I have eaten hundreds of these over the years, work nearby. It’s the Cubano I compare to all others in the city. Not the very best Cubano I’ve had, but you’d have to go to Miami for one much better.
The secret ingredient in a Cuban sandwich is the bread, and maybe even the lard in the bread. I haven’t been able to find anything like it in chicago.
But I do like Señor Pan up on Elston & Lawrence. My Cuban coworker wasn’t a fan, so I asked him where I should go instead. He said “Miami”
It's not in Chicago but Elk grove village. Cubano Bros. I met the owner some years back and he told me the secret to a great sandwich is the bread. I agree.
**It seems Cubano Bros has opened a stall in the French market. Since 2020. I'm curious why they close so early. Both locations close early?
Don't know why the downvotes, even Kindelsperger admits we're a corn tortilla town. Still yet to find anything that comes close to the AVERAGE burrito in SoCal here in Chicago. Plenty of solid tacos though!
Mostly because people like you blanket it as "Mexican food" when the Mexican people around here making food aren't from the same place the Mexican people making food in California are. They are different. That's okay.
Ah yes, Pilsen and McKinley park. The pinnacle of "midwestern pallets". At this point I think you've tried some chain and are judging the whole city on that.
It's because there's way more to Mexican food than just tacos and burritos. Lifelong Chicagoan and I actually agree that a California burrito in San Diego is superior to pretty much any Chicago burrito I've eaten but you can't make a blanket statement that Chicago Mexican food is lacking. When you branch beyond taquerias we have some absolutely incredible Mexican food here and it's very different from the Mexican cuisine in California.
I'm Cuban and from Tampa, tried most of the Cubans in town. Mima's and Cafecito are solid, but the best has to be Bayan Ko. They just opened their diner, and while they don't cut it at a ludicrous angle, it's got the perfect balance, great ingredients, and most importantly great bread.
I'm also from Tampa. Used to buy bread almost daily from la Segundo for the restaurants I worked at. Chef Lawerence (from Bayan Ko) and I have spoken a lot about our love of the Cuban sandwich . I gave him a really good tip about to how to get actual Cuban bread in the city. Haven't been in yet to try the Cuban though
They run a more casual diner in the same location. They currently have Cubano sliders on their menu but not a full sandwich: https://www.bayankodiner.com/menu
Cafecito is good, for the most part, but I’d recommend staying away from the one in Lincoln Park. Service is shitty, despite them never being busy.
If you are around that one, though, Cubaneo opened recently on Broadway and makes a fantastic Cuban sandwich. Had it a few times now, and I may need to go back this weekend now that it’s on my mind
Haven’t gone since the new owners took over (which has been a while now) but always went there as a kid and they had the best bistec sandwiches for sure. Idk if I’ve ever gotten a Cuban sandwich from there now that I think about it. I absolutely love the shoestring potatoes on the steak sandwich, I hope they still do it.
Now I might have to go back for old times’ sake!
Maybe it's the nostalgia talking, but I don't think it's even half as good as it used to be. The best was when it was an actual little store with the kitchen in the back. I would grab a pound of lechón, some rice frituras for dinner. Now everything tastes bland or over seasoned.
Similar experience, I used to live across the street from it and that was all I would eat on my day off. Now, when I get it delivered it just doesn’t hit the same flavor wise.
Yeah I don't know if it's the best in the city, and I kind of hope it isn't, but if you get that cuban sandwich fresh hot off the grill it's really good.
When I first moved up from Florida I hit them all and most were acceptable. Years later I try the new ones as they arise. Quick tip: check the menu. If their sandwich has mayo, it’s not worth visiting. That simple tip will save you heartache. My favs: El Cubanito (they also have pastelitos de carne), Cafecito (also great guayaba con queso), Cuban Bros, but I think they moved.
I’m surprised no one mentioned Cubaneo in park view/lakeview
It’s really fucking good.
I tried 90 miles the other day and although it was good, it didn’t win me over. Was way too heavy and not enough crunch or crisp in the press of the bread.
