La Cubanita Cafe

Great price for the quantity. Very good Ropa Vieja, fresh nerd and tasty sauce. Ladies at the counter were very nice and helpful. Not the best, but very good and great prices!

The highlight of any trip to Brandon is a trip to La Cubanita. The Cuban sandwiches are fantastic, but I always get a dinner — black beans and rice, yucca (or your favorite side), and roasted pork (or ropa vieja, stew, …) Everything is tasty, portions are incredibly generous, and the side of Cuban bread is always my way to finish my meal. I highly recommend this fantastic local «dive.»

This place is pretty legit! La Cubanita has the same food concept of Liborios. However, the taste is much different. Because this was my first visit, I wanted to try everything that was spread out and about on the steam table. My eyes were bigger than my stomach.
La Cubanita offers white rice, plantains, yuca and other side items. For the meat they offer baked chicken, pulled pork, shredded beef, ground beef, smothered tilapia (only on Fridays) and an array of other meat options.
Reluctantly, I settled for yellow rice, red beans, green beans and baked chicken. Everything was great and very tasty. I did sample the shredded beef and the shredded pork. Oh Em Gee the shredded pork was Oh.So.Good. You can also order a Cuban sandwich as well.
There is an array of beverage options which consists of fruit juices, ethnic drinks and a soda fountain. I did not see any Jupinas, but I didn’t ask if they offer them.
I am planning a return visit so I can try other items.

In the Cuban sandwich world, there are contenders and there are pretenders. The Cuban at La Cubanita Café is definitely a contender. It’s neck and neck with Bodega, I would have to try them side by side to see which one takes top honors. What separates this Cuban from most others is the roasted pork they put in it, which is juicy and flavorful. The mustard they use also adds to the depth of flavor. Just a well put together sandwich with the right ratio of meat to bread. Not overly huge like Brocato’s or lacking in meat like some other places.
The café itself is very dark and somewhat dingy but the service was friendly so I won’t deduct a star. I’ll have to return soon to try out the other food which passed my eye and nose tests. But if you’re looking for a tasty Cuban sandwich, Unilocal out La Cubanita Café on Lumsden Rd, Brandon. (I think there are other La Cubanitas, not sure if they’re affiliated.)

I give 4 stars for now only because it’s my first time and I only had the MojoPorkSanswich, which was deliscous! The juicy pork with the mustard mayo on the presses bread so good! A side of plantains, which were enough to share. So was the sandwich if you are a light eater. The server where you order behind the counter, so friendly.

The food here is just incredible! Very delicious and the portions are pretty decent size. Services here is really superb as well.

Awesome service & food!
I had a Cuban sandwich and devil crab, which were both … Delicious! I can not wait to go back to try more! The place was clean and the service was so friendly! Best Cuban sandwich I have had in a long time & the devil crab was so flavorful & fresh!

Great food! The sandwiches are great especially the Cuban and the grilled Palomino Steak! Food is always fresh!

Small place in a strip mall. The Unilocal reviews brought me here and I am so glad I tried it. I had the rice, black beans, pulled pork and fried plantains. All this and a sweet tea was $ 9.03. So worth it! Great food, so glad I stopped in!

Great little place we found locally through Unilocal.Had the papa relleno & the Cubanita frita. Robust in flazor & great in portion sizes

First time here– just landed in Tampa craving Cuban food. The Venezuelan woman behind the counter was super friendly. Nice variety of food options (pork, chicken, etc): my lunch with pork and 2 sides, a Cuban coffee, bottled water, and an order of Cuban toast was $ 10. Good portion size. I was here during lunch. All in all a great experience! I would highly recommend this place if you’re in the mood for some tasty Cuban food.

Yeah, I have a thing for Cuban food. I grew up in the Tampa area so it’s a given. We tried this place out driving out to Plant City to see relatives and have been back at least several times. It’s a little smallish inside but it’s great Cuban food, and they do takeout. I usually get the arroz con pollo dinner with black beans and yellow rice with plantains. The chicken is perfectly tender and falling off the bone, even the breast meat. And the flavor! It comes with a little roasted onion and the flavor is so good that I pour the cooking liquid, or «chicken juice» as I lovingly call it, on my rice and beans. Every meal comes with fresh pressed and buttered Cuban bread. It’s walk up service and refillable fountain drinks but that’s fine with me. The employees are always really pleasant. It’s always nice and clean in there. It will be a Brandon staple for us.

Really good Cuban food in Brandon. I’ve been multiple times throughout the years. I love their «Alex special» sandwich — a Cuban with added mojo pork. Also, their Western breakfast sandwich with a café con leche is a perfect morning! I only wish they had milk alternatives for their coffee.

Whoa bubba! The pulled pork, yucca, sweet plantains and meatballs were magnifico! On and the café con leche made for a perfect desert!

I haven’t had yucca frites like this place & I was pleasantly surprised. Their sandwiches are made to order but they also have a little buffet for on the go orders if you need something quick and fast. Super polite and friendly and very inexpensive this place is a definite hidden gem in Brandon.

We have been here a few times since our options in Fishhawk are limited. Prices are decent and the staff is friendly enough. If you’re in the area then this is worth a try when you’re in the mood for Cuban food. We have tried the deviled crab, the regular Cuban and the Cuban special with 2 croquetas in it– all are good portions and flavorful. Not bad for authentic Cuban food.

The food was excellent!!! A little hole in the wall you’d never suspect is as good as it is! A gem for sure.

