Cafe Perera

I had a lunch meeting at the Edgecomb courthouse in Downtown Tampa today, so I wanted to pick up something quick and easy. I found Café Perera just a block away on my map and decided to try it after reading a couple positive reviews.
There were only a few customers dining in at the time (around 12:30pm) and one woman at the counter being helped. I was immediately greeted and given time to check out the menu. By the time I left, there was a growing line. it must come in waves because of the ebb and flow of downtown. I ordered a small Cuban sandwich, a ham and cheese sandwich, deviled crab, and a side of yellow rice. There were three people preparing food and they were all incredibly nice. It seemed like there were also a lot of regulars in the café. They packed everything up for me to take out and were sure to include utensils and even hot sauce. The food was average, but I’d return for the great prices and friendly service.

Love Haas. Cuban coffee and breakfast sandwiches are the best in town here. Lunch is ok, can be obtained better elsewhere with not as much love or personalization. You will feel welcome if you visit this place regularly which is a wonderful bonus if you have to work in the nastiest of downtown Tampa.

they are only open Monday-​Friday to serve the downtown working crowd. I come here for breakfast and/​or lunch a few times a week because it’s right next to my office. The staff is very friendly to newbies as well as the numerous regulars. A double or triple shot of expresso is reasonably priced and beats Starbucks hands-​down. The lunch specials are also a great value. You can choose a meat (I recommend the roasted turkey or pork or the beef & Spinach) and they serve it over your choice of rice and beans, or you can get the plantains. The breakfast sandwich is also better than Subway at under $ 4.00 you can choose whatever meat you want with a three-​egg omelet and freshly pressed bread. Note that they use little if any salt in the food but they have hot sauces, etc. available.

I think this place has the best Cuban toast and café con leche in downtown Tampa, it might even be better than the Tropicana in Ybor – yea, I said it. The owner and employees are also friendly and extremely hilarious. The owner reminds me of the soup Nazi from Seinfeld, but a nice version, if that makes any sense. It’s easy not to notice this place because it’s all go and no show, they didn’t exactly hire an interior designer, but it somehow adds to the charm. You also can’t beat the prices.

This is your typical Spanish Lunch counter. The food is average but incredibly cheap. A breakfast with coffee is like $ 6 bucks.
The place is clean. Décor needs updating. Service is attentiveness and quick. It’s a good lunch spot.
Overall average but great value.

The people are so friendly they cater to you. The food is delicious and hot. Try the fish and grits with cheese you wont be disappointed. There’s a reason the place is busy and I always recommend them over international café a few doors down

My all-​time favorite downtown restaurant! I love their mojo chicken with a side salad and their cup of beans, rice and meat, either turkey, pulled pork, or sometimes shredded beef. Also delicious is their salad with breaded chicken strips and golden Italian salad dressing! Their breakfast sandwiches are awesome, especially the western omelette on Cuban bread… But note breakfast is only served before 11am. And they even have decaf Cuban coffee!

Friendliest owner, good food, quick and cheap! If you’re looking for a homey Cuban meal at a reasonable price, this is the place to go. The roasted pork with yellow rice and beans is delicious. This place has been around for a long time; when you walk-​in, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time (and the prices seem to reflect that too!). A great lunch option in downtown Tampa where there won’t be a long wait.
Just want a snack? Grab a café con leche or one of their sinfully delicious brownies!