Foodie Friday: Where Miami Locals Go For a Great Cubano

by  Jill K. Robinson | Jul 12, 2013
Miami Beach skyline
Miami Beach skyline / Lady-Photo/iStock

The classic Cubano sandwich – Swiss cheese, ham, roast pork, pickles, and mustard, pressed so that the insides are melted goodness while the outside is toasted – is a staple in Miami. But it's easy to get lost in all of the offerings. So we did some recon for you – here are the best under-the-radar, local favorites:

Mary’s Coin Laundry & Deli
Yes, you read that right. Open 24 hours, this coin laundry and deli serves up delicious Cuban sandwiches whenever you’re hungry. There’s a big menu of other offerings too, from pastelitos (baked puff pastries with savory or sweet fillings) to empanadas, smoothies, and Cuban coffee. The best part? They're all at a budget price. Insider tip: It’s Pitbull’s favorite spot for a pan con bistec (a marinated steak sandwich).

Luis Galindo’s Latin American
The decor here includes whole hams hanging throughout the restaurant, and, well, not much else. But who cares when the sandwiches are inexpensive and delicious? But don’t just limit yourself to sandwiches; head over in the morning for breakfast, including a café con leche (coffee with milk) to start your day.

Puerto Sagua
This restaurant has got the important basics down: They've got good sandwiches, quick service, inexpensive menu items, and they're open late. When it’s busy, if you can grab a spot at the counter, snatch it up. The best late-night snack here is the media noche (midnight) sandwich, made just like a Cubano, but with sweet bread. If you veer off the sandwich menu, the oxtail is a local favorite.

Las Olas Café
At this no-frills café in South Beach, the Cuban sandwiches have crunchy crusts and melted cheese. As an added bonus, the fresh pork loin is roasted here every morning! The sandwich goes in the press open-faced for melted perfection.

Casa Marin
Though this spot requires a bit more of a trek (it's in Hialeah, a few minutes from downtown Miami), food blogger @FatgirlHedonist loves their Cubano. Nearly always full, the restaurant also has a walk-up window you can order from. Don’t skip the fresh chicharrones (sold by weight!), they'll definitely be helpful to fuel your drive back to your hotel.

Do you have a favorite Cubano sandwich spot in Miami?

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