BORN IN TAMPA BAY

THE CUBAN SANDWICH

Chicago has hot dogs. New York has pizza. Tampa Bay has Cuban sandwiches. Born in Ybor City in the early 1900s, the Cuban sandwich was created by immigrants who made Ybor their home. Each ingredient reflects a piece of Tampa Bay’s rich history, and today, the sandwich stands as a symbol of the community's cultural ties.

The ingredients:

Cuban bread + pickles + Swiss cheese + Genoa salami + roasted pork + glazed ham + yellow mustard = a proper Cuban sandwich. Discover some of the best spots in Tampa Bay to enjoy this legendary delicacy.

PLACES TO GET A
CUBAN SANDWICH

*Please note, not every photo is a Cuban Sandwich

The Columbia Restaurant

📍 : 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa

At the heart of Tampa Bay’s culinary history is The Columbia, where the Cuban sandwich was born. Staying true to their 1915 recipe, this iconic sandwich is pressed on fresh Cuban bread from La Segunda, offering a crispy bite that’s rich in local tradition. It’s a delicious journey through Tampa Bay’s past, making it a must-try for anyone visiting the destination.

La Segunda Bakery

📍 : 2512 N 15th St, Ybor City

Known as the cornerstone of Cuban bread in Tampa Bay, La Segunda Bakery serves an authentic Cuban sandwich that locals swear by. With bread baked fresh daily, this sandwich is a taste of Tampa Bay’s proud bakery heritage. One bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a staple in the destination’s food scene.

Soul de Cuba Café

📍 : 6428 N Florida Ave, Tampa

Soul de Cuba Café brings their own twist to the classic Cuban sandwich with a zesty mustard-mayo spread. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, thanks to perfectly pressed bread, while the bold flavors make it stand out in Tampa Bay’s diverse culinary landscape. Paired with chips, it’s a quick and flavorful stop on your food journey.

Independent Bar and Café

📍 : 5016 N Florida Ave, Tampa

The Independent Bar and Café’s Habana Cuban comes with a unique kick of spicy German mustard that sets it apart. Pressed until perfectly crispy, it’s the ultimate fusion of flavors and textures. Pair it with a side of chips for the perfect laid-back Tampa Bay meal.

El Magico

📍 : Food Truck

El Magico Food Truck lives up to its name by bringing a magical twist to the streets with its OG Cuban sandwich. The addition of a mustard aioli elevates this handheld delight, offering a fresh and fun take on Tampa Bay’s favorite sandwich. Quick, flavorful, and packed with personality, it’s a must-try for on-the-go bites.

Cru Cellars

📍 : 2506 S MacDill Ave, Tampa

At Cru Cellars, the Cuban sandwich gets a gourmet update with house-roasted pork and capicola, topped off with a house-made mayo-mustard blend. Served on artisan bread, this sandwich offers a fresh twist on a traditional favorite, making it perfect for those looking for something a little different in Tampa Bay.

Big Ray's Fish Camp

📍 : At the Sail Plaza: 333 S Franklin St, Tampa

Nothing says Tampa Bay like a traditional Cuban sandwich by the water, and Big Ray’s Fish Camp delivers just that. Enjoy the simplicity of roasted pork, ham, and crispy bread while soaking in the laid-back waterfront vibes. It’s a perfect way to taste the flavors of the destination while enjoying the view.

Jackson’s Bistro, Bar, and Sushi

📍 : 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa

Jackson’s Cuban sandwich, served only at lunchtime, is a hidden gem on Tampa Bay’s waterfront. Crispy, savory, and packed with flavor, this sandwich is an ideal midday meal while enjoying the scenic bay views. Light and satisfying, it’s a refreshing take on the classic Cuban.

CW’s Gin Joint

📍 : 633 N Franklin St, Tampa

CW’s Gin Joint adds an upscale twist to the Cuban sandwich with braised pulled pork and gruyere, served on a crispy baguette. The sophisticated flavors of dijon mustard and cornichons make this sandwich stand out in Tampa Bay’s culinary scene. It’s a refined take on the classic, perfect for those with a taste for something special.

The Pearl Restaurant

📍 : 823 Water St C100, Tampa

The Pearl’s Cuban sandwich offers a gourmet experience with its tender pork confit and smoked gouda. Served alongside a flavorful black bean stew, it’s a delicious and hearty dish that brings something new to the traditional Cuban sandwich. With its rich flavors, it’s a standout in Tampa Bay’s dining scene.

Top Shelf Sports Lounge

📍 : 401 E Jackson St #101, Tampa

Top Shelf Sports Lounge delivers a winning version of Tampa Bay’s beloved Cuban sandwich. This classic comes loaded with mojo-roasted pork, sliced ham, salami, and gruyere cheese, all layered between crispy Cuban bread. Topped with pickles and a tangy mayo-mustard sauce, it’s pressed to perfection, making it the ultimate game-day bite.

Moxie’s Café

📍 : 302 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa

A downtown lunch favorite, Moxie’s Café serves up their Tampa Bay Cuban sandwich hot, crunchy, and packed with flavor. Featuring mojo pork, Genoa salami, smoked ham, Swiss cheese, and a mayo-mustard blend, this sandwich hits all the right notes. With locally sourced bread pressed to perfection, it’s an authentic taste of Tampa Bay.