When you’re craving a Cuban sandwich, there really isn’t a good substitute. Roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard are piled onto Cuban bread and pressed until the bread is crisp, the cheese is melted and everything inside is hot.

Florida also has its own Cuban sandwich debate. The Tampa version traditionally includes salami, while the Miami-style sandwich generally sticks with pork and ham. Then there are restaurants that take the basic Cubano and run with it, adding their own meats, sauces and toppings.

Luckily, Tallahassee has more places to grab a Cuban sandwich than you might think. You’ll find everything from traditional Cuban restaurants to local delis, food trucks and sandwich shops serving their own versions.

Habana’s Boardwalk

2819 Mahan Drive

If you’re looking for traditional Cuban food, Habana’s Boardwalk is a good place to start. The family-owned restaurant was founded by Havana natives Erick and Johanna Urra and has been serving Cuban food in Tallahassee for nearly two decades.

Their Cubano keeps things classic with ham, Swiss cheese, pork, mustard and pickles. You’ll also find plenty of other Cuban sandwiches here, including the Media Noche served on sweet bread, Pan con Puerco, Pan con Bistek and even a Croqueta Preparada — a Cuban sandwich with a ham croquette.

Gordo’s Cuban Cuisine

1907 W Pensacola Street & 1460 Market Street

Gordo’s has been feeding Tallahassee Cuban food since 1996 and now has two locations — the original near FSU and Gordo’s Northside in Market Square.

Pressed Cuban sandwiches are a big part of the menu, but don’t stop there. You’ll also find Pan con Lechon with slow-cooked seasoned pork, Pan con Bistec, croquetas, empanadas and plenty of Cuban sides. If you’ve lived in Tallahassee for any length of time, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve already heard their memorable slogan about putting a Cuban in your mouth.

Midtown Caboose

1406 N Meridian Road

Midtown Caboose isn’t a Cuban restaurant, but this is exactly the kind of place to visit if you like your sandwiches a little less traditional.

Known for its massive burgers and creative sandwiches, Midtown Caboose puts its own spin on Cuban flavors rather than trying to duplicate the traditional Miami version. It’s a fun choice when you’re craving the pork, ham, cheese, pickles and pressed-sandwich combination but aren’t particularly concerned about following the Cuban sandwich rulebook.

Flamingoz | A Taste of Miami

620-1 Railroad Square

A Taste of Miami is a pretty good description of what you’ll find at Flamingoz. Located in Railroad Square, the restaurant combines Latin food with a colorful Miami-inspired restaurant and bar atmosphere.

The menu includes a pressed Cuban sandwich with ham, pulled pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mayo/mustard on Cuban bread. You’ll also find other Miami and Latin-inspired choices when someone in your group isn’t on the same Cuban-sandwich mission you are.

Metro Deli

104 S Monroe Street

Don’t overlook the local sandwich shops. Downtown’s Metro Deli serves a Cuban made with ham, mojo pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard.

This is an especially convenient option if you’re already downtown and want a Cuban without heading to a full-service Cuban restaurant. Metro Deli has been a longtime lunch stop for downtown workers, with a menu packed with hot sandwiches, pressed hoagies, wraps and deli favorites.

McCormick’s Deli & Catering

1560 Capital Circle NW

McCormick’s is a local family-run deli and another easy-to-miss place to find a Cuban sandwich. The little lunch spot serves a big lineup of deli favorites, including Cubans, Reubens, cheesesteaks, BLTs, burgers and hot pastrami.

It’s primarily a weekday lunch destination, so this is one to put on the list when you’re looking for a casual Cuban during the workweek.

Hopkins Eatery

Multiple Tallahassee locations

Hopkins has been part of Tallahassee’s sandwich scene for years, and its version of the Cuban definitely takes some liberties with tradition.

The Hopkins Cuban combines pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickle, onion and tomato on Cuban bread with mayo and Dijon mustard before being pressed. Traditional? Not exactly. But that’s part of the fun of trying Cubans around town — everybody seems to have an opinion about what should and shouldn’t go between the bread.

Casa Grande Latin Fusion

2705 Apalachee Parkway

Casa Grande’s menu combines dishes from several Latin cuisines, but the Cuban sandwich stays pretty close to the familiar formula. It features roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on pressed Cuban bread.

You can also find other Cuban favorites on the menu, including ropa vieja and lechon asado, making this another option when you’re dining with someone who wants more than a sandwich.

Red Shed of Tallahassee

3031 Crump Road

Here’s one you might not expect. Red Shed is a rustic neighborhood bar and casual restaurant out on Crump Road, but Cuban food is one of the surprises on the menu.

The Cuban sandwich has developed its own following among customers, so this is worth adding to your list if you like finding those out-of-the-way Tallahassee spots that don’t necessarily look like a destination for Cuban food from the outside.

El Criollo Grill

Food Truck – Tallahassee

El Criollo Grill brings Puerto Rican food to Tallahassee’s food-truck scene, including pressed sandwiches such as the Cuban.

Since it’s a food truck, check its current location and schedule before heading out. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is also a good place to venture beyond the Cubano and try Puerto Rican favorites such as the Tripleta or mofongo.

What Is Actually on a Cuban Sandwich?

The basic Cuban sandwich is pretty simple: roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on Cuban bread. The sandwich is pressed until the outside becomes crisp and the cheese inside melts.

But ask Floridians exactly what belongs on one and things get more complicated.

In Tampa, salami became part of the sandwich as Cuban, Spanish and Italian immigrant communities came together in places like Ybor City. Miami’s version generally leaves the salami off.

Then you get to Tallahassee, where local restaurants have added everything from mojo pork and horseradish mayo to tomatoes, onions and different sauces.

We’re not going to settle the argument. We’re just going to eat the sandwiches.

Which Tallahassee Cuban Is Your Favorite?

Everybody seems to have a favorite — and Cuban sandwiches are one of those foods people can get surprisingly passionate about.

Do you want it completely traditional? Salami or absolutely no salami? Lots of mustard? Extra pickles? Pressed until the bread is practically flat?

If you’ve found a great Cuban sandwich in Tallahassee that we missed, let us know. We’re always looking for another local place to add to the list.

Places to Get a Cubano Sandwich in Tallahassee

Habana’s Boardwalk

Gordo’s Cuban Cuisine

Midtown Caboose

Flamingoz | A Taste of Miami