After craving Cuban food I decided to make my way over here, but sadly did not make it through the front door as there was a sign posted stating credit cards or not accepted at the time because the machine was down. Cash only! So for those of you who still carry cash on hand, they may be able to enjoy some food, for the more common credit card carrying folks, they will have to wait their turn.

Was in the local area and was craving some Latin food. We swung by this little piece of heaven as my husband had indulged there once before. Although we came at a time when dinner was being prepped and the food from lunch time was almost gone, everything was excellent. Portion sizes were massive and very reasonably priced. Thoroughly enjoyed this place, despite eating way too much. We will back again!

If I could give it more than 5 stars I would. I’m Cuban, born and raised in Miami. The picadillo and lechon are like my mom used to make! The black beans are flavorful and soft. The white rice soft and sticky. The prices are amazingly affordable for the excellent quality of food. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for authentic Cuban food in Riverview/​Brandon.

When ever I’m in Brandon around lunch time. I make it a point to eat here. Its yummy Cuban food at a nice price and they give you a ton of food. Enough to eat for later or share. I totally recommend the pork with rice n beans and yucca. It also comes with fresh Cuban bread. They also make delicious Cuban sandwiches and have daily specials.

The yellow rice was not fresh. I asked for no m & m on my Cuban and they gave me a dirty look. All together the personnel are just plain rude.

So… it lived up to its Unilocal reviews. Excellent Cuban sandwich! Make sure you ask for the traditional

The reviews are real. The Cuban with their pulled pork is to die for.
The place is tiny but very clean. The people working their were super friendly and nice.
My wife and I ordered 2 Cubans, the devil cake, and a stuffed potato. I would recommend you do the same.
The Cuban was one of the best that I have had since living in the Tampa Bay Area. When you are in Brandon, you must check this place out.

I’ve had cubans all over Brandon, but decided to Unilocal for a new place to grab takeout after stopping for gas near their shop.
I didn’t even realize La Cubanita existed in Oak Park Plaza because it is well hidden near the end of the strip mall.
Wow — what a find!
My cuban sandwich was so packed with meat that it had to weigh 2lbs on its own.
The pulled pork they use on the cubans keeps the sandwich super moist after pressing and ties every ingredient together perfectly. It was so good that I was already half-​way through it before I remembered to Unilocal a photo.
I also brought home a pork dinner to my mom — my attempt to get her out of «meat and potatoes» mode by expanding her pallet.
Her takeout box was so packed and heavy, that the handles on the plastic bag stretched to snapping point.
My mother is super picky about pulled pork from restaurants but she couldn’t stop raving about La Cubanita’s stating: «This is the best pork I have ever had; You’ll be going back.»
After mom foo-​fooed the vegetables I picked out (hey, I tried), I ended up (got rewarded) with getting to eat them.
Yay!
Their yuca is awesome — juicy, not dry like a lot of places. The black beans/​yellow rice is flavored perfectly. Best I’ve had in a while. Everything was perfectly cooked and seasoned in balance.
Prices are excellent for the quality and taste alone– especially when compared to other places in the area serving the same menu items.
Can’t beat the price for the portions — multiple meals from one box. I know I’ll be going back — I’ve already been informed.
A must-​go/​try.
AAA+++

Best Cubans in brandon. Worth it to go out of your way to go here than any where else.
Hidden jem by the gym.
Haven’t tried anything else.

I’ve only been here for lunch twice, but the Cuban and Media Noche sandwiches are so good, I thought I’d tell the world.
I get the Cuban all-​the-​way, and it is delicious! If you like cuban sandwiches, and have never tried a Medianoche, you should try one from here. Basically, it’s a cuban with difference bread (soft egg dough bread to be exact).
The dining area is rough. It could use a good sterilizing, which is the only thing preventing this place from a five star rating. The service is good too. Everyone had been really nice and patient.
The sandwiches are really good, and I’ll be back to try out other delicious looking items on the menu.

La Cubanita Café is a hidden gem. It’s located in this rundown looking shopping plaza but don’t let that deter you. Their Medianoche is better than their Cuban, in my opinion. The croquetas are really good alone, but you should really consider putting in your Cuban sandwich! Super yummy!
If you’re not a sandwhich person, they serve plates of food too for the low low.

Good food and awesome portion size! Location and restaurant itself may not be the most romantic place to take a date but if she’s a keeper she would enjoy it anyway.

It’s ok. Just ok. It’s not 5-​Star glaring like many people are writing it to be. I’m sorry. I wanted to like it. The devil crab had literally no crab in it. The cubans are premade in and kept in a fridge. they also didn’t put any pickles on mine. The pork was okay. It’s a nice spot to change it up, but come man! It’s Tampa! Better places all around.

Open late… yeah! So this Location is not affiliated with any of the other La Cubanita Café’s & is open late 7 days a week!!! Which was perfect for my late Sunday Spanish food craving.
Restaurant is small but super clean with, fast & friendly service, & call ahead orders for pick up is also nice & convenient for on the go peeps!
Food is warm, delicious, & displayed neatly! I ordered yellow rice, black beans, sweet plantains, & pork/​pernil! Excellent!!! Plus it came w/​soft Cuban bread my favorite! I love Cuban bread! Yummmm!
Everything was fabulous & satisfied my Cuban food craving! They also had Malta… a malt beverage that some Hispanics have grown up on & enjoy from time to time! Which complimented my meal perfectly!