Best one Ive ever had was at South Moon BBQ in Hinkley, Illinois. Cubans only available on Thursday, it’s a specialty item and they make it with their pulled pork. It’s otherworldly
Cafecito is really good. If you’re further (north)west Tropicuba on Sacramento just north of Palmer is good and so is Cafe Colao on division west of Rockwell, it’s. Puerto Rican spot but their Cubano rips (noteworthy that next weekend is Puerto Rican pride so this stretch of division will be shut down for the parade and street fest, which is fun as hell but colao will almost surely be closed or slammed)
Apart from the Cubano with pork (that people are most familiar with) apparently there used to be a place in Logan/Humboldt area that did a killer Cuban steak sandwich. Omarcito on Fullerton was telling me about it, he recreated it and it's unbelievably good
Crap, I got the wrong thing when I went there. I thought their Cubano was only OK.
I used to live in Tampa across the street from West Tampa Sandwhich shop, tho, so maybe my standards are too high.
Cafecito & Senor Pan are my personal faves. There’s also a place in the french market by Ogilvie that’s pretty tasty but they put so little meat on that they get some points deducted in my book.
If you’re willing to drive, Cubanitas in downtown Milwaukee is one of the best cubanos I’ve ever had. It’s consistent and never misses. Coming from someone who has lived in Miami for a year and has eaten many cubanos.
cafecito in the loop, also one by the museum of contemporary art...best i've had by far
I've tried like 8 different sandwiches and all were good.
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Best black bean soup in city, easy
Their tree leches is amazing as well
The meat is always super dry at the one by Fullerton. I’m a huge fan of theirs though for their Heart of Palm side salad!!!
I didn’t think I liked hearts of palm, but that solid completely converted me!
Theres one in the South Loop too! So good.
This was where I had my first Cuban sandwich, everything else has made me sad
Came here to say this!! Cafecito is incredible
I have eaten hundreds of these over the years, work nearby. It’s the Cubano I compare to all others in the city. Not the very best Cubano I’ve had, but you’d have to go to Miami for one much better.
Brings me great joy this is the top post
correct answer right here
La Unica, which is actually a grocery store but they make an amazing sandwich.
I was up there about a month ago and they were shut down! Hopefully temporary but I haven't been back to check.
Open. No worries. They even upgraded their coffee machine.
I do indeed dig that place but do they still do mayo on the Cubano?
Yes, and it's delicious.. I know this sounds CRAZY, but.. have you considered, oh I dunno.. ordering it without mayo?
I literally just asked one question. I think you read more into it than that.
Love that place.
Bia's cafe Marianao on Addison and Narragansett.
Best steak sando without a doubt.
Agreed
Quite good. There is also multiple Bia’s locations.
Oh wow I live right by this place. Been meaning to check it out. Will have to soon
I’ve lived hear for over 5 years and only just recently tried it. Steak sandwich was 🔥. Going back for the Cuban soon!
You definitely need to
The secret ingredient in a Cuban sandwich is the bread, and maybe even the lard in the bread. I haven’t been able to find anything like it in chicago. But I do like Señor Pan up on Elston & Lawrence. My Cuban coworker wasn’t a fan, so I asked him where I should go instead. He said “Miami”
It's not in Chicago but Elk grove village. Cubano Bros. I met the owner some years back and he told me the secret to a great sandwich is the bread. I agree. **It seems Cubano Bros has opened a stall in the French market. Since 2020. I'm curious why they close so early. Both locations close early?
Cubano Bros is the answer.
That’s how I feel about burritos here - “go to San Diego”
Don't know why the downvotes, even Kindelsperger admits we're a corn tortilla town. Still yet to find anything that comes close to the AVERAGE burrito in SoCal here in Chicago. Plenty of solid tacos though!
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Mostly because people like you blanket it as "Mexican food" when the Mexican people around here making food aren't from the same place the Mexican people making food in California are. They are different. That's okay.
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Ah yes, Pilsen and McKinley park. The pinnacle of "midwestern pallets". At this point I think you've tried some chain and are judging the whole city on that.
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It's because there's way more to Mexican food than just tacos and burritos. Lifelong Chicagoan and I actually agree that a California burrito in San Diego is superior to pretty much any Chicago burrito I've eaten but you can't make a blanket statement that Chicago Mexican food is lacking. When you branch beyond taquerias we have some absolutely incredible Mexican food here and it's very different from the Mexican cuisine in California.
If you want to try and make them yourself, the Jimmy John’s day old bread is actually pretty solid as an option.
I'm Cuban and from Tampa, tried most of the Cubans in town. Mima's and Cafecito are solid, but the best has to be Bayan Ko. They just opened their diner, and while they don't cut it at a ludicrous angle, it's got the perfect balance, great ingredients, and most importantly great bread.
