La Cubanita Sandwich (formerly Cuban Sandwich) — Restaurant in Melbourne

The Cuban Sandwich- Melbourne- 2.5 Stars

"It's a recipe passed down from my grandmother." "Oh, WOW! That's so cool!" "Not really, she was a lousy cook."

I have been coming to The Cuban Sandwich in Melbourne at least once a year for over 15 years. I am not sure what has happened in the intervening months since I last crossed the threshold of this formerly dynamic grind-house. I had to work very, very hard to keep my abradant personality in check. I arrived at high noon, opened the door, and a tumbleweed blew by. It reminded me of the bar entry scene in From Dusk Till Dawn--sans the customers. I know the owner of this place to be a dynamic and gregarious person. At least I assume he is still the owner. As the counter person adeptly avoided my gaze I contemplated my next move. I positioned myself to be seen unobstructed, which was easy to do since I was the only person there at lunchtime on a weekday. I cleared my throat and the counter man slowly lifted his dark long curly black-haired head and said in his best Tony Montana imitation, "What choo want?" I half expected him to call me a cock-a-roach but he left that part out. I ordered the eponymously named Cuban Sandwich with red beans and rice. This restaurant was the first mainstay in Brevard County to serve authentic Cuban fare. In the past I have delightfully immersed myself in the flavorful, well executed presentation of yore. The 2.5 stars I give this restaurant is really based on my many past positive experiences. This visit I wound up with a Cuban cheesesteak style sammy lacking in flavor and freshness. It tasted like the meat had been prepared two weeks ago and frozen then reheated for the day's as yet to be seen crush. The red beans and rice were lacking of all flavor. The beans themselves were hard and difficult to chew. Not sure if this was an off day or the new norm for this longstanding establishment. What I CAN tell you unequivocally is that there are better Cuban sandwiches elsewhere in Brevard. Big Boy says you may get lucky and catch one at The Cuban Sandwich on a good day. But you might want to hedge your bets and instead head to Palm Bay for...

A Slice of Havana in Our Hometown!

I've just returned from what can only be described as a culinary voyage to Cuba, right here in Melbourne! From the moment you step into this gem of a restaurant, you're embraced by the warm, vibrant spirit of Cuban culture, thanks to the owner, a genuine soul straight from Cuba whose passion for food and hospitality shines through every detail. Let's talk about the food - oh, the food! Each dish is an explosion of flavors, perfectly balancing spices and freshness. The Ropa Vieja was so tender, it practically melted in my mouth, and the Cuban Sandwich had the perfect crunch with just the right amount of mustard and pickles. And don't get me started on the pastries- it's like a sweet cloud of heaven! The service? Unmatched. It feels like dining with family where everyone remembers your name and your favorite drink. The staff, led by the charismatic owner, ensures your glass is never empty, and your plate is always filled with something delightful. This isn't just eating; it's an experience. The ambiance, with its lively music and colorful decor, transports you straight to a bustling street in Havana. Whether you're here for a romantic dinner, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your craving for authentic Cuban cuisine, La Cubanita delivers beyond expectations. If you're looking for a place where the food is hot, fresh, and served with a side of unparalleled service, look no further. La Cubanita isn't just a place to eat; it's a destination. Highly recommend to anyone in search of an authentic taste of Cuba with a touch of heartfelt hospitality....

We were on vacation and looking for a good place to grab lunch that served Cuban food. It was a little out of the way from Cocoa Beach but the menu looked good and the prices were reasonable. Google maps needlessly took us through a residential area but eventually got us there.

Service was very friendly and prompt. We ordered the full World Famous Cuban and the full Chicken Cuban sandwiches, French fries and the black beans with rice. Both sandwiches were excellent but the World Famous Cuban Sandwich with pork is definitely the way to go. The black beans with rice was also good. The portion sizes were HUGE (the half sandwich is more than enough).

We also had a sampler order of the guava pastries, the guava with cream cheese pastries and the pastries with just cream cheese (thank you Ida!). TRY them! My favorite was the plain guava but the mixed guava and cream cheese was also good. We were so full, we had to take the deserts home with us!

When we were there, they were only open for lunch. I definitely plan to go back when I am back in Cocoa...