Best Cuban Sandwiches In Chicago (PHOTOS)

Over the years, getting a taste of Cuba in Chicago has become a bit easier with restaurants and cafes offering a variety of Cuban eats. One meaty and approachable way to get into Cuban food is the Cuban sandwich.

A standard Cuban sandwich consists of sliced ham, roasted pork (lechon asado), mustard, pickles and Swiss cheese on long bread. It's not truly a Cuban sandwich though unless it is toasted and flattened on a grill, known as a plancha.

Check out our top picks for Cuban sandwiches in Chicago:

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Cafecito, 26 East Congress Parkway

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This cafe offers a taste of Cuba in the heart of the Loop. The owner Philip Ghantous is very personable and passionate about Cuban culture. Their pressed Cuban sandwich uses fresh, all natural ingredients and is totally delicious.

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This cafe offers a taste of Cuba in the heart of the Loop. The owner Philip Ghantous is very personable and passionate about Cuban culture. Their pressed Cuban sandwich uses fresh, all natural ingredients and is totally delicious.

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Comments

[cwms]

03:06 PM on 11/24/2010

It may be viewed as too trendy, but I had a fantasic Cubano inspired sandwich at Xoco, they used locally sourced proscuttio from La Quercia in Iowa that took it over the top

[Bellanova]

02:13 PM on 11/17/2010

An excellent Cuban sandwich can be found in Austin's Saloon in Libertyville, IL, about 40 minutes North of Chicago.

[yellowdogparty]

01:38 PM on 11/17/2010

The Cuban sandwich is not from Cuba. Thus it is not offering a taste of Cuba. It is a product of cubans, spaniards, italians, and germans living in TAMPA in the early part of the last century. You're getting a taste of Tampa that was poorly named due to the bread, which is also different from the bread in Cuba.

[GraphicMatt]

01:56 PM on 11/17/2010

Thanks for that. I was about to make a comment suggesting that maybe for the next article they could go to Tampa to find the best Chicago style pizzas.

BTW, haven't been there in years but the best Cuban sandwich is from this little sandwich shop / market across from the Clearwater Airport. : )

[interlude]

04:57 AM on 11/18/2010

I was just thinking that sandwiches are more American than anything else. These vaguely resemble some I've made and I've never had or seen 'Cuban' food. I'll have to try it if I get the chance.

[LiberalUnderYourBed]

12:47 PM on 11/17/2010

Hamon e queso!!

Ya just cannot go wrong with a good, hot ham and swiss sammicth.

[LiberalUnderYourBed]

12:49 PM on 11/17/2010

Sorry, I spelled 'sammitch' wrong! ;-)

[CPAwADD]

01:40 PM on 11/17/2010

Do you need a natkin?

[junkiebev]

12:13 PM on 11/17/2010

i think i will go to cafecito for lunch today

[LiberalUnderYourBed]

12:47 PM on 11/17/2010

I'm with you, sister! This thread is making me hungry... and I just finished lunch!!!

[Joe Faruq Dash]

11:48 AM on 11/17/2010

Cuban meat is in demand in Chicago--ha!

[vinny]

11:47 AM on 11/17/2010

why do i always wind up on a food thread?

[wewin]

11:43 AM on 11/17/2010

Yum!