The Cuban sandwich’s connection to Florida and where to get one in Lakeland

The Cuban sandwich is a lunchtime staple here in the Sunshine State. But where did it come from?

State Archives of Florida/State Archives of Florida

The history

The toasty handheld is said to have originated either in Miami or Tampa. Some also claim that it could’ve actually originated from the Taíno tribe in Cuba.

If you ask anyone in Ybor City’s restaurant scene, you’ll likely be told that the Cuban sandwich you know and love was constructed around 100 years ago at a regionally famous eatery: The Columbia. It was popular among Cuban workers in the cigar factories that dotted the city.

Who made it best?

If the Taíno tribe did build the first Cuban sandwich 500 years ago, it consisted of a yucca bread called casabe stuffed with fish and poultry. Meats such as ham and pork weren’t introduced until Spaniards made their way to Cuba, along with softer bread.

Fast-forward to Florida in the 1800s, and the tobacco industry was booming, particularly Cuban tobacco in cities like Ybor, which housed Cuban immigrants. Once variations of the sandwich were brought over to Florida, so too were other influences such as Spanish + Italian (hence the salami).

From the beaches of Miami to the streets of Ybor, one thing’s for certain: The way a Cuban is made differs regionally. Historically, the Miami version excludes lettuce, mayo, or tomatoes, while in Tampa, you might find some, if not all of those additions. Tampanians also include salami while Miamians typically don’t. And neither side can agree on whether or not the sandwich should be pressed or cold.

Where has the best Cuban sandwich in Lakeland?

Now that you’re hungry, try one for yourself at one of these local eateries.

• Ax-Caliber, 204 East Orange St. | This axe venue and restaurant serves Cuban sandwiches on Fridays. Reader Carolyn G. tells us this spot “Beats all the other Cuban sandwiches in town.”
• Britt’s Cafe, 3662 Harden Blvd. | Snag a Soho Cubano made in the South Tampa style from this American bistro-style diner.
• Cuban Delight Cafe, 1039 E. County Rd. 540A | Regulars here rave about the Cuban sandwich, as well as the rice + beans and the croquettes.
• Divicious Deli, 128 E. Main St. | Order the Divicious Cuban. If you’re feeling extra, order it with avocado.
• Elena’s Cuban Cafe, 2246 E. Edgewood Dr. | Ask for the Cuban sandwich stuffed with two croquettes.
• Havana Delights Cafe, 155 E. Main St., Bartow | Reader Brigitte G. recommends this Bartow staple with multiple variations of the Cuban sandwich on its menu.
• Jessie’s Gourmet Sandwich Cafe, 1825 E. Edgewood Dr. | Recommended by reader Kathleen B., this spot serves roasted pork on ciabatta.
• Julio’s Sandwich Shop, 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 33 | Stop in on Super Saver Wednesdays to get your Cuban for $5.
• Ole Tampa Cubans, 4525 S. Florida Ave., Ste. 31 | This biz has locations in Mulberry, Plant City, and Lakeland — the Lakeland location is in the same plaza at Julio’s Sandwich Shop, just in case you want to try both + compare.
• The Sandwich Factory, 5024 Lunn Rd. | Multiple readers wrote in to share their love for this shop located off of Pipkin Road.
• Subs ‘n Such, 1008 Florida Ave. S. | Reader Steve B. promises us that this establishment “should be on anyone’s list for good Cuban sandwiches.”
• Strawberry Hut, 743 E. Memorial Blvd. | This spot was voted “Best Cuban Sandwich” 16 years in a row — try it for yourself at the Lakeland or Plant City locations. Psst — reader Suz H. tells us the salads are also worth checking out.
• West Caribbean Cuban Restaurant, 2215 S. Combee Rd. | Reader Terry D. shared this spot with us. Try the Cubano, an “authentic Cuban sandwich,” for $9.50.
• Ybor’s Cuban Cafe, 306 S. Central Ave. | Formerly known as Silver Ring Cafe, this spot claims to serve the “best Cubans in town,” and based on the post’s comment section, they may be right. You can be the judge Monday-Saturday.

Is your favorite Cuban-serving biz not on this list? Tell us about it.