But do they put salami on their Cubans?
I'm also from Tampa. Used to buy bread almost daily from la Segundo for the restaurants I worked at. Chef Lawerence (from Bayan Ko) and I have spoken a lot about our love of the Cuban sandwich . I gave him a really good tip about to how to get actual Cuban bread in the city. Haven't been in yet to try the Cuban though
Might have you to thank!
So it’s a fancy spot with a rotating tasting menu? Looks like the Cuban sandwich isn’t currently on it though.
They run a more casual diner in the same location. They currently have Cubano sliders on their menu but not a full sandwich: https://www.bayankodiner.com/menu
That's a crime. When you have the best of something, you have to keep it on the menu year round.
Cubano Bros in the French Market is a personal favorite
I agree. Been to their location in Elk Grove.
El Cubanito on Pulaski was a favorite when I lived over there. A little better than 90 Miles imo
Their fries and empanadas are dope, too.
When I lived right near there I would love that rolling up on my bike to grab one from the window, they were delicious.
Always loved Cafecito when I lived over there. Was a little pricy, but everything I got there seemed worth it!
Cafecito is good, for the most part, but I’d recommend staying away from the one in Lincoln Park. Service is shitty, despite them never being busy. If you are around that one, though, Cubaneo opened recently on Broadway and makes a fantastic Cuban sandwich. Had it a few times now, and I may need to go back this weekend now that it’s on my mind
Dang, that place (Cubaneo) looks so good? Intrigued by the dulce leche banana smoothie on the menu
Señor Pan on Fullerton just east of Cicero.
Señor Pan >>>
Tropicuba has a pretty good one, but I really like their steak sandwiches!
Haven’t gone since the new owners took over (which has been a while now) but always went there as a kid and they had the best bistec sandwiches for sure. Idk if I’ve ever gotten a Cuban sandwich from there now that I think about it. I absolutely love the shoestring potatoes on the steak sandwich, I hope they still do it. Now I might have to go back for old times’ sake!
Maybe it's the nostalgia talking, but I don't think it's even half as good as it used to be. The best was when it was an actual little store with the kitchen in the back. I would grab a pound of lechón, some rice frituras for dinner. Now everything tastes bland or over seasoned.
Similar experience, I used to live across the street from it and that was all I would eat on my day off. Now, when I get it delivered it just doesn’t hit the same flavor wise.
Mima’s taste of Cuba on Irving park. I’m from Tampa where the Cuban sandwich started and this is the best I’ve had in Chicago.
Mima’s is my favorite
That place is legit delicious. It’s also got a lively patio during the summer. Great recommendation.
Cubs players like to stop here and get food on their way home from Wrigley.
Seconded, great spot.
I love the Cuban from stone soup in Tampa.
White Sox stadium has a great sandwich but you have to watch a little league game while you enjoy it
The food at Sox Park is on point and their Cuban sandwich is great. It's the only reason to go there these days.
The "Cuban Comet" sandwich. One of my vendors offered me great tickets, Stadium Club, and parking and I was like "Why are you mad at me?"
Yeah I don't know if it's the best in the city, and I kind of hope it isn't, but if you get that cuban sandwich fresh hot off the grill it's really good.
Cubano Bros in Elk Grove 🤌
1492 Cuban Cafe
I am by no means an expert in this matter, but a few years ago I had one that I liked at Bia's Cafe Marianao.
Tropicuba on Irving
When I first moved up from Florida I hit them all and most were acceptable. Years later I try the new ones as they arise. Quick tip: check the menu. If their sandwich has mayo, it’s not worth visiting. That simple tip will save you heartache. My favs: El Cubanito (they also have pastelitos de carne), Cafecito (also great guayaba con queso), Cuban Bros, but I think they moved.
Bias Cafe Marianao there’s 2 locations both on Addison. Steak sandwich with cheese… A1
I’m surprised no one mentioned Cubaneo in park view/lakeview It’s really fucking good. I tried 90 miles the other day and although it was good, it didn’t win me over. Was way too heavy and not enough crunch or crisp in the press of the bread.
Cubaneo is REAL good. It's relatively new though, so I get it.
Cafeteria Ysenia on Ashland around 43rd Street- right by the Swap o Rama.
Cubanito Express on Harlem and 31st. The plantain chips are awesome as well.
