Tampa Bay Dishes Out a Taste of Legacy With its Cuban Sandwiches
The history of the Cuban sandwich is rooted in the vibrant culinary culture of Tampa Bay. This iconic sandwich is a beloved staple in the region, showcasing a fusion of flavors and influences from various cultures. From its humble beginnings to its widespread popularity, the story behind the Cuban sandwich is as rich and diverse as its ingredients.
Cuban sandwiches are closely tied to Tampa Bay's culinary heritage. The origins of this iconic sandwich date back to the late 19th century when Cuban immigrants settled in Ybor City, a Tampa neighborhood hub for cigar manufacturing. The early Cuban settlers brought their culinary traditions, including the Cuban sandwich, or "el sandwich Cubano" in Spanish. This original version consisted of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. As the years passed and more immigrants arrived from different countries such as Italy and Spain, their influences shaped the evolving Cuban sandwich in Tampa Bay. The addition of Genoa salami is becoming increasingly popular due to Italian influence, adding an extra layer of flavor to an already delicious creation. Over time, this fusion of flavors became synonymous with Tampa Bay's culinary identity.
The popularity and reputation of the Cuban sandwich grew in Tampa Bay's local community. It became a staple among Ybor City workers who sought a quick yet satisfying meal during their lunch breaks. In recent years, as food culture became more globalized and diverse ingredients more accessible, variations of the Cuban sandwich emerged. Some versions include mayonnaise or lettuce, while others incorporate different types of bread or additional ingredients such as avocado or tomato. Despite these variations, one thing remains constant: the combination of flavors that make up a traditional Cuban sandwich continues to captivate taste buds far beyond Tampa Bay. To that end, the Museum Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) will host an event dedicated to the science of the Cuban sandwich on September 16 in Tampa. Tickets are on sale now ($20 for MOSI members, $25 for non-members).
Where to Find Exceptional Cuban Sandwiches in Tampa and St. Pete
Every year, Tampa Bay also hosts a spring Cuban Sandwich Festival in Ybor City. This two-day extravaganza features over 100 worldwide food, cultural and business vendors. The festival features live music and attempts to break the record for the largest Cuban sandwich in the world. It also includes a competition to determine who makes the finest Cuban sandwich in the Tampa Bay area.
Additionally, the Tampa Bay region boasts several establishments known for exceptional Cuban sandwiches. La Segunda Central Bakery, Columbia Restaurant, Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen at Armature Works and La Teresita Restaurant are among the top-rated places to enjoy a Cuban sandwich in Tampa as of July 2023.
La Segunda Central Bakery
Founded in 1915, the original La Segunda Central Bakery is located in Ybor City. The bakery is one of Tampa’s oldest businesses known for its authentic recipes. La Segunda Bakery is also the world’s largest producer of Cuban bread, producing about 18,000 loaves daily. The dough is made locally in Ybor City, and the sandwiches are delivered to restaurants around the Tampa Bay area.
The restaurant also serves Cuban sandwiches, pastries and coffee. This family-run bakery is known for its Cuban bread and other bakery treats like flan, guava and cheese pastries and Italian cookies.
The bakery recently opened a new location in St. Pete, which serves take out and delivery and also offers catering. It has the same menu as the other two Tampa locations as well. La Segunda Bakery’s St. Pete location is decorated with iron accents and red brick walls that reflect the historic Ybor City neighborhood, with seating for about 40 people.
Location: 2512 N 15th St, Ybor City, FL 33605
Additional locations and hours of operation can be found on their website.
La Teresita Cuban Restaurant
Since 1972, La Teresita Cuban Restaurant has been owned and operated by the Capedevila family and serves Cuban and Spanish cuisine in a cozy and intimate environment. The restaurant has become a popular destination for breakfasts, lunches, café con leche, soups, homemade meals and, of course, Cuban sandwiches.
There are many familiar ingredients in the Cuban sandwich at La Teresita, but it is served quicker and cheaper here than anywhere else in the area. There is a choice of dining rooms at La Teresita, including traditional seated dining areas or a bustling café filled with people on lunch breaks or stopping for a quick bite during their busy schedules. Visitors can also find an affiliated market and bakery. La Teresita has won various awards, including a "Comfort Food Award" and a "Best of the Bay" award.
Location: 3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
Hours of operations are available on their website.
Armature Works - Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen
Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen, located inside Tampa’s Armature Works, creates traditional Cuban cuisine from scratch with a “soul food” twist, using traditional ingredients while also offering desserts, dishes, vinaigrettes, sofrito and aiolis.
Served on Cuban bread from Tampa’s La Segunda Bakery, Hemingway's Cuban sandwich is made with house-roasted pork, salami, serrano ham, swiss cheese and house-made pickles. The menu at Hemingway's Cuban Kitchen also includes guava and cream cheese empanadas as well as tostones rellenos stuffed with spicy saffron aioli and melted muenster cheese.
Besides creating their own Cuban bowls, patrons can choose from a variety of popular dishes like chicharrones, Cuban coleslaw, the Ultimate Steak sandwich, El Ultimo and Cuban Salchipapa, which consists of yucca fries, shredded pork, melted cheese, chopped avocado, crispy onions, aioli duo and fresh cilantro.
Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen also serves wine and beer, including its own brand, the Hemingway Blonde Ale, which is a top seller.
Location: 1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
Hours of operation are located on their website.
Columbia Restaurant
Located in historic Ybor City, Columbia Restaurant serves authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine in an upscale casual Mediterranean environment. The restaurant opened in 1905 and is Florida’s oldest and largest Spanish and Latin American restaurant. The menu features popular dishes such as Spanish Bean Soup, The Original “1905” Salad, Chicken and Yellow Rice “Ybor” and Flan (Spain’s traditional caramel egg custard). Columbia restaurant outlines its best practices for their Cuban sandwich on its website:
“No mayo. No lettuce or tomato. No turkey. A true Tampa Cuban is layered from bottom to top: ham, roast pork, salami, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. The better the quality of the ingredients, the better the sandwich. Good bread is essential, and La Segunda Central Bakery in Ybor City has supplied the Columbia for much of its history. The sandwich should not be overstuffed with ham, but carefully proportioned.”
During its long history, the restaurant has attracted famous guests, including Rocky Marciano, Joe DiMaggio, Ferdie Pacheco, former Tampa Mayor Bob Martinez and President John F. Kennedy. Diners can also enjoy the restaurant’s flamenco show.
The restaurant is still family-owned and operated by fourth- and fifth-generation Gonzmart family members. The Gonzmart brothers have extensive experience in the restaurant business and hospitality industry, receiving numerous awards and honors for their work. They have expanded their presence outside of the Tampa area, opening locations in St. Petersburg, Clearwater Beach and even at Tampa International Airport.
Tampa location: 2117 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, FL 33605
Hours of operation and additional location information are available on the restaurant’s website.