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The Best Cuban Sandwich Spots In St. Pete

We know the first few places people recommend when getting a Cuban sandwich are going to be in Tampa. But let’s just focus on St. Pete for a second. If…

cuban sandwich st pete
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We know the first few places people recommend when getting a Cuban sandwich are going to be in Tampa. But let's just focus on St. Pete for a second. If you're in Pinellas and don't feel like making the trip across the bridge, here are the best cuban sandwich spots in St. Pete, according to locals.

The locals of the St. PetersbugFL Reddit thread came together to answer a simple question: Best Cuban sandwich in St Pete? Before we get to their answers, we have to tell you about this Cuban sandwich festival happening this weekend (July 28) in Tampa. This free event will attempt to make the longest cuban sandwich in the WORLD! 350 feet of deliciousness will then be donated to a local homeless shelter to feed over 700 people. For more info, click here.

When you think of your go-to Cuban sandwich spot, many will automatically think of the spots in Tampa. Flan Factory and La Segunda are known to have the best cuban sandwich in Tampa. With Flan Factory actually being voted the best in 2023. However, a lot of local restaurants buy authentic cuban bread from La Segunda for their sandwiches, so I always tell people to try them first!

These Are The Best Cuban Sandwich Spots In St. Pete

cuban sandwich st peteJ.Glorioso/BBGI

Not in St. Pete but worth the try! The Cuban Sandwich from Cigar City Brewing in Tampa

With so many options to choose from, these are the places locals recommend for a good Cuban sandwich in St. Pete:

  • The Floridian - This was probably the most-suggested spot on the reddit thread. This little sandwich shop on Treasure Island has been around for decades and is definitely a fan favorite for the locals. Their reviews on Yelp are pretty similar to what people were saying on Reddit.
  • Bodega - This Downtown St. Pete gem was a close tie with The Floridian. Located at 1180 Central Avenue in St. Pete. The only issue is their Cuban Sandwich doesn't have salami, which is a deal breaker for some people.
  • Pipos - With a few locations around Pinellas and one in Hillsborough this is definitely a good spot to check out. Pipos make's their Cuban with slow cooked mojo pork and served on legit Cuban bread.
  • The Galley - If your in Downtown St. Pete, this underrated spot has some amazing food! Their Cuban is made with bread from La Segunda so you know it's legit!

5 Delicious Must-Try Items During Flavors Of Florida At Disney Springs

Calling all foodies! Disney Springs is hosting the food event of the summer. Picture the EPCOT food and wine festival but all FLORIDA themed! Flavors of Florida is happening now until August 11. Here's your chance to try some of the freshest flavor combos the Sunshine State has to offer.

We were recently hosted by Disney to come out and try as many Flavors of Florida items as we could. And it was so hard to narrow down our top 5 favorite menu items. There are over 70 offerings on the Flavors of Florida menu spread throughout all of Disney Springs. We'll definitely be back before it's over to try the meals we couldn't get to this weekend. There's even a scavenger hunt/checklist for you to keep track of all the stuff you tried on the Disney Experience app!

There's more to Flavors of Florida than food tasting. You can even see cooking presentations led by renowned chefs like Maneet Chauhan and more! Registration is available on the Disney Springs Instagram page!

Now, before I get into my top 5 favorite Flavors of Florida menu items, let me highlight some of the things I WISH I tried, and some I skipped. With it being a Florida-themed event, you can definitely expect to see some Cuban sandwiches. And because we already have the best Cuban's in Tampa, I tried to stay away from those (but had to try the most unique one).

I wish I had time to try the Pork Belly Burnt End Tacos at City Works Eatery & Pour House. Made with smoked pork belly burnt ends, orange blossom honey BBQ sauce, key-lime coleslaw, aji amarillo sauce, and green onions.

And of course, no Disney Springs trip is complete without a trip to Gideon's Bakehouse. I don't care how long the line is, it's always a MUST for me. They have 2 items on the Flavors of Florida menu. Unfortunately the Key Lime Pie Cake Bars (the one item I really wanted to try) was already sold out. The second item didn't stand out to me, even though I LOVE their nitro cold brews. Gideon's is also offering a Orange Mocha Nitro Cold Brew.

Here Are 5 Delicious Items You Need To Try During Flavors of Florida at Disney Springs

Strawberry Shortcake Donut & Italian Style Soda

Head to Everglaze Donuts for this sweet treat. You won't be able to find this at the Tampa location! The strawberry shortcake donut is HUGE glazed donut filled with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, then dusted with powdered sugar. We also tried their Italian-style strawberry soda, which was very refreshing and kind of similar to the strawberry refresher from Starbucks. flavors of florida donut

Florida Key West Pink Shrimp Salad

Before or after you stop at Gideon's for something sweet, head next door to Morimoto Asia for this delicious salad perfect for lunch or dinner! It's made with green tea-infused soba noodles, radish, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, and ponzu sauce.  

flavors of florida shrimp saladRick Thomas/BBGI

Ybor City-Style Hot Dog

I told you I had to try ONE Cuban-inspired sandwich while I was there. I decided to go with the version that you'd never see in Tampa. A Cuban-style hot dog. And it was SO GOOD! Head to B.B. Wolf's Sausage Co. to get your hands on this perfect mid-day snack. Made with a quarter pound all-beef hot dog, mojo pork, pickles, swiss cheese, and mustard on a house-made roll.  

flavors of florida hot dogJ.Glorioso/BBGI

Key West Shrimp Tostones

I'm so glad I made a reservation at Summer House on the Lake because that place is always packed! And their Flavors of Florida dishes are probably my most favorite from our trip. We got the Key West Shrimp made with Tostones chile verde, Florida citrus salsa, and black beans. While their cookies may not be as good as Gideon's (just my preference), everything on the menu looked incredible and so fresh!  

flavors of florida shrimpJ.Glorioso/BBGI

Key Lime Pie Martini

Also found at Summer House on the Lake. There are a few different key lime pie-flavored drinks on the Flavors of Florida menu, but this one was definitely the one to get! Made with Titos, KeKe key lime pie cream liqueur, vanilla, and lime, with a graham cracker crust rim. It's wasn't too sweet or too tart, and definitely not as heavy as some of the other key lime pie-inspired cocktails we saw. (And they get bonus points for hidden Mickey ears).    

flavors of fl martiniJ.Glorioso/BBGI
Jen was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. She’s been with Beasley Media Group since 2022. In her spare time, you can find her at Tampa Bay Lightning games, Tampa Bay breweries, or the beach. Catch up on Jen’s content about the highest-rated restaurants/bars in Tampa, things-to-do around the area, and upcoming concerts.