every visit.
10. Luis Galindo’s Latin American Cafeteria (Miami)
We’re wrapping up our tour back where we started, in the Cuban sandwich capital of Miami.
Luis Galindo’s Latin American Cafeteria might be last on our list, but it’s certainly not least.
This unassuming cafeteria-style eatery has been a Miami staple since the 1970s.
The simple exterior belies the flavor explosion waiting inside.
As you walk in, you’re greeted by the sights and sounds of a bustling Cuban kitchen – it’s organized chaos at its finest.
Luis Galindo’s Cuban sandwich is a thing of beauty.
The bread is sourced from a local Cuban bakery, ensuring that perfect crispy-yet-soft texture.
The pork is marinated in a secret blend of spices before being slow-roasted to perfection.
Add in the ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and a generous swipe of mustard, and you’ve got sandwich nirvana.
What sets this place apart is its authenticity.
It’s not trying to be fancy or reinvent the wheel – it’s just serving up damn good Cuban sandwiches the way they’ve always been made.
There you have it, folks – a whirlwind tour of Florida’s finest Cuban sandwich spots.
From Miami to Tampa and everywhere in between, these sandwiches are more than just a meal – they’re a delicious slice of Florida’s rich cultural history.
Cravings are calling!
Use this map to steer your food journey in the right direction—and maybe discover a hidden gem or two along the way.
So gas up the car, loosen your belt, and get ready for a sandwich adventure you’ll never forget.
¡Buen provecho!