The Cuban Sandwich, Miami's most iconic sandwich, is made with ham, roast pork, pickles, mustard, sometimes mayo, and Swiss cheese, on a split Cuban bread roll, hot-pressed, and often cut into two triangular slices.
The story is that the sandwich originated in Florida. Tampa and Miami, cities with sizable Cuban populations, disagree about which city originated the Cuban sandwich. Tampa's Cuban includes Genoa Salami in addition to roast pork and ham, which, to Miami's Cuban sandwich aficionados, is not a real Cuban. Whatever they say in Tampa, we think Miami's Cuban sandwiches are the best.
Word has it that Sanguich Little Havana (305-539-0969) 2057 SW 8th St., Miami, makes the best Cuban sandwich in Miami. So, what makes their Cuban sandwich better? It may be because they are DIYers: They cure their own ham, make their own mustard, and brine their own pickles. They marinate garlicky lechón for 24 hours, pair it with sweet ham brined for seven days, with two slices of Swiss cheese, and pickles to add that extra crunch. Another secret is that they brush their Cuban bread with lard and press it until it's warm and crisp. They feature the classic Cuban and the Medianoche, a type of Cuban sandwich made with Medianoche bread, a softer, sweeter bread than the traditional Cuban bread. Their other locations include Little Haiti - La Ventanita (786-542-9179) 6500 NE 2nd Ave., Miami; Coral Gables (786-536-2149) 111 Palermo Ave.; and Bayside Marketplace, (786-536-7803) 401 Biscayne Blvd., Downtown Miami.
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop (305-573-4681) 186 NE 29th St., Miami, located in the Wynwood-Edgewater neighborhood, is one of Miami's most popular spots for Cuban food. The family-owned and operated sandwich shop has been around for 26 years in the same location. It is now run by brothers, cousins, and a nephew, all part of la familia of the original mom and pop owners. The draw here is the hefty yet inexpensive sandwiches and daily specials in demand by locals, visitors, and the construction workers building high-rises in this fast-developing neighborhood. (It won "Best Inexpensive Fare" in New Times Best of Miami Awards in 2024.) They also have some famous fans – David Beckham has been spotted here a few times. Their classic Cubano is big enough to share with friends, or you'll be asking for a to-go bag. Try the Cubano sandwich preparado con croquetas, featuring a layer of crispy, yummy, cheesy croquetas stuffed inside the sandwich. Now that's a Cuban fiesta!
(Irene Moore)
Cubaton / Cuban Sandwiches
Cubatón Sandwich Shop (973-489-0450) 413 15th St., Miami Beach is a must-visit destination for Cuban sandwich lovers, and a great place for a snack after soaking up the rays on South Beach. Casual seating is outdoors, so no problemo, you can show up in swimwear and flipflops. Why is Cubatón the destination for a great Cuban sandwich? Their classic Cuban is made with 14-hour slow-roasted lechón in mojo marinade, until it is tender and flavorful. It's paired with hardwood-smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and a combo of mustard and mayo on fresh Cuban bread. The pork is flash-seared during the sandwich-making process, giving it a slightly caramelized texture and an incredible taste. The Hot Honey Cubano sandwich packs in some pickled jalapeno and a drizzle of honey; the medianoche is served on locally-made sweet medianoche bread.
For three decades, Havana Harry’s (305-661-2622) 4612 Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables, has maintained its reputation as a must-visit spot for Cuban food in the Magic City. Since opening its doors in 1995, it’s been celebrated as a uniquely Miami dining destination in media from Conde Nast Traveler to the Michelin Guide. In 2024 it celebrated its 30th year in Coral Gables. Havana Harry’s Cuban sandwich is huge and filled with layers of thick ham, juicy pork, and pickle slices; and features a surprise combo of Swiss with Italian mozzarella. Crispy cheese bits oozing down the sides from the pressure of the hot press gives it that extra special crunch that a sandwich needs.