Flan Factory — Restaurant in Tampa

I want to start off by emphasizing how cute the font and logo of this place and the outside for this reason I’ve always wanted to stop by and today I finally did for some flan! Thankfully the flan was good and seemed like the other food was too but the worst thing about this place was this lady that was dressed in all black she was policing everyone’s every move for example; as we were walking up to order the menu screen was off and we go to look at the menu on the counter and she cuts us off and immediately snatches it to give it to another customers, at first we thought she was just an annoying customer then we realized she works there. She was insisting on taking every dine in orders number and placing it where she thought they should sit and like this isn’t nobu? Every small cafe / shop in this area you can sit where ever. We even saw her going up to a family and asking if their kid can stay at their table instead of standing by their table ? And the second part that was absolutely disgusting about this place is what they had their employees wearing most of their shirts said “WET AND GUSHY” and the other shirts they were wearing said “only flans “ with the only fans logo… like some of these girls look under age and you’re forcing them to wear the nastiest shirts I can think of. For the finale there was traditional Cuban music playing which would be perfect for this place if the sound was distributed properly but it was around the tables on these little Amazon speakers and it was extremely loud / piercing into your ears. This place has potential with the location and the food being exceptional I just which the owners wouldn’t make their poor staff wear those creepy shirts and would work on the acoustics and sound in the space and fire that helicopter employee/ manager. Until then i definitely will not be back and won’t be recommending this...

I stumbled upon The Flan Factory in Tampa thanks to a random Reddit thread (bless the foodies of the internet), and let me just say, it delivered. I wanted to try a local spot that had some real buzz, and this place? Totally worth it. Believe the hype.

Let's talk food, because wow. We ordered the Tampeno sandwich, and my tastebuds are still doing a happy dance. Think: slow-roasted Cuban pork, Genoa salami, Serrano ham, melted Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo, mustard; all pressed to perfection on Cuban bread. It's like a Cuban sandwich, but elevated. Honestly, one of the best (if not the best) Cuban-style sandwiches I've had. I split it with my boyfriend, though he may have caught me trying to steal an extra bite.

I originally ordered the Island Boy shrimp sandwich, which wasn't quite what I expected, but the staff was super kind and accommodating. They removed it without hesitation. That level of service alone gets major points from me.

For sides, we got the sweet potato fries (crispy, golden magic) and the cilantro slaw (refreshing with the perfect tang). We also started with the ham croquetas, which came out hot and melty, like little bites of savory heaven. Everything felt homemade and full of love.

The vibe? Totally laid back. It's the kind of place where you could meet up with friends, kick back, and leave feeling like you just had a comforting meal.

Now let's talk about the the flan. Do. Not. Leave. Without. Dessert. We tried the coquito flan and pistachio flan, and both were phenomenal, but the coquito flan? Chef's kiss. Creamy, smooth, and tasted like Puerto Rican tembleque and coquito had a delicious baby. It was nostalgic and decadent in the best way.

If you're in Tampa and want a true local gem with heart, flavor, and killer sandwich. The Flan Factory should be at the top...

In the heart of Tampa, nestled away, I discovered a gem called “Flan Factory," where flavors dance in harmony and memories are made.

I had the Cuban sandwich, “El Tempeño” a culinary masterpiece, which unfolded its tale on my taste buds. It was evident that it was crafted with care, making it was an orchestra of sensations. The bread, fresh as the morning dew, whispered secrets of its baking journey. With every bite, its crunchy symphony resonated, a testament to the artistry of the kitchen.

The pork, tender and brimming with flavor, told stories of Cuban sunsets and spice-laden breezes. It was a melody of freshness, skillfully prepared, inviting me into a world of taste that I never wanted to leave.

The owner, a gracious soul, asked if I wanted a flan, but I could not decide from the myriad of flavors waiting to be explored. She suggested a surprise. A Ferrero flan emerged, a revelation of indulgence. The velvety flan and the nutty, chocolaty essence of Ferrero intertwined like old friends, creating a harmony that caressed my senses. It was not a mere dessert; it was a sonnet in sweetness.

But beyond the culinary wonders, it was the warmth of the people that embraced me. The owner, a beacon of hospitality, welcomed me like a long-lost friend. The servers just as graceful, and the patrons, fellow travelers on this culinary journey, shared their recommendations and smiles.

My only lament echoes in the distance: I do not reside in this city, where "El Tempeño" graces the tastebuds. Oh, how I wish to be a regular, to savor these delights more often, and bask in the ambiance that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly night. "El Tempeño," a name etched in my memory, “Flan Factory” a place where every bite...