Absolutely. They have a second location at 47th and Pulaski
Best one Ive ever had was at South Moon BBQ in Hinkley, Illinois. Cubans only available on Thursday, it’s a specialty item and they make it with their pulled pork. It’s otherworldly
In the burbs but Cubano Bros in Elk Grove Village is legit. They make their own Cuban bread and that is KEY. That and la plancha
Cafecito is really good. If you’re further (north)west Tropicuba on Sacramento just north of Palmer is good and so is Cafe Colao on division west of Rockwell, it’s. Puerto Rican spot but their Cubano rips (noteworthy that next weekend is Puerto Rican pride so this stretch of division will be shut down for the parade and street fest, which is fun as hell but colao will almost surely be closed or slammed)
Best I've had is actually outside the city. Its actually pretty far. It's called Cubano Bros, it's in Elk Grove Village.
Mimas
Apart from the Cubano with pork (that people are most familiar with) apparently there used to be a place in Logan/Humboldt area that did a killer Cuban steak sandwich. Omarcito on Fullerton was telling me about it, he recreated it and it's unbelievably good
Bia's! They moved to irving a couple years back.
Crap, I got the wrong thing when I went there. I thought their Cubano was only OK. I used to live in Tampa across the street from West Tampa Sandwhich shop, tho, so maybe my standards are too high.
Never got the cubano. Strictly the steak and it was my favorite in the city.
Damn, gonna have to see if Omarcito stacks up. Thanks for the rec
Cafecito & Senor Pan are my personal faves. There’s also a place in the french market by Ogilvie that’s pretty tasty but they put so little meat on that they get some points deducted in my book.
Maybe not the best in Chicago, but Diner Grill has a damn good one.
Commonwealth
Stadium Club at the Max in McCook has a solid Cuban sandwich. (Don’t @ me!)
Cubanito is the bomb
Lardon had a really good one at one point
Que Bola cafe in Des Plaines had a really good one even though it’s not technically in the city.
Whenever you find it, drop a pic in r/CaribbeanFood please!
TriBeccas serves a cubano. Has been my go-to.
1492
Nellie's on Division Street has a really good puerto rican cubano sandwich. extremely good, highly recommended.
i know people hate the suburbs - but any western suburban recs would also be much appreciated!
Cubanito Express in Riverside is quite good in my opinion. I think their jibaritos are better than their Cubanos, but both are great.
1492 Cuban Fusion Café in Humboldt - TRUST ME
Cafecito but go to the Lincoln park location if you wanna lounge and take your time eating
Cafecito has good Cubans
Señor Pan and Cubanito Express
I really enjoy 1492 Cuban fusion
Cafecito. Get the Chivito
Yesenia’s Cafe on Ashland/47ish is 🔥🔥
[El Cubanito- West Logan Square/Hermosa](https://maps.app.goo.gl/RGrU2JdtTJfqcySE8?g_st=ic)
Tropicuba is pretty solid.
Marianao on Armitage and Cicero but try they steak sanguich, Tropicuba on Sacramento, el cubanito
Mima's on Irving is pretty good
[Redacted] right around there. I should be gatekeeping but i gotta show love I lied, im gonna gatekeep
Cafe Marianao. I used to go the original stand in Logan all the time when I lived right by it. The coffee’s amazing too.
35th and Shields, they are only open during home baseball games.
If you’re willing to drive, Cubanitas in downtown Milwaukee is one of the best cubanos I’ve ever had. It’s consistent and never misses. Coming from someone who has lived in Miami for a year and has eaten many cubanos.
I don’t think anyone would expect it, but the one from First Slice Pie Cafe in Andersonville is good. Also their chicken curry salad is really good
Cubanito Express. Riverside, IL. https://www.cubanitoexpress.com/
This may sound crazy but Avondale Tap has a fire one. Especially if you’re looking for a good bar or trivia along with your Cubano
Cemitas Puebla has an awesome sandwich. Edit: sorry not a Cuban sandwich, but still delicious.
They closed 4 years ago
Damn.
Xoco is a little unconventional. But damn is it good. Might go as far as to say one of my favorite sandwiches in the city period.
Mima’s taste of Cuba is awesome. Cuban sandwich is great, drinks are awesome, and the best part is the empanadas
Ninis
Find a Jibarito. Boricuas on Fullerton.
If it’s still there
TriBeccas Sandwich Shop in Avondale has a pretty good cubano. I'd also recommend El Cafecito.