The Floridian Cuban Sandwiches — Restaurant in Treasure Island

I'm here visiting from Miami and this place definitely competes with Miami. I felt the quality of the meats and cheese was superior to most places in Miami. The bread was definitely fresher with better quality ingredients, it was fantastic. The rice and beans were wonderful. The only thing which really deducted a star was it didn't get heated all the way through. I pay attention to detail and Cuban places always press their sandwiches. If the cheese is on top, they can't be pressed too long or the cheese will melt away pretty much and the meat may still be cold in spots. What I learned is to place the cheese in the very middle of the layers of meat, wrap the sandwich up so the bread avoids burning too much for the longer press time, and press it until pretty sure the cheese has melted nicely. This ensures the meat gets heated completely. I've been going back and forth with myself on whether to deduct a star or not, but felt maybe I should because being able to get this done, I feel will probably catapult them to beat out all other Cuban Sandwich shops. I was filled up eating only half of my Cuban, so they do not scrimp, you a get a lot for your money. When I eat the other half I hope to have success heating it all the way through. That has always been a pet peave of mine, I like to have it heated all the way through. This place is hopping, mad busy, and I see why. I feel they'll double their business upgrading the situation because I know a lot people like, prefer all the meat heated through. I'll update when I heat my leftovers and when I eat there again because it is high quality and I can always heat it up further. I'll definitely give em 5 stars once this is done right. ...

Visited on a Sunday night with my father (we're both Cuban & voted Trump twice), expecting an authentic Cuban sandwich experience. Upon entering, my father greeted the staff in Spanish, only to be met with visible annoyance and a dismissive attitude. When he politely requested a Cuban sandwich in Spanglish, the employee responded sarcastically, asking whether he wanted to "buy" one or be "given" one—setting a negative tone for the entire visit.

Customer service was minimal at best. Questions were met with gestures rather than words, and even when my father offered a tip by telling him to keep the change, the cash was returned without acknowledgment. The sandwich was handed off through another busy employee (who was cheerful) rather than delivered directly.

This interaction left a poor impression, especially given that speaking Spanish in a Cuban-themed establishment was met with discomfort rather than hospitality. Coupled with the lack of culturally relevant items like Jupina soda, the experience felt inauthentic and unwelcoming.

Would not recommend—support businesses that respect and reflect the culture they claim to represent. And I hope this guy's life becomes less miserable because he definitely came across as burdened when interacting with customers at his job. I know life can be hard, but what are we all supposed to do - take it out on each other because of our own life choices? God...

So, reportedly this place used to be operated by the same owner/management as The Floridian on Kennedy in Tampa, but no longer. I remember getting a great, authentic cuban sandwich at the place in Kennedy. This place, not so much- so I'd believe that they parted ways or changed management. First, it's not La Segunda Central bread. The bread looks similar to La Segunda, but don't let that fool you, it tastes different. It comes from some 2nd rate La Segunda knock-off bakery (also near Ybor City, but proximity authenticity does not make). It's not even Mauricio Faedo Bakery. My sammy was also cold in the middle. Had to send it back to the press. That's a cardinal rule violation in my book. They are slicing ham or whatever in the store, but it still tastes like cheap (not fresh) cold cuts. I don't know, maybe you can't make a great cuban sandwich from Cheney Bros. food distributors ingredients. There could be more cheese for the amount of meat, but that's not worth star. Just sayin'. But I guess the locals like it. I guess if I lived over here and didn't know better, I'd agree it was a good enough sandwich. Oh and Guys, lay off the margarine a little...