Get ready Miami – August 23rd is National Cuban Sandwich Day! What better place to celebrate this tasty holiday than in the culinary capital of Cuban culture and cuisine? The classic Cubano sandwich is a staple in Miami, with countless restaurants and food trucks serving up their own spin.

 

The History of the Cuban Sandwich

While its exact origins are debated, the Cuban sandwich (or Cubano) gained popularity in Cuban immigrant communities in Tampa and Key West in the late 1800s. Traditional ingredients include crusty Cuban bread, ham, slow-roasted mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and yellow mustard. Salami was later added as an extra meaty addition! The sandwich is pressed in a sandwich press known as a plancha to melt the cheese and meld the flavors.

 

Where to Get the Best Cubano in Miami

On National Cuban Sandwich Day, hit up these top spots to get your Cuban sandwich fix:

  • Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop: This humble hole-in-the-wall restaurant serves up Miami’s OG Cuban sandwich since the 1970s. Locals line up out the door for their classic Cubano.
  • Sanguich de Miami: With locations across Miami, this local chain is beloved for their pressed Cuban sandwiches and tropi-chips. Order the Chadito with salami for an extra meaty experience.
  • Rey’s Cuban Cafe: This tiny cafe whips up incredible Cuban sandwiches along with strong cafecito. Their secret is in the bread baked fresh daily.
  • Latin House Grill: Come for the complimentary mariquitas and stay for the piled-high Cubano stuffed with fixings. Also try their unique medianoche version served sweet egg bread.

 

More Top Stops for Cuban Sandwiches

In addition to the classic joints, here are some other hot spots for unique and elevated Cuban sandwich experiences:

Cafe La Trova

Leave it to James Beard Award-winning chef Michelle Bernstein to put a clever spin on the Cuban Sandwich with her Cuban Sandwich Empanadas available at Cafe La Trova. Each order comes with two empanadas ($12) and is filled with La Trova Lechon, ham, swiss cheese, yellow mustard and pickles. During August and September you can also find them on the Miami Spice menu.
Address: 971 SW 8th Street

 

The Commodore

The Commodore cocktail lounge located in the luxurious The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, Miami recently launched a new menu. Now available is the Cuban-sandwich-meets-empanada The Cubanita, made with a 3 Cheese Blend, Cuban roasted pork, pickles, smoked ham, and Dijon aioli.
Address: 3300 SW 27th Ave, Miami

Lost Boy Dry Goods

Inspired by the famous Cubano and Medianoche sandwiches, Downtown bar Lost Boy Dry Goods serves up a decadent ode to the classics. The Midnight Special ($15) is served Cuban style, with LB spiced pulled pork, ham, spicy pickle, provolone, swiss, and deli mustard.
Address: 157 E Flagler St, Miami

Tropical Smokehouse

The humble hot dog is definitely one of the most ubiquitous backyard cookout staples. At Tropical Smokehouse, the Hot Dog subs in for a twist on a South Florida classic, the Cuban Sandwich better known as the Hot Dog Cubano ($14.50). To make ours, we fill a Martin’s Hoagie Roll with our Mojo Pork, mustard, Swiss cheese, pickles and a split-grilled wagyu beef hot dog. The sandwich is then pressed and toasted to give it the signature crunch of a great Cubano. To replicate this at home, look for better hotdogs in the store from quality producers like Snake River Farms.
Address: 3815 South Dixie Hwy, WPB, FL 33405

 

DIY Cuban Sandwich Kits

Can’t make it out? Celebrate Cuban Sandwich Day at home by ordering a DIY kit! Sanguich De Miami, and Rey’s Cuban Cafe all offer kits with all the necessary ingredients to craft your own authentic Cuban sandwich. Just add the press!

 

This National Cuban Sandwich Day, head out and grab Miami’s signature sandwich from the city’s top spots. You’ll get a taste of the culture with every bite!