- Looking for the Best Cuban cookbook?
- "Three Guys From Miami Celebrate Cuban" and "Three Guys From Miami Cook Cuban"
The last several months have not been kind to Miami restaurants and The Latin American Cafeteria has closed in several locations. We will update this page when we can verify which ones are still in business.
We might be looking for new candidates for best Cuban sandwich!
Send us your Miami favorites!
Is it possible to get a bad Cuban sandwich in Miami? Well if you have been exiled to the Northland for a while, there is no such thing as a bad Cuban sandwich. For the northern Cuban in our group, it's the first thing he craves after his plane lands from Minneapolis. At that point, anything resembling a Cuban sandwich will have to do -- even the lesser specimens available on the airport concourse!
However, the savvy Cuban knows the difference between the pre-made bargain sandwiches found at many lunch counters and coffee windows, and the delicious handmade-to-order variety found at restaurants and cafes.
Glenn Lindgren: We have never found a better Cuban sandwich then the one you'll find at the Latin American Cafeteria.
Jorge Castillo: Each sandwich is made to order, with the highest quality hand cut meats (no processed pork loaf here) and cheese.
Glenn Lindgren: The traditional Cuban sandwich can only be made on Cuban bread. Start with a well buttered loaf, layer on some dill pickles, roast pork, ham and Swiss cheese.
Raúl Musibay: A minute or two on the sandwich press (plancha), and you have a delicious treat that has launched many an unsuspecting traveler on the road to Cuban food addiction.
- Slicing real roast pork by hand.
Jorge Castillo: What sets the Latin American Cafeteria apart from the competition is both the quality and especially the quantity of meat in their Cuban sandwiches.
Watch the master sandwich maker in action.
Glenn Lindgren: The Latin American Cafeteria uses a lot of meat on the freshest Cuban bread available.
Jorge Castillo: In the mood for something different? Try the Cuban sandwich's sweeter cousin, the media noche. (Named because it's smaller than its cousin, and is a great treat for after a movie or a night of dancing. Hence the name, "midnight sandwich.")
Raúl Musibay: It's the same -- same ingredients, same sandwich press, but the bread is sweet.
Glenn Lindgren: Mustard or mayonnaise on a Cuban sandwich is a personal choice. We find that the best Cuban sandwiches don't need either ingredient. The butter, natural meat juices and yes -- even the pickle juice give it all of the moistness and flavor it needs. Most places in Miami don't routinely add mustard and/or mayo unless you specifically ask for them.
Raúl Musibay: But in other parts of the country -- especially Los Angeles -- you have to tell them to "HOLD THE MAYO!"
Jorge Castillo: If you've ever had a Cuban sandwich in Tampa, you might know that they put Genoa salami on their Cubans!
Raúl Musibay: They must have had some Italians working there.
Glenn Lindgren: Yes, Raúl, in the early days of Ybor City, where the Cuban sandwich was popularized, the only ethnic group as numerous as the Cubans were the Italians. So it's understandable that there was a little blending of the two cultures, at least when it came to Genoa Salami on a sandwich.
Jorge Castillo: You won't find salami on a Miami Cuban sandwich. Although some places do add Serrano ham in addition to the usual ham. Look on the menu for a Sandwich Cubano Especial or ask your waiter.
Raúl Musibay: The Serrano ham adds a nicy salty pork flavor to the sandwich.
Glenn Lindgren: First time at the Latin American Cafeteria? Skip the outdoor takeout window, unless you're in the mood for a Cuban coffee. It's much easier to step inside to the counter and order your sandwiches to go. Or pick out a stool at the counter, or a nearby table, and enjoy the loving attention of some of the friendliest waitresses in Miami.
ATMOSPHERE: Casual
PRICES: Moderate.
HOURS: Daily 7:30 AM to 11:00 PM
