We don’t mean to brag (OK, maybe we do), but Miami is basically the Cubano capital of the world. (Tampa? I don’t know her.) Though there are scores of incredible sandwiches in town, only a select few can be called the best of the best. You’d better cancel that 1 p.m. appointment, because you’re going to need an extended lunch break for this. Here, the 14 best Cuban sandwiches in Miami.
The 14 Best Cuban Sandwiches in Miami, Hands Down
From gourmet twists to unbeatable classics
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Published Oct 30, 2023
Sanguich de Miami
Photo courtesy of Chug’s
1. Chug’s
- Location: Coconut Grove
- Other standout menu item: Cuban sandwich empanadas
At Chug’s in Coconut Grove, chef/owner Michael Beltran’s Cuban sandwich is cheesy, crunchy and bursting with flavor. Made with sourdough, honey ham and black pepper salami, think of Beltran’s version as a more gourmet version compared to Miami’s otherwise traditional varieties. And get this: If you’re in the mood for a twist, take it up a notch with the Cuban sandwich empanadas, filled with mojo duck, Swiss cheese, ham, mustard aioli and butter pickles.
3444 Main Hwy., Coconut Grove
Sanguich De Miami
2. Sanguich De Miami
- Location: Little Havana
- Other standout menu item: Mamey milkshake
Now this is the place to go for gourmet Cuban sandwiches (down to the homemade pickles). This shipping-container-turned-ventanita churns out classic Calle Ocho fare—like a roast-pork pan con lechón and a batido de trigo (cereal milkshake)—plus a few dishes with a modern twist, like Cuban nachos topped with pickled mojo onions and garlic cilantro aioli.
2057 SW Eighth St., Miami
Photo courtesy of Babe’s Meat & Counter
3. Babe’s Meat & Counter
- Location: Miami
- Other standout menu item: Babe’s burger
This Palmetto Bay butcher shop is known for its classic Cuban, thanks in part to the house-made smoked ham and roast pork it’s stuffed with. Add in the mustard, pickles and Cuban bread, and you have a winning combination. While you’re at it, pick up some meat to bring home to recreate your own sandwich all week long.
9216 SW 156th St., Miami
Photo courtesy of Las Olas Café
4. Las Olas Café
- Location: Miami Beach
- Other standout menu item: Black forest ham croquetas
Cash only. No frills. No matter what you order at this South Beach staple, you’re hard-pressed not to have one of the best Cuban meals in the city. As for its Cubano, this crispy, cheesy bite offers a serious bang for your buck. It helps that the spot is located right off the beach—grab one from the takeout window and head back to the sand.
644 Sixth St., Miami Beach
5. La Carretta
- Location: Miami
- Other standout menu item: Vaca frita
La Carreta has been slinging Cuban-style cuisine, including its signature roast pork sandwich, since 1976. This one is best enjoyed with homemade crispy plantain chips and a sweet mamey papaya shake. Take it one step further and add an order of ham croquetas, too.
Multiple locations; instagram.com/lacarretacuban
Three Palms Cuban Café
6. Three Palms Cuban Café
- Location: North Miami
- Other standout menu item: Cuban hamburger
Picture the most gooey yet crispy grilled cheese sandwich…which also happens to be loaded with pork. Now layer on as many potato sticks as humanly possible. Yep, it’s a glorious sight (and bite)—and that’s exactly what you can expect at this North Miami mainstay.
11500 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami
Photo courtesy of El Palacio de los Jugos
7. El Palacio De Los Jugos
- Location: Miami
- Other standout menu item: Fresh-pressed juice
We dream about the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of this sammy, which offers an extra-generous amount of meat and pairs nicely with mango juice. The best part? There are 10 El Palacio locations, which means you’re never too far from getting your Cuban fix.
Multiple locations
Islas Canarias
8. Islas Canarias
- Location: Miami
- Other standout menu item: Tortilla Española de Papas
Mainly served during breakfast, the Cubans at this longtime Miami institution clock in at less than $10. But it isn’t just the price that makes this meal a must-try: The bread is baked in-house daily, making it ultra fresh (even when freshly pressed). You’re welcome.
13695 SW 26th St., Miami
Photo courtesy of Versailles
9. Versailles
- Location: Little Havana
- Other standout menu item: Yuca fries
This iconic restaurant speaks for itself. Plus, let’s not forget it’s responsible for some of the best Cubanos (and cafés con leche) in town. It’s as classic as it gets: Sweet ham—cooked in brown sugar and pineapple juice—along with roast pork and Swiss cheese smeared with mustard on toasted Cuban bread. Need we say more?
3555 SW Eighth St., Miami
Photo courtesy of Enriqueta’s
10. Enriqueta's Sandwich Shop
- Location: Miami
- Other standout menu item: Pan con bistec
On the edge of Wynwood, Miami meets Cuba at one of the most popular lunch spots in the neighborhood. Order a pressed Cuban with an ideal meat-to-cheese-to-condiment ratio, and if you really want a treat, stuff a few croquetas right into the sandwich. Trust us, it’ll change your life.
186 NE 29th St., Miami
Photo courtesy of Havana 1957
11. Havana 1957
- Location: Miami
- Other standout menu item: Pollo asado
This Lincoln Road staple is known for its inviting atmosphere and vibrant menu of Cuban cuisine. With five locations (including four in South Beach!) this spot doesn’t get more popular—and it’s no surprise why. Order the signature Cuban sandwich and don’t forget to pair it with one of more than a dozen mojito options. (We’ll never turn down the passion fruit version.)
819 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach
12. Off Site
- Location: Little River
- Other standout menu item: Fried chicken sandwich
This beloved Little River hangout is known for its no-frills environment. But don’t let that fool you: Off Site churns out some of the best bar food we’ve ever had, and it starts with the Country Cuban, layered with roasted pork, Benton’s Country Ham, Tillamook Swiss, with pickles and mustard. Pair it with a Super Good Lager and house-cut fries.
8250 NE 2nd Ave., Miami
13. Proper Sausages
- Location: Miami Shores
- Other standout menu item: Proper sausage
Miami’s Proper Sausages may have earned its reputation for locally sourced artisanal sausages, but their Cuban sandwich—aptly named “The Cubanish”—is worth a call-out. Each one features dry-rubbed and roasted Duroc pork shoulder topped with lightly smoked rosemary ham, a sour pickle, golden mustard, cheddar cheese and mayo, all on a Portuguese muffin. Mmm.
9722 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores
14. Havana Harry’s
- Location: Coral Gables
- Other standout menu item: Pastelitos
In the heart of Miami, Havana Harry’s evokes the nostalgia of Old Havana, slinging Cuban and American flavors—so it’s no surprise that this spot makes a crave-worthy Cuban sandwich. It’s served traditional, featuring ham, pork, mozzarella cheese, Swiss cheese, mustard and pickles on Cuban bread. But take our word for it: It’s really, really good.
4612 S Le Jeune Rd., Coral Gables
